An Apology

[keeperofmagi]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Nerva
RECIPIENT: Anders and... anyone else who happens to hear it. She didn't make it private.
WHAT: An Apology.
WHEN: BACKDATED - Pre-Illness, Pre-Twisted Fate Companion Mission
WHERE: It really don't matter
NOTES: THIS IS WAY LATER THAN IT IS IN TIMELINE but yes didn't know this was going to be a thing my apologies

[Her voice, when she speaks, is crisp, even, and solemn. It doesn't waver.]

Warden Anders.

I acted without thought or noble reason, and I therefore apologize fully for my actions regarding you a few nights ago, and take full blame and responsibility.

You have my word that you will suffer no harm at my hand, and I swear to protect you from harm coming from anyone else.

That is all.

Comments

Not Here

[wickedchase]

[Twisted Fate Greatly Approves.]

Not Here.

[twelvelabours]

( Not enough cats. )

[ingrid_kief]

You are brave to say such things. Maker smile on his servants who humble themselves.

[keeperofmagi]

It is not bravery. It is necessity. There is no reason to praise me.

[Nerva, for whatever she is, would be hard pressed to be called humble.]

[ingrid_kief]

I agree it is needed, but also recognize some would not be brave enough to do so. In public especially. And fewer still in the face of this circumstance, as I have understood it. It is admirable.

[keeperofmagi]

[She lets out a hard breath.]

I am not comfortable with receiving praise for it. What do you understand about the circumstance?

[ingrid_kief]

Only a little. It was not news deemed necessary for my attention in the north in detail.

private

[stabsbooks]

It is not always easy to admit a mistake, much less publicly.

[ Much less when it involves Anders. ]

Well done.

private forever

[keeperofmagi]

[Nerva sighs.]

I could have done so privately, but as the Senior Warden stated that he would expect Anders' report on it, I did not trust him to actually say that I had done it. And I did not want to invite an argument. So this, I think, is best.

[stabsbooks]

That is...probably wise.

[ Shady fuckers being shady and untrustworthy? Perish the thought. ]

Is this all the Senior Warden required?

[keeperofmagi]

[Nerva nodded, then remembered that she was speaking over a crystal and Cassandra could not actually see her.]

An apology and a pledge to safe guard him.

[She obviously isn't pleased, but:]

I am committed to both, Seeker. I will not disappoint you again.

[stabsbooks]

I trust that you will not.

[ Now go make out with your boyfriend. ]

[justice_is_blond]

[It's... well. Unexpected, yes. The publicity of it reads like a stunt, some sort of Templar show, or maybe that's just a thought from Justice. Anders hates politics. And while he doubts she'll actually serve as protection for him, he's not going to be stupid enough to say as much.]

Very well. I accept the apology and pledge.

[keeperofmagi]

Good. [The word is crisp and perfunctory.]

If you require my services, you know how to reach me.

Priate

[justice_is_blond]

Is it a one-time thing, the protection?

[Might as well ask, though he figures the answer is yes.]

[trouvaille]

What did you do?

( --since she's putting it out there.

nerva does not sound thrilled about this, after all. bellamy had reacted rather strongly to the man's name. she is, however idly, sort of curious about the strong feelings a man she did not find terribly memorable apparently creates. )

[keeperofmagi]

I struck the Warden without provocation or warning, and proceeded to goad him into a fist fight.

[Like children.]

[trouvaille]

People seem to have strong feelings about him.

( -dubiously. )

[keeperofmagi]

Do you know anything about him? Because it should hardly be surprising, that he is... divisive.

[trouvaille]

He's a healer. He's a Warden.

( a sort of verbal shrug. what is there to know? )

[keeperofmagi]

[There is a long, long, pause.]

... I do not feel it is my place, at this present moment, to give you a list of his crimes. Suffice it to say, he was responsible for the deaths of many innocents, and served as the tinder for the Mage Templar war.

[trouvaille]

Are you talking about Kirkwall?

( she isn't that uninformed. but a moment later-- )

Well, thank you for answering.

[equanimiti]

[While this message was indeed intended for none other than Anders, Alayre cannot help but silently approve of this change of heart. Maybe, just maybe, Nerva might be the best of them.

"Them" being the Templars of course.]

I'm certain your apology was heard.

[keeperofmagi]

I know it was. He already responded. [She is literal as always.]

[equanimiti]

Is it wise for me to assume he responded favorably? [He assumes this much given his past conversations with the man.]

[keeperofmagi]

He responded perfectly professionally.

[Her voice sounds like she might be describing an arsonist, but.]

[equanimiti]

[Only an arsonist? It honestly sounds as if she's describing something far worse than a mere criminal. Her tone is telling.]

Then I'm relieved. This goes without saying but our personal opinions cannot sway our duties.

[arachnophobe]

I super fucking love how blowing up a Chantry means you get away with it without a single "sorry" to it, but fuck if you punch the man responsible it apparently means you gotta apologize.

[Alejandro disapproves.]

[keeperofmagi]

I am not responsible for him, or his actions, or the punishments required. Only my own.

[But the way that she says it sounds like she may as well have said: "Fucking right?"]

[Nerva slightly approves.]

1/??

[arachnophobe]

[arachnophobe]

[arachnophobe]

[arachnophobe]

[arachnophobe]

[arachnophobe]

DONE

[arachnophobe]

Well, I can respect that.

[Alejandro slightly approves.]

At least you can own up to your actions.

[ugh does he have to do that now]

have i mentioned that ilu

[keeperofmagi]

[Nerva does that thing where she nods solemnly, forgetting that the other person can't see her.]

I do as is necessary.

We all are representatives of the Inquisition, here.

ilu2 baby

[arachnophobe]

[it's okay you didn't see it but he was screaming internally before he could say words]

Fair fuckin' enough.

[keeperofmagi]

[There's a pause, because what the fuck is small talk, but she can't help but wonder:]

I don't recognize your voice. What is your name?

[arachnophobe]

Alejandro Borges. I'm a smith. Usually in the Undercroft.

[keeperofmagi]

Ah. Perhaps I have seen you, then, though I usually prefer to work on my equipment myself, I am only capable of upkeep and maintenance.

Nerva Lecuyer, at your service.

[arachnophobe]

Eh, a lot of people feel the way you do. If the old fashioned sword and shield works for you, that's fuckin' neat and everything but there's always new shit getting unearthed. You ever wanna try something new, you let me know.

Pleasure, Ser Lecuyer.

[keeperofmagi]

'New Shit?' [Each words seems too articulated.]

What exactly would you call something new? I have used the same blade for years.

Nerva, only. I am no Ser.

[arachnophobe]

[He snorts.] Too technical?

Yeah, blades wear out over the course of years. It ain't bad to get a new one made if it suits you. Some these days are lighter, but less brittle than ones made years ago, especially when we get rarer material.

All right, fine. Nerva. [WHATEVER he was trying to be respectful and shit]

[keeperofmagi]

... I would be interested, but it would take me some time to gather the coin required for such a commission. [But it is thoughtful, because she could use a new sword.]

Regardless. Thank you, Alejandro. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[arachnophobe]

Eh, just give it a thought. Even if you somehow get the material yourself, actually making it wouldn't cost you much.

You too, Nerva.