faderift | [Open] Mage Lyfe 101

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[Open] Mage Lyfe 101

WHO: OPEN, Anders
WHAT: Mage conferece on practical magic
WHEN: Kingsway 24th, all day
WHERE: Just outside Skyhold
NOTES: Plotting post and IC announcement.

The tables and chairs are set up, there's some parchment and a few quills for note-taking, and a table on the side has pitchers of water as well as a motley assortment of cups. He's done what he can, done the footwork and talking, and now has to hope it catches and spreads.

And hope Purrelden doesn't tangle herself around something with her leash again.

[ooc: hop on in, put up a header! If you have any questions, feel free to ask them on the ooc post or ping me on Plurk at Nadat!]

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Observing

Vivienne does not trust this. She does not trust it at all. If it were being spearheaded by any other mage in the Inquisition, she would not hold a whit of problem with it. Educating their mages is a top priority for her.

Her complaint rests with the host of this little educational venture. The last time he "helped" mages, innocent people were killed in a place of worship and he spearheaded a war that they could ill-afford.

As the Mage Liaison, she is obligated to come, to watch, and to ensure that the welfare of all mages in attendance are protected. And perhaps that another explosion isn't planned for the event.

Because you just don't know.

One of those attending and teaching is a soft-spoken but confident elven woman in Grey Warden attire. Given her perspective and techniques, it's not difficult to see that she's Circle-trained and she might have been a fine Enchanter had she progressed in that area, relaxed and in her element as she explains in a relatively straightforward manner. She naturally demonstrates as well, making sure everyone who wants to see can do so and going over her work more slowly if need be.

As for her focus, it seems to be ice magic. Her use is geared towards non-combat uses, such as frost to dull pain or lining containers for food storage, and creating stable walkways when there isn't enough debris to energize. Given her order, she naturally gets to the topic of darkspawn and how to guard against contracting their taint. Some of it's magic-related, but she also gives forth practical mundane tips.

All the while, there's a well-groomed mabari plopped in the shade and chewing on treats or toys or just napping while she instructs. When there's a chance to take a break, she'll head over to check on him and savor some tea. Lectures and demonstrations can't be given as well when suffering a caffeine-deficient headache.

Edited 2016-10-01 04:33 (UTC)

Now this particular mages garners the Iron Lady's attention immediately. There is a certain style of magic that only can be seen by one who has been properly trained in a Circle. It's written clean all over everything the young elf does. Such a pity that she appears to be a Grey Warden. Vivienne distrusts them on principle, and now doubly so for their harboring their pet terrorist/abomination.

...and of course, there's a mabari involved. Smelly war dogs. Not that Vivienne objects to pets on principle. There are very charming little lap dogs who can rip out a man's throat, not to mention the wildly popular pet nugs in Orlais, prompted by Sister Leliana. But mabari are large and over idealized amongst Fereldens. Why the Hinterlands practically reeked of them.

At least she's not wearing plaidweave.

Still, Madame de Fer is here as an observer and not a participant. Thus she does not interrupt any lessons, and finds herself approving greatly of the practical nature of them. It is when the young lady removes herself to the shade for a break that she ventures over.

"You've been very well trained, my dear." Whyever would you ruin a good career by joining the Wardens? remains unverbalized.

Thankfully for Vivienne, the mabari is currently napping. He twitches a little, probably dreaming about chasing rabbits, but otherwise remains where he is, reassured by Inessa's gently stroking free hand. Upon realizing they have company, though, the elven woman straightens and gives Madame de Fer her full attention.

She nods in response, a polite smile forming. "Thank you. My mentors deserve due credit; they were quite thorough in their approach and insisted that I be as well. I am Inessa Serra, formerly of Kinloch Hold. It's a pleasure to meet you, madame." Well aware that giving the name of her Circle will likely bring up Uldred's rebellion, Inessa nonetheless remains calm in tone and demeanor. She will not focus on her past, but nor will she deny it. It is what it is.

Kinloch Hold. And she appears only just old enough to have ended her apprenticeship not long ago. Vivienne mentally weighs all this information and places her as a child during the ill-fated rebellion at that Circle. Poor thing. The other Circles had been made aware of the chaos and near-miss which was blood mages on the loose in the tower. To have lived through it personally and survived? Speaks well of Inessa, even if she did have bad taste in career options.

"I am First Enchanter Vivienne, Enchantress to the Imperial Court, and Mage Liaison to the Inquisition. It's so delightful to meet you, my dear." Not likely that the Iron Lady isn't recognized on sight, and she knows it, but still manners are always in style. "I've always approved of how thorough Irving was in his instructional methods. He was, perhaps, a touch lenient in some of his policies, but I have always admired his successes at Kinloch."

Inessa's certainly heard of Madame de Fer and her presence in the Inquisition, and likely seen her from afar. She smiles at mention of First Enchanter Irving, glad to see him given his due even as she doesn't have anything to say about his policies. "We were lucky to have him, a fact which I will never take for granted. His advice has been of considerable aid both inside the tower and out."

And yes, there's a slight moment of nostalgia, as much for the place that had been her home as the First Enchanter himself. "Are you attending in your capacity as Mage Liaison, First Enchanter? I would be most interested to hear about your role and your perceptions of it so far."

"Indeed, my dear, that is why I am here." She'd have absolutely nothing to do with that wretched terrorist otherwise. But there is an obligation which she owes to the mages and to the Inquisition, and thus she must put aside personal distaste.

Her eyes scan the activities, ever vigilant to see that all is well, before returning to look at the young elf. Even so, she's keeping a close eye in her peripheral vision. "The role itself is an honor, and in many ways, not unlike the position of First Enchanter. I am responsible for the safety and well-being of every mage residing under the Inquisition's banner. I also serve as the point of contact between the leadership and all mages." Rather like a Grand Enchanter answering to the Divine, but that's a comparison she is too polite to make.

"The work is very fulfilling, I find, though not without its challenges. Mages in Thedas are facing a crisis as has not been seen since the height of the Tevinter Imperium." Her lips purse, the only sign she's willing to concede in just how profound the obstacles are. Rehashing recent events is unnecessary. "It is my intention to see us all through this storm, and safely delivered to the far shore."

With Circles firmly restored and under her hand.

She's impossible to miss. Unfortunately. Matters would be much easier if people could forget her. But at the same time, he's glad he's able to spot her easily. After all, the last time she was near a group of mages who clearly wanted an improvement to their lives, she rallied other 'loyalists' and murdered her way through them if rumors are true. He wouldn't be surprised. She wants her power, and she'll do what she can to keep it.

And he'll do what he can to see mages free, which includes things like this that eat a little bit of her power, the fear of the outside, away.

Anders deliberately makes his way toward her and nods, ice in his eyes but a curl to his lips.

"It's so good of you to come and recognize the importance of this event. I'm certain that holding the next one will be even easier now that you've joined us."

Ah at least he knows who she is, and she him. Though it's dreadfully rude and presumptuous to begin a conversation without so much as a greeting of offer of introduction. She will not be so ill-bred. Then again, the man is Ferelden. Perhaps that was the problem all along. The stench of mabari seems to have the worst effect on most of them.

She allows only half a second of icy nonchalance. Just enough to convey she is not pleased, if he has half a brain in his head. She suspects not given his reputation as Thedas' most notorious abomination and murderer. When she does turn to Anders, there is no smile, but her expression is one of polite cordiality, perhaps. What it more is, is something neutral which cannot and will not allow anyone to mistake the exchange for something friendly. She does the same to Cole whenever he happens to appear out of nowhere. Vivienne has spent far far too many years establishing herself as incorruptible and will not allow these demons in their midst to tarnish it.

"I don't believe we've been formally introduced." Wrong. She knows they haven't. But manners. "I am First Enchanter Vivienne, Enchantress to the Imperial Court, and Mage Liaison to the Inquisition."

Ah if only she had any sort of just cause to put him in a block of ice and leave him. Instead, she waits calmly to see if he's got any sense in that violent head of his whatsoever.

The curl of his lips spreads, becomes a smile that doesn't come close to reaching his eyes though it could fool most onlookers.

"Mm. Are you, though? Not the Mage Liason bit, or Enchantress to the Imperial Court. But First Enchanters are done and gone, Lady Vivienne."

He inclines his head slowly, feeling a cool sort of nervousness settle around him. This is the leader of the opposition, probably the greatest roadbump in the road to mages having the option of happiness, choices, and whatever levels of freedom they desire. She wants her tower back, her gilded cage, and she'd drag everyone back to torture and abuse for the sake of her title and pride.

"I'm Anders. That's the whole of what I go by; the Circles saw fit to take my name from me as they saw fit to take everything else. Pretty titles, though. I'm sure they're... a comfort? You can call me Warden or Healer if you've need for words beyond names."

And there she has it. The evidence she was certain existed that the man is a simpleton with no clue about the long-reaching consequences of his actions.

Vivienne doesn't smile. No to do so could be seen as conciliatory, and there is no way she will ever allow anyone to misconstrue her reactions as that. To possibly have it hinted that she's making peace with a man who was a known abomination, who made a pact with a demon, and took pride in it. Absolutely not. She has fought too hard for her place, her position, to have it snatched away by even a hint that she's less than pristine in her actions.

"My dear, the Circle is an idea, and ideas cannot be abolished." And once this business with Corypheus is settled, it will be needed again. Mages will need a safe place to go in which to practice their art, to learn, away from ignorant common folk who blame mages when crops fail and babies are born dead.

She eyes the man up and down, considering. There is a soft hum of contemplation from the Iron Lady. "I was wondering if you'd clarify that for me. Which is it? Are you a Warden or are you a mage?" Healer seems entirely wrong considering she'd prefer to name him murderer or terrorist and leave it as that.

"My dear," and there's a little mocking in the word. He's not dear to her, not by a longshot, and she's not dear to him. "Freedom is an idea, and an everlasting one. The Circles are outdated. It's time to step outside the gilded cage and see the world for what it can be for all, rather than the very few privileged mages who can gain favor and comforts for themselves. It's time for all to have choices and chances."

Which is what she stands against and what he stands for. There will be no true 'dearness' here, not unless somehow she realizes how the Circle hurts more than it helps, how many mages disappeared to abuses, how many broke, how many were made Tranquil, and so on. She's had a life of luxury compared to so many, and it's blinded her. It's almost a shame she'd not been transferred to Kirkwall, though in truth there is no mage he'd wish that upon. Not even her.

...Okay. Maybe he'd wish it on Corypheus, but Corypheus doesn't count.

"Yes," he replies to her question. She's dropped healer, probably intentionally he figures. "I am healer, I am warden, I am mage, I am a man, I am human, I am Ander. No one can be distilled down into one single thing. They are the whole of their parts. I think many people miss that, the fact that deep down even mages are people too. Some mages even forget that." Like her.

He's never had access like this before. He may never again. Part of him wonders if he should tone down what he's saying, but he's also fairly certain she won't listen or care what he says no matter what, not right now, and that maybe he should just say what he can and hope it sinks in."

"I'm a person who doesn't want to see my people suffer in cages again, and that's far from the whole of who I am."

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[Open] Mage Lyfe 101

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