faderift | Let No Soul Hunger For Justice: Nothing But The Truth

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Let No Soul Hunger For Justice: Nothing But The Truth

WHO: Adelaide, Alistair, Anders, Bethany, Nathaniel, Varric, Vasran, Velanna
WHAT: The Second Ritual
WHEN: 10th of Bloomingtide (May 10th)
WHERE: half an hour outside of Skyhold
NOTES: Plotting post.

They've kept to the same clearing as the last, because the location's good. Far enough away that no one could stumble upon them by accident, near enough in case something went seriously wrong, it works.

He has scarcely more hope this time than he did the last, but at least there's no singing involved. This can't go as strangely. In theory.

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[He trades it for the brandy and the scent of it alone is enough to make his eyes water.]

Thank you.

[Anders takes a mouthful, aware of Justice's disapproval and not caring. It would be nice to not feel for just a few minutes.]

Qunari?

Korrin gifts me flasks from her carepackages. I don't often dip into it, but a little in tea helps me sleep on rougher days.

[ A little is all one needs of the stuff, really. ]

[He's set the flask back down because the burn tells him everything - this should do it. Though the information brings an amused smile back to his lips.]

I'm drinking a gift from the woman who still resents me for saving her life. This is even more satisfying than my hopes of what it will do.

Do me the kindness of not being smug about this. I know that will be difficult but I had a hard enough time arguing on your behalf when we were discussing whether or not you ought to be allowed to continue healing at the keep.

Please. It's only fun when she doesn't know.

[Oh, there it is. He can feel a little fuzz and it's magnificent.]

If she knew the gifts would end and there'd be no enjoyment at all. I've made something for Araceli's fox, to help with pests, and while a lot of the reason is simply because the fox is lovely and I want to help, there's a small part of me that takes a great deal of pleasure from assisting Korrin's lover.

While occasionally useful- spite is not terribly attractive.

[ She takes the flask back, knocking down a little with a rough cough. ]

Is it more or less attractive than the Fereldan accent? On a scale of things that aren't terribly attractive, that is. Along with people who take the brandy away.

Less.

[ One day. This mess lass for one day. ]

So on a scale of least to most attractive, brandy stealing, spite, and accent. You know, there was spite to the brandy stealing, that's what truly makes it atrocious.

[And now he's starting to feel like he can make it through this day. The edge of pain that's always there is leaving, he doesn't give a damn about Justice watching, and the ceiling is actually decently interesting.]

An absolute crime.

The brandy theft wasn't out of spite, it was punishment. For being foolish.

[ It is important to be specific. ]

And before you get any ideas, the top of your scale is only about middling for mine. Of the three, yes, the accent is the most attractive but on a grander scale? Meh.

You think I'm pretty. You said so. I've things that aren't meh on your scale, and you've things that aren't meh on mine. So there.

[He'd stick his tongue out if he wasn't so comfortable.]

I've all the ideas in the world. I'm pretty and witty and I like cats. And I can do magic tricks.

And spoken for.

[ Since one of them needs to remember that. Spoken for and she's not quite ready as she might think to simply...enjoy this without feeling awkward.

At least while drunk, she is over caring about said awkward. ]

And what things of mine aren't 'meh' on your scale?

Spoken for and aware of the fact that no amount of flirting on my part will make up for what I am, so there is no danger here. I'll not cheat on him. I can't tease a lot right now because I have to tell the complete truth, so let me at least have my flirting.

Especially when you ask questions like that.

[He reaches over, fumbling for the brandy again. The... lok whatever, he doubts he'll get another sip of now that he's shown a little spite.]

There are plenty of things. You're competent. Brilliant. Caring, efficient, strong-willed, you've lovely eyes, laugh, and smile, those are on the good end of the scale. I don't know where you stand on the scale of loving cats or dogs, however, and that's not worrying. I wanted to say worrying but that's not true.

Good. If I find you going back on that we will have words- just as I will have words on him should he show signs of the same.

[ That...is not what she meant to say, but it is true. ]

You are happy, both of you. If anyone gives either of you trouble over this as you so fear- I will have words with them. Discreet words.

[ Still not what she wanted to say but- It's good that he knows this. She may be uncertain of him still, but her protective nature does not so easily leave her. ]

I enjoy both cats and dogs equally, but I am more of a cat person. I have missed Purrelden in the time we've spent apart.

Don't let me forget that if I ever start to doubt you care I just need to get you drunk. And then go fail a complicated ritual. One's slightly easier than the other.

[He finds the brandy bottle and, with exaggerated effort, sits up so he can take a drink. This is not a time to push. She's saying she cares, and he will hold that knowledge close to his heart.]

I'll bring Purrelden to the tent with me for my shifts again. She's missed batting around everything we might need and stealing herbs and getting cat hair everywhere, I'm certain. And if you'd ever like her company for tea, I don't think she's partial to it, but I could chaperone.

I don't-

I would rather I didn't-

Don't push.

[ She mumbles into the flask, head lolling against the wall. She'll need to climb up, later, and curl in her bed. Nurse the migraine and feel poorly for herself before trying to find a way for the next one to not fail. ]

With you for your shifts, yes. Tea- no.

[...Apparently he'd pushed too far anyway. He looks down for a moment before nodding. No tea yet. Possibly no tea ever. He needs to remember who he is and what he's done sometimes, even as he works to move past it.]

Well. At least we have shifts. And now, if you'll excuse me, and if I can get up, I think I'm going to stumble down the hill and get very pointed looks from everyone before I go curl up in my tent. Today might be the day Teren chooses to get her revenge; we'll have to see if she catches the opportunity.

I need time, De-De.

[ That is true, that is honest. ]

And I need you to be...you. Alone.

[He gets up slowly, using the wall, eyes still downward.]

I know. The time, I mean. But I don't know if I'll ever be me alone. And I don't know that I have any right to be saddened by that when I'd be dead otherwise. Rolan was going to drive his sword through my chest that night whether I'd joined with Justice or not. So can I justify being bothered by not having what non-abominations do, when I've gained years from this? I don't know.

What I know is that I'll enjoy the fact that the sadness is muted by the same thing that's going to make the walk back slightly complicated, and when I wake I'm going to cheat and heal my hangover because I will very likely have one. And that I'm glad to know you do care still.

[He looks up, then, and gives her a small smile.]

I'll see you for our shift tomorrow.

You will. I gave my word we would find something- and if these fail? I will find something else. There must be an answer- if Tranquil can be cured? This can be as well.

[ She has faith in that if nothing else. The world cannot possibly be so terribly cruel. ]

Call Nathaniel and have him walk you back. He is likely more sober and will make certain you do not come to harm.

Thank you.

[He struggles with faith, but he can appreciate hers.]

Nate would, but Justice dislikes him strongly. He's a distraction that I'm determined to be distracted by. So, while I'm drunk, I'm going to avoid everyone Justice dislikes. Hence flopping onto a pillow.

Oh for- Justice.

[ Can one use a Disappointed Enchanter Voice on a Spirit? Yes, yes one can. Adelaide draws herself up as best she can, glaring down while very much looking up at them. ]

Humans need connections to be well, to be whole. Much as Anders has need of food and rest- he needs what Nathaniel gives him. Denying him what he needs to be healthy, to be happy, is unjust and frankly I am disappointed in you for continuing this trend even seeing how well it has made him.

[ She's not mad- no. No, she is. ]

Quit your bitching and leave them be.

[He can feel Justice go very still, and Anders is tense, waiting... but there's no other reaction. He wonders if that means he'll be paying for that later.]

I don't think he exactly sees happiness as crucial to health.

[His voice is calm as he waits to feel if something is about to go wrong. Still nothing. The buzz is making it very difficult to know if he needs to worry or not.]

I'll be at the tents early tomorrow, I think.

[Just in case. And probably stay rather late. As long as he's possessed, he needs to play a balancing game. Not to say he doesn't appreciate the efforts of friends to help him. He does. But as they support him, he will balance Justice. It's his job considering he got himself into this mess. He pauses, though, a few steps away, and looks back.]

Thank you. For...

[He waves a hand. The rituals, but especially talking down to Justice. It might have worked, he's not sure yet. Even if it didn't she made the effort.]

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Let No Soul Hunger For Justice: Nothing But The Truth

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