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Entry tags:

[Closed]

Who: Adalwolfe, Allen, Anders, and Riona
Broadcast: n/a
Action: An empty room away from others, probably on the Iskaulit. Just in case.
When: Nowish/Soonish

[He was nervous. There were a hundred things to be nervous about, but he'd found an extra fifty to add to it on his way to the room they'd chosen. He'd found it on his way back from the greenhouse last week, not a huge space in the grand scheme of things, but secluded enough that should something happen with Justice...well, there would be time to stop them if they lost themselves.

He'd spent the day checking and double checking that everything was in order. The dog and cat were fine, the plants now in Hawke's old room would be fine, everything else would sort itself out...just in case. That seemed to be the strongest thought in his head right now. He couldn't think too hard on what if it didn't work or what if it went wrong for some reason Allen couldn't know about and Justice died or, Maker forbid, got worse.

Not for the first time, he wished he could talk to his friend again, they way they'd done years past. Anders missed him, missed the way they'd been. Even now, he supposed, they wouldn't have that chance. Maker willing, Justice would go back to the Fade where he never should have left and Anders would stay here. He just wished he could voice his concerns and fears and thoughts to someone who'd truly understand what the twist in his chest choking him meant, what those doubts on the edges of his mind might be whispering, what fears seeped into the thin hope he clung to. Maker, let this work. For Justice's sake, let him finally be free and saved.

Anders was even more quiet than usual on his way over with Hawke and when he saw Riona and Allen join them, he offered a smile that felt as thin as every other good feeling he was trying to muster.]

Good morning for a demonic cleansing, don't you think?

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Hush, Love. This is going to work. Allen here came highly recommended by practically the whole fleet.

[He has his hand on his boyfriend's back, brushing soothing circles between Anders' shoulder blades as he's done all morning. There wasn't much sleep gotten last night despite their having taken over the slightly more spacious captain's quarters on the Three Twins. Anders had barely been to bed; no sooner had he laid down than he'd get up again and check to make sure Pounce had water or check that their door was firmly shut or that his dirty clothes were off the floor, which was the most ridiculous thing considering Anders has never before picked up his pile of worn clothes without prompting in his entire life. Finally Adalwolfe had threatened to sit on him to make him settle.]

Maybe you can reassure him, Riona. He clearly won't listen to me.

[He's long since stopped calling her by titles. With their mutual watchfulness over the reason for this gathering, Adalwolfe feels close enough now to just use her first name and hang ceremony.]

Perfect day.

[She just answers Anders' nervousness with some sarcasm. Because, honestly, she's quite nervous too. But Adalwolfe's plea reminds her that she needs to be poised and calm, every bit the Commander and Queen that she is.]

Anders, you know I wouldn't gamble with you and Justice if I didn't have trust in Allen or his abilities.

[It is a gamble, she won't lie, but she feels it's a smart one. And they need to do something about Justice before something happens that they can't undo.]

[ Allen stood in the doorway, behind the others. He didn't know Anders like Hawke and Riona did, so he felt like a bit of an outsider to all this. An Exorcist that was just coming by to do his job, that's what he was. As such, he did his best to maintain his own calm composure. Sure, this was honestly outside his regular realm of jobs but....it was important. For all four people he was looking at in the room.

When he speaks, there's a kind expression on his face. He doesn't step close, not yet. He knows what would happen if he did, and he'd rather they get their own nerves sorted out before adding to it.]

It's alright. I'd be more concerned if he wasn't nervous. We can take all the time you need.

You could give me another ten years and I doubt I'd feel better, but I appreciate the offer.

[As much as he loved Riona and Hawke both and trusted their trust in Allen, Andraste herself would need to come down and tell him everything would be fine before he would even consider letting go of his nerves.

His hand brushed Hawke's arm affectionately and he worked his smile into something stronger for his sake as much as theirs. Pretend hard enough and maybe it would feel real. His eyes went to Allen and that smile twitched into a smirk, a far easier gesture for him.]

A pleasure to finally meet the man who has all the answers. Thank you for agreeing to do this.

[He was sure Riona had already thanked him on Anders' behalf, but it was important for him to say it too. From one healer to another, Allen's power to heal was something stronger than Anders could ever dream of if this worked out, he deserved every ounce of respect and gratitude Anders had for helping them.]

Edited 2016-10-23 02:57 (UTC)

[Adalwolfe's sighs at Anders' dismissal of their trying to sooth him but it's pretty much par for the course when the healer gets his mind stuck on something. He keeps his hand on Anders' back and just resolves to move on anyway. Everything will be fine. Because he said so. He doesn't have any doubts of his own so that's how it's going to be.

Right.

No doubts.]

So how does this all work the way you do it, exactly?

[At least they tried. Riona sighs a little but otherwise keeps her composure as she looks over at Allen. It's his and Anders' show, more or less. She's mostly on standby for support... and should the worst happen.

Be optimistic, she tells herself. Nevermind that she has a dagger tucked away, just in case. Nevermind that she, too, didn't get much rest last night.

She remains silent, waiting for Allen to explain and to start things.]

[He shakes his head at Ander's remark. No, he really didn't think he was someone who had all the answers] I just glad that I can help.

[Both Justice and Anders were suffering. If he could use his power to save both of them...he'd be very grateful.

He looks over at Hawke with the question]

It's pretty simple, really. I'll activate my abilities to their full power. Then, I can use them to sever what is holding Justice to Anders without harming either of them. All goes well, it should only take a moment.

Though um, I should warn you: when I step closer, you may see Justice thanks to my, er, sensing ability. He's not in a great state, so it might...be a little disturbing to see.

[Dread joined nervousness and pooled in Anders' stomach, but it didn't show on his face. They'd see Justice? No, they'd see Vengeance in all his twisted corruption, half way to Rage and no longer hidden behind Anders' face. He didn't want to see his friend like that, didn't want Riona to see him like that, but they didn't have much of a choice.

He turned his head to look to Hawke with a small smile and spoke to him quietly.]

Love, I think you should stand with Riona instead. [Just in case, his mantra. He could feel Justice stirring, likely as nervous as he was. Hopefully. Hopefully not having second thoughts. Maker, would Justice be able to see himself? Would the sight of his own corruption be enough to draw him into an anger just as even the suggestion of him being anything like a demon did? All he could do was pray that wouldn't happen or that 'just in case' would be reality.

He nodded and tried to keep the mounting apprehension from his voice and face.]

I think it might be best to work quickly.

[He couldn't stop a glance to Riona, half wishing he could tell her to leave and avoid being here to see their friend as he was, avoid needing to use the weapon he was sure she had stashed somewhere on her person. But it wasn't his call to decide for her.]

Edited 2016-10-23 03:40 (UTC)

[He doesn't want to leave his love's side, not for something as unsure and frightening as this, but that mantra is in the back of his mind too. Just in case. Why he always has his dagger in his belt, why he keeps his boots upright at the foot of the bed.

With a solemn nod, Adalwolfe first kisses Anders, pressing his forehead against the blond's for a long moment, taking and squeezing his hand tightly to say without saying that everything will be alright with all the confidence in the world that he hopes Anders believes he feels. He wants to.

But he still kisses him once more before he pulls away and steps back beside Riona. Just in case.]

[See Justice? Oh Maker, that... Riona's not sure how to feel about that. She meets Anders' glance, knowing the meaning and worry behind it. She hasn't really gotten to see or talk much to Justice in any way since she departed Amaranthine. Back then, he was still stuck in Kristoff's corpse, but still himself. Now she'll have to see him after over a decade of being trapped within Anders and angered and twisted by what he's seen.

To say she wasn't dreading that would be a lie.]

Are we going to be able to communicate with him when we do see him? Or are we only going to be able to look?

[More importantly, how will Justice react? Would he be able to see and talk to them?]

You can try to communicate, but I can't guarantee he'll respond. Some go for so long without talking to anyone, they forget how to.

[He doesn't blame anyone for their apprehension. Honestly, it wouldn't be a pretty sight to see. Justice wasn't in the worst shape he's seen, but it was still pretty bad. It was still pretty obvious where the corruption was, that he'd been twisted unnaturally.

And every day he stayed with Anders, it'd only get worse. This was the only way to save him.

But he knows he can't stall in the doorway forever. So finally, he steps into the room to get closer to Anders. As soon as he's within a few feet of them- his left eye changes to black and red. Though that's a minor detail compared to what looks like Justice- or rather Vengeance- manifesting over Anders- connected by the mage by some sort of ethereal chain.

It's by no means an easy looking sight, but it's clearly one that Allen's very familiar with- as his only reaction is an expression of sympathy towards the spirit]

[Anders notices the change in Allen as he came closer, but his attention instantly tore away as the vision of Justice formed. Don't look at him. Don't let him see- But he couldn't help it, morbid curiosity turned his eyes to his friend and everything wrong about him stood like a shining beacon of corruption.

Where once the spirit had looked like an armor-clad knight, a pure yellow-white light making up his form, now the figure was a garish orange-red, the angles of the armor sharper, spiked, a warrior clad in vestments meant to hurt and not protect as he'd once been. The Orange red burned bright and harsh, like the embers of Rage's flame that just hadn't quite figured out how to catch fire yet. Where there were once eyes that shone out fair and filled with the desire for justice he'd embodied, now there was burning anger at injustices and desire to hurt those who hurt others. Justice perverted and wrong.

It hurt almost immediately, a lance through his heart and soul, his own hurt and Justice's echoing as the sight went from Anders' eyes to his friend. Blue cracks splintered out across his face and arms as Justice's anger and denial at what he saw surged up.

Anders' hands flew to his face, palms digging into his eyes as though he could shove the cracks back together and calm the spirit. It was fine.

No it wasn't.

It would be fine. It would be fine because Allen said it would be and Riona and Wolfe said it would be and that was enough. it had to be enough. Anders took a shaky breath and pulled his hands away, eyes blue instead of their usual amber-brown.]

Will it hurt?

[A seemingly childish question to his own ears, but one he couldn't help asking and not for the reason it likely seemed. He honestly hoped it would, if only a little. Retribution for the damage he could so clearly see now that he'd caused.]

[Adalwolfe had never seen Vengeance like this. Even in the Fade, he'd taken Anders' form and crackled it blue with leaking energy like he does in the waking world. He hadn't expected this, this hulking warrior's form all sharp edges and angry spines. There's a change in the room he can feel, an oppressive energy that makes taking a deep breath feel thick and electric and he knows that feeling, the feeling of Vengeance rearing up, taking over Anders' body, and instead of his eyes being trained on the spirit Hawke's attention is immediately shifted to his love, Anders hunched with the heels of his hands against his face.

Wolfe makes to step forward, not sure he should but driven by love and his unending desire to protect Anders. Riona wants to protect them both, Allen to give them peace, and Adalwolfe would prefer they both come through alright, but when it comes down to brass tacks Adalwolfe cares the most that Anders and Anders alone remains unharmed.

He doesn't touch, not sure he can when he's crackling blue like this, but he hovers very close like a dragon over a clutch of eggs, all coiled with tension. He looks at Allen at the question, waiting for an answer.]

[Deep down, Riona almost hoped that everyone was wrong about Justice, that he wasn't so far corrupted. But seeing him like this, there's do denying it now. It's such a stark contrast from the spirit she first met in the Fade, valiantly helping and rallying those villagers trapped there.

For a moment, she can't move. She can barely even breathe. It's so painful and wrenching to see him like this, so angry and vengeful. This is not who he is meant to be. Tears sting at her eyes, but she wills them back. The last thing she needs to do is become upset. That would feed into Justice's anger and upset him and Anders more.]

Justice, my friend, look at me. [She offers a smile, hoping to comfort.] It's all right. Allen will help.

It won't. [He reassures him] It'll feel a bit hot, but that's it.

[Thankfully, their bond together wasn't tight enough to cause pain to separate. Maybe a bit longer and it'd be but...

Well. Let's not think about that.

Allen, amidst all their reactions, concentrates on activating his Innocence. His right hand grabs his left wrist and he focuses his power. Anyone sensitive to power might feel a growing build-up of some sort of...holy power. There's a crackling of green energy around his left hand, looking almost like the Inquistor's mark.

Soon, the power grows to the level that even those who can't sense such things can feel the power- like there's electricity in the air. When it reaches that point, his left arm starts to transform into a sword as his right arm draws it out. When it finishes, it looks like he's holding a massive sword, glowing on it's own with no light shining on it. Allen's left sleeve hangs empty at his side]

Alright, I'm ready.

[Too bad. The thought is kept to himself and although the sword is certainly startling, he doesn't make any outward appearance of uncertainty. If anything, his only visceral reaction to seeing a blade drawn supposedly to be used on him is the thought 'good.'

A blade should have freed Justice from him years back. Years before even that a Templar's blade had tried. It seemed fitting now. Anders nodded, simply waiting. Half hoping Allen was wrong and the process would offer a bit of that penance he was seeking.

Vengeance, for his part, does look as Riona commands, his glowing eyes fixed to her, but with no trace of malice or anger. If Vengeance can Trust, it's Riona that brings it out in him.]

[Woah! No, no no no, that's not happening. Allen summons or forms or whatever that magic is but he has a sword now and he's walking towards Anders and there is only one thing that can mean to Adalwolfe's mind. He knows there are other Thedosians in the fleet that would see Anders dead for his crimes - and yes they are crimes, he has no illusions about that - but the last thing Adalwolfe will ever let happen is let Anders pay for those things with his death.

He doesn't have his staff, didn't bring it because he was lead to believe this was a peaceful meeting to solve the question of Vengeance, but apparently it's an entirely different sort of vengeance in question here. Luckily, Adalwolfe doesn't need his staff; blessing and curse of a mage.

Ice and lightning both crackle about Hawke's fingers as he places himself between Anders and Allen, not slinging spells just yet but certainly not letting the exorcist any closer until some answers are given.]

No one said anything about a sword.

[The sword is no more expected by Riona, whose eyes widen at the sight. Dread and anger and worry all mix together, though trust and logic battle to keep them from consuming her and placing herself in the way, like Adalwolfe. Allen spoke of helping Justice, and he's never struck her as dishonest. Quite the opposite, in fact. And he never came across as duplicitous, either.

That, and Allen seems smart enough to know that pissing her off isn't wise, not when they share a ship.]

Allen, please tell me that sword is... well, a sword, to break that chain thing, and not to, you know, stab someone.

[There's plea and warning mixed in with her words. A part of her still worries that he does intend to cause harm, despite her telling herself otherwise.]

[Allen hadn't mentioned the sword before because honestly, he wasn't sure how to get anyone to believe that he had a sword, but it couldn't hurt humans. Just saying it outloud sounded stupid and he couldn't blame anyone for now trusting him.

But now they're here. And there was Hawke, jumping in front and clearly threatening him with ice and lightning. It's no surprise that he's on edge, and since he doesn't know Allen well, he probably wouldn't listen to him. Or at least, it'd take a lot of time.

And so, to save on time? He looks straight at Hawke with a serious expression. Then he lifts up his sword, and stabs him through without any hesistation.]

[He holds that pose for a moment, before he smiles and looks at Riona, rotating the large blade around while still in Hawke. When he does that, it becomes clear that it's not actually causing any injury. Rather, it just seems to be phasing right through Hawke, not touching him at all. Hawke himself, shouldn't feel anything from it despite it looking like he has a sword in him]

Aha, don't worry! My sword can't actually hurt humans! See?

[....His sense of humor could probably still use some work.]

Edited 2016-10-24 22:22 (UTC)

[The sword hadn't panicked him when it had been intended for him, but the moment Allen raises it and stabs it through Hawke, there's a surge of blue light and the cracks spread and deepen as he steps closer, Justice's power sharp around him.

A moment, two, and the sight finally catches up to him and the energy dims again, fading along with the threat.]

What...?

[The sudden tension eases out of him and leaves only annoyance and a sigh.]

I understand you were making a point, but was that strictly necessary?

[Adalwolfe too has an immediate panic reaction of firing off several dagger-sized spears of ice as he swings his hands up to cover his face, most of the projectiles going wide and clattering off the walls but one or two may have grazed the fabric of Allen's clothes superficially. Where he saw Allen wielding a sword he saw too the Arishok swinging down to end his life, and Fenris with his expressionless vacant face as he thrusts with his enormous blade. He's sure he's dead, absolutely certain.

But he's not.

It doesn't even hurt, and Wolfe cracks open one eye as Anders talks, Vengeance's echo leaving his voice and an exasperated admonishment replacing it. He can see the sword still protruding from his chest, but he can't feel it at all. It's a weird sensation.]

You really need to work out a better way to show people that.

[How had she so grossly misread a person?

Anger and guilt and rage surge through her as Riona lunges towards Adalwolfe, a scream ready to tear out of her-

-until, like Anders, she realizes he's fine. She stumbles to a halt, trying to process what she's seeing. Allen's words help clear up her confusion. She huffs, clearly not amused.]

Maker help me, Allen Walker...

[She's got that "you are getting the scolding of your life later on" look as she forces a breath through her nose. As her heart rate goes back to normal, something crosses her mind about what Allen said.]

...you said it won't harm a human. What about a spirit?

[Jeez...tough crowd]

Sorry! I don't get a chance to make jokes much in my profession. [He pulls the sword fully out of Hawke, oddly sidestepping as to make sure the sword's blade doesn't strike him. Curious.] Besides, I thought explaining it with words alone would take much longer, and I can only hold this form for so long.

[Especially if he wanted to avoid passing out into another coma. He'd get in a lot of trouble if he did that.

But at that remark, he glances back at Riona, a frown on his face since man, you don't accuse him of wanting to harm souls and spirits.]

I already told you, Riona. The last thing I would do is hurt a spirit. [There's a slight bit of annoyance in his tone. He's not mad, but man how many times does he have to say it nngh]

Edited 2016-10-25 03:02 (UTC)

[Not funny. Well, no, it would have been funny had it been anyone but Hawke as Allen's test. He reaches to Wolfe and puts a hand on his shoulder, a silent encouragement to step back as he'd been before.

Our apologies...

[It was an attempt at an honest sentiment, but there was a strain to it. Justice wasn't known for his sense of humor, Anders could feel the spirit even more on edge than before. Plus, he couldn't imagine what the consequences for holding his form for too long would be, but he knew what scraping the bottom of your mana pool felt like and didn't want Allen to suffer something like that because of them.]

Perhaps we ought to get this over with, then? With...fewer demonstrations this time.

[Adalwolfe exhales and calms himself because he has to be calm here. He has to show Anders - and Justice. Vengeance. Whatever. - that it's alright. That it will turn out okay. He might have already screwed the pooch there but he has to try to regain some semblance of being as put together as he would have people believe of him.

He feels Anders' hand on his shoulder and he lays his hand on top for a moment, flashing an encouraging smile.]

See? Nothing to worry about.

[He kisses Anders' knuckles and then steps back again, glancing up at the spirit and swallowing.

Nothing to worry about.]

[Following Wolfe's example, she tries to reign herself in. Her own doubt isn't going to help here, but she can't help but worry. She swore she'd look out for Justice, and Allen wielding that sword makes her nervous, even if she has no logical reason to be.

An apology will come when this is over. For now, the best Allen will get is a nod before she looks back at Justice.

She offers a smile, hoping this is not going to be the last image she will have of her friend.]

Right. [He shrugs off the apology. He wasn't mad, not really. Maybe a little exasperated about being questioned about how much he cares about spirits, but it's not like Riona knew his full life story.

But right, they should get on with it. The clock was ticking about how long he can hold this form. He takes a deep breath and walks forward, towards Anders. Towards Justice. He gives a glance - and a smile- at both of them, before he plunges his sword into Anders.

Like Allen said, there's a hot feeling- almost like Anders is standing too close to a fire. But it's not Anders himself that is burning, rather the corruption and taint that had been within him, purifying him in its wake. If they're watching the spirit, white light seems to consume Vengeance- burning away at the corruption and restoring him to Justice. At the same time, the chain that was tying him to Anders breaks apart, freeing him to move on, to go back where he belongs. ]

May you find your way to the Fade, Justice.

[From the looks of it? It won't be long until he moves on, if any last words wished to be exchanged]

[Everything was burning and hot, and despite the warning, Anders still gasped in surprise. It definitely didn't hurt, if anything, it felt right. Like the rightness was rushing in and wiping away everything wrong between them. Anders didn't dare look away as the heat melted away the angry red of corruption, restoring Justice to the way he'd once been. For one dazzling, brilliant, second, Anders could feel Justice. Justice the way he should have been, righteous good and pure and only the desire to protect and see the world better and brighter through a fair and just hand. And then it was gone. Something snapped and the light was gone, Justice was gone and the only way Anders even knew his friend still stood with them was the sight of him standing there. A sight that suddenly stung and blurred.

Justice looked to himself and then back up to Allen.]

I thank you, mortal.

[Perhaps there should be more, but Justice was not one to mince words when it wasn't necessary. He turned his helmed gaze to Riona and paused.]

Warden-Commander. There is too much I wish to say to you, were we in the Fade...but this will have to do. Thank you for everything. I did not know the beauty of your world before. I...did not know much before I met you. I can never repay you for the true life you gave me, nor for the priceless gift of your friendship. Little else meant more to me than that.

[He turned to her and saluted her, his fist coming up over his chest.]

If I am allowed to retain my memories, you will live forever in them.

[His gaze lingered on Hawke a moment and he nodded.]

You are a Just man, Hawke. Thank you for your support. Take care.

[And then his gaze was on Anders whose hand clutched to his chest over the scar left there on the day Justice had merged with him. Another time Justice had saved his life.

Justice was silent and Anders was silent, but their time was quickly running out. He couldn't say nothing, this was the first and last time they'd been able to talk to each other since merging. But how inadequate were 'Thank you' and 'I'm sorry' when they equally saved and ruined each other's lives? Justice had changed everything and shown Anders things he never would have even considered. What could he possibly say?]

There aren't pets in the Fade. You'll be terribly lonely and then you'll see I was right all along.

[Anders smiled and he liked to think that maybe, under that horrible helmet, his friend was smiling back.]

Farewell, my friend.

[And then he turned as though to walk away and simply vanished, leaving no trace of himself behind.]

[A Just man. High praise from a spirit of that very thing and Hawke isn't certain how to take it. A compliment, surely, but it ties a knot in his chest that he isn't sure how to unravel without taking a harder look at himself than he likes to do in company. But they're not there for him and Adalwolfe, though he nods in return to Justice and watches the seconds tick down, he does nothing else until the spirit is gone. Back to the Fade, or so they hope.

In the silence that follows, he's not sure what to do, watching Anders for some sort of cue.]

[Her breath hitches, fear and anticipation burning her lungs as she watches Allen separate her friends. Her eyes squint as the light consumes Justice, and for a fraction of a second, she's afraid it's gone wrong, that her friend is gone.

But he remains. And he's himself again. She gasps out a sigh of relief and joy. This is how she remembers him, and it's such a bittersweet moment. So much has changed and been lost in all these years her friends have lived and she has yet not. Finally something from her past is how it should be, though the moment will be short-lived.

She walks up to Justice when he turns to her, and tears sting her eyes again. Normally she does not cry in front of her men, but she makes an exception. Luckily, they're happy tears, judging by her smile.]

The honor has been mine, Justice. You've taught me much as well, and even if you do not remember me, I will always remember you. Take care, my friend. Good-bye.

[She returns his salute, the gesture sincere as she watches him vanish. Her bottom lip quivers, sorrow and joy battling with each other as she stares at the spot where he was. She wishes their farewell could have been longer, but at least they got one, and on such good terms.]

[Allen listens to the goodbyes in silence. It wasn't really his place to speak, he wasn't really a part of this beyond a means to an end. He's glad though, they get a chance to say their goodbyes. Maybe it will help Riona and Anders find a bit more peace after all this is done.

As Justice fades away, Allen's eye returns to normal. He'll pull his sword out of Anders, stepping back. Once it's fully out, he deactivates it, and the Innocence returns to form his left arm once again. He feels...a bit wobbly, definitely a little drained, but he wasn't passing out- so a definite improvement. ]

It's all done now.

[Justice is gone and everything's...quiet. Too quiet. Too empty. Too alone. There's a gaping hole that guts and chokes him, clashing with every good emotion still trying to have it's moment in the sun. But the strongest feeling among them was a feeling of being...clean, fresh, like after being sick for so long. Something else off and he didn't dare look too closely right now.

Anders shoves it all down, locking it away before it can every threaten to touch the surface. Later, maybe never, but certainly not right now. He needed something else to focus on and Allen falls into focus.

Anders moves closer with a smile, slipping on his Healer's mantle for easy cover of everything else.]

Thank you so, so much. He's happier now, because of you. [That, at least, he could be perfectly honest about.]

Are you okay? I can't imagine that didn't take anything out of you.

[Wolfe is quiet in the aftermath too, not sure if there's anything to say. A bit of the tension eases from him when Anders smiles, but there will be conversations later, in private, he's certain.

Silently, he moves to Anders' side again, but says nothing just yet.]

[It takes Riona a second to regain herself and get her emotions under control. Maker, she's going to miss Justice, but at least it's with the assertion that he's all right.]

Thank you so much, Allen. I-

[Wiping away her tears, she turns to Allen and - yes, he does look winded. Worry creases her brow, cutting off whatever she was going to say next. Instead, she says:]

Allen, will you be all right? Should we get you back to the ship?

[Ah...Anders looked to be alright. That was a relief for Allen. Sure, he had predicted he would be, like Sorey had been, but he knew from other experiences how things could've gone wrong. Not today though, thank God]

It's ... think nothing of it, I'm just glad I could help.

[As for the questions of concern, he'll offer a smile as he tries to make sure to keep himself standing straight. Yeah. Definitely would be bad to fall right now or something]

Ah, I'll be alright! Really! I'm just...it takes a lot of energy, but it's nothing a nap and eating my weight in food won't cure!

[No really, it'll be about that much food]

[A lack of energy was probably the only thing he couldn't 'cure,' but he could help a little. The gentle blue glow of magic at his hands enveloped Allen with a sensation of warmth and comfort. Just a little boost of energy.]

It isn't much, but hopefully it'll keep you upright until you're back on your ship and ready to rest. It's the least I can do to help you.

[He knows Riona can help him from here, they're crewmates and headed the same way anyway, but Anders had to do something. It wasn't nearly as much gratitude as Allen deserved.

Quietly, Anders' hand found Hawke's and tangled their fingers together.]

[Allen's reassurances pull a bit of a smile from Adalwolfe. He's just as concerned as Riona and Anders, but he'd learned long ago to trust companions to know their limits. He'd learned that the hard way with Aveline early on when she'd snapped at him for suggesting she stay out of a bandit raid when she'd been injured the night before on patrol. She'd then proceeded to clean out the entire warehouse almost single-handedly, leaving Adalwolfe, Carver, and Isabela wondering why they'd been brought along at all.]

If there is anything you need though, soon or otherwise, I'm sure you have all three of us to call on. Truly, for anything.

[He clutches Anders' fingers tightly in his, a grip that won't be loosening anytime soon.]

[Riona walks over to Allen, gesturing for him to put his arm around her shoulders. She's helping him back to the ship whether he says he needs it or not, because she'd rather do it this way than having to drag him back.]

Come on. I'll put together some dino meat burgers for you. And scrounge up whatever else we have.

[When Anders casts the spell, Allen freezes for a second, almost in a half-flinch. But when he realizes the spell isn't painful, he relaxes again- smiling once more. When Riona approaches him, he'll follow suit and put his arm over her shoulder, nodding at the other two]

Thank you, Anders. And thank you Hawke.

[looking back at Riona, the mention of food gets his eyes to light up some more]

Burgers sound delicious.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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