(no subject)

[thunderproof]

WHO: Venatori captives (Adalia, Gareth, Kain, Max)
WHAT: The four captives deal with being held by the Venatori for a month
WHEN: The month of August
WHERE: The palace in Minrathous
NOTES: cw for generally unpleasant things. more specific cws to come as necessary

Comments

[foundmyselfagain]

“I’ve done so many things to survive until now.” It’s more to himself than it is to Kain, though he doesn’t bother lowering his voice. “Terrible things, some of them. Things that plenty of people would think were unjustifiable, but I justified them, anyway. Whatever I had to do to stay alive.” Killing, of course, being in a war, turning to forbidden magic that could get him executed, if only they could catch him. But all of it was okay, because it kept him alive.

And now he was discussing killing himself. Giving up, like plenty of mages had given up before.

“I wonder if this is how Orsino felt, at the end. Like it was so hopeless, that he might as well go out with a bang.” Of course, he also took others with him, mages that might not have been quite as ready to turn into some Maker-cursed abomination. And Gareth wasn’t quite ready to go that far, which is why he adds:

“We’ll have to talk to the others. Even if they don’t agree with the...method. The Venatori might come down on anyone who’s alive, if some of us succeed. They should at least know what might be down the line.” Of all the captives, the option to bow out made the most sense for Kain, who was in the most danger—and would become the most dangerous, if he gave in. Adalia also presented an issue, though Gareth wasn’t sure if she would agree to it. And Max—Gareth barely knew her from Andraste, and she had the least on the line—but was also the most expendable. It made sense to at least inform them of the option.

[in_death_sacrifice]

"All living creatures want to survive. It's only natural, for all of us. To go against that... it doesn't feel right. It grates on the senses in some way. But in a situation like this... this... It may be the one time that making such a decision is the only rational choice."

He thinks about the stories of what Orsino had done, all that he'd heard about it. "Who knows what runs through one's head when finally about to act upon that decision. Who... knows... But, I for one wouldn't advocate taking out anyone else at the same time. That part was going too far."

Kain sighs, closing his eyes, rubbing at his forehead for a moment as he listens to the whispers. Are they getting louder? Worse? Or is that just his imagination? Might that be a good way to make the judgment? The whispers have been a low, constant thing, but the moment they worsen or change... Maybe that's the time to act.

"You're right, everyone must know. They must have enough knowledge to make their own decisions on the matter. The revenge the Venatori take might be terrible... they must be aware of what consequences could befall them if they choose to remain alive." Kain has definitely been taking care to... more or less be compliant, for the sake of the others, especially Max, who seems to be their leverage for keeping them in line. With others' lives and well-being at stake, it's harder to act out. But eventually, something's got to give. "Of course, it can always... be worse, if we don't take this action. I might be turned against you, and there's no telling when that could happen. It could be sudden, without warning. I want to remain in my right mind at the end... that's all I want."