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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 25, 2007 23:43:07 GMT -5
"I've been through worse, Doctor. You know that." he said as she helped him remove his shirt. Nicholas' everyday physical exercise became very obvious as to its benefits; his arms, shoulders and abs were trim and well formed and his body seemed to be in excellent shape.
Were it not for the surprising number of scars across his body. They peppered his chest, stomach, ribs and back; the effect being rather surprising this man is still alive and a tribute to his stubbornness.
He winced a bit as she prodded his fresh wound. "The old wounds are fine. I just guess my ribs are still a tad fragile. I'm pretty sure it's at least fractured. It's a little hard to breath, but then again, it's nothing compared to last time. I'll survive." he said, doing his best to naturally shunt aside the pain. He cast a look to the Headmistress, blushing slightly at his lack of clothing. "Well, uh...Headmistress. I'm quite certain I know what it is you'd like to know and would think it better if my wife were not present, but I don't think so."
He gave Orynn a brief glance. "She was there when it happened, so it's no big secret."
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Post by Aesir MacLeod on Nov 26, 2007 0:19:27 GMT -5
Aesir listened to Shellivi's explanations of Nicholas and the Deputy with the occassional nod and affirmation, keeping his mind on the conversation at hand. When she began talking about her "convenience" of being an Animagi, it took all he could from taking a few steps forward to give her a comforting hug.
Ah, of course. The wonders of wizarding world 'conveniences'. I wouldn't know.
Instead, he took his broom from his shoulder and sat on it, speaking in a quiet tone passed the lump in his throat. "Aye, why don't we take this outside. It be a beautiful day, I see no point in wasting blue sky by staying in here. Lead the way, Shellivia." he said, in a surprisingly compassionate and sympathetic voice.
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Post by Dr. Althea Lannsman on Nov 26, 2007 0:28:45 GMT -5
Althea twisted open the jar of Bruise-Healing Paste and scooped some out, rubbing the yellow sticky substance gently on Nicholas' nasty bruise. It began to disappear.
"I know you've been through worse, I'm just be careful and thurough as always." She checked his ribs agian, this time finding the exact rib which fractured, sending a twinge of pain shooting through his body. "So sorry dear" Her expression was an appologetic one, "Yes you do have a cracked rib... It's ok, you be as good as new in about 45 mins... I think you can tough it out." She lifted her wand and pointed it at Nicholas' side. "Resarcio os." The pain dulled a little as the rib began to knit back together.
She glanced back over to Orynn and stared at him briefly. "If it's about Our wonderful school days, then yes, I agree with Nicholas. There's no sence in hiding it...But if it's really a consern, I'll leave." She pulled the blankets over Nicholas up to his shoulders and gave him a quick kiss.
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Post by Elsbeth Pierce on Nov 26, 2007 7:01:39 GMT -5
"I suppose for this background information, it may be important for you to be here, seeing as you say you were there at the start of all this."
She placed her hands on her hips and said, "Now, what is it that makes you two so obviosuly uncomfortable to even be in the same room together? And how dare you let that rivalry show in such a way before the students?!"
"Had I known this beforehand, I wouldn't have agreed to allow this duel to take place between you two..." she said, her voice lowering a little, and calming down.
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 26, 2007 11:04:56 GMT -5
"As far as I can remember it, Headmistress," Nicholas began, sitting up from the bed. The blanket fell from his shoulders as he winced slightly, his voice tinged with surprised anger. "I wasn't the one who continued the duel once you said to finish. I ran over to help Orynn, and that's acting out of line? All I tried to do was finish the fight before he would use anything more violent than the last spell he used. Did you expect me to stand there and let him hit me with those, Headmistress? Or wait until he used something more potent to cause even more harm to me? And when did I ever use a spell that would have hurt him? If you think the sword was there to wound him, you'll be thinking incorrectly. The only time I hit him was when he transfigured himself into smoke."
He looked to Orynn, a displeased look in his eye. "Had I known he still finishes duels the ways he sees fit, I wouldn't have let it continue myself. I only assumed he would have grown up after all these years, especially matured since he Deputy Headmaster. I'm sad to see I was mistaken."
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Post by Dr. Althea Lannsman on Nov 26, 2007 12:16:57 GMT -5
Althea interjected quietly, "It isn't the first time Orynn didn't stop after the end of the duel was called..." She cleared her throat and shuffled a bit side to side. Obviously, the subject bothered her.
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Post by Elsbeth Pierce on Nov 26, 2007 23:23:02 GMT -5
Elsbeth was very much disappointed in her staff, and hse made no attempt at hiding that fact. It was worrisome that such adults couldn't hold back from an old grudge, but it was somewhat understanddable that in a school such as Hogwarts, old House rivalries may stay well after one had graduated from the school. She wouldn't really know so much, seeing as she had never attended Hogwarts as a student.
"Yes, Sir Lannsmann, I understand that you may not have done anything with such bad intentions, however, the fact still remains that this duel did not end favorably for either of you."
She crossed her arms over her chest, and spoke with a stern voice. "If you knew that something like this had happened in the past, why would you agree to a duel today knowing full well the risk involved?"
"And you, Orynn, why after I gave you a warning, did you go against my better judgement? I understood you to be a mature adult, capable of duelling in a proper manner. Was I wrong?"
Acknowledging Althea, Elsbeth turned back to Nicholas. "As Althea just said this wasn't the first occurence, please, gentlemen, do enlighten me."
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Shellivia Nos Taronin
Wizard
Care of Magical Creatures
Not all magic is wisps of smoke and flashy bangs...
Posts: 125
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Post by Shellivia Nos Taronin on Nov 26, 2007 23:37:09 GMT -5
Shellivia gave Aseir a quizzical look and seemed to shy away from his broom. "Alright then, follow me." She said and walked carefully the rest of the way out of the school.
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Post by Dr. Althea Lannsman on Nov 26, 2007 23:52:06 GMT -5
She listened to what the headmistress had to say and felt the need to pipe up, "Ms. Pierce, I am aware that such a display in front of the children could have been handled better, but I just want to make it clear that we all watched that duel- Nicholas did not intentionally harm Orynn... He had no way of knowing that cutting through smoke would have done harm. You heard Orynn yourself, just now- only he knows that secrets of that transfiguration spell... And dispite old rivalries, Nicholas rushed forward to help Orynn after he realized what had been done. That's when you called the duel- Orynn apperantly decided to retaliate with excessive force."
She pointed to Nicholas' chest. "I don't think it's fair to be blaming Nicholas as well, it's clear that it's Orynn's actions what should be called into question."
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 27, 2007 1:08:49 GMT -5
Nicholas now swung his feet over the side of the bed, looking to the Headmistress as though he had been physically struck by her. "With all due respect, Headmistress, are you saying that the duel ended unfavorably because of my actions; going to help a fallen Professor? That my intentions, which were 'not bad' as you said it before, were the reason as to why things went out of control?" he said heatedly, sounding incredibly insulted.
This time, he stood onto his feet. "And are you chastising me for giving someone else a second chance? The fact that I had put my trust, my health on the line in that man over there to bury the hatchet, assuming he was to have matured, that I am partly to blame? For trusting the Deputy Headmaster? Shouldn't I? I thought we're supposed to trust each other. And in case you have forgotten, a duel, even though is a mock combat situation, is still combat. Combat is never safe. There is always a risk when fighting Headmistress. There's no need to remind me. I didn't get these scars or almost die while playing Poker!"he said, his voice rising in anger until he yelled out his emphasis on 'die'. He steadied his breathing a bit.
Nicholas fixed her with a wounded look, speaking in a calmer tone. "I'm sorry if I was out of line to give Deputy Headmaster Novim a second chance and offer my aid when he was injured. If that is what displeases you, I won't give him any more chances or assistance."
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Orynn Novim
Wizard
Former Deputy Head Master and HoH Slytherin
It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake ~ HLM
Posts: 342
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Post by Orynn Novim on Nov 27, 2007 2:30:26 GMT -5
From Orynn's point of view, it was all as if a really poor play were taking place. The type of thing you couldn't eat popcorn to, no matter how hard you tried.
Orynn had all but completely recovered from his wound, but time would tell whether he'd be a hundred percent. For now, he had present matters to attend to.
He resisted numerous bodily functions during the speeches, and out bursts from all parties: Rolling his eyes, making the sounds associated with stifling a laugh, to waving his hand in irritation as a way of saying 'be gone.' Nope, Orynn just sat still and didn't make a sound. His gaze was downwards, and his eyes were closed as if he was in some sort of mock meditation. It was only after the Knight's last words that Orynn made his presence known again.
"Hmph."[/color] By doing so, he probably had all eyes on him now. Orynn own gaze finally lifted, his eyes opening as well. He did not smile, at least not with his lips, but his eyes gave him away as someone who was probably enjoying this more than he should in some twisted manner.
"Before we proceed, let's not leave the Headmistress in the dark any longer."[/color] Some may have expected him to ask permission from other parties, but Orynn did not such think. He looked to Elsbeth, his superior, and began his story telling.
"I did not seek work after my last year at Hogwarts. I traveled to many places to further my knowledge and hone my skills in the Magical Arts. Specialized studies, but I won't go into details.
"Michael Winslow was the Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts of the time, and I was one of his favored pupils. He got into contact with me, and requested I pay a visit to his seventh year class for a... demonstration of sorts.
"He knew that I had invested much time in magical ways, and had learned a few new tricks. The purpose of the visit was to show the students that an opponent may have a much more sophisticated, and larger, spell inventory than you do. An advantage, to put it blatantly.
"I agreed to Michael's request. I arrived at Hogwarts and was faced with his oldest students, not the least of which were the two you see before you now."[/color] He waved his arm out, without looking, towards the couple who stood close together now. He paused and then continued.
"Michael chose a former student, myself, because I believe he felt that his students would be inspired more. Dueling with an adult, or a Professor no less, would be awkward for a student. He and a I also agreed that if it had been a much older witch or wizard, the students would no doubt expect to lose, or worse; grant them a victory not earned."
"When Nicholas--"[/color] Orynn suddenly stopped in mid breath. His head slowly turned to Althea, and he couldn't help but chuckled. He then looked back up to the Headmistress.
"My apologies, I'm jumping ahead of myself."
"By that time, I had become a master mind-reader. So, upon Miss Heilmann, at the time, I casted the Legilimens spell."[/color] Orynn took another moment now. He looked like he was selecting his words carefully. His face softened ever so slightly, but he didn't ever look at Althea or Nicholas. The story was being told to the one who didn't already know it, after all. He inhaled deeply, and continued;
"That day, some students were humbled by their defeats. They discovered then and there that there was much they still could learn that no school could ever offer them. Most were embarrassed, and others took the experience a bit more to heart."[/color] Orynn finally looked over to the Medical Witch. He stared at her dead in the eye, almost as if he knew that if he didn't hold on tightly, he'd let himself let go. He needed to do this.
"I do admit the wrong that I had done unto you that day. I shouldn't have reveled the way I did, after.. what I did. This doesn't come easily to me..."[/color] He gulped silently. "I apologize, and can only hope that the experience has only helped you become who you are today. A respectful witch, and perhaps a good person as well."[/color]
It was clear that Orynn was... struggling. Not that it was evident through stuttering or quickened speech, but he seemed unfamiliar. Almost as if it was the first, and last time, he'd ever apologize to anybody for his actions.
All of this quickly melted away as his gaze was cast upon Nicholas. His facial features hardened, as if frozen. His jaw tightened and his eyes glared at the Knight.
"Perhaps Sir Nicholas would like to recount the rest of the tale. But before you do let me say this."[/color]
Orynn stood up from his medical bed, and stood at his full height. The dull pain returned to his leg, but he ignored it. It only felt like he had been sitting on it, pins and needles kind of feeling. Orynn did not speak loudly, but he was stern and serious. He looked like a viper ready to strike.
"Do NOT speak to me about maturity, for I have embraced the gift given to me and do not swing a barbarous toy around spewing romantic notions of honor. Your outstanding moral fiber has no place in a duel, and is neither appreciated nor required. You may have offered aid, but I did not ask for it, nor did I need it. Do not blame your lack of performance today, on the dream of a notion that I needed your help."[/color]
He sat back down, the pain coming back to his leg with slightly more intensity. He then looked up to Elsbeth, and then back to Nicholas. "And do not raise your voice against the Headmistress again."[/color] Orynn meant it, more than anything else he had just said.
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 27, 2007 3:44:03 GMT -5
Nicholas stood, stunned at Orynn's wounding words. Never had anything cut so deeply, never had any other words pierced his heart and very being.
Except for the words "Your father is dead."
Nicholas' eyes widened in pain, his teeth grinding so hard together they sounded like the might splinter and shatter. His face contorted into a mask of pure and unbound fury as his body shook tremendously with the effort to restrain himself. His eyes watered as he stared at Orynn's eyes.
Orynn's cold, unfeeling eyes.
"I am immature because I wield a barbaric toy...my morals have no place in a duel and is not required...and you never needed my help..." he said, his voice quaking with built up emotion. His soft spoken nature and kind demeanor melted away as he stood at his full, imposing height, his scarred muscles bulging as his body tensed and his gentle eyes leaving behind nothing but wounded wrath. It was a sight all present that day would not soon forget as he finally gave into years of pent up rage.
"Then know this, Orynn Novim! You insult me, you wound my very being by saying that due to the fact that I too embrace the gifts given to me, because that they are of muggle relevance, that they are nothing compared to the might of a wizard! You believe that anything that is not of the wizarding world specifically is to be pitied and looked down upon! You tell me that the notions of honor and chivalry are to be disregarded because you fail to believe in them yourself, since to you, the ends justify all means! We live in a world where wizards and magic exist, where dragons and magical creatures are alive, and you tell me that the ideals of chivalry and honor are fantastic and romantic!?"
His breath came in ragged gasps as he screamed at the top of his lungs, close to tears as he raged on. "I have spent my entire life following those romantic ideals, using muggle methods to save lives while almost dying in the process! Muggle! Do you understand! There is no shame in using those methods, you arrogant, prejudiced fool! These are human methods! Human, do you understand!? There is that same factor between a wizard and a muggle! And if you are afraid that those methods are a threat to you high and mighty superior wizard types, then you can go to Hell! Simply because you fail to grasp the notions of compassion and humanity within yourself does not mean you need to accuse me of those traits as though they were some irrevocable fault or crime!!!"
Nicholas began to cough violently, his hand coming up to his mouth. When he pulled it away, his lower lip and hand were bloody.
His old wounds came to haunt him.
"This is the price I've paid for protecting people, and I would do it again! You can insult my capacity as a wizard all you like, Orynn. I do not care! I couldn't care less if I were the most pitiful wizard in the world, but know that you are to blame for none other than your lack of humanity this day; a thing far worse to fail at than magic wielding!" he said, a haunted look flashing before his face. He was speaking from experience, as he finished another bout of violent coughing."It is a the mark of a monster to wield power without humanity"
With that, he turned about, his rage ended as he breathed heavily, an odd rattling, wheezing noise coming from him as he stumbled towards one of the farther beds.
There was a hollow look in his eyes as he stumbled away, tears streaming down his face, shoulders slumped in defeat.
"I've chosen to be a person instead of a full fledged wizard, and I am not afraid of its limitations." he said loud enough to be heard as he moved to a bed. He was wounded much deeper than anyone could have thought. His words still echoed in the room.
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Orynn Novim
Wizard
Former Deputy Head Master and HoH Slytherin
It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake ~ HLM
Posts: 342
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Post by Orynn Novim on Nov 27, 2007 4:09:29 GMT -5
When the tears began to flow from his colleague, Orynn made no reaction. He instead crossed his arms, and gave no indication that he was listening to the man's verbal attempt at abuse. He could've been trying to dig a tunnel through concrete with a toothbrush, Orynn made no reaction.
Every mountain falls eventually though. Orynn felt the breath escape his lungs as his chest seized. It was a if he'd been hit with a swinging canon ball. He barred his teeth, and a fire was lit in his eyes. His knees bent down and it looked like he was going to jump on Nicholas. His hand whipped out to his side and his wand flew out into his awaiting fingers.
The moment the all too familiar wood reach his hands, Orynn's fury melted away. His stance changed, as he became calmer. Now a different expression was on his face, and it balanced the edge between horror and disbelief. He looked down to his wand sitting silently in his hand. In fact everything had gone silent. Nicholas's coughs were not heard, as the entire world had gone deaf to the Deputy. There was only him, and his wand... his magic.
A monster? No! It... it's simply not true![/color] He thought to himself. His face now relaxed, as did the rest of his body. He looked back up to where Nicholas had been standing, a look on his face that was silently pleading for answers. When Orynn saw nothing but the Knight's back, his face then twisted as if he had a foul taste in his mouth.
He sat back down on his medical bed, dropping his wand on the side table. He stared at his magical tool intently, but with a look of defeat on his face. As if he was maybe lost, but was unsure of if he was really lost at all. If so, how did he get here? If not, then where was he going? He whispered to himself so only he could hear. As if, maybe, saying it aloud would banish the fears back to where they came from.
"Have I... really lost control?"[/size]
But the fears still lingered.
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Post by Elsbeth Pierce on Nov 27, 2007 14:13:19 GMT -5
Had this whole discussion meant nothing to her Deputy Headmaster? She watched, appalled at his meaning to attack the already injured knight, from behind. Before she could say anything, though, Orynn dropped his wand and sat back down, looking a little guilty, or so it would seem.
Elsbeth stood very still, absorbing the scene that had played out in front of her in the Hosptial Wing.
The knight was upset, and obviously he had misunderstood her words of rebuke. However, he did have a point. It was right for him to offer his help to the fallen Deputy, but still... having known his past, there should have been some hesitation, there. Not to say that he was in the wrong for giving his coleague the benefit of the doubt. Not at all, but it was just not very sensible to have had the duel at all knowing full well that they had a rivalry.
Elsbeth's eyes followed the injured knight as he made his way to a different bed. She spoke. "I apologize, Sir Nicholas. I did not mean to say that you acted dishonorably; far from it. I applaud you for attempting to help your fallen colleague. However, that wasn't my issue. Though you were right about giving him the benefit of the doubt, having known his history, you may have been better off hesitating before jumping into a duel with him."
"However, I am utterly shocked at how you just reacted here, today. As a wizard of the Hogwarts staff, it is expected that you must treat you colleagues with respect. I understand you got worked up, but in the future please do try keep your voice down when addressing me. You may be older and wiser than me, but I am the Headmistress here. I know it won't happen again, and please think nothing of it."
"And Orynn, thank you. There is no doubt you are gifted in Transfiguration..." she didn't finish her thought, though. "You made a mistake back then, and again this afternoon. I won't even begin to describe the wrongness of what transpired in teh Great Hall. You both know how I feel on the matter, now, and there is nothing to say or do to change the outcome. The blame isn't so much on the both of you as it is on your histories with each other."
She walked a little closer to Nicholas' bed and appologized. "I am truly sorry you had to go through this right now, I know you're in great pain. When you're feeling much better, I would love to have a chat with you in my office, if you wouldn't mind."
Turning to Althea, she continued. "Althea, I apologize for working up your patients, but this was extremely necessary..."
"Orynn, you, as well. If you wouldn't mind, it would be a good idea for a meeting in my office at some point, alright?"
She fell silent at this point, not knowing what else to say.
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 27, 2007 14:53:40 GMT -5
Nicholas continued towards his bed as he heard Orynn draw his wand. He didn't care. What was he going to do? Hurt him some more? Nicholas had survived the worst case of the Cruciatas curse Aurors this decade had ever heard of.
Orynn was nothing compared to some of those twisted wizards out there.
Witht eh help of his wife, he finally made it to a bed, further away without any further excitement. He heard Elsbeth's words and couldn't bear to turn his gaze towards her.
He couldn't believe the things he had said, the anger that seemed to gush from him like an uncontrolled geyser. Nicholas could still count on one hand the number of times he'd been that furious. He felt so...ashamed of what he'd done. Between shaky breathes, he managed to mutter "I'm sorry....Headmistress..." before he remained silent, unable to speak passed the guilt that burdened him.
He withdrew within himself, the pain of those stinging words spoken towards him an from him still burning in his mind.
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