The Doctor Is [IN]

[ari_v_2_0]

There is, at the top of the main staircase, a heavy oak door with a frosted glass panel, like a monochrome sunset, over the frame. On the door, at eye level, is a brass nameplate. “Ariane Emory, Pysch.,” it says, in deeply engraved letters

Comments

[star_in_night]

Elaine pauses by the open door, timidly.

[ari_v_2_0]

Ari looks up. "Hello, Elaine," she says, warm and even, setting her book away, "Feel free to come in."

[star_in_night]

She does, after a moment's hesitation. "I don't exactly-- I mean, I only wanted to ask your opinion."

[ari_v_2_0]

Ari nods, quiet and reassuring. "Go ahead," she says, "I'm listening."

[star_in_night]

"Do you--" Elaine's eyes are on the carpet. "Do you think -- I ought to try to get back to where I was." It's not quite a question, after all.

[ari_v_2_0]

Ari watches her carefully for a moment. "I don't think trying will get you anywhere," she says softly, "I think we're stuck. Catlin and Florian couldn't get back to me, and they're Security. You'll go home when this place is done with you. Until then, you're here."

[star_in_night]

Her hands curl in on themselves. "My lady--"

[ari_v_2_0]

Ari stands up and crosses to her, a gentle, steady hand on her shoulder. "It's all right, Elaine. It's not your fault. You're very responsible, you're taking good care of yourself in a strange place."

[star_in_night]

Elaine quiets, relaxes deliberately. After a moment she says, "I've been helping Sir Percy."

[ari_v_2_0]

"That's good," Ari says, and smiles.

[star_in_night]

She hesitates, then ducks her head, silent.

[ari_v_2_0]

"Did you want to tell me something else, Elaine?" Ari asks, friendly and curious, no pressure in the tone.

[star_in_night]

"No," she says. "Thank you," and backs up half a step.

[ari_v_2_0]

"All right," Ari says with a smile. "You're welcome."