justice_is_blond | Inbox for Fade Rift

[He's quiet as he puzzles over this; he'd clearly misjudged what Anders had meant by bringing the Chantry into it, thinking it an unbeliever's jab at the organization. It's an accusation he's so used to fending off that--to his chagrin--he hears it even when it's not being made.]

I apologize for misunderstanding, then. But regardless of the Chantry's faith in the Knight-Commander, we mages would hardly have been the ones sent to correct things.

[It's because of his own earlier misstep that he's more careful in considering Anders' next words (listen) before responding:]

That, they don't--but their hold is broken now and it remains to be seen what they will do about that.

I've faith we can root out the ones who abused and betrayed their charges, and retain the ones who remembered their responsibility toward us.

[Mage. He's always disappointed when he runs into a Loyalist. They have so much faith in a system that is set up to fail them, but they think that's the exception. Anders sighs.]

Subjugation invites bullies, and bullies protect other bullies. Even if we root out every single one who harmed a mage, we're still left with those who were silent and allowed it to happen.

[There's earnestness in his voice, a plea for Myrobalan to listen rather than an attempt to lecture.]

It should not be left up to what they will do, as they have already failed mages. It is on us to put together a system in which we are treated as people first, mages second. A system in which we truly have power, rather than First Enchanters being symbolic, because we need recourse when we are beaten, when we are punished for getting too close to someone, when we are assaulted, and so on. A system in which there is an end to Tranquility and a beginning of understanding and assistance.

I don't have the faith that you do. ...As is likely very clear. But I think we could build something that all of us could have faith in.

By definition, the latter type betrayed us as well--though without abusers to follow their cowardice makes them well-behaved. That makes removing them touchy, if you'd rather be seen as a reformer than a monster.

Besides, if we punished everyone who stands by in silence while injustice goes unaddressed, we'd gut the Inquisition as well.

[The chill's back in his tone.]

Our goals aren't so far apart as you seem to believe them, serah. But--

[Thinking too hard about what Anders describes reminds him of Hasmal Circle and what isn't anymore and if he thinks too long and too hard on any of this he's going to lose his temper or worse and that will do neither of them any good.

He exhales raggedly.]

Forgive me. There's much of this I'd be glad to discuss--but I haven't the self-control for it at this time.

[When he was possessed, he would have pushed. He would have pressed and kept on it because Justice was not patient and needed to be swift. Even now he can feel the temptation, the lingering imprints of the spirit on his mind.

But he resists.

Anders takes a breath of his own. Myrobalan is listening and is willing to talk later. That's more than many, especially loyalists.]

All right. I will speak with you later, when you are ready.

[He's not sure if there's a time when he will be ready. He hasn't forgiven his own cousin for what happened between them during the rebellion; how much harder will it be to extend that to someone he doesn't love, whose crimes are an order of magnitude greater?

But Anders has--surprisingly--been nothing if not gracious about this.

And that's something.]

Thank you. Have a good evening.

Likewise.

[And with that he ends the connection. The temptation to push is too great. He doesn't even know if he's making the right call by not trying harder, or if he's betraying the good of Justice's legacy, but his instincts are saying this is the right thing to do.

He has to trust them.]

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