Anders reaches out to rest a hand on Colin's shoulder.
"The Templars say it, yes. But there's a difference. They see us as neutralized when we're caged and beaten down. I see them as neutralized when they don't have authority over us anymore."
He pauses too, considering where they are for a moment before continuing. "I'm also fine with killing Templars. Every single one of them either hurt our people, or watched and enabled the hurting. There is no such thing as an innocent Templar. I can't justify hurting actual innocents in the process anymore. That's the change, and that's what keeps me from being like the Templars. It's an important line."
"We have to hope. We have to hope non-mages see mages helping them, and benefiting them, and being people rather than objects to be feared. This battle isn't just one of blood and violence, it's one of hearts too, because we cannot win this alone. Without non-mage support this will be a never-ending battle."
It's not positive news. It would certainly be easier if flinging fireballs was enough to win lasting freedom. Life isn't ever easy for a mage, though.
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His breath hitches. There is a pause while he collects it.
"You know what it's like to be neutralized."
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"The Templars say it, yes. But there's a difference. They see us as neutralized when we're caged and beaten down. I see them as neutralized when they don't have authority over us anymore."
He pauses too, considering where they are for a moment before continuing. "I'm also fine with killing Templars. Every single one of them either hurt our people, or watched and enabled the hurting. There is no such thing as an innocent Templar. I can't justify hurting actual innocents in the process anymore. That's the change, and that's what keeps me from being like the Templars. It's an important line."
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It's not positive news. It would certainly be easier if flinging fireballs was enough to win lasting freedom. Life isn't ever easy for a mage, though.