George: *after having fought off a wave of French knights, he had noticed a fallen knight of Faye on the ground, still alive but in pain so George had quickly picked him up and slung him over his shoulder, taking him to the infirmary. After assuring he was taken care of, George began to leave once more, wordlessly assuring Adelina with a brief kiss on his way out, walking down an empty hallway at a fast pace towards the grounds*
Oliver: *as he walks, he's had his eyes screwed up, and his hands boxing his own ears half the time, feeling oddly as though he's fighting a massive internal battle he can't quite name. He can hear an insistent, evil little voice in his mind, constantly reminding him he had to find those he loved--and why shouldn't he want to see them? With everything going on? -- except it was to kill them--why did he want to do that?--he didn't want to do that--he had to do that--but why?--because he did.--but why?-----He comes to a halt suddenly as he sees George down the hall, walking as furiously fast as he was and instinctively before he'd thought, his hand had settled on the hilt of his sword. He bites his bottom lip, before he calls after his brother* George!
George: *turning around in surprise as he hears the voice of his brother calling for him, confused to see him inside, unscathed, as if he hadn't even been fighting outside. George had not seen him out there, but then again he had not seen many of their comrades for logical reasons, and yet* Oliver? What's wrong? *perplexed as he moves to Oliver, brows furrowed as he thinks that maybe something had happened but hadn't he just came back from the infirmary? Thinking nothing of Oliver's hand at his sword right then, he kept closing the space in between them with his steps* Did something happen?
Oliver: *as George moves closer and closer towards him, he fingers the hilt of his sword, his mind suddenly blown with just the logistics of the act alone--how could he even do it? He knew perfectly well how accomplished his brother was with his sword, he was taller than him, he was older--was he actually thinking about this? --Of course George didn't suspect anything--why would he--so truly all he needed was the element of surprise--but then why would he attack his brother?--and he certainly had that at the moment, as George came closer...and closer...-- His head and chin came up* You mean aside from the hundred and a half french knights and the dragon..? *his words dry* You could say that...it's more that something has to happen...
George: *stops in his steps, his eyebrows rising in surprise and confusion at Oliver's answer, knowing his brother was one for sarcasm and jokes, but never about such serious matters.* ...which you are supposed to be fighting...*slowly, not taking any further steps forward, trying to discern what could be the matter here* What are you doing, Oliver?
Oliver: *Thinking: Was he supposed to be fighting? Why did that sound right? That wasn't what his orders were... His own eyebrows furrow with sudden confusion, as he asks in the same sarcastic, dry voice* Am I? *his jaw setting in annoyance, heart pounding as he takes a step forward himself, hand now gripping the hilt of the sword -- even as another voice in his head screams against what he's doing* I'm doing...what I'm told. *he stops walking, looking at a window in the hall, beyond which it was plain to see the fighting still raging distantly, his voice similarly distant as he continues* I am supposed to be attacking...I have to. *without looking at George, as his face had suddenly contorted with pain at his own words and he scowls at the weakness, hand gripping on his sword tighter. Now he looks back at George, echoing himself, his words fervent and firm* I have to.
George: *gaze flicks to Oliver's hand gripping the handle of the sword, frowning further as he realizes Oliver could unsheathe it in one swift motion, though as to why his brother, his own flesh and blood, would want to hurt him, he had no idea. George knew it would be foolish to reach for his own sword, it would only make things worse. Shaking his head slowly as he tries to make sense of Ollie's words, he speaks up quietly but just as firmly* You don't have to do anything you don't want to do...*raising his eyebrows before he swallows, gaze flicking to his brother's sword again as he grips it tighter* Do you want to hurt me, Oliver?
Oliver: *his brows furrow over a set jaw as he thinks to himself it was an interesting question. Why did he want to attack him? Because he loved him? Wasn't that just backwards? Aggravated, he takes another step closer to his brother, shaking his head very slowly, attempting to puzzle this out* It isn't about what I want. I follow orders, that's what I *have* to do. *and he draws his sword very swiftly and closes in on his brother, only to hesitate again, the strain of his emotion showing on his face as an internal, very loud voice echoed a repeated: DON'T*
George: Whose orders are you following? *eyebrows raised still as he takes another step back deducing what it was that might have happened, frowning and shaking his head* A monster's? *gritting his teeth he takes another step backwards as Oliver draws his sword, his hand gripping his own* Don't do this Oliver. *loathing to take out his sword against his own brother, he's waiting until it's absolutely necessary*
Oliver: *his face contorts at the first question, his emotions in obvious agreement with his brother's assessment, as who but a monster would order one to attack his their own flesh and blood?, but his teeth gnash together and he finds himself gagged. Marcus had ordered them not to tell what had transpired in the woods. Drawing his sword higher, his face screwed up, he barely hisses* Draw your sword, brother. Defend yourself. *there's another note of desperation in his voice* Please.
George: *shakes his head slowly, though the grip on his sword remains, frowning as he sees the pain Oliver's going through etched clearly on his face--he was fighting an internal battle and given that they weren't trading blows yet, his brother was not lost, and he wouldn't give up on him. Lower your sword, Oliver. *firmly* Cast him out of your head--he is the enemy, not I.
Oliver: *at his brother's words his frown deepens and his eyes shut for a half moment. He bites his own lip hard enough to draw blood, jaw trembling and yet his grip on his sword only tightens with resolve; he was losing, and he knew it, and the resultant anger and frustration seemed only to hasten the inevitable truth of his attack--as if the angrier he got, he darker he got, and the more easily he was to be controlled. Caught in a viscous Catch 22--for how could he let go of anger for his weakness? When he was hurting his older brother, his best and closest friend, whom he knew would willingly give his life for his? Tears appeared in his eyes as they opened slowly and he shook his head in a bare whisper* If you choose not to defend yourself...*his heart thumps painfully loud, wishing his brother would strike first, stop him from hurting anyone* ...the fault lays with you. *he brings his sword down suddenly, though to Oliver he hardly feel it--as if his arm moved of it's own accord as it slashed straight towards his brother's heart*
George: *shaking his head slowly, lips pursed as he tries once more, speaking softly, almost pleadingly* Oliver. Don't. *seeing him about to strike, George steps to the side and draws his sword simultaneously, just in time to parry the blow, the clash of steel against steel ringing through the hallway. Pushing Oliver back using his sword, George huffs out, sword raised to block out any attack* Stop this, Oliver!
Oliver: *as the swords smash together and ring down the otherwise silent hall, the noise seems to jostle him, as if he understands that better than the soft refusal from his brother's lips--the finality in the sound hurt him and he let himself be pushed back, shaking his head repeatedly, angry tears still in his eyes, a pounding in his head and heart* I can't. *the whisper pitiful, wretched as he swings his sword again* You--you have to stop me, George, I can't.
George: *gritting his teeth together again, he blocks the swing again, not making any movements to strike offensively, fearing that doing so would cause his brother to react instinctively and fight back harder* You, can, Ollie, break free. *sidesteps and blocks another swing, exhaling roughly as he realizes Oliver's not letting up, and soon he'd have to strike back or be injured. Yet he couldn't take down his own brother, he couldn't and he wouldn't* Stand down!
Oliver: *despite the fact that the world was blurry with his unspilled angry tears, he found it easier to swing than think -- fighting was natural, fighting he was good at, and right now, thinking only made his heart ache, his head hurt. Heavy with his own regret, he growled at the barked command, shaking his head--part of him was thinking he knew he could easily overpower Ellen, could easily defeat Leanne--and heavens, Malcolm was only a month old--that it had to be George he fought, that his brother was the only one who could defeat him, hurt him hard enough to render him incapable of hurting anyone else--and for that reason along he jabbed forward again, hoping to provoke him into defending himself as he snapped as well* You don't --*with heavy breath, he swings again* Understand. It has-- *swing, smash* --to be you--I can't hurt anyone else! Please..*swings again heavily, spinning, a tear rolling down his cheek as he echoes* Please.
George: *hissing as Oliver's sword grazed his shoulder, unable to sidestep it in time, he shook his head stubbornly, thinking of something else he could do, but the blows were coming in too quickly for him to get out his wand and knock him out. Feeling like a heavy weight was sinking in to his stomach, he realized the logical solution but couldn't bring himself to do it. Breathing heavily, he blocked the incoming blows again, shaking his head* I can't.
Garrett: *after helping to carry Arabella inside, he was walking back outside when he heard the sound of swords. Taking his own out he walked quicker, following the sound of metallic ringing. Rounding a corner, his eyes widen to see Oliver and George fighting, the younger man attacking with all his might, while the eldest simply hit after hit, stepping backwards as he did. Running towards them, he quickly realized George had no intention of counter-striking Oliver's next move, which would be impossible to evade otherwise* George! *gripping the man's collar, Garrett spun him out of the way and onto the ground, leaving Garrett open to Oliver's attack as he had not been able to raise his sword in time*
Oliver: *his face contorted--almost angry now that his brother wouldn't do it, it fueling his attack he hardly hears the shout from Garrett as he brings his sword down heavily and fast, breathing harsh and rough with the effort, the metal ringing in his ears. He recognizes Garrett for a moment only, quickly reminded of his aggravation with the man for what he'd put his family through, though contrary to common sense that makes him less interested in attacking him--but he can't stop the sword, and it comes down into Garrett's side, jabbing at the underside of his armor and sinking into his flesh. He stands for a moment startled as the sword digs deeper and then backs up instantly, alarmed at himself and feeling a jolt--furious at his own action and overwhelmed, he drops the sword and starts shaking his repeatedly in an exhale of* No, no, no--
Garrett: *eyes widening in pain and horror as the blade digs into his flesh, his scream seems to be caught in his throat for it's soundlessly that he drops to the floor, sword falling from his fingers as he passes a gloved hand over the opening, starts shivering as the blood flows out of his body, fighting with himself to remain conscious, somehow remembering instinctively that he had a better chance that way*
George: Garrett! *pushing up from the floor, he sheathes his sword he moves to Garrett lying on the floor, digging for his wand instead and taking it out, muttering spells under his breath before exhaling, shaking his head before speaking quickly* The internal injuries are too severe, he's losing a lot of blood--Oliver help me carry him *gaze flicks to his brother briefly, momentarily worried* Focus on your guilt later.
Garrett: *shivering, he licks his lips, spluttering out a rushed* Just think us even. *gasping out, wincing before he grins, the pain catching up to him*
George: *frowning in disapproval while he bandages it up until he can get Garrett help* Save your strengths.
Oliver: *as Garrett falls, and the sword falls with an obnoxiously loud clatter of metal on marble, both of his hands go up to his head. One hand covers his mouth, his breathing heavy and hard, yet he stifles it as his chest seizes with pain and frustration, the other wipes off his forehead, trying to clean blood that had splattered from his hands. It's only when his brother shouts at him that had splattered from his hands. It's only when his brother shouts at him that he realizes the angry, evil voice in his head telling him it was his fault is now his own, that the pounding sense of obligation and crushing weight of the vampire's mind was gone, he'd thrown him out in his shock, and his face contorts as he's hit with full understanding of everything he'd done--from letting Marcus in to the manor to kill Damocles, to his fatal attack and he lets out a stream of curse words under his breath. Landing on his knees at the side of his fallen friend and his brother, he looks at them both a moment only--but in that moment, he looks drawn with heart wrenching guilt and apology, as he's reminded with the horrible sudden clarity that Garrett was due to be married--due to be a father, and now lay clinging on to life. Because of him. He smashes his teeth together as he clenches his jaw and breathes a wordless--and in Oliver's opinion worthless--apology as he nods in agreement with George and bends over to heave Garrett into his arms, helped with George*
George: *after taking a brief moment to ensure to himself that Oliver was of his own mind, a fact clearly evident by the pain and guilt in his brother's face, he wonders for a second what other atrocities he might have committed under the orders of the vampire before expelling it from his mind--the most important thing being to heal Garrett*
Garrett: *breathing in through his nose, eyes rolling in his head for a moment, the pain being unbearable and as he coughs, a small spray of blood emitting from his mouth. Biting down on his lip, he tries to stifle a pained groan as George and Oliver stand him up, intending on supporting some of his weight but as he tries to take a step for himself he gasps, blinding hot pain leaving breathless*
George: Don't--for Merlin's sake, Garrett--*places Garrett so Oliver and him could carry him fully and then begin to move him at the fastest speed they could manage towards the infirmary*
Oliver: *he instantly looks away from his brother, face contorted in pain and cheeks flushing in shame, focused on carrying Garrett--briefly impressed by the man's stubbornness*
Evelyn: *is standing near Arabella, still breathing very heavily; she'd washed the blood from her arms just to avoid getting infected and mixing with other patients, spots of blood still around her eyes. She's holding a water glass to her lips taking a deep sip when she sees them--as if in a sudden haze, for her lungs cease working, her heart starts a slow painful steady beat in her ears and the world stops for a moment. Jarred as she hears a crash, she realizes she'd dropped her glass when she'd already moved away from it, her face drawn in worry and shock, momentarily free of tears as she hurries towards all three of them, wary about getting in their way, breathing out terrified* Garrett!
Oliver: *his eyes shut as he hears Evelyn's worry, as soon as he and George heave Garrett onto an available bed he backs away in shame, letting her by him*
Evelyn: *her head snaps up as she hears Oliver mumble an apology he wasn't aware of and she looks at him accusingly for a few seconds, though she already has her wand out and is simultaneously helping divest Garrett of his ruined armor, and she blinks in confusion* Why are you apologizing? What happened? *her tone is sharp, even as she looks back down at Garrett, freeing his chest of armor and seeing the bandages, already flooded red again. Her heart falls into her stomach; she shakes her head violently to dispel tears as she grasps Garrett's hand again and looks back up. As Oliver had found no words to answer her, she looks instead at George*
Garrett: *wincing as every movement made just sends a wave of shocking pain up his side, groaning under his breath only once before he blinks, trying to clear out his eyes, his breath catching a bit in his chest as he hears a familiar voice* Evelyn. *whispers*
George: *helping to get Garrett onto the bed, he also shares some guilt about this, though he chooses not to focus on it for it wasn't about to get anything done. With only a brief glance back at Oliver, he looks at Evelyn, whatever discrepancies they had before becoming suddenly unimportant as he explains breathlessly* Oliver was trying to kill me under the imperius curse, and Garrett threw me out of the way, took the blow instead.
Garrett: *breathing a bit easier as he's freed of the armor though his shivering increases, the loss of blood affecting him, though he holds on to Evelyn's hand as she grabs it, not being able to grip it too tightly, before he mumbles out* Flesh wound.
George: *hurriedly* I would suggest delirium but that's just him--*exhales, looking back at Evelyn* Where's Healer Marian? He has severe internal damage. Maybe a broken rib.
Oliver: *as he hears it said aloud he grimaces, and as Evelyn looks at him he winces, stepping back and look at the ground, trying to stay out of the way now; noticing her hand had curled into a fist and realizing he wouldn't care if she hit him*
Evelyn: *her eyes had gone wide and unconsciously she nearly goes to hit him--but is pulled out of it as she hears Garrett say her name weakly; she looks down instantly, holding his hand tighter and she leans down, still listening to George, murmuring quietly* Shh, my love. What did you do now? *her voice sad, but she's smiling determinedly to give him as much hope as she could, and she looks back up at George, saying quietly* She's dead. She'd gone outside with Maeve...*she looks back to Oliver and says determinedly* Are you sure you're free?
Oliver: *only able to nod*
Evelyn: *she holds his gaze a moment and then ignores him, looking back down at Garrett and holding his hand tighter, shaking her head as she hears him saying softly* I'm right here. Don't you dare go anywhere on me.
Garrett: *through his blurring sight he sees Evelyn smile at him, responding with a small one of his own for as long as he could, afterwards closing his eyes as he fights off a grimace, coughing once and then exhales* Something stupid.
George: *unwilling and not wanting to get in between any moment of Evelyn and Garrett, and still feeling somewhat responsible for this, he decidedly waits until Garrett is out of danger before expressing his gratitude. Pressing his lips together at hearing Marian is dead, he exhales, passing a hand over his face* Who's here that can help? *his mind briefly thinks of Adelina, but he quickly casts that aside, knowing that Evelyn wouldn't leave Garrett's side and he was quite selfishly incapable of risking the two of them finding out about Adelina*
Garrett: Can't move. *chuckles which ends up turning into a cough he quickly stifles*
Evelyn: *her lips twitch without true amusement, muttering* Very stupid. *bringing her free hand up, unable to stop her smile from faltering as he coughs, breaking in worry and she brushes very gently against his cheek, brushing his hair lightly as she continues softly* Good. Save your strength. *in a heartbroken tease* So I can yell at you later.
Oliver: *he leans back against a column, eyes flitting across the room, however dazed and he nods as he see Theresa coming over, and he's sheathed his wand and sword, wary of touching them*
Theresa: *instantly speaking, not looking at Ollie, as George frets* I can. *she brings her wand up, jaw set in determination, ultimately unfazed by the blood still soaking forward*
Evelyn: *lifts up very slightly, wiping tears from her eyes and nods to Theresa as the two lock eyes, without letting his hand go*
Theresa: *steps forward now the Garrett's other side, looking down at Garrett's eyes for a moment saying in a soft, but stern murmur as she brings a belt up to his mouth* If you have to bite--bite on this. Okay? *she hardly waits for his agreement, simply lying the belt between his lips and then shuffles down to his abdomen, looking at Evelyn, knowing she won't want to move, saying just as firmly* Keep pressure.
Evelyn: *only nods, her free hand rubbing another fresh wave of tears from her eye, clearing with determination to help*
Theresa: *immediately leans forward, muttering a spell to first repair the cracked rib, waiting a moment for him to breathe again, and then starting to half-sing a low incantation, first cutting through the bandages and into the wound, ignoring the splattering of blood on her cheeks and hands, moving Evelyn's hand to the proper location and having her keep pressing, looking in and hissing at the multiple broken veins and arteries, keeping her mind as clear as she possibly can. Moving her wand now in a swaying pattern, she murmurs the spell stronger, trying to ignore the sounds coming from Garrett, sewing together as quickly as she could, swallowing tightly as she finishes. She gasps out in a breath as the spell ends before she moves to close his outer skin as well, bandaging quickly, throwing off the table the ruined, blood-soaked gauzes and replacing them firmly bound, pressing more gauze on top, closing the wounds--thankful for a moment that these close. As she pulls back, breathing heavily and wiping blood from her hand on the towel, she realizes she has no idea how long it had taken, or if Garrett had remained conscious, for she's swiftly turning to look for a Blood Replenishment potion, knowing that from here he has to recover himself; that she'd done all she could*
Evelyn: *the entire time Theresa had worked--which might have been hours for all she knew--she kept her hands where Theresa put them, her eyes firmly on Garrett's face, her free hand still brushing hair from his eyes--murmuring softly in his ear, promising her love, her always, though she hardly knows what she's saying she means every word, too lost in worry and fear to do anything else but hold his hand and pull back as Theresa goes for a potion, now murmuring softly* It's over.