The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » April 1st, 2021, 8:53 pm



[[ Most spoilers redacted, but minor ones below - read at your own risk. DO NOT METAGAME! ]]

Character Name

Doctor Theo Hanlon

Image

I am proud of the woman I am.
I went through one hell of a time becoming her.

- Unknown
♫ ♪ ♫

Full Name: Theorisa Hanlon
Birthdate: 21st of Warmwind
Birthplace: Ghaenthgrand
Birthsign: The Angel


Appearance


Age: Forties.
Height: Average.
Weight: Average.
Eyes: Gray.
Hair: Auburn with some streaks of gray.
Skin: Beige.
Handedness: Right dominant, passably ambidextrous.
Posture: Casual but not without poise.
Hygiene: Very Good.
Scent: Vaguely Medicinal.


Physical Description:


A woman in her forties at roughly 5'5" with an athletic yet comely build. Auburn hair with streaks of grey revealed in the right light frame her face, commonly in some style of ponytail or braid, as colorless gray eyes offer a level gaze as they observe the world around her. Her expression is passive and borders on exasperation more often than not, and any cheerful expressions are brief and composed.


Personality


General Health: In good health and physical shape.
Profession: Doctor. Dabbling in other skills.
Faction Affiliation: Kaelius Mercantile & Acquisitions.
Languages: Decusian, Yultish.
Accent: She speaks clearly and a touch formally. Her accent can be displayed when she speaks more casually.
Hobbies: People watching.


Personality Description:

Theo’s presence seems to be genuine if no-nonsense and reflective. It wouldn't be uncommon for her first impression to come across apathetic but for the most part she is generally friendly. Those more accustomed to her know she has a warm bedside manner and adaptable personality when faced with life’s challenges, especially in pursuits that interest her. She can be open-minded and accepting to those she feels deserve such trust and she does have some sense of humor depending on who she’s around. The level of her patience is fluid and varies day to day.

History:

As far as anyone knows Theorisa’s name is Theo. She has never given her full name to anyone who has met her in the First Province, not even members of her group. Update: One unlikely person now knows her full name.

Strengths: Resilient, Conscientious, Practical.
Weaknesses: Skeptical, Melancholic, Solitary.

Governing Virtue: Compassion, Honor.
Governing Throne: Shame, Chaos.
Last edited by Glimmer on June 15th, 2023, 11:10 am, edited 6 times in total.

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » May 9th, 2021, 5:52 pm

“So what is your name? Is Theo short for anything?”

His smile was meant to be charming enough to disarm her. To cause butterflies to flutter in her stomach and coyly respond in kind with a giggle. It was one of many moves he had probably perfected in his lifetime and no doubt worked more often than not. Unfortunately for him, Theo wasn’t having any of it.

--

“Wonderful, my Theorisa! Your skill grows more and more each day.”

His compliment elicited a smile so large her cheeks felt strained. It had been an honor to be his chosen apprentice and to learn directly under him. Doctor Howe was one of those men who commanded respect without having to do much to earn it. People simply just trusted him. He was kind, knowledgeable and helpful whenever he made his way into town. Then came the day he was looking for an apprentice and he chose her.

That was the first day she felt butterflies.

--

The fact that he chose to live past the outskirts of town should have been a red flag but for some reason no one ever questioned it. No one questioned when he chose a young girl to be his apprentice, when she was told to pack her belongings, say farewell to her family and go with him. They should have.

She stood over the now lifeless body before her, completely covered in his blood, struggling to regain her breath as his words still somehow echoed in her head.

You belong to me, my Theorisa...


--


“You asked my name but you clearly know it.”

...My Theorisa…

“And it’s short for Theo Hanlon.”


I am no one’s Theorisa.
Last edited by Glimmer on July 10th, 2021, 7:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » May 31st, 2021, 6:11 pm

She had been keeping herself busy at the Rest, fulfilling Ash's request for paddings along with her other daily chores. Moving throughout the quiet claim until she saw Gryhun rush to her. He had run straight from Teneborough to get her, relaying what had happened, and they set off together.

The stench of freshly burning bodies hung in the air, increasing in intensity as they drew nearer. Even though this scent was one that every resident in the Province was accustomed to, it never stopped being overwhelming. It will never, and shouldn't ever, not elicit a profound and visceral reaction to the reality of death.

So much unnecessary death. This was a community of tradesmen and merchants not unlike her own, certainly not unlike the one those responsible for this massacre claimed to be seeking justice for.

Theo knew as soon as she examined him how this would end; it was clear he had lost too much blood. Still, she set to work. She gave him a potent dose of medicine so that, at the very least, he would not be in pain.

"Can you fix him, Theo?"

"I'm doing my best."

She was a flurry of bandages and coagulant powder. Every time she cleaned away the blood for better visibility, it returned just as quickly. To his credit, Kole was somehow managing to stay in a humorous spirit. He was cracking jokes and trying to alleviate the distress of those around him, specifically Samara. She would never know for sure if it was the painkiller as this seemed to be his typical self.

"There is no better physician that I would trust him with now."

There it was. Kole's impending death would not be her first, and he would not be her last, but that didn't dull the feeling of defeat. The dead did not care if their doctor failed them. They got to experience the freedom of eternal rest. It was those that they leave behind that weighed heavy within Hanlon's heart. It was them she truly failed.

This is why she would demure when people would compliment her. Why her typical response is "I try my best." or "I do what I can." She knew she was not a miracle worker, that not everyone would be as lucky as the majority of those she has treated. Death was inevitable. She did not want to be a beacon of false hope in a place where there was little left to believe in.

Kole began to relax. His speech and movements slowing as if tired. Instinctively her gaze flickered up to where Samara watched before returning to her work. She refused to stop but started to pay attention to the signs. Puffs of powder swirled in the air as she tried desperately to manage his wounds. When Samara spoke, it was clear she understood.

"Close your eyes. It will be better when you wake. What you need is rest."

One final joke shared between them before he winked at her and closed his eyes. Everything in the room stilled at that moment. Finally, Theo paused. Swallowing thickly, she lifted her hand to his neck to feel for a pulse and her shoulders involuntarily sagged as she acknowledged the passing.

They burned him in the same place they had burned the others. Heads bowed in silence for a long moment before, one by one, they withdrew.

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » June 17th, 2021, 10:12 pm

Sometimes rock bottom can be an unexplainable deliverance.

The two most challenging aspects of rock bottom are the descent to it and the ascent out of it, but to coexist within it? That was something else.

Upon reaching rock bottom, most people will either immediately succumb to their devastation or claw their way back to the surface. Very few ever just accept it. It is truly the epitome of the fight or flight instinct that resides in all of mankind.

Theo is all too well aware of living in the in-between of those moments. Perhaps her fall wasn't as abrupt as what Master Winterborn experienced, but she met the bottom just the same when she freed herself from her tormentor. Never genuinely knowing how long she stayed there. How many days did she lose in a blur of bleakness and blood? Her mind reliving every insult, every injury, every lie she was fed. Losing the remnants of any sense of self she had with his death and turning to the dark corners of her mind. She knew what she saw whenever she looked at Galryth. He was residing in rock bottom just as she did.

Truth be told, it took recent events for her to actually see the man. She knew of him, mainly his reputation for being a master tradesman. They've spent time together in the craft hall but never exchanged much else other than basic pleasantries. It wasn't until that Assembly after Teneborough was all but destroyed, then again at the funeral service. He was much younger than she initially thought. Perhaps it was an assumption on her part, along with the fact that his hair was so starkly silver or his general demeanor. Still, she had unintentionally aged him by at least ten years.

It was hard to see him in the state he adopted for himself. A state that made her wonder if he was already at his own rock bottom, and did the events of Teneborough tip the scale? It mattered not. Not anymore. He was suffering horrible withdrawals. All she could do now was offer her support. To hold out her hand and be a tether he could bind himself to and pull himself free should he choose it. The resolve he once had just a few days prior had wavered, so she took her chance and spoke her piece to him. She saw her words had an effect, so she made sure to stress that he, and he alone, had to make the decision. She wouldn't pressure or attempt to sway him one way or another. It was clear people were doing that enough to him. All she wanted him to know was that he was not alone. He would not be alone if he chose to climb out.

From that day on, she did her best to not acknowledge the bottle that was ever-present in his hand or the glances he would make to it whenever he noticed her. Even tonight, as they spoke to one another more than they had ever done before, she was fighting a constant inner battle to not reprimand him. It was clear that he was ignoring all of the parts of himself, which were apparent to anyone who knew him. He lamented that all people saw when they looked at him was the travesty and failure that was Teneborough. Eventually, it became too much, and her instincts kicked in, and the words spilled from her mouth.

"All offers made to assist still stand."

He smiled. He even managed to hold it longer than likely even he expected.

"I know... I will not waste your time though if I've no intention of tending to the forge again, as it were. Your time and talents are valuable."

"You say that as if I would offer to waste my time."

The conversation drifted away again as he spoke of burning down the remnants of Teneborough. How it felt good to watch the flames burn away the past like that. They talked about catharsis and how fire cleanses all before he circled back to his impending decision. She told him that to climb out would probably be harder than the fall out of recent events but that an ember could once again turn into a roaring fire, even when the smith isn't there to tend it. All it needed was a breeze, and he had many willing to be that for him.

"I'd love to be a help to others. To be their pillar of strength. But that's not me."

"You would not have people even trying to be the breeze to your ember if that were even remotely true."

He shook his head.

"I honestly don't get what you all are seeing, truth be told."

"You need to look inside yourself, and see yourself, the sides you are currently choosing to ignore."

"Therein lies the problem, isn't it? To get a clear view, I must have a clear mind. To have a clear mind, I must get better..."

He sighs and almost laughs at the absurdity of it.

"I do not think a clear mind is essential. Even with the clearest of minds, people can not see themselves. It's really hard to sit here and not just throw positive words at you, but I do not want to sway you for personal reasons, as others might. I want you to know yourself. All of yourself."

Her words seemed, once more, to have made an impression.

"My reflection of late has been unfavorable, but you are correct that I am too focused on the parts that have not gotten proper attention before and are now a shadow of what used to be. I think I will go sit somewhere and give this some thought."

"You know where to find well.... anyone you might need to see."

That was all Theo could do. Any more would just be an annoying repeat of everything she had ever said to him tonight or previously. She couldn't make him do it. He had to do that for himself, and she knew that rock bottom was its own unexplainable deliverance.

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » July 6th, 2021, 12:00 pm

For every high...

She had decided to handle some grunt work for Ash at the forge. The process was a long and arduous one and a bane to the smith as he would prefer more free time to take care of his other duties, and it turned out she was well suited for this task. She somehow found solace in something that would otherwise be considered tedious to nearly anyone else. Theo welcomed the monotony as it allowed her the time and space to contemplate and process whatever notions were present in her mind. The group had finally had their first major outing as an entire team, and how she wished she could have seen what the lot of them looked like filing out of the Tavern that night. However, due to the tense ending, Gryhun was not about to allow her to go unaccompanied. Wherever Gryhun went socialization soon followed.

One by one, people began to gather in the small alcove of the craft hall while she worked. She interjected and conversed as best she could while keeping a close watch on her task. Finally, she found herself surprised when she had completed her work, and the crowd was still actively conversing. It was then that Galryth joined them all. He took notice of Toby, the gentlest horse ever known, realizing he still had material leftover in his storage locker he wished to bestow to KM&A. So that they might make use of things that were now useless to him. The two of them took their leave and went to load Toby up with the materials having a small chat along the way. Not wanting to lose the opportunity to talk some more, Theo invited him back to the Rest before quickly noticing a flicker of suspicion cross his features.

"You can say no." She smiled reassuringly at him to show she would not take offense.

"Depends, really. What for? Just to visit?"

"Visit, talk, change of scenery, whatever. If not, I can come back to the Tavern."

He considered her for a moment before he perked at her words.

"Aye, I could go for a change. I'll walk with ya back to the Rest."

She did her best to make the visit brief, but she couldn't help showing him the spots he didn't get to see the first time around. Kaelius' Rest was an incredible place that they had made into their home. Every member was profoundly proud of what they accomplished together. She couldn't help herself from sharing that, and she knew he would at the very least understand and appreciate it. They walked back to the Fort and the Tavern and talked.

A cherished conversation. Later Theo would sit at her desk going over the day and realize with an awareness that it was vaguely morbid to consider that discussion a cherished one. It lasted for hours, taking the majority of the day. Still, it was one of honesty and sharing, and she also hoped therapeutic for Galryth. It was one of the very few times she had seen him relax in any manner in the short time that she's come to know him. Perhaps it was a glimmer into the man he was before he became the only one she's come to know. He told her exactly what he thought of her, much to her disbelief, and how she was one of the few people left that he felt he could trust.

He revealed everything to her in that conversation regarding his current situation. It was slightly more than she had already figured out on her own, but nothing he told her was surprising. Her tone was that of an educator laying bare the consequences of his choices and the difficulty he would face should he choose to accept her aid to climb up from his rock bottom. Galryth absorbed what she told him, quietly contemplating his options as she had revealed something that he was not aware of. He wholeheartedly knew that if he overdid in either of his vices, he could easily slip away into a sleep he would never wake from. However, he didn't realize that his vices could take that decision out of his hands should he decide to stop or run out of supply.

"Well, with that being the case..." He began. "There's one other thing I'd like to tell you, in case this all goes...sideways. You were a pillar of strength for me at Teneborough... not just for me... but for Viola. I admired that. I wished I could be that. I -want- to be that."

"Okay then. Be that."

"I don't know how. And for who?"

"You think I did?"

"No, you were just yourself... and your compassion made it so."

She pursed her lips and averted her gaze, staring into the flames of the fireplace.

"If only it were that easily summed up."

Then, as if realizing she was treading too closely to things that she kept hidden away, she turned to humor to deflect the emotion of the moment.

"At least, if I die an untimely death, I have someone who can say good things about me."

It worked, and their conversation ended pleasantly from there. Then, being the gentleman that he was, he escorted her home. Today had been a good day; their next meeting, however...

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » July 10th, 2021, 7:35 pm

...comes the low.

The next few days were relatively uneventful. Theo did her usual chores, looked over the flyers that would eventually be posted on behalf of their company, and prepared for the lecture she would hold. She was unsure what the lecture should be about this time as she had given her prepared speech twice now and very few people actually engaged in the conversation offered. She regarded her booklet. Her first publication here in the First Province. It seemed that most people expected it to spell out what must have felt like the secret tips and tricks to becoming a successful physician. It was meant to introduce the bare essentials of how things work before one would actually begin treating real people. Few people seemed to care about it, so she decided that would be the subject to go over.

The evening arrived, and she was nearly disheartened at the lack of attendance. However, after a while, she was glad to see the seats filled as they typically were, even if the faces were not precisely the same as previous events. Galryth was sitting up front, and she knew he was there to be supportive. Theo also noticed Mister Mason had shown up, guarding a copy of her guidebook close to his chest.

The evening was on track to be better than she expected. There was actual discourse back and forth between herself and those who attended. Theories that held tremendous interest and potential were brought up. She had to pause to scribble notes to herself in a notebook so she would not wholly forget to give them more thought when she had more time to do so outside of an audience. There were only three awkward situations to arise.

The first was when it was decided to bring Galryth's personal situation up for discussion. She understood why others would feel judgment towards him, though she still felt it was unnecessarily cruel to do so in such a public forum.

"Rest assured that he and I have spoken, at length, regarding that matter. He and I will be handling it on his terms, as he's ready to do so. There are countless reasons for one to wish to dull the life experienced. Any needing assistance with such matters is more than welcome to seek aid from myself. But, we must also realize that ultimately, it is out of our hands."

"Some need to be... forced... into assistance." the girl spoke, her eyes still clearly implying Galryth, however brief the look was.

"True. If they are not of sound mind and cannot vouch for themselves. A person of sound mind, with valid--if hard to understand--reasons is making a choice. That is their choice. All you can do is offer your aid, and hope their choice changes, and above all, try not to judge too harshly if one can. We cannot know the life that was dealt to another person. But I understand, it can be very difficult to bear witness to."

"That is why I asked, because I believe a good man requires aid. Not of judgment, but compassion."

She would have never forced him into the center of attention where he was open and vulnerable to the harsh judgment of others unafraid or unashamed about publicly lambasting someone. That wasn't compassion. Instead, she futilely tried to redirect the conversation. To remind them all that none of them are exempt from similar depths of despair that either have or will plague them just the same. No one was free of it. Most of those gathered did seem to understand he needed to do it for himself, but he was not spared the sharp tongue of others.

The second was that something about the Wolves presence seemed to wholly unnerve poor Mister Mason. She did her best to keep the attention to herself though it was ineffective at best. They had clearly picked up on his unease. In turn, they began to focus on him more openly, which only made his nervousness worse and their attention on him greater still. Eventually, the end of the evening had arrived. As luck would have it, Mister Silver had an injury and agreed to be the night's volunteer. When she noticed it was a relatively simple treatment, she looked out to the crowd and asked if any wished to try to practice what they've learned from her books. But, of course, due to the Wolves' intense interest in singling out Mister Mason, he was ushered forward as a volunteer. Very nearly against his will. Theo had spoken with Mister Mason a few times previously, and she knew his interest in the field was pure. With the way he treated her guidebook as a precious relic, she could also reasonably surmise he studied it well enough to succeed in this attempt. She wanted to encourage that spark of interest and tend to it as best she could so it could cultivate into more. He did a fantastic job, and she made sure to acknowledge this out loud in an excited and supportive tone. He still ended up nervously fleeing as soon as he could once the lecture ended. She didn't blame him.

Finally, the third; Her own mistake. Samara had slipped in after the event had come to a close. She felt the impulse bubbling up within her at the sight of the girl and found herself speaking before she could stop it. All she wanted was for Samara to just consider speaking with Galryth, but no sooner did the words leave her lips did she realize she had overstepped. She did not have to look in Galryth's direction to sense how much this displeased him. Perhaps her own compassion was not any better than Miss Valente's after all. Theo attempted to quickly distance herself from her mistake and the conversation it was devolving into, but Samara was close on her heels.

She found herself feeling like she was back in a past life. A young girl, being admonished from some error in judgment, and she kept her eyes downcast. She stared at the worn carpet of the Tavern and did her best to stay still, to be invisible. She didn't understand their words to one another. Not really. She didn't understand Samara's point of view or why she was acting as she was. It felt almost as if the more Galryth apologized, the angrier she became. Then as abruptly as this awkward conversation started, it ended with the two of them leaving with tensions murderously high.

Gryhun then escorted her home after that, where she spent the remainder of the evening going over all that had just transpired. She didn't know how much time she spent dwelling on everything before being alerted to a visitor just outside the gates.

The moment she saw Galryth, she spoke before he could.

"I overstepped, I know, I'm sorry." Then, hanging her head low, like a scolded child waiting for him to react. But, instead, he only waved his hand dismissively at her words, and the seriousness of his expression gave her pause. He handed her his bag as he spoke, and she could not help but take a cursory glance inside before she raised her gaze back to him.

"I am sorry to do this to you... but, I am going to need to use you. As a pillar of strength."

He had given her his entire supply of all of his vices.

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » August 12th, 2021, 10:06 pm

Medical Journal & Treatment.
Patient: Master Galryth Winterborn
Ailment: Severe substance withdrawal assistance and detox.

Master Winterborn has finally come to a decision. He wishes to end his dependency on the substances he's been using. I have set him up in a spare room over the Moose Lodge, and he has handed over all possessions he had on him, keeping only a robe to not ruin his clothes and gear. If one thought this man resembled rock bottom before, then they would be horrified to see him tonight. He looks as if he received a sound beating. At least a few blows to his face. His access to the Rest is limited to his room, the Lodge, and the courtyard.

After a discussion and assessment of his usage, we laid out a plan together. Tonight we will limit his dosage to roughly seventy-five percent of his regular intake. Tomorrow we begin in earnest, and I will prepare his treatments tonight.

--


Week One.
Patient: Master Galryth Winterborn
Ailment: Severe substance withdrawal assistance and detox.

I have supplied Master Winterborn with pre-measured bottles and vials of drugs and the recommended timeline of his doses. He is aware that while I am allowing him to have sole responsibility for himself, he will have to suffer the withdrawal symptoms in full until the next day if he does not follow the timeline laid out before him. Master Winterborn only faltered in his dose management a few times. The punishing pain of withdrawal worked well as motivation for him to follow the treatment plan as directed. It was difficult to witness, but necessary. I have been incrementally lessening his doses, and he is on track to have his intake halved by the start of next week.

--

Week Two.
Patient: Master Galryth Winterborn
Ailment: Moderate substance withdrawal assistance and detox.

Master Winterborn's intake is officially halved. Aside from a rough start, his progress the first week was very impressive. This week is proving to be much more challenging and taxing on him both physically and mentally. Not wanting to revert back to higher doses, I have decided to allow small amounts of potent painkillers and a tincture to assist with sleep when the pain is too much to bear. I have to be careful not to rely on either of these measures to aid him in not creating a new dependency. I have increased my visits, and we have discussions to both serve as a distraction from his treatment and support for his future endeavors. I will continue to lessen his doses incrementally, and he is on track for his intake to reduce to twenty-five percent by next week.

Addendum: Master Winterborn snapped at me for refusing to administer more of the painkiller during a particularly rough withdrawal session. I could tell he was immediately regretful of his actions, though he still dismissed me from his room that night. I left behind a tincture of sleep aid before I took my leave. As far as I can tell, he took it immediately and slept. When I arrived the following morning, he was still asleep. I estimate he slept for well over 20 hours, and I administered his dose so he would not miss it.

--


Week Three.

Patient: Master Galryth Winterborn
Ailment: Moderate substance withdrawal assistance and detox.

Master Winterborn's intake is now at twenty-five percent and steadily decreasing as scheduled. He has been leaving his room much more regularly this week. Spending time in the courtyard and the Lodge and allowing others the opportunity to visit with him, which he did not want to do when we began this course of treatment. We also became aware that the Lodge was accidentally stocked with ale out of habit. I found him sitting at the counter, staring at the bottle. When I attempted to remove it, he stopped me. He admitted that while he would love nothing more than to take the bottle and down it as fast as he could, he knows that he would have to come face to face with such temptation at some point when he leaves the Rest. He has also started to refuse painkiller, though will still accept the sleep tincture now and again. We are on track to reduce his intake to ten percent, and he has stopped drinking altogether.

Personal note;
As I have told him often, Master Winterborn is much stronger than he gives himself credit for.

--

Week Four.
Patient: Master Galryth Winterborn
Ailment: Minor substance withdrawal assistance and detox.

We started the week on track with the ten percent dosage, and Master Winterborn requested it be lowered more. We had reduced it to five percent by day three, then stopped completely and only used a standard painkiller sparingly. He later confided that the doses were starting to make him feel ill more so than they offered him any comfort or numbness that he had experienced prior. Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of knowing this man before he began his usage, so there are times where I hardly recognize him as the man who came to me for help. He has more color and energy, and his general mood is much improved.

--

Week Five.

Patient: Master Galryth Winterborn
Ailment: Post-Treatment for substance withdrawal and detox.

Today marks Master Winterborn's first week completely clean of all of his vices. At most, he only accepts the sleep tincture, and even that has been drastically reduced. While physically, he is almost back to what one would consider normal, mentally, he still has some lingering doubts about continued success once his freedom is restored. As a result, we spend most of our time discussing ways to distract against temptation and acknowledge that it will always be there in the back of his mind.

---

Week Six.

Patient: Master Galryth Winterborn
Ailment: Recovering from substance withdrawal and detox.

Master Winterborn is now two weeks clean of all of his vices. I have taken it upon myself to create new clothing for him for his fresh start. Today, he requested that our group meet to discuss his future plans and thank us for all we have done to aid him in his recovery.

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Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » September 29th, 2022, 11:35 am

The blood.

It always came back to the blood.

___


"See now, my Theorisa, this is the lifeforce of everything. This dark liquid gold is the vitality of all things and we can use it as we wish as there's power in blood."

Doctor Howe's eyes gleamed as he collected vial after vial of blood from the most recent deceased they were working on. He handed them to her one by one as they filled, and she swallowed hard as it was still warm. Her stomach flipped, but she held steady, holding and sorting the vials as he handed them to her and nodded to his words though she wasn't sure if he was teaching her or if he would be speaking regardless of her presence. She had caught this behavior of his before. He enjoyed talking, even if it was to the dead themselves.

"Very, very important work we do…."

He trailed off, but she couldn't help but question whether or not she was hearing glee in his voice or if her distaste for bloodletting was coloring her perception.


___


Theo buried her face in her hands with her elbows on the table. They had set up the hematology table in the Alchemy House for her because she knew eventually she would have to utilize the knowledge again. Anything close to a cure for Torment might likely lie within the blood. Unfortunately, it did little to offer any consolation to Theo. She knew that the "best" blood came from the worst things. Vile animals and creatures that may have been normal once but were experimented on, manipulated, and now are nothing resembling anything of their origin. She could not deny that there was power in the blood, but power is often abused, and this was no different.

___


Many sought out Doctor Howe's inoculations. The range of people willing to accept something they were not truly aware of the source because of the benefits offered was wide, but more often than not, it was the unsavory sorts who sought him out the most. Thankfully he shielded her from them, as they barely concealed the temptation a young girl like herself presented to them and his protection halted any attempts they might have tried had she been alone. Still, he couldn't protect her from their lascivious gazes.

None cared where or how the inoculations were made or worked so long as they did what was promised. Men and women driven purely by their vices, an urgency to have more, to push past the limits of their mortality. The others were convinced into accepting it and offered false assurances that his actions were safe, healthy, and sound. Tricked into allowing him to take their blood in turn, making them involuntary participants in these experiments that they did not, and would not ever, be aware they were taking part in.


___


Hematology as a skill wasn't all bad. Theo had both seen and handled many blood transfusions that saved lives. Yet those were cases where the blood was meant as a replenishment, not an injection of manipulated substances for personal gain.

She had vowed to never offer her knowledge for others to blood dope and enhance themselves unnaturally. She found herself tested when Ashford started inquiring about it. He had seen the effects on others, and as is only natural, it piqued his curiosity. It is human nature to want to improve, but everyone has their own personal line drawn in the sand as to what they're willing to do to achieve it. Theo refused him and explained her reasonings, even sharing her knowledge of how the blood works and what creature he would need to be injected with to attain specific goals. Thankfully, he was deterred by the immoral nature of it all, but she could tell he was also a little letdown.

She groaned audibly into her hands and lifted her head to look at the workstation before her.

"Now, it's your turn, my lovely Theorisa."

His voice in her head was startling, and she stood so fast the stool clattered behind her.

"You cannot avoid this."

Drawing a deep, steadying breath, she left the room, hoping the voice wouldn't follow. Maybe she couldn't avoid it forever, but today she could.

User avatar
Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » October 5th, 2022, 9:55 pm

Theo woke early, loaded Toby with the necessary supplies, and spent the early morning hours smelting ore to assist Ashford. It had been a while since she had done such, and she was oddly looking forward to the task. The monotony allowed her to clear her mind and zone out for a while, as smelting did not require heavy thinking. The moments she could find that allowed such solitude was rare, and though she was in a public space, the endeavor offered her that respite. Yet before she knew it, she finished; hours had passed by in what felt like a blink of an eye. The horse's saddlebags were reloaded, and the pair returned to the Rest with fresh steel in tow.

With the supplies and horse put up where they belonged, she returned to her space to move on to the next chore for the day. It may not have been as freeing as smelting, but crafting the padding for Ash to use in his creations was second nature at this point, and once again, she found the task completed. She cleaned up her workspace and happened upon the dress she had created for Graghon. Theo ran her fingers along the ornate design and beading with a quiet sadness. Grag had never worn it past trying it on; at this point, she probably never would. Not wanting the work to go to waste, she folded it back up carefully and decided to bring it to Miss Maeby for her exhibit.

First, she went to the Hosptial to ensure no one was waiting to be seen. Even though she thought she vaguely heard the bell clamor, no one was waiting. Next, Theo walked up the stairs to the room she had unofficially claimed as her own and made herself available for anyone who might eventually show up. A couple more hours passed and no one needed to be seen, so she made her way back down to leave and nearly ran into Miss Maeby as she did. Mildly embarrassed, she gave Miss Maeby the dress and offered for it to be displayed if she thought it would be acceptable. Perhaps her embarrassment was more than mild as she could not muster the humor she felt at the woman's reaction to seeing the large gown.

Once they parted ways, Theo decided she still wished for more quiet contemplation and chose to go to the Hearth and Hale over the more popular Meddler's Risk. Shifting until she found the most comfortable position, a satisfied sigh escaped her lips as the fire's warmth blanketed her, and she stared contentedly into the flames. She was eager to see how many precious moments of solitude and calm she could squeeze out of this day, but perhaps that eagerness was the tipping point, as there would be no more calm moments this day.

Hollis rounded the corner, her head poking out to see who might be around, and her expression looked relieved when she spotted Theo.

"Ah what luck, you're here."

Torn from her thoughts, she lifted her head to give her attention to Hollis.

"Oh, Miss Maeby. Fancy seeing you again."

Hollis chuckled, "Right?" Then rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Say, would you have a mind having a look at Constantine?"

"Oh, of course. Is he at the hospital?"

"He's at home..." her expression was worried. "I think he has alcohol poisoning and his cut from the other night from the afflicted..." Her voice was low, so only Hanlon could hear her, but she still trailed off from her sentence. Quickly, she followed Hollis as she led the way to Constatine's home. But before she opened the door, Hollis spoke once more.

"I'll warn you, he's been throwing up. It's not pretty." She propped open the door, and the two entered.

"Constantine, I found Doctor Hanlon." Hollis said while Theo offered a greeting. But both statements hung in the air unanswered as he was asleep, sweaty and fitful, but he slept nonetheless.

Theo moved closer to observe and examine him as much as she could without disturbing him. Hollis explained the situation to her in greater detail, with Hanlon asking questions to clarify some points. Then, as she fully took in his current state and the wound that had been cauterized, she quieted as she considered what to do. Images of Constantine being put to the flame swirled in the back of her mind.

"I just thought he was hung over from last night." Hollis commented.

"Alright well. I have a few theories". Theo began, her demeanor settling into one that could be considered detached. "Either the area was not adequately cleaned, which is possible as cauterization would've been done as soon as possible to kill any ill in the wound. Or, it was not properly cared for once it was completed. However, given the reason for the cauterizing..."

Hollis swallowed a little as she listened, and Theo pressed her lips together before continuing, looking at Hollis directly.

"I can try to give him some medicine to ward against infection, as I am fairly certain he has one. The wound needs to be cleaned and taken care of properly from there." She took a moment to look between them before she continued, her tone blunt and matter-of-fact. "If that does not help, I... unfortunately will have to report this to the Apothecaries. If they even -think- his infection is questionable, he will be put to death."

Hollis' eyes went wide with panic as she looked back and forth between Hanlon and Constantine. "B-but it's been days, wouldn't he have been sick already?"

"That reason is why I am willing to aid, and not report him now." Theo remarked truthfully and moved closer to begin treatment.

Hollis had to help restrain him when he started to stir and fight against her aid, and he calmed once he realized he was being helped. Next, she thoroughly cleaned the area, injected medicine to aid against infection, and left him an extra dose of medication to be taken later to ensure against any lingering infection. Theo kept every tool and supply used separate once she was done with it. While she worked, Constantine sheepishly apologized to her, and he was met with a pointed look with a clear implication he understood, and he managed to return a faint, crooked grin in response. Finally, she instructed them on what they needed to do when she completed her treatment.

Any demeanor they may have been familiar with regarding Hanlon was gone, replaced by the most serious and stern expression they may have seen as she looked between them. "If you do not recover, if this is more than just an imbalance of the humors or an infection... I will report this."

Constantine nodded, swallowing hard, and Hollis frowned.

"I like you both, and I do not wish to see either of you harmed. But, I cannot ignore the duty if it comes to it."

"We understand." Hollis said as Constantine reached to hover over the wound.

Her gaze remained on them for a long moment before her posture relaxed, but only fractionally. "Alright, well. If all is as it should be, you should recover well. Please do keep me updated, and do not breathe a word of this to anyone, or they may not have my compassion."

Both, again, relayed that they understood, and Hollis walked Theo out. They agreed to meet at the bank, but before she could head that way, Hanlon went to the fire used to dispose of the deceased and tossed in the tools and supplies she had used. She knew she was being excessively cautious and that Constantine would be fine, but it wasn't a risk Theo was willing to take on top of what she just did. After meeting Hollis one last time, she returned to the Hearth and Hale, now more desperate than ever to try to find the calm she had somehow managed earlier in that seat by the fire.

She prayed that compassion wasn't the wrong choice here.

User avatar
Glimmer
Posts: 140
Character: Theo Hanlon

Re: The Legacy of Dr. Theo Hanlon

Post by Glimmer » November 3rd, 2022, 12:56 pm

After putting in some hours at the Hospital and with no significant chores on her agenda, Theo attempted to be sociable at The Risk. There wasn't a large crowd gathered there, and everyone was as spirited as they usually were, but tonight it felt too crowded for her. Ever since the news broke about the attack on the Archbishop and the close call with the Torment itself, she found herself reverting to old habits she thought she had broken free from.

Large gatherings used to be an imposing obstacle. Theo wished she could lay the blame all on Howe with how much he isolated her from everyone else save those who sought him out. Still, even without him, her life would probably not have been more worldly had she remained with her family. Only after meeting Kaelius and his group could she explore society and life in general. The irony that she would willingly choose what was widely known as voluntary exile when informed Kaelius wanted to make a place in the First Province was not lost on her.

So, Theo left the Risk. She hoped her departure was quiet enough to not warrant attention, and she spared one final glance over her shoulder dolefully before continuing onward. However, it was not long before she ran into Lucien. He, with some confidence, questioned her on whether or not she was Buttonwillow. The exchange amused her enough to shake the previous social anxiety to a more manageable level. After considering the gossip writer's identity more seriously, she offered several suggestions that might help him become better at potentially figuring out who they might be. Eager to put them into play, he did just that as Hollis approached, though his subtly left so much room for improvement. Poor Hollis was at a loss by both his excitement and the information provided, but she fell into the conversation with ease.

Theo started to take her leave, waving Lucien off dismissively, all but promising not to share his "gossip," but Hollis hesitantly stopped her. Miss Maeby's expression changed as if she had made a sudden realization. She now seemed unsure how to proceed once she recaptured Theo's attention.

Folding her hands behind her back, Hollis cleared her throat.

"Has anyone told you about Quincy?"

That is an odd question. Theo's head instinctively tilts as it does when she is intrigued or confused.

"Is he back from his venture?" She asked, only to see Hollis shifting uncomfortably and Lucien falling silent. Hollis pursed her lips, drawing a sharp breath through her nose, and Lucien folded his hands together in front of himself. Theo glanced between them warily before focusing on Hollis. The world moved in slow motion as she gradually formed her own conclusion based on the demeanor the two were displaying. She was no stranger to this type of body language. One of the hardest lessons any physician had to learn was the art of this physical language. It spoke volumes before any voices could confirm suspicions.

"There was an accident, Theo."

"I see."

Two words. It was all she could manage as everything else faded away. Logically she knew that Hollis was still speaking. She could hear the words, but they were far away and muffled as she felt herself withdrawing inward. Another person she could see herself opening up to for friendship was lost. She stood there in silence as her mind diligently worked to compartmentalize this new information and hide its effect. This is why Lucien's persistence in setting up these blind dates, in wanting to know why she was not eager to look for an intimate companion, exasperated her. Why would someone willingly open them up to this sort of loss with the world as it was? This was a devastation she wanted as far away from her as possible.

Her posture stiffened as a facade of professionalism covered her features before she dared to speak again.

"Thank you for letting me know, I was not aware."

"I have his paintings, if you'd like one to keep." Yes...

"I may take you up on that perhaps."

"Please do. Whenever you're ready."

Hanlon nodded, then remembered that Miss Maeby was closely attached to Quincy. Her tone shifts to one of sympathy and concern.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm not, but I will be. Time heals, as they say."

"If there's anything I can do to help, you just need ask."

"That's very appreciated. Thank you."

Hanlon's gaze lingered on Hollis for a long moment as she wondered how this woman managed to endure such a thing. Did she have similar coping mechanisms, or better ones, perhaps? Her gaze flickered between the two as she readied to depart again.

"Ye gonna be alright Doctor?" Lucien asked

She had already started walking and was not about to stop and prolong this discussion.

"I'll be fine, thank you." She called out over her shoulder, lifting a hand in a small wave as she put distance between them. Each step cemented the wall her mind erected to protect herself, to contain the memory of Quincy and of what could have been.

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