Video | CALL Network | un: wardenka

[boundinblood]

[One of the biggest problems with research into her major projects at home is that simply saying what she's after is a gamble. The chances aren't slim that she'd be discouraged or outright denied help by virtue of what she asks being thought absolutely impossible, or too close to revealing a Warden secret, or borderline heretical. The Seven-Fold City has been the best place she's found to study, lacking any of these issues.

She's done as well as she could here, but now her problem is she can't readily make sense of new ideas without the framework of her home. She needs new input. Fresh, entirely unprecedented angles on the matter. And what better place than here, which barely seems to have even heard of Thedas?

She pans the camera deliberately over stacks of books on a table to show off her research. The volumes are from Tomorrow and Sorcery both, with a couple of field guides from Adventure thrown in, tomes on magic and medicinal marvels.]

All of this, and it's worth so little. [She turns the device around to show her face. She's well-rested, as opposed to the last time she'd contacted the network while binge-studying. There's no brightness this time, no spark of curiosity in her eyes. Instead, her expression one of inerrant focus. She's on a mission, but it weighs on her.] I need perspective. New ones. I was wondering if you all could help me. I'm working on two projects right now, and...I need some outsider's insight.

The first project is...well, it's hard to describe, but there's a slow-acting poison in my world. It can be treated to act even slower, but not nullified. It's less like a spider's venom and more magical, but...well, I'm trying to cure it. If anyone has any knowledge of magical illnesses, forces of corruption, or...oh, anything you think might be relevant, I'd like you to share it. It's, um... [She glances at the books offscreen.] ...bloodborne, if that's useful.

[She seats herself at the table the books are stacked on, her staff clinking lightly as she props it up against the stone wall beside her. The crescent moon tip catches the firelight of a torch nearby, glimmering gold.]

The second is much easier to explain, but, I'm worried its relevance is limited to magic. In my world, demonic and spiritual possession can only be cured by gathering the right amount of mages and materials, and having enough time to kill or drive off the demon in its own realm. Otherwise, the only way is to kill the possessed.

So tell me about possession in your world, and the ways you have to cure it. Maybe something will be useful for my world, too.

[She shifts her weight a little, glancing down as if self-conscious. The click of claws on stone approaches and a dog's whine comes from offscreen. She reaches out of frame to pet the animal, her voice taking on a slower, graver tone.]

I know this sounds like a lot. It is a lot. But I need to do this, I need to succeed. There are innocent lives depending on it. I'd appreciate any help you can give.

Comments

[boundinblood]

[She shakes her head at the apology.] It's all right. I understand.

[Pain can make a person difficult. It made her difficult for several days after being conscripted into the Wardens. She's already forgiven him a great deal, considering the mess he left behind. Why should she stop here just because he's under stress? Anyone in his situation would be.

When he asks his question, then, she regards the device with tired eyes that nonetheless still hold the warmth of sympathy that had crept into her smile before. All of these plans, a foundation of her one success in this field. And nothing was as it seemed. It's scarcely related to the project in question at all.]

I don't know. It's not what I thought it was. The only time I've seen a possession end without death, the demon was banished from within the Fade. But Justice isn't linked to the Fade in the first place. And it was voluntary. That-...it changes a lot. It changes everything. Where I go, well, that depends on the two of you. I've-

[done quite enough trampling on others' say in their own bodies. Like she could say that. It hurts to even involuntarily admit it to herself in such plain words. When she finishes her sentence, some of the vitality has been drained from it; there is a strain to it, rooted deep, but quiet.]

...no intention of ignoring your wishes. Either of you. I want to know what you have to say first. I know that you don't like the way things are right now. Who would? But what would be your ideal solution to all of this? What do you want it to be?

[purramedic]

[That's an interesting comment, one he makes a note to bring up again later, perhaps at a less emotionally taxing time for the both of them. Even now, Anders has to breathe deeply and gather his thoughts in order to be coherent.

The past few days have not been easy.]

I appreciate your consideration. But... I can't say that I know exactly what I want. [For a moment, he falls silent again, worrying his lip as he frowns at some imaginary point offscreen.] I suppose the ideal would be to find a way to... blend better. I don't know that I want to be separated, but we can't go on at each others' throats like we have been.

That isn't really what you're looking for, though, is it?

[boundinblood]

It's-...something.

[She takes a deep breath of her own. The camera tilts ever so slightly as her hand relaxes a little. It feels as if, perhaps, the storm is waning. Thunder whines softly somewhere below the camera; he must have his head in her lap.

Katherine bows her head for a moment in thought, trying to quiet her mind. She doesn't entirely succeed, but when she looks up again, there's a steadiness there, under pressure but holding.]

I don't- I don't want one of you to disappear, or um- but...

Maybe there's a way to give Justice greater control over himself and when he takes control of you, somehow, or to prevent him from taking control without your say, or- or something like that.

[They're not even theories yet, not solid enough. Just ideas, thoughts to start from, snatched from an emotionally-wrung mind as they floated to the surface.

But she seems to gain a little more strength. There's some direction now, even if it's towards an entirely new purpose instead of the original assumption. Even if the practical uses for other mages are limited. And it's better than she'd feared. Not only does Anders retain control, his possessor (cohabitor?) may be perfectly willing to cooperate.]

I'll try. We can try. [Having said it, some more peace is brought to her, and tension fades at the edges of her mouth again, her strained smile reappearing. There's something relieved about it.] We can try.

[purramedic]

That seems a good enough place to start.

[He shifts a bit behind the camera, more self conscious about talking like this openly by the moment. This feels a secluded enough hovel, but it is a strange city he doesn't actually understand at all. For all he knows, there could be eyes and ears in the very walls.]

Perhaps we can arrange to meet somewhere to discuss it further? [After a pause, his brow wrinkles with concern.] In a few days' time, if possible. I don't believe I'd be good company right now.

[boundinblood]

Of course. I can't say much better of myself. It's...not what I expected.

[She sounds as worn out as she feels, that hollow feeling after emotions have run high. But even so, in this winding-down, she can process it. He's here. He's alive. Her friend is alive. Though he looks a little bit older than she remembers, but whether that's time or experience she doesn't know. Regardless, the strain in her smile is fading even if not from her voice, lifted by relief.]

But I'm glad it's happened. I'm glad you're here. When we meet, I...perhaps a tour of the parts of the city I've seen? Unless you already have a place you would prefer.

[purramedic]

[It's a little easier for him to smile as well when met with hers. As confusing and awkward as this exchange has been, Katherine has done a splendid job at making him feel welcome.]

I'm afraid I don't really know any of the places around here. This is my first time coming through. So... a tour would be lovely, I think.

[boundinblood]

I've hardly explored outside some sections of the city. This place is enormous - but I would be glad to share what I know, when we've both had time after this.

[It's all right, she finds herself thinking in the back of her mind, a concluding sort of quiet after the mess of the conversation before. It's all right. Everything will be okay.]

Send me a message whenever you're ready. In the meantime, enjoy this place. Press the transport button if you haven't already. This city has its own problems, but it's freer than anywhere else I've been - I know you'll like it here.