What Chaos is This?

[Darastrix]

Jackie entered the Generous wing slowly and leaned against the wall. The Lustful-Generous priestess had been suffering from an annoyingly persistent cough lately, as had others, but lately....

She put a hand to her chest and tilted her head back, trying to open up her throat and draw as much air into her lungs as possible. It felt as though there was a weight on her chest, and every breath resulted in a wheezing sound, like wind blowing over a reed.

"Wisdom!" she called out, the name hardly more than a whisper.

[Kender Bard]

Though Wisdom did not hear her, a nearby priest of the wing did. The young child-acolyte blinked at Jackie and then got up and ran to fetch Wisdom, who came quickly.

"What's wrong?" he asked, but could possibly guess. Many people had been to his wing today suffering from coughs - and worse.

[Darastrix]

Jackie looked at the younger priest helplessly, too winded to talk. She patted her chest lightly and breathed as deeply as she could, which really wasn't deep at all, and leaned closer to Wisdom so he could hear the wheezing sounds it made. It wasn't really necessary since it was a loud enough sound, but she didn't know whether it just sounded louder to her because it was in her own body or not.

[Kender Bard]

Wisdom gave her a concerned look. "You too?" he asked. "I'm sorry Jackie, but I'm tapped out today and so are my fellow Waters." He offered her his arm. "Come on, let me help you to the infirmary. I know they're swamped but at least they have supplies and should be able to give you something to help you breath."

[Darastrix]

Jackie took Wisdom's arm and leaned against him tiredly. Not being able to breathe was more draining than an all-night orgy, and it wasn't even fun. "At least my children--" She paused for air, resting her head on his shoulder. "--aren't sick."

[Kender Bard]

"I know, that's a good thing," Wisdom agreed. He bit down on his lip to halt a cough that threatened to rise up, and headed into the very packed infirmary. He stood with Jackie, calling out to the healer-priests, until at least someone came over and held out a steaming mug.

"Drink this," the healer informed Jackie. "We're out of healing water. All we have are herbs now."

[Darastrix]

Jackie nodded and accepted the mug gratefully. "Thank you," she mouthed. It wasn't as though healing water had been working well, anyway. She held the herbal tea for a moment, letting it warm her hands until she felt as though she could handle holding her breath long enough to drink. The priestess took a small sip, gasping slightly after she swallowed, then took another, and another.

[Kender Bard]

Wisdom rubbed her back, concern clear on his face as he watched her and the many other sick of the temple. "Is that any better?" he asked her.

[Darastrix]

Jackie took a few breaths and smiled at Wisdom. "It's easier to breathe now," she said, and took another, deeper swallow of the tea. "It might come back later, but for now, it's better."

[Kender Bard]

"Good," Wisdom sighed, looking a touch relieved. "I wonder if Adam is sick. I've not seen him about lately." He chewed his lip in concern but there wasn't much one could do about that. He didn't feel like spending hours trying to hunt the man down; if he was ill, someone would have taken care of him by now. "Would you like me to walk you back to your wing?"

[Darastrix]

"Yes, thank you, dear," Jackie replied, smiling. It was such a relief to be able to breathe. The Waters probably had it a little better; at least they were good at holding their breaths.