- 4 - There is no witness so terrible, no accuser so powerful, as conscience which dwells within us.

[toobravehearted]

[ "Check out this bone structure, Doctor, 'cause one day, you're going to be shaving it!"

It pays to be fastidious and he does think it befitting of him to at least be turned out presentable. He's long grown out of the bohemian style with mile long scarfs and the Edwardian cricketing gentleman is far more 'him'. It's a case of personal choice, not vanity.

Only half dressed right now and with a paisley dressing gown over his top half, he's in the bathroom of his castle room lightly humming a tune. Outright singing in the bathroom isn't unheard of for The Doctor, but a better mood than the one he has is required for it.

Instead he's thoughtful, mind occupied with the events of the last few days. The humming he's doing is attributed more to an absent minded habit as he shaves.

Yes. Time Lords do have to shave. It wouldn't do for him to grow a beard now, would it?

Swizzling the razor in the sink, he notices blood on the ends of his fingers. ]

Oh, well that's just typical. All of time and space and now I get a cut from shav-

[ Except there is no razor nick and the blood on his fingers is spreading. He stares at his hand and then the other; blood slick and horribly dark slides over the backs and palms of his hands, quickly making its way up his forearms. ]

Oh no. Now that's-

[ Dropping the razor he reaches for a towel. He's still got shaving cream on his face but that is forgotten for now while it's quickly apparent that the blood isn't going to come off of his hands. Catching sight of his reflection he stops stock still, stunned as he reads words on his body reversed in the mirror. ]

No, no, no! As if I need to be reminded?!

[ Striding out of the bathroom his first port of call is the journal, flipping through pages to see if there's anyone else or just him. He's conflicted to be seriously worried or relieved when he finds out he is not alone. Forcing his voice to be level, he dictates directly to the journal. ]

Anyone discovering... markings of some sort on their person, please... try to remain calm. You're not the only one's to have done so. As distressing as this is, I implore anyone affected to try not to panic. Yes, I know that's easier said than done. Some comfort can be taken in that we are in this together.

[ The Doctor debates before saying his next. He's not sure if offering will help in any way. But he is aware that some people here have powers, and there's no telling how they may cope if they end up bloodied like him. ]

Does- I mean to say- Anyone particularly affected and in distress... I can assist a little. I have an area in the TARDIS that promotes rest and calm. If anyone severely requires it... Please let me know.

Comments

[eat_me_beat_me]

You, too, huh?

[toobravehearted]

Nora- [He's relieved to hear from her and can only ask what is on his mind following this week.] Are you all right?

[eat_me_beat_me]

[Wow she's actually starting to get tired of people asking her that. She didn't think that was possible]

Mostly... I'm in the town clinic with a concussion and a busted leg...

[toobravehearted]

[Damn and blast it.] Oh, Nora. Were you in the Town? I didn't know. I'm so glad you're safe.

[He makes a deep sigh next, referring to what is happening today. A yes or no will do him enough.] You as well?

[eat_me_beat_me]

Yeah... I was in the back room of the Gallery and the ceiling fell on me. [her voice softens] I was trapped but one of my friends got me out.

[Okay right changing the subject. She clears her throat before swiping a finger down the margin. A streak of red paint smears down the page]

Yep. Not as bad as some people, though.

[lightbranded]

It is happening to everyone, then? [Will's fingers leave faint stains of ash and blood on the journal page.]

[toobravehearted]

[He can hear Will, but he stares at the page and what is left behind.] I don't know if it's everyone. But we're not alone.

[lightbranded]

I see. [Will tasted the bitter ashes on his lips and continued on quietly.]

Many people will be upset, I think.

[toobravehearted]

[Quietly himself.] Without a doubt.

Are you all right, Will? The pages...

[encryptedlock]

[Hm. That's right, the TARDIS does have a place like that. York sounds thoughtful, though there's an undertone of irritation in his voice from being similarly affected.]

I might take you up on that later, actually.

[toobravehearted]

York? Oh no. Not you as well.

[The Doctor's voice is quiet but level. He won't let it be anything else.] Of course. I have a room here, the Zero Room. It had to be rebuilt of course, but-

[He breaks off. He's only talking for the sake of it anyway.] Whenever you are ready, you are welcome.

[encryptedlock]

It's--

[...not something he wants to talk about on the public journal, really]

Well, you know I was in the military.

[toobravehearted]

[Solemnly.] I do.

Are you in your room?

I'm right across the hall. You know that. [It's an invitation again should York want to come. As much as The Doctor is not keen on being seen himself, there's nothing he can do about it in the meantime.

[patching_up]

I-it's... happening to everyone?

[In a way, that does make him feel better... but not much.]

[toobravehearted]

I don't know, 5. I know of several for sure, now, and what I read in the journal earlier.

Are you all right? It sounds an empty question given what is happening today, I know.

[patching_up]

I'm...

I don't know. I just... d-don't know. I want to be all right.

[toobravehearted]

I'm sorry, 5. I wish I could say that it would be.

You're not alone, are you? Do you have someone you could be with? [Yes, he's concerned for the feller.]

[hard_talker]

I'd take you up on it, Doc, but .... there's someplace more important I need to be. [a pause, because he knows the Doctor, knows he's got regrets, too - how could someone as old as him not? granted, he knew an older Doctor, one who was the last of his people, but the idea still stands]

Are you okay?

[toobravehearted]

Mark... [He bows his head, can't begin to imagine what's going on with Mark if he has been similarly affected.] Of course, with Nora I expect and I understand completely.

[Regrets and guilt, The Doctor is spoilt for choice, even at this 'young' age. He blinks and stares at the journal a very long moment before answering. Sincerity and gratitude in his voice far outweighs the words.]

I'm all right. Thank you.

[hard_talker]

[there's dirt on his hands, thick and rough, like he's spent the day digging. and he knows full well what it means. it's something he's already aired with his close friends, and even once over the air, to people who didn't know him at all. he may not be totally at peace with it, but he's as close as he'll ever get. and he has things he needs to do to make sure that if this happens again, he's not marked in even more ways]

Good. Just - holler if you need me, yeah? She's coming back to the castle, so we'll be in my room, once we get back.

[toobravehearted]

[He sighs and nods.] As long as you'll do the same.

I'd like to stop by, but not until she's comfortable and settled. Actually...

The area I mentioned... It has some healing properties. Certainly it can't hurt to help her recovery. If you wish to broach it with Nora you are welcome to make use of the Zero Room. Although I should imagine she may not want to move around too much at first when she's back at the castle.

[psych0p0mps]

[This comment isn't right away, but a little later in the afternoon. Despite everything that's happening, Aradia sounds oddly cheerful...]

i take it this is a pretty widespread thing then

[toobravehearted]

[Magic journal, and he's been watching and listening for most of the day. It isn't hard for him to pick out her voice; it's different to most today, in more ways than one.]

Unfortunately so. There's a lot of upset people. Aradia, you're not- Are you affected? [Concerned? Heck yes. Frowning? Darn tooting.]

[psych0p0mps]

umm i dont have any marks on me if thats what you mean
but i am having a little bit of a problem yes!
theres no good way to say it but my face is stuck

[toobravehearted]

[Oh, he's very relieved to hear that. But he's still frowning at the next.]

Stuck? Aradia, are you quite all right? What happened?