zwei [Video] Day 16

[token_vengeance]

[The feed turns on with Erik dressed in a simple black turtleneck, looking out a window. He's sipping on a mug of coffee, and he takes his own damn time before looking at the camera. The helmet is not on--but it's nearby, sitting on a table.]

So with the change in day, it appears we will be going on another mission. They rightfully know giving us

Comments

[video]

[magerights]

[There are parts of the speech that appeal to him, like they could easily work on the same side, and parts the Anders is uncertain about.

But that all falls to the wayside at the mention of a name and related event he's been told a little about already. That brings forth anger and the desire for vengeance that's difficult to keep from his face when he does speak.]

So that's it, is it? You'll protect everyone from the threats here, including wizards and mages? And what did you do to them? Where are they now?

[video]

[token_vengeance]

I had attempted to be allies with them.

But the attacked me, and a large number of unarmed people for personal gain. So I...incapacitated them.

[He watches the man evenly. He did what he had to do.]

They seem to have left the island. I assure you, I had nothing to do with that.

[video]

[magerights]

And why should I believe you? You think I've never heard people claim mages turned on them to justify wholesale murder? Say that they're only protecting people when they rip children from their families?

How can I be certain you're any different from them?

[video]

[token_vengeance]

[Erik listens, and while his face doesn't change much, his tone does. Something more--emotional, there.]

Because I was ripped from my family. Because I have seen humans attempt to wipe out all my kind in fear.

[He twists his wrist slightly, and the helmet on the table starts to levitate.]

Because I am not like them.

[video]

[magerights]

[The words and the display startle him, and the confusion and uncertainty is obvious for a brief moment.]

Then why turn against others that are like you? What reason was there for that?

[video]

[token_vengeance]

They attacked me--and those I promised to protect. I did not harm them, other than to string them up. Others with powers can confirm that. So can the last wizard here.

[It had been a show of restraint--he would have done more at any other time.]

Turning against one another is what they want. And some are weak enough to give into that.

[video]

[magerights]

I... Maybe I should ask around more. [Especially with Draco. The boy had been understandably upset, but Anders didn't appreciate being lied to either.]

I'm sorry. When I heard what you said about them, I became so angry I couldn't...

[video]

[token_vengeance]

You couldn't control yourself.

[He raises an eyebrow.]

I know exactly how you feel.

I assume you have abilities, as I do. As others here.

My name is Erik Lehnsherr. And I have a feeling we have more in common than you realize.

[video]

[magerights]

[He nods slowly.]

I'm Anders, and a mage, in case you hadn't figured that out already. In my world, that means a life of being locked away for the supposed safety of others, along with worse things. I've been fighting for the cause of my people for some years now.

[video]

[token_vengeance]

[His jaw sets at that, the muscles flexing. When he lets the helmet down onto the table, it hits a bit harder than it should have, sounding with a loud 'clang'. Seems they do have quite a bit in common.]

I have committed my life to ensuring that my kind--our kind, can live without fear of any of that.

[video]

[magerights]

[He can't really blame Erik for that little lapse in control. It's sickening to think there may be other places headed down the same path Thedas took.]

I hope then that you can find a way to prevent it. Mages have been oppressed for centuries in Thedas; it's far harder to convince people that change must happen when it's all they've known their lives. But I get the feeling you'll agree that it's important that things do change for the better for us. By whatever means necessary.

[video]

[token_vengeance]

[Erik nods.]

Glad to see someone else understands what is at stake.

[He looks around for a moment.]

I'd rather talk about this in person. The devices aren't secure.

[video]

[magerights]

Agreed. Any sort of planning should be in person, or over some sort of secure method. Is there somewhere you'd suggest meeting in that case?

[video]

[token_vengeance]

My room, in a few hours, perhaps?

[video]

[magerights]

[He's honestly a little surprised at that. He'd expected somewhere that would seem more neutral and safe for the other man. Either Erik is confident he can handle a mage of unknown skill, or he's more trusting than Anders thought.]

All right. Although I'll need an idea of which room that is.

[video]

[token_vengeance]

[Considering Erik doesn't consider any place safe. After all, the entire dorm was attacked just a few days ago; he had to take care of it.

He sleeps as he did when he was hunting Nazis--one eye open.]

E3-223.