justice_is_blond | Inbox for Fade Rift

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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[ 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.

[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.

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.

[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.]

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