Baby Steps [OTA]

[thecutdiamond]

Others may have been antsy about the fact that they can't escape from the confines of the Deck, but Rachel's been increasingly more anxious to be more properly out of the confines of the wheelchair. Her strength has been building, slowly but surely, especially since she's returned home, and the weeks of physical therapy have been effective in

Comments

[ishineon]

That sound's unfamiliar, the clatter on the stone floor. The sight of the woman rounding the corner isn't unfamiliar, but it's been a while since she was seeing it at this height.

"Oh my- you're- Oh!"

[thecutdiamond]

It's a rare thing, to see the other woman surprised, but then, it's a rare thing to see Rachel smiling quite so widely, as well.

It calls for a bit of informality between friends, "Hello, Säde."

[ishineon]

She can't bring herself to return the greeting so casually, not faced with the clear evidence of a celebration being called for. "You're standing. Unassisted, even. I hadn't thought-- that's wonderful."

[thecutdiamond]

"Not quite unassisted," she can't help but say, "But yes-- they said I'm able to begin using the crutches more, now."

[makeminerubies]

Quick steps sounded around the corner --her normal stride, really-- but Claudia, coming down the corridor, paused in a bit of surprise to see the Lady Ten actually on her feet.

"Lady Caustello," she said politely, although with a cordial nod. "It seems things are progressing wonderfully."

[thecutdiamond]

"Lady Chareut," she greets with a nod of her own, "Yes, the New Year came with quite the improvement."

She's still tentative on the crutches, yes, and probably shouldn't be wandering about the castle in them for as long as she intends. But at least she's on them and out of the chair at last.

[makeminerubies]

"Would you...would you like a bit of assistance, perhaps?" Though the idea wasn't exactly born out of concern or sympathy, Claudia offered nevertheless. Because really, it wouldn't do for the woman to trip over something and injure herself further. Claudia was just now getting to see the top of her desk as it was now that Rachel was back at work.

[thecutdiamond]

She shakes her head slightly, "I was just taking a turn about the castle to give the crutches a try. Thank you, though."

A pause, before she carefully asks, "How were the festivities, for you?"

She'd not gone to the Feast, after all, and was hardly invited to the Chareut family parties. But she could only imagine both were quite interesting to behold.

[uncutclarity]

The scraping sound goes by her door, and it's a moment before Avery peeks outside. And another moment before she blinks, another before her smile slowly blooms.

"Good afternoon, Rachel. Out for a walk?"

[thecutdiamond]

It's a bit of a careful thing, to turn, but Rachel manages. It's all probably a welcome sight-- the crutches, Rachel using them, the fact that she's smiling properly for the first time in goodness knows how long.

"I am, indeed. Could I perhaps persuade her Lady Ace to join me?"

[uncutclarity]

"I could use a break," Avery tells her as she steps out in the hall, shutting the door behind her. "Did you find that sometimes, when you were Ace, it was hard to remember to go out and see the sun?"

[thecutdiamond]

A faint huff of laughter, "Oh, absolutely. I'm fairly certain my skin got several shades lighter in those five years than should be physically possible." Even more so in the eight years following that, but that was another story. "And that was with me going Outside on missions."

[lowtohigh]

The difficulty in this, of course, is that running at a person on crutches is a much harsher punishment than running at someone settled in a chair. Which is what the sharp skidding noise is about as Eileen rounds the corner and has the impulse to bolt into a hug--but decides against it.

"--Auntie!"

Hesitant approach will have to do. The intent to hug is clearly there.

[thecutdiamond]

Impossibly, her smile grows even larger as she approaches her niece. Balances herself on the crutches enough to open her arms.

"Come here, little one."

[lowtohigh]

It's a bit careful, perhaps, but once she's against her aunt's side, Eileen's arms latch tight with the same familiar clinging she's always had. Crutches meant Rachel was less fragile, not more, right?

"Congratulations."

[thecutdiamond]

She has to hold on to one of the crutches to get her other arm around her niece, a quiet laugh escaping her lips.

"Thank you, Eileen."

[diemwnt]

It's hard not to be antsy about the inability to leave, particularly with the pressures that usually live on the shoulders of Tens, with the assignments that get dropped on their desks in even these less-violent moments of impending potential disaster and current inconvenience.

But it's also hard not to feel an odd sense of utter relief when seeing Rachel on her feet, even with the aid of crutches.

On the bright side, he isn't at risk of dropping things every time she surprises him anymore. Has even gotten the bowing instinct out of his system. Almost, almost manages a smile as he holds up a hand in greeting.

That counts as a congratulations, surely.

[thecutdiamond]

She'll tilt her head just slightly in greeting, her own smile easily offered in return.

"Cadogan. How are you, today?"

[diemwnt]

The usual response, "/Well enough/," is likely familiar enough as he pats to pull out his phone--complete with fantastic Christmas bling that he's certainly not too stuffy a Diamond to carry proudly.

First day?

He's never gone through PT for anything this massive, but he's had friends, practically brothers. The first day upright again is something of a huge deal.

[thecutdiamond]

There's the slightest eyebrow raise at the new look for the phone, but she doesn't comment. She's a little too busy nodding with her smile still clear on her face.

"Yes. I just got the approval this morning."

A wonderful New Year's gift, to be sure.