CRYSTALS | Open

[aestivation]

FORM: crystal
SENDER: ya boy
RECIPIENT: all of you
WHAT: is your sending crystal running you better go catch it
WHEN: vaguely Post-Island
WHERE: kirkwall
NOTES: i'm cool with transitioning this into a mini-log if anyone actually wants to go look!

A sending crystal is missing from the storerooms.

[ the inflection's shallow, and oddly-placed — as though someone speaking across a great, flat distance. ]

The assignment records were last updated three days ago; they don't account for its absence. I've completed a search of the Gallows towers, excluding restricted and residential areas.

[ not for lack of trying. no one spoke of privacy before the rebellion. ]

I’d ask your escort through these, or barring this, that you keep an eye open within any shared living quarters and workspaces. If you've information to contribute, please inform Casimir Lyov, in Research.

I am, [ a pause. ] distinctive.

Comments

private;

[justice_is_blond]

[They're in territory that's so risky now, so personal, and Anders' hands are tight fists, nails digging in, as he works to keep at least a little bit of the pain out of his voice. He doesn't succeed completely.]

There are rumors of a cure. But what I saw with the mage I... the mage I knew, was due to Justice and was short. The spirit that used to be inside me came to the forefront, and he, the mage, was himself again for... not long enough. Three minutes. Four, maybe. Then he was lost again.

private;

[faithlikeaseed]

[There are rumors of a cure.

He drops the crystal from nerveless fingers; there's a sound as it hits the end of its tether and thumps against cloth-covered flesh.

More silence, dragging out until Myr regains enough of his composure to fumblingly take up the crystal again.]

Maker's blood. I--I... [No, he has no real idea what to say here.] --I'm sorry.

private;

[justice_is_blond]

[For a few moments he's worried. There's a thunk from a blind mage; it could mean anything. Except what if assuming Myrobalan is hurt is insulting because he's blind? They're actually having a conversation.

Thankfully, Myrobalan speaks again and Anders doesn't have to worry about that anymore for now. Now he just gets to be at a loss for what to say back, because what do you say? The Chantry blew up in part for him? It was a long time ago? He begged me to kill him?]

I am as well. He deserved so much better. But life does not deal in what is deserved or undeserved.

[He takes a breath to regather himself.]

I will be kind to Casimir, Myrobalan.

private;

[faithlikeaseed]

[They're actually having a conversation. It's a hell of a thing.]

No; that's why we're called to. That's what-- [--that's what justice is, isn't it? Dealing in what's deserved.

But it's not safe to talk of justice, here. Not wise.

He swallows against the tightness in his throat; notes the use of his name, the way it's set off against his friend's.]

Good. He deserves only kindness. He's always deserved only kindness.

Thank you, [a third time, and a small hesitation,] Anders.

private;

[justice_is_blond]

As did Karl.

[It's a precious thing, that name, and it's clear in the way he speaks it.]

Until next time we speak.

[Because now it's time to go meet with a Tranquil man, and it would be nice to end the conversation on a peaceful note.]

private;

[faithlikeaseed]

Until next time.

[He'll take the gift in the spirit it's offered and let it lie quietly there.

Anders understands, at least. And Casimir will have someone else in the Inquisition to look after him.

Thank the Maker for small blessings.]