Had they survived to see justice in Ghislain, their story would still work its way back to Orlais. To be interpreted, rewritten. A reason to corral mages, to distrust them. I understand Flint's imperative.
[ It is, perhaps, a slip of formality. But it seems important not to wholly simplify this, to reduce it to the easy lesson. He meets Matthias' effort for eye contact steadily. ]
But I would have asked of their stories. What compelled them to leave the March, as they did? Would not that be useful in our campaign to win our freedom? We won't know, now. And if Flint was one of us, perhaps we would.
[ The return of anger is kept low in its hearth, glowing coals rather than leaping flame. He lets it warm his tone, but keeps it only there.
Business-like; ]
I've requested he abstain from forcing your hand that way again.
[Matthias, entranced, nods along. He is paying very close attention--so close he imagines he could get a headache from the effort--and carving every word into his memory to be poured over later. It feels very good, to be talked at so candidly, to be pulled into what at least feels like confidence and to be trusted with this information. Like listening to the Senior Enchanter but so much better.
And on top of that, it all makes so much sense. Why not ask mages their stories? Because everyone has got one, some reason why they do what they do. Yes, if he were to get to be half as wise as Enchanter Rowantree, he'd be doing all right for himself.
The last bit plucks Matthias out of his reverie. Startled, he blinks.]
Not--like, stop working with Forces? [No, hang on. The mages, specifically, the very thing they've been talking about. Matthias, you tit.] No, sorry--I mean, er-- I'm all right, Enchanter. I can manage with Flint and all of it.
It's done, [ is not harsh, just final. Certainly, Marcus seems convinced of that, or convinced that he will be entitled to disappointment if it isn't. ] It's better he knows to manage himself, that it isn't acceptable, than to force us to police him. And you in particular, in your position.
And I would ask you bring it to me, or Isaac, or Leander, anyone of us you trust, if he steps beyond those bounds again. Will you?
[No hesitation, no misgiving, at least at first. If Marcus Rowantree is going to ask something of him, Matthias is going to say yes. And it makes sense. So it isn't even proper misgiving that comes second. He bites at the inside of his cheek, stares down at his boots--then all at once looks up again.]
I only mean I can help. I will help. I'm not afraid of anything--not of Commander Flint, so I will say something, if he goes out of bounds--but I'm not afraid of anything else, either. I know we've got to do things that might be difficult, or something. And I'm all right with that. I'm ready for it.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-03-01 09:29 am (UTC)[ It is, perhaps, a slip of formality. But it seems important not to wholly simplify this, to reduce it to the easy lesson. He meets Matthias' effort for eye contact steadily. ]
But I would have asked of their stories. What compelled them to leave the March, as they did? Would not that be useful in our campaign to win our freedom? We won't know, now. And if Flint was one of us, perhaps we would.
[ The return of anger is kept low in its hearth, glowing coals rather than leaping flame. He lets it warm his tone, but keeps it only there.
Business-like; ]
I've requested he abstain from forcing your hand that way again.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-03 01:38 am (UTC)And on top of that, it all makes so much sense. Why not ask mages their stories? Because everyone has got one, some reason why they do what they do. Yes, if he were to get to be half as wise as Enchanter Rowantree, he'd be doing all right for himself.
The last bit plucks Matthias out of his reverie. Startled, he blinks.]
Not--like, stop working with Forces? [No, hang on. The mages, specifically, the very thing they've been talking about. Matthias, you tit.] No, sorry--I mean, er-- I'm all right, Enchanter. I can manage with Flint and all of it.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-08 09:05 pm (UTC)And I would ask you bring it to me, or Isaac, or Leander, anyone of us you trust, if he steps beyond those bounds again. Will you?
no subject
Date: 2021-03-09 08:19 pm (UTC)[No hesitation, no misgiving, at least at first. If Marcus Rowantree is going to ask something of him, Matthias is going to say yes. And it makes sense. So it isn't even proper misgiving that comes second. He bites at the inside of his cheek, stares down at his boots--then all at once looks up again.]
I only mean I can help. I will help. I'm not afraid of anything--not of Commander Flint, so I will say something, if he goes out of bounds--but I'm not afraid of anything else, either. I know we've got to do things that might be difficult, or something. And I'm all right with that. I'm ready for it.