[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

[bouclier]

Evie's eyebrows arch high at that statement before she laughs, turning her arms in his grasp so she can press her hands against his arms.

"I believe that's your fever making your eyesight play tricks on you, darling. But I'll take it, if it means you'll come with me to the healers."

[judgemewhole]

"... You know, people keep telling me that." He pushes himself unsteadily to his feet, pulling her up with him. "Maybe this time I shall actually manage to stay in a bed, but I keep ending up here."

[bouclier]

She gets her feet under her quickly, not wanting him pulling her up but unable to stop it once he goes for it. Her grip on him tightens and she moves so she can sling one of his arms over her shoulder, wrapping her other arm around his waist. It might hurt his pride to be supported by a woman half a foot shorter than him, but she doesn't really care at the moment.

"I have nothing to do today, would you like me to sit with you?" Not strictly true, she has reports to write to her commander, but those can wait. It isn't like they're on a time crunch.

[judgemewhole]

He doesn't even notice all that much, behind a quiet murmur of, "Be careful Evie, I could crush you when I trip."

Not if, when. He knows how unsteady he is on his feet at least.

"... I would like you to tie me to the bed, so I can get some damned rest." A wry response. "I'll take this, though."

[bouclier]

"I carried a man larger than you on my back across a battlefield, I'm fine," is all Evie has to say to that. She may look slight, but she is quite solid. He's in good hands when he trips.

His comment draws a small laugh from her, and she glances at him sideways.

"I thought you told me you were pursuing another woman, and here you are asking me to tie you to a bed. I believe that is what they call a mixed signal, Knight-Commander." She is trying to mask her concern with humor, but the tightness around her eyes might betray that she is worried about his state.

[judgemewhole]

"Well, either that makes me lighter than I would care to be, or you are a lot stronger than you look. I shall alleviate my male pride and decide on the latter." He swayed but leaned on her, since she had such a good grip on him.

And there was a breathless, almost harsh laugh. "I am. I am not sure who she is decided to pursue beyond me, but I know I am pursuing her at least." He blinked for a moment, before he snorted, "Beyond that, Chevalier, I think I would prefer to be the one doing the tying between us. Desperate times call for desperate measures though."

[bouclier]

Unsure how to respond to his comment about the woman he's pursuing she frowns a little, part of her wanting to ask, but deciding if he really wants to speak on it he'll volunteer more information. She pushes the frown off her face, smirking a little instead.

"Hmmm, I've never been the one being tied up before. I'll have to remember that, for when you aren't so blue."