Already bored.

[evillurks]

Once the chest tube is out, and various tests have revealed extensive damage to his shoulder that his continued activity has prevented from healing, The Shadow is returned to his bed in a private room. He is very clearly not happy about any of this, but never once does he complain, which would only invite criticism for his not seeking medical

Comments

[victormakesart]

Victor had a hard time picking out books. It was the curse of being interested in very nearly everything. She settled on three: a book about drawing with a sticky note on it that said ‘to pass the time,’ a book on ancient Roman war devices with a sticky note on it that said ‘to time the past,’ and a book about thirty-second century physics with a sticky note on it that said ‘mass and time.’ Victor’s sense of humor was odd on a good day.

She shuffled on in wearing her great big bowler hat and a sweater with clownfish stitched on. Soon it would be too hot for her to wear sweaters in California.

Luckily she had never been the sort to say ‘I told you so.’ Saying that to him would never even cross her mind. Instead she shifted the books in her arms and said, “Hi.”

[evillurks]

The Shadow is also interested in nearly everything, and appreciates how eclectic the collection beside his hospital bed is thus far. He may even appreciate the puns, for once.
She finds him with his knees drawn up to balance a book on the discovery of Lucy, but as he reads his left hand is winding and unwinding a length of black yarn about his fingers. When she enteres he has to look over the reading glasses to see her properly.

"Afternoon..." He looks briefly wary, before his gaze settles on the books. "This wasn't the way to go about visiting the Clinics. I know." He seems to be hoping to beat her to saying it, regardless.

[victormakesart]

She looked surprised when he said it, then a little bit embarrassed, and then she realized that she probably looked surprised and embarrassed and quickly rectified that. "Oh no, I wasn't, I wouldn't... it's good that things're gonna be fixed now, is all," she finished, with a decisive nod. It was important to fix problems, right away.

[evillurks]

When he sighs, he wheezes, but his expression softens subtly as he puts his current book aside. "More or less, eventually. But I won't be leaving by tomorrow..." He has not asked the doctors, but nonetheless he knows. A collapsed lung is not the sort of injury to heal in a single day.
"What did you bring me?" The Shadow turns his attention to the book with interest, and gives a nod to direct her to the bedside chair.

[sarah_branigan]

Later in the day, The Shadow has another visitor, but this one is not here to bring him books. Nurse Branigan is dressed more appropriately for her role this time, in a forties era nurse's uniform. She has her stethoscope with her, and a small platter of cookies covered with plastic wrap.

That's right. She made him cookies.

If he's sleeping, she'll simply look over his chart and then come back a little later.

[evillurks]

He has made a few, very brief naps between visitors, but the dosage of painkillers has been cut back and he sleeps very lightly. Her footstep in the hall is enough to rouse him, because he recognizes her by it. Everyone has a unique step for those observant enough to note it. By the time she enters he has lifted the book he was reading before he dozed off.
"Good afternoon, Miss Branigan. You missed Crumrin..." He looks up, then, and notes the plate of cookies with mild surprise.

"That doesn't look much like hospital food..."

[sarah_branigan]

"Good afternoon," she smiles, before looking somewhat disappointed. "I did? Ah, well." Her desire to speak with Courtney seems a little more urgent than earlier, but not so urgent that it can't wait a few more hours.

"That's because it isn't." Her smile returns, somewhat wry. "I was a patient here once. The food isn't bad, but I found it rather utilitarian." She sets the platter of cookies on his bedside tray. The guns give her pause, but only for a moment.

"I thought I'd give a listen, see how your lung is doing." She returns her attention to him and taps the end of her stethoscope.

[evillurks]

"Hm. It does leave one craving green vegetables..." He looks bemused, suffering a brief craving for Chinese food. Not the overcooked rubbish tourists ask for, either, but something properly cooked with rice and vegetables that still crunch. He will certainly accept cookies, however, and perhaps her efforts will keep him from losing any weight he can't afford to lose

[cailisairgid]

Hours after Nuala's departure, a young messenger from Dún Fómhar arrives - a faun, though not the steward Tumnus - bearing a pile of books and a wax-sealed note. (The books are English translations of assorted magical military histories. One is specifically a discussion of tactics in warfare.)
As promised, I have lent a few of my own collection to occupy you a while longer. I hope these will be of enough interest to occupy your mind; I have added my own notes where I found the existing translations insufficient.

With regards,

[evillurks]

Visitors have been in and out all day, and late afternoon finds his energy flagging, but he puts on weary manners for the courier. The faun is given his thanks, to be passed along to Nuala. The Shadow finds strength enough to make a brief perusal of every volume, before dozing off over one of them. The gift of a loan will be very much appreciated, and when he's back on his feet he may make some attempt to repay it.