art and science

Torben Leifson - warlock - brother of Fenrin, Jonna and Iver - Surgeon/doctor - Owner of the Eld Cottage Hospital for Supernaturals

[torbenfixesthings]

Torben had only waited for as long as it took his sister to get to the hospital before leaving after Magnus's call. After all, he couldn't just leave his patients with no one to look after them. He really needed to hire more people if this was going to keep up. As it was he took most of his small staff number with him to The Oracle & The Compass. Or the place where it once was in any case. He'd half presumed Magnus had been exaggerating over the phone.

"Bloody hell Magnus," he walked over to the other warlock, his eyes already assessing the group assembled on the pavement.

@magnus-fucking-bane

@lavinia-is-longing

@han-with-healing-hands

[magnus-fucking-bane]

"Don't you bloody hell me!" Magnus snapped back, flicking a puff of glitter at him. "You know damned well if I could do it myself I would have."

"I don't even know if there is anything wrong. I can't feel a damned thing and I would really appreciate if you would just help me instead of yammer on about how I interrupted your..." He waved a hand dismissively. "Whatever it is you do these days..."

Zander stayed where he was, glancing around at the lot of them. "Oh golly, Torben. Thank goodness you were able to come. I think Desmond and Thaddeus took a dip in the river. Alexander, Ophie and Xavier had a roof fall on them." He patted Rowan's hand. "Rowan and I are okay....I think. Ivy is in shock. And then..." He motioned towards Cami who was still being kept upright by Xypher. "Cami...and Vexx is okay...I think? And Chance well....I don't know. Does that help?"

[torbenfixesthings]

Torben threw up a small flame in front of himself that burnt off the glitter before it hit him. The last thing he needed was to be covered in the stuff. It always took forever to get rid of.

"Don't you two start with that nonsense," Amaia chastised as she came to stand next to Torben who'd been about to make a remark which probably would have gotten more glitter thrown at him. He looked down at her. Amaia might be his employee and much younger than him but she had this way of making him feel like his was a naughty child being told off by his mother. That look, the one she was giving him right now. That was the look. She turned it on Magnus then. "And you," she said to the High Warlock, "could have said please. There's no need to be rude just because you're tired,"

Torben was rather thankful when Zander started to fill them in on the state of everyone. His gaze jumped to each person as he spoke about them, formulating a plan. He frowned when he got to the child. "Thank you Zander, that was very helpful," he confirmed to the younger warlock. "As ok as you feel I still want to make sure you're checked out before we leave,"

"Right," Torben turned to his little team. "Han, please could you see to Cami first of all. Amaia, please check on Alexander, Ophie and Xavier. Lavinia please can you check on the boy," he knew they didn't need further instruction, so left them to it. "Jonna sent this for you," he continued, turning back to Magnus and tossing him a flask of hot tea, "Said it should help replenish your energy quicker if you've drained yourself," Then he was heading for Desmon and Thaddeus. "Do I want to know why you were in the river?"

[torbenfixesthings]

Torben had only waited for as long as it took his sister to get to the hospital before leaving after Magnus's call. After all, he couldn't just leave his patients with no one to look after them. He really needed to hire more people if this was going to keep up. As it was he took most of his small staff number with him to The Oracle & The Compass. Or the place where it once was in any case. He'd half presumed Magnus had been exaggerating over the phone.

"Bloody hell Magnus," he walked over to the other warlock, his eyes already assessing the group assembled on the pavement.

@magnus-fucking-bane

@lavinia-is-longing

@han-with-healing-hands

[torbenfixesthings]

Torben raised his eyebrows a fraction at that. With everything he said he was getting a better picture of the man before him. It wasn't one he was liking much. The fact that he'd happily sacrifice people to see such a thing ordinarily only deepened the dislike.

"I wasn't crediting him with anything. Merely observing the patient seems the type to discharge himself," he didn't like this situation one bit. But he also wasn't the sort to let fear tactics work if he didn't need to. Still, he'd do all he could to keep his staff, patients and hospital safe.

His eyes drifted to the ground before the hospital as the ground began to shake. So he was a necromancer then. Less than ideal but he still wouldn't let it scare him into giving up a patient.

When he looked up again he saw they were no longer along. He eyed the two warlocks with suspicion, not needing the necromancer to speak to them to know they were with him. It had been quite some time since he'd had to deal with anything like this.

"I would much rather keep things civil," he turned his attention back to the necromancer as he casually leaned against the door frame. "But if you're bent on escalating things you won't mind if I invite a few of my friends to join me? I'm sure Magnus Bane and Xypher Slade would love to be here for it,"

He was about to continue, pointing out a number of the other old and powerful Downworlders he could call on when a light chuckle reached him. It hadn't come from inside the hospital, nor from the three warlock before him. It's source was a woman he didn't recognise who was slowly walking towards them, hands clasped behind her back, observing them as she approached.

"I think you should let him invite them. It would be so much fun to watch," she said to the necromancer.

[marcus-is-death]

"Well...that wouldn't be very bright of him would it? Simply waltzing out into a battle field. Unless it was one of his own making it seems."

He tilted his head toward Cade who merely shrugged. There wasn't actually much for him to do. Not with the other warlock hiding behind the ward. Marcus tsked at that. "I do hate wards..." He mused. "Annoying little things. I had a ward maker at one point. I do believe she died of asphyxiation. Or something of the sort. Isn't that right?" He posed that question to Rhiatt who was watching the healer with a keen interest.

"Like I remember." He muttered. "I stand by my defense. I didn't force her to dive to her doom. She already knew lightning and water don't mix."

"I do believe that was the point." Cade mused, stroking his chin.

Rhiatt's lip quirked. "I wasn't the one who drove her mad with fright enough to jump in the first place."

"Boys..." Marcus chided. "Let's not be rude." Crossing his arms, he stamped the ground once and the shaking intensified. "Now that I think about it. Hospital's see death everyday...don't they? So...what's one more?"

He laughed at Torben's taunt. "Oh...clearly this is a civil conversation. These two..." He gestured to his warlocks. "Are mere minions. They take orders from me."

"Now who is being rude." Cade replied, coming to stand beside Marcus. "Bramble could probably give us a ladder of some sort up there. But who's to say the little vampire will still be up there? He's not keeping a very good eye on him after all."

At the mention of Magnus and Xypher Marcus laughed. Almost delighted. "Well sure...the more the merrier I say. Are they going to hide behind the ward as well? I was surely hoping for an entertaining evening."

His eyes never left Torben's as the strange woman appeared. Cade however, left his side to intercept her. Rhiatt merely squinted his eyes a bit. "Not a vampire." He decided.

Marcus chuckled at that. "Well then...the stakes it appears are on the rise." He tilted his head to their visitor. "And why is that, poppet? Will they do a trick?"

[torbenfixesthings]

It was true that he didn't much want the vampire as his patient after what he'd done. But he didn't much like being threatened or having his hospital threatened either. Now, on stubborn principle he'd much rather help the vampire get out without the necromancer catching him. Something that was strengthened the more these minions babbled on about apparently killing one of their own. He wasn't liking what their presence would mean for the city.

He couldn't really get a word in as the conversation continued. But then again, with the appearance of this other warlock maybe it would be best to let her take the brunch of the necromancers attention. With enough luck it would give him the chance to warn the vampire.

Amusement glinted in Moghedien's eyes as she watched the man step into her path. Protective little thing clearly. She stopped a little way off. "Oh yes, very impressive tricks. But shhhh, I don't want to spoil the surprise, poppet," she replied with a laugh.

[torbenfixesthings]

"It is rather gruesome," he commented with a slight grimace. "I won't have to do any forcing. Trust me, I know the sort. He'll be out of here as soon as he's able. So I'm afraid it is much easier and far more pleasant for me to just let his short stay run it's course, let him leave of his own accord. This is a neutral place after all,"

[marcus-is-death]

At the word gruesome, his lips spread into a promising smile. "I should hope so...pity I don't have anyone disposable enough to test that theory. We're preparing for war you know..."

He chuckled darkly. "Your giving Morpheus too much credit. Why would he order his weapon out of neutral territory? Or did you not realize that's what he was? Morpheus has been stewing in this area quite a while. Gathering his numbers around Chicago. Clearly it has something here he wants. Thing is...I don't take kindly to him interfering in my plans. So you see....I need that boy in there. And if you refuse to comply...I'll be forced to take other measures to get what I want."

The ground began to shake under their feet. "There are so many dead beneath this city...so much pain over the years...I wonder what would happen...were they all to rise and take their revenge?"

A few figures came into focus then. Wade and Rhiatt. The sky started to light up with lightning and darker clouds. But Marcus held up a hand to halt their movement.

"Is he afraid, Cade?"

"Not nearly enough..." He replied darkly, eying Torben with a raised brow.

"What's with the pleasantries? Let's just torch the perimeter. They'll have to come out then. Last I checked...smoke inhalation can still kill a warlock."

Marcus smiled at Torben then. "My apologies. My little ones are testy this evening. Care to try your luck?"

[torbenfixesthings]

Torben raised his eyebrows a fraction at that. With everything he said he was getting a better picture of the man before him. It wasn't one he was liking much. The fact that he'd happily sacrifice people to see such a thing ordinarily only deepened the dislike.

"I wasn't crediting him with anything. Merely observing the patient seems the type to discharge himself," he didn't like this situation one bit. But he also wasn't the sort to let fear tactics work if he didn't need to. Still, he'd do all he could to keep his staff, patients and hospital safe.

His eyes drifted to the ground before the hospital as the ground began to shake. So he was a necromancer then. Less than ideal but he still wouldn't let it scare him into giving up a patient.

When he looked up again he saw they were no longer along. He eyed the two warlocks with suspicion, not needing the necromancer to speak to them to know they were with him. It had been quite some time since he'd had to deal with anything like this.

"I would much rather keep things civil," he turned his attention back to the necromancer as he casually leaned against the door frame. "But if you're bent on escalating things you won't mind if I invite a few of my friends to join me? I'm sure Magnus Bane and Xypher Slade would love to be here for it,"

He was about to continue, pointing out a number of the other old and powerful Downworlders he could call on when a light chuckle reached him. It hadn't come from inside the hospital, nor from the three warlock before him. It's source was a woman he didn't recognise who was slowly walking towards them, hands clasped behind her back, observing them as she approached.

"I think you should let him invite them. It would be so much fun to watch," she said to the necromancer.

[magnus-fucking-bane]

[torbenfixesthings]

"For yourself or Xypher? Your plan to get him bedded didn't exactly work out,"

[never-the-innocent-one]

On the roof of Torben's hospital...

Remus found himself finally able to move about on his own. The hospital being a sensory overload for him. Even being up on the roof where he was, he couldn't get the sent of antiseptic out of his nose. Nor the metallic taste off his tongue.

He became aware of the reopening of his psychic powers as the thoughts and fears of the other patients started to seep in. Remus had emotional shields in place for as long as he could remember. Even then, such thoughts and emotions were always distantly there. Close enough for him to touch, but not to allow to touch him in the same way.

Morpheus had sent out everyone after him. Which felt odd. To be of that much importance in the game. He reached out through his links and touched each one of them. Just barely brushing over their minds. To communicate to them that he was aware of them. That once he'd regained his footing, he'd be out there with them.

He'd lost Mael. Which bothered him way more than he'd likely admit to. It wasn't that he held any affection for the other vampire. Affection was something of a enigma for Remus. Having never really had any for anyone. But he was responsible for him. And he'd been forced to cut their link. Not because Remus was bothered by his pain. As a leader, it was his duty to remain with his people to the bitter end. But he couldn't risk the Wizard gaining access to their underground network.

He wished he had the time to pinpoint Mael's location. His location would have given them the upper hand. But holding it open any longer would have had disastrous consequences.

Do you intend on hiding all day? Laszlo's lazy drawl rippled through him.

Why not? Fautus' amused voice answered. He's got quite the set up there. People fawning over his every whim. And I don't just mean Thalric.

Wait... Lorcan sounded confused. Aren't we supposed to be rescuing him?

That hospital right? Where the warlocks are? Nereus asked.

Do not pass the threshold of the hospital. We don't need to be ruffling the warlocks feathers just yet. Noctis chimed in.

Pretty, pretty feathers. Faustus sang.

Then how are we supposed to get Remus and Thalric? Lorcan whined, still completely oblivious to Remus' presence.

He doesn't need rescuing you dumb ass. Nereus replied. He's right here.

Faustus' snicker passed through Remus like water. 50 bucks says Lorc just looked behind him.

Shut up. All of you. Laszlo snapped.

Remus flopped down onto the roof, pulling his knees to his chest and resting his forehead on them. You are all so loud. He sent back. The rush of comfort he got from all of them was a little alarming, but not unwelcomed.

Orders? Noctis asked expectantly. Because why wouldn't Remus have a plan? He'd been conscious a whole five minutes.

Wait... Faustus cut in. I'm in the middle of something.

Your sexual escapades aren't of any importance to us. Nereus shot back.

Why not? It's not like any of you are getting any. Faustus repled. Well...except for maybe Thalric and Remus. How long has that dry spell been, Thal? You finally tap that?

Do I need to repeat myself? Laszlo monotoned through them.

Remus let out a little groan from where he sat. At this point simply hiding from them would do him no good. Fall back, yes, Faustus even you. Especially you. Noctis, we need a meeting with the Mikaelson's, all of them, get that. Laszlo let's leave The Soldier a little gift. He will be responsible for Mael. Lorcan I need a location on The Courtier. Laszlo and Nereus round up the others. And for the love of all things holy will the lot of you shut up, I've got a headache.

[torbenfixesthings]

Torben had taken the stairs two at a time as soon as he'd gotten out of view of the windows in the front doors. The hospital was neutral ground, and he wasn't exactly a fan of this particular patient but that didn't mean he'd stand by while he got kidnapped.

"We've got a problem," he said as he stepped out onto the roof. "Or rather you have a problem that is, by you being here, becoming my problem,"

[torbenfixesthings]

"If you think they'd pass the test of the wards. Though I must warn you it doesn't end well for those who don't. Took forever to get the staines off the stone last time. I mean all he did was put a hand on a window ledge and," he made a gesture that suggested some sort of explosion. "I wouldn't risk it if I were you. He's got to come down eventually right?"

[marcus-is-death]

Marcus eyed the hospital with a grim sort of resolve. "Yes well. I'd rather not lose any of my people...in that way." He hummed, assessing the roof. "So the protective barriers include the roof. Interesting. I do wonder...what if he doesn't come down? What would you do then? Force him out onto the street? Right into my hands? Why waste the time?"

[torbenfixesthings]

"It is rather gruesome," he commented with a slight grimace. "I won't have to do any forcing. Trust me, I know the sort. He'll be out of here as soon as he's able. So I'm afraid it is much easier and far more pleasant for me to just let his short stay run it's course, let him leave of his own accord. This is a neutral place after all,"

[torbenfixesthings]

"You're too late," he informed the other warlock, hands on his hips. "The wards informed me some hours ago that he's left the building. Against medical advice I might add," it was all technically true. Being on the roof wasn't being inside the building. Technically. "And as you correctly pointed out I'm happy to be rid of him so you can imagine I wasn't in any rush to stop him,"

[marcus-is-death]

"Ah..." He said as a knowing smirk passed across his lips. "My apologies in that case. So then you won't object to me sending my people up there to retrieve him.?" He jerked his chin upwards. "Unless of course you'd rather wait for his maker to come get him. Which...would end with far more blood shed than the path I am currently offering. That and it would put you on my good side."

[torbenfixesthings]

"If you think they'd pass the test of the wards. Though I must warn you it doesn't end well for those who don't. Took forever to get the staines off the stone last time. I mean all he did was put a hand on a window ledge and," he made a gesture that suggested some sort of explosion. "I wouldn't risk it if I were you. He's got to come down eventually right?"

[marcus-is-death]

@Eld Cottage Hospital

"I'm here to collect the little warlock vampire. Or is he a vampire warlock? It doesn't really matter to me. Nor does it matter if he wants to come or not. And don't bother with the protective nonsense about this being a hospital. You'll be happy to be rid of him."

[torbenfixesthings]

"You're too late," he informed the other warlock, hands on his hips. "The wards informed me some hours ago that he's left the building. Against medical advice I might add," it was all technically true. Being on the roof wasn't being inside the building. Technically. "And as you correctly pointed out I'm happy to be rid of him so you can imagine I wasn't in any rush to stop him,"

[call-me-the-cuddly-vampire]

Eld Cottage Hospital

Thalric knew he should have not left the compound as he did. And he certainly shouldn't have taken Remus with him. But as he stood before the entryway to Eld Cottage Hospital, Remus wrapped in a blood stained blanket, shaking as if he was in shock, he knew he couldn't have gone anywhere else.

When the door finally opened to him, he clutched Remus a little tighter. "Our quarrel is not with you." He told the person who answered the door. "We seek asylum. Remus..." Glancing down helplessly at his precious burden, he gave them a pleading look. "Please...help us?"

[torbenfixesthings]

On seeing who it was waiting at the door Torben folded his arms. He recognised them alright. And right now the last thing he wanted to do was let them into his hospital. He folded his arms, a frown creasing his forehead. Before he could get the word no out he found the door opening wider, Amaia now standing next to him.

She looked crossed than he did but he wasn't surprised when she said, "We have to held him,"

"You do realise that every single person currently occupying a bed in this hospital," he flung out an arm, gesturing back inside, "is because of them?" bringing his arm round to point at the pair on the doorstep.

"Of course I do," she snapped. "But we are healers and we do not discriminate," her tone of voice told him he'd already lost this very short argument. They stared at each other for a long moment, seemingly to silently continue it for a few moments none the less.

Torben turned back to the vampire, "If either of you hurt a single hair on anyone in this hospital I will see it that hell fire rains down on you both," he warned. Taking them into consideration he added, "Swear on his life," he pointed to the man the vampire was carrying, "that you will cause no harm, and wish no ill intention,"

[xypher-goes-boom]

“Damn straight I brought the place down. Fucking vampires. I warned him, didn’t I?”

[torbenfixesthings]

"And how was that received by the gracious host?"

[matildas-moods]

Reading in the Park

“And some part of that made think, ‘Ah yes, let’s approach a woman sitting on her own, clearly enjoying solitude and nature.’” She looked back up at her new company. “Is that accurate?”

[torbenfixesthings]

"So I should have just carried on should I? Just act like I don't owe you my thanks, and completely disregard the fact that I hadn't yet had to chance to do so?"

[kinda-dumb-but-pretty]

On the sidelines...

"He wouldn't really do that...would he?" He asked, considering contemplating the idea of the warlock bringing down the entire place with his smoldering intensite. But that took effort.

[torbenfixesthings]

"He absolutely would, and wouldn't think twice about it either,"

[dr-emma-paxton-pierce]

"Wait." Emma pulled back a bit to speak, head still hazy with a buzz. "This is probably an awful idea."

[torbenfixesthings]

"And why might that be?" he asked, but not trying to kiss her again in case she truly didn't want it.

[torbenfixesthings]

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss this for the world. The old grump being forced to tolerate a party in his honour,”

[torbenfixesthings]

Once again Torben pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath to settle his growing annoyance. Annoyance that was teetering towards anger.

His head wiped towards the doors as he heard one creek open slightly. A half-fae boy of thirteen poked his head out. "Is everything ok?" he asked a little groggily.

"Everything's fine, just some rather disruptive and uninvited visitors," Torben replied to the boy as he walked over to him, his tone now light and a little jokey. "Let's get you back to bed Ewen," he instructed gentle, taking hold of the door. The boy eyed the other warlocks warily before disappearing into the corridor. Torben followed, letting the door close behind him. A few minuets later he reappeared through the doors.

"Oh good, you're still here," he said dryly when he did. But he carried on, heading up the stairs towards his office.

[magnus-fucking-bane]

"Goodness. I'd forgotten how rude you were." Magnus replied to Torben's dismissal.

"Is that why you banned him from Chicago?" Vexx asked curiously.

"I didn't banish him." Magnus sniffed. "I merely suggested to him that he shouldn't come back until he learned some manners."

"Is that what you suggested to me?" Xypher asked absently, following Torben up the stairs as if he'd invited him to.

"I got no such request." Vexx whined. "Why didn't you ask me not to come back?" He asked Magnus.

"I have yet to come up with a way to rid myself of you." Magnus replied uncharitably. "Torben! Get back down here this instant! I haven't the time for your shenanigans!"

"Wasn't there a point?" Xypher asked Torbin. "To you storming the city as it is. And creating your little...." He glanced about the place. "Den of ills."

[torbenfixesthings]

"I'm sure that was London," he commented of his banishment, though it wasn't to anyone in particular.

Torben stopped half way up the stairs, turning to look at Magnus. "Why are you shouting again?" he asked, shaking his head a little before carrying on up the stairs.

"I didn't storm the city," he replied to Xypher, "I moved here to be with my siblings. That is all." On walking into his office he headed over to his desk and threw himself down in the chair behind it. Opening the bottom draw of his desk he pulled out four glasses and a bottle of Scotch. He poured a healthy measure in each and held one out to Xypher. Two he left on the desk and the other he took for himself, leaning back in his chair.

[torbenfixesthings]

"It really wasn't you that I was thinking about, funnily enough," Torben countered, ignoring the scowl.

"Don't worry, I'll just assume it's there," he then replied to Magnus.

He'd been going to reply to Magnus but Vexx continued before he'd even opened his mouth, so he didn't bother. For a moment Torben looked between the three other warlocks, piecing together what they were talking about. But as they continued, seemingly as if he wasn't there, he quickly lost interested. Closing his eyes he pinched the bridge of his nose.

When voices started being raised and glitter started appeared he'd had it. "Out," he said quietly at first but his voice was at a normal level when he continued, "Get out," He walked over to the back of the chair Magnus had conjured to sit in. Tipping it forward to knock the warlock out of it. "As I have already said once, this is a hospital. I have patients," he flung his arm out, gesturing to the set of doors he'd closed, "trying to sleep. And you come in here blathering on and shouting. So with the up most respect to your stations - kindly sod off,"

[magnus-fucking-bane]

Xypher squinted his eyes at Torben. "A hospital you say?" He widened his eyes at Vexx. "Did you know this was a healing establishment?"

Vexx smiled tolerantly at Xypher. "Why yes, love. That's what the sign says."

"Huh...." Xypher shrugged. "Well...who ever heard of sleep in a hospital? They constantly come in and bother you with pokey things."

Magnus was thoroughly offended at being dethroned. "Blathering on and shouting?" He turned to regard his friends. "Do either of you hear any blathering or shouting?"

"No." Vexx replied studiously. "I believe we were discussing the lack of vampires in Sydney and a pyro running amuck in Chicago."

Magnus pointed at him. "Yes." Then he turned back towards Torben with his hands on his hips. "You see? Vampires and pyros. No blathering or shouting. Though it would appear you are the one shouting."

"Certainly is." Xypher said offhandedly, considering the closed door with a wide berth. "You don't have any vampires in there do you?"

Vexx clapped his hands. "Oh goodie! We're having a soiree...and me without my top hat! Whatever shall we do?"

"The soiree was last night." Magnus reminded him with a glare that could have melted glass. "Again. Where neither of you were."

"Well...." Vexx said, turning towards Torben. "He was there wasn't he? Why didn't he help you then? I mean....he's a healer then, isn't he? We're standing in his hospital."

"What's the point in healing a vampire?" Xypher asked from the corner he was leaning against. "They're already dead. Aren't they?"

[torbenfixesthings]

Once again Torben pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath to settle his growing annoyance. Annoyance that was teetering towards anger.

His head wiped towards the doors as he heard one creek open slightly. A half-fae boy of thirteen poked his head out. "Is everything ok?" he asked a little groggily.

"Everything's fine, just some rather disruptive and uninvited visitors," Torben replied to the boy as he walked over to him, his tone now light and a little jokey. "Let's get you back to bed Ewen," he instructed gentle, taking hold of the door. The boy eyed the other warlocks warily before disappearing into the corridor. Torben followed, letting the door close behind him. A few minuets later he reappeared through the doors.

"Oh good, you're still here," he said dryly when he did. But he carried on, heading up the stairs towards his office.