Unknown Frontier
My Little Pony Roleplay => Ponyville => Topic started by: Tinder on June 18, 2017, 06:34:41 pm
-
Nivalia enters her lab and places her bag onto the table. The whole exchange went better than she expected; like Tinder said, now the hard part begins. She still has to make a call to Sergeant Mazur, get some more patrols along their usual routes. The day was long though, and the night ahead didn't look any different. Rummaging through her satchel, she pulls out the half pill and places it in a grinder. In seconds it ends up into a thin powder. A portion of the powder levitates into an empty petri dish. 'Alright, just have to find out the components and go from there. It shouldn't be too difficult... hopefully.' Into the long hours, long after everyone has left; Nivalia's mind still keeps her awake. No one should have to go through what she saw. Bit by bit, things started to piece together.
-
Tinder keeps silent for the rest of the way back, her ears on a constant swivel. As they arrive back to the shop she wants to start working almost immediately, she needs to get her mind off of all this. "Yeah, together.." She gives Niv a light hug before letting her go to work, wishing she could make this all go away. Tinder makes sure Niv is in the lab before starting to do the more straining parts of her job, she know's she's supposed to take it easy but there is so much to do. She's not relaxing just because of an injury, that's not who she is.
-
"Yes, Tinder. You are cleared for work. Just take things easy, honey. Let's get back to the shop." The stroll back to the Herbiary was a quiet one. Nivalia keeps to her word and takes half of a pill. She just needs to get one reading of it beefier she can continue. Business resumes, staff and customers unaware of their travels today. "Get settled in and just do a basic patrol today. I'm going to be in the laboratory." She looks over to her friend and hugs her. "If you need anything, just tell me. We're in this together, ok?"
-
Tinder looks to Niv, the fear of all this showing on her face, "I don't think I can go home right now.. what if he comes back for more payment?" She takes the bottle of pills and hands it to Niv, letting her take what she needs. "Can I go back to work now? I need to finish up... Am I allowed even though I didn't get my physical?"
-
Nivalia nods, understanding the concern Tinder has about their situation. "Don't fret. By the time you get low on your current amount, I'll have a solution. For now, we just goo by or day to day. If... you ever feel as though you're in danger, you can always stay at my place. Or at least the shop if it comes down to it." She looks up towards the sky, "I'll need one of those pills, Tinder. Actually, half of one would work."
-
Tinder leans into Niv as they start to walk away, so many thoughts racing through her mind, so many memories of the nights she spent around here.. She usually tries to forget this stuff, but with everything going on it's all she can think of, the time with him, with his buddies.. As Niv let's her go Tinder moves closer to her, she needs to know she's there. "What if bad things happen after the change? The hard parts not done, it gets so much worse soon. I can't stop taking them or it'll get bad, fast."
-
With the deal done, Nivalia turns back to Tinder. She places a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "C'mon sweetie, let's go." She leads her out and back onto the main paths. The night was silent, besides the few crickets out singing. Niv let's go of Tinder as she resumes walking. "Thank you, Tinder. I... know that wasn't pleasant. But the hard part is done. Now, tonight? Everything changes. You were really brave."
-
He takes the pouch as it's held out to him, opening it and giving a quick glance at the contents. "Yeah, this'll cover it." He drops the bottle into Tinders waiting hoof, smirking as he watches her squirrel it away into her bag. "Don't take them all at once, I'd hate to loose you.." His voice dripping with sarcastic venom. "And don't worry, Tinder. We'll get to have our fun later."
Tinder nods a few times, afraid to speak. She doesn't want to say the wrong thing, she knows if she does then later will be even worse. She wishes she could tell Niv she never resorted to those means to get her pills, but she can't lie anymore. Tinder glances to Niv, a weak smile crossing her face, she can't be here any longer..
-
Nonchalantly she reaches into her bag and pulls out a hefty pouch. Giving it a good shake, she levitates it over to the stallion, "This should cover it. If your stuff is as good as I hear, we'll be talking really soon." The mare looks over to Tinder and places her hoof on her shoulder as she waits for the transaction to continue.
-
As he feels her hoof brush against him a sly smile appears across his face, turning to meet her eyes. "Well, if you insist... I could always use another client." He grabs a bottle and a baggy from his pocket, quickly checking to make sure it's the right amount, "As much as I'd love to take you up on your offer, I'd have to make Tinder here jealous.. for now it'll have to be cash, maybe we can meet up another time though." He holds the baggy out to Niv, and dangles the bottle in front of Tinders face, snatching it away from her as she goes to grab it. "Money first, then you can get your treat.."
-
At this point, Nivalia was getting excessively annoyed. Not only intimidating get friend, but just ignoring her overall. This had to stop. She needs to get his attention, and as long as Tinder is here, she won't get it. Nivalia knew she could just... persuade him to provide whatever they needed. It's so easy. No. Not yet. The changeling wasn't about to use her ability unless necessary. Regardless, she couldn't let this continue further. "That won't be necessary," Nivalia cuts in. "I'm interested in these things myself. Unless, you don't want another client to do business. And like you said..." Her hoof gently brushes against his shoulder as her tone becomes much softer, "You do take other forms of payment, no?"
-
Tinder seems frozen in fear as he approaches her, she knows this drill by now, it's not the first time. As she's teleported to Niv she seems to straighten up a bit, a little bit of fear leaving her eyes. A deep breath leaves her as she moves closer to Nivalia, wanting to support her. "Thank you.."
As his prey disappears from in front of him he turns to face the two, not afraid to get what he wants. He steps closer, each movement purposeful, each look telling. "You're going to pay for her?" He doesn't seem to be heading for Niv, he knows she's not afraid of him, but Tinder is. He knows he can get whatever he wants from Tinder, "Are you really going to let your friend here waste her money on you?" He reaches up to stroke her face slightly, smirking as she reels back from the touch, "Wouldn't you rather pay for your own? You know how to.." He grins as he glances over to Niv and then back to Tinder, "What do you say? Or, I suppose you could let her pay, I can always come visit your house when you need another dose."
-
It takes every fiber of patience for Nivalia to not kill this stallion right then and there. Everything about him oozed unsavory things. Tinder would find herself glowing with magic before teleporting right next to her friend. "So this is the guy huh? How... charming." Her last word is coated with venom. "Lucky for you buddy, I'm actually interested in a dose myself. I'm covering Tinder's expense this time. Throw in a hooful and I'll pay double the amount." This wasn't an issue that could be solved with a few words. She needed a sampling of the drugs herself, and a straight forward approach is the only way she knows how.
-
Tinder looks over at Niv as she starts to slow down, she knows that his spot is close. Her eyes full of fear, all she can think of is the pain, of having what she relies on taken away from her, of the time in rehab that is to come.. She's barely even moving anymore, just inching forward, she knows this isn't going to go well. But she can't stop now, she needs to keep going. Tinder takes a deep breath and adjusts her bag, not ready for this but having no choice. She looks around a few times before heading down a nearby alley, she can't do this. But it's too late now.. he's already seen her.
Near the middle of the alley, leaning against the wall, is a dark gray earth pony. He blends in well with the surrounding area, other then his piercing blue eyes, eyes that look like they could see into the soul. A light smirk appears on his face as he sees the two approach, "Back for another batch already? And I see you brought a friend, you know that one extra person won't make up for your debt.."
As soon as he spoke Tinder almost seemed to shrink, she can't do this, she can't break ties with this. Her voice shakey as she attempts to speak, "No, I... I just need my regular. Nothing else."
As Tinder speaks he walks over to her, backing her against the wall. His face inches away from hers as he puts one of his forehooves against the wall beside her, blocking her way out. "You know I don't like it when you bring others around... And you know that you need to give me something before I give you something. You saw what happened last time you gave me nothing." His hoof lightly hitting her side, watching her wince from the pain. "Of course, if you're still outta money, you know I accept other forms of payment." His eyes traveling down her body as he speaks.
-
Nivalia keeps in step with Tinder as she follows her through town. She wasn't sure what to expect. The only thing close to danger that she's experienced was the assassin sent atter her several months ago. A dealer couldn't be that bad, right? Although, despite the risk, if it meant her friend being free from those drugs; it is well worth the risk. Then there were the drugs themselves. If Tinder tries to go cold turkey, the effects could be severe. Nivalia already was working on similar medication. She may not have something to cure whatever ailed the orange unicorn, but she could certainly make better than what she was taking.
-
Tinder checks her bag once more, making sure she has enough pills to last her till she gets back. The thought of cutting ties with her dealer is starting to get to her, reminding her of the pain and sickness she'll have to go through if she quits. She looks to Niv and nods a few times, "Okay.. I'll try." She stops at her door and stares out, taking a deep breath before making her way out. She seems to be walking towards the east side of town, her steps slow and shaky, she doesn't want to do this.
-
Nivalia nods, "It's a start. And if we can cut ties at this level it'll be easier to move on." She knew Tinder was nervous, and was proud to see her continue anyway. "I'll be with you the whole time, sweetie."
-
Tinder scratches at her bandages nervously, taking deep breaths to try to calm herself down, trying to convince herself that what Niv is saying is true. "Ebony said the same thing when he saw my file... He said he'd help. But, I don't know if I'd make it through. Rehab would have to be involved, and I barely stayed going when I was in one last." She glances up at Nivalia as she talks about sorting out the threats, and as much as she wants to run for the hills she knows she has to do this. Slowly Tinder stands up, straightening out her bag and taking a breath. "I can bring you to my dealer.. I don't know any high-ups, they aren't who I real with."
-
A feeling of guilt hits Nivalia when she realizes that she scared Tinder. It just wasn't fair. She deserves so much better than this. "Tinder..." her tone softens as she lowers herself to eye level with the unicorn. "You've been one of my best employees I've had. You're also one of my closest friends. You... you're worth it. Time, resources, anything and everything. You deserve so much more and better. You may have always slipped back, but you didn't have me though." Getting up, she trots over to the door. "First thing's first though, we need to sort out these threats. Ready? Because I really don't know where to go."
-
Tinder shrinks back as Nivalia swipes the bottle from her, fear flashing in her eyes. She takes the pills that are offered to her with a shaking hoof, nervous that they will be taken away again, she needs this. Quickly she downs the pills, trying to take deep breaths to keep herself calm, putting the bottle back in her bag. "But, I like my life... I know how to do this job, I'm good at it. I'm not good enough for others. You stick to what you know, and I know this. You don't need to waste your time on this, on studying them.. you shouldn't waste resources on me. I'll just end up slipping back, I always do."
-
It breaks Nivalia’s heart when she hears how comfortable Tinder is to her position. Before Tinder can take more pills, the changeling swipes the bottle from her grip, "This doesn't have to be your life though! You... You don't need to do these things, these jobs anymore!" She opens the bottle and gives Tinder a couple of pills. " sorry about that, I just want to see... Damn, of course there's no description on the bottle. After this is over, I'd like to study what your taking. I'm sure I can make a better alternative for you." Nivalia sighs and sets the bottle back in Tinder's hoof.
-
Tinder backs up a bit as Nivalia speaks, she knows this is true, but she's come to expect this in her life and part of her doesn't think she can go back. "I don't want to lose you... What if something happens and they hurt you, I can't take the thought of it. I've gotten used to the jobs, I'm good at them, they keep me going." There are just so many things for her to take in, she's never been this clear with someone. Reaching out she grabs her pills off the table, going to take a few more. "This is just my life Niv, I'm used to it."
-
Nivalia’s eyes widen, "Ten years!? And you don't even recall how much? Tinder, I know what's going to happen. They'll keep making you work and do jobs for them all the time. They won't tell you how much you have left to pay off." She walks over to her bag, "No, I'm not going to leave you to handle this on your own. I don't care what they say or do. Those kinds of ponies care little for your well being. You'll keep working till you're dead." She rummage through her things to make sure she's ready and slings it over her shoulder. "I'm sticking with you on this, Tinder. Don't tell me you'll handle it on your own, this is our problem now."
-
Tinder closes her eyes for a moment as she tries to calm down, trying to figure out how to deal with this without getting her friends hurt. "You don't understand... I've been doing this for over ten years, working for them was the only thing keeping me safe. I don't even know how much I owe them anymore, it's been too long. I just need to start doing their jobs again, that's all I need to do. It'll keep you and everyone else safe, I promise."
-
Nivalia pulls back her hoof and sits down, "Tinder, just relax. Take a deep breath and calm down. This whole thing is over money, right? How much do you owe? It can't be that much." Nivalia was no stranger to financial trouble, and she was willing to help any way she could.
-
Tinder slowly stops scratching as she feels Nivs leg, doing her best to take deep breaths like she's being told to do. She grabs the pictures from the table, looking through them one by one, she hadn't really looked at them yet. Her body starting to shake again as she examines them, leaning into Niv, "You're in too much danger already. You have your own problems.. you have the new disguise, the shop, everything.. I can't drag anymore people into this. I just need to do more jobs for them, I had stopped, I wanted to be good for your store. I just need to do their jobs again, I shouldn't have stopped, it put you all in danger."
-
Nivalia approaches Tinder. She holds her shaking hoof with her own as she wraps her leg around her bandages to keep them there. "Tinder, calm down. Take a deep breath." The orange mare would feel a rather soothing energy come from her friend. "I know you're scared. Seeing this, I would be too. But they're targeting or friends. At this point, I can't leave you all alone to tackle this. I won't. Let me help you. Let me help our friends, Tinder."
-
Tinder reaches out for Niv, her hoof shaking, "Please.. I can't get you any more involved in this. I can't risk you getting hurt. I promise, I'll keep them away from you, I'll try to speed up my payments. This is my fight. I won't let anyone else get hurt... You saw what happened to me, imagine what they'd do to someone who doesn't owe them money." She starts tearing at the bandages on her back, needing them off.
-
"Tinder, even if I wanted to leave, it looms like this group would be paying me and our friends a visit anyway." She looks to Tinder with determination in her eyes, "You said it yourself. Things could get worse. With our luck, they will. But we have the chance to make it on our terms. I'm sticking with you whether you want me to or not."
-
Tinder takes all the pictures back, wishing she could just forget them. She's scared, this is why she didn't want people to know her secret, she didn't want to put others at risk. "Please Niv, just forget about it... This is my problem not yours. I am begging you, just forget what you saw. It'll just get worse." Her eyes full of fear as she looks to Niv. Trying to calm herself down she hauls off her bag and starts scratching at the bandages, wanting them gone.
-
Nivalia examines each photo that Tinder gives her. Knowing they were being watched was rather startling. Seeing the last one of Tinder though... a look of seething rage passes her face. It takes every ounce of control to keep a level head. To not just run out the door and punish those who did this to her. Nivalia didn't want to see anymore, she didn't have to. "The only ones who are going to get hurt are those who did this to you. And that's if they're lucky." She looks up, her face softening when she sees Tinder again. "Where are they?"
-
Tinder takes a minute to think out the best way to tell her story, clearly nervous, her magic grabbing a couple more pills to take. She knows she just took some, but it didn't feel like enough, everything is hurting so much. "I can't keep up with my payments anymore.." She slide the envelope over to Niv, inside are pictures, lots of them. Pictures of Tinder and Niv, pictures of Fox, of Ebony, anyone she considers a friend. Along with more incriminating photos, of her buying from her dealers, of her stealing, even one of her from last night, her body beaten and bloody underneath their tag. "I didn't want to get you involved, I don't want you to get hurt."
-
Nivalia doesn't say a word. She simply nods and follows Tinder inside. Honestly, she's a little humbled. She's never been to her friend's house, though she wishes it was under better circumstances. Her eyes glance over the envelope. Niv also notes the pills as well. She wants to ask her something, but that can wait. "Alright Tinder, I'm all ears."
-
Tinder hesitates for a moment, holding the envelope close to her chest as she looks at Niv, trying to decide her best course of action. She can't keep lying, Niv knows too much already, she needs to tell it all to her. How long has it even been since she told her secrets? Years? She takes a second to breath before nodding and heading for her door, "Come inside.. we can't talk about this out here." She unlocks the door and heads in, sitting down next to her coffee table, leaving plenty of room for Niv. She grabs a few pills from the table and downs them, not being able to last any longer. Tinder lays the envelope down on the table, symbol side up, not wanting to open it yet.
-
Nivalia stays in place, despite Tinder's "assurance" that things are alright. "Tinder, you're lying. Look..." she sighs and sits down, looking her friend in the eye. "I'll be here for you. Whatever is going on, I'll have your back and I certainly won't judge. Just... give me a chance to help."
-
Tinder quickly grabs the envelope from Niv's magic, holding it close, not daring to open it. She knows that whatever is in this isn't good, she knows she can't let Niv see. "Thanks, I could have gotten it myself. You should head home now, get some rest, thanks for taking me this far. Truly, I'm fine now." She flashes a weak smile at Niv, wishing she could make her forget, forget her injuries, forget the symbol she just saw.
-
"Oh? Well it's a good thing it's just bills," Nivalia replies as she gets closer. once she gets close enough, her magic picks up the envelope and brings it over to them. The changeling notices the mark. Her expression turns stern. Without a word, she passes it over to Tinder.
-
Tinder grabs onto Niv as she keeps walking, she doesn't want her involved in this, "Really, I'm fine. You should go rest at home. I'm sure it's just bills or something." She can't let her see what's in that envelope, this is her problem not Nivs. Her body beginning to shake as she stares at Niv, her eyes pleading for her to just leave it be. Tinder knows she can't tangle anyone else up in the mess she's in.
-
"Of course they work well. I've been engineering these for a year and a half now. They last for times as long as standard painkillers. The plants I chose are compatible with pony physiology. So, no short or long term side effects. And no addictive qualities." She glances back to her bag, "But I've only made a hooful. So it's only for emergencies." She looks back forward to follow her friend. Rounding the corner, she spots the envelope on the door. Her eyes squint. She keeps trotting to the door, despite Tinder's objections. "I'm taking the day off too. Let's see what's up with that note."
-
"Painkillers? And they work well?" Though they aren't her usual pills, Tinder thinks that maybe they could bridge the gap.. And it would be easier to grab one of her own pills to take with it, under the cover of these. She flinches a little as Niv touch's her shoulder, looking over at her quickly, as much as she'd like to believe these words she knows she can't let her gaurd down. "Thanks.." She mumbles out this one word as they turn the corner towards her home. As soon as she sees the door she knows something is wrong, she knows they got to her house before she did. A large manila envelope taped onto her door, an odd symbol printed onto the corner of it. Tinder knows this symbol all too well, it being sewed onto her dealers jacket, painted onto walls when they finally finish the people who don't pay up. Tinder stops abruptly, trying to stop Niv as well, "My house is just there.. you can head back to the store."
-
"Creations of my design. Painkillers to be more precise. Nothing dangerous. Oh, and one of them just has mints for fresh breath!" Nivalia notices Tinder on edge. She places a hoof on her shoulder, "It'll be alright, dear. I'm here for you."
-
Tinder glances at the canisters, a little worried about what's inside of them. "What are those?" She leans on Niv as they start walking, the lack of pills starting to make her unbalanced, she needs to take some before she gets worse. Out of the store and towards her house they go, her ears twitching as she listens for threats, pain flashing across her face as they walk.
-
"Deal!" Nivalia says as she lifts her hoof to keep her friend from stumbling. She opens the door, "I'm still giving you whatever medical treatment you need though. Speaking of which..." two small canisters levitate out of her desk and into her saddle bag. "Alright, I'm set to go."
-
As Tinder hears that it's a paid day off she lets out a little sigh, now that she knows she's not loosing money going home doesn't seem like a bad idea. Finally she looks into Niv's eyes, nodding as she tries to push herself off the couch, holding on to Niv to try to stay upright. "Fine.. I'll go home. As long as you promise not to make me get a physical.."
-
"Tinder. Sweetie. You're getting a paid day off." She approaches the mare and places her hoof on her shoulder. "Your safety and well being is my top priority. C'mon, meet me halfway to help you out. Where do we start?"
-
Tinder frowns a little as she hears this, she really needs the money, she can't miss work.. She levitates her own bag to her and gently lays it on, "I've worked up to this point today and only you noticed, really... I can handle the rest of the day." She says this, but she knows that even standing is going to be difficult until she gets another dose. And she doesn't exactly know what happened last night, she doesn't know if it made it home with her, she's almost frightened to check.
-
"Tinder, you're not working today," Nivalia sternly says. I don't want my security advisor looking as if she got mugged." The changeling reaches down and grabs her bag, slinging it over her shoulders. "I'm taking you home, dear. You can use one of your sick days today. "
-
"I can handle working, really. I just need a minute is all, really, I'm good enough to work." Tinder grabs the arm of the chair, trying to stand up out of it, nearly falling over in the process. She knows she can't stay standing, her balance leaving her, she sits back down after a second trying to figure out how to get out of this. It's been too long since her dose, she didn't have enough last time. "I can take care of myself.."
-
"Oh tartarus no!" Nivalia exclaims. "You can't go out there like this. The staff and customers will certainly notice. Consider this a sick day off." She helps Tinder to her seat before returning to hers. "As your employer, I cannot legally nor morally utilize your labor in your condition. I'll escort you home myself."
-
"No.. I need to go home at some point, but I can do that later. I need to finish working." Tinder grabs a near by chair and tries to pull herself up, her legs unsteady. She needs another dose, but she can't do that in front of Niv. "Thanks... But I'll be fine."
-
"I understand, Tinder." Nivalia packs away her things. "Is there anywhere you need to go? Anything you need to get? If you need to stay at my place, we could do that too." She gets up and levitates all the boxes back into their shelving.
-
It takes her a while to calm down enough to speak, her mind racing through the events of the previous night. As time goes on she finally let's go of Niv and wipes her eyes, still struggling to make any eye contact, "This... I can't go to a doctor. They'd never let me leave." Really, this is the least of her concerns, but this is all she can voice. She knows that last night wasn't just a mugging, she knows every minute she spends here could put Niv in danger. How deep in is she now, how much does she owe them? She can't even remember anymore, but she can't stop.
-
Nivalia kept her embrace with Tinder. Her heart breaks seeing her like this. A few tears form in her eyes when she feels the poor mare trembling. "It's gonna be ok, Tinder. Just let whatever you're feeling out. I'm here for you, and I always will be." Nivalia doesn't know whether her words will have any effect. Still, she needed to say it. Her wings reach around and envelop the scared unicorn.
-
Tinder gives up on cleaning her bag, unable to get the blood off of it. Her whole body shivering in fear, why would Nivalia let her keep her job after seeing this? She doesn't want to look at her, not wanting to know how she feels about this. She tenses up as she's hugged, not expecting everything to be okay, expecting her to be mad. After a second she reaches out and hugs Niv back tight, she's scared, her body shaking, her cheeks stained with tears. She attempts to speak but nothing that makes sense comes out..
-
Nivalia places her hoof on the pile of towels, the tissue underneath completely numbed and cleaned. She wipes the towels off and immediately spray the wound again. A sizable bandage patch floats over and is placed right on Tinder's laceration. "Almost done, Tinder. Now then..." The wrap with blue sheen gently covers the unicorn's sides. It emits a chilling sensation. "Done!" The supplies are stored away into the cabinets as she gets back up. The changeling gives her companion a hug; a soothing warmth from her magic radiates out. "I'm just glad to see your safe here."
-
Tinder can't even seem to look at Niv as she speaks, her heart racing, how long has it been since anyone has seen these other then her? Why did she have to notice, she didn't want anyone to know, anyone to worry. She grabs the wipes and starts cleaning off her bag, anything to keep her herself occupied. "You don't need to go through this much work.. I'm fine, really." This is how she has to do it, she can't admit she's not okay, she can't let those thoughts into her mind. If she starts letting reality set in she won't be able to handle it anymore. "You don't need to waste supplies on me, really. It would have healed on its own." Can she really keep going like this? She knows she has to. Her body shaking ever so slightly, the fear she's trying to suppress starting to show.
-
Nivalia tries to keep her composure, but the slight watering of her eyes at what she discovers tells volumes. Instantly, more boxes of medical equipment emerge from nearby counters. "Oh Tinder! My goodness, I-" She pauses, taking a deep breath and rounding the corner over to her. Her equipment follows in a green glow. "Tinder, first things first." The changeling removes her disguise and sits down in front of her closest companions. "Tinder, I understand. You've kept my secret since we've met. I'll certainly keep yours too. Regardless..." Nivalia levitates sanitation wipes over to the orange mare, "Here, you can clean your bag while I tend to your wounds." She levitates over a spray and rags. A light spritz is sprayed on Tinder's laceration. Three actually; she wanted to be sure. The result was a cooling sensation as the affected tissue is numbed, and the blood begins to clot. She leaves the medicine to sink in; opening another box and taking out a much wider wrap. One side has a blue sheen to it. "This will be for the sides. I don't know how much they'll work, but it will negate the soreness you may have on your sides. But that's after." A couple of towels float onto Tinder's injury, resting there for a moment. "My apologies for the hasty operation."
-
Tinder takes the towel and gently puts it on the floor where the blood is dropping, not wanting to make more of a mess. Tinder looks at Niv and then down at the floor, she said friend, not just employer, can she really keep lying to someone who is a friend? She takes a second to think through all her options, finally realising that she needs to say something, even if it isn't the whole truth. "If I go to a doctor, they aren't going to release me again." Slowly she pulls the bag off her back, keeping it close. Burns old and new covering both sides, the laceration running down her right. She hasn't done anything with it since she woke, being in too much of a rush to even clean it.
-
Nivalia sighs, and levitates a towel from one of the shelves. It hovers over to Tinder as she gets up and trots around her desk. "Tinder, per company policy, all injuries must be tended to immediately. Preferably under the care of a medical professional." She approaches Tinder and takes a seat. "Besides, as your friend I'd can't just ignore this."
-
Tinder looks back at her side as Niv comments on the blood, how hadn't she notices it before now? She should have been more careful.. Her ears on a swivel as she glances at the door, wondering if she can bolt without Niv catching her. She knows she wouldn't make it, not in the state she's in. As the reality of the situation hits her she shrinks back, not able to make eye contact with Niv anymore. "I can dress it myself, I must have hitched myself on something." How many excuses can she make, how many times can she lie before she gets fired.
-
Nivalia remains silent as she sits in her seat; she shuffles a few papers and places a white box on her desk. The mare looks over to the unicorn, noting the blood dripping on the floor. "Tinder... you're bleeding. Quite a bit. Now any other time I'd offer a bandage and leave it at that. But here at work? I can't just ignore this." The box opens up to show a red cross. Nivalia pulls out some gauze and disinfectant. "I need to dress whatever wound you have."
-
Tinder doesn't even seem to notice the bleeding, trying to think of ways to get out of this, her mind preoccupied. When Niv stands to leave, Tinder slowly follows suit, sure she's scared of what is going on, but she needs to make Niv think it's all fine. As they reach the office she moves clear of the desk and sits on the floor, "Why did you need me in here?" Most of the blood is being soaked into the bag, but there are still drops getting past.
-
"Yes, well the doctor has to tell records that you're good to work. I'm sorry Tinder, but it's out of my hoofs. Look, I-" Nivalia pauses as she spots red dripping from Tinder's side. She looks away, but her reaction says it all. Her ears fold back, "Tinder, please follow me to my office. We may need to talk in private. You're not in trouble, but something needs to be addressed." The mare turns around and trots back to her office.
-
Tinder sits down a little bit away, trying to stay calm in the situation. "Why do you need to do it? You know I'm fine. A doctor won't tell you any difference." There's tinges of fear flashing through her eyes, she knows she could lose her job if this goes through, she can't do it. She can't risk this, what will happen to her if they find out? Hospitalisation? Rehab? There are too many factors to be aware of.. Between last nights injuries, her burns, and her addiction, no hospital is going to release her, she's going to be stuck.
-
"I know you've told me. But this is something I have to do; it's not my call to make." Nivalia sits down, "I know it can be difficult to get a physical; trust me with my... situation. If you want I can go with you." She knew things like this upset her friend, but she had a job to do. Her expression softens. "It's just a a 30 minute check up. Like I said, as long as it's done today; there's no rush."
-
She didn't say anything.. maybe she's not going to say anything. She looks over to Niv, a small frown on her face, "Why do you need that? I told you before, I am fine. I've told you that already." Tinder takes a small step back, adjusting her bag slightly. She's doing her best to ignore the pain, but she can only do so much, especially with the bag slowly rubbing and opening the wound. She needs to avoid this physical... She cannot let Niv know.
-
"It's going pretty well, Tinder. Thank you," Nivalia answers with a kind smile. "Hey, I wanted to follow up with you about your promotion. Due to legal and safety matters, we need to get your physical examination taken care of. It's not something that has to be done now, but before the end of the day."
-
Tinder had been avoiding the crowded areas since the store opened, watching customers from a a distance, avoiding workers all together. A few blood stains running down her leg, though these look fairly fresh. She'd been trying to take it slow, to not open up the wound, but with the bag rubbing it and her working it's already started to break again. Her head turns quickly as her name is called out, still on edge. As she sees who it is she takes a breath and pushes her fear down, adjusting her bag as she turns to face Niv, her smile looking a little crooked with the injuries on her face. "Oh, hey Niv. How's work going?" Stick to the job... That's what she tells herself. Don't go off topic, maybe she won't say anything.
-
Nivalia was already in her office, typing away reports and tracking in numbers. Her financial quarter was very profitable; the market value of The Herbiary has gone from the thousands to the millions. Her managers, the same ponies that were with her from the very start, now lead branches all over Equestria. The mare lets out a small smile; her newest hire, was one she could trust with her life. Tinder was among her closest friends, so her welfare was also a priority. "Alright, the administrative work is done for today. Now to make the rounds." The changeling gets up and stretches as she places on her disguise. She had been working on the concept for her new look, but hasn't sorted out the details. Regardless, she heads out of her office and trots the perimeter of the site. The workers and customers are greeted with smile and cheer. Rounding a corner, she catches the sight of an orange mare tending to her work. "Oh, Tinder! Hey you!"
-
As the sun was rising above, the air still chilly from the night air, Tinder slowly opens her eyes knowing she's not where shes's supposed to be. She can't remember much about last night, but the pain radiating through her certainly tells a tale of it's own.. She glances down to look at the small pool of blood that had gathered beneath her lacerated side, reaching up to feel the cuts and bruises that dance across her face. And how long has it been since her last dose? Taking this opportunity while she has one to grab her bag that was tossed a few feet away, searching through it for her pills. Her face contorting with confusion as she dumps it out, "One bottle.. I know I had more." She lets out a sigh and downs a few of the small amount she has left, she needs to make these last..
It takes her a while to even get up the strength to walk, every inch of her paining even with the pills. Oh so carefully she places her bag over the slice and starts to walk, she needs to go to work. She can't just not show up, she just got promoted, she needs to prove to Niv she can handle it. Making sure her main wounds are covered she heads towards The Herbiary, thinking up reasons for the wounds across her face. She needs to find a good reason, she can't lose this job, she's too behind on her payments.. As time rolls on she comes up to The Herbiary, grabbing her key and heading into the backdoor, wanting to avoid the staff and especially Niv. Just wanting to do her job with no questions today, she can get through this.