The morning had started just like every other, nothing new. She had started her day with a cup of coffee on the bed in the rented room of the inn. It was nice, but she wanted a place to put down real roots and have her own space. The thought had been plaguing the young mare for weeks now, the desire to belong and have a real home for the first time. The draw of her sister being close enough to see was nearly overwhelming at times, a part of her still struggling with the emotions of the past. There was still a simmering pool of rage under the cool efficiency that the mare worked with, a fear and hatred that none had really ever seen. Even Bella, who knew the ordeal and trauma from their pod. Those thoughts had pushed her from her bed and into the clinic where she could work beside her beloved mentor and let herself learn more and more.
That had been her morning, a start of pure chaos in her mind. Now that she was settled into her work, her thoughts cleared and the little mare was focused. Perhaps a little more focused than usual as she tried to erase the thoughts and emotions. It seemed like a haze settled over the world around her, making her a touch more careless than usual. A blade slipped from the table, opening a small wound on her shoulder. Or at least, she thought it did. A frown crossed her features as she glanced back to assess the damage and it was gone. What in the world?
Shaking away the confusion, the little mare dove back into her work. Her mind was more settled, focusing on the patient that had just walked in. The young colt was swaying, clearly not feeling well. It was early, though she could smell the remnants of a night out. There was an underlying scent that she didn't recognize, but she shook her head and directed the colt to a treatment area where she could dive deeper into the mystery.
She spoke to the colt, learning what she could both from his words and his body language. He had drunk way more than he should have, but there was something odd. Bits of memory that had disappeared from his recollection, moments of haze. Frowning, she started to take his vital signs and try to learn more from there. That was when she noticed it again. The scent that she had noticed when he came in. Something bitter. What seemed like a whisper in her mind urged her forward. “Look deeper.” Pol felt a spark within her, like a bit of light that was trying to direct her inward. There was an unease the clutched at the little mare, unknown happenings being something that freaked her out.
”I dont have magic… That is something Bel has.” She found herself murmuring, her voice nearly silent as she was examining the colt. ”Are you certain, daughter?” The inner voice asked again, though this time it was familiar. There was a tone, a cadence to the words that brought back thoughts of her past, of the pod… of her mother. The happy mare that had cherished her family. The mare that had protected her pup with her own life.
”Mama?” Pol asked softly, startling the colt as he glanced back to see tears in her lavender eyes. The thought of her mother’s voice was overwhelming, making the little mare shake. Forcing herself to step away for a moment, she gathered her composure and took a few deep breaths.
When she came back to the colt, she was more hesitant, yet curious. What was the voice pointing her toward? That spark seemed to flare as she stepped closer, the little mare nodding as she let the spark free. There was an almost sparkle to the blood as her mind seemed to swim in his veins. Then she caught the scent again. A small streak of sparkles caught her attention, the color emerald rather than crimson. Something that didn’t belong. It didn’t smell of alcohol, but rather more bitter and almost caustic in scent. A drug of some kind? The mare started to follow the streak, wishing she knew how to chase it from her patient’s blood.
”Magic, my daughter. You are stronger than you think and can do much more.” The voice was encouraging. It seemed so odd to try to figure out what the voice meant. What her mother’s voice meant. Pol had a moment of wishing Bella was there to help her figure this out. Wishing Bella could tell her if she was truly hearing their mother’s voice. Was she going insane? Shaking the distracting thoughts away, she focused more strongly. That was when she heard the pained moan from her patient. Focusing too hard seemed to be uncomfortable to the colt. Pol pulled back a bit, enough that she was still following the odd streak, but not enough that she was asserting her dominance over the blood itself.
”Whatever you are… You have no place in this colt.” Pol growled softly, her magic causing the crimson blood to become stronger than the taint. As she watched, the streak of emerald was overtaken and disappeared from the blood. Withdrawing, she swayed on her hooves. Pol leaned against a table for support as she spoke to the colt and gave him a few things that would help him to feel better. After a short conversation with Lu, Pol turned and padded out of the clinic.
The trip home was a mess, the little mare swaying and struggling to stay alert enough to walk. She paused here and there to catch her breath and balance, leaning against buildings as her legs shook. When she saw the inn in the distance, Pol let loose a soft gasp of relief. Each step seemed to be a workout, an eternity. But the stubborn healer refused to give in. She made it to the building, then to her room. Once inside, she locked the door and collapsed in the bed. Before another thought could cross her mind, a wave of warm blackness pulled her into sleep. A sleep that would last for two full days.
@
Notes: Short Quest for Pol’s magic <3
