{ CLOSED } If I just breathe

[aceso]

WHO: Christine and her closest friends
WHAT: A birthday picnic.
WHEN: Bloomingtide 13th
WHERE: the foothills of the Vimmarks, an hour NW of Kirkwall

As with most things, Christine overplans for her picnic. She studies maps and speaks with the locals about the safest areas outside Kirkwall and finds that heading towards the foothills of the mountains around mid-morning is probably her safest bet. She invites those nearest and dearest to her to join her for a birthday celebration, though it's by no means fancy. There will be plenty of food, drink, and activities to be had, but the part she's most excited about is just leaving Kirkwall. To breathe fresh air and see some greenery again. The brief respite she had for Aleron and Bethany's wedding made her crave this outing all the more.

On the day, they load up their mounts with the supplies and head out. The trip only takes around an hour and the path is well kept, so when she spots the large maple tree and stream cutting through that a local told her about, she knows they've reached the picnic spot. It's a wide, mostly flat field that starts to rise towards the north. To the east at the end of the field, it rises more sharply, the hills dotted with heavy stones. To the west is the path they've veered off, the large tree, and the stream that keeps going west under a short wooden bridge. And to the south is the view. Green hills descend before them, and while there's a hint of Kirkwall's Hightown within sight, what they can see beyond is the shimmer of sunlight on the Waking Sea. Now it's time to set out the blankets, let the mounts graze and lap water from the stream, and relax. Oh, and release the hounds, cats, and fox. Some of them brought their pets.

Comments

[aceso]

Garahel might know what they're talking about, but little Ponce has no idea. He'll just be happy to frolic out in the grass when they come out this way again.

"I think so too. I sorely need to adjust. The place is... affecting my health, I am afraid to say."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa frowns at that, naturally worried. "Have you been to the apothecary? I've had to pay a visit, to ensure restful sleep from time to time. It has been a more difficult feat within the city than I had anticipated."

[aceso]

"I have not. I am afraid it is not my sleep that is affected. I have these episodes from time to time at the Gallows." She frowns and looks away, feeling rather ashamed about it. It's just her way. Christine is a perfectionist and right now, her body isn't falling in line. "Brief moments of panic where it is difficult to breath and my limbs feel heavy. My stomach gets all twisted in knots. And I cannot do anything until it passes." Or until she passes out.

Exhaling a sigh, she rubs at her forehead. "I know the spirit of Faith will help me, but she's needed time to adjust to all the spirits here and the memories they cling to. Once she is settled, she can aid me."

[circleprodigy]

Ignoring the pups as Garahel gets playful again, Inessa nods at mention of Faith, glad that Christine will have support. Even so, that's a large burden to shoulder until then.

"That a spirit would be just as effected, if not more so, I have no doubt. I can't think of a place where Faith will be needed more, so perhaps that will give her opportunity to thrive." Her tone becomes gentler. "I would still recommend the apothecary, even so. I am certain they have remedies for anxiety, and you are far from the only one to need them. It's a very common issue for even the most experienced."

[aceso]

It's a hard thing to accept that she needs help, because Christine is the one who provides help. She's the one who has to keep it together; the one to stay strong when others are weak. They are allowed to be weak because they're hurt, but she can never allow herself to be. It's not that she's made of stone: far from it, actually. She wouldn't be half as good a healer if she didn't have compassion for others. But her reactions are measured and her mind logical. She pushes away all the things that bother her so she can get the job done, and that causes it all to burst out of her in one passionate explosion every now and again.

Right now she has to resist the urge to push all this back again and insist she's fine. Inessa is trying to help, and it does no good to close doors in the faces of her friends. It takes her a moment, but then Christine caves and gives her friend a solemn nod. It's a good step forward for her.

"I will go and ask."