faderift | [Open] No boom today. Boom tomorrow.

Entry tags:

[Open] No boom today. Boom tomorrow.

WHO: Anders and anyone! Or, well, almost anyone. Sorry, Fenris and Cullen...
WHAT: Anders arrives at Skyhold, takes a new fake name, and tries to get a measure of the Inquisition while keeping a low profile. Starting in prose, but will switch to brackets to match if that's preferred!
WHEN: Mid-haring
WHERE: All over Skyhold, choose your location?
NOTES: Warning for Anders? I can't think of any real ones atm, I'll update if that changes.

He's tired, but that's nothing new. The road's been long. It shows in the way he leans a little on his staff, a fairly generic-looking thing that's far from his old appreciation of things flashy, just as it shows in the state of his rather ragged-looking robes and the scruff of a beard that he doesn't exactly like. At least he's not dead on his feet - the company of a few refugees more than willing to bear the brunt of conversation on the way up had made the last couple of days more bearable than usual.

Now he's here, and the strain is back on his shoulders. Skyhold holds more than the usual level of danger but there's no getting around the fact that he has to at least visit this place. The Inquisition is likely to be a player in the future of mages, and Anders will not see the little bit of progress made be undone out of fear, or laziness, or naivete, or any other number of things that could cut down freedom for his people.

But that doesn't mean he knows how to go about working toward that, just yet. And that means he's slowly going around the fortress, gathering information by listening and asking simple, short questions. They have to be short. The second-to-last thing he can afford is to slip up and let Justice get too accusatory, which could lead to the last thing he can afford - to be recognized by someone who would turn him over to the 'authorities,' such as they are.

"Have you been with the inquisition long?" is one of the most frequent questions, along with a follow up if the answer is yes: "Do you think they treat mages well here?" It's not like he's hiding the staff, after all. But there are more simple questions mixed in as well, questions about the need for herbalists or healers, about where one might find a warm enough corner to sleep in, or where one can lose what few coppers they have over a game of cards. They're general. Careful. They have to be. He's no longer ready to die.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I mean as far as pursuit goes. Apostasy is far superior to being locked up." His grip isn't too firm either - Anders doesn't need to be memorable. Somehow he needs to manage average, forgettable, or at least he does for now while he's still taking a look at this place and getting a measure of it.

"And the pleasure is mutual." He's met several mages today and no Templars as of yet. It really is a pleasure. Their freedom is limited, but it's a beginning. "Though Corypheus will be quite the headache, or so I've heard."

They'd thought him dealt with. How this happened isn't an answer Anders has, and it isn't one he can dwell on. What he needs to figure out is some way to not wind up effected by the demon the way he was last time, and Anders can't think of any defenses for that. "Were you... do you have any first-hand experience with the thing? Corypheus, I mean."

"I'll take your word for it. Though I think I'd feel the same way."

There's a small shrug from the elf. "I joined after what happened at Haven, so I can really only speak on everyone else's experience, but I think an ancient magister sprouting red lyrium might be a slight irritation for us. Just a feeling."

Twisted Fate tilts his head. "Though there are some here who have. Varric might be a better bet to get information from, if he's available. Otherwise, perhaps someone else who had been at Haven. I could name a few people, but I don't think they'll have much to add other than what the hell is this, and is that an Archdemon?"

"Sprouting red lyrium?" That's part of the story he'd not heard, and Anders tries to think back to when they'd met with Corypheus previously. No. There hadn't been the red lyrium, because he would have noticed. Would have recognized it as what got to Bartrand, and it would have stood out all the more when Meredith had revealed her weapon. It's new, then. Is there some sort of... He has no idea, and it's troubling.

It's almost as troubling as the prospect of going to the Dwarf for more information. Anders well-recalls how tired Varric had sounded after the Chantry had been destroyed, and they'd not exchanged words after that. He'd left, knowing he was unwelcome. Would seeing his face add insult to injury? Anders bets that it would, because he can't think of a reason for anyone to forgive him.

A half-moment later he realizes he's sitting here, frowning, and instead he nods. "Varric... Varric Tethras? The author? If he's time for people to ask questions, I'll see if I can't find out more. Not like I've more idea than anyone else as to how one deals with an ancient magister who can't manage to die after thousands of years."

But should it come as any real surprise that blood magic hadn't worked? Anders doesn't think so.

"What's happened in the months you've been here, if you don't mind my asking?"

"That's what it looked like according to some. Haven't met him myself, and I hope I don't, but it could be wild exaggerations. I'm inclined to believe it for now, considering the Red Templars and the like."

Twisted Fate considers a moment, observing the other mage curiously since he'd grown so thoughtful looking. Was it the talk of Corypheus? Could be troubling, he supposes. It would make sense.

"I like to think he makes time for most people." Fate smiles wryly. "And you're right to wonder, but I suppose we'll just have to make sure he's dead now, hm?"

He assumes that, perhaps, the Champion had simply been careless and didn't ensure that Corypheus was dead. He hasn't taken the time to inquire too much with Varric himself.

"But yes, the author. Pleasant fellow. One of the friendlier faces around here."

The question earns a snort. "Well, the most notable thing was that an abomination was here a few days ago. One of the mages, sadly. Now there are talks in the Council and the templars, debating on what to do. The same old politics. Should a mage have a templar breathing down their neck? Harrowings, and so on. Lovely topics. I don't know what the decision will be like, but I'm not terribly thrilled to have found myself in the situation I'd been avoiding for years."

Corypheus is a threat. There's no denying that, and there's no denying that he needs to be taken out. But Anders isn't sure what he can do there. The best way to proceed is to focus on mages and their future and let the people who liked ridiculous fights deal with Corypheus. There will always be plenty of that sort.

"Friendly faces are welcome. Between the fighting out there, the Templars in here, and the demons everywhere, friendly seems more rare by the day." Granted, a large portion of that is his own fault, but this guy doesn't need to know that. If Anders is lucky, which he never is, no one will associate Detlef with Anders.

"Though you're making it sound like there are about to be even fewer faces. No one should have to submit to a harrowing again. They're nothing more than an excuse to murder children." He shakes his head, frowning. It can't be mages pushing for Harrowing, at least. They need to stand strong. ...And not become abominations. Which leads to another question. "What was the cause of the abomination?"

"You aren't wrong. People are quicker to blame each other than usual, and the world seems less forgiving than usual. Hopefully it won't be all dismal and dark for long; terribly boring and bad for my type of business." Fate cracks a grin for a moment.

There's a sigh and a shrug. "I'm not a fan of it either. The mages joined the Inquisition as free agents, like any other. Perhaps those of the Chantry ought to remember the decision of the Herald of Andraste, if they're so intent to follow their ruling." Twisted Fate removes his hat and runs his fingers through his hair. "Terribly sorry; I try to keep out of these sort of debates. Not very fun, but... I suppose there's no avoiding it."

He frowns and shakes his head. "I couldn't say. Maybe they were tempted with an offer. Maybe they were afraid. Many actions are perpetuated by fear; some turn to blood magic, some to demons. I don't think anyone really knows."

There's a lot that's being said that Anders needs to take in, and he does, mulling it over. The man's business certainly sparks his curiosity, but there's far more here, the debating, the politics, and how no one seems to know why someone turned abomination. The last is the worst. Chances are, it won't be pursued. How certainly will, and mages will likely pay for that like they always have - more scrutiny, more hatred, more restrictions. But why? What if it was fear? What if a Templar was abusing the mage and they felt backed into a corner? It's a common story and no one cares about it. He'll have to dig more, but carefully, elsewhere.

"Now I'm curious about what your business is." For now, finding out who the people who made up the Inquisition was of utmost importance. Forewarned is forearmed, and allies are precious resources the other mages will need. Other mages, because he doubts any will care to be allied with him when it inevitably comes out. "And what decision the Herald made that you think they should stay with. I've... been somewhat out of touch, of late."

That earns a small, wry smile. He tilts his head and offers his arm to Anders; he certainly won't take any offense if it's not taken, but he figures he can play the gentleman here and perhaps lead him to a place for them to sit a little more comfortably.

"I have several I do. I'm a man of many trades. Entertainer, mage, bit of a thief -- but I have simple desires. I like to enjoy the pleasures life has to offer, not bicker among my supposed fellow agents about basic freedoms."

The question seems understandable, especially if the apostate had just arrived here. He doesn't think much of it. "My understanding is that the Herald bright the mages in as free agents. They were not brought in a prisoners. Not the most popular decision, but it certainly made me curious about her. I wish I had met her myself. She wasn't a mage herself, yet she made that choice. It was adhered then, it should be adhered now, if they love their Chantry so much."

The arm gets a raised eyebrow. That's a first. But he's not going to waste an amusing opportunity, which means Anders is easily taking Fate's arm and walking along with him.

"There was a time when all I wanted was simple pleasures." What was it he'd told the Warden-Commander? Pretty girl, a decent meal, the right to shoot lightning at fools? Add a cat and a warm fire to that, broaden the 'pretty girl' portion, and he could have lived a very happy life. But it never was going to be. Rolan wouldn't have allowed it, and then Justice changed everything.

"Then it was driven home that every simple pleasure would be taken from me if those in charge could find a way." Cat, bracers, everything. And Kirkwall had shown even worse. "Our people could use every advocate we can get. What you're saying makes it sound like you realize they'll seek to find a way around the Herald's decision, that you know our position is not yet secure as people."

Justice is pressing on his thoughts, wanting him to go further, but they'd thought about this before coming here. Pushing too hard, getting too worked up, could lead to disaster. They needed to try slow this time around, needed to play the moderates and perhaps win over a few people to the side of what's right.

When his arm is taken, the smile widens and Twisted Fate gently guides the mage away. It's a short walk to a couple of seats in the courtyard; he can offer to buy him a drink another time.

A brow is raised as he listens, then glances away momentarily, as if thoughtful. He gives a slow exhale before he settles his gaze back to Anders.

"I make it a policy to stay at least one step ahead of events. Keeps me alive." But he isn't wrong; Fate is aware. He's always been fairly dubious of the amount of freedom they have here.

"I assure you, I know that our position isn't secure as people. I'm lucky when someone isn't scowling at me for the ears, worse enough when they know I'm a mage." He shrugs. "Here, it's temporary. Everything is, and life is too short. I respect that you care so deeply for the rights of mages, though."

That is sincere enough. He would rather just worry about himself.

Before Justice, Anders would have agreed with everything Fate is saying. He'd respected Karl's outrage and the frustration of many mages, but all he'd wanted to do was run and stay away.

How young he'd been.

Anders takes a breath, reminding Justice that launching into a lecture on what all mages should be doing would be the opposite of helpful, here.

"We could change things. We could win our freedom, if mages stand together. The Templars can deal with divided forces, especially as the Chantry will do nearly anything they can to get them back. But united, we're a force to be reckoned with. We need to unite most of us, agree on some things we'll not compromise on, and move forward. We could make this lasting. Permanent."

And maybe fifty years from now one of them could walk about not worrying about scowls or worse due to what they are.

"Life is short and most of us will be forgotten," though Anders likely won't be that lucky, "but we can make a change that will last for Ages. Then we'd truly be a step ahead of events."

"You're a very determined man, aren't you?" Fate sighs, but despite himself he smiles, folding his arms as he listens to the other mage. "Unity is something I think everyone is having difficulty with. But it would be nice, wouldn't it? A permanent solution to permanent freedom."

What a dream that would be. It seems his new companion is certainly quite the dreamer indeed.

"I think you might benefit by speaking to the council here. You have a lot more passion and drive about this than most do." He tilts his head. "You may want to consider talking to Pel -- Dalish elf, white hair, bit of a frosty girl -- and Adelaide -- human, blonde, and elegant. I'd suggest talking to Korrin too, though you'd have to do it over the sending crystal; she's out on a mission, and has been for sometime. I think they would appreciate what you have to say. As for me, I've some other matters to worry about before the future of mages; I know that sounds selfish. It is selfish, but it's the truth as well."

He's rarely encountered someone who reacts like this before - acknowledging his points with a smile while calmly saying they're not going to help. Anders doesn't know what to say or do in return. The man's a mage, but he's so calm about having his own priorities...

"What matters are those? I'll take the names and use them, thank you, but what is it that keeps you from helping your fellow mages?" If they're to have this nice dream, permanent freedom, it may well need to start here. To have mages who won't try for it while enjoying relative, likely temporary freedom is something he can't understand.

"Our chance is here. At Skyhold."

The question makes him raise his brow, then he glances away as he seems to consider a moment. Eventually, he frowns a little and says, "A personal matter, and a business matter. If you're inclined to help me so I can help you, I appreciate the business approach, but there's not much to be done. It's in my hands, as it were."

That, and he certainly does not know this mage well enough to share those details, but he genuinely does not think it can be helped.

"I like to keep my chances in my own hands, and make my own luck." Twisted Fate stands up from his seat. "If matters change for me, I'll be certain to let you know, then. Hopefully that'll satisfy?"

It's a better response than he deserves, really. It isn't like Anders is going to talk about his past and his motivations. He probably shouldn't have pushed, even though Justice believes they should push harder. The disagreement is exhausting, though, and he'd rather not make people too angry here just yet. It will happen soon enough, he's sure.

"If you could consider working on both of your interests concurrently, personal and all-mage, that would be an answer that satisfies." He, they, can't expect others to live up to the standard set by Justice. Some people actually had friends and had a chance of keeping them.

That earns a curious, if not slightly irritated look from Twisted Fate. This one, he can tell, is certainly determined and stubborn. He respects it mostly, but it certainly doesn't make him change his mind.

"Then I guess you'll have to live with my less-than-satisfactory answer," Twisted Fate says coolly. "My affairs, I'm afraid, take precedence over anything else in my life at this time."

And he truly doubts that they will change anytime soon. Technically, he'll be keeping his word, but Fate does not foresee his affairs changing anytime soon.

"Is there anything else I can answer for you?"

Maker. They've a chance, and some would see it slip through their fingers for business reasons. How well will any mage-run businesses last when it all comes falling back down on their heads? Individual greed could easily lead to a downfall for the movement, and they can't afford that. There's an angry reply on the tip of his tongue before he bites it back and swallows the rage he knows is less Anders, and more Justice. They can't. They can't speak their mind fully and risk being revealed yet.

"No. Unless you can think of anything else someone newly arrived should know." It takes work to keep his voice neutral, but he manages. Barely. Promises to the spirit that this will help them toward their goal help with that.

"Just be decisive on how pressing you intend to be with your ideals, and with who. I'm a listener; not everyone is going to find you as charming about it as I will."

Twisted Fate gives a little bow. "But otherwise, until we meet again. I'm usually around the tavern, should you need me."

Charming. Plenty of people didn't find him charming, and that Twisted Fate still allows for that means something despite the frustration he's feeling from Justice.

Anders nods his head. "Perhaps I'll see you for a drink one of these days. And as I'm a spirit healer, I hope you'll find me if you need me."

Justice's tactics hadn't won them allies, before. It was time to try something calmer. More patient. Despite how difficult that was.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Open] No boom today. Boom tomorrow.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject