Anders (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
justice_is_blond) wrote2016-01-15 11:45 am
justice_is_blond) wrote2016-01-15 11:45 am
Inbox for Fade Rift
[Please leave a message after the beep that doesn't actually exist.]
No.
[ Adelaide doesn't so much as look at them before slipping her hand out under theirs to take the crystal and silencing it with a gesture- and does much the same for her own. They are working for one and the rest?
It wouldn't help. ]
Leave it. Your voice would only complicate matters.
[ Adelaide doesn't so much as look at them before slipping her hand out under theirs to take the crystal and silencing it with a gesture- and does much the same for her own. They are working for one and the rest?
It wouldn't help. ]
Leave it. Your voice would only complicate matters.
[Anders is very tense, hand still out though he's not trying to take the crystal from her, working to hear her over the rising noise of a disgruntled Justice.]
What if it is true?
[The words are slow as if they take work, but the voice is still his.]
There must be something, something... A source for these words.
What if it is true?
[The words are slow as if they take work, but the voice is still his.]
There must be something, something... A source for these words.
Whether or not it is true, your voice would not help. You both know this.
[ She pockets her own sending crystal and sets Anders' aside for the moment- still in view (taking something from a mage that is theirs has implications neither of them need- but on her side table rather than his. ]
I will handle this. Focus on what you are able to do without complication, not what shall earn backlash out of spite.
[ She pockets her own sending crystal and sets Anders' aside for the moment- still in view (taking something from a mage that is theirs has implications neither of them need- but on her side table rather than his. ]
I will handle this. Focus on what you are able to do without complication, not what shall earn backlash out of spite.
[He closes his eyes and bows his head for a moment. Right now, she's right. There is no evidence presented as of yet. There's no clear injustice. If there is, when there is, they can speak up and try to do something. But this may just be disgruntled speculation about what the elf has or hasn't done.
After a deep breath in and out, his hand lowers and he nods.]
If it's true, it would be an injustice.
[He's speaking at a more normal pace now, and he opens his eyes, deliberately looking away from the crystal. Justice could take control and grab it still and Anders would prefer to avoid that, which is why the word choice had been deliberate. Appease the spirit, concede to her.]
Would you mind keeping me updated on the handling? I don't want you to feel obligated. It would simply make staying out of it far easier to manage.
After a deep breath in and out, his hand lowers and he nods.]
If it's true, it would be an injustice.
[He's speaking at a more normal pace now, and he opens his eyes, deliberately looking away from the crystal. Justice could take control and grab it still and Anders would prefer to avoid that, which is why the word choice had been deliberate. Appease the spirit, concede to her.]
Would you mind keeping me updated on the handling? I don't want you to feel obligated. It would simply make staying out of it far easier to manage.
[ It is true, that much she knows. That much she has seen. She has spoken to both and remains discomfited by the reminder that it is something over which she has little power.
But telling them that, informing Anders and in turn Justice of such a thing-
it would incite an incident at the very least. They are only now starting to slip from the public's eye. A relapse of any manner cannot happen. She can rationalize this however she likes but she cannot lie outright. It'd make a larger hypocrite of her than she already is. ]
As best I am able, I will keep you abreast of what I hear of this broadcast and from the advisors. They may not wish me to say anything as to not cause upset if they do choose to speak with me.
But telling them that, informing Anders and in turn Justice of such a thing-
it would incite an incident at the very least. They are only now starting to slip from the public's eye. A relapse of any manner cannot happen. She can rationalize this however she likes but she cannot lie outright. It'd make a larger hypocrite of her than she already is. ]
As best I am able, I will keep you abreast of what I hear of this broadcast and from the advisors. They may not wish me to say anything as to not cause upset if they do choose to speak with me.
[It will have to do. He trusts her. He also trusts her judgement, which is a thought he promptly backs away from - dwelling on how she might choose to keep out details to keep Justice from being a headache could aggravate the spirit. The burden of helping keep Justice contained should not weigh on her shoulders, but he's thankful for the help.
Which he should probably express with more than the nod he's giving her.]
Thank you. And if... I realize what I've just asked. That you be a buffer here. You offered to handle this but at the same time, if this is ever too much, if it gets to be that way, please tell me. The work of minding him is not your responsibility.
[He gives her a tired attempt at a smile, fleeting and sad.]
It was my choice, it is my responsibility, and I will redouble my own efforts and ease the weight away.
Which he should probably express with more than the nod he's giving her.]
Thank you. And if... I realize what I've just asked. That you be a buffer here. You offered to handle this but at the same time, if this is ever too much, if it gets to be that way, please tell me. The work of minding him is not your responsibility.
[He gives her a tired attempt at a smile, fleeting and sad.]
It was my choice, it is my responsibility, and I will redouble my own efforts and ease the weight away.
The work of minding him is why I am here. To show that the Council takes your...affliction seriously, that we are handling this.
[ For better or for worse. ]
Precious few understand what it is to deny a spirit purpose. As I am best suited in more ways than one, I am here. I gave my word that I would help and this? Is included in the matter.
[ For better or for worse. ]
Precious few understand what it is to deny a spirit purpose. As I am best suited in more ways than one, I am here. I gave my word that I would help and this? Is included in the matter.
[Right. She's here because she has to be, held captive by word and position. Sometimes that slips his mind and he can pretend that they're friends again. Anders turns away and returns to work, hoping that he's turned quickly enough that the sinking feeling he gets from that reminder isn't seen.]
Of course.
[At least his voice is neutral.]
At least we're nearly done for the day.
[And then she doesn't have to mind Justice further.]
Of course.
[At least his voice is neutral.]
At least we're nearly done for the day.
[And then she doesn't have to mind Justice further.]
[However strange magic is in some ways, it's useful as well. He can't exactly see what's happening, but he can feel it, and there's a part of him that almost wants to sigh in relief as the pain from the blisters starts to ease.
The rest of him, on the other hand, is still looking for answers, and while he's quiet for a moment while he thinks about what to ask, after that moment he's quick enough to pipe up again.]
Well, maybe you could explain about this Kirkwall Rebellion. That message that was sent said there was something about abuse of mages by a Knight-Commander Meredith? Is that what caused it?
The rest of him, on the other hand, is still looking for answers, and while he's quiet for a moment while he thinks about what to ask, after that moment he's quick enough to pipe up again.]
Well, maybe you could explain about this Kirkwall Rebellion. That message that was sent said there was something about abuse of mages by a Knight-Commander Meredith? Is that what caused it?
Cyril?
[His voice is warm.]
She's doing well, thank you. Currently she's curled up inside my coat as it's warm there.
[His voice is warm.]
She's doing well, thank you. Currently she's curled up inside my coat as it's warm there.
Oh. I...
[He'd thought his identity had been the reason he hadn't heard from the elf again. It's a relief that hadn't been it.]
As the complication was that I wasn't sleeping with anyone who didn't know who I was, the whole of it, and now everyone does, your offer is very welcome. I think I'd rather enjoy taking you up on it. Is everything all right, in regard to the distraction?
[He'd thought his identity had been the reason he hadn't heard from the elf again. It's a relief that hadn't been it.]
As the complication was that I wasn't sleeping with anyone who didn't know who I was, the whole of it, and now everyone does, your offer is very welcome. I think I'd rather enjoy taking you up on it. Is everything all right, in regard to the distraction?
Mm. That's central to it, yes.
[He frowns, looking more past the wounds than at them as he continues to work.]
Before you arrived, before the Circles were shattered during the events at the White Spire, mages were required, by law, to be held in various fortresses. Ostensibly it was for the protection of mages, and for people from mages, but that only works if you don't see mages as people. And if the people in charge aren't abusive. A few of the places, the Circles, were supposedly run civilly. The mages were still restricted, but there were no public beatings or assaults and no one was made Tranquil on a whim. My Circle was on the worse end, but none compared to Kirkwall's.
[There's a short beat as he evaluates the remaining wounds and continues to work, frown gone and eyes back on Jamie's neck.]
On a daily basis mages were dying or being made Tranquil. And the latter is by far the worst of the two. Meredith's power was becoming more and more absolute, backed up by Grand Cleric Elthina. And... I don't know what you know about abusers. I've seen their victims many times, as a healer, I know the signs of escalation. What was being done to the mages wasn't enough, the next step was coming. The Rite of Annulment. An entirely legal declaration that every mage under her control was actually out of control and needed to be put down like a rabid dog.
The day I acted, when I acted, Meredith was headed for Grand Cleric Elthina, and there was no doubt in my mind she would ask for permission to call for the Rite. I'd... I'd hoped the explosion would stop her. Would make her fall back, reconsider. Would end the escalation. It did not.
[He frowns, looking more past the wounds than at them as he continues to work.]
Before you arrived, before the Circles were shattered during the events at the White Spire, mages were required, by law, to be held in various fortresses. Ostensibly it was for the protection of mages, and for people from mages, but that only works if you don't see mages as people. And if the people in charge aren't abusive. A few of the places, the Circles, were supposedly run civilly. The mages were still restricted, but there were no public beatings or assaults and no one was made Tranquil on a whim. My Circle was on the worse end, but none compared to Kirkwall's.
[There's a short beat as he evaluates the remaining wounds and continues to work, frown gone and eyes back on Jamie's neck.]
On a daily basis mages were dying or being made Tranquil. And the latter is by far the worst of the two. Meredith's power was becoming more and more absolute, backed up by Grand Cleric Elthina. And... I don't know what you know about abusers. I've seen their victims many times, as a healer, I know the signs of escalation. What was being done to the mages wasn't enough, the next step was coming. The Rite of Annulment. An entirely legal declaration that every mage under her control was actually out of control and needed to be put down like a rabid dog.
The day I acted, when I acted, Meredith was headed for Grand Cleric Elthina, and there was no doubt in my mind she would ask for permission to call for the Rite. I'd... I'd hoped the explosion would stop her. Would make her fall back, reconsider. Would end the escalation. It did not.
[That's the main reason why Cyril is reaching out. He was worried that Anders took his silence to mean judgement.]
It ... It really isn't. But I'm tired of talking about it. It gets exhausting after a while. [And, another pause.]
You know, Varric's book says that you tried a lot of different ways to change minds before you did the thing everyone is so angry about. You probably get how exhausting it is to point out something is happening that is wrong and everyone just pretends they can't hear you.
It was.
[There's a short pause on his end.]
Would you like me to come over somewhere? I'd invite you here, but the Warden camp is tents and cots, not exactly conducive to... company.
[There's a short pause on his end.]
Would you like me to come over somewhere? I'd invite you here, but the Warden camp is tents and cots, not exactly conducive to... company.
I'll be there shortly.
[And sure enough, he's there a handful of minutes later, having made sure his cat was tucked safely away before coming up toward Skyhold. His voice is warm when he speaks again.]
Hello, Cyril.
[And sure enough, he's there a handful of minutes later, having made sure his cat was tucked safely away before coming up toward Skyhold. His voice is warm when he speaks again.]
Hello, Cyril.
[Cyril's smile is warm, and welcoming. He comes closer to Anders and then slides his arm around the other man's arm, holding onto it in a clear show that he doesn't mind touching Anders or being near him.]
Hello, Anders. [The use of the name is just as deliberate as the touching.]
Hello, Anders. [The use of the name is just as deliberate as the touching.]
[He is an affection sponge. Kind words do many things, smiles too, but touch, that Anders rarely gets enough of. Anders places his free hand over Cyril's, and smiles a little, starting to let down his guard. He's not wary because he's suspicious. It's just a hard instinct to kick.]
Shall we find somewhere a little more out of the cold?
[And out of the public eye.]
Shall we find somewhere a little more out of the cold?
[And out of the public eye.]
Oh.
[He knows how it feels to be taken in haste, the heavy burn and sharp stretch that comes from knowing the Templars will be near their hiding spot all too soon.]
It hurts, but it hurts good.
[His fingers start moving faster, pushed inside with more force, and Anders closes his eyes as he loses himself to the scene.]
I take you in and hold you close, feel your heart pounding with mine, shuddering at how much you fill me. It has been far too long and I can't be patient. I can't, and I rock my hips up, physically begging you to fuck me harder. My hands are on your hips and I'm pulling as if you could possibly be closer.
[He knows how it feels to be taken in haste, the heavy burn and sharp stretch that comes from knowing the Templars will be near their hiding spot all too soon.]
It hurts, but it hurts good.
[His fingers start moving faster, pushed inside with more force, and Anders closes his eyes as he loses himself to the scene.]
I take you in and hold you close, feel your heart pounding with mine, shuddering at how much you fill me. It has been far too long and I can't be patient. I can't, and I rock my hips up, physically begging you to fuck me harder. My hands are on your hips and I'm pulling as if you could possibly be closer.
[Cyril nods and then takes Anders to his room. He's careful to avoid heavily populated places but he keeps his hands on Anders even when there are people around, even if it's just holding his hand.
When they get to his room, Anders find a big enough room but there are holes in the walls that Cyril and Merrick hung cloths over to help block out some of the cold. It still gets in a bit, though, so there are a lot of comfortable blankets on the bed.]
Why don't you get comfortable?
When they get to his room, Anders find a big enough room but there are holes in the walls that Cyril and Merrick hung cloths over to help block out some of the cold. It still gets in a bit, though, so there are a lot of comfortable blankets on the bed.]
Why don't you get comfortable?
Deep breaths, Anders.
[ Deep, even breaths coiling around shuddering sighs, a hitch to the inhale that comes from crooking his fingers just so, lighting the world up behind his eyes with white heat. How much of this he could take without coming-
He fights that down, forcing himself to speak. ]
Let me hear you beg, Bello. Ask sweetly and you shall receive.
[ Deep, even breaths coiling around shuddering sighs, a hitch to the inhale that comes from crooking his fingers just so, lighting the world up behind his eyes with white heat. How much of this he could take without coming-
He fights that down, forcing himself to speak. ]
Let me hear you beg, Bello. Ask sweetly and you shall receive.
I've seen my share of abusers, aye.
[Even the mention of the word is enough to get his lips to press together in distaste. It could possibly be interpreted as pain from the wounds, but it's not. Some things are universal, it seems - although it does mean he's familiar enough with what happens that most of what Anders is saying makes perfect sense. It's not something he likes, either, and his expression continues to darken throughout the remainder of the explanation, the only thing easing that at all the faint bit of confusion over the one thing that was said that he's not familiar with.]
So she would've killed all the mages if given half a chance. What's...being made Tranquil, though?
[Even the mention of the word is enough to get his lips to press together in distaste. It could possibly be interpreted as pain from the wounds, but it's not. Some things are universal, it seems - although it does mean he's familiar enough with what happens that most of what Anders is saying makes perfect sense. It's not something he likes, either, and his expression continues to darken throughout the remainder of the explanation, the only thing easing that at all the faint bit of confusion over the one thing that was said that he's not familiar with.]
So she would've killed all the mages if given half a chance. What's...being made Tranquil, though?
[Anders' expression grows tired, despite how this work wasn't particularly taxing.]
Have you seen the people with sunburst brands on their foreheads? The ones who walk as if they're asleep, speak as if they're in a daze, and are used for mundane tasks around the place?
[He shakes his head.]
They were mages, once. Now, they are not. They have nothing left of who they were, either. No personality, no joy, nothing except simple existence as they wait for the next order. They are the Tranquil, and Templars can do that to any mage. Some believe that they should do it to all of us.
[The blisters are finally gone, and Anders' hands stop glowing. He reaches over to brush some of the dead skin away so he can confirm with his eyes what his ability is telling him.]
It's far worse than simply dying.
Have you seen the people with sunburst brands on their foreheads? The ones who walk as if they're asleep, speak as if they're in a daze, and are used for mundane tasks around the place?
[He shakes his head.]
They were mages, once. Now, they are not. They have nothing left of who they were, either. No personality, no joy, nothing except simple existence as they wait for the next order. They are the Tranquil, and Templars can do that to any mage. Some believe that they should do it to all of us.
[The blisters are finally gone, and Anders' hands stop glowing. He reaches over to brush some of the dead skin away so he can confirm with his eyes what his ability is telling him.]
It's far worse than simply dying.
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