entranceway | ➶ seven ( text )

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➶ seven ( text )

[ Unlike her announcement of Leliana's departure, this one does not reveal her voice. It's only text, written word with the author's feelings left implied, and less verbose than last time, too. ]

Alistair has gone. His room is empty and his things have vanished. As his fellow Grey Warden, I thought it best to inform those who may have known him.

[ Leliana, Brennan, Dorian. Alistair, too, now. All of her closest friends in Wonderland seem to be steadily vanishing (and she hasn't heard of Bethany Hawke, yet, another one who would be regretfully added to the list). ]

He was exactly what a Warden should be. He was brave and kind and with a good heart.

[ Ridiculous jokes and all.

Soon after, she sends out one private message to Anders: ]

Anders, Alistair left behind Purrlock. Do cats and mabari get along? Could you teach me how to take care of a kitten, if you have the time?

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_{[To slough off the event's alternate identity to find the room next door taken over by a new tenant is a poor way to return to his right mind. Alistair, despite what conflicting memories he has of the man as a king and a Warden, is one of vanishingly few people Anders cares about. Actually cares about.

This is what happens when you let yourself care--you end up hurting. The best Anders can do is wish his friend well wherever he is.

It's woefully inadequate.]}

You beat me to the bad news. The fourth floor is sounding lonelier for it. No more warrior banging around in armor at all hours of the day.

_{[And no more Purrlock filling the halls with his cries for attention, either. He's going to miss seeing Alistair carrying that silly cat around. Maybe he can convince Robyn to let him visit the little guy every once in a while...]}

For you and Purrlock, I have plenty of time. Would you like to meet?

Edited 2016-10-08 09:20 (UTC)

The entire mansion will be lonelier for it. As soon as you can. I would like to make sure I know how to care for him. I wouldn't mind the company, either, if you're of a mind.

After Jowan, I was hoping we'd catch a break with sudden disappearances. We're not having much luck with the turn of the months.

_{[Two more bite the multiverse dust. Between trying to tutor Jowan and seeing Alistair on the regular, Wonderland is starting to feel impossibly small and empty without them in the wake of the busy celebration event where the mansion had been teeming with people.]}

Poor cat, he must be missing Alistair something fierce. I can stop by now. Are you in your room?

We certainly aren't.

[ Jowan, too. That's right. The numbers from Thedas at large had been declining steadily following an enormous increase in the spring - why these waves, why this timing? It's worth investigating, at least as a task to distract her from their absences. ]

I am. I'll leave the door unlocked for you. Purrlock does seem to have less enthusiasm to his mewling. I can only imagine how distressed he must be.

I suppose it's to be expected. When have any of us had GOOD luck?

_{[Back home, each of them could probably write a 'how to' guide on running into misfortune at every turn. There's Jowan and his being the sorriest apostate who ever lived, Robyn and being roped into fighting the Blight, Alistair and choosing between the life of a Warden or a king... The list goes on.]}

At least we don't have to wonder where Alistair got off to. If he's in Ferelden, he's in his element.

All right, consider your mentor in all things feline on his way.

_{[It takes a few minutes for a knock to sound on Robyn's door, mostly because Anders hasn't shown up empty handed. Under his arm is a box of cat supplies he'd thrown together on his way out. Needless to say, Robyn's about to profit from all the time Anders has had to raid the closets for things to entertain his cats.]}

[ Not long after, Robyn appears. Oren the mabari is at her feet, jealous of the little kitten in her arms that is seemingly getting all the attention. ]

Thank you, Anders. [ She says quietly, moving aside to let him in. ] I really do appreciate the help.

[ Purrlock meows loudly, apparently happy to see the mage. ]

See? Your friends aren't all gone. [ She murmurs to the animal, stroking his tiny head. ]

Hello. And hello to you, Purrlock. _{[He squints at Robyn's feet.]} And... to you, too, dog, I suppose.

_{[Entering at Robyn's invitation, he sets the box down in the middle of the room, trying for a smile. Of all the disappearances, Alistair's has hit him the hardest, which is why now more than ever he does his best to project an even-keel demeanor.

The list of things to be sad and miserable about is near infinite. He can't think too hard about it. And his fellow Warden doesn't need someone bringing down the mood all the more... even if seeing Purrlock without his master hurts more than he thought it would.]}

I brought some of his favorite treats, I thought that might help cheer him up. _{[He lifts a small bag of cat treats from the top of the stack, then reaches for a pet bowl with his other hand.]} And this if you still need a food dish--It's not quite the same as the one Alistair had, but it's the same color. It might make him feel more at home.

[ Purrlock seems very interested in getting to Anders, so Robyn gently sets him down. As soon as he's mobile, the kitten pads toward the mage and starts mewling loudly for attention. ]

This is all so sweet, Anders. Thank you. [ He's a fellow Grey Warden, a friend of Alistair's, and a friend of hers. Having him here now is... very comforting. ] I... hope you've been well.

[ And that he isn't feeling the loss too badly. ]

It's no trouble. Only the best for the cat companion of our-- _{[Having been about to say "king," he stops, remembering that hasn't always been Alistair's fate in different iterations of history.]} --Well, for one of our royal bastards.

_{[The best damn royal bastard Anders has met. The only one, but still the best.

He sets the dish down and pours some treats into it for Purrlock to investigate at his leisure. The little noise-maker is a damn cute kitten, too, and Anders' heart melts a little when Purrlock comes running for pets, bypassing the dish entirely like a duckling that's lost its mother.

A week ago Alistair would've been doing this. For some reason, thinking about the orphaned cats people leave behind after he'd accidentally pulled so many from the closet gets to him every single time.]}

His lungs appear to still be in working order. I know, kitty, I know, but this nice lady's going to take care of you from now on, isn't that nice? You're going to love your new room--and look, there's a dog to chase when you're bored.

_{[He runs his hand over Purrlock's silky fur a few times before looking up at Robyn.]}

Oh, I'm fine now that the bout of brainwashing has passed. This isn't what I'd call a great consolation prize after all of that, though.

Mm. [ Robyn had always taken care to avoid the b-word around Alistair, never quite sure of how her companion had felt about it after spilling the beans about his heritage. Luckily, she'd never been big into swearing, and the issue doesn't come up often.

Didn't. Didn't come up often. ]

Maybe you should take him. [ The Warden says after a pause, saddened gaze following the mournful kitten around the room. ] You... know better than I do about how to care for cats.

[ Maybe it had been selfish, to try and hold on to a piece of Alistair this way. It isn't right, though, not if Purrlock would be happier with Anders. ]

I'm glad you're all right. [ If morose. ] It's strange, having a dwindling number of us here these days. ... Those from Thedas and Wardens specifically.

[ Not that Carver Hawke had stayed long, or had even been close with Robyn, but... ]

_{[Scooping the cat into his hands, Anders gets back to his feet to face Robyn. He's still smiling, but a warm gentleness softens the edges of the smile.

On the contrary, maybe it's Purrlock who needs to take care of Robyn.]}

Cats have a way of ending up where they're supposed to be. As long as you're willing to put in the time, all you need is a little food and water and the rest follows. I think Alistair would be happy to know his cat's in good hands with you.

_{[He looks down at Purrlock so that she can't see the gravity her next comment stirs in his eyes.

Disappearances aren't strange to him in the sense that he's surprised by them; they're strange because he's not surprised. They remind him a little too much of his Circle days. Wonderland removing Thedosians from the playing field almost feels like this world's way of saying history repeats itself.]}

For what it's worth, if I have to be stuck here with anyone, it's a pleasure to be stuck with you and Nathaniel.

I think he would be happier to take care of Purrlock himself. [ It's a little rueful, but... well, she allows herself touches of bitterness when Wonderland takes her - their - friends away. ] ... But, thank you. I'll do my best. And... if I need an expert, you're not far away.

[ She smiles faintly at him, wondering, in the future, which of them will vanish first.

Robyn swallows.

Then, the comment... surprises her, somehow, and her eyes widen to show it. Hastily, the Warden tucks a wayward braid behind her ear. ]

I - Thank you. [ Anders had known Nathaniel, but - ] I... realize it's strange, having all this... different 'Hero of Ferelden' business between us. I can't apologize for who I am, but... it means a lot that you would say that. [ There's a pause, and then a wider, warmer smile. ] I'm glad to have the both of you here with me, too. Whatever you think, or joke about, you're an excellent Warden.

[ Honest and kind, loyal and caring. Those are all more important than 'seriousness,' or whatever senior Wardens value. ]

I'm sure he would, but since he oh so rudely left the party without us, you'll have to do. And to that end, you'll do fine. Cats are easier to care for than dogs. _{[As some wise person probably said, cats rule, dogs drool. Anders didn't make up the rules, okay.]} You're welcome to drop in anytime. My cats love Purrlock.

_{[He's going to miss having Alistair and his feline partner right next door, but she's right, he's not far away. And with so few of them left, staying in touch seems more necessary than ever.

When Anders contemplates his worst fear, it's to be stuck in this realm alone--which is precisely why he doesn't contemplate it often. He pushes that thought back into the hole in the dark recesses of his mind and focuses on Robyn.]}

There isn't much about these alternate Thedases that isn't strange, but none of us are responsible for that. We're the only ones who can say who we are. _{[A mirthful laugh escapes him when she passes him with flying colors.]} Well, thanks. I appreciate having the Heroine of Ferelden's seal of approval.

I'm sure that Purrlock will want to visit his friends very soon. [ She smiles a little sadly down at the kitten, who is batting a paw around Anders' feet. ] If Alistair returns, we'll need to give him a talking-to for leaving the poor thing here alone.

[ Yes. For leaving Purrlock.

Robyn sighs. ]

Though others have tried. [ She says lightly. ] I can't tell you how tired I am of hearing that I'm meant to be a man called Cousland, or an elf.

[ Who would want to be told that they weren't who they were? ]

Maker, do I have to beat you into not calling me that? [ Robyn laughs. ] I hate the blighted title; you should know that by now.

Among having to explain who we are and why we know him all over again, that'll be an interesting conversation...

_{[Internally, Anders echoes Robyn's sigh. All he can think is that if Alistair returns, there's a chance he might not have his memories, and having not found a satisfactory cure for that yet despite his best efforts, that's not a terribly pleasant scenario to consider.

Attempting levity, he tilts his head, looking at her speculatively.]}

I don't know, I think you'd look quite charming with a set of pointy ears. But all right, all right, no titles! You and Alistair are making it easy, insisting on first names.

It always is. [ Not, it isn't. It's painful to have your friends not recognize you, or worse, to react with doubt and hostility. ]

Thank you. [ She imagines Alistair hadn't liked to be called a king, either. ] Now there won't be any fights and we can properly be friends.

[ Jokes, of course. Anders has become a good friend since their meeting, not least of all because he's a fellow Warden. ]

_{[Or have said friends wonder aloud if you're an item in another world. But that's... neither here nor there. Looking back, his first encounter with Alistair in the mansion had been one long, never-ending comedy of errors; it fills him with a strange kind of fondness to think on it. That had been a long time ago.]}

But you have to admit "Heroine" of Ferelden has a cute ring to it. If they didn't call you that back in Ferelden, they should have.

_{[No supercilious hero titles, it's a deal. And less of a mouthful. "Anders" and "Robyn" have a nice ring to them, too.]}

Speaking of friends, I think Purrlock will have no problems feeling right at home.

_{[After having set the kitten down to entertain itself with his feet, it seems to lose interest in pawing at his boot laces for attention and tentatively investigates the treat bowl, going so far as to bite into a little fish-shaped morsel. Just like that, no more mewling.]}

Better enjoy the quiet while it lasts. He's a talker, just like Alistair.

A "cute ring?" I'm not Leliana.

[ She laughs nonetheless, again wistful for another friend she's lost. ]

I don't know what they called me. [ She reminds him lightly. ] One doesn't become a 'hero' of any kind until after your death, you know.

[ In her experience, anyway. They can call her whatever silly title they please once she's been buried. ]

Excellent. [ Robyn replies, beaming down at the kitten. ] Distract him with food and win his affections. I think I've got it.

[ Alistair and Purrlock certainly have that in common. She hums lightly in agreement, smile softening. ]

I'd rather have the two talkers than the quiet. [ She says finally. ]

_{[... Oh. So it's true she knows about the whole dying thing.]}

Sorry.

_{[Anders winces. He'd wondered after her return to Wonderland in the spring but hadn't ever pushed the subject enough to ask.

He' wanted to believe it'd worked out a different way for her, that she and her companions had defeated the archdemon and managed to live to tell the tale, unlike the late Hero of Ferelden he knew of.]}

You're still a hero in my book, with or without a pulse.

_{[Just as Alistair, in a weird way, will always be one of the men who'd helped save him from a lose-lose choice between the noose and the Tranquil brand. A smile blooms, a little smaller and briefer than hers. He's glad his unintentional blunder hadn't completely ruined her ability to smile over her future prospects as a slave to the whimsies of cats.]}

Something to look forward to when we get back to Ferelden, then.

You don't have to be sorry. [ She's quick to reply, smiling hastily. ] It was my choice. Not many are lucky enough to be able to make that decision.

[ If her own life could end the Blight, she would absolutely choose to die. The alternative... hadn't seemed right. Not at all. ]

I'm only sorry I won't meet you. [ Robyn says, then explaining: ] In Ferelden. I wish that I could travel with you.

[ As Nathaniel had said she would, not having lived in a world where she made the choice to slay the archdemon herself. ]

_{["Lucky enough," she says. It's true people rarely get to choose how they die, but she'd been making the choice to die, and he imagines even less people would volunteer to make that leap; Anders has little to lose, but even he's not sure he has it in him to inevitably face his Calling, let alone sacrifice himself to an archdemon.

It takes a special person to meet their Maker, then return to a place like this and have to recount it.

He shakes his head.]}

Don't be sorry. We have the here and now--you're alive, I'm alive. That's all anyone can ask for.

[ It is a strange thing, to have died and then to wake again in Wonderland. To know that this is the last time she will be alive. Part of her feels as if she'd cheated the sacrifice she made, opting to lose it all and then coming back to the world of the living and breathing -

Best not to think about it. ]

I should - [ She begins abruptly, gently disentangling Purrlock from Anders' boot. ] ... That is, you're welcome to stay, but I think I need a little time to... think.

[ Not necessarily alone, but within some level of quiet, and within her own mind. ]

My door is always open if you need anything. [ Robyn adds gently, nodding once at the mage. ]

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➶ seven ( text )

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