[Open] Time for some enjoyment

[conqueredhearts]

WHO: Iskandar and OPEN
WHAT: Iskandar is here to have a good time. Join him?
WHEN: Throughout Drakonis
WHERE: Skyhold and other fun places
NOTES: Probably lots of cute times. Maybe some sad times depending on the threads. But mostly a lot of cute and loud affection. Because Iskandar.

A. It's a new dog!

He'd been wanting one since first seeing the mabari. Now he had one of his own. A fine pup who tended to spend much of his time tripping over his own feet but was ever eager to be with and please the large man. Really he'd been told that an older dog would be recommended but they'd laid eyes on each other and that had been that. After all, once that bond was formed there simply was no going back.

And so one could find him with a puppy in one of the more open areas. They were training and it seemed that the puppy was at least rather intelligent at picking up on things! So long as Iskandar used his native tongue for the commands, something he'd decided to do just to solidify their bond further.

"Heh. What a clever boy you are, my Achilles Alexander!" The pup gave a bark and then happily ate up the piece of meat that he was given. And yes, Iskandar sure had named this dog after himself.

B. Training is important

The best way to perfect how one used their adjusted powers was to, well, use them. So he was around the training grounds to work with the couple of them that he felt could safely be done here. Name the teleportation and invisibility ones. So it was easy enough to spot him standing in one location only to reappear in another. At times he frowned and rubbed his beard as he considered what he'd been doing before trying again.

One could feel free to interrupt him though. He wasn't needing the concentration to do this really.

C. Memories rise to the surface

There were times when even Iskandar needed a moment to reflect, to think on the sadder days. Though he never regretted any of them that hardly meant they didn't weight on his heart. Many had been lost under his command or had given up much to follow him. Then there were times when he remembered Hephaestion and how perhaps he would never see him again. Or that his son would be someone he'd never lay eyes on.

So he was in the gardens with a kitten and a mabari pup curled up together on his lap. Both were sound asleep as if they'd been playing hard until that moment. He smiled down at them fondly, stroked their soft ears as he admired their pure innocence.

"It has been long since I had your purity, little ones."

Wildcard

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[conqueredhearts]

[ooc: It's perfect! I love it!]

He gave a soft laugh at the words that he heard because they were just the sort of thing he believed in. Conquering king though he was he still valued how precious innocence and purity were in a world where much tried to steal them away. Looking up at the man speaking to him, he gave him a warm smile.

"They do. I suppose this is why I am so pleased to have these two as companions of mine here. To have reminders of how worthwhile such things are can make the heart grow in ways not many other things can."

Giving a nod, he offered to have the other come and join him there. It could be good to have company with others no matter the mood he happened to be in.

"Would you care to sit with me, my friend?"

[conqueredhearts]

Iskandar looked over at Waver and saw that he looked as if he would really rather be anywhere but there. Frowning, he planted his hands on his hips as he turned to look down at him.

"Where is your enthusiasm, boy? This training is good for you! You seem as if I am punishing you instead!"

He shook his head then gave a wave of his hand. "Very well then. Attack me. Let me see if your lack of enthusiasm will actually aid you in combat."

The point was that it wouldn't but sometimes Waver needed to be smacked around a little to have a point proven. At least that was the theory Iskandar worked off of.

[conqueredhearts]

He'd noticed that his dog was paying attention to something, practically vibrating as he made sure to stay sat where he was since that was what he'd been told to do. For that reason, Iskandar felt it safe to pull his attention away from him to look over at who was speaking to him. What he saw was a dwarf who seemed to be rather cautious about being near him. Or maybe his dog.

All the same he laughed at the comment. "It is a grand name that he will have to grow into, I think. But he has the potential of carrying these two strong names well. Already he shows that he has great intelligence!"

He went over to pick up the pup so that way all parties involved wouldn't have to worry about him forgetting to stay sat down and rushing to the dwarf instead. "We have not met, my friend. I am Iskandar. Who might you be?"

[meds4sale]

There was very, very little that could surprise the Medicine Seller anymore.

But someone who dealt with death and grief with acceptance rather than repression or anger?

Wow.

"It is unusual to meet one who would think such."

Oddly refreshing as well. Well-adjusted people were kind of in short supply in his line of work.

[circleprodigy]

"A kaddis is a special warpaint that bestows protective or enhancing properties to mabari. Different kinds of kaddis give different benefits; one might protect against fire damage, while another might increase their healing factor in combat or increase their damage against certain beasts."

While Inessa describes, she wiggles the treat at the pup again. When said pup got up onto his hind legs again, he's assisted by Garahel, who boosts him up with that broad head of his. Cheating or teamwork? Who knows.

[gatheringstorm]

"You know how most mages only use staves for physical weapons and stay in the back ranks during battle? Knight-Enchanters aren't like that. They -we- are experts in protection and defense. Our magic barriers last for-fucking-ever and we can create blades out of solid magic to strike at our enemies. Like so...."

Korrin stands back, then adjust her grip on what seems to be an empty hilt. Given room to swing it, though, and a glowing blade appears. When it winks out of existence, she easily summons it again to demonstrate the technique.

[kartereo]

"I'm going through the paces, right?" Waver countered. He was always ready for a good, pointless verbal fight at least. "Better than I would ten years ago."

That wasn't something to be proud of. So Waver took out both of the knives, and proceeded to go low. He also knew the threat of getting kicked was too high, and so he ran in from the side rather than straight ahead.

He was still going to get trounced, but that was part of training too, wasn't it? Most people wouldn't pack as much of a whallop as Iskandar.

[not_the_question]

The Doctor raised an eyebrow at 'friend'. He hadn't met this man before, had he? Sure he was old, but his memory was pretty good this round - mechanical interference where Clara was concerned notwithstanding.

After a moment, he nodded and took the opportunity to sit next to the man.

"I'm the Doctor."

May as well get things out of the way. He wondered if any of his reputation proceeded him.

oh no she's late for dad hangouts!

[bookish_lioness]

Ever since returning from what was supposed to have been a simple mission that instead showed her a dark and horrific future, Hermione had been understandably withdrawn. She'd only talked about what she'd seen when it was absolutely necessary, because really, what good would come from telling people about a future that she was, in effect, changing just by having returned to the present?

So when she heard Iskandar calling after her as she watched the sparring going on in the training ground from a reasonably safe distance, Hermione was torn between cringing and being thankful. On the one hand, Iskandar had always made her feel comfortable; on the other, she always found herself telling him more than she would expect to tell most people, bar her closest friends. She supposed it made sense, in its own way, since Iskandar's constant check-ins ensured that their friendship gradually became a close one, but that didn't make the prospect of talking about all she'd seen that much easier.

Turning to look at him, she tried to force a pleasant expression on her face, though she was surprised that he actually seemed to have a picnic basket, as though having planned this ahead of time. She couldn't rightfully refuse him if he'd purposely sought her out for a picnic lunch. "Carry me?" she asked, a bit confused. "Even if I were resistant, why on Earth would you carry me?"

it's okay Hermione. you can make it up to him by riding around on his back.

[conqueredhearts]

"For the great joy of the fun it can provide!" He laughed then went to set the food down. Mainly because he was then reaching over for her to actually lift her up off the ground until she actually ended up sitting on his shoulders. A little shrug and she dropped right down onto his back, his hands easily catching her so that she wouldn't fall off. Looking over his shoulder with a grin, he adjusted her then picked up their food so he could carry her away with him.

She was indeed going to be getting a ride. He'd simply decided that for her. "Now, let us go to the gardens. They are beautiful and will be a good place for us to have our food outside."

If nothing else she looked as if she could use the distraction. The least he could do was provide that for her.

[conqueredhearts]

He gave a soft laugh. He was aware that his views on such things were not exactly typical but it was something he took pride in. Besides, he felt it to be healthier in the long run.

"I suppose it would be. Many are taught to have shame in such feelings. I see no reason to feel that way when it would dishonor those who share the memories with me."

Shifting some when the little ones stretched so he could allow them more comfort, he gave them both a stroke to the head.

"I will mourn just as openly as I share my joy and wonder of the world. Such pain of loss is no weakness in my eyes."

[conqueredhearts]

"Then yes I would love to learn such a thing! Is it truly something that does not require being a mage to learn?"

Achilles Alexander had been about to fall over when he realized there was a big head under him. He looked confused for a second before he barked happily and actually started to clamber up onto that head so he could get closer to the treat. A clumsy effort but he clearly was all for teamwork with his new big friend as he reached for the treat again.

Iskandar laughed at the sight. "Excellent! I had hoped they would be friends when they met. I'm pleased it turns out to be true!"

[conqueredhearts]

He watched her with interest, keeping back so she would have room to move. What he saw made his eyes widen, obviously impressed with the skill that she displayed over the summoning of this glowing blade.

"I have seen something similar before. However, the blade was not summoned as this one is. Rather it was hidden by magical winds that kept it invisible. After seeing what you do, I can say that yours is more impressive to me!"

[conqueredhearts]

There was a pause as he sorted through his memories. That rang a bell, that name. When he did recall it, he gave a smile and looked over at him.

"The Doctor that Jamie knows? He spoke of a tale about one of the adventures he had with you. I have wished to meet you since then."

The pets in his lap gave a stretch before settling again. Obviously they were perfectly happy where they were.

"I am Iskandar. In the world Jamie hails from the histories know me as Alexander the Great."

[conqueredhearts]

At least the mage was strategizing more now. Less pointless movements that would have simply gotten him killed instantly had he been anyone besides himself. Iskandar stood his ground and didn't bother to draw a weapon. Instead, he waited until he was just close enough then...

...went to trip him.

"Balance, boy."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa joins in with quiet laughter of her own, as said treat is finally within reach of the pup. That prompts her to take out another treat for Garahel, who's definitely earned it by this point. "How could Garahel not love what he himself once was? It was destined to happen.

And no, you don't need to be a mage to apply it. It's already enchanted, so the properties are already present, though I would be happy to show you the more traditional designs. Garahel is a willing model for such things."

[gatheringstorm]

That compliment gets a wide smile from Korrin, who relaxes her stance.

"Given how much practice I've put into this, I should hope so! It's not just about the blade, though. There are other techniques, ones that can make me briefly invulnerable by surrounding myself with the magic of the Veil. Or filling an area with magic that slows and weakens enemies. One of the most powerful techniques is calling on benign spirits to heal me and my allies during a fight, even if they're unconscious, and the glyph provides ongoing healing for a bit after that. It's the only healing technique I've bothered to learn, but it's a good one."

[not_the_question]

The Doctor offered a small smirk when Iskandar mentioned Jamie as he looked at the animals.

"I'm sure Jamie has mentioned more than one adventure in the time he's been here."

But this idea that someone wanted to meet him since then is interesting. "You're not from Thedas originally, then. Most don't seem to have a desire to meet me at all."

Not that he sounds upset by that. It's mostly an observation. And as proof that the Doctor isn't listening as much as he should be, it takes him a minute to parse who the man he's sitting next to is...

"Wait, what? No. The Alexander the Great? How... And with... tiny pets..."

No, the Doctor never saw Alexander as necessarily a gentle person. This was... practically brain-breaking.

[meds4sale]

It was a nice sentiment, if it wasn't some manner of bluster. At the very least, it meant Iskander was no easy prey for those that leeched off some insecurity.

And it truly was rare to find an individual who didn't think grief was some kind of weakness.

"Who do you mourn?" He asked.

[inagutterson]

There are three dogs in this world that Yngvi has zero beef with (well, two still living): Bronson, Jayne, and Hardie. Strange dogs belonging to strange people? Thanks but no. Generally not a fan of them, Bronson finally passing on while he was off visiting Asher's sister still has him strangely twitchy around them months later, looking past them instead of at them after a while. Safer with the nugs, pink twitchy noses and gross hand-feet pawing at the lantern balanced precariously.

"How many doglords you told that one to? They've got a rota for the names they go for most times, swap it out now and then but it's pretty fixed, whole committee and everything." Yngvi says it as breezily as he pleases because he's lived with someone who was many parts doglord so guess what he knows all their secrets, come at him with it if you dare but it means one of the nugs tries to retreat up it. "For fuck's-- get out. See, nugs don't have that. You can call a nug whatever you like. How d'you even tell if a dog's smart? If it doesn't fart itself awake?"

"Yngvi Congealedinagutterson." Sometimes he throws in the 'surname'. Doesn't hurt to see what people do with it as the Kirkwall and the Carta in him start coming out. "'m not your 'friend', mate. Don't even know you."

[kartereo]

Waver was, in fact, anticipating the foot, and he stepped over it with surprising grace. A contrast from the younger Waver who flailed and fell ass over head whenever his forehead was flicked.

"I know!"

[universal_charm]

Oh. He had thought he might be interrupting something, and it turns out he was right. But... he wasn't precisely sorry for it. Iskandar was always looking out for the others around him, overflowing with boisterous joy. Hell, he had even comforted Kirk in the middle of the night during one of his weakest moments, when everything he been collapsing inward.

He couldn't very well leave Iskandar to his thoughts, to mourn alone. He didn't know Iskandar's men or his son, but he didn't need to. They weren't the ones who needed seeing to now.

"I bet he had your hair," Kirk said quietly, brushing his fingers through the fiery mane. "Did you know his name?"

[conqueredhearts]

He laughed softly because he knew his name from histories. Though he often wondered if he'd been able to get his mother's looks. Roxana had been a breathtaking woman and to have a child look like her would have been one of the greatest achievements in his life as far as he was concerned.

"Alexander. He was given my name. He was born into a crumbling and chaotic time but he had my name to carry with him."

[conqueredhearts]

"A great many this day. There have been many I have loved in my time, many I have cherished. Though I suppose today I mourn the man my son could have been had he lived to see such times. I also mourn a dear friend who has been with me my entire life but who is not here at my side."

But at least were both able to rest in peace now. He could celebrate that. Resting his hand on the tiny kitten, he smiled at him fondly.

"This one is named after this friend actually."

[conqueredhearts]

Once he had the treat, Achilles Alexander jumped down to finish eating it on the ground. He looked pleased with himself, wagging his little butt the entire time that he chewed. It was like he'd done something truly amazing rather than simply rather clever. Iskandar laughed a bit and patted his head.

"I would love to learn these designs. I intend for him to ride out with me to places so to have him protected would make him that much stronger a companion."