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Back to Where We Once Were....(oxo) (closed)

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"I was forced to," He chuckled. It is true. Maximillian recalled all the times where Doctor Lomon would force him to observe random objects in order to pick out specific details. Now he does it for everything, even when he's not on the job. Is he right now? He isn't sure; it's like the lines are blurred now. "I know…I know…I am a terrible doctor, Ivy," He giggled. "Ah, then I will do my best to not sleep then. Shame on me for sleeping on this ever so comfortable bed with my beloved friend at my side."

Staring up at the ceiling, his hands rested on top of his chest. He could feel the fabric of his white long shirt along with the slight dampness from sweat. The furnace of his heartkept going as his mind wraveled in its thoughts. Heat clunged to his cheeks everytime he looked over at Ivory.

Resting on his side, he stared back at his friend. With his lip curled back, he shook his head. It has to be an hour or so since he had arrived. Maximillian glimpsed down at the sheets at the mention of Pearl and his leave. It's been years, yet he deeply regrets all of it still.

A few moments passed by until the melancholic, regretful mood had lightened up. Really all it took was to see Ivory beam for him to smile himself. "I am glad. I will do my best to not leave you again. I don't want to."

“So terrible,” He agreed, laughing with Maximillian. It was at this moment that Ivory thought about wrapping an arm around his friend, but he thought about it a little more and decided against it. He worried about moving too much and perhaps making things awkward. “Well, I would not blame you for going to sleep either. I almost want to sleep myself.”
Letting out a sigh, his beam seemed to dim slightly. He couldn’t help but notice Max’s somber look, and then regret bringing up the past. Well, he did want to be sincere, didn’t he? All the same, he wished he could have done so without bringing down the mood.
“I don’t want you to either,” Ivory murmured. “But I’m sure your work will take you to other locations.”
Almost absentmindedly, he brought his hand over to run through Max’s hair, setting it against his blond locks. But he stopped. His gaze drifted to his hand as he slowly lifted it again.
“Max…” his words were slow, like he wasn’t sure if he really believed what he was saying. “It seems that… my hands are paralyzed. They aren’t just numb; I can’t move them past the wrist.”

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The mood in Ivory had shifted. While Max isn't sure how he can tell, he just knew it the moment his own mood changed. "Do not worry, Ivory. It's just, I still regret not being there for you when Pearl passed away. Not to mention I couldn't get letters to you," He admitted. "But do talk me, regardless of how I feel, okay?"

Max shrugged. "We'll see. I may be a traveling physician, but things happen, and changes follow after." In all honesty, whatever God brings to him at this point, he will follow. His mental exhaustion from all the years of endless studying and traveling with his mentor have finally caught up with him; he's embarrassed by it. He doesn't want to be like the men in the Royal medical society nor does he want to be like the doctors who use their own medicine and lose themselves to it.

"What?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. At first he thought it was the exhaustion messing with him, but the look on Ivory's face said otherwise. Maximillian sat up on the bed, taking ahold of Ivory's hand. "Now do not worry, we will take care of this. You said you felt something earlier too. Sometimes people recover from paralysis. Try to squeeze my hand as hard as you can."

So he couldn’t get letters to him. He regrets not being with him. Somehow, this struck the cord within Ivory that he thought should have been struck when Maximillian first arrived. He almost wept, but quickly blinked any moisture in his eyes away. “Oh. Um, yes…”
This has never happened before. At least, not to what Ivory can recall. It was always just the numbness, sometimes the pain of trying to move while limbs were numb or asleep, but it was never this. Perhaps Max really had turned his hands into stone. Despite this, Ivory felt no shock or surprise, no panic. There was something in the back of his mind, probably the part that hated the unknown and unexplained, that told him that he should be more worried about this. At least, to be worried enough to want to try and fix whatever was going on. But it, just like the rest of his mind, was covered in a blanket of resignation. He did not see the point of trying to fix it, nor did he really care. Something like hopelessness creeped in as well. He could not move his hands anymore, the end.
Max’s touch was strange. Ivory couldn’t feel it, not really. Though, again, it was like his hand was stone with poorly functioning nerves that could only feel the faint echoes of touch. Like he was touching his hand through layers upon layers of cement.
His gaze drifted up to Maximillian’s face. He looked so worried. Ivory started to feel bad. Didn’t they talk about this? Didn’t they have plans they wanted to do together? Why wasn’t he feeling the same way about this as Max was? If there was any point to fixing this, it was to make Max happy, it was to give Max hope. Ivory could not see the point in doing it for himself, so his dear friend was the next best thing.
“Alright. I’ll… I’ll try.” He looked down at his hand, clasped in Max’s. It was almost like chains formed around it the moment he tried gauging any capacity for feeling or movement that he could act on. A puzzled expression crossed over his face, and then he squeezed. Or at least, he certainly tried to. His brow knotted together. His hand managed a small twitch, but it was barely anything Ivory could feel or see.

(Bump, no pressure)

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(Ah thanks, I thought I had posted a response already)

Though the sudden change of Ivory not being able to move his hands had caught him off guard, he did his best to push his anxieties beside. He left his pipe at home due to all the rushing; part of him regrets it. Then also part of him regrets wrapping Ivory's hands. "I could remove those if that makes you feel comfortable. I thought it would help, but sometimes solutions do not fix problems."

Maximillian was not sure whether or not he saw the hand move. Even if it did, it was minimal and certainly not to the capacity of normal movement. He was afraid, this is out of his study and he does not want to go to other methods that fellow doctors prefer.

"Alright then. It is not the end of the world, rest assured. This could be temporary for all I know," He said. "And if it isn't, I will be by your side no worries. You really should be eating and drinking regardless. Even if it is just bread and some brandy, Ivory."

"You are trying, and I commend you for it," He added. Although Maximillian is a doctor of the physical body, he is concerned about Ivory both mentally and emotionally as well. Perhaps it is because of their friendship, or perhaps it is of the feelings that have lingered within in him for so long. Regardless, he has to keep his spirits up. He has to. He does not want to entertain any ideas that will make his beloved Ivy worry or panic.

(Lol ofc!)

“Perhaps,” he replied with a noncommittal shrug. “If you feel it would be best.”
Suddenly he felt very tired. Who knows, maybe he could sleep the paralysis off. Ivory almost chuckled with the thought. He shrugged again, but Maximillian’s tone made him look up. It almost shocked him with how worried his friend looked. Of course, he knew he was worried, but now it seemed much more pronounced. He was afraid. Ivory felt bad again. If only he was strong. He could have made more of an effort, right? It was just squeezing his hand, that was all. A heaviness seemed to settle in his soul, and he closed his eyes.
“I— yes, I should eat and drink. I will. But… I may have to have my servants feed me, and I do not know how I feel about that.” He sighed, briefly opening his eyes again, and staring at the book in his lap. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled quietly.
His eyes flickered closed again. His hand was limp in Maximillian’s. Silence had stolen over him, but he didn’t fall asleep. There was something still nagging at him, and he wanted to change the subject, at least for now.
“Max?” He said, his voice still quiet but more clear. “Did you ever… did you ever get my letters? I sent you quite a few during those first few years, and then some birthday and Christmas ones… I stopped, though. I thought you were too busy to read them, or something like that.”

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Maximillian prayed that Ivory would have the strength of Heracles and squeeze his hand hard enough to break it. At that point, he wouldn't even be mad if that happened. "I suppose that I could," He mumbled. His fingers lightly tugged at the wrappings, watching as they slowly came undone.

"If you feel awkward about it, I can help you. I wouldn't mind," He smiled. "I value your well-being above all else, and it is important that you eat." Strands of hair fell to the side of his face. The man shook his head. "No need to apologize, my dear Ivory. What would you have to apologize for in this moment? Everything is alright."

Maximillian held Ivory's hand up to his cheek for a moment then gently sat it down. He went over to his coat, pulling an envelope out of the breastpocket. "I had received them all, even as I traveled through the eastern parts of our continent, but I am afraid I lost most of them to floods back in Holland," He frowned at himself. Damn him, if only he had kept the little box in a higher place.

Trudging back to his previous spot, he sat down and held the letter out so ivory could read it. He used his other hand to hold Ivory's. "I managed to save this one though, and I have read it a million times as I will do a million times again. Even in the moments where I was busy, I did my best to find time to read them."

When he opened his eyes again, he quickly became fixed on Maximillian’s smile, then to the loosened wrappings. The heaviness was beginning to make his mind sluggish, but he ignored it.
“Ah, I do not know,” he said, chuckling softly and sadly. “It’s just… It’s been so long, and I must not be the same person I was all those years ago. I worry you, I can tell. I wish you didn’t have to, that you didn’t have to do all of this for me, even if it is your profession.” He sighed. “But it would be appreciated if you helped me. Being fed just feels… childish, is all.”
Ivory allowed a smile to show through as he felt Max’s cheek, just barely. For a moment, he forgot about his heavy mind as his brow raised slightly. “Floods? Oh dear, in that case I’m just glad that you were not lost with them.” His eyes turned to the letter, then down where his friend clasped his hand in his. For a moment his brow quirked a bit, but then he turned back to the letter, using his free hand to stiffly adjust his glasses.
The letter was from many years ago, and Ivory almost did not remember writing it. It soon came back to him as he read it, and he didn’t know whether to smile and laugh or cringe and look away. It’s contents were relatively normal; there didn’t seem to be a special occasion behind it. He had liked to give Max news of things going on back home, so there was a lot of that in the first half of it. Apparently a patch of hydrangeas in his garden had begun blooming at the time, and much of the letter was dedicated to it. He remembered; he had the seeds shipped to him from America and tried to replicate the right soil conditions, and he had been so excited when the first green shoots broke through. There was even a small diagram of the stem and leaves in the margins of the letter. Around halfway through, the subject turned to Max himself, asking about him and lamenting his absence. Ivory felt some strange sense of embarrassment here, for some reason, and he laughed awkwardly.
“I remember this,” he said. “It was so long ago… it’s nice to see it again.”

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The gleam on his face dimmed. A gap formed between his lips as if he was going to interject with some words. Maximillian looked down at Ivory's hand before going back to staring at him.

"You are…You are…Ivory, you are the same person you were all those years ago and you are worth all the worry and so much more," He smiled. Is he making Ivory feel terrible right now? Is it because of his profession or is he too caring? He hoped that offering to help feed him did not come off as overbearing or being offensive. "I want to do all these things for you. You are not a burden and I am not doing all these things because of my occupation. I deeply care about you."

He laughed a little, shaking his head. It always floods in Holland. Another regret he has is not putting those letters in a safe place. Damn him for that. Thank God he kept the one in his pocket. "I do not think the floods would be able to take such a long man as me," He chuckled.

Maximillian rubbed Ivory's palm with his thumb. He brought his arm back to look at the letter himself. It was a bit wrinkly from it being folded and constantly in his breast pocket. He remembered laughing in happiness over the little diagrams over the margins. Or the times where he would sit at his desk with the candlelight illuminating the room.

He moved up a bit closer, showing Ivory the letter again. "Two years ago on April 13th. It makes me so happy every time I read it. I always imagined you beside me whenever I would read it. In all honesty, sometimes I read it more than my medical books."

Ivory met his dear friend’s gaze, and felt the corners of his lips curve upward, even as his eyebrows curved upward too. “Thank you, Maximillian. I… I needed to hear that.” His lips stayed curved, but they quivered slightly. “God. I have missed you so dearly.”
Tension and emotion rose behind his eyes, but it was forgotten as soon as Max spoke again. He laughed. “Oh, you are right. But you are so long that even if they did take you, you would simply float like a long stick, eh?” He was tempted to laugh more, but was afraid of moving too much, so he calmed himself quickly.
Ivory’s gaze stayed on him as Maximillian looked closer at the letter. Watching as his light eyelashes flickered when his eyes moved their gaze across the page, or his still, soft-looking lips. He could not quite feel the thumb rubbing against his hand, but when he noticed it, his gaze softened. That urge in the back of his mind threatened to rear its head again. He wanted to lean against Max as he moved closer, but he did not. He could not. He tore his gaze from him and back to the letter.
Cheeks tinted pink, he said, “More than your medical books? Oh Max, I knew it, you are a terrible doctor!” He chortled again, briefly.

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What is in a name? Sure there are meanings and significances, yet on the contrary, Max believes that sometimes it's the way people say names that makes them so special. In the past, when Ivory would say his name, his heart leaped. Still does. Yet now, he has to bite the inside of his cheek in order to fight back the tears.

"Do not mention it….A pleasure as always, Ivory," He grinned. A soft exhale eased through him. His smile stayed put, even as he continued to fight the inner turmoil called his emotions. He kept rubbing Ivory's palm as he stifled a chuckle. "I am sure of it. Pirates in the Caribbean would mistaken me for a plank and walk on me too."

He held his finger up to his lips as he hushed. With squinted eyes, he leaned toward Ivory. "If you speak up any louder, they will know my secrets," He whispered. It wasn't long until he went into a fit of giggling crescendoing to laughter. "Oh it is alright, but it is the truth. There were days where I lost hope and felt like I wasn't fit for the path God laid out in front of me….But your letter…well letters….all it took was just one moment to read them, and I got everything back once again."

Maximillian gazed down at the paper. He gently folded it up and returned it back to the pocket it was in before. "I wish I could give you something in return for all you have written. I should have thought to brought some of the letters I kept because I couldn't post them," He shook his head. "And now I regret not picking up any herbs or flowers while traveling too."

Ivory’s eyes stayed fixed on his friend, basking in his grin and grinning back. “Yes, the Atlantic would have hardened you like wood and stone by then.”
He did not even notice when Maximillian leaned in, but his grin widened when he was hushed. It was as if he was a young boy again. He helplessly laughed along with Max like a young boy too. His unmoving hands were honestly forgotten by now, even as Max kept rubbing them.
After having to take in a breath and relax himself, he said, “I am truly glad they were able to that for you. I did not know how you were doing, I just wanted to talk to you… so it’s good to hear this now, after all this time.”
As Ivy watched him put the letter back in its place, a frown slowly replaced the grin. “Max…” It was now that he wished he could use his hands to rub his friend’s in return, or to put on his shoulder. Instead he leaned back towards him, and tilted his head. “Listen to me, please. I don’t want you to live regretting this. I do not blame you for anything, nothing at all. All I care about is that you are here with me now, and that we are finally able to make up for lost time.” He allowed a small smile to grow. “But, if you wanted, I wouldn’t mind if you gave me some embroidered cloth in exchange for the letters. You are quite talented, indeed.”

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"Oh Ivory," He laughed. A few strands of hair fell out as he had shook his head. Returning back to massaging Ivory's hands, he tilted his chin downwards. Though foolishly, he hoped for feeling to return to the hands.

Maximillian moved his gaze to his friend's face when he spoke again. All he was able to do at the moment was sigh and lightly grin as he listened. Even when Ivory didn't speak, Max still stared at him. For whatever reason why, his heart became light as it kept on beating.

The whole time, as Ivory spoke, he did not move a single muscle, let alone breathe a single breath of air. His eyes flickered from Ivory's eyes and then to his lips. In the back of Maximillian's mind, he was asking for not having forgiveness and to forget the matter plaguing his mind, but he just smiled.

"I will give you those embroidered cloths. I will. I will, but I want to give you more. I feel the need to…to give you more than just embroidered cloths. You mean so much to me, Ivory." He pressed his lips together as if he was in a sense of confusion and deep thought. Was is he to say? What words are worth of Ivory's ears?

Yet he could not find such words. Maximillian gazed down at the covers. His Adam's apple bobbed lightly. Instead of talking, he went back to focusing on his friend's hands. With care, he held the left one up to lightly press against his own cheek. His lips just barely brushed against the side.

He removed then gently placed the hand down. "You know I will deeply regret stepping on a spider for a few days," He tried to joke. "But it is more than just the fact I didn't write you back, although I will do my best to not live with regret because of that. I won’t, please do believe me."

He took in a deep breath, his gaze falling to their hands again. Ivory watched them with a faint smile, shaking his head slightly.
“I already live in wealth and luxury,” he shrugged. “What more could I be given? What more could I ask for, especially from you? Your presence is already priceless, dear friend.” He looked back up to Maximillian, watching as he brought Ivory’s hands up to his cheek. Something made his own cheeks tint pink, and his smile widened a little. Yet, it was sad. He could barely feel warmth and softness of Max’s skin. If only he could feel it again, especially now.
Letting out a sigh, he kept his gaze on Max. It doesn’t matter. Even if he had to rely on others to feed him and such, maybe it would go away on its own. He shook his head, chuckling a little.
“You better not. But I understand. You mean so much to me too, and I missed you dearly…” he looked down at their hands again. “Heh. I should be the one to give you things. I could give you nearly anything you desired.”

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The question took him a back, not in a bad way though. It just led him to side on the bedside for a while, motionless and without a single word. He wasn't sure what he was getting at with all the things he had just said. Or maybe he was but he lost it. He always loses his words around Ivory; he has so ever since they were children.

"I am not so sure…" He said with uncertainty. Part of him wished everything he wanted to say before coming here would return to him. He didn't want to waste Ivory's time; it is one of the very last things he ever wants to do. What could he even give to Ivory? What could he give in a moment like this one?

His mind drew a blank. Max looked down at their hands. No human language is fully capable of describing how it feels everytime he is with Ivory, how it feels to bask in his presence, to hold his hand. It's priceless. Not even the queen could afford such a thing.

"Oh no!" He shook his head. "You do not have to give me anything. Don't. This is all I could ever ask for. I missed you so much, and this is the happiest I have ever been in a while. Don't give me anything aside from your kindness and affections."

Ivory just watched him with a soft smile on his face. He liked these moments, when he could just watch Maximilian and wait for an answer. Sometimes he just liked that he made him speechless, and now was not too different. So he just watched him, his eyes roving over his face and the hair that had fallen in front of it, the lips that were suspended in a wordless gape, the blonde eyelashes that flickered ever so slightly.
“You are too kind, friend,” he murmured with a sigh.
He kept watching him, even as Max’s gaze went down. He just wanted to look at him for a little longer. Make sure he wasn’t some figment of his imagination, that he wouldn’t disappear like a dream. And yet, he grew tired again. It would be nice, to fall asleep with his friend by his side, wouldn’t it?
Then he blinked. A laugh stole over him. “Then I shall give them to you abundantly, Max,” he said, and wrapped his arms around him, even though his hands were frozen in place. To be honest, he had wanted to hug him ever since he walked in the room.
When he pulled back, he looked down at the covers, a little hesitant. “Ah… hm. Sorry, that was a little out of nowhere. I just… didn’t get to do that when you first walked in.”

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"Oh how awfully kind of yo-" His words stopped in their tracks. Being greeted by Ivory's embrace, his eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat or two. Better yet, it might have stopped. While he clearly knows that it is impossible for such a scenario, he could not help but think it.

Max did not have time to take in what had just happened; now he has that as a new regret. "That is all I could ever ask for from you." Those were the words that he managed to force from his throat. He had to force himself only because he was focused on the hug and hugging Ivory again.

Despite being swift, he was gentle as he wrapped his arms around Ivy. "Please do not apologize for this," He begged, "You can hug me as much as you heart desires."

As he hugged him, his left hand rubbed Ivy's back while other stayed put. He let silence fall onto him so they could both enjoy the moment. Then gently, he let go and sat back up. "I will make sure that you are able to hug me when you want to. You do not have to stand up when I walk in or anything, okay?"

Ivory gasped softly; he did not expect to receive a hug himself. A smile grew on his face as he wrapped his arms around his friend. Closing his eyes, he murmured, “Oh, how wonderful. Thank you.”
He almost dozed off, with Max’s warmth and his hand rubbing his back. He could have stayed here forever. It was almost surprising when he started to let go, but Ivory smoothly let his hands fall in front of him. Then he nodded, blinking sleepily. “Alright. That makes me very happy, Maximillian. I missed being able to hug you… ah, and now I want to do it all the time,” he chuckled.
The chuckle turned into a yawn, tumbling from his lips. “Mmm, not sure why I’m so drowsy all of a sudden, though.” He wondered if it was the illness. It has made him rather low on energy, when he thought about it.

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Maximillian was too focused on the embracing to notice that his dear friend was beginning to become tired. He was the exact opposite of course, especially given that his heart was racing. Some sort of joy that he hadn't felt in what felt like forever had overcome him, coursing through his veins. In all honesty, he could have sworn it was a dream for a second.

Gently he adjusted the covers. With the back of his hand, he checked Ivory's temperature. Somewhere in his mind, worries began to speak. Possible diagnosises along with treatments laid out and yet, at the time, he was uncertain; just as he was uncertain about the joyful feeling that rested within his heart.

"You should get some rest, my Ivy," He suggested. "It probably would be best that you do, then maybe after you can try to eat something small. Perhaps I can talk with your mother about having plants in the room and servants to help you in keeping them well."

His hand cradled Ivory's cheek. "We can hug all the time if that is what you wish to do, but I would rather do so after you rest and feel a little bit better."

Ivory let out another yawn as Max took his temperature, and he muttered a small “Excuse me,” before focusing on his friend’s face. The combined worry and joy showed, and he once again wished he could use hands to take his, or to lay it on his shoulder. Small physical affection often felt more useful than words during times like these.
He nodded, but then stopped as an uncontrollable smile spread over his face. Perhaps if he wasn’t so tired, he would be able to control himself, but the way Max said “my Ivy” was almost shocking enough to make him wide awake.
“Yes, I’m afraid you are right,” Ivory sighed. “Thank you, I would appreciate that very much, my Max.”
He closed his eyes as his dear friend held his cheek, and nodded again. “That sounds nice. I hope I will feel better soon.”
Settling into the covers, he grunted a little and tried to relax his body. The leftover tension in his muscles that he had not realized was there deflated, and it wasn’t long before he began to drift off.

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My Max….At first, the phrase had passed over his head. That is until the realization made him pause as his eyes widened. A blush overtook his face as he grinned.

"You will…You will feel better soon, get some rest and just hold on," Max assured. He stayed at the bedside until he was sure that Ivory was asleep. While waiting, he glanced down at his shoes; leaving right away was something that he didn't want to do.

Although when his friend was sleeping, he slowly got up from the bed and collected his things. Just before he left the room, he took one more look at Ivory then quietly left. He stood by the door with his little journal. Despite the fact that he will be telling Duchess Winn about his findings and ways to better Ivory's condition, he thought it would be a good idea to write all of it down as well.

After he ripped the page out, he stuffed the journal in a pocket then picked his bag up. He walked down the hall then stopped. "I suppose I should go off and find her…." He mumbled to himself. "Yes yes…that will be best."

Meanwhile, Duchess Winn was having a small breakfast in the dining room. It was quiet; there was the ticking of a grandfather clock at the room, and the soft clinking sounds whenever her silverware touched the plate, but that was about it. A maid was there to keep her company, but at the moment there was nothing to say.
A manservant might have approached Doctor Solomon to inform him of duchess’s whereabouts, commenting that she looked tired, but amiable enough. “I think it is because of you, doctor,” he said. “She was a lot more worried and uptight before you came, and now she is more relaxed.” He flashed him a small smile, then went back to his business.
Indeed, as Duchess took a sip of tea, she was calm. It was difficult to not think about her son, but knowing that he was getting adequate medical care, especially from an old friend, made it easier.

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Maximillian did his best to muster up a smile for the manservant. "Thank you." As the manservant went off, his eyes gravitated to the floor. They closed as he took a few slow breaths then walked off to the dining room. Funny how after all these years, he still remembers where it is.

As he saw the entrance not too far from him, he came to a rolling stop. Lord, he has a good chance of ruining Duchess Winn's mood. Yes he always has to bear bad news regardless of his own mood, but he always leaves it in order to preform his job well. Is he preforming his job well now? Will it be enough for Ivory? Is he going to do a good job?

The paper made a tiny crinkle sound in his hand. It ruptured in his mind in the midst of his troubling ponder. Shaking his head, he pushed his glasses up his nose with the back of his hand. Once Max had convinced himself that he is doing everything within his power and that Ivory will be fine, he entered the dining room.

"Your Grace, forgive me for interrupting your breakfast. Ivory is resting now and I thought it would be best to discuss some matters I believe to be vital."

The duchess raised her head, setting the teacup down. She placed her hands in her lap, attentive as Maximillian walked in and began to speak.
Letting herself take a breath, she tried to prepare for any bad news. To be honest, she would be surprised if nothing was wrong, and reminded herself that the main goal at the moment was to understand. To understand, and to see what could be done.
“Of course. Thank you for taking a look at him, Doctor Solomon.” Then she offered a small smile. “I do hope you both were able to catch up on things.”
She caught movement in the corner of her eye. Her maid was gesturing to a small side door, silently wondering if she should leave. “No no, stay.” Duchess Winn raised a hand to her.
Turning back to the doctor, she inclined her head to him. “If there are vital matters, they should be discussed. Would you like to sit down, or will you be leaving after this?” She noted the bag at his side and the paper in his hand.

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A soft smile held his face when he recalled what had happened just minutes ago. The embracing, all the grins on Ivory's face, and the laughs all played in his mind like the mellifluous tune of a music box. Maximillian nodded, "We did. We were able to, even while I was looking and assessing him." He doesn't have a concrete diagnosis; he will have to do some research in order to be able to treat Ivory properly. Not to mention, he is also concerned about having a conflict of interest.

He hesitated for an answer. Maximillian hasn't gotten any sleep since yesterday morning. He hasn't had any breakfast yet and here he is about to advise the duchess to give Ivory some food, even if it be a little bit. Although he will not be saying those things about himself unless need be. Briefly glimpsing over at the maid, he looked back at Duchess Winn and said, "I suppose I should sit down."

This time, as he walked over, his steps were slow and small. Standing by a chair on the end to the duchess's left, he placed his hand on the top rail of the chair. Gently he brought the chair out then sat down. Max then leaned his bag against the chair leg, but kept the paper delicately in his hands. "I had written some instructions for you that I believe would be beneficiary for Ivory and his condition," He explained while handing the piece of paper, "It is just simple things like having more light in his room, trying to introduce small foods to him, giving him tea with aconitum napellus, and having low-maintenance plants for His Grace."

@Tired-but-passionate

The duchess let out a breath and nodded. “Good, good.” She watched as he sat down, taking another sip of tea before she reached out to take the slip of paper. Looking it over, she pursed her lips and nodded slowly. “Yes…” she handed the paper to her maid so that she could take a look at it. “We have tried some similar things, but eating has been difficult for him… though I’m sure you are aware. But I agree, this will be beneficial for him.” Her eyes focused on the doctor, concern painting her face. “You have not come to any conclusions on what His Grace may be suffering from?”
So there was no bad news. At least, nothing that she did not already know. Duchess Winn still did not understand, but at least there were things that could be done. Of course, this could not be resolved after the doctor only once looking at him. It would take more time, but she wanted to know immediately. Patience, she reminded herself.
The maid handed the paper back to her. The duchess folded the paper into a small square, and took another sip of tea.

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@knightinadream group

Max gave a small grin. "Well just something tiny and light will do. Like a biscuit or apple slices really," He added. His eyes followed the paper, watching as the maid took it. Once he focused his attention back to Her Grace, he felt the concern pressing onto his face.

His hand began to shake slightly on his lap. Whether it be out of tiredness or anxiety, he doesn't know. He worries for Ivory. He worries for Duchess Winn. He worries deeply for them. And most certainly, he worries about himself.

"Well…that is my main concern, I simply cannot come to a conclusion. His Grace….At first I thought his condition had to do with eating habits or stress or grief or something within the mind, but then his hands became practically paralyzed and I am not sure what to think of it," He confessed. "I sincerely apologize for bestowing such news in this manner. I care deeply about His Grace and I do not want to do him wrong both as a doctor and friend."

Maximillian pushed his glasses back. He pointed to the folded paper. "But what is on there should guide us to assist His Grace and help better his condition," He assured, "I have learned personally from a colleague that aconitum napellus does well for paralysis. And I know an alienist who says that our surrounding environment may have a deeper effect on us."

Oh how he talks too much as a professional. It's like he wasted all those years studying just to regurgitate it all to patients and loved ones. "What I am trying to say, Your Grace, is that there is no need to worry. His Grace needs to have care and support from you as well, it is crucial. I will figure this out….We will figure this out….Alright?"

@Tired-but-passionate

Well. Duchess Winn had expected bad news, and she certainly got it. She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth.
“Paralyzed?” She repeated softly. “That… that has never happened before.” Her hand rubbed at her mouth as her gaze went out of focus. “I… I wish I could provide some insight, but I do not know what to make of it either.” She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and folded her hands in her lap. “There is no good way to bestow that news, doctor, unfortunately.”
She listened to him, faintly nodding now again but still with that unfocused look. Then, something made a small smile come to her face.
“I still remember you from when you were young,” she murmured. “I do not think you have changed all that much, to be honest. You are a good friend to my son.”

@Tired-but-passionate

(I’m going to be inactive for a couple of days, fyi)