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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 21, 2007 19:45:31 GMT -5
We made our way quickly to the clinic, and I pressed the key in the door just in time for Madame Pantoine to show up at the door.
"Well, Docteur, you're just coming in, lucky I was held up, now, wasn't I? You see, it's that son of mine, can't stop with the endless chatter, I swear, were he not my flesh and blood, I'd flog him to no end. But truth is, I can't bring myself to it, and it's just too bad because he'll never learn, and..." she interrupts herself, not really saying hello, but noticing Caine at my side. "Well who is this pretty little fellow here? Is that your son, yes, that little one you..." I cut her short. If I don't we'll never get in, and she'll still be stammering the day away.
"Madame Pantoine, this is my friend Caine, of House Cereus, he is landing a hand today because Joelle is absent. Caine, this is Madame Pantoine, our first patient."
I grin, the door is open, and I let us in. "Caine," I indicate Joelle's desk. "In the top drawer, you should find Madame Pantoine's folder, if you could dig it out, please?"
Without ceremony, I push the fat, fast-talking woman to my office, "I won't be long, make yourself at ease," I tell her, half-commandingly.
The door is closed, and I let out a breath. "Well, Caine, welcome to a busy afternoon at Deleuze & Strasbourg's Medical Clinic. Are you feeling ready?"
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Dec 27, 2007 17:00:40 GMT -5
As soon as we showed up at Siegfried's clinic someone had showed up. She was a bustly sort and seemed to have a million things to say. I was about to ask Siegfried if he in fact flogged some of his patients when he stopped her chatter and pushed her away.
I walked directly to his desk when he mentioned her file and started to look. When he asked if I felt ready I smiled, mostly confident, and said, "I think so." If anything, this day should take care of my social days for a good month.
I found the file he wanted and held it up, a more real smile on my face, "Is this what you need?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 29, 2007 15:08:05 GMT -5
Caine’s smile was reassuring, and I grinned back as I took the file from his hands, skimming it quickly. “Yes, that’s perfect. There is a list of incoming patients on the desk, and the next one should be in soon enough. If you could help out with pulling out their files ahead, and making them be patient as they wait, that would be very helpful. I won’t be long with each, no more than half an hour, sometimes less…” I paused, realizing I was dumping on him a bunch of new things, “I’m sorry, do you have any questions?”
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Dec 30, 2007 14:28:49 GMT -5
I listened intently as Siegfried told me of my duties and I tried to make the most accurate mental list I could as to not forget anything.
"Let me just make sure I have everything right," I said, I did not want to stall Siegfried's practice or end up being a burden to him in any way. "I need to pull out the files on the people who are giong to come and visit, which is listed on a paper on your desk. Then as they arrive I should make sure they are waiting patiently for you, right?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 31, 2007 17:33:16 GMT -5
“That’s right,” I said with a smile. “Some of them are a bit impatient, and need to be entertained. Joelle usually does small talk with them to keep them waiting.”
I looked towards the door – there was a sound that I knew very well. The irritable, bubbly and irritating woman in my office was drumming her fingers against my desk.
“I need to get in, before she digs a hole in the mahogany,” I whispered. “I’ll be back soon.”
With that, I entered my office, and closed the door as I apologized to my client, my face stern as it usually is in the presence of work.
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 1, 2008 21:00:10 GMT -5
Siegfried went to attend to his patient and I went to the desk. I sat and looked over the list. I read the first name and went to finding the file for that person. I started pulling files in order, so that the patients who were due to arrive sooner would already be ready.
I was able to track a few files before the next person walked in. She was a smiling woman who was obviously with child. She held a hand over her belly and walked a bit strange.
"Hello, you must be new here," she said still smiling.
"I am, my name is Caine, are you here to meet with Siegfried?" I asked.
"Yes," she said,"I might be a little early though."
She did not look comfortable so I stood up and lead her to one of the waiting seats. I made sure she was settled before leaving her and making a light knock on Siegfried's door. I didn't know if he wanted to know when they arrived or for me to tell them just to wait. I figured I should let him know just in case.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 2, 2008 1:01:01 GMT -5
In the office, she ranted and ranted, my patient, and I shut her out until my notes were made.
“I’m glad to hear all that, but you haven’t told me if the diet I recommended did anything for you, My Lady,” I observed wearily after a while.
“No, nothing at all, I’m still terribly over my bounds,” she replied irritably. “Can’t you just cut it out?”
I shook my head, and told her blankly. “No, I cannot, and will not. Besides, I’m certain you didn’t even follow it as strictly as I encourage you to.”
She bit her lip, looked away, and protested vigorously. Liar.
“I will prescribe these oils, take a…” the door knocked, and I excused my self to answer.
It was Caine’s gentle eyes that I found, and I smiled for the respite he was giving me. “Huh huh?” I asked, inviting him with my gaze to be succinct, though there was not a speck of irritation in my mind.
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 3, 2008 13:20:25 GMT -5
I made a slight gesture out toward the waiting room, but not one that the lady in the waiting room would notice if she was watching me.
"The Lady Weiss is outside," I told him, "I thought you might want to know."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 3, 2008 16:21:36 GMT -5
"Alright," I replied. "If you want to..." I held a finger, darted in my office, ignoring the protests of Madame Pantoine, and grabbed a scroll on which I'd noted some specific questions for Lady Weiss. I handed it back to Caine, and under my breath, said, "here, she can fill this out, and wait a little, unless she has pains or seems about to give birth. I'll be out in a minute."
In the office, my fat patient was losing visible patience, and I sighed. "I need to get back to her. I'll be out in a short while."
With that, I closed the door, leaving Caine with the pregnant lady, and returning to my annoying ward.
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 7, 2008 21:07:03 GMT -5
I took the list from Siegfried and nodded. His other patient seemed to be annoyed with my presence and I did not want to hold her up from any care that she needed.
I walked out with the list and back to the Lady Weiss. "Here you are ma'am" I said handing it to her along with a quail that I had found. I made sure it would not drip ink on her and added, "let me know if you need any assistance or if the ink runs dry."
"Thank you dear Caine," she said still in smiles, "I think I will be fine but I will let you know."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 8, 2008 16:01:22 GMT -5
I returned to Madame Pantoine, letting out a sigh of impatience. She had no manners, really. Were it not that her condition required extensive research, which I found stimulating beyond belief, I would have referred her elsewhere. She was impossible.
I finished my prescription, and walked her to the door, letting the woman out without as much as words of goodbye. I had noticed the young patient, Lady Weiss. She was pretty, and calm, that one. I had fond hopes for her delivery.
“Thank you for your patience, Lady Weiss,” I told her at length. “If you would just wait one more moment?” I added, as I beckoned Caine in the office.
Her Flatlander’s wide, open features nodded in patient acquiescence, and I moved back towards my study’s door.
“Just a word, mate,” I asked gently of Caine.
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 12, 2008 22:07:33 GMT -5
Siegfried came out and the Lady Pantoine left, her attidue following her out the door as if it was something with it's own will following her. I held back an amused smile at the thought and when Siegfried called me into his office I followed without hesitation. I hoped that I had not done something wrong. I wanted to be a help and not a hinder.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 12, 2008 22:10:22 GMT -5
I quietly closed the door behind us, and smiled wide, letting a sigh of relief out of my lungs. That woman exhausted me, through and through. "So, how's that going so far?" I asked amicably. "Quite a character, huh?"
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 12, 2008 22:48:06 GMT -5
I smiled when he asked how I was, it seemed that I hadn't messed anything up after all. I was glad for it.
"I am doing ok," I told him, "at least Ms. Weiss is a nice lady." I had already taken out all of the oflders and no one else had walked in yet. So I asked, 'was there anything else you wanted me to do while I waited for the others to show?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 12, 2008 22:53:40 GMT -5
"Not really," I replied, smiling. "I think Joelle keeps some books at her desk for such times, so if you want to browse, that's perfect. There are sometimes unexpected patients, or emergencies, so it's good to have someone at the desk. I might receive some missives as well. If that happens, just accept them, and read them, to see if it's something urgent."
I paused, smiling. "Oh, and there's no need to come tell me when the next patient comes. I'll step out when I'm done with Lady Weiss. I, err, I have to examine her..."
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 12, 2008 23:34:29 GMT -5
I nodded, "ok, I will wait in the lobby with your future clients then." I thought for a moment and asked, "if it is an emergency though, should I come and tell you anyways?"
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Jan 12, 2008 23:34:56 GMT -5
It seemed like ages ago when I last paid a visit to the clinic. When I had first arrived in the city, I was sorely ill, overwhelmed with the change in climate that I had need of the services of Siegfried de Strasbourg. The memory of that day entered my thoughts as I grasped the handle of the outer door and began to open it.
I must have looked a fright that day, pale and half mad as my illness took hold of me. My feet had felt so heavy, as though I wore stone slippers that I could naught break free of for my life sake. My legs had shaken with each step taken, I thought I would collapse at any moment. It was a wonder, thinking back, that I had made it to the clinic without passing out along the way.
When Siegfried had appeared at the behest of his staff upon seeing me on that particular day, I recall smiling briefly before collapsing into someone’s arms. I woke later to learn have gravely ill I was and that it would take some doing to make me whole again. When I was well, I explained that I lacked the coin to pay for his services, he had been so understanding of my situation…I truly owed him my life.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 12, 2008 23:41:17 GMT -5
"Absolutely," I replied, grinning. "Let's hope not, though..." I moved behind the desk, and looked at Lady Weiss' file. "I shouldn't make her wait any longer," I said pensively. "Would you ask her to join me, along with the questionnaire I had her fill?"
Before he made to leave, I added, "And thank you. You're really lending me a hand, you know."
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 13, 2008 0:45:26 GMT -5
"I am more than glad to help," I told him honestly, "you have been so kind that it is the least that I can do."
I walked out to the waiting room and told the Lady Weiss that Siegfried was ready to see her. She walked back to his office and I made sure she was ok before returning to the desk. The next appointment would show up soon so I made sure the folder was in easy reach. I then started to browse the books that Siegfried had mentioned. I did not read often for I did find it difficult and time consuming, though I could manage through a book if I put a mind to it.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 13, 2008 1:10:23 GMT -5
The Lady Weiss came, in, hobbling a little for her big belly. She was quite well along. I welcomed her with a smile, and gave a warm nod of thanks to Caine.
Once she was seated comfortably, I verified that the door was closed on us, and settled across from her.
"Well, Lady Weiss, how are you, this day?" I asked pleasantly.
"I'm altogether as usual, Doctor," she replied. "But my back hurts quite a bit. I was hoping you would have a suggestion as to the alleviation of the pain."
I nodded in understanding. With a heavy belly such as her, pain in the lower back was as a small wonder, really. "Of course," I replied. "I'll get some salve that you may use. It won't be very long," I added as I made my way to the examination room.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Jan 13, 2008 15:35:34 GMT -5
Once the door had fully opened, I stepped inside wearing a smile that spoke volumes of what I thought of the place. Gently I closed the door to then approach the desk to inquire if the doctor was available for conversation.
“Pardon me for interrupting your reading,” my voice fell in pleasant manner from my lips as I spoke. “I wondered if the doctor had a moment to spare for an old patient of his. I have no appointment…” I confessed. “If he is busy, I’ll wait to have his ear.”
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 13, 2008 20:32:49 GMT -5
I was so in tuned to trying to read the book, one on poetry, that I did not hear the next person come in. I heard her voice though and I looked up to see pretty blue eyes and long brown hair. She was not d'Angeline, but she was pretty and I smiled while trying to hold back a blush.
"Um," I said gathering my thoughts for a moment, "he is busy with a patient. You will have to wait, unless it is an emergency." She looked fit, but I did not want to assume. I stood as I said the last phrase in case she did need my help.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Jan 13, 2008 21:14:54 GMT -5
He was beautiful to behold, my stomach fluttered though settled as he stood. I held out a single hand to dismiss his taking any further action, as this was no emergency. “I will have a seat then. Thank you kindly”
I found a chair and settled gracefully upon it, brushing my hands lightly over the upper portion of my simple gown while I glanced about the clinic to mind this item or that thoughtfully.
It wasn’t long before my eyes found him again, I smiled warmly then attempted to remain silent so that he could return back to his reading. I failed miserably.
“May I ask what you are reading?” I glanced curiously towards his book.
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 16:48:28 GMT -5
She sat down to wait for Siegfried, looking sweet and pretty. Another patient walked in, just here for a basic check up and he curtly took his seat when I told him the doctor was busy. My attentions went back to Odette and I noticed that her attention was also on me.
I looked down at the book she mentioned and I noticed that I was still holding it. I neatly folded it and placed on the desk in front of me, keeping a smile to hide my blush.
"It is a book on poems," I said. I then wondered if she would be bored waiting for Siegfried and I did not want her to be. I picked it up and held it out slighty asking, "would you like to read it?"
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Jan 21, 2008 9:51:45 GMT -5
As a patient entered the room, my attention didn’t waiver from my bearer of poetry. I kindly dismissed the offer to read the book by a simple wave of my hand, preferring conversation instead. “No, thank you. Mayhap, if you could find one that satisfies your tastes and recite it I would be very appreciative…you have a most soothing voice.”
I nodded ever so lightly then wondered if he would actually entertain the idea of reciting poetry for someone who knew naught of. I didn’t expect him to, of course, but it was a way of forging a conversation between us whilst I waited on the doctor.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 21, 2008 16:31:50 GMT -5
Lady Weiss was one of the rare patients I saw for obstetric reasons, and it mostly had to do with the fact that Deleuze had known her from the cradle, and that he’d insisted. Yann’s birth had left on me an indelible imprint: in truth, I didn’t like to follow preganancies, because I was, deep down, wondering if there wasn’t anything I could have done to save the unknown patient.
But still, there she was, in the study, and as I’d mused on the matter, the examination table was ready. I bade her come and lie, and proceeded, once she was ready, to examining her belly with gentle, competent touches. “Does the baby kick yet?” I asked as I verified the skin of her protruding belly. It was healthy. “At night, it does,” she replied. I smiled. It was a good sign. “Keeping you awake, is he?” I asked as I turned to give her intimacy.
“A little,” she said, “But it’s the dreams that are the problem, more than the baby. They make me awake in sweat.” I gave her a look of understanding. In her condition, though, I was reluctant to offer the usual remedies – their impact on the babe wasn’t established yet. So I did something strange. I referred her to Gentian, in whom I had little faith. “Mayhap Gentian house holds a solution for you, Milady,” I told her, “but do not take my word on it.
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Jan 30, 2008 0:46:19 GMT -5
This time I was unable to hold back a light blush as Odette complimented my voice. "Thank you my lady," I said. I could think of nothing more appropriate so instead I opened the book and looked for something that would suit and would not be to difficult to read.
I did not want to hold her up long, so I found one that was short and read it, though I dare say I found it confusing. It started with a word I knew and one that seemed to fit her some, since she was pretty. So I hoped it sufficed.
Reading as smoothly as I could with my slightly under developed skill I read:
Princess, by whom my hope is fed, My heart thee prays in lowlihead To prune the ill boughs overgrown, Nor slay Love's tree, nor plant instead Another tree, save this alone.
When I was done I looked up at her to see what she thought of the poem and my reading of it. She was in my view now and the other patron forgotten.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Jan 31, 2008 22:06:36 GMT -5
I listened intently as he recited the poem, much to my surprise. Thoughtfully I tilted my head slightly off to one side, marveling at the poem’s essence and feeling a smile grow upon my lips as the seconds passed.
He was doing well in his reading. To be honest, I’d naught mind to hear more poetry flow past his lovely lips, if he thought to honor me with another poem. I wondered if he could see the utter joy on my face once he had completed the last line.
“That was wonderful, if you didn’t know. It was very beautiful, thank you kindly for the reading. Might I inquire, please? Who has made my day all the brighter by way of poetry?” I lifted a single finger to dally about a lock of hair that lay close to my neck as I watched him.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Feb 3, 2008 14:11:05 GMT -5
“Oh?” She asked, giving me a curious look. “Have you had a bad experience?” I smiled reassuringly, and shook my head. “No, not at all,” I told her. “Only that scientists are eternal skeptics. But they have a good reputation, and they will treat you well.”
She nodded, and I gave her a comforting grin. “You will be fine. Your body is behaving perfectly as far as the pregnancy is going, and your midwife is very well experience.” She sighed. “I only hope I don’t…” I reached over and caught her hand. “You won’t.” I told her firmly. It was her third attempt. A thought came to me, and I kept her hand in mine. “Your husband, how does he treat you?”
I knew for a fact that Lord Weiss was Cammaeline, and he had a reputation for violence, which I knew was well earned. I suspected he might have some Skaldi blood, for their estate was much on the border, and he had features that were a bit diluted. “He treats me fine, Docteur,” she replied, eyes turning away. “My Lady,” I said, “if he does not, leave the house and come to us. We won’t let you be hurt, is that clear?” I handed her a card with the townhome address, though I knew she had it already. Deleuze I knew, would have done the same.
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Caine nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
to be both fragile and strong
Posts: 380
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Post by Caine nó Cereus on Feb 5, 2008 21:25:19 GMT -5
I saw the pleasure in Odette's face when I was done and was happy for it. She asked me my name and I felt like a fool for not giving it earlier. It would not show that I had learned my manners well if I forgot them. My eyes had been drawn toward her finger, her hair, and her supple neck. I quickly adverted my eyes back to her face and said, "I apologize, my name is Caine no' Cereus. I do not normally work here, but I offered to help Siegfried today since his assistant was out."
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