Almost immediately, [ is a bit of a punchline. Dorian chances a look up to see how it's received, and the earnestness he is met with is--
Well, he hasn't decided. He continues. ]
On account of their desperation, you see. Necessary evils. But just as true: it has taken the entire time I was there. I don't doubt that my leaving could confirm some suspicion in the minds of some who even matter, with no regard for the ways I have proven myself over and over again.
You're an altus mage and we are at war with Tevinter. You had a responsibility to earn their trust and keep it. Maker's breath, why are you still here?
Because I saw what kinds of things they're doing over there. In Minrathous.
[His explanation never feels like enough, when he's allowed to get the whole thing out; perhaps wisely, Benedict has resolved that no one really wants to hear it.]
Maybe it's just that living in the south has affected my biases, but... the Elder One. I've met him. What he's got planned, it's just.
[He sighs grimly.]
I'd rather be against him than with him. And if I went home, that wouldn't be possible, at least by choice.
[ Hm is a little imperious, flicking a page aside. ]
Good to know you've more wits about you than those in the Magisterium currently vying to lick Corypheus's lyrium engorged arsehole. I wouldn't call that an affect of the south. An affect of the south is a degraded taste in liquor.
[ He's seen a few, over the years. Studied it when it was whole, even, lodged in Evelyn's hand, and when Solas wasn't looking. Not that his research took him very far, but the sight is familiar regardless, acknowledging it with a glance. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Well, he hasn't decided. He continues. ]
On account of their desperation, you see. Necessary evils. But just as true: it has taken the entire time I was there. I don't doubt that my leaving could confirm some suspicion in the minds of some who even matter, with no regard for the ways I have proven myself over and over again.
You're an altus mage and we are at war with Tevinter. You had a responsibility to earn their trust and keep it. Maker's breath, why are you still here?
no subject
Because I saw what kinds of things they're doing over there. In Minrathous.
[His explanation never feels like enough, when he's allowed to get the whole thing out; perhaps wisely, Benedict has resolved that no one really wants to hear it.]
Maybe it's just that living in the south has affected my biases, but... the Elder One. I've met him. What he's got planned, it's just.
[He sighs grimly.]
I'd rather be against him than with him. And if I went home, that wouldn't be possible, at least by choice.
no subject
Good to know you've more wits about you than those in the Magisterium currently vying to lick Corypheus's lyrium engorged arsehole. I wouldn't call that an affect of the south. An affect of the south is a degraded taste in liquor.
[ He flicks a look at him. ]
You've met him, you say?
no subject
[Like his parents, he need not say. Instead, he extends his left hand and pulls off the glove he wears at all times, revealing the rift shard.]
He had a special interest in how I got this. Wanted to know where the rest of it was, whatever that means.
no subject
[ He's seen a few, over the years. Studied it when it was whole, even, lodged in Evelyn's hand, and when Solas wasn't looking. Not that his research took him very far, but the sight is familiar regardless, acknowledging it with a glance. ]
no subject
[He flexes his fingers over it, then withdraws his hand.]
It was no secret that the Rifters are here. That we collect them, and the others from Thedas who have shards.
[He purses his lips, his eyes going distant.]
...I just. Shouldn't have confirmed it.
no subject
If wishes were sovereigns.
no subject
[Said grimly, but with a smirk in return.]
So, that's that.
no subject
[ Page flip. ]
Perhaps so. Perhaps if you allow it to be.
no subject
[He looks up.]
...but I have a future. One I don't intend to squander.
no subject
So when I ask you if you're a spy or a turncoat, you'll say--
no subject