#selise

[risrielthron]

When your friend tells you that the last time there were void issues in Stormwind it started with flowers...and you’re wearing a flower crown. *sigh*

@selisekinsolving​

[artistic-cocoon]

DnD shenanigans~

[khiara-moshroca]

Drinks and Plans

(written with @selisekinsolving, mentions at @nikkinightmane and @risrielthron)

Selise set her jacket on the back of her chair and waved the waitress over. "Mulled cider, please." She looked to Chery as she took a seat.

“Same please, miss.” Chery took her own seat and looked over at Selise, "That wasn't quite what I expected. What did you think?"

Selise rose a brow and started to pull off her gloves. "A little bit better than I expected, actually. What were you thinking we would find?"

“I really thought they would be better off. I thought the city was taking care of all the refugees.”

Selise shook her head slightly and shoved the gloves into the pockets of her jacket. "If we look to Westfall as an example..." she gave Cherysa a knowing look before the waitress came and set the two drinks down.

Lifting her mug with a nod of thanks to the waitress, she stared into the liquid a moment before she took a sip frowning as she set the drink back down, "I guess you're right. I just..." she sighed and looked back at Selise, "I thought we'd gotten better at helping since then." She shook her head, "Well, you said it was better than you expected, so what's the plan, doc?"

Wrapping her hands around her mug, a small smile forming as the scent of sweet spices reached her. "People try, but I've yet to see reciprocal action taken by the crown. If you ask me, we've abandoned far too much of our land and too many of our people..." Selise took a long sip of her drink. "But yes, the current situation is better than I expected. I'm happy to see that the camp doesn't appear to be under wide spread flu or infection outbreaks. They can spread quickly in those conditions. As for a plan...first of all, I'd like to put you in charge of the coordination between camps. You've taken on additional responsibilities at the office in the past year as well, assisting with more procedures. I think a raise is in order...if you'll agree to heading up these additional responsibilities and some others at the office that is."

The younger girl blinked a moment then nodded, "I can do that. What other things are you thinking I should do?" She sounded eager and leaned forward.

“Well in regards to the office, I'll pass off all of the ordering and managing the books to you. I can go through the books with you to show you all that. My focus is the camps though. I'd like you to visit the other two locations the elder mentioned and survey as we did today: number of individuals, current symptoms, estimates on supplies needed. You'll need to introduce yourself to the leaders there and working closely with them.

“That sounds doable. And what about patients? How do you want to handle your current roster?”

The doctor smiled lightly. "I had mentioned extra hours at the beginning of this...are you still up for that?

“Of course!  Whatever you need!”

Selise chuckled and took another sip of her drink. "You're welcome to work on it during normal hours as well if you need to, just let me know in advance. Cor and I can manage the slack."

"Alright. So, when should I try to head to the other camps? Do you want to get things going with the camp here in the city first before we branch out?"

“Yes, we'll get a set up going here first. With what we learned today, we can place a priority order for blankets, clothing, and the typical respiratory infection treatments. I have an account set up with the office with donation funds. You can place the orders and then get familiar with the other locations.”

Chery nodded, "I'll do that first thing in the morning. Should we start with like say fifty of each or should I scale it back to get it quicker?"

A shake of her head. "No, order the full amount. If they have to, they will short us and send us what they have. I expect you will be pleasantly surprised." She offered a small smile. "There's one other thing; I don't want you to travel alone. If at all possible, I'd like you to travel with Miss Nightmane."

The red-head gave Selise a surprised look but nodded, "I can do that. Probably safer to not go alone."

Selise rose her mug again. "Exactly," she replied and then drained that last of the mug.

A smile and Chery finished off her mug too. "Do you think there will be issue at the other camps? The elder seemed nice enough, should I get Miss Risri to go with me to the other camps?"

“It might be beneficial, especially with how reluctant the elder seemed initially.”

“Alright, I'll stop by her studio tomorrow afternoon and see when she can accompany me.

Selise nodded. "If you need anything, just let me know."

“Will do, Doc. Do you need me to do anything else tonight before I head home?”

“No, that about covers it. I'll have the communicator on most hours in case anything comes up. You have a good night.”

She stood and smiled, "Thanks for the drink. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!"

Selise looked up at Chery with a smirk. "Tomorrow is Sunday."

With a blush, Chery let out a “Oh!”

“Take a rest and go see Risri on Monday. Neither of you should be in an office tomorrow, anyway.”

She gave a weird look to her mug and shrugged, "Right...See you Monday. Enjoy your day off too then!"

Selise nodded and grabbed her jacket from the back of her chair as she headed for the door.

[risrielthron]

Families can be rough...

(Written with @selisegraves and @silentasagrave  continued from here)

"It's been awhile. I trust all is well?"

Her gaze shifted to Selise’s hand as it pulled the notebook close and the doctor began writing. An eyebrow raised as she lifted her eyes to Selise’s face, “All is well with Dra and I, and perhaps even better for you and Nick?” a smile playing at her lips as she spoke. 

Chery glanced between the two of them not sure what was transpiring between the two her expression full of confusion at the change in Risri’s tone.

Her gaze rose slightly before she looked down at her book again, but the smile was evident in her tone. “That is, um...accurate. It just happened a few days ago.” Selise looked up fully and shook her head at Cherysa’s statement. Was that a bit of color in her face? 

Risri’s smile broke through and she sat back looking over Selise, “Have you set a date? You will let me know if I can help with anything? Pictures or even just being there.” Her gaze shifted to Chery and noting the confusion she pointed to the ring on Selise’s hand. 

The red-head followed Risri’s point to Selise’s hand and the ring that she’d not noticed before. Her mouth fell agape and she looked up at Selise’s face then back to the ring then to Risri before back to Selise. “You...you got engaged?” She stammered then rose practically shouting, “You GOT ENGAGED!!” her enthusiasm back she moved around to give Selise a hug from behind, “Oh my goodness, Doc! I’m so happy for you. Is he that man that comes to see you when I’m leaving? I thought he watched you too closely but now it all makes sense!” her words were rushed and excited as she bounced back to her chair, “OH! Can I make your dress? Please!” 

Selise blinked before making a face as she was squished into Cherysa’s embrace. “Whoa, whoa, okay. I-I haven’t-” She sighed and pressed her eyes closed in an attempt to collect her thoughts, but only succeeded in making the color on her face more pronounced. Selise gave up and looked back to the two of them, a small smile on her face as she spoke. “Yes, you’ve seen him Chery, but you tend to cut out of here when he’s around...not that I’m complaining...We haven’t picked a date and I haven’t even thought of a dress. We were talking about something more low key…” she glanced off to the side. 

Risri watched Chery with amusement evident in her gaze, when the spectacle was finished her eyes lit on Selise and she felt a hint of sympathy for the obvious discomfort. She leaned forward and touched Selise’s hand with the ring gently, “Something simple yet dignified for the Doctor and her beau.” Risri sat back again, “Well, I am happy for you both and however you wish to seal your union is the right way. And you do not have to do it alone. I will help, you have only to ask.”

Chery looked a little set down at Selise’s words but she nodded, “I ...I still would make you a dress. Every bride should have a special dress.” She sounded meek but sincere as she gave puppy dog eyes to Selise. 

"Thank you, but…" Selise rose a brow at Risri. "'Beau', really? I think you've been hanging around humans too long." She smirked, but the sarcasm was short lived as she noticed Cherysa's expression. For a moment, she stared blankly at the display, then smiled. "Okay, Chery, but nothing crazy…" she was quick to add.

Chery clapped her hands and smiled, “I have the perfect look. Trust me.” Her eyes alight with excitement.

Risri chuckled softly at Selise’s comment, “Perhaps I have. But you are all so wonderful I can not stay away.” Her smile sincere as she looked between the two humans. “I wonder… do you wish to tell him yourself or should I break the news to Dra?” 

A quiet scoff escaped his mouth. Dragaur already knew. He found it laughable that either of them thought they could keep anything from him. He was in the back hallway as being outside made listening in on them difficult. He saw the ring days ago. It disturbed him then it disturbed him just as much now to hear the other two women talk about it. He was completely sure why. Could be because he thought Nick was a prick. Worse then that a know it all prick that thought he was better than Dragaur. Truth be told he never got a chance to get to know him but it didn’t take Dragaur long to get the measure of him. 

He took care of Tess supposedly, someone else he used to watch out for now and then who didn’t appreciate it. No one ever really does, he knew why but it was for their own good. He never sussed that relationship out. Brother and sister. Didn’t look alike, sound alike, or act alike. Then again Selise and he had their differences. Not as different as them though.

 Dragaur had stayed quiet long enough. He stepped out and leaned against the entryway to where they were sitting. He was wearing what he usually wore when he was stalking about. It was partly habit by this point. Dark armour and hood. Metal skull mask. The mask was more than habit. It was who he was. No one understood that. Not really, not even Risri. Sure he wasn’t a murderer anymore, usually. He could be one again very easily though hadn’t been that long since he’d killed. His thoughts were dark but that was normal. He took a breath before speaking in case they hadn’t noticed him. “We aren’t that wonderful Risri...anyway not much slips by me. Especially not stupid descions.” A low-pitched hum sounded behind the rogue as soon as he appeared. Cornelius’ size expanded slightly and the blue glow increased in intensity around the arcane familiar as it stared Dragaur down. 

“Cor.” The statement from Selise seemed to make the creature back down, but her tone matched its annoyed display. Cor stared at the rogue for a moment longer before bobbing around him and settling in behind Sel’s chair. “Hello to you too...Dragaur. I’ve heard the stupid decision lecture before, thanks.”

Risri blinked slightly as Dragaur made his appearance. Her silver eyes looking him over not so much in surprise but more to make sure he was all in one piece. “Perhaps not all are wonderful but those I spend most of my time with surely are.” 

Cherysa gave a startled gasp as the rogue appeared before eyeing Cor a moment.

He paid no attention to the arcane construct. It was no threat to him as far as he was concerned. It was probably made by some two bit garbage hedge mage. He rolled his eyes behind his mask. “Please when was the last time I gave you a lecture...I can’t think of one time to be honest. I mean I guess if you wanna go back to when you first moved here and I felt sorry for you because you were sleeping in a sewer pipe. I believe it went something like. That’s a bad decision because you will likely get murdered by a hobo for your shoes or your cloak. I mean compared to this current poor decision I suppose that one was worse.” He paused and looked at Risri and then Cherysa. For most people this particular group of people might make them feel awkward. Dragaur, not so much. He turned back to Selise and the glow behind his mask flickered slightly. “You can do whatever you want with your life little sister. I just wish you would marry someone nice. Ya know someone I might not kill in the future if they ever give me a good enough reason to do so.”

Selise’s gaze narrowed on her brother. “You’ve spoken to him for what, five minutes? He is nice. And it was a park bench.” She crossed her arms tightly and spun her chair to face him directly. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, now having forgotten the two other women seated around her. “People tend to say the same thing about you that you spout about everyone I know. The fact that I’m happy should be good enough reason for you to leave it all well alone.”

Risri sighed softly at the back and forth. “Can you not be happy for Selise? She is. I would think if he has thought enough of her to want to spend his life with her, and she has agreed, that should prove his worth. Can you not try to get along with him? Perhaps if you tried, you might find you like him as a person.” An eyebrow raised, “Or is that it? If you liked him, you might have to be nice to someone besides me?” 

“I specifically remember the culvert off the canals.” He smirked behind the mask. He was annoyed that she would get married to someone who was clearly a jerk. At least as much of a jerk as him, but he found the back and forth at least slightly funny. She probably won’t. “I can guarantee I won’t like him. He’s an ungrateful mouthy asshole at best. Besides I don’t HAVE to be nice to anyone including you.”

 He looked at Risri realizing he was going to have to fight her too if he was going to argue about this. “Anyway get married if you want. It worked out so well for our parents. Ask dear old father about it some time I think he would agree their marriage was a mistake. Maybe not being together but definitely the marriage. Afterall that’s when her shitty family got involved and helped make things difficult.”

Selise was silent for a few moments, but there was clearly anger building in her gaze. “Are you my shitty family that’s going to get involved and make things difficult? We’re not our parents.” She cast a sidelong glance to Risri and Chery before looking back to Drag. “Get out.”

Chery sat with eyes wide, her fingertips pressed to her lips as the “grown ups” argued back and forth. The red-head was no stranger to sibling fights but she hoped there would be no hair pulling involved. She gasped at Selise’s order. 

Risri shook her head and crossed the room, a hand on Dragaur’s arm she looked into the mask with a bit of a “please” look on her face, “What is done, is done. Will you try at least to be civil to the man your sister loves?” At Selise’s ordered statement, she glanced back before frowning up at him, “Have you two ever ended a conversation on good terms?  I will see you at home, I hope.” 

Dragaur stared at Selise for as long as he had before Risri walked over. He pulled his arm away from her and stepped back. “I don’t get involved in things unless I’m asked...or if I think you might get yourself hurt. I think he’s trash. Worse Trash then me and that’s sayin’ somethin’. He thinks he’s better than me. You and me aren’t so different though so I wonder what he thinks about you. He asks for my help with Tess and because I figure part of you cares about her maybe differently then she cares but still... I do it, And then gives me shit when it goes sideways. You marry him fine but you let him know he makes a wrong move toward you I’ll kill him slow.” Dragaur spun away and stomped toward the front. He yelled as he walked away. “What did he do to Tess anyway I haven’t seen her since.”

“Better than you? Is that what this is about, your stupid pride?” She glared at his back while he headed for the door. “I asked for your help, not him. Clearly one of my stupid decisions that you’re so fond of pointing out. Don’t worry, I won’t do it again.”

Risri looked hurt when he pulled away and she pursed her lips together at his angry words to Selise. A sigh of regret escaped when he walked away, the elf shaking her head at the turn of events. Risri eyes followed him even as the elf leaned against the wall where he’d been a moment before. There was no fixing whatever underlying issue was between the two siblings. The yell had her looking to Selise, “He does care you know.” Her words were soft though she figured Dragaur would hear them even across the room. She shook her head, Selise was likely to turn that anger on her now but she pressed on. “If he did not, he would not have said anything at all. You both are so stubborn.”  The last was half said under her breath.

“If I had any pride I never would have come here!” He shouted before pushing the door open. “Maybe I’m wrong and he's a great guy, but then that just means he's a pussy who can’t get his hands dirty! And he runs to a woman to fix his problems!” He turned again at the open door and saw a hand full of people looking his way. “Mind your fucking business you slack jawed morons!” His voice loud and deep and it soon scattered said slack jawed morons.

Selise’s gaze snapped to Risri, a dark look in her eyes likely brought on by her brother’s yelling which continued out into the street. “Risri…” she paused, her gaze narrowing before she shook her head. “You might be okay with expressing you care through death threats, but I’m not. You know him well enough to know he isn’t playing the ‘typical big brother joking around’. You...don’t understand and I wouldn’t expect you to, but I’m sorry you were in the middle of it.” She ran a hand through her hair and caught sight of Chery.

Chery frowned, she could sympathize with not liking your brother-in-law. She thought hers was an idiot. And she would never understand how someone like Jazi could even like let alone love Dunn but she agreed with Selise, death threats were not the way to keep family harmony. Her head was nodding at Selise’s words to Risri, however. 

The elf sighed and gave Selise a contrite look. “He takes things to extremes. And...he is overprotective of those he sees under his care. Perhaps his wording was harsh, but can you not see that he wants you safe? Even if it was a bit over the top. But you did not see your parents together the way he did. It scarred him and his view of all things.” She put up her hand, “I will not make more excuses for him. I hope that you will find it in your heart to understand where he is coming from. And I will do my best to talk to him. Not just for your sake.” She pushed off the wall, “I am happy for you Selise. For both you and Nick. And if you love him, then I want only your happiness.” She moved to follow Dragaur, “I hope this will not change our plans, I shall see you tomorrow if it does not.” 

Selise simply stared at Risri, a bit of an edge returning as she held up her hand. Still, she said nothing and waited until she too had left. “Let me know when the next patient shows up,” she mumbled toward Chery before retreating to her lab in the back.

[khiara-moshroca]

Antidote

(written with @selisekinsolving​), Part 2 continued from here

Chery settled Tess on the floor near the door, she pulled a stuffed bunny from her bag and handed it to her niece, “That’s alright. She’ll stay here. Won’t ya Tess.” Chery smiled at her then turned fully to Selise stepping close to look at what the doctor was doing. At the question, her gaze met Selise’s “Disturbances?” She then made an “Oh” sound, “The stuff at the cathedral? I couldn’t go in to volunteer the other day cause they had it locked down. But it was opened back up later that day. Jazi had found me by then so I didn’t go in, what happened, do you know?”

Selise gave Cherysa a skeptical look as she placed the toddler on the floor. “Not specifically, no, but I’ve heard the stories flying around the city. They don’t sound too far off from an outbreak that swept through some years ago. To the untrained mind, the void can drive you mad. Even practiced users run the risk. This antidote worked in the past. I want you to learn it...just in case.” She stole a glance towards the child again then walked over and gently scooped her and her bunny off the floor. “I will walk you through it.”

Chery watched Selise with a little bit of amusement but quickly hid it as the doctor turned back around. She eyed the vials and jars laid out on the table then turned back serious and ready to get to work, “So this antidote, it works for everyone?”

“It did the last time.” She adjusted Tess onto her hip. “But every situation is different. I would advise you only attempt this as a last resort. The people I was treating were so far gone that they no longer recognized family nor reality. The side effects are severe, intense full body pain that can last for hours or days and eventually vomiting up what appears to be black sludge. That ends it, but it’s a process that is hard on the patient and can kill them if they can’t handle it. I did not use it until one of our own doctors tested it on themself…”

Chery’s eyes went wide at the explanation. She listened, her expression going from disbelief to concern, “Goodness. That seems dire. What was the black sludge? Some kind of contaminant?”

“I can’t say, but the symptoms were caused by the influence of Old God magic.” She nodded to the vessels on the table as she spoke. “Stonebloom, ground fine. Bitterblossom buds, harvested fresh just before opening. Darkflame ember, frequently found in Twilight Cultist camps. The herbs grow in Mount Hyjal. The cultists are harder to pin down, but mercs usually have good information.”

Chery had pulled out her notebook and started taking notes while Selise spoke, “Cultist camps?” she mouthed as she wrote that down. She looked up as she finished, “So do I only use it in a worst case? Or can it be used before someone is infected or whatever?”

“Worst case. It’s an antidote, not a vaccine. Never was able to get my hands on that…” She shifted her weight a bit and made a face as a bunny butt was shoved into her cheek.

(art by @seraphimalexandraart​)

“So, what you need to do is combine equal parts Stonebloom and Bitterblossom and heat it over the darkflame ember until the blossom liquefies. Stir it frequently until boiling. You’ll know it’s done when all the grains of Stonebloom have dissolved...and by the smell. Make it in small doses, it doesn’t keep for more than a few hours.” (Lore reference here)

Again the red head made notes, looking up at the ingredients as Selise named each step off. At the giggle from Tess, she shot a glance over and bit the inside of her cheek at the sight of Selise’s face and her niece giggling as she said “Bunny like.”  

Chery turned back to her note-taking before Selise could catch her looking.  At the mention of it not keeping, “Does it change color or anything to let you know its not good anymore?”

“Bunny has a very creative name…” she looked back to Chery. “It will have no odor...trust me, you’ll know. Give it a go then.”

[khiara-moshroca]

Antidote

(Written with @selisekinsolving)  Part 1

The com buzzed to life a little after nine bells in the evening. “Chery, are you available?” Selise asked.

The return call was answered several minutes later, it sounded as if Chery had been running as she spoke, “Doc? What’s happened?” 

“It’s not an emergency, but it could prove important. I know it’s late, but can you meet me in the office? I need to show you something.”

There was a small silence before Chery came back through. “Um..give me about ten minutes and then I’ll be on my way. And uh, Doc? I’m watching Tess...so I gotta bring her.” 

This time there was a pause. Sel’s tone was strained as she replied. “That’s fine. Lock the door behind you and come back to the lab.”

“Okay.” came the reply and the comm went silent. In Chery’s apartment, the redhead stood in the center of what could only be called a disaster zone. Her two days off had been non stop wrangling of the two year old broken only by sleep time when the two fell into Chery’s small bed exhausted. The urge to hurry suddenly overtook her and within the promised ten minutes, a clean Tess and slightly messy Chery headed toward the doctor’s office. When they arrived, Chery locked the door and headed toward the back as requested carrying the toddler who was wide eyed and chatting in her own language at her aunt.

“Hey, sorry Jazi can’t get a hold of Dunn and so she left Tess with me to chase after him in Uldum. I’m sure she’s gonna find the nerd broke his communicator and is knee deep in broken pottery.” came Chery’s rushed excuse as she opened the lab door.

Sel turned away from the bench and looked over the chattering child. “Hm, it has been awhile, hasn’t it?” She looked back to the workspace and rubbed the back of her neck. “I suppose you could hold her and just watch. I can write out notes for you.”

The lab area had been cleared of Sel’s standard setup and replaced with a large beaker suspended over a heating element, but the burner was missing. A vial that looked to be filled with dust sat next to a medium sized jar which contained bulbous purple plant buds. In a tightly sealed vessel near the beaker was an ember that was aflame with a dark light, ever burning without a heat source and giving off a purple glow.

The doctor crossed her arms. “I assume you’ve noticed the disturbances in the city?”

[risrielthron]

In Need of Help

(Written with @selisegraves)

Risri knocked even as she opened the door to Selise’s practice. The waiting room had a mom and her kids, one of which was clearly not feeling well the other though seemed to be giving Cherysa the challenge of putting things back. The red-head turned at the sound of the door opening and smiled at the elf, “Good morning Miss Risri! You need the doc?” 

The elf motioned an elderly woman and man inside and bade them to sit a little away from the mom with her sick child before turning to Cherysa. The child that had been running around stopped and stared at the tall elf before going back to his mother. “Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson should see her.” She stepped closer lowering her voice, “They have been living in the camps and I am going to see about getting them housed in the city but wanted them both to have a check up. And to get them out of the cold.” 

Chery nodded and pulled a clipboard from a stack, moving over to the couple she spoke quietly with them before handing Mrs. Stevenson the paperwork and leaving her to it. Coming back to Risri, “Did you want to talk to the Doc?” 

The elf had watched quietly and smiled over at the couple when they looked to her for reassurance. “I will return in about a half hour, I am off to see a friend about a place for them. I will wait to see her after, if she has time.”  With that she returned to the couple, spoke a few words to them and then left them in Chery and Selise’s capable hands. 

True to her word, barely a half hour had passed when Risri and a young brunette reentered the Doc’s office. The waiting room this time was empty, even Cherysa was not there to greet them. Risri and the young woman sat down and spoke quietly, until Chery appeared from the back, “I’m so sorry, can I help...Oh Miss Risri welcome back! The doc is in with the couple now should be finishing up shortly. Can I help your friend?” 

Risri smiled at Chery’s enthusiasm and gestured to the brunette, “This is Kay Peyton. She runs a home for elderly and has a space for Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson.” The brunette smiled and shook Cherysa hand as the girl came close. 

“A pleasure Miss Peyton.” 

“Likewise, I am glad I had the space. With winter coming, I usually find that I’m at capacity.” The young woman looked sad a moment, “But we lost Mrs. Wyles a month ago…” She shook her head, “Still the Light provides where it is needed.” Her tone matter of fact. “We will take good care of the couple and if the Doctor says they need to come for visits, we’ll help there too.” 

“Yes, that should clear it up in a few days.” Selise’s voice sounded from the hallway as she ushered the couple back towards the front room. “Are you able to get out of the elements?”

“Miss Elthron mentioned someone who may be able to help.” The raspy voice was punctuated by a small coughing spell.

Selise nodded, spotting the elf in question seated in her waiting room. “Let’s see. If not, I can look into some things as well.” She motioned to the available chairs for the couple and remained standing. “Risri, you were securing housing?” 

The sound of Selise’s voice had the elf rising and indicating Miss Peyton. “Yes, this is Miss Peyton.” She spoke at the elderly couple before smiling over at Selise. “Kay, this is Doctor Graves and these are the Stevensons.” She introduced the young lady to Selise and the couple. “She has a room for you both.”

The young woman rose and nodded toward Selise before holding her hand out to the elderly couple who were taking the seats next to her. She smiled wide greeting them both kindly, “I have a first floor set of rooms available and Cook will make you whatever you like for each meal.” She looked over her shoulder to Selise, “Anything I should know for their care, Doctor?” 

The doctor inclined her head towards Kay and watched her interaction with the couple curiously. “Rest and fluids. A warm bed will go a long way if you can provide that, Miss, the medication will do the rest.” She looked towards the couple. “Of course if you have any other questions or don’t improve in a couple days, please let us know.”

The couple and Kay nodded, after a quick few words with Risri the three headed out of the doctor’s office. Risri turned back to Selise after they left. “Thank you, Selise. I wish to pay for the services you gave them. No bill for them please.” She dug within her pouch pulling a smaller purse from within ready to make good on her words. “There are more at the camps, that I would like to bring, and take care of the bill for if you will allow it.” 

Selise rose a brow and passed the payment to Cherysa. “Good to see you too, Risri,” she eyed the other woman up and down. “Surely you don’t intend to pay for the medical care of all the remaining refugees. I know it’s that time of year, but…what brings this on?”

The elf shook her head, “They have nothing still and the few relief organizations seem to have either dried up their support or have moved on to other problems.” She sighed, “My Teldrassil book sold … and there were donations made in huge amounts... “ she looked slightly embarrassed her violet skin darkening slightly. “I have to help. I have an account set up for all the proceeds and donations, I just have not found any organization worthy of managing the funds.” Her gaze lifted to Selise, “And I have an idea for a second book, if it sells even half as well as the first…” she trailed off again. Looking between Cherysa and Selise, “They are proud though and perhaps still a little rough around the edges when it comes to getting help from the rest of the Alliance. I tried giving the funds away but found out they were just giving it away to the Stormwind beggars…” She trailed off again and looked a little flustered by it all.

Selise exchanged a brief look with Cherysa. "Sit with me for a bit?" As she offered, she stepped around the one closest to her and took her own advice, waiting briefly for Risri and Cherysa to join her before continuing.

"You bring up a good point. I still see Kaldorei, and even Rendorei, that don't seem to have anywhere to go here. I had assumed there was some relief set up for them, but maybe not enough based on what you're saying. If you want to use your funds to have us treat them, I'm not going to disagree. However, I still have donations that were given with the intent to use for our free clinics, which I've not gotten myself organized enough to restart."

Selise gave Cherysa a pensive look before focusing back on Risri. "I've wanted to do something with the funds ever since Argus...perhaps it's time we start again. It's free and optional, they can come here or we can go to them. Whichever you think would be better received."

Risri took a seat as Selise began, the red-head following and sitting at the table too. A hopeful look came over the elf’s features. “We could do this, together. With both sets of funds, we could at least start to get those who need the most help the medical attention and supplies needed to make it through the winter. Yes?” 

"Of course, that shouldn't be a problem. About how many individuals do you think? It will help us gauge available funds and well…" Selise paused and directed her question at Cherysa. "Do you think you're able to put in some extra hours this winter?"

Chery nodded a little bit of excitement evident in the red head’s eyes, “I can do that, doc.” 

Risri thought about what she had seen, “There are several hundred spread out over the different camp grounds here in Stormwind. I know there are some in Elwynn as well. Should we make plans to visit and you can get a sense of what all you might need so we can make a plan?”

Selise smirked at Chery and looked back to Risri. "That would be best. We're available after five thirty most afternoons, the sooner the better. In the meantime, I can reach out to a few other medics who might be willing to put in volunteer work." She pulled her notebook over and began jotting down a few things.

[risrielthron]

A visit starts

(written with @selisekinsolving​ continued from here)

Luckily there had been no walk-ins or emergencies to keep Cherysa and Selise from making their appointment. Selise waited on the front step of the office while Chery gathered her things. The doctor was bundled up with scarf and gloves even though the southern city's winter was arguably more mild than the season had been in Southshore. There was at least an hour of light left, hopefully enough to get the job done.

Risri came around the corner and upon spying Selise offered a smile, "I hope I am not too late?"

Even as Risri spoke, Cherysa burst out of the doctor's office coming to a halt as she saw the two standing there. "Ready!" she offered enthusiastically before closing the door and locking it behind her.

Selise glanced up and shook her head. "Right-" Chery's enthusiasm cut her off, but also brought the only genuine smile of the day to her face. "-On time." She motioned for Risri to lead the way as she descended the few steps. "You mentioned you didn't know how well this would be received. Are there many not willing to accept assistance?"

Risri led the group toward the refuge camps near the embassy, she spoke quietly as they walked, "Some of them are leery. There were unscrupulous types preying upon the refugees when they first arrived, some are hostile to any strangers."

Chery followed behind the two, a clipboard in hand ready to write down anything the doc needed.

Selise's lips pressed into a thin line for a moment. "Some things never change," she sighed. "I'd prefer to not gamble tonight. Do you know of any who are willing to speak with us or are we taking a shot in the dark?"

Risri nodded, "I have made arrangements. Alvinra is one of the elders who is respected within by all. She will be meeting us at the gates and take us through."

"Hm." The lack of further response stemmed from Selise observing the area surrounding the embassy as they drew closer. She used to sit out at the pond frequently due to its relative solitude. Her last visit had kept her away from the area and from observing just how many had been displaced. Her pace slowed and she fell into step with Chery, speaking quietly as Risri led them to the meeting spot. "Please be on your guard, the notes can wait." She held out a hand for the clipboard. "We'll grab a hot drink afterwards and write everything down."

Chery nodded and handed the clipboard over. She stood a little straighter and her eyes were wide just in case.

Risri greeted another elf waiting at the gates leading into camps. She spoke in Darnassian for a few moments before waving Selise and Cherysa over. "Alvinra, this is Doctor Graves and her assistant Cherysa Amberstill."

The Kaldorei bowed her head and spoke in halting common, "Sister Risri tells me you are one who practices healing...There are many who are un-trusting of all but the simpler ways. Risri said you can do so with out magics...yes?"

Selise inclined her head. "That's correct. We can either mend using the Light or using traditional medicine. It's up to the patient, unless there's something serious where I would recommend otherwise, but those cases are few and far between. Do you have any healers among those gathered?"

The elder made a small tsking sound, glancing at Risri a moment before she turned back to the doctor and answered, "Almost all went with Tyrande. What are left are mostly novices. They handle the smaller things, but we are lacking knowledgeable healers. There are maybe ten seasoned healers to take care of three settlements like this one. We are making due, but with the winter season upon us..." she let the thought drift off before turning to look over the makeshift dwellings. "Those who were able have left these camps already. What is left are what you see here..." she turned her gaze back on the two humans, "We are managing but just so."

Selise slipped her hands into her pockets as she listened. "Understood." Her gaze traveled past the elder at the encampment beyond. "About how many individuals in each settlement?"

"This one can hold a hundred. Right now it is a little less than that. The camp in Elwynn is significantly bigger but I do not believe it is a max anymore. And the other camp near Westfall, I have not been to." She looked at Risri for help.

The photographer gave a gentle shrug, "I can ask next I visit but it seemed to be in line with the one in Elwynn."

There was a moment's pause before Selise nodded and continued in an even, calm tone. "We can start with that and figure out the rest as we go. I'm told there are some who are not in the most welcoming of spirits, which is understandable. It would be helpful to see the conditions of the settlement, but only if you feel it will not cause incident."

The elder nodded, "I will take you through and we can stop where I know you will not be hassled. Those who are distrustful, most will come around if you are seen more often." She offered a kind smile then to the two, "I do not mean to be standoffish, Risri tells me you are good people," she patted Risri's arm, "And this one has been a boon to those uncertain of living in the city."

Risri shook her head at the praise, "It is the right thing to do Sister Alvinra." Her gaze went to Selise and Cherysa, "Do you want to see the entire camp or just the areas that might need your attention the most?"

Selise smiled faintly. "It would be helpful to see the full scope of what we'll be dealing with. We can help with what we currently have, but if we can start planning now, we may be able to make up for whatever we're short on."

The small group headed through the gate to begin their tour of the refuge camps.