eruit: art by mureh. (104)
hanzo shimada | 島田半蔵. ([personal profile] eruit) wrote in [community profile] faderift2018-09-26 08:55 pm

( open ) which will refresh my broken mind

WHO: Hanzo Shimada and open
WHAT: New specialization and Angst
WHEN: End of the month
WHERE: All over Kirkwall
NOTES: N/A


I. GALLOWS TRAINING
Training with his spirits has become second nature to him now and he feels it as he steps forward into the Gallows; they've been growing stronger, especially since the intense dangers of the Deep Roads. His desperation to protect them, to not let Storm Bow out of his hands, had resulted in a level of fear he had never allowed himself to consider before; he had not wanted to run the risk of them suffering any more pollution because of his uncertainties and his pains. He had come so close to losing them already -

he grits his teeth. He cannot let them be harmed.

As he works with his bow, standing with his eye on the target before him, critical, his arm moves a touch faster. Three arrows are shot in quick succession, the shape of Hanzo's arm almost a light blue blur as he aims. He doesn't seem to notice, particularly, that anything is different with his arrows, his eyes sharp as some of the tension bleeds out of him, some of the tightness of his shoulders relaxing just so. He doesn't look happy, necessarily, but... Better, perhaps, for the shooting.
GARDENS
When he's not training, Hanzo spends a great deal of his time sitting in the gardens in the Gallows, legs tucked under him in something that seems like it must be uncomfortable for extended periods of times. He seems to be quite happy with it, however, more comfortable like this than he might be otherwise - with something familiar, something almost like 'home' - than he is in any other way. Being back from Tevinter for a few weeks now has him tense, a little on edge, not sure how best to handle the culture shift of 'home to 'Kirkwall'.

Can he even call Tevinter home now, when he has given up so much?

Other hours of the day are spent with him sitting with bits of paper and ink at his side, writing letters that will never be sent. He writes and he writes, almost as if he is dictating his life in a diary entry, pieces of parchment building a pile at his side. When he's done, or it seems as though he's done, he puts the paper to one side and bows his head, overcome by something, his hands shaking a little before he begins to fold them all, meticulous and careful. When he is done folding them he turns, creating a small circle of rocks before he starts a small fire.

Then, one by one, he burns all the parchments until nothing remains.

The fire burns out as Hanzo sits, watching it. He lifts a feather and places it on the burning pile, watching the shape of it curl into embers and ashes, watching as it falls apart, as it becomes nothing, just like all the words he had written down. He bares his heart where no one can see it then burns it away to hide the shame.
III. ROOMS / LIBRARY
When he isn't training or meditating Hanzo can normally be found in his room, settling down, tidying, folding and stitching his clothes. He sits with his formal gear on his lap, a needle in hand, repairing what was damaged during his expedition into the Deep Roads. He'd had to wash them first, deeply and with as much soap as he could muster, just in case the taint had been carried in the dirt and the blood, but he doesn't have coin enough to waste clothes.

When the door is more shut than open there is, at times, a faint, blue glow, just enough that it might attract attention.

Otherwise, Hanzo can easily be discovered in the library, books about Tevinter and the language open in front of him. He's an assistant project leader now and with it comes certain expectations, a certain level of understanding that means that he should at least be making some kind of an effort. He wants Corypheus to be defeated, he wants the Venatori to fall to pieces, for his family - well. The less said about them the better, he thinks, scowling at the parchments in front of him.
IV. WILDCARD
( Feel free to wildcard your own prompt or message me at [plurk.com profile] aziraphale for a prompt of your own! )
aceso: (033)

I

[personal profile] aceso 2018-09-27 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Christine doesn't spend as much time in the training area as she once did, work being what it is, but today she's passing and feels the Spirit of Faith that is often with her tug at Christine's mind. This has happened before, though she never did find out what had Faith so interested in Seeker Darton. Perhaps just his great religious faith. Today the spirit wants Christine to stop beside the man and his bow. She watches him shoot, seeing the great skill he possesses, but also taking note of the blue around his arm. An illusion, or something more?

As is often the case, Faith prefers speaking in feelings over words. She wants Christine to be here, she's excited about something, but that's as much as Christine knows. The rest is like unraveling a mystery.

"You have great skill," she says to the archer, wondering what mysteries surround him that Faith is so keen to have Christine discover.
aceso: (033)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-09-29 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"It is a failing of mine that I never picked up the bow after the Circles fell," she says, gaze drifting to the target and back to him. "We are so reliant on magic that it seems we have a handicap placed on us when we attempt anything else." She's being vague as she uses "we." It's possible he too is a mage, because if her spirit is interested in him then perhaps he's closely connected to the Fade, but perhaps not, and she could be saying "we" as in herself and her fellow Circle mages.

"Thankfully since then I have become a Knight-Enchanter to help in close combat situations. And perhaps it is redundant to use a bow when I can cast spells at a distance. Still, it is tempting to learn."
aceso: (from this valley)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-09-29 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"Mmm, unfortunate then, that my spirit blade is connected to my use of spells and mana. I suppose that is what lyrium potions are for." Though she knows there's not always an opportune time in battle to down a potion.

"I should like to learn, but I fear I would not be the most regular student. With my other commitments, it would be hard to find the time to focus on practicing. As you said, you have trained many years. I doubt I would become proficient enough to take a bow into battle." Meaning in the coming months or years. Corypheus has clearly moved forward in his plans to take over Thedas and hold dominion over all, and there's no sense picking up a new weapon now. "I should focus on what I know: Knight-Enchanter for the battlefield, Spirit Healer for those who come off it wounded."
aceso: (032)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-09-29 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"That is rather sensible," she admits, feeling Faith stir again in her mind. It's hard to deal with, since it's difficult to get the spirit to settle down. Faith has had to be taught a great deal of concepts a regular person would already understand, and restraint is not something the spirit can easily do.

"I will need to get used to the weight of a real sword as opposed to a spirit blade, but I already understand melee combat." And should she be drained of mana, she should have a backup. "I appreciate you giving me the suggestion. I am Christine, by the way. I have been in the Inquisition quite some time now."
aceso: (002)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-09-29 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
He's definitely brought up a point that she hasn't considered in depth before. During the escape from Orlais, the rebel mages were pursued by the rogue Templars, and it was always a terrifying thought in the forefront of Christine's mind that she would be stripped of her magic; of her ability to defend herself. She's been lucky so far, but how long does luck hold?

"Then you arrived after the base in Kirkwall was opened, I presume? I started out with everyone at Skyhold. It feels like ages ago now." So much has happened in that time. So many friends here and then gone, either through leaving the Inquisition, being stationed far away, or presumably returning home through a rift.
aceso: (from this valley)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-09-29 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
When she heard they were moving to Kirkwall, Christine was totally against it and especially in knowing they would be stationed in the Gallows — the site of such pain and suffering to her fellow mages and Tranquil as well. After such a long time here, she has settled in, but the city will never feel like a comfortable home. It will always just be a place to work and do her duty. To her, home is the wild, bracing winds of the Frostback Mountains and the Avvar holds there. The Avvar have given her a greater education on spirits than she ever received in a Chantry-run Circle.

Her eyes skim over his bow, and the question forms in her mind on what is causing it. Runes is definitely a good excuse, but this is a person who went out into the field to collect wisps for her spirit blade. She has a close relationship with a spirit who is causing a buzz between Christine's ears because of the excitement. And yet she doesn't ask what's going on here. Not yet, at least. Not only is it rude, but she's assuming a lot. Even if she does want to know about the glow to his bow.

"Oh? Do you belong to any projects? I am in change of red lyrium research." And she will talk it up to anyone who shows even the slightest bit of interest, as she's always looking for more people to join her in the project.
aceso: (002)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-01 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
"Congratulations. I have an assistant leader on my project, and she has been vital to our work, as well as my sanity." Christine is the type of person who always wishes to prove she can do the best job possible herself, but after over a year in charge of the red lyrium project, she had found it refreshing to have that support and the chance to share some of the burden.
aceso: (036)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-01 06:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Christine nods along. It's why they're all here, except perhaps the Rifters who really have no choice in the matter.

"Especially since things have taken a turn so quickly. We need people to step up and volunteer more than ever." She knows because of some shuffling that several projects have members but no leader, and that's a shame.

"If only all our recruits could have your aim," she adds with a hint of a smile, doing her best to be friendly and put him at ease. There are times she wonders if her inherit Orlesian blood puts people off on principle. Or perhaps the fact that she's rather stubborn and set in her ways. Maybe that comes through as well.
aceso: (041)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-02 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh? Might you be speaking from personal experience?" Otherwise, she can't fathom why he's assuming that there are Inquisition soldiers hiding their talents in combat and pursuing new avenues.

The Spirit of Faith is brushing against her mind and she begins to wonder if he's the one who's hiding something. A talent for interacting with spirits, perhaps? Not uncommon here in Andrastrian-ruled lands. She was shocked the first time she heard of Avvar mages allowing spirits to possess them and speak through them. Even now, for all she trusts Faith and trusts the Avvar, she doesn't think she could allow a spirit access to her that way. Faith belongs in the Fade.
aceso: (from this valley)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-04 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Because you are from Tevinter?" she asks. "I think it is your actions and personality that people should focus on, more than your country of origin. After all, I am Orlesian, and I have not been dunked in the harbor yet." She thinks back to the gentle ribbing she and Sam would give one another for being Orlesian and Fereldan, respectively, and smiles in memory. At least he is off helping with his family instead of stationed far away.

"But I understand. If people are used to being treated a certain way, then they are wary to reveal things about themselves. As a mage, I know this well."
aceso: (040)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-06 04:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"Mmm." It's space to think on what to say to that. She's certainly never sung Tevinter's praises before. Being a mage there wouldn't have necessarily meant freedom for her.

"Did you know that we 'rebel' mages—" Said with an inflection to show what she thinks of that title, "—were going to be indentured to Magister Alexius? I had never looked on Tevinter as a paradise for mages. Indeed, I assume it contains much of the same backstabbing as Orlais. But being indentured holds certain connotations with it. To pay back a debt is only right, but seeing how the Magister was insane, there is no telling what he would have used us for."

She shakes her head. "I have never been there, but I will admit I have a hard time imagining the good when all I have heard is the bad."
aceso: (038)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-07 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
Christine is, of course, drawn to the blue glow, and Faith's response only makes her suspicions all the stronger. The fact that he made no mention of spirits when she told him she was a Spirit Healer leads her to the assumption that he doesn't wish for it to be known. Though if that's the case, he should tell his spirit friend to not be so noticeable.

"I am sure there is good too. Definitely a land that can produce skilled archers, for one." Her eyes take in the area around them before she lowers her voice slightly. Not because the place is busy, but just in case someone happens upon them from behind her.

"Forgive me for being forward, but I can tell you have a spirit with you, bound to your bow." Faith is buzzing between her ears again, and through her way of communicating, Christine amends that. "Two spirits. It's all right. The Spirit of Faith that works with me tells me they are not unwilling."
aceso: (from this valley)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-07 03:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"Faith has been with me around two years, and I feel as though we learn something new from each other all the time. You three must be extremely close."

Honor isn't a spirit form about which Christine knows much, but the basic concept explains enough. And it's easy enough to get a read on him to see he isn't comfortable speaking of this. Her expression is gentle.

"The glow was noticeable to me, so it may be to others as well. The very observant may connect it to the blue glow spirit healers have in our eyes while we heal. I only wished to make you aware; not put you in an awkward position."
aceso: (032)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-08 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
"Ah, so it would not be insulting to say that they assist you with your archery, would it?" After all, she's been praising him on his skill, and there is nothing wrong with the aid spirits can provide. She simply hopes he doesn't take her to mean that it's all the spirits and not his own hard work. Perhaps they provide a push.
aceso: (033)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-08 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"It is the same with me. Faith does not need to assist me in all my healing, but is there when I need her." Mainly because some patients get twitchy when her eyes start glowing blue.

"You are very blessed they took such interest in you." But she doesn't pry any further. The reason Faith found her in the Fade was not because Christine was a faithful Andrastian. It was because she had doubts, and a spirit of Faith has nothing to teach someone who already embodies what they are. Therefore, it's possible — in Christine's mind, at least — that things aren't as cut and dry as Hanzo being a perfectly honorable man. She does wonder if he's a mage, but that also seems like prying. Either he's not, or he's not owning to it.
aceso: (from this valley)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-09 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, there is always room to improve and learn new things." She's trying to keep the conversation light and share a bit of her own experiences, but from the way he grips his bow and frowns at her, it appears he has no wish to be too open. One can hardly blame a person with all the dangers in the world.

"That is something so few of us learn in the South. We are taught only fear and caution. It is why I am glad to have learned more of spirits from the Avvar. Their views are quite different. A little too extreme for me in some cases, but they have broadened my horizons."
aceso: (002)

[personal profile] aceso 2018-10-10 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
"As you see fit," Christine says with a slight incline of her head. "But if you choose to, know that their augur will surely know on your arrival, because the hold spirits will tell them." And the Avvar are a straightforward people, not inclined to hold back for politeness's sake like Christine. "There are several friendly holds in the Frostbacks. The one I am most familiar with is Falcon-Reach hold, but I know people at Honey-badger hold as well."

She thinks anyone should experience time in an Avvar hold if they're granted guest welcome. It's quite the experience when one is only used to the uniformity of Andrastian lands.

"For now, I should let you three get back to your archery."
justice_is_blond: (Actually let's go with that idea)

1

[personal profile] justice_is_blond 2018-09-28 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
He comes to the archery grounds primarily to watch Nate train, to admire his form and make comments. But his husband isn't here right now. Anders almost turns to go and then Hanzo is firing. It's quite the sight, the accuracy, the speed, ... the flash of blue. Quietly he settles back in to watching, now a little curious.

When the archer pauses to take a breath is when Anders approaches, eyes lingering on the bow before going to the man. There's absolutely something there. The chance of it being what his initial thoughts go to is thankfully low, but there's something.

"I can't say I've seen someone shoot quite like that before. Though I can't say I've made a study of archers, mostly one impressive longbowman."
justice_is_blond: (Actually let's go with that idea)

[personal profile] justice_is_blond 2018-09-30 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"Mm. It shows." He's quiet for a few moments. There are some moments that he wonders if his time in the Circles left him at a bit of a loss with social matters others can easily manage, and this is one of those. Asking personal questions is hard at even the best of times.

"I was a little more curious about the... glow, so to speak, that I seemed to be seeing." He doesn't add that he's seen a blue glow quite a lot in his life, because it's not the same sort. Just... similar feeling. Maybe the bow's enchanted? Except that's also different.
aventuriere: (pic#12441574)

library

[personal profile] aventuriere 2018-09-30 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Excuse me.

[ Freddie has appeared at Hanzo's table, leaning over to peer at the stack of books in front of him, nudging one out of the way with a fingertip so she can tap the green-leather cover on another. She has several other volumes and a sheaf of loose papers tucked in one arm, and ink smudged on the back of her hand. ]

Yes, I thought as much. You've the only copy of Catalarus's Meditations on a Minrathous Morning, which despite the utterly inane title I am forced to consult for its observations regarding the machinations and bloodlines of a number of noble houses in the earliest years of the Divine Age. Are you finished with it?
Edited 2018-09-30 21:17 (UTC)