[Open] Like a sickness

[judgemewhole]

WHO: James Norrington + You
WHAT: Phase One
WHEN: The next 7 to 10 days
WHERE: The Gallows, Kirkwall.
NOTES: Warning for religious devotion.

The First Few Days

The first few days, James just worked in a way that most would read as him having something on his mind. Pel had left, Beleth had been walking around with a mark from someone else's mouth on her neck, so naturally he would be working harder. It showed, too. The armory was in pristine shape, and new weapons and armory were starting to appear with a distinctive leather finery that had not been there before.

The templars were set in shining and perfect order - and the Inquisitions soldiers were put through their paces. He also helped the Chantry sisters clean up the altar of Andraste. Lighting the candles, he could often be found in prayer, and reading the Chant with perfect and passionate voice to whomever wanted to speak of the love of Andraste.

The middle days

It wasn't as much noticeable, as he would suddenly spend all day working on one task until it was done, and then do it all over again. One day it was training the troops. Another day would be spent completely in prayer. The next, all the paperwork. After that, he put everything together in the armory so it was bright, perfect and beautiful.

The last few days.

For the last few days of his illness, James is not found in his office. He is not found in the armory, and he is not found in the courtyard. He is found, almost prostrate, in front of the statue of Andraste, a fever keeping him awake and his body tinged blue, as he softly muttered the Chant, as his Lady's feet.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

She sets dow her mug after a sip, her gaze sympathetic. "You could not have known for certain, James. I don't know her well, so I can't say how committed she is to clan life; but it there was some spark between you two, she must have at least been considering it herself. All you can do is put yourself out there and see what happens, in the end."

Garahel looks from from the remains his chicken and lets out a soft, sympathetic whine.

[judgemewhole]

He took a few more bites of his chicken - more from necessity than any real desire to eat. Under the table, Interceptor had left his own chicken to put his head against his master's knee, giving him a soulful, comforting look.

"I believe we have had this conversation ... and yes, it is still the same now as it ever was."

[circleprodigy]

There's a sigh and a nod as she's unable to deny that. "I am sorry it didn't bear fruit. Perhaps it's time to play it safer and let yourself heal from all this? There will be other people, other chances. Of that I am quite certain."

Garahel huffs and wags his tail. He believes in you, James!

[judgemewhole]

Interceptor woofed as well, and James held up his hand, taking a moment to wipe sweat off his brow. "I do not want to jump away from this until I find out what she wants. I am ... tired of just being a gentleman and backing off from getting the hard answers I need to hear."

[circleprodigy]

Hearing that brings a small smile to her lips, for all that she worries about how that might end for him. Still, there's only one way to truly know what's in Beleth's heart. "That's brave of you...and if that brings you closure, I stand by it. You're welcome to message me afterward, if you feel the need."

[judgemewhole]

"I will. I shall need my solid wall of good advice, after all." He smiled as he scratched Interceptor behind the ears. "And of course, my full mabari cheering section."

[circleprodigy]

Garahel pants happily and nudges James with his head as well before Inessa gestures for him to lay down again. "They both deserve a little more for that, I think!" Here boys, have some more chicken.

[judgemewhole]

Interceptor licked his hands, and felt cheered as he got more chicken, giving a happy bark as he settled into it. James slipped them both more as well, before he looked over at Inessa seriously.

"I do not know what I did, to deserve making a friend like you. I am grateful though, knowing that you have my back, no matter what."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa's cheeks brighten at that, her pale skin unable to hide that reaction even if she wanted them to do so. "What can I say, I enjoy the company of those with good character. We have two mabari here who can attest to yours. And to be sure, I feel just as fortunate."

[judgemewhole]

He gives her a quiet smile, before he makes himself finish off his chicken. He has to eat, even though it seems like he's lost a lot of his appetite these past days.

"Then let us hope the luck stays with us, eh?"