[ CLOSED ] THE ANTIVAN CROWS SEND THEIR REGARDS

[ombranera]

WHO: Alistair, Araceli Bonaventura, Beleth Ashara, Anders Detlef, Korrin Ataash, Taashath, The Iron Bull, Twisted Fate, an Zevran Arainai. Guest Starring: Samouel, Cyril, and Merrick, Super Special Guest Star: Leliana.
WHAT: The Crows come for the Ombra Nera.
WHEN: Begins Guardian 6
WHERE: Skyhold/Antivan Border/The Road
NOTES: CW/TW FOR: Flesh hommonculi, violent/gruesome content, torture, blood magic, non-consensual drug use, adult content, adult language, reader discretion is advised. Sign up post, original plotting post, hit me on PM or @ thesouthernbelle if you have questions.

It's a normal morning in Thedas until, abruptly, it isn't. The Crows come calling; they are swift, they are certain, they are silent and leave behind but one witness that won't be alive for much longer (or so they assume). Prize in hand they ride North for Antiva.

Subthreads for portions of the plot are yours to tag around in as you like!

Comments

[ombranera]

Well.


That isn't the story he thought he'd hear- something true, something that aches enough to be real. He cannot quite part with the whole of the tangled mess that was he and Rinna and Taleslin. Explaining it takes more than he has in him at the moment. He's also far too sober and fairly certain Anders would throw a fit if he attempted to drink. Even if it's tempting. Even if it'd help him sleep.

Perhaps framing it in such a way would make it more likely to be granted? Just one bottle of brandy or wine. Something to make the shades silent.

Still- he looks up, hair covering the scarred side of his face by design; not as though it obscures his vision. There is none to be obscured. "...It becomes easier. Not by much but...Given five years you stop thinking back to what you might have done differently. Then you remember that you've forgot and spend the rest of the next day drunk."

[wickedchase]

"I've never stopped wondering," he admits quietly.

Not that he can. It's impossible. The brand on his shoulder keeps from doing that, and more. But that's another subject for another time. The story told is in truth, and in part had been to help in relating. The other, to honor the trust Zevran has given him.

He already knows why he'd come to help, after all. He knows why he's here now.

"I hope that wasn't too much of for me to tell." Fate cracks a smile. "When you've recovered further, I think drinks are owed, hm?"

[ombranera]

"...To be honest? Nor have I." There have been moments where he was able to put it from his mind, but...

Only that.

Moments.

Still, here and now? It is easy to overlay that with his current concerns- Whether or not he is permitted to drink. "Detlef hasn't said anything against my indulging."

[wickedchase]

"Well, and who's to say it won't numb some pains, eh? I find that medically sound."

Twisted Fate rises and offers his hand. "When we return, then. I'm afraid my flask is rather empty at the moment." It hasn't been a less than stressful time, after all.

[ombranera]

"A shame." He reaches a hand up and steadies himself carefully, tipping his face away from Fate so the motion won't reveal anything he would rather keep hidden. "I owe you a round or ten, for your help."

Alistair had been quite thorough in explaining what everyone did.

[wickedchase]

"Trust me, I had plenty on our way here. I should have figured we'd need a bit more."

Fate gently squeezes his hand, snorting softly to himself. "Well, I wouldn't say no if you want to repay me," he says. "Just bear in mind that it was done without that in mind."

[ombranera]

"It must have been a stressful ride." Edging around things he does not truly wish to know and cannot truly wrap his mind around. At least with Fate there is no question of why. He's heard the answer enough to be flippant and tired enough to be unable to form a joke properly.

"Yes, yes, you came out of the goodness of your heart and because you missed me so very, very much. That does not prevent me from repaying your kindness with brandy in the future." Make light of it. If he can make light of it, he can endure. if he can endure? he can adapt. If he can manage that? he might find a way to live with all of this.

[wickedchase]

"Eh. Boredom, mostly. No one felt like playing a game on the way over. A shame."

Twisted Fate scoffs. "True, what would it say if I did something out of the goodness of my heart instead with an ulterior motive? Best capitalize on your offer. For now, I've kept you long enough, I think. But I'm glad to tell other tales when you want them."

[ombranera]

"And I am well overdue for sharing some of my own." True he is down an eye and unsteady in his own skin but this? This feels more like who he is supposed to be. Zevran feels a little more himself and for that? He curls his fingers around Fate's wrist and tugs his hand up, pressing a kiss to the back. "Thank you."

For the tales.

For coming.

For the distraction.

[wickedchase]

"And I would gladly listen. Listening is just as fine as hearing myself talk."

The gesture is tender, and it's not precisely the first time Zevran's done it. Still, it makes him smile, the expression softer than typical for Fate. The teasing and playfulness are all well and good between them, but he approves of these as well.

"You're welcome."