[video/possibly action later at the hospital?? IDK]magerightsJune 21 2011, 20:30:17 UTC
[Anders is going over what little supplies he has with him from Kirkwall in the hospital, concentrating on the movements of his hands in what would normally have been an automatic task in the hopes it will help make it easier to avoid thinking about... everything. He doesn't notice the little window (there seemed to be one everywhere he looked, which was going to take some getting used to) turn on at first, it's only when there's a sudden gruff noise that he stops, wheeling around and his hand going for his staff automatically.
He relaxes when he realises where it's coming from, and takes a look at the window just in time to jump badly at the bang that follows. When the bloodstained man appears, he realises it must have been a weapon of sorts.]
F YEAH VIDEO and then possibly action soon y/nthat_bowtieJune 21 2011, 21:00:02 UTC
[That man? That man is in a hospital bed, bandaged up and looking slightly pale but otherwise fine.
The Doctor is fantastic at pretending he's fine when he isn't. As it stands, he was lucky the bullet went through. He was also lucky to have been patched up. Considerable pain? He will deal with it. He may even lapse into a coma later on.
At the moment though? He just wants a little company.
Oh look, a stranger. He can certainly do this.]
No! Not really. There's a reason I don't like guns! They tend to go off and then spill blood, and people die--No, definitely don't want that, ever.
[The delay in the response had concerned him, but when Anders sees the new location, he understands what happened, and where he might find the man now. The only thing he's faintly annoyed about is not having been asked to offer aid himself; though he can remind himself that he's only a new arrival here. It took time for those in Darktown to start trusting him to work on them as well.]
Actually, this would be better face to face. If you'll excuse me--
[His video feed shows him leaving, since he has no idea how to really use the computer at all, and eventually he turns up at the door to the stranger's room.]
[Anders has just caught the Doctor slipping out of bed. He doesn't even have the good sense to pretend he's ashamed of being caught, because really, he isn't. His arm is in a sling and he is in tremendous pain, but he'll deal with that later.]
--Oh! Hello.
Just a bit ago, you asked about guns. Firearms. Boomsticks. Chunks of iron and steel and copper and wood that use an explosive powder to plug so-called enemies with projectiles at high velocity.
--Well, until plasma technology gets perfected, but it's essentially the same. Yet another hallmark of death; a means by which people spill blood.
... Right. Sorry. What sort of greeting was that? Not a very nice one, and I won't have that. I'm feeling fantastic. As well, I'm the Doctor. And you?
[Wonderful, one of those patients. Normally, Anders might consider letting him go, depending on the injury and what the man was planning on doing with himself while he was healing, but that was when he had his own clinic and it had been far smaller than this building. Here they could probably afford to let people stay until they were better instead of running around getting into trouble.]
Well, your memory seems to be working fine. I can't say much of that makes sense to me; about the only think I can think that you mean is gaatlok. But either way, they sound like something nasty that I'll probably want to stay away from. Though perhaps you should have heeded your own advice there.
[He's not sure how this Doctor can have that much energy after what he saw, unless he's just one of those people that manages to talk no matter how they feel.]
Anders, a healer and a mage, though I'm starting to think no one here thinks of that as I'm used to. Do you mind sitting down? You might feel fine, but I'd like to take a look all the same.
Stumbling out of a thicket isn't a request to be shot, thank you. [Oh. Oh. Anders' introduction lights up the Doctor's expression. He'll stay, if only to gather more information. Sadly, he really is one of those patients.
For the moment, he stays rooted to the spot, but he's hardly still. The Doctor's overall demeanor is restless if casual, as though in an excess of energy.]
'A healer and a mage.' Good to meet you, Anders! Yeah, that happens; different cultures, nations, worlds, universes and timelines, they've all got their own ideas of what's what.
Me? I like to focus on the common traits, as rare as they might be. [said while adjusting his blood-stained bow tie with his uninjured hand.]
Unfortunately, I do mind. I'm not fond of being... examined. No offense to you and your profession, I'm certain you mean the very best.
[Anders sighs, reminding himself that at least this Doctor - which makes about as much sense as him calling himself 'the Healer' - likely knows himself well enough to know how he's doing and, more importantly, isn't implying that he doesn't want Anders near him just because he's a mage.]
Alright, but the least you could do is sit down while we talk. I've seen excited children that kept stiller.
[He waited a moment, hoping the Doctor would take the hint there, but couldn't resist asking] So, if you're the Doctor, does that mean you're in charge of the hospital? Is my staying here going to be a problem?
Oh, fine, if you're going to insist. Might as well have a good chat, yeah? [The Doctor sits on the edge of the bed, but he's still drumming his fingers.]
What? Oh, no! No, no. I'm not a doctor. I'm the Doctor. Let's cut to the chase: It's my name. Just Doctor, nothing long and fancy. I think I ought to wear a name tag or--No, better yet, a big sign.
Yeah, that'd be good.
[WAIT. PAUSE. SUDDEN SHIFT.] Why would you staying here be a problem? It's a hospital, isn't it?
[Well at least he's gotten the man seated now. Anders isn't certain what guns are exactly, but the vague ideas he has from what little he knows of the Qunari explosive powder and the weapons their ships are feared for doesn't paint a particularly nice picture. If the Doctor won't let him look at the wound, the least he can do is make sure the man hasn't far to fall if he faints suddenly.]
Just Doctor? No other name?
[Not that Anders himself can pass judgement if it is a nickname and nothing more... and there's another sudden switch. Maker, talking with this man is going to be tiring, he can tell already.]
It's a little... difficult to explain unless you're familiar with how things are where I'm from. And I'm still getting used to the way that no one here seems to have the same opinions of mages that people in Thedas tend to. Not many people would want to harbour an apostate in their homes there.
[He would appreciate the sentiment. Actually, he can sort of get the gist of it and so he does appreciate what he's gleaning from this man's behavior.
Oh come on, talking with the Doctor is quite possibly the best thing ever. And by 'best thing' I mean ... really tiring.]
No other name, and that's unfortunate. I'm guessing the stuff they call magic in your world isn't well looked upon.
Chin up though! Think of this island as a new start. A... big convention of people from different worlds and universes all meeting one another. Since time and space haven't ripped themselves apart yet, it'd be brilliant without the nasty, man-eating monsters.
[Normally he'd try and explain further, talk about the Chantry and mages and the Circles and templars and why they were wrong, but the Doctor's words, the idea that this might be a cruel, undeserved gift... it bothers him.]
Not everyone deserves a new start, even if it is in another world and with a constant threat of monsters and demons. [His eyes flick to the Doctor's shoulder and he adds] And new weapons.
[It's at this point when he settles down--partly to conserve energy, but also because this is when the serious discussion happens. Sort of. A serious discussion with the Doctor can go a lot of ways.]
You don't think you deserve a new start. I can respect that, but two things--just two: You're wrong, and why would you say that? Because I can't be certain you truly believe it to the point of not wanting one whatsoever. Right at this very moment, the only one judging what you deserve is yourself and the consequences of your actions.
Still. Why? A bloke who says he's a healer, implies he doesn't deserve a new start even on a dangerous, creepy island. There's a lot behind that.
[Anders shook his head, mentally regretting bringing this up at all. But the everything that happened, it's still so new and raw he can't help but think about it whenever he can't force his thoughts elsewhere.]
You can't know I'm wrong, since you can't know why I think that. But you're right that there is a lot behind it. Being a healer doesn't make you automatically a good person, no matter how much I wish it could be otherwise.
Yeah. That's true. In fact, you could have started a war for all I know--no offense if you have, I'm speaking figuratively to make a point. And what is that point, exactly?
... I'm not certain where I was taking that line of thought. In any case, if you just sit around thinking things aren't going to, won't, shouldn't, will never change, they really won't. Not for you, anyway. You can't do that. Wishing? Wishing doesn't accomplish anything. Except maybe disappointment and a headache, but let's not go there.
[It's meant to be a random example he's sure, but even reminding himself of that, Anders can't help but tense up, his stance shifting slighting in preparation; though to run or fight he can't say.]
So you're saying, what? That if someone honestly tries to make things better, that makes it all forgivable?
[He met the Doctor's eyes suddenly, expression hardening into something almost cold.]
What if it wasn't so simple, what if you had done something unforgivable that people would remember forever. What would you do then, Doctor? Run away and start a new life? Is it that easy?
[The Doctor meets Anders' gaze head on with that X-Ray effect, but aside from that it's hardly piercing. The expression is deeply still and heavy and almost a little sad. His lips form into a thin smile.]
Sorry, it's never simple, or easy, especially if you've been running.
[His steady, gentle tone takes on a quiet, cold edge, now.]
I'm saying, if somebody tries to make it better, even in the face of impossibility, that's something. It's new, it makes every bit of difference if you try.
What point is there, if you're still left alive, sitting down and doing nothing at all? None! It's a waste. Better that a new life starts, whether deserved or not, if somebody else benefits from it.
And I know--I know someone in that position who decided to work at a hospital regardless would agree.
He relaxes when he realises where it's coming from, and takes a look at the window just in time to jump badly at the bang that follows. When the bloodstained man appears, he realises it must have been a weapon of sorts.]
Maker, that can't be good...
Reply
The Doctor is fantastic at pretending he's fine when he isn't. As it stands, he was lucky the bullet went through. He was also lucky to have been patched up. Considerable pain? He will deal with it. He may even lapse into a coma later on.
At the moment though? He just wants a little company.
Oh look, a stranger. He can certainly do this.]
No! Not really. There's a reason I don't like guns! They tend to go off and then spill blood, and people die--No, definitely don't want that, ever.
--Oh, this bed is comfy. Very nice.
Reply
[The delay in the response had concerned him, but when Anders sees the new location, he understands what happened, and where he might find the man now. The only thing he's faintly annoyed about is not having been asked to offer aid himself; though he can remind himself that he's only a new arrival here. It took time for those in Darktown to start trusting him to work on them as well.]
Actually, this would be better face to face. If you'll excuse me--
[His video feed shows him leaving, since he has no idea how to really use the computer at all, and eventually he turns up at the door to the stranger's room.]
How are you feeling?
Reply
--Oh! Hello.
Just a bit ago, you asked about guns. Firearms. Boomsticks. Chunks of iron and steel and copper and wood that use an explosive powder to plug so-called enemies with projectiles at high velocity.
--Well, until plasma technology gets perfected, but it's essentially the same. Yet another hallmark of death; a means by which people spill blood.
... Right. Sorry. What sort of greeting was that? Not a very nice one, and I won't have that. I'm feeling fantastic. As well, I'm the Doctor. And you?
Reply
Well, your memory seems to be working fine. I can't say much of that makes sense to me; about the only think I can think that you mean is gaatlok. But either way, they sound like something nasty that I'll probably want to stay away from. Though perhaps you should have heeded your own advice there.
[He's not sure how this Doctor can have that much energy after what he saw, unless he's just one of those people that manages to talk no matter how they feel.]
Anders, a healer and a mage, though I'm starting to think no one here thinks of that as I'm used to. Do you mind sitting down? You might feel fine, but I'd like to take a look all the same.
Reply
For the moment, he stays rooted to the spot, but he's hardly still. The Doctor's overall demeanor is restless if casual, as though in an excess of energy.]
'A healer and a mage.' Good to meet you, Anders! Yeah, that happens; different cultures, nations, worlds, universes and timelines, they've all got their own ideas of what's what.
Me? I like to focus on the common traits, as rare as they might be. [said while adjusting his blood-stained bow tie with his uninjured hand.]
Unfortunately, I do mind. I'm not fond of being... examined. No offense to you and your profession, I'm certain you mean the very best.
Reply
Alright, but the least you could do is sit down while we talk. I've seen excited children that kept stiller.
[He waited a moment, hoping the Doctor would take the hint there, but couldn't resist asking] So, if you're the Doctor, does that mean you're in charge of the hospital? Is my staying here going to be a problem?
Reply
What? Oh, no! No, no. I'm not a doctor. I'm the Doctor. Let's cut to the chase: It's my name. Just Doctor, nothing long and fancy. I think I ought to wear a name tag or--No, better yet, a big sign.
Yeah, that'd be good.
[WAIT. PAUSE. SUDDEN SHIFT.] Why would you staying here be a problem? It's a hospital, isn't it?
Reply
Just Doctor? No other name?
[Not that Anders himself can pass judgement if it is a nickname and nothing more... and there's another sudden switch. Maker, talking with this man is going to be tiring, he can tell already.]
It's a little... difficult to explain unless you're familiar with how things are where I'm from. And I'm still getting used to the way that no one here seems to have the same opinions of mages that people in Thedas tend to. Not many people would want to harbour an apostate in their homes there.
Reply
Oh come on, talking with the Doctor is quite possibly the best thing ever. And by 'best thing' I mean ... really tiring.]
No other name, and that's unfortunate. I'm guessing the stuff they call magic in your world isn't well looked upon.
Chin up though! Think of this island as a new start. A... big convention of people from different worlds and universes all meeting one another. Since time and space haven't ripped themselves apart yet, it'd be brilliant without the nasty, man-eating monsters.
Reply
[Normally he'd try and explain further, talk about the Chantry and mages and the Circles and templars and why they were wrong, but the Doctor's words, the idea that this might be a cruel, undeserved gift... it bothers him.]
Not everyone deserves a new start, even if it is in another world and with a constant threat of monsters and demons. [His eyes flick to the Doctor's shoulder and he adds] And new weapons.
Reply
You don't think you deserve a new start. I can respect that, but two things--just two: You're wrong, and why would you say that? Because I can't be certain you truly believe it to the point of not wanting one whatsoever. Right at this very moment, the only one judging what you deserve is yourself and the consequences of your actions.
Still. Why? A bloke who says he's a healer, implies he doesn't deserve a new start even on a dangerous, creepy island. There's a lot behind that.
Reply
You can't know I'm wrong, since you can't know why I think that. But you're right that there is a lot behind it. Being a healer doesn't make you automatically a good person, no matter how much I wish it could be otherwise.
Reply
... I'm not certain where I was taking that line of thought. In any case, if you just sit around thinking things aren't going to, won't, shouldn't, will never change, they really won't. Not for you, anyway. You can't do that. Wishing? Wishing doesn't accomplish anything. Except maybe disappointment and a headache, but let's not go there.
Reply
So you're saying, what? That if someone honestly tries to make things better, that makes it all forgivable?
[He met the Doctor's eyes suddenly, expression hardening into something almost cold.]
What if it wasn't so simple, what if you had done something unforgivable that people would remember forever. What would you do then, Doctor? Run away and start a new life? Is it that easy?
Reply
Sorry, it's never simple, or easy, especially if you've been running.
[His steady, gentle tone takes on a quiet, cold edge, now.]
I'm saying, if somebody tries to make it better, even in the face of impossibility, that's something. It's new, it makes every bit of difference if you try.
What point is there, if you're still left alive, sitting down and doing nothing at all? None! It's a waste. Better that a new life starts, whether deserved or not, if somebody else benefits from it.
And I know--I know someone in that position who decided to work at a hospital regardless would agree.
Reply
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