genessia | Video -- More of a Hawke, Really

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Video -- More of a Hawke, Really

[The video opens to what appears to be a rather ordinary man - dark hair, square jaw, and a smudge of something red over his nose. His face is too close to the screen, brow furrowed in concentration. It quickly melds into surprise, then disbelief - and maybe even a hint of amusement.]

And here I was, hoping I'd just landed in the Fade somehow.

[His tone is very light, and he sighs, pulling back from the phone enough that he inadvertently allows the camera to focus better on him.]

I'll have to admit to being at something of a loss. Attempts on my life usually don't come with instruction manuals. It's an interesting change, but I do prefer things a little more straightforward!

Oh. And if you are trying to kill me? I have to admit my head feels a little foggy and I appear to be unarmed, so it's probably a good time. We can talk about this whole thing, maybe get some drinks while you ramble on about your plan?

[There's a beat, Hawke looking around him, head tilted as if listening for an ambush. He shrugs.]

It was worth a try.

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[He chuckles at that.]

I think more or less is relative, given they've plucked us from home with a paid room and board. I don't know many kidnappers, but the tales I've heard paint a rather more dire picture. Either the stories are incorrect, or ransom isn't their intention.

[He nods.]

Ah, but he did write one about you.

I've run into a few. None of the kidnapees seemed to have been paid for the pleasure. I suppose it's possible they just didn't want to share.

[A shrug.]

Of course he did. When I'm home I'll have to tell him I got a staff out of it. I hope he left out the drinking games in the caves. [A moment's hesitation, and then further explanation.] Not that I have anything to be embarrassed about, but I need something to hold over Anders' head.

The nerve of some people.

[He shakes his head, smiling.]

He may have mentioned them, but not on paper. Your innocence is safe.

I wasn't the one making romantic overtures to the cave features. Or the cave denizens.

Well. Not that I can remember, anyway. I'm sure if I had someone would have rubbed it in my face already.

[That same chuckle of his.]

Careful with that, Hawke. Anything you don't remember can easily be filled in by an overly-imaginative dwarf with too much time on his hands.

The good news is that what he comes up with is typically a good deal more flattering.

When should I talk to you again about that staff?

Are you suggesting the Tale of the Champion needs a citation?

[Of course it does.]

If you haven't heard from me by the end of the week, but I'll be in touch.

Of course not. Probably. If you have a copy on hand I can let you know.

[Who was he to question a book he'd never seen?]

Well, that sounds good to me.

[He looks thoughtful for a moment.]

I found a viable copy of the Imperium Victus in the library. I may have similar luck with a more recent publication. I'll see what I can find.

Sounds like fun. If imagine it would be an enlightening read.

[His smile seems agreeable enough.]

He was rather complimentary, I assure you. Far moreso than any southern histories of the Imperium.

You'll have to tell me all about it - if you can't find it.

[He inclines his head.]

With pleasure, Hawke. Perhaps over wine? Literature is often enhanced by libation.

As long as you bring the wine.

[He smirks.]

I understand that I'm fairly destitute at the moment.

I suppose I can be persuaded to share some of my collection with you, given your current circumstances.

[He smirks slightly.]

That is if you're willing to share a bottle with a Tevinter mage.

Share a bottle? I think you're underestimating my ability to drink. But I suppose I can share.

[That was a joke, pure and simple - faux offense in his eyes. A thought occurs to him after, and his countenance grows more serious, for all the same casual lilt in his voice.]

Just tell me you're not acquainted with a man named Danarius.

If so, I'd also be underestimating mine, but I don't aim for a stupor, Hawke, just pleasant company. Now, meet me strictly for leisure... [And he leaves the rest there, dangling with a smirk.]

[But that smirk droops somewhat in thought as he strokes his goatee, head tilted to the side slightly. Danarius...?]

Do you mean Lord Magister Danarius of Minrathous? Not personally. I was an apprentice when he occupied his seat in the Magisterium. Official reports state he ran afoul of brigands on the road to Kirkwall. I read a rather different account in Varric's book. Such a shame. His contributions to Tevinter set us back at least 30 years. I think I remember the day he died. The entire residency in his estate heaved a collective sigh of relief. Danarius was a bastard. [He smiles.] Was that some sort of test? Do I pass?

Edited (I keep leaving out words today) 2017-09-28 15:21 (UTC)

Sorry. I'm booked full where leisure is concerned. [Whether he was there or not. Whether it was over or not. He smirks back.]

That sounds like the one, especially if Varric wrote something about him. [Dead on the road to Kirkwall according to the Imperium, hm? He looked forward to finding out the bloody details.] I'm sure your readings also make it evident why I asked. They'd also tell you the answer I was looking for - but I think I trust you enough not to assume you're lying to me for the privilege of giving me alcohol and weaponry.

[He chuckles slightly, nodding.] So noted, Hawke.

What would that earn me? The self satisfaction of knowing I lost money on fine wine and a staff?

The two of you could have taken part in a sordid affair.

[Hawke suggested with with an admirably straight face.]

And for all I know, Varric may have attributed me with the final blow. You may have decided this was a perfect opportunity for vengeance.

[There was a twitch, just the slightest twitch, at the corner of Hawke's mouth.]

You could have planned to rig the staff to backfire and take me out that way. Then, given the appearance of a new opportunity that would take less effort and make far less mess, you could have decided to give me poisoned wine instead.

[By the time he was finished, the amount of effort he was keeping to attempt to keep a straight face was pretty evident.]

[To his credit, Dorian has managed not to burst out laughing, but only just.]

...Varric is much better at fiction, Hawke. Play to your strengths. For one, I do my best not to fraternize with blood mages.

[Which might be the rarest thing a Tevinter mage has ever said.]

[Hawke all but grins, eye sparking with entertainment.]

Varric is better at me than a lot of things. It's the reason he has his fingers in so many pies and I hit things with a stick as my sole profession. That must have lowered your fraternization options drastically.

[He pauses, remembering something, and shrugs almost apologetically.]

Right, sorry. Personal jibes. Reflex.

Indeed, and it is most likely attributed to his chest hair. [He chuckles.] You must be very talented with your stick, then, and I rather believe that still qualifies. You also aren't wrong.

You may just be onto something. It does. I was just trying to see if you'd wind up with more double entendres. I thought of responding in like but it would be a little like picking low-hanging fruit. I do like hearing that.

I...what? [He narrows his eyes and breathes a sigh.] Really, now? Your humor degenerates to 'staff' jokes?

Re: [ video ]

stillnotadragon - 2017-10-05 18:55 (UTC) - Expand

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