12 - Action

[3wayforjustice]

[The lake is actually quite nice this time of day. It's quiet, and there's a nice rock to sit on. Even a few smaller rocks to absently toss in the water. This is an excercise in calm, for someone who certainly needs it these days

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[sayhitobianca]

[Varric hadn't exactly been looking for company, wandering around outside, but when he spots Anders, he heads over without hesitation. Especially when he catches him smiling, which is both encouraging - Varric misses the times when Anders'd come down to the Hanged Man, let Varric buy him a drink and tell stories about the Blackmarsh and other Warden adventures - and, given recent events, somewhat worrying.

He comes up behind Anders, standing next to his rock and glancing at the scribbling.]

Taking a leaf out of my book, Blondie?

[Pun most likely intended.]

[3wayforjustice]

I think I value the use of my hands too much to even consider defiling your book, Varric.

[Well, and their friendship, but that goes without saying.]

[He tilts the book a little, revealing the doodles and half-finished maps of the keep.]

It brings back memories, in a way. Better ones.

[sayhitobianca]

[He chuckles lightly.]

Of everyone, I think you're the one most likely to get out of that with full function in your hands. Gotten a little too used to that healing they've got.

[And there's another chuckle after taking a peek at the doodles.]

Should've guessed it'd be cats. If it's bringing back better memories for you, draw away. I'll even provide the paper.

[3wayforjustice]

In that case, I value my dignity in your stories far too much.

[What dignity, Anders?]

Something has to. There isn't much else.

[sayhitobianca]

Ah. Is that what you were supposed to have in my stories? I'll remember that for next time.

[No, he won't. Well, maybe a little.]

Just cats? Come on, dig a little deeper. I'm sure there's something else there.

[3wayforjustice]

That, or the ability to heal even death, if I recall.

[He's mostly kidding. He doesn't expect to be remembered well. Even in his dwarf buddy's book.]

My whole life was spent in the Circle, surrounded by templars. That cat was the happiest memory I have.

[sayhitobianca]

Of course. What kind of epic poem about a romantic rebel mage would it be if you didn't have that?

[He's only partially kidding. He's going to be writing that epic, some day.]

Not your whole life. Always sounded like you got up to some pretty interesting stuff in the Grey Wardens.

[3wayforjustice]

... Romantic?

[He's pretty sure he's not anything like romantic, thank you Varric. You don't know what you're talking about. There is no romance option here]

I think I've already told you everything worth telling about the Wardens, Varric.

[sayhitobianca]

Hopelessly romantic.

[Though he leaves off the 'waging an epic struggle' part this time.

Also, yeah? Maybe he should talk to a certain wereleopard, then.]

Only because you're not as versed in the skill of remembering important details that generally seem insignificant to everyone else as I am.

[Also known as: making crap up.]

Must be some good memories there, though.

[3wayforjustice]

I wouldn't call, "dark, brooding apostate" anything like "romantic". You're exaggerating. Again.

[No, Varric, no talking to people. Your mouth is a deadly weapon.]

For the last time, we didn't ride on any griffons. Or... whatever it is people think the Wardens get up to.

[Another shrug.] Maybe they've all been shoved out of my brain. I wouldn't be terribly surprised.

[sayhitobianca]

You'd be surprised how many people really like the whole brooding thing. The rebel mage is just icing on the cake.

[...what about writing to them?]

It's that pause between 'it' and 'whatever' that makes me wonder, you know.

[Actually, Varric wouldn't, either. Damn it, Justice.]

What about Kirkwall? Wasn't all bad. [Pause.] Maybe we should work on making you some new good memories.

[3wayforjustice]

Is it? I suppose I hadn't noticed, everything considered. I think it got lost somewhere in all the plague and strange, otherworldly keep.

[Writing or speaking, Varric.]

Wonder... what, exactly?

[In that pause, Anders shoots his friend a look. Yes it was, Varric.]

Oh? Such as?

[sayhitobianca]

See, that's what you need me for. Pointing out those little details that get lost in the bigger scheme of things.

[Or lost among the dire, life threatening situations. But that's beside the point.]

Wonder what you lot really got up to. Purely for research purposes, of course.

[Hey, now. Some of it wasn't. What about all those fun times at the Hanged Man? Losing at cards is fun, isn't it?]

I'll come up with something. Sadly, my usual recourses for fun aren't really available here. Though you know you're always welcome to join me for a drink or a card game.

[Also, a pre-emptive 'shut up, Justice.']

[3wayforjustice]

You're welcome to point out any other inconsistencies in my observations.

[Because 'the dire, life threatening situations' have quickly overtaken all other situations, lately. Plague and all.]

Would you believe me at all if I said 'crushing Darkspawn beneath our boots'? Or talking one another off of various ledges?

[Losing at cards isn't fun when you lose to the mabari.]

Tempting. At least here, you're unable to take my coin. Nothing to use it for, even if I had any on me.

[sayhitobianca]

I'm sure I'll take you up on that.

[Yeah, that. No one really came out of that good. But Varric's not the dwelling type. Or at least, not the externally dwelling type.]

Of course I'd believe you. Doesn't mean that's all you got up to.

[Good thing the mabari isn't here, then, right?]

See? Perfectly good reason to pick up the cards again. Though I'm sure we could always find something else to play for.

[3wayforjustice]

I may actually be looking forward to that.

[That's all right, Varric. Anders will do all the brooding and dwelling for you. It's what he does best.]

That's all there was of note. No Archdemons, but plenty of festering darkspawn and taint. Taint... taint taint taint.

[He shakes his head.]

Such as?