"You've... You've likely the right of it. Sometimes it's hard to remember that they're victims too. That they're not dragging down the cause to get us hurt, they're doing what they do out of fear. Which is what I've been driven by in the past."
And still, sometimes. It rises up and makes him feel like he's going to choke, but it doesn't do it so often anymore.
"We need unity and hope, and it's not easy. We're divided by the factions the Chantry created even now as well as the fear. Overcoming all of that... We'll find a way, we have to." Because otherwise the Circles return, and he won't let children fear that again. But it's not all without hope.
Nathaniel leans in to kiss him at that, another warmth shared.
"It'll take time. But look at what's already happened, love. The worst of the Circles is now an office. No more. The mages are free and have been for what? Three years, now? I think that's a hopeful sign."
He returns the kiss happily, slipping his arms around Nate.
"As is the fact I can skip work. That I have you, as my husband, and they can't take me away. No matter how angry they get, there are now mages who know what it's like to be free, who aren't willing to go back. There are more people who know mages as people, who have reason to keep us free. We have better odds than ever before." His excitement is building, hope bubbling up here in this little sanctuary from the rain.
"We were married by a priest. Without having to pay her, or threaten her, we were married and had a normal wedding and people came to it and celebrated with us and had a wonderful time. And I love you even more today than I did then, and less than I will tomorrow. You are my miracle, Anders. You got me to skip a day of work to spend cuddling with you. I needed you."
"I needed you too." He shifts until he finds a comfortable position, head on Nate's shoulder, curled against Nate's front and tucking the blanket around the both of them.
"I'd stopped hoping. I went to Skyhold to do a little more and then die, because I thought that was all left to me. I was prepared. And then you pulled me back from the brink, love. You've given me hope and love and life, and I'm..." He shakes his head. "I am the luckiest person in Thedas to have you. I love you, with all that I am."
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"You've... You've likely the right of it. Sometimes it's hard to remember that they're victims too. That they're not dragging down the cause to get us hurt, they're doing what they do out of fear. Which is what I've been driven by in the past."
And still, sometimes. It rises up and makes him feel like he's going to choke, but it doesn't do it so often anymore.
"We need unity and hope, and it's not easy. We're divided by the factions the Chantry created even now as well as the fear. Overcoming all of that... We'll find a way, we have to." Because otherwise the Circles return, and he won't let children fear that again. But it's not all without hope.
"I found you, after all."
no subject
"It'll take time. But look at what's already happened, love. The worst of the Circles is now an office. No more. The mages are free and have been for what? Three years, now? I think that's a hopeful sign."
no subject
"As is the fact I can skip work. That I have you, as my husband, and they can't take me away. No matter how angry they get, there are now mages who know what it's like to be free, who aren't willing to go back. There are more people who know mages as people, who have reason to keep us free. We have better odds than ever before." His excitement is building, hope bubbling up here in this little sanctuary from the rain.
no subject
no subject
"I'd stopped hoping. I went to Skyhold to do a little more and then die, because I thought that was all left to me. I was prepared. And then you pulled me back from the brink, love. You've given me hope and love and life, and I'm..." He shakes his head. "I am the luckiest person in Thedas to have you. I love you, with all that I am."