What if this is all madness?

Magic is a cancer in the heart of our land. We are left no choice but to purify it with fire and blood... (Part of the City of Chains Modern-Day AU Universe)

[maintainingvigilance]

Calling in a Favor [Fergus & Meredith]

[dutyfamilycountry]

He looked over the woman with icy-blue eyes and blonde hair.  She was used to being in total control and command of the situations that she was in.  The straightness of her back and the posture in her chair spoke volumes of the authority she carried on her shoulders and that she didn’t take his comments lightly nor was she amused by the manner he presented them.  Taking a step back in his thought process, he watched her eyes narrow and very nearly reading the thoughts going through her mind.  She was expecting him to behave more like Duncan; usually he did.

“Of course Knight-Commander.  I will wait outside until you are ready.”  He nodded to her politely and turned on his heels closing the door behind him and leaning against the wall.  One of the nearby guards snickered and smirked at him as if he was being resigned to the corner for misbehaving. He simply chuckled in turn and looked at the closed door that read First Enchanter across the hall.  He was half tempted to go in and introduce himself while he was here, but chose to do so another time.  He was here at the behest of the head of the Templar Order, fraternizing with the head of the magi should be done on another occasion.  Instead he sat down in a chair that was set outside, most likely for him to wait in.

As his watch ticked over the hour, he heard the steps from inside the chamber before she stepped through the door.  Initially he thought she meant to leave immediately for their dinner, but soon saw the blank expressioned mage round the corner to take the documents from her hand to be delivered somewhere else before ducking back in for another moment.  If she were trying to irk him, she’d have to try harder; he merely smirked and leaned his head against the back of the chair.

When next she emerged, she was pleasant enough.  “I’m famished.”  He agreed immediately standing from his chair and extending his arm in case she wanted to be escorted.  Admittedly it was an old habit from custom and he expected it to be ignored completely in this moment, but he extended the courtesy nonetheless.  “Thank you for inviting me.  What’s on the menu today?”  It was small talk, but it was best not to talk shop immediately.  Learn a few things about each other before getting down to the heart of the issue.

[maintainingvigilance]

She glanced at the extended arm with an arched brow, and then smiled faintly. Clearly the man had been a noble before he’d been a warden. Leaning toward him she murmured, “Perhaps in more formal circumstances, I would be flattered, but here it is not necessary Commander.” She straightened, folding her hands neatly but determinedly behind her back before continuing forward. “I am glad you accepted the invitation, though by the time lunch you may not be.” She led the way into a small but elegant lounge that had clearly seen better days (she rarely approved money to make repairs to décor when they so many other areas where the funds could be better applied) and headed straight for a small round table positioned by a large window that overlooked the barracks below.

Once they were seated, she signaled one of the young recruits minding the door into the kitchen. Snapping to attention, he hurred over with a small basket of fresh bread, setting it in the center of the table before looking at her in askance. “Who’s minding the kitchen today?”

“That would be Sir Guarez.”

Meredith winced and shook her head. This is why she didn’t eat in the lounge very often. “Please have Sir Lahrant fetched then, and take Guarez with you so that he can fill in the vacancy.” She watched him disappear and then glanced at her guest. “My apologies for the added wait, but if you’d ever had Guarez’s cooking, you’d thank me for that.” She said evenly as she drew a little saucer forward and plucked a roll out of the basket. She munched thoughtfully for a few minutes, her gaze focusing on the men below before she finally put down the bread and focused on the man across from her. “I suppose while we are waiting I should go ahead and address our business, yes?” She asked evenly, clearly not the type of person to beat about the bush. 

[maintainingvigilance]

Friend, Foe, or Both? Dangerous Alliances [Anders & Meredith]

[absolutioninflame]

Anders raised his hands in a calming defense. “You are not above reproach, Knight-Commander.” He said of her admission to using the Rite with intent. “But I expect there is no one who can stand free of judgment. We all do what we feel necessary to survive, oftentimes with little to know thought about those lives it impacts outside of our own.”

When she locked onto the part of his assertion that quite clearly gave away his own involvement, he nodded. It would do him no good to deny it now, it was honesty that had fostered this connection to begin with —forced though it initially might have been. Neither of them would gain anything from lies or misdirection now, not when the balance between their factions had become so perilous.

"The man who was made tranquil was my mentor. His name was Karl Brisbane. He escaped from Kinloch Hold during Uldred’s uprising same as me, and before you ask —no— neither of us had, nor wanted, anything to do with Uldred’s madness. The man was a menace in spite of what drove him to his end. We simply used his spiral to the end to seek our own freedom.” He began to pace as he spoke, the long fingers of one hand wrapping around the wrist at the base of the other behind his back. “I came to Kirkwall when I heard he’d been captured, worked for years on a plan to free him, to no avail, until one day information on his being transferred just fell into my lap. I should have known it was a trap, but I wanted to believe I’d gotten lucky.”

His path stopped directly in front of her, amber eyes seeking out piercing blue and locking onto them. “He was tortured for years, his mind picked apart by blood mages —within your own tower, I presume— until he gave them enough information to be certain I not only existed, but I had come to Kirkwall as well. They then marched him out, shackled, dirty, bleeding and half-starved, to lure me in. Had I been captured, they had no intention of making me tranquil. They needed to make an example. They’d have killed me and mounted my head for all the others to see. This is what happens when you step out of line. This is what happens when you fight back. This is what happens if you dare to have a thought of your own. So yes, Meredith, I know very well what happened in that abandoned warehouse, and enough beyond that to be certain that the small group of men committed to that atrocity was only a drop in the bucket of the threat that looms on the horizon.” 

[maintainingvigilance]

She didn’t argue. She hadn’t come here to argue the finer points of being a leader. They both knew that it was their duty to ensure they were above reproach, and when they failed, it wasn’t just themselves that they failed.  There had been a few moments throughout her life when she’d felt the sting of that failure, but never more so than when she’d been signing those condolences.  

She fell silent as he explained what had happened, emotions boiling in her gut. His confession was enough to earn him a one way trip to the Maker’s side and they both knew it. Not only had he plotted to remove a mage from the confines of the Gallows, and consequently her care, he was also responsible for the deaths of her men and the mage he’d sought to free.

A nerve ticked along her jaw as she gritted her teeth, his enumerations of faults she’d been unaware of grating more than nerves. It stung her pride. A pride that just kept taking a beating considering how burned she’d been to discover there were men in her ranks plotting such atrocities. Sharp blue eyes flashed to his, and she leaned closer, “And how do you expect me to fix something you have just made worse? Do you think people won’t find out that a mage killed those Templars? It’s only a matter of time before the Divine herself decides I’m in need of assistance. I have no doubt that if I have men willing to undermine my authority to trap you and abuse the Rite of Tranquility, they’re equally willing to write the Divine claiming lax standards and a failing in my duties to the Maker.” It was the first time she’d uttered that particular concern, but now that it had seized her, she had to turn away as she struggled with it. Who’s will did she follow? The divine’s or the Makers? Her soul said the Maker…her mind knew it was the Divine that really held those reigns of control, and it was a fact that she’d learned to despise over the years.

She paced away, her steps sharp and quick, and then she returned, brows furrowed as her gaze returned to him. “What are you proposing?” She asked. Why would you ask him that? You already know what he wants. He wants an alliance. Free reign to continue his rebellion. A rebellion that could destroy Kirkwall.  She ignored her railing conscience, focusing instead on the mage. It was foolish to even consider aligning with him. She would certainly never trust him, and yet here she stood. Waiting.

[maintainingvigilance]

[maintainingvigilance]

Friend, Foe, or Both? Dangerous Alliances [Anders & Meredith]

[absolutioninflame]

He watched her carefully, noting her tone and her mannerisms. She was shaken, but that was good. She should be. They all should.

"No riddles. Not today. I think we both know the time has passed for such trivial things." Anders forced his posture to set more relaxed than he actually felt, knowing that even the smallest things could set a person at ease, and without trust neither of them was likely to conclude this conversation satisfactorily. "I know you, Meredith. We may not agree on all things, but your aim is pure. You would not order the Rite as a lure for me nor any other. Which means a faction of your men has gone rogue."

He was not telling her anything she did not already know, of this much he was certain. The Knight-Commander was a brilliant woman. For anyone to have gotten away with something this extensive without her notice meant they were dealing with someone of comparable intelligence but with little empathy to temper it, the lack of which made them all the more dangerous.

"Have you any idea who would be capable of orchestrating something of this magnitude?" He leaned back against the cavern wall, amber eyes watching her carefully. "All my sources have gone silent or so deep underground even I cannot find them. I hope that yours have proven more revealing for I fear what’s to come if together we cannot stem this tide."

[maintainingvigilance]

Her lips thinned. You don’t know me. You think you do, but we are strangers Serrah and you’d be wise to remember it. The thoughts flickered across her mind like lightening, but she silenced them, choosing instead to listen to what he had to say. It was why she was here after all, and assumptions aside, he wasn’t wrong…now anyway. A year ago? Two? There was no chance he would have made it out of the cavern they stood in. Now it was different though. Everything was different. So she kept quiet and let him speak, listening intently.

She folded her hands behind her back, pacing the room slowly, a habit she had when she was thinking. “I am not an advocate for the Rite.” She said quietly at last. “Once…before I really understood it perhaps. I know the fact that I have a tranquil mage as an assistant has fueled gossip, but she is not my assistant to make a point for others. More importantly, she is tranquil at her own behest. Still, for me she is a reminder that the Rite destroys everything that is human in a person…mage or otherwise. I rarely approve of the Rite these days and it has drawn a fair amount of criticism. “ She glanced up at him, blue eyes bright, the need for honesty between them almost tangible. “I will not however let you believe that I have never used it intentionally. There are, unfortunately, some souls that are beyond redemption.”

She sighed pivoting as she continued. “Regardless, I know there is a faction within my ranks that do not agree with what has been termed my ‘growing leniency’.” She smiled faintly because she preferred to think of it as enlightenment and understanding, but maybe they were right. It mattered little here in the shadows.  “I am looking into it of course.” She said evenly, but her thoughts had finally snagged on something else he’d said as she turned to pace back toward him.

“Lure for you.” She repeated, sharp blue eyes locking on him. “Am I to take it you know exactly what happened in the Chantry Serrah?” She should be angrier about that, shouldn’t she? After all, if the rogue in her ranks knew about the apostate she’d now met not once, but twice in secret without seizing, then it was possible that he…or she knew about her own business as well. That was certainly unsettling thought. The Divine was not a forgiving taskmaster after all. 

[maintainingvigilance]

Calling in a Favor [Fergus & Meredith]

[dutyfamilycountry]

He read the letter noting that she mentioned Duncan by name noting that he should ask him about that at some future time, though he knew he had traveled much before Ostagar.  Still, he wanted to be certain any information he could use regarding what favors he might or might not owe Meredith Stannard.  It was never a good idea to be indebted to someone with as much power as she wielded regardless of how many ropes supposedly tied her arms.

In either case, he dressed in a pair of jeans and a long sleeved gray shirt with the warden emblem over his heart (his vial of course ever present).  Adding to that a pair of boots with good treads on them; he headed towards the Gallows, shaking his head when Elias whimpered to come with him.  “Not this time boy.  You weren’t requested.”   He shot the dog an apologetic look before he closed the door and headed for the stairs.

About forty five minutes later, he arrived at the Gallows missive in hand walking straight past the Templars with his determined face on.  Some of them started to reach out and ask him where he was going or what he wanted, but they thought better of it as he strode by.  He was a warden commander after all, everyone was always a little wary of his ability and power to conscript on the spot.  However, he had never used that ability and had no intention of doing so now; he simply wanted to get to Meredith’s office without being asked twenty questions.

Finally, at the entry to their offices, the guardsmen actually had the balls to stop him.  He smirked at them and showed the Knight Commander’s seal on his missive to which they waved him through without another thought.  He shook his head and stuffed the letter back into his pocket.  If his wardens had not stopped the visitor before making it to his office, they would have been pulling double shifts before they could blink.  Grinning widely, he stepped through the partially opened door into the Knight Commander’s office unannounced.

“Knight Commander Stannard.”  He nodded respectfully, “You requested my presence for lunch, but you forgot to mention where, so I came a little early.  I am surprised that none of your men stopped me before I made it to the entryway of your offices, and a little surprised that I made it here without being announced; is that customary?”  Placing both hands behind his back and spreading his legs slightly, he stood at parade rest looking down at her.

 “If you’re not prepared for lunch, I can wait elsewhere until you are; otherwise, we can start chatting now.  At least, I am ready to hear you out.  I make no promises on whether I will accept the terms.”  He shot her a charming grin before relaxing into his resting stance awaiting further instructions for the meeting.  It wasn’t, after all, every day you were personally requested for a meeting with the head of the Templar Order in Kirkwall, so he allowed himself a bit of pride in his stance.

[maintainingvigilance]

She’d immersed herself in paperwork, something she often did early in the mornings, and today was no different. There were always reports waiting, and not all of them had to do with her men. Case in point, the growing stack of letters with the Viscount’s seal was becoming a never ending source of chaos. She despised politicians. It wasn’t that she had a problem with negotiating and passing laws, it was the underhanded seedy tactics that seemed to meld with most of their actions. She found them unreliable and often dangerous.

Sighing she pushed the stack aside, not sure what she wanted to do with them at the moment, and was just reaching for a secondary stack of reports from the night patrols when a big man pushed into her office without announcement. She eyed him evenly, noting the confidence of his stance and the near smirk on his face and her eyes narrowed. Duncan Wolfe you are not. Stifling a sigh, she sat back and said coolly, “My men were instructed that you would be coming and that you were not to be bothered. Given your demeanor, I’m hardly surprised they gave you no trouble.” Her gaze flickered to the young man standing just beyond her door, and he nodded quickly.

Cullen would take care of the matter decisively regardless. Dismissing that, she focused on the Warden Commander’s words, and nodded. “If you will give me a moment more Commander Cousland, I will be ready and we can take lunch in the upper hall.” It wasn’t really a question, and she supposed it was probably rude to make such assumptions, but in her defense…he was early.

About ten minutes later she had the documents she wanted out the door signed and sealed and she’d shuffled the rest into their respective places for consideration at a later time. Rounding the desk, she stepped out to find Elsa not far off, so she handed the documents off and then turned back to the commander. She debated her coat for a moment and then decided it wasn’t necessary given she wasn’t leaving the grounds. So she tugged once at the long pencil skirt and said, “Thank you for waiting, shall we?” She waited for him to stand before she backed out of the office and then turned to lead the way up to the small officers dining area.

[lix-storms]

[houseofcards]

“Am I really the sort of enemy you want to make?” - Claire

[maintainingvigilance]

33

“This is completely ridiculous and you know it.” Meredith hissed, her electric blue eyes flashing despite the dimness of the caves. “There is nothing I can do. My hands may as well chained, and you know it. I am not the one that called for stricter sanctions.” He was smirking at her again. That smug little grin that said he knew as well as she did that if she wanted she could stir up chaos. She was the knight commander after all. There was a lot she could do, but not without bucking the system. “One of these days I’m going to hit the ever living shit out of you Serrah.” She promised darkly.

“That’ll be the day. Might have to get those lily-white hands of yours dirty, that’s assuming you could ever actually hit me.”

He barely had time to finish the statement before her hand was flying. She caught him under the chin, knocking him back several feet and then fell into stance. “You were saying?”

He laughed, rubbing a hand lightly along his chin before he nodded. “Alright Meredith. If that’s how you want to play.” He lifted his hands, rolling his shoulders before he added, “I’ll even ditch the rock armor.” He added, and true to his word moments later the constantly shifting rock armor disappeared.

It was the kind of battle she didn’t give into often. Oh she trained with her men now, but that was always contained and purposeful. This…this was an unexpected guilty pleasure. She lunched, he dodged, he struck, and she countered with a jab. The danced about for almost twenty minutes, glancing blows and delivering a few solid hits before he managed to trip her up, not that she went down alone. She caught hold him, dragging him with her, and they went down in a tumble of arms and legs.

She would think later about how wrong it was, about terms like ‘mistake’ and ‘damned’ but in that moment, not even resting at the Maker’s side could have been as blissful as his hands on her body. She shrugged eagerly out of her own coat, pushing at his shirt, eager to touch the muscles she’d caught glimpses of as they fought. Everything about him was like steel covered velvet, and she reveled in the contact. She made no protest when he slid into the cradle of her thighs, merely caught his lips in another kiss that clearly damned the consequences and welcomed the pleasure he offered.  

Regrets could come later…just not now. Maker definitely not now…

[herroyaldarkness]

Without looking, put a number between 1-42 in my ask box! [grab bag edition]

So you all know how these go, below the cut is a list of 42  RP prompts that came to me. If you’re feeling extra brave, reblog without looking! This list has a nice mix of shippy, non-shippy, fluffy, cracky, angsty, nsfw, and sfw and such forth. Who knows what you’ll get?  *Also gender and sexuality neutral!

Read More

[maintainingvigilance]

Belated Satinalias for Cullen [from Meredith]

As it turned out, getting a gift for Orsino had been easy in comparison to Cullen. They were the only two people she could think of that she actually wanted to give a gift to, but she’d never really made an effort to do such a thing, and as it turned out, it was hard. She had made it a policy early on not to get to close to anyone, and as a result, she knew nothing about her knight captain, except that he was a diligent and loyal man that she relied upon.

Therein, she decided, lay her gift. She’d searched Kirkwall for almost a week before she’d given up and expanded her search to Antiva. After all, if anyone was going to know how to make an excellent blade, it was a country populated by brigands and assassins. The sword she chose was, in her opinion, exquisite. In fact, had she not bought it with the express purpose of giving it to Cullen, she would have kept it for herself. The hilt was bound in soft but sturdy leather allowing for a firm grip, but not one that bit into the hand. The blade itself was made of starmetal, but the hilt was a miture of veridium and silverite, and the detail work was impressive.

Her only concern resided in the curve of the blade. It different from the standard straight blade he was accustomed too. She supposed if he ended up hating it, she could have it exchanged. Finally she’d had it enchanted. Nothing too spectacular. A rune of striking and a rune of impact.  Content with her choice, she wrapped it up in a soft piece of red velvet and delivered it to his office, settling it on his desk for him to find when he returned.

Cullen,

I’m sorry this is late. I do not think the Maker himself could make the postal service go any faster without starting a rebellion. I hope this serves you well. It does not have a name yet, I look forward to learning what you decide.

Happy Satinalias,

Meredith

She considered expounding. Tell him how much she depended on him, and how grateful she was to have someone she could trust, but she’d never been good at expressing her feelings, and it would likely just make things awkward. So she left it at that, and disappeared back to her office to finish reports.

[maintainingvigilance]

Belated Satinalias Day for Orsino [From Meredith]

She had decided to get him something shortly after the incident, though it had taken her a while to decide exactly what, then she’d had to order it. That had been the easy part. The complicated part had resided with the Orlesian enchanter that had taken her payment and then spent two weeks dawdling. However it had finally arrived (a day late even though she’d ordered early) but there none the less.

She waited for Orsino to step out, dinner with the detective no doubt, and then she’d gathered up her present and slipped quietly through the corridors, grateful that most of her men were either down in the hall celebrating, or asleep. Most that were left on guard didn’t bother her, and it was better for them. She used her key to slip into his office and settled the plain box wrapped in brown paper upon his desk. She turned it several ways before she shook her head in annoyance and backed up a step.

No one expected pretty from her, so the lack of adornment and presentation would hardly be a surprise. Then she pulled the simple card (a folded piece of parchment) from her coat and set it beside the box.

Orsino,

You needed something less conspicuous while about the town, but too casual is dangerous. Therefore, I took the liberty of ordering you something. It is Orlesian, so if it does not fit, let me know, I will find a tailor here to help adjust it. I also need to know if the enchantments do not work for that is the main purpose of this gift. The coat has been inbued with additional armor protection, as well as elemental protection. Finally I had the enchanter add a mana regeneration enchantment. The belt is Antivan, so it should be durable. It has a deflection enchant, along with a spell power enchant.

Happy Satinalias.

[acts-of-mercy]

A Not So Tranquil Solution {Cullen/Meredith/Orsino}

[acts-of-mercy]

With every passing moment he wished more devoutly he could just go back to bed, let someone else deal with the twisted up mess they now found themselves in the middle of. He looked up when Meredith asked her first question but didn’t answer.  He knew she didn’t doubt the number, but was simply stunned, as he had been, at it’s size.  It was the largest loss they’d suffered in some time.  At her second query he frowned.

"I don’t see how he could have been responsible, he was tranquil…unless someone preformed the rite after the attack, but then why kill him and disappear?  No…I have no explanation for his presence there but I can’t believe he was the cause."  He waited for her response, but when it came it wasn’t what he was expecting.

“I’m not sure if it bothers me that you of all people could think me capable of such underhanded barbarism, or if I’m glad to see how cautious you’ve become.” 

Her word’s made him flinch and he opened his mouth to say…what? That she’d misunderstood him?  That he hadn’t meant it?  He had, at least on some level, but there was a gray weariness in her eyes that stabbed at him.  It certainly wasn’t the first time he’d questioned her actions, but somehow there seemed to be a new weight in the room that unsettled him.  What that meant for both of them he’d have to worry about later.  The had more pressing matters at hand.  Shaking his head he just listened as she moved to the door and sent the guard in search of Orsino, then, at her gesture, moved out into the hall.  He’d expected the order to search the quarters of the men they’d lost, but her sudden change of mind surprised him, it wasn’t often that the Knight Commander felt the need to step outside the bounds of protocol.  Although, Cullen had to admit he was curious to see what Orsino’s reaction was going to be, he couldn’t help but wonder at Meredith’s decision.  Perhaps things between her and the First Enchanter were warming up after all?

The sound of her Lyrium alarm pulled him out of his musing and he shot a sideways glance in time to see the tight expression that flashed across her face.  Well, it was shaping into a really spectacular morning all the way around.  He let out a little huff of frustrated breath as they rounded the last corner on their way to her office and all but ran into a young recruit carrying a folder.  

"Oh! Knight Captain…Uh, I mean Commander…"  He exclaimed, clearly unsure who to direct his attention to. "I have that file you wanted."

"Thank you Recruit."  Cullen said, rescuing the lad and holding out a hand. "I’ll take it."

"Right.  Yes Sir.  Here you go."  The young man thrust the stack of papers into Cullen’s hand and scurried off.  With a wry smile Cullen followed Meredith into her office.  If Orsino was already there they wouldn’t be able to go over the file in privet, but maybe that was best.  It was, after all, one of his Mage’s who seemed to be at the center of this whole nightmare.  

[orsinofe]

Orsino had been up since very early in the morning when a call came in from Ellie.  She never called to wake him up especially after the incident when he was getting little sleep as it was, but as he blinked to read the name once more on his phone, he answered and was informed of the news.  The details were hazy, and there was no specific case notes yet that she could recite off for him, but a large contingent of Templars had been killed during the night, likely by some sort of magic.  All she could do was give him a heads-up on the news before Meredith could run him through the ringer.

So, he had been pacing all morning checking in with magi getting them to recount their evenings to him without informing them of the news.  Mostly he was just trying to talk to them and glean any details that they might be trying to hide from him, but person after person came and nothing seemed wrong with any of them.  Anxiously, he went through his own story in his head as though expecting to be interrogated about his own whereabouts.  Thankfully, the protocols that Meredith had in place required him to sign in and out, so he at least had that bit going for him.  Not that he couldn’t simply sneak past the guard with a sleep spell if he had really wanted to escape into the night; but, that was risky, and there was no reason for him to do that.

After making a large cup of tea to think on and calm his nerves, he settled into to try and actually achieve his goals for the day.  About half an hour into his work and two empty tea cups later, there was a swift rapping upon his door.  He ignored it at first grumbling about being busy, but the second knocking accompanied his door being unlocked and opened by a guard.  This, of course, was the worst thing possible for a guard to do when he was busy as it really just pissed him right off and set him on a war path against him.  Before he could say anything, the guard’s words spilled from his lips.

“The Knight Commander has an urgent matter to discuss.  She would like you to meet with you in her office.” He spoke as if quoting.  When all Orsino did was raise his brow, he choose to add, “Now, First Enchanter.”  As if the man hadn’t already warranted a swift berating, now he had royally pissed him off.

“Let me tell you something Guardsman.  I am –“

“The Knight Commander said the matter was urgent.”  He then turned and walked out of the room.

Smartest decision he’s ever made in his life. Orsino thought as he stood listening to the hurried footsteps down the hallway.  Already having been warned by Ellie of the matter with which Meredith was going to want to discuss, he sighed and straightened his robes, wandering over to his coffee machine and crafting two of Meredith’s favorite coffees.  He personally didn’t want any, but he needed something to appease whatever wrath she was about to descend upon him with.

Crossing the hall, he entered her empty office and stood staring dumbfounded for a moment around the room.  Placing to two cups of coffee down upon the desk, he took a chair.  Urgent matter indeed.  He thought as he gazed around the immaculate office, not a single thing out of place.  With eyes closed, he meditated on what angle she was going to play this one to him.  But, a minute later, he heard footsteps, two sets of them coming down the hall.

So, she’s going to come at me with Cullen?  He mused quietly.  Inhaling deeply and releasing the breath after holding it for a moment, he centered himself and the mask upon his features preparing for an interesting meeting. 

[maintainingvigilance]

She considered pausing to look over the papers, but Orsino was likely to be waiting anyway, so there was no point in making him wait. With the way that rumors flew about the Gallows, he probably already knew something had happened. Sighing she dismissed the desire and continued toward her office.  She wasn’t all that surprised to find him seated, though she did eye the coffee with suspicion. However the smell was a little too welcome to ignore it, especially when coupled with the knowledge that no one made coffee like Orsino.

Rounding the desk, she gestured for Cullen to take the other free seat and drew the coffee across the desk. She enjoyed the rich flavor for a moment, before taking a small sip. Unable to stall any longer she finally glanced up, blue eyes locking on the two men across her desk. “Although it pains me to say it, a spell to mitigate unwelcome ears would be appreciated First Enchanter.” She said evenly, sitting back in her chair.

She waited quietly, dropping her hands to her lap as her thoughts spun, and when she had the elf’s nod of approval she took a deep breath and exhaled through her teeth. “Gentleman, we have a traitor within the Gallows.” Her gaze settled on Orsino. “Last night we lost twelve Templars and one mage who’d apparently been forced to undergo the Rite. And no, before you ask, I did not approve the action.” She said tersely, well aware that the common perception painted her to be as crazy as the Red Queen, but instead of heads on the chopping blocks, she was branding them.

“I know you’ve been working to get back to your regular speed, but if you’ve heard anything, I really do need to know Orsino. You’re not protecting anyone in this.” Her gaze slid to Cullen and she added, “Whether we have one rogue Templar, or a group, its trouble, an one we cannot afford to be divided on.”

[orsinofe]

Aches and Pains [Orsino & Meredith]

[orsinofe]

He allowed himself the small victory of obtaining the case for Ellie.  Not only would it give them something to do, but it would allow him the peace of mind that if there was anything to find, it would be.  But, he also noted the marked failure of getting any of his magi assigned to the task of joining the patrols for the wounded coast area.  It would certainly do some of his magi good to get out of the Gallows even under heavily armed patrols.  He had been fortunate enough to get assigned to duty outside the walls when he found Ryleigh.  There was no telling what someone else might find to brighten their lives outside the city walls.  Still, he shook it off and continued listening as Meredith responded to his taunt, as he knew she would, at least at first.

Be honest with me Orsino…

The words sent his mind warring; half of him wanted to tell her everything, half of him said he was damned if he did so.  To the best of his abilities, he was hiding the conflict, but he was certain that Meredith could see the strain in his eyes.  He trusted her, but he didn’t trust her enough to throw his freedom and life under the bus to tell her everything that ailed him.  Or, did he?  Even the thought of blood magic spoken in the presence of a Templar was an offense great enough to deserve the Rite.  Would she take that opportunity?

Before he could come to a conclusion, she moved past the moment as though he had purposefully ignored her question.  In another time after different circumstances, he most certainly would have, but the dilemma that split his mind spoke otherwise.  How could he have been so certain at one point in time and question his most basic defenses now?  All this from her asking me if I’m okay?  He rolled his eyes at himself.  He noted his next victory even within his inner turmoil.  She was going to spar with him herself, and he was allowed to ask Cullen as well.

Be honest with me Orsino…

The thoughts resounded in his head again, only this time it wasn’t Meredith that spoke but the sultry chantry mother in her seductive outfit holding a chalice of holy water above his head.  For a moment, he closed his eyes and actively fought back the vivid memory that seemed to send tremors through his body.  After several slow deep breaths to steady himself, he opened his eyes to gaze back at the electric blue ones staring accusingly at him.  He could not tell her the entire truth, but he could at least tell her a truth.

“Of course I’m not okay Meredith.  I was tortured to within an inch of my life and spent an entire month in a recovery room.  I should never have been captured in the first place if it weren’t for my damnable protective instincts.  But, even now, I question my strength in the matter.  Could I have honestly taken down that demon if I had seen her intent beforehand?”  He shook his head more at himself than anything, “I want to know for certain that if I am called to battle that I am prepared.  I do not feel as confident in my abilities at the present as I would like, and so, I…made the request.”

And, I touched blood magic for a second, a terrible, unforgiveable second that will haunt me for the rest of my life.  I want to know that I can use my magic without giving into the temptation to amplify it one more step, to go after that glimmer that I tasted but never used.  His mind finished off that thought for him without voicing the opinion to Meredith.  He had decided he wanted to keep his mind intact as well as his connection to the fade.  Vocally, he concluded, “But, I believe that given time I will be fine.”

[maintainingvigilance]

She considered him silently, not sure she believed him. Oh the defensive sarcasm was par for the course, but there’d been something in his eyes…something about the way his words hesitated… She sighed softly and decided to let the subject drop. It wasn’t as though they’d ever confided in one another. How could she expect him to do so now? She frowned as that strange desire to do exactly that coiled through her before she squelched it ruthlessly. She was blurring the lines of her duty enough as it was. The last thing she needed to do was complicate matters by becoming friends with the First Enchanter.

“Very well. As I said, I will spar with you, and you may speak to Cullen.” She repeated coolly. When her watched beeped, she stood abruptly, almost glad for the interruption. “If there is nothing else?” At his negative, she nodded and rounded the desk, picking up her coat. “Then I have some rounds to make.” She waited for him to slip from the office, closing and securing it before pausing to glance back up at him. “It is good to have you back First Enchanter.” Feeling almost awkward, she nodded tersely and marched down the hall without another word. 

[maintainingvigilance]

Friend, Foe, or Both? Dangerous Alliances [Anders & Meredith]

[absolutioninflame]

Morrigan insisted he was mad when he suggested it, certain that after the incident which had claimed the lives of twelve Templars when all was said and done, contacting and requesting another clandestine meeting with the Knight-Commander was the last thing he should be doing. 

You think that she can be reasoned with, and will not simply take the chance to do away with you, after what just happened? Her frustration was obvious, of course, but beneath it lay a concern —and, dare he say it, a tangible fear— that his luck had run out. That any step he took in that direction could be the one that would ensure he did not return.

Anders did not voice his own beliefs, ones he had accepted long ago. He was not gearing up to lead a revolution, he was cultivating a legacy behind which others would want to follow. He was preparing those who would lead in his absence. He was never meant to see this journey through to its completion, and he believed that now more than ever. 

Reluctantly he smiled and agreed to have her follow and surveil the location of the meet by air lest Meredith intend to betray his good faith. He did not like to feel as though he doubted his alliance, though Meredith would never see Morrigan or know she was there, but he could not convince her of what he knew in his heart to be true. 

The Knight-Commander had a viper in her midst, one that sought to start a war, though Anders could not yet fathom the reasons. Tonight they would talk about dissidence and faith. Tonight they would test the boundaries of their fragile, fledgling alliance. If Meredith showed, and he had no doubt that she would, tonight they would take the first steps toward realizing a peace between mage and mundane.

He dressed in black, traveling in shadow beneath the waning moonlight and listening to the occasional chatter of the raven flying point just ahead. As he’d said, there were no ambushed awaiting his arrival, though it also appeared that Meredith herself had yet to arrive. With a subtle glance skyward he entered the cave and headed back to the intersection of tunnels where first they had met.

[maintainingvigilance]

The tunnels were cold, the damp always sinking deeper during this time of the year as the deceptive rays of sunlight did little to dry out the earth. Tugging the thick black cowl she’d donned a little tighter, she shoved her hands deeper into her pockets, her shoulders hunching forward as if that would ward off the chill a bit better. That tiny voice of warning had been railing at her since she’d slipped into the tunnels, but she ignored it determinedly, the steady crunch of her boots helping to drown it out.

When she finally reached the tunnel crossroads, she was not surprised to find him waiting. She studied his tall form in silence before her blue gaze slid to the surrounding shadows. After all it would have been just as possible for him to lead an ambush against her. However the shadows remained fluid, but unbroken by other forms, so she closed the distance, stopping a few feet from him.

“I do hope you have a reason for pushing the envelope, and not more riddles, for I confess I’m in no mood for them.” She said coolly, folding her hands behind her back as she watched him. “Thirteen dead and enough carnage to sicken strong stomachs has a tendency to limit my good will.”

Though apparently not enough to have her arresting him as she should have. She could only imagine the outcry if her superiors found out she’d not only let an apostate walk free, but she’d agreed to meet with him a second time and still made no effort to capture him. It was done though, and for the moment she was offering him the chance to continue their tenuous alliance. So she remained silent, waiting for him to explain why he’d decided to risk a second meeting. 

[acts-of-mercy]

A Not So Tranquil Solution {Cullen/Meredith/Orsino}

[acts-of-mercy]

He found her office empty and cursed quietly.  If there was ever a time he didn’t feel like wandering the halls tracking the Knight Commander down…

Catching movement out of the corner of his eye he turned and saw Elsa cross the doorway on the way to her own office.  Following quickly He caught her just as she rounded her desk.

"Good Morning Elsa."  He said, trying to sound like it was any other morning.  "Can you tell me where I might find the Knight Commander?"

"Certainly. She spent the morning training with the Elite Guard. I believe she has retired to her quarters to freshen up." Elsa, voice was cool and completely devoid of inflection.  It made Cullen’s skin craw, he couldn’t seem to get away from the empty gaze of the dead tranquil mage.  Had he been afraid?  Was he even aware of what was going on around him?  Back in Ferelden, had Owain cried out in fear or pain before he was overrun by demons? Cullen felt his hands begin to shake and balled them into fists.

"Are you unwell Knight Captain?"  Elsa asked, her gaze unwavering. 

"Uh.  No.  Thank you Elsa." He said, already turning to go.  He had to find Meredith. "I’ll see if I can catch the Commander."  Without waiting to hear her response he left the room at a swift walk which soon became a jog.  He didn’t stop for the men who called after him as he shouldered past them, just kept his feet moving forward until he stood outside her door.  He tried to take a moment to compose himself, running a hand through sweat damp hair.  Sucking in a deep breath in a vain attempt to push back the nausea that was creeping more and more insistently up the back of his throat, he reached out and knocked on her door.  

She answered almost at once, as if she’d been waiting for some unpleasant news.  He stepped into the room and the sick feeling in his gut redoubled.  It wasn’t possible was it?  Surely if Meredith were putting Mages forward for the Rite she would have spoken to him about it.  There was no way she could connected to the horrors he’d just left…was there? Don’t be stupid! A surprisingly clear part of his head hissed at him, Of course she’s not.  You know her better than that.  She could never be part in something so twisted. He knew that was true…but still…he’d trusted people before, been certain they’d never cross certain lines…he’d been wrong before.

She was saying something to him, he couldn’t quite focus on the words.  He had no idea how to even start explaining what they’d found at the ruined building. It wasn’t until he blinked and realized she was standing directly in front of him that he realized she was waiting for him to speak.  

"Sorry."  He managed, "Its uh…its bad Knight Commander."  Taking a deep breath to steady himself he met her eyes. "The KPD officer was right, we lost twelve Knights, what he didn’t know, or didn’t want to tell us was that there was a Mage there as well.  I know he’s Circle, I have someone pulling his records.  If there were others involved we haven’t found any evidence of who they might have been yet."  He turned toward the window, moving away from her a few steps, unwilling to show her just how upsetting he’d found the events of the morning. 

"The destruction was…vicious.  Some of the bodies have been burned past recognition, some look like every bone in their bodies was broken. Armin’s head looked like…" Breaking off he brought a hand up to rub at his mouth for a moment before continuing. "I haven’t seen anything like it since Ferelden.  Who or whatever is responsible possesses incredible power."  Finally turning to meet her gaze again he pressed forward, his heart pounding in his chest.

"But Meredith, that’s not the worst of it.  The mage we found…someone’s been preforming the Rite…on Circle Mages.  Unless…unless there’s something going on that you haven’t told me, someone in the Order has decided to take matters into their own hands."

[maintainingvigilance]

She’d expected bad when it had taken more than an hour to deal with the situation, but the expression of his face told her that even her expectations had fallen short of the mark. “Twelve?” She repeated, unaware that there’d been a body count estimate already. Squelching the emotions that swelled through her, she focused on what he was saying, her brow immediately pinching into a frown. “Could you tell if he was the cause?” She asked tersely, pacing away. It was hard to imagine one mage getting the jump on twelve Templars, but she supposed stranger things had happened. 

She cringed as he described the carnage, her mind easily conjuring images from past encounters that she would have been happier forgetting. She glanced back at him, her eyes narrowing as she searched his face. “I’m not sure if it bothers me that you of all people could think me capable of such underhanded barbarism, or if I’m glad to see how cautious you’ve become.” She muttered, rubbing her temple for a moment.  She could tell that voicing that last statement had been difficult, but it just confirmed that she had the right person in his position. 

No one was beyond scrutiny…not even herself.

At last she said, “I haven’t granted the permission to carry out a Rite in more than 7 months, and Baelfor left me little choice.” She sighed softly moving to pick up her sword belt, strapping it on with the quick absent gestures of habit. Crossing the room, she opened the door and flagged the guard at the end of the hall. “Go and find the First Enchanter. Tell him I have an urgent matter to discuss, and ask him to meet me in my office.” Her eyes narrowed as she added, “Those words exactly.”

“Yes Knight Commander.” She watched the man dart off and glanced over her shoulder at Cullen. She waited for him to join her, locking her room before she started the winding route to her office. “Given that neither of us knew anything about this, we will need to approach this situation a little differently. Although I dislike the aspersions it casts on their names given that they are dead and will be unable to redeem themselves, what’s done is done. I want their bunks and belongings searched—“ She paused, turning to look at him, blue eyes narrowing. “Scratch that. We are going to do this a bit differently. First lets hear what Orsino has to say.”

Her wrist bleeped at her and she glared at it, silencing it quickly though she made no move to pull out the small vial of Lyrium. There was only one person she was comfortable (if such a description could be applied) allowing to see those moments of vulnerability, and it was not Cullen. Shoulders stiff, she pivoted to resume the quick-paced march to her office. Business first, and then she’d deal with the annoying necessity.  

[maintainingvigilance]

[damaged-inspiration-deactivated]