the king and the healer -- Viktor

[Sara Cromwell]

Viktor Ealdor "Reports of an increase in attacks and accidents began to plague Harper Valley and to many the reasons were unknown. As a supernatural Sara had a small idea of what it could be but she had no way of knowing the truth, nor did she want to." "Now Mr. Howard, how many times have I told you to stay in bed? We don't want your stitches coming undone again now do we?" Sara said with a smile to the stubborn, but friendly old man as she helped him back into his bed. The man recently had surgery done to his lung and was required to remain in the hospital for a few days for observation. It wasn't the man's first time in the hospital however and in fact he was actually a regular. The staff was pretty familiar with the older gentleman as well as his health problems but as many times as he shows his face it was always a pleasant one. Sara appreciated patients such as him, they made her life easier. Working in a place filled with misery and death already took a toll on her, an unpleasant patient was the last thing she needed. Sara tried her best not to judge those who are difficult, maybe there is a reason, but that still didn't make any easier for her. Regardless of their attitude though Sara took an oath and was never known to break them. "No. But if they do I want you to be the one to fix it." the old man said with a flirtatious smile, making Sara's cheeks turn pink. "Of course you do. You just want me to see you naked again." she laughed, in turn making him laugh as well. "Well can you blame a poor, old man?" "No I cannot Mr. Howard. I'll make a deal with you though. If you stay in bed for atleast another couple of hours without getting up then I'll see what I can do about getting that sports channel added to your room and maybe even throw in one of those big cinnamon buns from downstairs you've been ranting about. Does that sound fair?" The man smiled. "You know how to get to a man's heart, don't you?" the man said with a hint of excitement. Sara grabbed his chart as she headed for the door with a smile. "Only if the man is as awesome as you, Mr. Howard." she opened the door and stepped out but turned to look back to him one last time. "Now remember what I said. Feet on the floor, no sports and sweets. Got it?" the man gave her a thumbs up before she exited the room. Sara then headed to the main, round desk located in the center of the room. The hallways were busy, as usual, but the last few weeks the hospital has been even more hectic than a small town hospital should be. Reports of an increase in attacks and accidents began to plague Harper Valley and to many the reasons were unknown. As a supernatural Sara had a small idea of what it could be but she had no way of knowing the truth, nor did she want to. She felt safe in the hospital and that was where she spent most of her time, to her dismay. While Sara went through Mr. Howards chart she started to overhear a conversation by two whispering nurses behind the desk. Sara tried her best to make it seem as if she wasn't paying attention as she knew the two nurses wouldn't like Sara butting into their conversation despite the fact they weren't really discreet about it at all. "You know all those attacks that have been happening in town lately? What do you think it is?" one of the nurses said as the other shuffled through her salad with her fork. "I think it's some kind of animal. No human could tear a man apart like that." "Animals this far into town? I don't think so. I think we have some kind of lunatic on our hands." "Then wouldn't the police say something though? How are we to protect ourselves if we don't know what we're defending ourselves from?" "Oh you know how secretive the Founders Council is. I wouldn't be surprised if they're behind all of it and that's why no one has caught the perp." "Or animal." the nurse eating a salad rolled her eyes. "Whatever it is they need to do something about it, like now. Harper Valley is one of the safest towns on the Eastern coast and it needs to stay that way. I didn't move up here from the city to feel unsafe." Sara let out a snort. Yeah...safe, Sara thought to herself. If only they knew the truth.

[Viktor Ealdor]

He seldom visited the settlement of Harper Valley; however, this day’s visit was not under good circumstances. Unfortunately, his business in this small town was death. In the recent months, there had been an increased number of killings, all of which were supernatural related. Local police department had no clue what they were dealing with, and claimed it was some sort of animal attack. He knew better, however, because all of the victims were Magi.

Arriving at the train station, Viktor stepped out of the doors and onto the platform, and instantly felt a pull. Harper Valley was famously known for the mountains surrounding it. At least, known by supernaturals. On his few visits here, he always felt drawn to the mystic energies that radiated from the mountains; nevertheless, he never had the chance to explore them properly. His downtime was rare, as High Priest. He was a ‘minor’ workaholic, and always found something to keep himself busy. The mountains were not a pressing matter to investigate, even at this time.

No, today he was called to the hospital. His intent was to pursue any possible leads in the vicious attacks, and hoped to find a survivor to question. Walking in great strides, cane leading his step, he soon found himself wandering through the white-walled halls of the hospital. Somewhat embarrassed, he had no idea where to go. He had never stepped inside a hospital before – he had no need for one. He did not know where to begin.

Close to nine centuries old, and he is lost in a hospital… Pathetic. He was not going to get anywhere far on his own; thus, he needed to set his pride aside and ask for assistance. Going to what seemed to be the reception desk, there were three nurses. Two who seemed to be whispering about something ‘secretive,’ and then… Her.

Flowing, auburn locks cascaded down to her shoulders. Flawless skin that seemed to have a shining glow about it. Her most outstanding feature, however, was the brilliant, blue orbs that regarded her work with caring intensity.

He found himself mesmerized by this fascinating, immaculate creature. She was the perfect portrayal of feminine beauty. He had to shake himself so he did not look unusual staring for so long. As he got closer to the desk, something intrigued him even more: she was a Magi. It was not hard for him to tell. He did not need years of experience behind him to notice the telltale signs of magic. He was so accustom to the various scents of magic that he was fairly proficient at picking up its trace with ease.

An interesting twist indeed. He certainly felt a strange connection, but decided to not acknowledge it yet. He did not know if this woman felt the same, and undoubtedly did not want to make her uncomfortable.

He had no idea if she would recognize him as the High Priest or not. Most Magi accepted The Scarlet Council as a governing bodies; nonetheless, there were some that did not. And, unlike most Magi, the typical traits of a Magi did not radiate from him. He could pass as a regular human to nearly all immortals, thanks to his opal ring imbued with his powerful illusion spell. Regardless, he elected to keep some facts quiet, and let the encounter play out naturally.

”Excuse me, but I am looking for Marcus Johns. I am an old friend of his. I heard he was recently in an animal attack. I came to see how he was doing.”

He spoke kindly with a warm smile to this angelic nurse he found himself fixated on. He wondered if she knew the true nature of these attacks. He had so many questions for Marcus, but for this woman as well. He knew much of patience and its practice. All answers would come with time.

[Sara Cromwell]

Viktor Ealdor "She tore through her memories in hopes of remembering but she was left with nothing. Yet, the moment their eyes met she felt a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach that she had never felt before." Though Sara’s eyes were fixated on the papers in front of her she couldn’t help but begin to think about the incidences as well. The gossip surrounding the attacks was just that to Sara at first, gossip. In the beginning there were no signs of intelligence, no motives and the wrong-doer was simply labeled as a wild animal. Now the attacks have become more frequent, more precise, and though they’re still as gruesome as before more gossip quickly arose from the change. It was difficult for most to see the pattern behind the attacks. The injuries the victims sustained were the same with each case; torn limbs and animal like scratches that made identifying the body nearly impossible; but the identity of the people concluded that the attacks were random as none had no known preexisting contact with each other. It would only take a supernatural, like Sara, to know that the attacks were not at random and did have a pattern. Sara knew some of the victims, though not personally, and was already aware that the Founders Council most likely saw this connection as well as the supernatural community within Harper Valley but their efforts in stopping it seemed fruitless. Their attempts at hiding it behind a cover story seemed to work at first but now the town was buzzing and the people needed answers. Not only were the fearful supernaturals concerned but now the humans are as well. Sara only hoped that the Founders Council do their job in protecting the people and do so fast before anyone else ended up hurt. Sara was deep in thought when an unfamiliar voice broke her train of thought. ”Excuse me, but I am looking for Marcus Johns. I am an old friend of his. I heard he was recently in an animal attack. I came to see how he was doing.” Sara casually looked up to catch the face of the voice now grabbing her attention but when she did so she wasn’t expecting to see a somewhat familiar face. Only once has she seen the face before her but it was so long ago she couldn’t remember where she had seen him from. She tore through her memories in hopes of remembering but she was left with nothing. Yet, the moment their eyes met she felt a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach that she had never felt before. A feeling that made her feel at home with his presence, a feeling that sparked what bit of magical energy she had in her in a way that made her feel numb inside, a feeling she only felt when she was healing someone. Suspicions of his humanity came to question as she had never felt such a strong force of energy before but she could never be sure unless she asked or performed magic. There was a moment of tranquility that consumed her but only for a moment as the feeling was interrupted by another doctor. ”Cromwell. Where is L.F’s chart?” the doctor asked in a rushed tone. It took Sara a moment to bring herself out of her daze before she could answer. ”Uhh…t-top shelf, third over.” she said as she shook her head and tried to bring her mind back to reality. Once the doctor had what he needed she returned her attention back to him with a clearer mind. ”Y-yes. Johns…uhmm.” she rubbed her head as she tried to recall the patients name and whereabouts. ”He’s the second floor, room 209. But I’m sorry, he’s not allowed visitors outside of family yet due to testing. Doctors orders.” she said with an apologetic smile. ”If you want you can wait here and I can see when he’ll be ready soon or if you don’t want to wait you can leave a name and number and when he’s ready I can give you a call to let you know?” She said, hoping he would decide to stick around instead of leaving. Déjà vu began to set in as the young Magi studied the older man’s features for any recollection of how she knew him. Not only did she feel she had met him before but she felt a strong pull towards him as well. These feelings quickly triggered a new ambition within the curious Magi and she was now determined to figure out why this man had such an effect on her, as well as what his purpose was in the first place.

[Viktor Ealdor]

The High Priest… This old man was the leader of a great people. A group of people that respected him and did not question his authority. Would they look at him the same if they knew who he really was? A monster. Despite his isolation for many years and “rehabilitation,” his younger self heavily influenced him. Almost like a different person, his cold and ruthless nature patiently waited in the dark crevices of his mind, bidding its time before it could emerge. Viktor did well to subdue it. He kept his lust to kill a well-guarded secret from everyone.

In a time of abundant suffering for Magi, he stepped out of the shadows and took up the mantle to be their leader: a strong individual that would lead them from their own darkness. Nevertheless, would his actions in this town condemn all he sought to protect?

His dark purpose was to hunt down the supernatural that was slaughtering his kin, and exact his own personal retribution. He had to be cautious because, if his actions were to be noticed, a war could break out. His people were not strong enough yet to last through another “war.”

Regardless, every moment that passed in the presence of this woman, led him further astray from his purpose in Harper Valley; however… He did not want to leave her.

Her aura was intoxicating; pure to the core. Every attempt to clear his mind failed because every time he went to breath, he only inhaled more of her enchanting aroma. She made nearly forget where he was. Her melodious words drifted into his ears, like a siren’s song. He could almost sense that she felt the same way.

”I do not mind waiting… As long as I can wait with you.”

His words were soft, ”I am sorry: I should introduce myself. My name is Viktor Ealdor.”

[Sara Cromwell]

”I do not mind waiting… As long as I can wait with you.” With those words Sara fought back a giggle and luckily succeeded. She didn't, however, succeed in preventing her cheeks from turning into a deep shade of pink. Any kind gesture from a good looking man, whether he looked to be about her fathers age, was appreciated but something about this man made it that much easier to fall into his charms; though she doubt it really took much effort on his part to do so. Quickly her pink cheeks from flattery were turned into colored cheeks out of embarrassment. She attempted to play it off and removed her gaze from him to look at her papers as she pretended to shuffle through them in an attempt to ease her nervousness but she felt he could see right through her. As flattering as it was to have sudden company during her shift she was still in fact at work and couldn't lounge around with a visitor, as much as she wanted to. It was then she felt a bit sad she wasn't able to stick around to learn more of this stranger but those feelings were quickly pushed aside once he revealed his identity.

”I am sorry: I should introduce myself. My name is Viktor Ealdor.” Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes shot towards his direction again. With a name to match to the face her suspicions on why he was so familiar were verified. Memories of trips to her grandmothers house flashed through her mind like a movie consisted of short, spotted scenes. Blurry and distorted as well but Sara knew what had happened. It was during one of her trips to her grandmothers that she witnessed the same face that was standing before her only this time Sara was much older and yet...he looked exactly the same. Magi who used magic regularly were notorious for their youthful appearance despite whatever age they were. She slowly looked around before twisting her body back to face him. She didn't want anyone to know what she was about to say so she lowered her voice to almost a whisper. "Viktor Ealdor...." she looked around once again. "The Scarlet Council High Priest?" she asked, wanting to be certain he was the same and was already thinking of an excuse in case he wasn't the man she thought he was. "Heh....wow. I thought you'd be older....well, I guess you are but.." she shook her head as she noticed she was beginning to ramble and that only meant one thing, nervousness. "I'm sorry, anyways. I don't know if I should curtsey or.." she nervously laughed. "Wow, you're really here." she paused. "Wait, why are you here? If...you don't mind me asking." she wondered, hoping it was about the recent Magi attacks. She knew he'd know what to do.

[Viktor Ealdor]

A playful smile cracked opens his lips, and he could not help a chuckle as he watched the woman’s cheeks turn a rosy red. His centuries of life had not seemed to whittle away his charm, thankfully. In this circumstance, it made for a wonderfully adorable sight. The lively colour of the woman’s cheeks highlighted her remarkable ever further. She was truly a portrait of beauty.

"Yes, the very same Viktor. Fortunately, I have been blessed with a graceful aging. Please, no curtsey. I get enough of those. Here, I am a simply doctor, trying to help people – and find some answers.”

On that note, he lightly tapped his cane on the floor, and an instant transformation occurred. What was previously a navy suit and tie was now an ankle length lab coat, acceptable to pass as a doctor. Obviously, this was all an illusion; however, his amplified powers made this illusion almost a reality. The touch, sight and smell of the fabric seemed all too real. Even though there were people around, they were all to busy to notice the alteration. And even so, humans were easy to deceive; therefore, he was not concerned with anyone noticing.

”Nurse Cromwell, would you mind escorting me to our first patient? He asked in a professional tone. Then he got closer to her and talked so only she could hear. ”I assume you have an aptitude for healing, or something along those lines, since you work at a hospital. Let’s see if we can help a few patients in need today. And while we are at it, you can help me, as well.”

His opal eyes shimmered with power and experience, but his smile softened their intensity. He hoped to make his way to Johns before the day’s end; nevertheless, until then, he did not mind helping others, Magi or not, recover from their sickness or detriment. He could only accomplish this with her, as he never delved into the restoration side of magic growing up. What he could do, however, was augment her own abilities with his. He was practically a walking cave of limestone, considering the energy he had stored in him over the centuries.

He made a small gesture for the woman to lead on before he decided to continue discussing his purpose for coming to Harper Valley.

”You ask why I am here; however, I am certain you know why. An unfortunate series of events has taken place in Harper Valley. A string of attacks has occurred, but not random attacks. These attacks are directed at Magi, which is unknown to the human populace. I have theories as to the perpetrators; nonetheless, I need to be certain. I came as soon as I heard there was a survivor. I hope to extract some information on his assailants. But now that I find myself talking to you, I am curious as to what you know of the situation? Has there been any further gossip or rumours floating around?”

[Sara Cromwell]

Sara watched as he performed magic in front of her very eyes, with both shock and amazement. Then the paranoia came and she found herself looking around to see if anyone else had notice. No one did. Sara mentally let out a sigh of relief as she told herself everything would be okay. It was unknown to the Magi who in the hospital was aware of the supernatural world or better yet even okay with it, knowing the Founders Council had eyes and ears everywhere. She tried her best to hold back on saying something about the change of clothes, fearing he would compromise what little reputation she had here with a show of magic but the remembrance of his position, and her sudden urge to trust him, stopped her from doing so and pressed her lips tightly together. He didn't seem worried so why should she; something she tried to convince herself anyways.

”Nurse Cromwell, would you mind escorting me to our first patient?" At first she was confused but as he neared her confusion was quickly forgotten and replaced with admiration. ”I assume you have an aptitude for healing, or something along those lines, since you work at a hospital. Let’s see if we can help a few patients in need today. And while we are at it, you can help me, as well.” Sara cleared her throat silently as her eyes locked onto his. For a moment she didn't even hear what he had said but his voice once again snapped her out of it. "Y-yeah....of course." she said happily. It wasn't every day the High Priest asked for your company let alone your help personally. She felt honored and like a child going to the fair she increasingly grew excited with the offer. Sara knew better than to use magic to heal anyone in the hospital however, in a way it was a death sentence. Her infatuation prevented any common sense and with a grin she proceeded to head down the hallway with him. If only her older sisters could see her now.

"Oh there's been gossip alright. A lot of Magi and even humans are skipping town and I don't blame them. All I know is that the attacks are vicious, like an animal ripped them apart but all of their limbs and organs were still there. At first we thought it was the Werewolves but it's not them. These attacks are more precise...like they're choosing their victims. That or they're trying to make a statement of which they've defiantly succeeded. Werewolves here don't have grudges against Magi, only with the humans and Vampires." she looked over at him. "I was surprised to see your friend made it. And to be honest, I would have healed him if it didn't mean giving my..." she looked around. "abilities....away. Right now it's not the best time to be a Magi. As you can already tell." She feared the Founders Council was involved and if so the hospital was not a safe place for her.


NOTE: Since in our HV plot we have supernaturals being attacked already I thought we could use this thread as the start of that and Magi are the first to be attacked.