driftfleet | Video

Who: Anders + Open
Broadcast: Yes
Action: Tourist, if desired. In the Cargo bay
When: Now

[Anders wasn't the type to post to the network all that often, but he's also not usually in a position to need to ask for help, so, network it is.

There's a touch of uncertainty and hesitation to his baring when he starts the feed and, instead of being in the Tourist's clinic or one of the gardens as he usually is, he's in the ship's cargo bay. Open space seemed like the best thing for what he was trying to practice.]

The gifts Atroma delivered to us seem thoughtful enough, considering, but I find myself in need of some help with mine. I thought I could perhaps figure it out myself, but it hasn't worked out so far.

I know the terms are familiar to those from Thedas, but just in case they're familiar to anyone else: I'd like to speak to anyone who knows about 'Arcane Warriors' and 'Knight Enchanters.' I need help applying my knowledge of one to the other.

[A brief pause.]

To anyone else, I'm in need of a sparring partner. Anyone skilled with a blade willing to help out would be welcome. Thank you.

[And now he waits. He hasn't breathed a word about the Spirit Hilt sent to him...and knows there's some who didn't even know he could wield a sword, much less had in the past. Really, there were only two that would.

But desperate times and all that.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The edges of Justice's eyes and mouth soften in an almost smile.] Like old times. Except now we not have to pick pieces of Kristoff off the battlefield afterwards.

It is always a pity to lose a good weapon, but what matters is that you have not lost the skill. You simply will need to go over the basics to build up the muscle and habit again.

[Which Justice would be more than happy to help with. Swordsmanship was one of the few relevant things Justice knew more about than Anders did when they were in the Keep together. It had been nice to help Anders learn something for once, rather than the other way around.]

We could spar after we have finished that latest batch of medicinal potions.

Yes, that is certainly an improvement.

[No one missed the decaying body of poor Kristoff.]

I'd like that. It should be finished soon and Leilani has given me ideas and possible techniques to work with to test out what I can do with this blade.

That is good. I was not aware that Leilani knew of magical swordsmanship, but we can experiment with what she has shared.

[Justice pauses, looking off the camera.] The leopard may accompany us. She yowls when I leave the ship without her. I assume that you do not mind.

She seems to be a woman of many talents.

[But any intelligent thought flees from him at the mention of something small and mewing.]

Of course she can come! She can play with my three nd they can be friends, like a little kitten playdate!

[A small pause.]

Wait...you got a pet? Mr. "You're keeping that creaturevas your slave" and "it lacks free will?" Have you finally grasped the concept of a fluffy companion?

I'm shocked.

Your optimism is amusing, but no. I did not 'get a pet.' [Is he teasing? Maybe he is, just a little.]

I 'bought' her from the mortal who bred her in order to give her freedom. I set her free and she decided to follow me home.

She has not stopped following me.

[He didn't ask for this.]

Oh?

Hmmm...

[He gives a thoughtful look, but then shook his head.]

Nope, sounds like a pet to me. Sometimes pets pick people, not the other way around, you know. She's yours, better start getting used to the idea.

[But more importantly:]

Does she have a name?

Saying she is mine implies that I own her. I own no free-willed creature.

[Said free-willed creature seems to have picked up that she's being talked about. She's trying to climb Justice's leg to get into his lap. He frowns down at her, like he's not sure if he should feel uncomfortable with this or not.]

The breeder gave her no name, and I see no cause to give her one.

[He doesn't have a name and he does just fine.]

If she's still with you, then I'd say she disagrees.

[Anders huffs overdramatically in that way he would whenever he had to explain something that seemed like basic common sense to his friend.]

All things of import have names, Justice. Are you saying she's not important enough to have a name?

Even cities and some mountains have names! You wouldn't leave a child unnamed, what would others call it? All beings need names.

I do not have a name. [And he thinks he's plenty important, though he can't find it in himself to be offended.] She can be called leopard or cat. I have done perfectly well with that much. Mortals are unnecessarily preoccupied with names.

[He gives a look that would be withering to anyone else.]

Your name is Justice, whether you consciously chose it to be or not. Just because you embody the concept doesn't make it any less your name; like naming a child Harmony or Grace.

[Justice is immune to your looks, Anders.

And excuse him while he scoffs at the idea that 'Justice' might be a name.]

'Justice' is not my name any more than 'Gray Warden' or 'human' is yours. It is a descriptive title at best. You would call any spirit of justice, 'Justice.'

[While this argument may lose some of its power when talking to a man who only goes by his ethnicity, Justice stands by it.]

What difference does that make?

It's what you go by, what you respond to, so it's your name.

[This was a cyclical argument if there ever was one.]

You know 'Anders' isn't really my name, right? It's still what I go by, so it's my name insofar as that.

[Which, by that logic, means 'cat' is acceptable.]

You responded to 'mage' when I called you that. Does that make it your name?

'Justice' is a title I strive to earn. 'Anders' is what you are.

[Justice makes a small, dismissive wave.]

Besides, if a name is anything you go by and respond to, 'cat' is perfectly acceptable.

To some Templars, yes!

[A joke reminiscent of a younger him, but he still gives and edge of a smirk all the same. Isn't he funny?

But he can tell he's losing this battle. He just swipes a hand across his forehead and shakes his head.]

Forget I said anything. I'll try again later.

Or I'll just name her myself.

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