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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 10, 2011 23:23:17 GMT -4
The excitement in the room was all radiating from the youngest Aynsworth boy and infecting the rest of the family like an extremely contagious cold. Graisyn and Vivyan had never seen their brother so happy, which left goofy smiles on their faces as they watched him rush around, gathering his things for his first day. Lyna and Coralyne had already given him their congradulations in the form of several cheek and forehead kisses; Fynn mocking them by proceeding to lick his brother's cheek instead of kiss it. Carlysle and Bryce were nowhere to be found, obviously pretending to be too busy to see Cullyn off on his first day as an Intern at St. Mungo's. But it didn't affect the atmosphere in the room one bit. Even Thayne couldn't deny that this was an exciting day in the boy's life. Especially after what he's been through in the past year.
Vivyan stepped forward, adjusting Cullyn's black stripped tie that went perfectly with his white dress shirt and black dress pants. This wouldn't be seen too much under his brand new, freshly-ironed robe, but he insisted that everything be perfect. After much adjusting to his outfit, he pulled the light blue robe on, relaxing as it fell over his broad shoulders and ended right at his shined leather shoes; a perfect fit.
"You look so adorable." Graisyn cooed as she ruffled his blonde hair. She grinned as he desperately went about fixing it, helping him so he'd stop freaking out. "Knock 'em dead, champ." She added as she gently pinched his blushing cheek. "Figuratively, of course. I think you might get fired your first day if you took that literally." She teased before patting him on the shoulder and then disappearing out of the living room, leaving Cullyn, Vivyan, and Thayne alone.
Vivyan finished tugging at his robe until it was wrinkle-free, a mixed look of envy and pride playing on her normally vacant features. "I'm so proud of you, Cullyn." She touched his cheek gently with her fingertips, sending him a quick little message. First one of us to be let out of this prison. Take advantage of it. Don't forget to tell me all about it tonight. I found my old journal two weeks ago in the backyard. It's still in pretty good condition. Her eyes reflected Cullyn's own sparkle of excitement as he realized what it meant. Their private communication was available again and Vivyan would have a great deal of her memory back after decoding the water-logged pages, though some were completely ruined from weather damage.
She left without another word, giving Thayne a faint smile like she approved of him doing this for their youngest brother. Thayne gave a nod in return and then handed Cullyn his bag before grabbing him by the shoulder and leading him to the giant fireplace, the Floo Network being their means of travel today. Upon arrival at the hospital, Cullyn's jaw dropped open and he looked like a kid who had just walked into the world's largest candy store. White marble, sterile and shining. Signs upon signs leading you to different areas of the wizarding world's largest hospital. People in green robes moving effortlessly to their destinations and looking deep in thought.
Cullyn stared until a hand wrapped around his elbow and tugged him toward the big, round reception desk. Thayne stopped before the secretary, a charming smile crossing his lips. "Hi, we're here to see a Miss Ashlyn O'Neil. She should be expecting us." His smile remained even though the secretary was struggling to hide her fear. By now, Thayne's name was common place amongst the wizarding community. Most knew him for the multiple buildings he owned, though some knew him for the much darker part of his job. It was hard to tell whether she was afraid to be in the presence of an extremely rich man or the Dark Lord. Either way, he didn't let it phase him. He was here to make sure Cullyn got to where he needed to be, which he seemed to be doing a terrible job at so far.
"Cullyn Warner! Back here now." He called out to the wandering boy who was shifting through the crowd, grinning like a fool up at all the Healers whom he saw as his idols. He froze as he heard Thayne's voice, the grin disappearing as he shuffled his way back over the the desk.
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Ashlyn O'Neil
Magical Folk
Licensed Healer
Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?
Posts: 19
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Post by Ashlyn O'Neil on Nov 10, 2011 23:48:50 GMT -4
"You two can't honestly be listening to this crap again."
Abel Spokane floated into the third floor lounge, cocky in both stride and tone. He arched a brow at the two woman sitting around a radio set, which blared the dramatic narrative known as The Healers. The older, dark-skinned woman turned a startingly shade of red and opened her mouth to admonish Spokane before the dark-haired girl at her side spoke up instead. "Bugger off, Derp. We were here first." Abel narrowed his eyes at his sworn nemesis Ashlyn O'Neil. "I could pull seniority on your ass, yknow." He huffed, reaching for the dial again only to have his hand smacked away by Healer Cycles. "Back to work, Spokane. Accidents and Emergencies can't just not have a healer on duty. O'Neil and I are busy. Shoo shoo." The thirty-five year old woman smiled patronizingly as Abel stomped off back into the ward.
"Men these days," Ashlyn huffed, taking a sip of her tea. It felt nice to be off her feet, even if only for fifteen minutes before resuming her duties. The morning in Accidents & Emergencies had been slow, but with only three healers on duty, there was no chance of her escaping to Poisons to work alongside Healer Dereham, or to Dai Llewelyn to work with her father and Healer Cauldwell. She was stuck where she was. But with a good cup of tea and her and Healer cycles' favorite radio show, she wasn't about to complain.
"Good morning, Ashlyn. Senior Healer Cycles," The dreamy male voice interrupted Ashlyn's reverie. As Healer Dereham walked into the room, she immediately sat up straighter, a faint redness creeping onto her cheeks as Cycles collapsed into a fit of laughter beside her. "Good morning, Kaeden. Didn't expect to see you down here," Ashlyn managed to articulate. The man poured his own cup of tea before glancing over at the young Healer. "Slow morning in Poisons," He explained, eyes taking on that far-away, cloudy look that Ashlyn had grown to know so well. As Kaeden drifted to take a seat at a nearby armchair, his gaze fell upon a flyer left on the table. "Benefit masquerade this weekend. I assume you two are going?"
Another chortle from Cycles. Ashlyn opened her mouth to respond when -
"Healer Ashlyn O'Neil, please report to reception. I repeat, Ashlyn O'Neil."
Ashlyn frowned. Why would she possibly be needed at the front desk on a day like this? She drained her tea and set down her cup. "Have a good day, Ashlyn," Kaeden wished her as she bustled out of the lounge. Two wards, elevator, three floors, and she was finally there. But as she neared the desk, Ashlyn caught site of a peculiar silver suit and blonde locks, and suddenly had to fight the urge to turn and flee. What would Thayne Aynsworth want with her this time?
But then her eyes shifted to the blond boy at his side, donning light blue robes. It couldn't possible be.... Suddenly, a grin broke across her features and she picked up her pace to close the distance between herself and the guests. "Cullyn! Lovely to see you. And in inter robes as well! Congratulations." Her expression softened considerably as she looked at the spiffy eighteen-year-old. She observed him carefully, then relaxed a moment later once she was convinced he looked healthy and well. Finally, she glanced to the man standing to the boy's side. "Thayne," She said, with a simple nod of acknowledgment.
This wasn't the place to cause a scene. And judging by the receptionist's horrified expression, Ashlyn's casual greeting of the most deadly wizard in modern times had not gone unnoticed.
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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 11, 2011 0:18:50 GMT -4
Cullyn stopped staring around at the shiny walls and signs when he heard the familiar, relaxing voice of the woman who had saved his life only a year ago. He looked over at her, watching as she quickly made her way to them. "Ashlyn!" He nearly squealed and, though extremely unprofessional, he threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly. It had been way too long since the last time they'd seen each other. He pulled away, blushing a shade of scarlett when she congratulated him on becoming an Intern. "I think blue's my color." He joked, though it went well with his pale skin and blonde hair.
He bit his lip to keep himself quiet when Ashlyn went on to acknowledge Thayne. The two didn't exactly have a charming history, but maybe time could heal some...battle scars? He shrugged, doubtful, and turned to the secretary, asking for a collection of any maps and pamphlets she had on the hospital so he could decorate his bedroom wall with them. He decided this would at least keep him and this terrified lady busy until the two foes were done with their little chat.
"O'Neil." Thayne replied with a smirk, making no effort to hide the fact that he was looking her over. "Healer now, I see. Not that word hasn't gotten back to the manor about your successes." He folded his arms across his chest, his usual attempt at intimidation by looking like a man of importance and power. "I brought you a little surprise. A late graduation present, if you will."
He turned and grabbed Cullyn, spinning him around so the boy was facing them again, though his arms were now so full of brochures that some were slipping out of his grasp and falling to the ground. "Meet your new Intern." Thayne announced, Cullyn giving a cheesy, slightly embarrassed grin as he scrambled to organize the things in his hands and shove them into his bag before grabbing up the ones on the floor.
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Ashlyn O'Neil
Magical Folk
Licensed Healer
Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?
Posts: 19
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Post by Ashlyn O'Neil on Nov 11, 2011 0:30:19 GMT -4
Ashlyn blinked, taken off guard by Cullyn's reaction. But she relaxed and patted his back, then his hair in a return of the embrace. Oh, how she had missed the youngest of the Aynsworth lads. He was by far her favorite. A lot of that standing had to do with how Cullyn reminded her so greatly of another blue-eyed boy, just a year younger than Cullyn, still at Hogwarts.... Now that school was back in session, Ashlyn no longer saw Holden McDermott for their weekly chat and lunch. But winter break was fast approaching, and Ashlyn was positive she would see him once or twice then.
Thayne and Ashlyn were soon discretely left to their own devices. Ashlyn held her hands clasped in front of her as she stared at Thayne, unflinching even as he assumed his most ridiculous and commandeering of poses. She hated to ruin Cullyn's big day with the tension that permanently existed between them to. But Ashlyn kept herself in check by reminding herself this was all too public of a place for Thayne to just take her prisoner. Again.
"A simple congratulations would have been fine." She responded, a pleasant smile on her lips, though her voice was cautious. Maybe... just maybe they could try to make this work. For Cullyn's sake. She could at least be cordial with Thayne. Or pretend to be. A surprised expression did grace her face as Thayne introduced Cullyn as her intern. "Oh. That's wonderful," She breathed out, looking back to the boy with a warm smile. "It will be an honor to teach and train you, Cullyn." It was not long ago that Ashlyn herself had been in blue robes, following Cycles and Dereham around like a puppy dog. She turned her attention back to Thayne. "Are you going to be our chaperon us all day?" She asked, head tilted, her expressin clearly amused.
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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 11, 2011 0:58:46 GMT -4
Thayne didn't have to fake being his calm, always ego-tistical self. With all the power he had gained over the past year, he had forced himself to become a steady, rational man even in the face of constant annoyance...like Ashlyn, for example. He was actually pretty pleasant to be around if you could get past the god-like mindset that he now had from always being called the Dark Lord. To be expected, though. Titles can easily go to your head.
Cullyn finished shoving the papers into his bag as Ashlyn said it would be an honor to train him. A smile lit up his face, dimples showing in his rosy cheeks. "Thanks, Ashlyn. It'll be an honor to learn from the woman who saved my life." As he finished speaking, his eyes began to wander around the room again, glancing from Healer to Healer. So many of them...and he wanted to meet them all. No doubt he would find a way to do just that. But he would have to resist the temptation for now.
Thayne simply chuckled at her question, looking just as amused as her. Rivals being civilized. In a public place, of course. But still, it was a change of scenery. "I'm actually going to go. I just wanted to accompany Cullyn here and make sure he found you. I'll stop by to pick him up at the end of his shift." He gave her one last smile and then patted Cullyn on the shoulder before walking off, pausing briefly to call to her. "I've got eyes all over this place. No funny business." A hint of the old Thayne, maybe? He gave a wave before disappearing back through the fireplace, yet another busy day ahead of him.
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Ashlyn O'Neil
Magical Folk
Licensed Healer
Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?
Posts: 19
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Post by Ashlyn O'Neil on Nov 11, 2011 1:21:01 GMT -4
Now it was Ashlyn's turn to blush. It was nice to have her skill appreciated. Most of the healers she worked with (the exceptions being her father and Kaeden) saw her as inferior. Sure, she was a new Healer, but that was hardly reason to look down upon her. Ashlyn was thrilled with the idea of having an intern - and one she had known for a few years, nonetheless! It would be nice to teach someone the ropes like she had been taught, fresh out of Hogwarts.
It was certainly strange to see Thayne and Ashlyn being outright civil to each other. Perhaps she should be more careful. Nothing that involved Thayne Aynsworth ever turned out to be pleasant or easy for her. It was difficult to buy that the man had good intentions at heart - especially those concerning Cullyn. Still, she was in the workplace. Being professional was a necessity, and she didn't want to ruin Cullyn's first day with arguing or scathing remarks.
"The admirable duty of an older brother. I'm surprised, Thayne." Ashlyn smiled but quickly glanced away. This was an interesting turn of events, and Ashlyn was a bit confused by it all. "Goodbye Thayne." Once he had disappeared, she turned her attention back to Cullyn and slipped her arms around his shoulder, grabbing a folder that the receptionist offered her. "Come on, Cullyn. To my office. You have some more paperwork. And I'm sure some of the other healers will pop in to say hello." She led him to the lift, then back to the Accidents & Emergencies ward.
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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 11, 2011 1:50:36 GMT -4
Cullyn watched his brother leave and, as if following behind him and into the fireplace, the tension in the large room evaporated instantly. It had been over a year since all of happenings at Aynsworth Manor. You'd think things would have been forgotten or at least pushed aside. But he could clearly feel the unsettled disputes between them. Of course, if not for Graisyn, things could have gotten a lot worse. Maybe now there was at least a chance of an apologetic truce between the two stubborn parties.
He nodded as she said he had paperwork to do, taking the folder from her and glancing through it as they walked to the lift. With the simple act of her putting her arm around his shoulders, he felt oddly safe and...loved; something he didn't get at the manor. He closed the folder as they stepped out of the lift and into the Accidents & Emergencies ward. Again, he was like a kid in a candy store. He took in every detail as they walked by, not even turning away as he caught glances of bloody messes of splinted body parts.
When they reached her office, he set his bag down near the door, the material ruffling loudly with papers as it shifted and fell foward, nearly dumping its contents all over the floor. He took a seat in the first chair he spotted, flipping open the folder and getting to work after snatching a quill from Ashlyn's desk. It was easy to fill out: his information, medical history, experience, test scores. He simply lied his way through most of it, writing down exactly what Thayne told him to. If he was going to keep his Internship, he was going to have to fake some things.
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Ashlyn O'Neil
Magical Folk
Licensed Healer
Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?
Posts: 19
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Post by Ashlyn O'Neil on Nov 11, 2011 12:45:16 GMT -4
Ashlyn unlocked the door to her office with a flick of her wand, and hit the lights once they were inside. It was neat, compared to the offices of other healers. One wall was dominated by a large poster featuring a world map. Various cities had been marked out using either blue or yellow thumbtacks. A chronicle of her weekend journeys with her close friend and fellow healer Ethan Cauldwell. He wanted to see the world before his time was up, and Ashlyn was more than willing to make that happen. Photographs from their travels lined the walls, and in a frame on her desk was a picture of her and her immediate family - her mother, looking exhausted but beaming nonetheless, her misty-eyed father, arms wrapped around Ashlyn's little sister Sophie. Her older brother Cedric's arm was thrown casually around her own shoulders as the family posed for the camera.
A collection of about seven patient files were stacked up on her otherwise pristine desk. Ashlyn sat in the chair on the other side, watching Cullyn while he wrote. Ah, she could remember those forms like it was yesterday. Basic information, confidentiality agreement, the magical equivalent of the Hippocratic Oath. Emergency contacts, blood type, grade verification. Soon the real fun would start. "Y'know, I'm glad you're here. Accidents & Emergencies has been slow all morning. Making my rounds and showing you the ropes will give me something productive to do."
Ashlyn crossed her legs and reached for the top folder. Ah, one of her follow up patients. The finicky, legendary wizard by the name of Sir Miles von Gnarls had been unlucky enough to have a cauldron explode while brewing tea. Why the man insisted on brewing the beverage in a cauldron was beyond her. But after emergency surgery, von Gnarls was healing nicely. "We can start out with a tour. Then you'll come with me while I make the rounds on my follow-ups. Sounds good?" Ashlyn caught Cullyn's eye and beamed at him, just as the door to her office went flying open.
"Ah. Fresh meat." Ashlyn rolled her eyes at Abel's dramatic entrance and wolfish grin as he looked at Cullyn. "Back off, Derp. He's my intern and I will not have him subject to hours of bedpan duty at your orders." She shot him a glare before shutting con Gnarls' file with a snap. "Cullyn, this is Healer Spokane. He works here in Accidents & Emergencies." The curly-haired wizard in his late twenties extended a hand. "How do you do, Sir Cullyn?" He asked, chuckling when he caught site of Ashlyn's weary expression.
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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 11, 2011 13:44:31 GMT -4
Cullyn nodded a few times, only half-listening as he tried to sign on all the lines and make sure he didn't miss anything. "I'm actually surprised to be here. What with me not finishing Hog-" He stopped and closed the folder, placing the quill back on Ashlyn's desk exactly where he had found it. Information is given on a need-to-know basis. That was Thayne's famous line that he had delivered to Cullyn at least thirty times over the past week while he prepared for this very day. And it seemed to be coming in handy already. No one needed to know that he didn't finish out his last year at Hogwarts. Most students were told that Cullyn has some contagious, deadly disease and had private studies in the dungeon, along with his own room there. No one was curious enough to go searching and realize he wasn't there at all.
"That sounds perfect. I'm so excited to see everything." He smiled back at Ashlyn before getting to his feet, placing the folder of filled out papers on the chair and then moving around the room to get a better look at things. "Will I be getting a desk of some sort? I've brought a few things I'd like to display. For my own benefit, of course. Plus a place to put my bag of, erm, stuff would be lovely. I don't want to leave a mess all over your pristine office." He rambled as he looked over the pictures she had posted all over one of her walls. Her and a rather dashing man traveling the globe together. A couple, perhaps? He glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowing as he observed her a few moments and then turned back to the pictures.
He was about to bring up the subject of her love life nonchalantly before her office door went flying open and hit the wall with a bang. Cullyn's head jerked in the direction of the noise, a charming smile quickly replacing his confusion as he saw the intruder was wearing green robes. Closer to his goal, one Healer at a time. He turned, taking a few steps in his direction before the young man had closed the gap between them himself. "Healer Spokane?" He questioned as he gave his hand a firm shake. "I'm Cullyn Aynsworth." He said simply, his mind obviously going a mile a minute now. After a few moments of deep thought, he finally spoke up.
"Any relation to Alistair? I've done my research on the Healers here. Extensive research, actually. Can't say I've ever heard of you, though. Honestly, from what I've read, I was starting to think intelligence in the Spokane family gene pool was extinct after Mr. Alistair." His head tilted slightly to the right, looking boyishly innocent even though his ramblings were unknowingly turning to the side of insulting. "How'd you manage to become a Healer?" He asked with a curious smile, rushing to his bag near the door to dig out his journal so he could take some notes on this unknown Healer.
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Ashlyn O'Neil
Magical Folk
Licensed Healer
Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?
Posts: 19
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Post by Ashlyn O'Neil on Nov 11, 2011 14:07:42 GMT -4
"The intern offices are upstairs. We'll drop by there on the tour so you can claim your desk." It wouldn't be an office exclusively for his use, but one shared with another intern. Still, Ashlyn had ever confidence that Cullyn would rise to the title of Healer in no time, and have his own office to decorate so he wished. She watched as the boy looked at her photos. She could practically see the cogs turning in his head. She was nearly about to explain that the man was Ethan, another healer and her dearest companion when Abel once more cut her off.
"Ah, boy's down his research! Lookit here, O'Neil. He reminds me a bit of you when you first started." Abel shook Cullyn's hand, stealing a mischevious glance at Ashlyn. "Oh. Alistair's my uncle. You'll probably meet him today. He's the head healer of the poisons ward." At the mention of the Poisons ward, Ashlyn's cheeks flushed even deeper. "Say, now that I think about it, I'm almost positive O'Neil will be showing you that ward-"
"OUT, Herp Derp. I've better things to do." Ashlyn stood up and shoved the man's shoulders, guiding him out of her office. Just in time, too, as his voice was summoned over the intercom system and he was forced to bustle off back to the Accidents & Emergencies ward. Ashlyn sighed impatiently, clearly exasperated. "Sometime I think Abel is Thayne's long lost twin," She commented wit ha roll of her eyes. Both men were certainly insufferable enough to be brothers. Ashlyn leaned down sand scooped Cullyn's file off the chair. "Now. Any questions before we get started?"
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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 11, 2011 14:51:02 GMT -4
Cullyn began scribbling down a few notes about Abel, frowning when Ashlyn forced him out the door without giving him the chance to ask some more questions. Maybe another time then... He snapped the journal shut, stuffing it back into his bag full of maps and info packets. "I was actually hoping to get a look inside the Poisons ward. I think, with my background and knowledge, I'd fit in there quite well." He commented, apparently missing something between Abel's unwanted comment and Ashlyn's blushing. But he was always one to mind his own business. Well, at least when he was at home where poking into people's personal information could get you put in the solitary cells hidden in the manor basement.
As he thought about this, he quickly realized that the same rules didn't apply here. Though he did respect Ashlyn's privacy above all others, as he should, some snooping into coworker gossip could be a little fun. "He doesn't seem that bad. Just a little cheeky." He commented, disagreeing with Ashlyn's statement. The two might have been totally insufferable to her, but they were two completely different pages in Cullyn's book. It was almost like Abel was pestering her like they were school children and he had a silly little crush. On the contrary, Thayne got under people's skin until they just snapped and revealed their weaknesses so he could use them as weapons. One good guy and one bad guy. But Cullyn did have unbiased views on everything.
He pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder, shaking his head at her question. Surely he would have plenty during their tour. But for now he just wanted to get started. He glanced back at her wall of photos, then at her. "Some questions are better left unanswered, I'd say." He gave her a teasing half smirk and then left the room, glancing back and forth down the hall and smiling at Healers who walked by. Some were definitely eye candy; the first side perk of the job that he mentally noted. It was a shame that his heart was still tied down to someone from his past or a little harmless workplace flirting could easily occur due to Cullyn's boyishly good looks and charming, innocent personality.
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Ashlyn O'Neil
Magical Folk
Licensed Healer
Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?
Posts: 19
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Post by Ashlyn O'Neil on Nov 11, 2011 17:16:23 GMT -4
"He put me through hell when I was an intern. I don't think he can except that I'm on his level now," Ashlyn explained with a shrug. Her relationship with Abel was... interesting, to say the least. They had clashed since he transferred to St. Mungo's from St. Jude's Magical Hospital in Bristol. Safe to say they brought out the worst in each other, and there was plenty of gossip among the interns and mediwitches that the teasing disguised stupid crushes. But Ashlyn was quick to insist quiet the contrary. Anyone who was anyone at the hospital knew her heart belong to a man who worked in the Poisons ward two floors above.
She narrowed her eyes as Cullyn gestured toward the wall. "His name is Ethan. You'll meet him soon enough and realize your assumptions are very much wrong, little Aynsworth." She leaned in to flick his nose, such a sisterly move, before bustling out the door and locking it behind Cullyn once he was in the hallway as well. She gave him the cursory tore of the Accidents & Emergencies ward, introducing him first to Senior Healer Cycles an then to Sr. Healer House. Both were too busy to indulge in any further conversation, and they were shooed on their way.
She led Cullyn next to the floor below, the ward for magical creature related injuries. She bypassed the general atrium and straight into the Dai Llywellyn ward, the workplace of her father and his protege. she rambled about the history and function of the ward as she went, and was soon accosted by an older healer, handsome, though frail looking. Deep shadows rested under his eyes and his frame was a bit skinny and angular. But nonetheless, he greeted Ashlyn and Cullyn with a beatific smile, his blue eyes crinkling up at the corners. "Hello, hello. If it isn't my favorite healer from A&E," Ethan chuckled before turning to Cullyn and extending a hand. "Ethan Cauldwell at your service."
"E, this is Cullyn Aynsworth. My new intern." Ashlyn stated, clearly proud of the boy's title. Ethan fought a smile as he observed the blond eighteen-year-old. "An intern for you so soon, Ash? He must have requested to work with you specifically. Not that I blame him," Ethan stated politely, bowing his head slightly. Ashlyn snickered. Ethan's nice-boy charm no longer made her blush. She had grown used to such things coming out of his mouth the past year. "Ethan works alongside my father," Ashlyn explained, turning to Cullyn.
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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 11, 2011 17:57:06 GMT -4
"If you say so, Miss Ashlyn." He replied, tone dripping with disbelief. Cullyn followed closely behind her as she made her way through the Accidents and Emergencies ward. His bag emitted loud crinkling noises as he rounded corners and sudden movement caused the material to flail around from the momentum. He glanced down at it, shaking his head in self-disappointment. He was feeling very much like a hoarder at the moment and his face flushed every time someone looked in his direction.
He stayed still as a stone when he met two of the Senior Healers, awestruck but their professionalism and overall vibe of authority. He only hoped that one day he would end up where they are now. Not in the same ward, of course, but he wouldn't complain if stuck somewhere he didn't want to be. Anywhere was better than home. Within no time, they were on the move again, stumbling upon the Ethan that she had mentioned earlier; the man from the very mysterious pictures.
The first thing he noticed was his deteriorating health. But even that wasn't enough to hide the fact that he was handsome and surely someone Ashlyn could see herself with. For the first time today, he was forced to fake a smile as he shook the man's hand. Ashlyn spoke up before he had the chance to introduce himself, so he simply stayed quiet, observing the two as they interacted. Complimenting, playfulness, an undeniable chemistry. His eyes flickered over to Ashlyn only to notice that she wasn't blushing. The two seemed to be just friends with a comfortable enough relationship to teasingly flirt? This confused Cullyn to no end.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Cauldwell. You're a lucky man to get to work with the talented Mr. O'Neil. And this one, of course." He motioned to Ashlyn by nudging her in the side. Just being in the presence of this man made him feel...uneasy. He reminded him of a girl who worked at Thayne's bar. He didn't see her living much longer, though she always proved him wrong as the months ticked by. So how much longer did this man have? And why, when they worked in a hospital, was someone not working on a cure of some sort?
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Ashlyn O'Neil
Magical Folk
Licensed Healer
Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?
Posts: 19
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Post by Ashlyn O'Neil on Nov 11, 2011 18:16:06 GMT -4
Ashlyn cared for Ethan much in the way she did for Cullyn - Ethan was sick, he needed her assistance. Unfortunately, his illness was beyond her capability to heal. So she was set on something else, on making his remaining two months on earth as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. She willingly helped Ethan fulfill his dream of seeing the world. Both of them worked Monday through Friday, but reserved the weekends for their travels. Ashlyn just wanted to be there for the man in any way she could. It was rare for someone to have such an impact on her life.
"It's a pleasure, Cullyn. I'm sure I'll be seeing more of you in the future." After thie handshake, Ethan nodded at Ashlyn. "Your father's in his office. I have to go do some work in the lab, but I'm sure Aidan will be pleased you've stopped by." With that, Ethan excused himself and bustled off towards a lift. Ashlyn watched him go before tugging on Cullyn's sleeve and leading him to the other end of the ward. "You're lucky. Some people who have worked here for years still haven't realized my father is the head of Dai Llywellyn. And a newly appointed member of the Board of Trustees. Come on."
After a knock, Ashlyn pushed open the door to Aidan O'Neil's office. The older gentleman - in his late forties - looked up and smiled at the two, snapping the file open on his desk shut. "Ashlyn, I was just about to pay you a visit." Cloudy blue eyes landed on Cullyn. "Ooh! And intern. Hello, hello." Aidan chuckled to himself, as though this was a funny inside joke. "Dad, this is Cullyn Aynsworth." If Aidan recognized the last name (and he should have, given his brother-in-law and nephew's encounters with the family), Aidan didn't allow it to show. "Welcome to St. Mungo's, Cullyn. I'm Senior Healer Aidan O'Neil." Another handshake. "Now, if you'll forgive me for a moment..." Aidan glanced to his daughter. "Your mother requests your presence at dinner tonight. Apparently your uncle will be there as well," Aidan commented dryly, his disdain for Alexander and his exploits obvious.
Ashlyn remained silent, and suddenly Aidan's frown hitched back up into a smile. "Or, I can just tell her that you've picked up Healer Spokane's shift this evening and will be unavailable." He chuckled, resting his fingers together in a pyramid atop of his desk. "Ah yes. Well, I'll leave you too be. I'm sure you've plenty left to learn, Cullyn. Have fun." He looked back down at his desk as Ashlyn led Cullyn out of the office.
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Post by Cullyn Aynsworth on Nov 11, 2011 18:44:24 GMT -4
It took a few minutes to shake off the feeling of dread looming over him once Ethan left them. If there was one person he didn't want to work with, it was him. Not because there was anything wrong with the man. In fact, he seemed to be the perfect gentleman. But Cullyn had a problem with seeing others suffer. He couldn't just stand there and watch them await their fate while he had two skilled hands that could brew any potion in existence and more. But it was none of his business and so he made another mental note. Avoid Ethan Cauldwell at all costs.
The dimpled grin returned to his face when they made their way to Senior Healer O'Neil's office. Ashlyn had met all of his family at one point or another. Now it was his turn to meet her's. Well, at least her father, who he knew to be an extremely intelligent, well-mannered man. Files in Thayne's office... "Hello, sir." Cullyn nearly blushed as he shook the man's hand. "It truly is an honor to meet you." He added before stepping back and resuming his silence.
He pretended to occupy himself with looking at knick knacks around the room while the two O'Neil's exchanged words, but he couldn't stop his ears from listening. Alexander Sterling at an O'Neil dinner... His older brother would have loved to hear this and there was no doubt that he would ask him about the O'Neils at some point. And then it clicked in his brain. The reason Thayne had gotten him an Internship here with Ashlyn. Oh, that sneaky little devil...
He waved goodbye to Aidan and followed Ashlyn out of the room, trying to kick the paranoid feeling at the back of his mind. "Thayne still wants Alexander's head on a silver platter." He mumbled as he walked close to her side. Now his eyes were searching the halls and people as they walked past. Surely his brother, Mr. Dark Lord II, would have a few spies littered throughout the hospital. He just had to hope his new hunch about Thayne's intentions were wrong. Cullyn was always skeptical of his brother's actions after the whole poisoning incident. Maybe he was just overreacting and looking too far into this coincidence.
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