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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 12:40:20 GMT -6
Magdalen was quiet for a long moment, attempting to ignore the rush of guilt that consumed her when she realized she was about to ask that sweet old couple a favour when … she’d done nothing short of abandon them before. But it had been for their own safety, and they’d have to understand when she revealed what had really been going on.
Returning her attention to Cassandra, she managed a weak smile and sighed gently.
“It’s a long story. But keeping it a secret would make me something of a hypocrite, wouldn’t it?” Readjusting her weight to better accommodate the other girl’s, she took a deep breath and scoured her mind for whatever details she could remember.
“I don’t have much of a recollection of what my life was like before I came to Antheia. Only that I had a loving family from which I was torn due to an unfortunate accident involving my younger brother. He’d done something for which the authorities wanted him arrested. Trying to protect Regan, I was caught up in the mess and before I knew it I’d been framed for a murder with a bounty on my head. All of the charges were exaggerated … because I know Regan would never kill anyone.” It was as though she had to try to convince herself of that and was failing miserably.
“I was terrified and alone, so the only thing I could think to do was get on the first passenger vessel to wherever it would take me. Which was here. However the ship crashed before it was able to make its full descent … and I ended up badly injured. In fact I suffered from amnesia and a great deal of blood loss. So when Eloise and John found me I was pretty useless. … There are still many things I don’t remember, and certain skills I possess for a reason but can’t explain.”
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Post by Cassandra Nida on Sept 27, 2009 14:07:23 GMT -6
Magdalen wasn't so different from Cassandra. She'd been forced to leave home because the law was after her (though Magdalen hadn't done her crime). And she'd been terrified and alone too. The ship crash was different and Cass couldn't say if she would have preferred that to the soldiers. They were both terrifying in their own ways. But for Magdalen to have survived all that? ... maybe Cass could to.
She wasn't too good at reassuring other people. Cass had never had to do it, except for the occasional hug to her dad. But Magdalen just looked so sad, so Cass awkwardly gave her a half-hug, "That's so sad. Have you ever been to a hospital? Or... no, I guess not, because they still think you're guilty?"
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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 14:20:02 GMT -6
She was surprised by Cassandra’s attempt at a hug, smile seeming more genuine now as she regarded the other girl curiously. It was obvious she’d said something she could relate to, as they’d both lapsed into thoughtful silence for a few long moments.
“I’m not quite sure whether there’s still a bounty on my head. In fact I’m not sure of how a lot of things progressed during my exile. That’s why I returned to Terra … to try and get some answers, locate my brother and talk to him about what happened. Really, I just want to set things straight. But that’s all based on the assumption he’s still alive, or even willing to speak with me. Part of me hopes I’ll be able to fully regain my memory after that. As for the injuries I sustained .. they were tended to quickly by the Elves. After I healed they left me on my own, but that's what I'd wanted anyway.”
The long, ugly scar that stretched along the length of her ribcage seemed to burn suddenly. As though bringing up the past aggravated it.
Wishing to move on to a lighter topic of discussion, Magdalen laughed humourlessly and added: “Believe it or not, this is where Solomon and I first met. It wasn’t a very significant encounter. But even after all that time I recognized him immediately when we ran into each other again.”
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Post by Cassandra Nida on Sept 27, 2009 16:30:36 GMT -6
Cassandra wished she knew more about the mind. She knew plenty about the human body, and even more about machines. The only thing she really knew about the brain was how hard it was to remove it from the skull to put it in an upgraded chassis. Cass liked to solve problems, but she had a feeling this was a problem that Magdalen had already tried to solve plenty of times, so she kept the know-it-all part of her quiet.
But Cass had been right to think Magdalen and Solomon maybe knew one another. "He was here too?" She tried to imagine him out in the forest, and found it easier than she expected. "Was he running away from something too?"
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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 16:42:29 GMT -6
Magdalen’s brow furrowed as she tried to recall the details Solomon had been comfortable enough to share.
“All I really know is that he has lived on Antheia a great deal longer than I have and that he did at one time have a bounty on his head. For what I don’t know. That’s something you’ll have to ask him directly.” She pushed the strap of the bag higher up on her opposite shoulder, hoping the trees would begin to thin out soon while listening carefully for any sign the soldiers were catching up to them.
“Olive found him here and snuck on to a shuttle with him when he headed for Terra. They’ve been very close friends for a long while. Otherwise … he said next to nothing when he stayed with myself and the Denvers for that short period of time.”
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Post by Cassandra Nida on Sept 27, 2009 17:11:30 GMT -6
Solomon had a bounty on his head too? Or. Used to anyway. Cass tried to think how statistically likely it was that she'd end up on a ship with two other people wanted by the law, and she came up with a number that wasn't impossible, but was unreasonably high, even taking into account that Solomon and Magdalen knew each other.
But if the couple had taken in both Solomon and Magdalen, then they probably wouldn't hand Cass over. She hoped.
Cass' left leg seized up without any warning and she stumbled, grabbing onto a tree to get her balance back. She tried to bend it and found that the knee servos had either locked down to prevent her from damaging anything, or she'd gone ahead and busted the bending mechanism. It was probably the servos though, since the leg was staying locked in place.
She swung the leg forward and found she could still use it, but it was still so it gave her walking a strange gait. "How much longer?" Cass asked, a little terror creeping back into her voice. Maybe her other leg wouldn't give way but she didn't want to risk it.
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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 17:23:32 GMT -6
Magdalen was jerked a bit by the sudden motion of Cassandra stumbling, and watched as the other girl tested her leg.
“I think we’re lucky to have made it this far without you really damaging anything. Don’t worry, just a little bit longer I promise. See up there? I recognize that cluster of large boulders. It means we’re almost in the farming district. About fifteen minutes away is a small trail that I used frequently to get to the house. I had curfew and so it was a convenient shortcut not well known amongst those who don’t travel here often. I’m assuming those soldiers – if not lost by now – won’t find it.”
Hefting more of the girl’s weight on to her shoulder than she had up until that point, Magdalen winced a bit and forced the both of them onward. “You’ve been doing so well. Once we get there … leave the rest to me. … I know what it’s like to feel alone, and therefore what a wonderful thing friendship can be. Let me help you.”
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Post by Cassandra Nida on Sept 27, 2009 17:36:36 GMT -6
Cass kept moving, trying her best not to damage anything. Magdalen was helping, but Cass didn't want to put too much weight on her for too long. Cass could rebuild her limbs, assuming she got the parts she needed. Magdalen wouldn't be able to do the same.
Cass couldn't hear anything but them, but her hearing was only average, and the trees provided plenty of cover. But Magdalen's confidence that they would be lost when they reached the path got Cass to buck down and keep going.
She had been doing pretty good at not crying, but Magdalen's kind words about friendship were too much and Cass could feel tears coming down her face again. "thank you so much." She managed to say before her voice choked up.
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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 17:46:18 GMT -6
“Hey, don’t cry.”
Her own eyes were beginning to water again and that certainly wouldn’t bode well for either of them. She was terrified, but Cassandra didn’t need to know that. “You can thank me properly when I come to pick you up. Right?” Managing a wink, Magdalen continued on without speaking; throwing whatever energy she had left into getting to their destination as quickly as possible.
Just as she’d predicted, it had taken almost fifteen minutes for them to locate the path. It was a very faint, thin trail hidden began a veil of leaves and obviously hadn’t been used for some time.
“We’re almost there.”
Upon emerging from that same footpath, Magdalen found herself instantly recognizing where they were. Every upturned stone, every hand-painted fence and grove of trees was familiar. Now she could truly say she was home. The farming district had a very charming quality to it, almost picturesque with rolling hills covered in wildflowers and stone walls overgrown with moss. Everything smelt fresh and clean, and - when she'd first arrived - she could remember referring to it as a secret world completely separate from the rest of the planet. It was special, that was for sure.
“That small cottage in the distance, the one with the yellow front door. See it? That’s where we’re going.”
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Post by Cassandra Nida on Sept 27, 2009 20:02:42 GMT -6
"o-okay." Cass managed, wiping at her face. Her sweater's sleeve was wet with tears, and in the fading light, the dark stain looked remarkably similar to the bloodstains up and down it. Direct light would ruin the illusion for at least for a moment she could pretend they were all just weird blotchy pattern.
It was almost magic how the homes appeared where there had been nothing but trees. It really was like being in a fairytale. She could almost hear her father's voice telling the story, and the good fairy lead the clockwork princess to a hidden place in the deep, dark forest. He would have loved it.
"This is so beautiful." Cass said, taking in the sights. And the small cottage was just something out of a storybook. She hobbled toward it at a faster pace, eager to get her leg off and start investigating the problem.
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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 20:23:57 GMT -6
Magdalen smiled at Cass’ stunned expression, knowing exactly how it was she felt. The place really was enchanting and she hoped it would put the other girl at ease. For a little while anyway. Making their way up the short hill and then down a smaller slope took a little longer as their pace began to slow, but finally they were standing on the small porch and the blonde knocked three times.
The few moments that ensued were almost painful as Magdalen waited impatiently for an answer. And when the door finally opened to reveal Eloise’s withered but friendly face, she could do little more than stand there in silence. It was as though she hadn’t expected anyone to be home at all and so sank a little against Cassandra in sheer relief.
“E-Eloise, it’s me … I-I’m so sorry.”
But before she could continue, the older woman had gathered her up in her arms – unintentionally including the girl at her side – and hugged them firmly. When she pulled away there were tears in her eyes and Magdalen choked down a sob, tucking a stray strand of hair uncomfortably behind her ear.
“I need your help.”
They were ushered inside without question then, Eloise calling for her husband while instructing for them to sit at the table while she boiled some water. “Magdalen, you have no idea how worried John and I were. Honestly … he was distraught for days. Now now, don’t apologize. Of course we came to the realization that there was a reason for it. But I’m glad you’ve returned. At least now I know you’re alright.” That was when she turned to inspect Cassandra, taking note of the blood and torn clothing.
“However you’ve gotten yourself into a bit of trouble I see.”
Magdalen nodded, rising from her seat and pulling the long dress she’d been wearing over her head. A thin white shift was left and it felt much easier to move around without all of the extra material weighing her down. “This is Cassandra, a passenger on the same ship as myself. There were some complications at port and the authorities are searching for her. We needed a place where she’d be safe until we get some real answers, and I thought of you first.”
Silence settled about the quaint little kitchen as Eloise stared thoughtfully at Cass.
“So basically she’s in the something of the same situation you’d been in? … Of course we’ll take care of her.” Addressing Cass directly now, the matronly woman smiled and tutted reprovingly at the state of her appearance. “We’ll have to get you something else to wear for the time being. Some of Magdalen’s old things are still here. Are you badly injured? I see some blood.”
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Post by Cassandra Nida on Sept 27, 2009 20:43:01 GMT -6
Cass hadn't expected the old woman to hug them both, or hug them at all. But she looked sort of like Cass' old nanny from when she was a little girl, and Cass liked Eloise already. The inside of the house was just as nice as outside, and that just made it easier to really believe in the fairytale.
Questions about the injuries got Cass to focus on the kitchen instead of the daydream forming in her head. "I don't know." She admitted. "I need to check my back... do you have a mirror?" Cass carefully pulled off the remains of the sweater she was wearing. The shirt underneath had dark patches of oil and blood at her shoulder and down on her stomach. But her back was worse, and the place where real injury would be lurking.
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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 20:57:17 GMT -6
Faintly, Magdalen could hear John’s footsteps as he came quickly down the stairs to see what his wife had been acting so hysterically about. Likely a mouse that’d managed to worm its way behind the fridge again. However the shock he received upon seeing the girl whom had left them only a few months ago proved his assumption wrong. For a long while he could only stare incredulously at her, and then he was smiling weakly and pulling her into an embrace. “Mags. We were so worried.”
Magdalen herself chuckled and patted his back, pulling away to study his chiselled features and neatly-trimmed goatee.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine. We’ll have a lot to talk about later … but right now I need your help. This is Cassandra.” She motioned to the girl being tended to by Eloise and his expression darkened a bit as he studied the bloodstains that covered her clothing. “Why does this feel so familiar?” The question, she knew, was rhetorical and so she didn’t respond as he beckoned her out of the room momentarily where she proceeded to explain exactly the same thing to him as she had to Eloise.
Meanwhile, the older woman had helped peel away the obstructing shirt; looking nonplussed but as though she’d dealt with large amounts of blood before. Disappearing to fetch a handheld mirror at the girl’s request, she returned with an antique one and held it out.
“I’ll go and get some clean towels.”
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Post by Cassandra Nida on Sept 27, 2009 21:35:20 GMT -6
"thank you." Cass took the mirror and turned her head. She probed at the wound with her other hand, watching her reflection carefully for clues. Cass was really hoping all she'd see was some torn skin, but she prepared herself for the worst.
The steel bars were dented from the force of the bullets. That wasn't good, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. At some point, it would need to be replaced, but that wasn't an option. The skin was badly ripped up. Unlike the synth skin on her arms and legs, she couldn't regrow this. Only time would make it better. Cass kept probing the wound until she was sure the bullets hadn't hit anything vital. Her spine was still encased and the flesh over the steel was damaged worst. And her front wasn't hurting, which she would have expected if a bullet had gotten above or below the steel band.
She wiped her bloody hand on her shirt and turned her attention to the other wounds. Her shoulder was hurt. The bullet had gotten mostly the steel socket, but there was real flesh overtop of it. Cass took a deep breath and slid her fingers into the bullet hole. It hurt, but it wasn't unbearable. The one plus to amputation was that the areas surrounding the sockets were always a bit numb.
Cass pulled out the flattened slug and dropped it on the table. Her arms and legs would need to be taken care of, but that wasn't life threatening. Once her torso was fixed, she could turn her attention to them.
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Post by Magdalen Verena on Sept 27, 2009 21:51:35 GMT -6
Magdalen watched Cassandra with concern evident in her eyes as the other girl began poking around the wounds she’d suffered, nodding to John while he spoke and then excusing herself. Taking advantage of the fact that they were alone, the blonde knelt alongside Cass and smiled gently.
“So I told them the basic details of your situation, including the fact that you’re … modified. I think it’s best they know the truth simply because it’s obvious anyway and they’ll need to be able to look after you adequately. The least we can do is be honest with them. Trust me, in their lifetimes they’ve seen a lot and they’re certainly not going to kick you out.”
Glancing over her shoulder she saw Eloise approaching with the towels, but the older woman was momentarily stopped by her husband who conversed with her quietly in the doorway. “They feel the same need to help you, just as they helped me. They’re just those kinds of people. Don’t be afraid.” She paused again, turning her attention back to the girl.
“Will you be okay?”
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