Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Dec 29, 2020 2:33:30 GMT -5
It took him a while to work through one muffin, but he was seriously contemplating a second when he reached for his tea. Which, conveniently, was just about the time Briella said she didn't feel that great. He returned Zander's concerned look. He knew how the tea made him feel, sure, but he wasn't sure that was something the girl should be drinking. She certainly didn't need it like he did.
Seeing Zander look at him like that though...he blushed. "It's what the d-doctor gave me. To help me relax," he explained quietly. Briella should have noticed it taste different but...well, he supposed it did taste a lot better than what it had originally. He wasn't sure how to explain how else it made him feel. He fidgetted nervously, looking at the girl. She looked okay. If more out of it that he recalled feeling, though she was a lot smaller than he was.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Dec 29, 2020 2:48:41 GMT -5
The tea the doctor gave him? Briella was small even for her age and still only nine. A dosage meant for a grown man couldn't have been good for her. Worry wracked him but he kept calm if just not to worry his sister. "Will you send for the doctor please?" While he was sure one cup wouldn't hurt her too much he wanted to get a second opinion. It was better to be safe than sorry.
"C'mon, why don't we lay you down." While he'd been too sore to pick her up before Zander wasn't currently concerned about his own pain as he lifted her into his arms. She loosely wrapped her arms around his neck and laid limply against his shoulder as he carried her to the blue room to lay her on the sofa. As it was she mostly just seemed tired and sluggish but her flushed cheeks and dilated pupils had him worried.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Dec 29, 2020 3:32:12 GMT -5
He was already nervous and while he wasn't surprised to hear Zander call for a doctor (about himself, never, about his sister and his boyfriend, he was insistant) it made him more uncomfortable. He was more worried about Briella. He was relatively sure she would be alright after a couple hours but...well, even Pearce didn't know what the herbs in the tea did and he was the one drinking it every day. It made him embarrassed.
Not just for not knowing, but for not keeping better track. Maybe he should stop having any, to prevent this from happening in the future. Yes, that seemed reasonable. The servant left to do as Zander ask while they moved to the blue room.
The marquis stammered a protest that didn't quite make it to words when Zander picked up his sister, caught between worry for both of them. Laying down, yes, but he would rather Zander not strain himself. Pearce could have carried her, at least that far! The blonde hovered after them nervously, not sure how best to help besides to watch after both of them.
"I think...I think the last one (he meant doctor) said s-s-something about lowering my blood p-p...?" He spoke slowly, trying his best not to stammer and still failing. It didn't help that he couldn't remember the last word. He knew it was a 'P' because all the annoying important words started with 'P' it seemed. He shifted and then just to be doing something, collected a blanket from the other side of the sofa and handed it to Zander, hoping that might help.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Dec 29, 2020 13:03:00 GMT -5
Outwardly Zander was incredibly calm. A bit too calm. Was it obvious how forced it was? He didn't care. Theclast thing he wanted was Pearce or Briella getting anymore upset. "Blood pressure. I'm only worried about what may have been in it and the dosage." He stated flatly as he continued to idly run hi fingers through her wavy blonde hair.
"I'm sure she'll be alright." At this point he wasn't sure if he was saying it outloud for his own sake or theirs. As Pearce put a blanket over Briella Zander finally pulled his eyes away from her to smile at his boyfriend. He reached out for the mans hand mostly as a comfort for himself. As collected as he might have seemed he needed the comfort a lot now.
By the time the doctor arrived Zander had moved to sit on the sofa with his sisters head rested on his lap. If Pearce had wanted a way to keep the redhead still this was it. He only moved a bit to give the doctor a chance to look her over and push Whisky away so the pup wouldn't bother them. "She'll be alright. She should just be lethargic for most of the day but I'd keep an eye on her for any signs of nausea." The redhead nodded in acknowledgment but didn't look up at the doctor.
"Thank you."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Dec 29, 2020 19:07:30 GMT -5
Zander did a remarkable job pretending to be calm. Unfortunately, Pearce knew him well enough to know most of it was a mask. Still, he appreciated it and wasn't about to intentionally poke a hole in the young man's facade.
"Yes, that." It also made him tired and a little dizzy and but he wasn't sure what was in it. He had been told. Some sort of plant or part of a plant maybe? It was tea, but not from a tea plant, not really. "I d-don't remember," he mumbled unhelpfully. Pearce shifted and leaned on the back of the sofa, pressing his hands into the cushion to keep from fidgeting.
"She will," he said softly certain. If he could handle whatever it was he was sure Briella would be eventually. Pearce gripped Zander's hand back in return and offered a small smile. "Maybe I should hire a doctor..." he mumbled mostly to himself. Apparently all of them were having problems.
At least while they waited Zander was sitting down. Pearce, on the other hand, wanted very badly to pace the room. Instead he seated himself in one of the armchairs. He had invited Whisky to sit next to him, petting the dog's head absentmindedly, refusing the offer of more tea, debating internally whether to just have the rest thrown out.
He eyed the doctor in concern but stayed in his seat as far away as possible.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Jan 2, 2021 2:20:37 GMT -5
Lethargic was a word for it as Briellas reflexs seemed incredibly slow at best if not just entirely unresponsive. Though she seemed to also be wavering between discomfort and giggly. The idea of hiring an doctor for the house wasn't a bad idea. Sure most everyone living or working there knew basic first aid at least but that couldn't fix every situation.
"You think you'd feel more comfortable seeing a doctor more regularly in the house?" Zander asked out of genuine curiosity. Once the doctor was gone Zander let out a soft sigh and let Whisky curl up with his sister. A sharp pain coming from his chest caused him to hiss and check over his stitches. It didn't seem there was anything wrong so he could only assume it was just some irritation from sudden movement. It certainly wasn't enough pain to cause any real alarm.
"What time are you teaching today?" Zander still wanted to help him with tutoring. If they let Briella rest in the blue room and stayed at the manor he wouldn't feel as nervous about leaving her. He also didn't want to keep any of Pearces students waiting.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 2, 2021 2:37:23 GMT -5
"Ah, n-no...on second thought..." he would decidedly not be comfortable. Well, he would for other people. And honestly he just needed to get to know them, which was Zander's point. Better than it always being a stranger.
While the marquis had come around to the idea, he wasn't about to act on anything himself. That was mostly the nerves talking. He might not say no, but he wouldn't do anything to put things in motion, unfortunately.
Pearce gave the redhead a concerned look at the hiss but didn't say anything in front of Briella. Probably he should habe had the doctor look at his boyfriend too but he wasn't about to start that game. He sure didn't want to have the young man turn it on him.
Teaching! That's right! Pearce jumped at the reminder amd looked out the nearby windows. It was still early, but likely some students had already started to arrived. Heather appeared at the door as if she knew she was needed. It was a great trait in a servant.
"The first student arrived only a few minutes ago, my lord. Class in half an hour." Some showed up early, usually to tall about something specific.
He blushed. "Half an hour," he repeated, glancing over at Zander. Certsinly his offer was still open but he wouldn't tear the boy away from his sister. "In the library?" This to Heather who nodded and the man repeated it a bit more convincingly. "In the library. I...have to go s-set up a few things." And calm down a bit, if he could. Teaching would be a food distraction, he hoped, especially without any tea.
Briella would of course be watched over, likely by Heather herself. Honestly, the two men fretting over the girl was pointless anyway.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Jan 2, 2021 2:48:27 GMT -5
Hovering over his sister like a mother hen wouldn't really serve a purpose. The doctor said she was fine and there were plenty of people in the house that could grab Zander if anything odd did happen. He also trusted Heather enough to take care of her in his absence. Speak of the devil, the redhead looked up as her familiar voice entered the room. How was she able to appear always so conveniently.
If Zander didn't know any better he might ask if she were a mystic. That thought was almost enough to make him chuckle.
He had a bit of time it seemed before Pearce started teaching. "I could help you set up if you want." If marquis refused Zander might just see who all had decided to show up for tutoring. There were of course a few other people Pearce taught that he was familiar with. As he looked over his sister again it seemed as if she'd fallen asleep. Hopefully this wouldn't cause her to fuss about going to bed that night.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 2, 2021 2:59:40 GMT -5
Hesther would habe found the idea of her having magic amusing too. She might have been listening at the door was all.
"Uh...sure. Yes. I need a few things from my study." He gave Heather an appreciative look, silently suggesting if she could watch Briella, though the woman had already decided on as much. Pearce gave Briella's dozing form another concerned look but then motioned for Zander to follow him upstairs. He didn't rush the boy to part with his sister but once they were both in the room, he turned to hug the boy gently to his chest. "I'm sorry, Zander. She'll be alright."
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Jan 2, 2021 3:13:29 GMT -5
Zander squeezed his sisters hand just a bit as he stood up. Though he knew she wouldn't squeeze back there was still a small panic that rushed over him when she didn't. With a sigh he let go of her hand and quickly pet Whisky, who seemed insistent on staying with her, before following Pearce out. Though he told himself sitting in that quiet room with Briella would only drive him crazy he still felt a pang of guilt that he did his best to push down.
As Pearce pulled him against his chest Zander froze and tensed a bit for a moment. Not prepared for the sudden contact. The feeling made his resovle crack a bit as a shakey breath escaped him that almost sounded like a nervous laugh. He pressed his face to the crook of Pearces neck and took a deep breath to try and steady himself again. "I know." Of course he was sure she'd be alright. But there would always be that worry in the back of his mind.
"She's tough, I know. I just...I worry about her..." All the time. Even when she was in his sight he worried about her. Still, he held onto Pearce a little longer. If just make himself breath again. When he finally pulled away he tried to give his usual crooked grin but it was a bit forced. "Lets get the library set up."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 2, 2021 3:29:04 GMT -5
He worried he might have hurt Zander but then the young man pressed back into him. Selfishly, Pearce held on longer to his lover to calm his own anxiety, even though he felt no right to feel that way in comparison. He kissed the young man quickly and smiled and moved to his desk to remind himself what he had gone over last week.
"Brothers are supposed to worry. But you should leave mmmost of that to me," he teased gently, making fun of himself.
"There are slates in cabinet," he said, gesturing. "Only need a couple of those." Most of the class was at least passable at writing that parchment and ink were worth using. But sometimes practice was preferred first. "Most are...decent spellers. Working on writing simple sentences."
He offered another attempt at a reassuring smile before heading to the library.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Jan 2, 2021 3:41:54 GMT -5
"You have to share the worry you know." He teased back as he turned to look for the slates. Honestly, Zander hated writing more on them than with the pen and parchment. Though he understood the need for it. He followed Pearce to the library where a few of the students had gathered already.
Upon seeing the redhead one of the men gave him a playful grin. "Zander! Are we a teachers pet now?" Despite himself Zander couldn't help but grin. "Woof." He responded casually as he watched some others move to grab Pearces attention. At least he wouldn't be on the frustrating end of teaching this time.
He set the materials down on a table before sitting on the table himself.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 2, 2021 3:53:54 GMT -5
He grimaced. He realized worrying so much wasn't good for his physical or emotional health but it was hard not to.
Luckily, Pearce was immediately returning enthusiastic greetings and answering even more enthusiastic questions that he missed the teacher's pet comment. It was for the best, considering Zander's reply might have shocked him more.
"Who's that?" One of the younger students asked of Zander. He was a stablehand at a nearby inn.
"My assistant," Pearce explained, catching most of the room's attention. "Class, this is Zander. He's one of my old students. He is here to help today."
There were a few more questions about Zander, most of which he skirted around in favor of questions about phrasing or words. He collected parchment and graphite and handed them out before beginning on refreshing the last class and starting again on writing sentences, not just words. Simple things like 'The dog sat.' and so on.
The class seemed to take forever but the marquis soon found himself lost to the lesson and much more at ease.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Jan 2, 2021 4:04:39 GMT -5
Being suddenly introduced to other students made the redhead freeze a bit. As much as he liked being the center of everyones attention his mind wasn't currently in the right place to handle it. It also felt a bit strange.
Still, he mostly sat to the side at first. Simply helping gather things or pass them out. When Pearce began teaching he'd sat himself off to the side to just watch. Remembering now why he'd so easily gotten distracted when the marquis had been teaching him. There was an air of confidence that took over his lover that Zander didn't often see from him. Different than the confidence he got when they were spending time alone.
The distraction was a nice reprieve from his worry until he saw a younger student obviously struggling to keep up and becoming more frustrated. Zander knew that pained and defeated look. With a bite of his lip he quietly slid over to sit next to him and give some more pointers. Not enough to make things too easy but enough to help him from falling behind.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Jan 2, 2021 4:19:32 GMT -5
He still stammered a little when he remembered there were a lot of people looking at him. But for the most part he worked one on one after explaining a little. He was much better at smaller levels of interaction than groups and many learned better that way. He couldn't help but glance over at Zander every so often, seeking support and hoping to provide some too, yet always a little embarrassed.
Seeing Zander make a small difference here and there made him smile. It was nice to have help and to share with Zander in a different way.
Thw class went a lot quicker after that, and it wasn't long until Pearce found himself seeing most of them off. A few od the younger students lingered, tripping over themselves to tell Pearce or Zander about their families and because there were always fruit or some small snack passed out at the end. Most of the adults had other errands to run or jobs to get to.
After they finally left, Pearce seated himself in one of the arm chairs. He hadn't had any tea this morning and he was sort of regretting that. As relaxed as he had managed to be, he still felt...more anxious than normal. "Thanks for the help, assistant," he said to Zander.
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