[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

last few days

[unshadowing]

Carver takes note of the man in front of the statue as he walks on by. He doesn't pay much heed to it, honestly.

What he does pay mind to, however, is when he passes by that same statue about five hours later and finds the guy still there, still praying. Now he pauses, brow furrowed as he diverts from his path and slowly walks towards him. He approaches from the side. When he draws near, he sees the blue tinge to the man's skin, and the bloodshot eyes. Something is very not right here. Normally he doesn't butt in, but this looks serious, and he's heard about something going around affecting the Inquisition people.

"Prayers aren't going to help you. You need to get to the infirmary, man."

The First Few Days

[circleprodigy]

The latter half of Wintermarch has found Inessa distracted and off her game -she's had to cancel lunches and doggy play-dates a couple of times- but it still doesn't take her long to realize that James has been rather busy as well. As unpredictable as her time and health have been of late, she nonetheless decides it's time to catch up. Ushering Garahel out of her office, she locks up and activates her crystal while he pads down the hall alongside her.

"James, Garahel and I are going to get lunch at the general store. If you haven't eaten, you're welcome to join us."

Middle days

[iceblade]

Hakkon's Valor is the only weapon Skadi believes she'll ever need, but that doesn't stop her from visiting the armory regularly. Always keen to eye the latest lowlander craftsmanship -or better yet, dwarven- she'll sometimes test them out when the weaponsmiths want feedback. After borrowing one for most of the day, she steps back inside to return it and pauses, raising an eyebrow when she spots that familiar templar.

"Gods, man, were you here the entire time I've been out?"

Re: last few days

[judgemewhole]

"No ... no, the Lady will save me." James muttered, swaying slight and forth on his knees. He looked up at her peaceful and beautiful face, and smiled, lifting his arms up to her.

"She loves us all, and She will save us from all our sins."

Re: The First Few Days

[judgemewhole]

James answered as he was making sure everything was in perfect order as he looked around. He hums as he tapped his fingers against the crystal, looking down at Interceptor, "We shall be pleased to stop and get some food with you. I am busy but we can spare the time. Come, Interceptor."

He'll meet her down there, moving like a tall bolt of lightening. Pausing once to show a soldier how to properly hold his sword in the practice field.

[circleprodigy]

Inessa waits outside the general store, Garahel perking up when he spots Interceptor. Of course he has to rush over to greet his buddy, his mistress following at a less frantic pace. She glances over to the practice field and the soldier now training with a better sword-grip.

"Ever at work, I see. You know I'm not one to judge, though I'm glad you could make the time for us. Let me get this lunch; it's my way of making up for canceling before."

[unshadowing]

Oh boy. This guy's off his rocker and then some. The illness going around at work, no doubt. But that's all the more reason to get this guy to a healer.

"Andraste doesn't work like that. It's not a snap of her fingers and poof, you're fine. She, ah..." Maker he's not the religious sort, this is Bethany's cup of tea. "She'd want you to help yourself and go see a healer. Or take a sleeping potion."

[judgemewhole]

James looked at him, frowning deeply, green eyes narrowed as he pointed a wavering finger in Carver's direction, "YOU ... do not know the will and the power of the Lady! She is on High on the Maker's Side! She could heal me with a BREEZE - a BREEZE - I - "

He put one hand to his forehead, and knelt again, "... so tired. I am. So very tired." He looks up suddenly, "Where is my dog?"

Re: Middle days

[judgemewhole]

A sheen of sweat glistens off of James's brow, and he is not wearing a cloak, nor any outer clothing outside of a shirt. He looks over at her as he continues to show the new apprentices how to really clean grieves, and snorts softly.

"Well yes naturally. This place needs to be in tip-top shape. Especially if I want to get masterwork craftsmen to work with us."

[iceblade]

Frowning, the Avvar woman heads over after setting aside that weapon. "I'm all for master craftsman, but there's dedication and there's...this. Those grieves are as clean as they're going to get, you don't need to spend all day on them. Remember to take a break, aye?"

last few days

[bouclier]

Evie had been approached by an Orlesian chantry sister who was worried about James. The young woman had been unaware of the Chevalier's friendship with the templar, only that she was a woman of her home country, and a soldier besides. When the young woman led Evie to where James was, Evie thanked her as gently as she could before sending her off. Then she moved to kneel next to James.

"I don't think she's listening, James."

[judgemewhole]

Interceptor bounces over, his stubby tail wagging as he went to sniffing around Garahel. He barked with happiness. James himself moved with a quick and efficient step to her side, nodding his head at Inessa.

"No better things to do." At least .. not currently. Work was good, work kept him going. "And I appreciate the generosity."

[judgemewhole]

"What are you talking about? They need to be completely flawless." Every bit of dirt and dust removed, until they gleamed like the snow. Snow that was cool against his face and hair but didn't seem to take away this ... feeling of inner heat.

Re: last few days

[judgemewhole]

"...Evie? Evie, how can you say that?" His vision blurred, as he stared at her, "Are you a demon, here to tempt me - no - no you are Evie."

Even in his delusional fever, he knew what was a demon, and what was not. This was flesh and blood, kneeling beside him. His good friend.

"I. No. The Lady always listens, always implores for us. She'll save me. I know she will."

[circleprodigy]

Leaning down to pet Interceptor, Inessa then straightens and nods. There's more to be said -or asked- but she can gently prod him where there's warmth and food.

"Shall we head inside, then? I know Garahel's been excited ever since he's heard that roast chicken is being served." The larger mabari barks and wags his tail eagerly, ready to inhale whatever she gives him.

[iceblade]

She shakes her head at that, incredulous. "Are you mad? It is flawless. Dwarven smiths would have no cause to complain, let alone anyone here. When was the last time you slept or even sat down?"

[judgemewhole]

He kneels to give Garahel his due pets and 'Good boy, good boy', before straightening. Nodding for Inessa to lead the way, both of his eyebrows raise together.

"Roast chicken? With the sort of supplies we've been getting? This store must be some sort of miracle."

Interceptor's rear wiggled with excitement.

[judgemewhole]

"I -- " He stopped for a moment, before he snapped his fingers. "This morning. I ate ... some broth. I've been running a fever but nothing serious. After that I just went to work." He looks at her intently. "My work here is vital, Skadi. Vital."

[circleprodigy]

Garahel rumbles happily at the attention, as Inessa reaches for the door. "I'm inclined to agree, given the winter we've had so far. All the more reason to stop and savor it, while we've the time."

Pushing the door open for him and the pups, she'll hold off further conversation until food is acquired and they're seated, wanting to reward the well-behaved mabari. Once they're seated and the pups have some chicken and mabari crunch treats to feast on, Inessa will focus on her other lunch companion in between bites. "The weather's made for an easy excuse to focus on work, I suppose. I don't think I've left the Gallows in some time; my days are spent walking from one tower to another here. Poor Potato is so restless. I know she's itching for longer rides, but when visibility is so poor...."

[iceblade]

"A fever, and you're forcing yourself to stay here? Lowlanders." Skadi sighs and shakes her head. "Cleaning the armory isn't worth your life, Norrington. And that's what it'll come to, if you keep it up. You're coming to the infirmary with me now and let them have a look at you."

[judgemewhole]

"Yes, of course I am." Norrington snorted softly, "I have gone across all of Thedas with worse wounds than a mild fever, Skadi. Honestly ... you're just over reacting about it."

He rolls his eyes. "If I go, will you leave me be."

[iceblade]

"Just because you have doesn't mean you should. Have a little common sense." Is this a templar thing? Skadi has to wonder, but decides not to ask in the interests of not derailing. "If I see you inside those infirmary doors with a proper healer? Aye, that'll do it. Let's be off, then."

[judgemewhole]

"Oh pffft. Common sense is highly overrated around here." Which honestly sounds downright Bizarre coming from someone who would, on a normal day, be completely on Skadi's side about illnesses.

Another roll of the eyes, "Oh, very well. They'll just give me a healing draught and send me back to work, you know."

[judgemewhole]

Interceptor follows along obediently, as James falls into step beside Inessa. He glances down at her, his expression momentarily becoming more grim, but he smooths that over as they step into the shop.

The chicken is delicious, and he is starved after all, so it takes for a few moments for his mind to catch up with her words. "... I haven't either, but frankly I am glad for the distraction. Keeps me from dwelling too much."

[iceblade]

"..right, we'll see about that." Wasting no more words or time, Skadi grips his arm and tugs him onward. He can try to escape that grasp but since she's not the one losing her sanity, Skadi is still reasonably sure she can keep him in line.