[Open] Save tonight, fight the break of dawn

[justice_is_blond]

WHO: Anders and OPEN
WHAT: The last open log with J!Anders before Justice is gone
WHEN: Mid-Justinian, from around the 8th to the 15th
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Anders, as usual. Prose or brackets work, I've just started everything in prose because that's less html I can screw up.

Healing Tents

Anders (and kitten) are constant sights in the healing tents in Skyhold from morning until evening. One of them works. One of them prefers to play, and is currently most fascinated by a slowly-unraveling string from a scrap of cloth that the larger of the two made sure was dangling down to draw attention.

"Watch the cat," is the warning someone coming in gets first, before being nodded toward the nearest table right away whether they've got a visible injury or not. That they're here for medical reasons is the safest assumption.

Library

He can be found here an early evening, paging through older books with a few pieces of parchment next to him where he's taking notes. Or hoping to. The top page is mostly blank, though, and Anders is frowning as he closes one book and pulls another off one of the few stacks he's made around himself.

People walking past don't even get glances, he's busy and he doesn't care if there are glares shot in his direction right now. People who stop get a glance up with a raised eyebrow and neutral-as-he-can-make-it expression.

Training Circle

It's early. Ridiculously early, early enough to be considered late the next day and that's why he's here now, working with his staff against a dummy. An opponent would be better, but few are here at this hour, and no one who was there when he arrived is someone he'd trust to work instead of actually attack. That being said, for once he's not seemingly radiating irritation and aggravation and he's even looking over as other people start to show up. He could use a hand and he knows it.

Hot Springs

He enters a little hastily, freezing after sweating in the cold and needing to get ready to head into the healing tents. There's not a lot of time to linger. ...but that thought fades away once he's fully in the water. It's so warm that he's sinking in to his chin almost right away, and really only leaving his face above water so he can keep an eye on Purrelden as the kitten chases a beetle.

Courtyard

Not since his Detlef days has he actually sat out here for a time. Dinner tonight is a simple affair, a few strips of meat washed down with a weak excuse for ale along with some a handful of fruit and nuts, but it seems better out here in the open air. People passing by get a nod whether they look at him with a smile or a scowl; he's actually not in a mood to fight right now. In a week's time he might be dead, he might be entirely without hope of having his head to himself again, or he might be alone in his head. It's an odd feeling, and the chill breeze and stars seem perfectly suited for it. There's room on the bench to join him, a cat on his shoulder, and he's... at peace.

[For Cole]

Since River and Simon's disappearance, Anders has been looking out for glances of Cole more often, just... checking on the boy. He's worried about River, and while she and Cole aren't exactly the same, thinking of one brings the other to mind often. Popping up to the third floor of the tavern one evening bears fruit and Anders smiles as he heads over to join Cole.

"Hello. I... I realize I've not actually thought of what to say when I do run into you. You're doing well?"

[For Zevran]

This speech, however, he's practiced repeatedly, and as Anders knocks on Zevran's door with a package in hand, there's a whole lot of amusement in his voice.

"Zevran? I know you said not to bring back a cow, but..."

[For Nate]

It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous, and potentially useless, and there's not a chance that Nate will hate the wriggling animal in Anders' arms because Nate is Fereldan. In fact, he'll probably love it. Anders is counting on that. He hadn't exactly been counting on Purrelden being confused, though, so the cat on his head digging small claws in as she struggles to stay perched and far away from the tiny confusing barking thing is not something he'd been prepared for. Anders ducks into their tent awkwardly, hoping Nate's in there and talking without even looking.

"A little help, please?"


Wildcard me!

[Want something with Anders? Come on in! Start a header, or poke me on Plurk at Nadat for one. He's easily found around the healing tents in Skyhold and around Camp Shady Fucker/the Warden camp.]

Comments

Courtyard

[truestheart]

Henry had been unaware of the fact that a certain mage who helped start this whole damn war was residing in Skyhold. Sure there were whispers about it, but nothing quite mentioned to him yet. Still, when he looks out the window into the courtyard he just see's a man all by his lonesome. He could be sure those were mage robes from up here but that was about it.

From what he could garner of the Inquisition people seemed to generally get along, but he's been here for such a short time who knows what's actually going on beneath the surface. Still, something tells him that that guy was alone or at least...fairly lonely.

Perhaps against what others would call better judgment Henry was walking out into the courtyard. In each hand he holds two white mugs, filled to the top with a sweet smelling brown liquid hinted with the scent of cinnamon. When he's finally in front of Anders, one mug is extended out to them. "It's cold out here so I thought you'd like this," the teen says, his voice not hostile or fearful, just small amount of cheerful concern.

[justice_is_blond]

He looks at the young man with a little surprise before his brain kicks in and he's ducking his head in a nod and taking the offered mug.

"Thank you." He's a young mage, no less. Other young people aren't less important, by any means, but Anders most appreciates when he sees a mage helping another mage. The wedges the Templars had driven in between them, fear and stress and not wanting to be seen as plotting or conspiring, could not last. Then again, the help may be because the boy doesn't know who he is.

"It's definitely cold. I was a little unaware of it, though. Thinking." Probably not what most people would want to hear. He gives the young mage a wary smile and holds out a hand while bracing for the worst. "I'm Anders. You're welcome to join me if you'd like."

[truestheart]

The name does strike a bell in Henry's mind. His expression is thoughtful for a moment. Contemplating the name drop. That was...the name of the apostate that blew up the Kirkwall chantry, wasn't it? It was fairly infamous by now. But, of course there had to be plenty of mages named Anders out there. Perhaps it was just a coincidence. After all, a wanted apostate hiding in Skyhold? A fairly bad idea in his mind.

It's only a moments delay, but just a moment as he reaches out and takes Anders hand in turn. He gives it a small shake and in reply says "Henry. My name's Henry." Again without hesitation he soon takes a seat at the invitation.

His eyes soon catch the bright orange cat just lying on Anders shoulder and it earns a smile from Henry. "I didn't think they let people have pets in Skyhold. You know, unless they were Mabari or horses." He'll just give that kitty a scritch behind the ears.

"So, what were you thinking about to make you ignore the cold? Must be something important."

[justice_is_blond]

Tension visibly leaves his face and shoulders as Henry shakes his hand and gives his name. He's never sure what the reactions will be, never sure how to prepare for them. Henry gets a firm shake in return, followed by a small smile that grows as the young mage pays attention to Purrelden.

"Anyone can have a pet. It's simply not always easy to get one. Stray cats may be the easiest; I know where there are a few if you'd like one." Why not push cats to people? They're good companions. And a mage who has a cat is already seizing a little independence for themselves, stepping into ownership and affection. It's healthy. "Purrelden here, more precisely The Hero of Purrelden, was one of those strays before sh was given to me. And as far as the other..."

Anders exhales and shakes his head. "The future. Or rather, trying not to think about it. It's much harder to not think about something than it is to dwell, perhaps unsurprisingly. Do you think about it much?"

Deflection, getting the conversation off himself, is probably the best way to not get too overwhelmed right now.

[truestheart]

Henry smirks a little at the offer of a cat but shakes his head. "I'm not much of a cat person. I've always wanted a Mabari though. Don't suppose you have any of those?" He's jesting of course. He's pretty sure someone would tell him that he couldn't have a pet. Mage or no he's still considered a child, despite being of age.

However, Henry snorts a bit at that name. Oh Maker the pun. "The hero of Purrelden? I wonder what their namesake would say to a name like that." Good things? Bad things? He's read about the man but that's about it. He'd like to picture the Hero of Ferelden had a funny bone.

But, back to more sombre things, Henry's smile knits into a line at the statement and question. What could he say about the future really? "Sort of," is his immediate answer, but he decides to elaborate. "I mean, if we're talking about this war going on I know we'll win. People like the Red Templars or the Venatori never really win. They think they do, but, they don't. Just how villains are." He hums for a moment, should he go on? Maybe for a moment longer. "Otherwise, I know everything will turn out all right. Maybe we'll even have a party to celebrate when it's done."

[justice_is_blond]

"You're lacking in taste as much as I'm lacking in mabari to give away." His voice is light and clearly teasing as well. "Cats, even a chicken, those I could swing. Mabari? Not so much. However." He pauses, gaze flickering in the direction of the healing tents. "One of the healers, Councillor Adelaide LeBlanc? She has connections. If you play your cards right, like bringing her a mug of this, being optimistic about the future and the good people winning, eating your vegetables, you might be able to sway her."

"And Jonas would give me a Look and then a snort, if ever he meets her." She seems just as certain as Anders that she'll be loved, which has her stepping down off his shoulder to Henry's. Attention hog. Anders rubs her back as she does, ready to pull her back if Henry looks uncomfortable.

"Though I can't say I'd mind hearing about how you know everything will turn out all right. In my experience, things don't." Maybe that means he's the villain after all. "I'd not mind the source of your optimism."

[truestheart]

When Adelaide is mentioned there is just the biggest raised eyebrow. "You have met Adelaide, right? Andraste herself would have to come screaming from the heavens to tell her to give me one and she probably wouldn't budge. Even if I did all those things you said." Though it's all in jest. Truly he wouldn't know how the woman would react to such a request.

The tone of familiarity Anders uses in regards to the Hero of Ferelden...not to mention the king does et something of a curious look from him. "You make it sound like you know him," he replies deciding to pick the cat up and place her on his lap. Nope, not uncomfortable at all she's getting all the head scritches now.

Henry does frown a little as he listens to Anders, his attention going down to the cat for a moment. He has to think on what to say here. It sounds like this man has had it rough. In the end it's just best to be honest "I got it from a book actually."

[justice_is_blond]

He chuckles at Henry's description of Adelaide. "Have you tried?" Not so new, then, if he knows Adelaide. Then again, Adelaide was the first person Anders met.

"And yes. I know him, and I served with him for a time." That part of the story never gets talked about. The parts where he actually did good are forgotten, and he is reduced down to one desperate act. It's not something he should dwell on and yet sometimes it bothers him. Purrelden is, on the other hand, entirely unbothered. She's getting attention. The head scritches go on for a few moments before she's purring, but once she starts the noise could be heard several feet away.

Anders leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees as he half-watches Henry with his cat. "It's a better thing to take from a book than what a friend of mine said. That it's not a good story unless the hero dies." Perhaps Varric meant it was better to die than become the villain, but it's a little too late now. "So, Henry. Have you been in Skyhold long?"

[truestheart]

"I'm afraid if I did what I just said might come to pass. Then what would people argue about if the Maker was proven? Probably what hat to wear maybe." Again, just a joke. He may consider asking her later, maybe make the argument that it could be a mage guard dog.

Of course, he's getting a bit more amazed to hear that this man apparently served the Hero of Ferelden. Sorry Anders, you have more of henry's attention now he nearly forgets Purrelden's in his lap almost putting an elbow on her head when he was aiming for his knee to rest it on. But, from amazement to morbid in only three seconds flat.

Okay...Henry looks somewhat confused at that but then the question is asked. Odd and completely off topic but, he'll answer. "Just a few days now. I came here with a woman named Ruby."

[justice_is_blond]

"There will always be something to argue about. It's the nature of people to argue, even when something should be absolutely obvious." Like freedom. "You'll learn this in time, unfortunately. And since you've been here a few days, it should all be coming more clear quickly. This is a place of a great many arguments. ...And some hope. It is not all bad, and it is not all good."

It's too easy to get sucked into absolutes.

"Very few things in life are all good or all bad. The Hero of Ferelden is another person," because he saw that change in attention, "and while he's overall good, he's also flawed like any other man."

[truestheart]

"I know people argue. I'm not five," he says, perhaps a little annoyed that he thinks he's being treated like a child. Still, maybe he did sound like one trying to be idealistic. "Maybe I just don't want arguments to lead to full scale murder. Healthy debates are nice though." Was it true that the Inquisition would get into stupid arguments? He hoped not.

Henry does shrug a little bit at Anders words about the hero of Ferelden. "Well, yeah. Everyone does. I mean, no one would write a story about a man who was perfect. It'd be pretty boring and wouldn't make for the best kind of story," Henry adds. He's not trying to win any sort of argument here, it was just an opinion.

"Still, he seems like the kind of man who always looked to make things better to go down the hardest path that ultimately led to the most good." Evil usually took short cuts after all.

[justice_is_blond]

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply you were a child." Henry is clearly young, but he's of the age where he's smart enough to understand things... and old enough to be bothered by feeling like he's being treated younger.

"I'd like it if arguments didn't devolve into murder as well. If people listened, and thought, rather than relying on what they've been taught alone, there'd be far fewer deaths. And Jonas... Well. That does cover most of the choices he made, I'll certainly agree there. Some things were simply more expedient."

Siding with the Architect, letting him go, fell into that category.