[CLOSED STARTERS + OPEN] Month long catch all

[aceso]

WHO: Christine + closed starters + OPEN
WHAT: Meeting new people and catching up with friends/acquaintances throughout Firstfall
WHEN: spanning the entirety of Firstfall whenever convenient for you character
WHERE: The Gallows, the docks

{ open to all: wildcard option }
Christine's schedule rarely deviates. She arrives at the Gallows in the morning, heads to the kitchens for tea, then her office where she spends a few hours. If it's a red lyrium research day, she can be found heading towards the basement where they have a warded laboratory for experiments, though no one except her team is actually allowed inside, so you'll have to catch her on the way. If it's not such a day, she heads to the infirmary and heals patients for several hours as well. Add in lunch and moving between rooms and buildings to see people, and she's pretty easy to find.


{ closed to adalia }
The day dawns foggy with a crispness to the air as people awake and attend to their duties at the Gallows. For Christine, it's an early morning trek from her house in Lowtown to her office in the central tower, but today she stops first at the infirmary to see to her patients from the day before. The fog closes in around the island and she steps out from the infirmary, producing a small wisp of light that she sends out ahead of her to light her way to the tower. Along the way, she nods politely to those she passes, well aware that some still don't like seeing a mage perform magic openly.

Though she has reports to read in her office, she's in no rush to start, and will be making herself a cup of tea before she dives in. That time can also be used for conversation, should anyone need her.


{ closed to skadi }
Though she's spent time with Skadi in the past, there is still much about the woman Christine has yet to discover. In particular, she's interested in learning about the hold gods that Skadi grew up with, and what being a Spirit Warrior is like. One afternoon, she sets aside her work a bit early to meet with Skadi over at the stables, where they can take out horses and have an open conversation without eavesdroppers.

She arrives promptly at the time they agreed upon and gives Skadi a smile. "Good afternoon. As you can imagine, I am looking forward to discussing the Fade and spirits with you."


{ closed to carlos }
Now that he's more settled in, Christine is happy to take Carlos under her wing and instruct him with working as a healer within an Inquisition base. After showing him around the place, she's set him loose to tend to patients, with herself hovering close by in case he needs help or a second opinion. She's also ready to swoop in should she feel he's making a mistake, but she hasn't seen reason to just yet.

Standing within earshot, she organizes a set of potion bottles so their labels all face outward again, and waits to see how he handles this latest case.


{ closed to elros }
Despite the Inquisition's remodeling, Christine really only stays in the Gallows for a few hours at a time because her office and the infirmary are there, not to mention their research laboratory for red lyrium, tucked away behind warded walls in the basement. She will never be comfortable in a place where her fellow mages as well as Tranquil were treated so horrendously by the Templars. Their pain and sorrow will forever be etched into the stonework. And so she can often be found down at the dock where the boats transport people from the island back to Kirkwall's docks, staring out across the water. It's better than sitting in the shadow of those imposing towers, much like the shadows of the Templars who used to breath down her neck at Montsimmard.


{ closed to myr }
It isn't often that Christine speaks out about her thoughts on the Circle system. She well knows that Montsimmard Circle was more lenient than other Circles, but that didn't mean it wasn't a prison in her eyes. Yet the fact she doesn't voice these thoughts out loud means assumptions might be made, such as today. Out walking in the Gallows, Myr's sensitive ears will likely pick up the end of a conversation between Christine and another woman.

"It's just... well, you seemed so level-headed, I only assumed you were a Loyalist."

"Libertarians are not without sense. Those who claim the title, then use blood magic or make deals with demons to destroy the innocent are not Libertarians; they are selfless and psychotic. My ideals are nothing like theirs."

"They are still far too lenient, in my opinion. And as this meeting is for Loyalists only, it seems I can't invite you after all."

"C'est la vie. I wish you a good day, Enchanter."

The other woman sniffs in distaste and her footsteps loudly clack across the stone as she leaves, but Christine stays in place a moment longer before she spots Myr and heads towards him.

"Hello," she begins, unsure if he needs help or if he's perfectly capable of navigating the Gallows unaided. It seems presumptious to ask, but a healer always wishes to help.


{ closed to thranduil }
Today the weather has broke from the near constant cold and drizzle, leaving the sky a brillant blue dotted with flocks of birds migrating north towards warmer temperatures. But Christine is unable to see it, as she's been inside all day, reading reports. And now she must put off going outside for a little longer, as Thranduil has requested to see her. Setting aside her paperwork, she rises and stretches, before making her way towards his office, walking at a leisurely pace because she's always early. Knocking on his door, she announces herself.

"It is Christine Delacroix, ser."


{ closed to the medicine seller }
Christine is incredibly work-oriented, and it's not unusual to see her going over reports, supplies, and the like even when she's supposed to be taking a break. There's only so long a person can work around red lyrium before they need a week long break, and she's in the midst of such a break right now. And even though she's out of work to do, still she heads to the infirmary, reorganizing what's already been organized by herself.

Eventually her hands are empty, there are no patients, and she has to admit defeat with a sigh. Time to walk around the Gallows to see where she can be of use.

Comments

wildcard - infirmary

[universal_charm]

Kirk is not particularly proud of having to come to the infirmary. He would actually have rather not, but the logical part of his brain said he needed to not be stupid this time and go have someone look at him. He was fairly sure of of his actual state, but between Samouel and Cyril, he would rather have already gone to a medic rather than be fussed over.

When he's ushered in and sees Christine, he relaxes some. At least this is a healer he knows. He raises his good hand in greeting to her and a sheepish smile, keeping his other in closer to his side to avoid jostling. "Hey. It's been awhile. Not since our little adventure up into high town, eh?" His grin grew wider, tossing her a wink.

[aceso]

It's almost as though he has a little Vulcan angel on his shoulder, telling him to be logical, isn't it? In any case, Christine is glad to see him, though the spark of pleased surprise in her eyes quickly gives way to concern. A healer knows when someone they're familiar with isn't holding themselves naturally.

"It has, but what has brought you in to see me today? You are injured?"

[universal_charm]

It is, and it's comforting in a way. Even being apart from him for so long, Spock's influence is still in his life, in those little ways. Probably saved him a time or two honestly.

"Just a little accident down in the stables," he assured her. "I'm fairly sure it's just bruised, but seemed the proper thing to come down and have you tell me I'm actually correct." He took a seat in front of her, presenting his wrist. It was warm to the touch and a bit swollen, but wasn't actually broken.

[aceso]

Christine wastes no time getting to work on examining him. From both her touch and her spirit companion's help, they confirm what he says, and she gives him a nod while her eyes still glow blue.

"Quite inflamed, yes. Here, I will do what I can to bring the swelling down." For a moment, she's quiet, concentrating on the task before her. It isn't because it's a difficult spell, but merely because she's thorough, and doesn't want to miss anything. Losing patients in the past has caused her to grow a bit paranoid that she'll overlook something vital that could have saved them, but that's her own fear of failing talking.

Soon he'll begin to feel the effects of her spells. One to reduce pain and another to reduce swelling. Though she knows it should be working, she wants his input too.

"Is it feeling any better yet?"

[meds4sale]

There was a room in the Gallows that doubled as an apothecary. The doors were rarely open in the daylight hours, but one could often come in during the evenings to pick up medicine.

Today, the old barred doors from the not-so-long-ago days when the Gallows had been less coy about being a prison for mages were swung open, the sign out promising fair prices for potions and poultices. The smell of incense wafted into the hallway, not overpowering but distinctive. It was followed soon by a hissing, sizzling sound and a great plume of acrid smoke. He stepped out hurriedly in Christine's path, his mess of hair pinned haphazardly up and holding a steaming beaker in a pair of mitts. The concoction was bubbling furiously, and was gradually going from a deep green liquid to a black, tar-like substance.

[aceso]

While she's passed these doors before, she had no idea what was behind them. To see someone rushing out carrying something that has clearly turned out wrong has her stepping back in alarm.

"Oh! Can you not put it down before it bubbles over onto you?" Surely it can't be meant to do that, yes? It seems like a rather violent reaction.

[meds4sale]

He hurriedly set it on the windowsill and flung it open so that the rancid smoke could billow out into the courtyard and become someone else's problem for the time being.

"My humblest apologies," he said, wiping moisture from his brow. He looked uncharacteristically frazzled by the whole mess.

"It is, indeed, not meant to do that. However, I suppose it would be an effective cure for foot fungus if one does not mind not having feet."

[aceso]

Christine waves the scent away from her just in case it tries to come back towards her instead of purely out the window. Smoke can be funny that way.

"It is all right. No harm done. Though I suppose it could have been a different story, had you tripped and dumped it on my feet." She gives a wry smile to show she's kidding. "Out of curiosity, what was it supposed to be?"

Docks~

[tar_minyatur]

He... doesn't like this place. When they brought him here, he'd been hoping for a place much like... well, not like Balar or Lindon, but perhaps more like the new town springing up in Armenelos. But this place is just... grim and tired and unhappy. He's almost glad he can't hear the stones any more, as he suspects they would be mourning. But the sea is still the sea, and he is a sailor at heart.

He comes down to the docks and tries to talk to people, hoping to at least get a read on the place, if not actually find a ship that wouldn't mind an new crew member. When he sees her sitting there he waves and comes over.

"Good meeting, milady. You seem rather familiar with this area, would you mind giving a newcomer some advice?"

[aceso]

The friendly manner is a rather striking contrast to the nature of the city. His assessment of the place isn't wrong at all, and she shares his views on it, even after being here for months.

"I would not mind at all. What would you wish to know?" It's rather obvious to her that he's a newcomer, because Thedas just doesn't have elves over six feet tall. He reminds her of Thranduil, or those other elves whom she doesn't yet know. They must all come from the same distant land beyond the Fade.

[tar_minyatur]

"Mostly, I was hoping to find a ship and crew that would not mind a new deck hand - I cannot go far or for long, but I grow restless for the sea. People seem rather... er... suspicious."

If not downright unfriendly, at times.

Closer, there's something a little more solid to him, than the etheral elves of Arda - something a bit more earthly, perhaps.

[aceso]

"Ah, as to that, I would direct you to our Naval office. Its leader is named Araceli Bonaventura. She would know far more about these matters than I." Christine pauses, eyes darting down to see whether or not his shard is covered up. "Though I must caution you: the greater the distance that grows between you and other shardbearers, the greater the pain will be." It's why the Inquisition either keeps them gathered in one place, or encourages them to go out together on missions.

[hearher]

Carlos is doing pretty well, but he had a lot of experience working with the deployed members of the Inquisition. He still appreciates the fact that she's there to support him. He always does better with friends.

He helps someone with a sprained ankle and then sees them on their way, then he looks over where Christine is.

"Do you ever think that you've found the thing you'd be happy to do for the rest of your life?"

[aceso]

This environment is perfect for fostering young minds. The amount of beds, supplies, and healers on duty means it's a comfortable working environment that anyone could appreciate. The question makes Christine smile and she turns away from the potions to nod at him.

"I do think so, yes." Though hers involves a change in location to the Frostbacks, but she is doing what she loves. "I have wished to be a healer out in the world for many years now. And you?"

[hearher]

"I hadn't thought about it until the war, but since it started I've really enjoyed it. I could do without the reasons that people were getting hurt, but doing what I could to ease their suffering? That I liked." He smiled at the idea.

"My mother must be rolling over in her grave..." he added, mostly muttering to himself. He hadn't told Christine anything about Cruella yet.

[aceso]

"Whatever for? Becoming a healer surely cannot meet with anyone's disapproval." Sure, her own mother would wish for her to settle down and marry, now that it looks like some mages out there are doing it, but she doesn't disapprove of her daughter's work either.

[iceblade]

Skadi is in Kodlak's stall because of course she is; if she doesn't need to tend to any other mount, her own is a natural point of focus. Looking up from grooming him, she flashes a smile at Christine.

"Aye, same. What say you, Kodlak, ready to stretch you legs for a bit?" Kodlak grunts and she rubs his nose affectionately. "That's my boy. This will do him good, he's not used to the city any more than I am." She tries to take him out as regularly as she can, so this is one more excuse to make him happy.

[aceso]

"I too enjoy getting out of the city. It can become stifling." She gestures over to another area of the stables. "Let me get Ambrose saddled and I shall meet you outside."

It doesn't take long to get her horse ready. He's a gentle giant who stands still and silent as the gear is put on him and Christine pulls herself up. Soon enough, she comes out, stroking Ambrose's mane as she goes. He now sports tiny braids running throughout his mane; a habit Christine has taken to from her time with the Avvar. They do love their braids.

[iceblade]

Skadi's patting Kodlak when Christine arrives, but she straightens up and grins upon spotting the latter. The braiding doesn't go unnoticed and her grin widens. "Nice braid-work on the mane, it suits him."

Kodlak grunts, fairly itching for them to get going, so she obliges him, tugging on the reins. "Let's go, then. I've a camp in the foothills, we can always stop there to resupply if need be."

On the way to the red lyrium lab?

[circleprodigy]

Inessa's own schedule is rather settled now, and most of it's spent in her own project office. However, red lyrium research days are the exception. Still as devoted to that project as the one she's leading, the Warden mage quickens her pace as she catches sight of Christine. As always, Inessa is alone whenever heading to the laboratory; Garahel is not allowed anywhere near that lab.

"Good morning, Christine. Ready for another thrilling day below?"

[aceso]

"Ah, Inessa," Christine says, slowing her gait to allow the shorter woman to catch up. "I cannot deny it will be some sort of thrilling, but only in the morbid sense." She takes the study of red lyrium very seriously, and can't really make light of things.

"I believe we have Sigred with us today to do the handling." She doesn't know Inessa's personal feelings on their Tranquil team member, Eloise, but Christine thinks she should just let Inessa know that it's Sigred the dwarf's turn to actually touch the materials.

[circleprodigy]

Aware of Christine's habitual demeanor regarding the subject, Inessa just nods. She can't resist a dry remark now and then, but that's as far as it goes. The subject is unsettling enough that it's overall treated with all due focus.

At mention of Sigred, she smiles a little, not minding one way or another. As long as they're competent, that's what truly matters. "Understood, I believe we work well together. Eloise, as well. Whatever we discover, I'm grateful that we have such an efficient team working on this."

[rowancrowned]

The door opens, Thranduil behind it, and he smiles, gesturing to coax inside. And—not to his desk, but to the chairs by the fireplace, where he has a little blaze going merrily. He waits to sit before she does, waits to speak until she looks at him.

“I hope I have not pulled you away from anything urgent,” he demurs. “I would speak to you about your work as a healer. If another time would be more convenient…”

[aceso]

"No, indeed. Everything is well in hand both with my research and my healing duties. I would be pleased to speak of the latter as well." Spreading the word about what magical healing can do will hopefully lessen the fear of it among a great many people. Thranduil isn't someone she counts as being fearful of it, but every opportunity to discuss it is worthwhile in her eyes.

[rowancrowned]

He nods, satisfied that he isn't stealing her away from her duties, nor entrapping her in something she would find distasteful. "I would know about spirit healing, from a spirit healer."

The books are lacking, or what remains of them, and the art far too uncommon for him to consider them entirely reliable. So- to to the source.

"How does one become a spirit healer? Were you motivated by faith?"