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[They're back to titles now, evidently.]
Senior Enchanter. I haven't yet eaten, in fact. Shall we have dinner? I'm almost done with this letter, and then I can meet you at your convenience.
Senior Enchanter. I haven't yet eaten, in fact. Shall we have dinner? I'm almost done with this letter, and then I can meet you at your convenience.
[Julius doesn't linger over finishing the letter, so Marcus hasn't long to wait. The hall is far from crowded, given that it's latter than people tend to eat if they plan mealtimes for more or less regular hours. Julius doesn't miss the regular dinner hour consistently; it's good to build bridges, and it's a neutral way to meet someone.
He wonders if that's what's happening now. It's an interesting way to frame a second encounter. But he's curious, and even if he weren't, he'd be inclined to be polite to someone Petrana speaks well of regardless.
In robes that day and taller than many of his fellows, Julius is easy to spot when he enters.]
He wonders if that's what's happening now. It's an interesting way to frame a second encounter. But he's curious, and even if he weren't, he'd be inclined to be polite to someone Petrana speaks well of regardless.
In robes that day and taller than many of his fellows, Julius is easy to spot when he enters.]
[ Marcus has located a spot with an air of privacy in spite of the open nature of the hall, which is easier done when it's as late as it is. He is waiting without pretense of having occupied himself in the time it took Julius to come downstairs -- no book or paperwork or other amusement, instead content to silently watch the window nearby, in company of his own thoughts, arms folded and posture forward.
He doesn't really look like a mage. Not only because of the scars on his face, but also his dress; frock coat and necktie and the proper way he's bound his hair all imply a specific kind of upper-middleclass Free Marcher social setting, where Circles had stripped all of that away. Expensive and tidy angles, in plain greys and an absence of flourish.
There is food, also, gathered. The bits and pieces of the end of a dinner service. Stew of the day in bowls, bread, a pitcher of dark ale.
Spying Julius, he sits up a little, and gestures for the empty space opposite him across the table. ]
There wasn't a lot of variety to choose from. We're well into our winter stocks, it seems.
He doesn't really look like a mage. Not only because of the scars on his face, but also his dress; frock coat and necktie and the proper way he's bound his hair all imply a specific kind of upper-middleclass Free Marcher social setting, where Circles had stripped all of that away. Expensive and tidy angles, in plain greys and an absence of flourish.
There is food, also, gathered. The bits and pieces of the end of a dinner service. Stew of the day in bowls, bread, a pitcher of dark ale.
Spying Julius, he sits up a little, and gestures for the empty space opposite him across the table. ]
There wasn't a lot of variety to choose from. We're well into our winter stocks, it seems.
You did well enough.
[He says it with a rueful smile as he comes to sit down.]
It's my own fault for leaving it so late. I got rather caught up in what I was doing and lost track of the time. I'm glad you're eating a bit, too; it's always awkward to eat while the other party just watches, but it occurred to me after we spoke that it might be late enough you didn't want anything.
[He says it with a rueful smile as he comes to sit down.]
It's my own fault for leaving it so late. I got rather caught up in what I was doing and lost track of the time. I'm glad you're eating a bit, too; it's always awkward to eat while the other party just watches, but it occurred to me after we spoke that it might be late enough you didn't want anything.
[ Marcus picks up the bread as Julius speaks, roughly breaking it with a twist but all in a lax and lazy manner, and placing the other half on the other man's side of the table. He then sees about sharing between them the ale. ]
Well, I shouldn't want to make things awkward.
[ Amusement is there, fleeting, blink and you'll miss it. ]
It was a late invitation. In many ways. I met Petra just as winter was getting its teeth in.
Well, I shouldn't want to make things awkward.
[ Amusement is there, fleeting, blink and you'll miss it. ]
It was a late invitation. In many ways. I met Petra just as winter was getting its teeth in.
[ For project leads, there is always paperwork. Some of it is even useful and necessary, in addition to unavoidable, and Ilias does not mind the rhythm of it so much, but the idea it must be done in isolation, with no one and nothing else to occupy one's mind, is occasionally intolerable to him.
Tonight, finding himself not the only one still burning candles on the seventh floor, Ilias has brought his to the Project Jeshavis office, along with a bottle of wine in apology for the intrusion. It isn't much of one, at that; cups filled and niceties exchanged, he's content for the company without creating distraction, but as the work wears on distraction eventually finds him nonetheless. Gaze caught on the worn edge of a report, thumb at the fold of a corner, he asks, ]
May I ask your thoughts— that is, if you have ever given much credence to the Chantry's prescription that mages ought not form relationships at all.
Tonight, finding himself not the only one still burning candles on the seventh floor, Ilias has brought his to the Project Jeshavis office, along with a bottle of wine in apology for the intrusion. It isn't much of one, at that; cups filled and niceties exchanged, he's content for the company without creating distraction, but as the work wears on distraction eventually finds him nonetheless. Gaze caught on the worn edge of a report, thumb at the fold of a corner, he asks, ]
May I ask your thoughts— that is, if you have ever given much credence to the Chantry's prescription that mages ought not form relationships at all.
[No titles there, evidently. He doesn't react to the lack of it, though, reaching for his bowl of soup to dip the bread in.]
She mentioned. And while I'm pleased to have eventually made your better acquaintance, I'm not under the impression that I'm owed an introduction to everyone she knows. We both have many irons in the fire, after all. Not that I'm ungrateful for the invitation now, mind,
[he adds, glancing up]
but I wouldn't necessarily call it late unless you have other reasons to think so.
She mentioned. And while I'm pleased to have eventually made your better acquaintance, I'm not under the impression that I'm owed an introduction to everyone she knows. We both have many irons in the fire, after all. Not that I'm ungrateful for the invitation now, mind,
[he adds, glancing up]
but I wouldn't necessarily call it late unless you have other reasons to think so.
[Julius looks up, surprised -- not that the question would be on Ilias' mind, or any mage's, but that it's being asked aloud. To him. He gives it a moment's thought, not because he's never considered it himself but because he's trying to work out what he wants to say on the subject.]
I suppose it depends on what one means by giving it credence. Before the Circles fell, and arguably even now, there are practical considerations to bear in mind. But I think that's different from believing relationships are inherently dangerous.
I suppose it depends on what one means by giving it credence. Before the Circles fell, and arguably even now, there are practical considerations to bear in mind. But I think that's different from believing relationships are inherently dangerous.
Is it?
[ Not a pointed question, exactly, or at least not pointed at Julius in any particular way. Ilias rolls it over in his mind the way one does wine over a palate. Considering the precise notes. ]
There is the issue of any children, of course. And within the Circles, the likelihood of separation. But is there not also a practical consideration to be found, in whether a relationship of any emotional intensity might pose a risk to a mage's self-control?
[ Not a pointed question, exactly, or at least not pointed at Julius in any particular way. Ilias rolls it over in his mind the way one does wine over a palate. Considering the precise notes. ]
There is the issue of any children, of course. And within the Circles, the likelihood of separation. But is there not also a practical consideration to be found, in whether a relationship of any emotional intensity might pose a risk to a mage's self-control?
Because I expected to make fast friends with likeminded folk.
[ A little bluntly in this admission, like an ulterior motive dug up from the dirt and offered plainly. ]
But I've found there is much work to do, and this is true doubly for those with proper duties, and I have a habit for observation. But, as you say. [ He'll cede the point, spidering his hand over his cup of ale. ]
[ A little bluntly in this admission, like an ulterior motive dug up from the dirt and offered plainly. ]
But I've found there is much work to do, and this is true doubly for those with proper duties, and I have a habit for observation. But, as you say. [ He'll cede the point, spidering his hand over his cup of ale. ]
Well. We're here now, late or otherwise.
[His humor is good, but then, it generally is. Or seems to be. Both, either.]
Is it too bold to ask what you've observed?
[His humor is good, but then, it generally is. Or seems to be. Both, either.]
Is it too bold to ask what you've observed?
Perhaps to a point. But, some detractors' theories to the contrary, mages are human. Even those who scrupulously avoid romantic partners will have friends. Mentors, protegees. People they care about. Unless one intends to stick to a solitary mage per tower, I don't see a way to avoid the potential for emotionally intense relationships, even if there's no sexual component at all. It's a danger one has to cope with regardless.
That said, you're not wrong about the potential for separation. But it was one of the practical concerns I meant. Not to mention the potential for awkwardness when things end and the two of you aren't separated.
[Locked in the same tower with all your exes, who may or may not explicitly know about one another, indefinitely. That was one thing about Circles he strongly did not miss.]
That said, you're not wrong about the potential for separation. But it was one of the practical concerns I meant. Not to mention the potential for awkwardness when things end and the two of you aren't separated.
[Locked in the same tower with all your exes, who may or may not explicitly know about one another, indefinitely. That was one thing about Circles he strongly did not miss.]
[ The answer is 'no', but he says so by way of thinking over his answer for a few seconds of silence, collecting his thoughts. ]
That you have reaped some reward from sincere and diligent work, and that in the same manner as your lady companion, you've found a posting that suits you. Not simply, that is, for your skill, but a position as mobile, and vital, as it is inoffensive.
What I can't learn through observation alone is what you intend to do with it.
That you have reaped some reward from sincere and diligent work, and that in the same manner as your lady companion, you've found a posting that suits you. Not simply, that is, for your skill, but a position as mobile, and vital, as it is inoffensive.
What I can't learn through observation alone is what you intend to do with it.
[He laughs, quietly and good-natured.]
My bold question, boldly answered. Fair enough. I originally got the posting as a lucky chance, almost; it was empty and they needed it not to remain so, back when we were still the Inquisition. If it's remained inoffensive, it's been largely in the finessing of any inherently sharp edges.
[Of the position? Of his own personality? Evidence might suggest both.]
Why are you interested?
[He can think of a few potential reasons.]
My bold question, boldly answered. Fair enough. I originally got the posting as a lucky chance, almost; it was empty and they needed it not to remain so, back when we were still the Inquisition. If it's remained inoffensive, it's been largely in the finessing of any inherently sharp edges.
[Of the position? Of his own personality? Evidence might suggest both.]
Why are you interested?
[He can think of a few potential reasons.]
[ During Julius's response, Marcus had set to tending to his food. Neat but not overly mannerly, eating with his hands and pieces of crusty bread, elbows set against the edge of the table. ]
Because the politics and motivations of the mage heading the project that relates most directly to the downfall of Corypheus, Maker willing, is interesting.
And it might, at some point in the future, go remarked upon.
[ Then he smiles, a little crooked, as if finding himself amusing. ]
But please, I truly did invite you to dinner. I've no intention of interrogation.
Because the politics and motivations of the mage heading the project that relates most directly to the downfall of Corypheus, Maker willing, is interesting.
And it might, at some point in the future, go remarked upon.
[ Then he smiles, a little crooked, as if finding himself amusing. ]
But please, I truly did invite you to dinner. I've no intention of interrogation.
Ah. [ Ah. His wince is sympathetic, and a touch wry. ] I suppose it's lucky they let Mortalitasi out into the city occasionally.
[ At least he was able to break the hearts of people he never had to see again.
(Most of them are probably dead now. Ah. Ilias reaches for his wine again.) ]
Some mages do make the attempt, though, don't they? Not to let any connection become too strong. To maintain a certain remove, voluntarily, for reasons of piety or otherwise. Or do you think that doomed as well?
[ At least he was able to break the hearts of people he never had to see again.
(Most of them are probably dead now. Ah. Ilias reaches for his wine again.) ]
Some mages do make the attempt, though, don't they? Not to let any connection become too strong. To maintain a certain remove, voluntarily, for reasons of piety or otherwise. Or do you think that doomed as well?
No, not at all. But I think it's an untenably extreme position to impose on someone from without, in practice. We all have to find our own ways to maintain control. If some people try to hold themselves apart, that's their right. It's...
[He pauses, trying to think exactly how he wants to put it.]
Someone chooses to fast regularly, out of piety. They find it spiritually enriching; find it enhances their life. Very good. But if you observe that result and then forcefully take other people's food away, most of them won't find it spiritually enriching. They'll just be hungry. And hunger will make some portion of them reckless and substantially less serene.
[He pauses, trying to think exactly how he wants to put it.]
Someone chooses to fast regularly, out of piety. They find it spiritually enriching; find it enhances their life. Very good. But if you observe that result and then forcefully take other people's food away, most of them won't find it spiritually enriching. They'll just be hungry. And hunger will make some portion of them reckless and substantially less serene.
I have no doubt the Chantry has had a file on me ever since I turned up to try to convince them to be sensible about the cache of phylacteries,
[rueful. It's common enough knowledge that he sees no reason to shy away from it.]
But fair. I'm not the most practiced at true leisure.
[He was about to say these days, but it might suggest a time he was better at it. After a brief pause:]
Miss Poppell did succeed at teaching me croquet, a rifter game with absolutely no practical applications whatsoever.
[rueful. It's common enough knowledge that he sees no reason to shy away from it.]
But fair. I'm not the most practiced at true leisure.
[He was about to say these days, but it might suggest a time he was better at it. After a brief pause:]
Miss Poppell did succeed at teaching me croquet, a rifter game with absolutely no practical applications whatsoever.
Mn. [ Head ducking, sheepish. ] You are right, of course. Even a pious man may find he has a powerful need to eat.
I have never tried it, you know. Not fasting, I have fasted, but even as a clergyman, I never saw the point of further self-restriction. Lately, though-- I suppose when things become complicated, one looks for ways to make them simpler, yes?
[ Silly. He shakes his head. ]
I have never tried it, you know. Not fasting, I have fasted, but even as a clergyman, I never saw the point of further self-restriction. Lately, though-- I suppose when things become complicated, one looks for ways to make them simpler, yes?
[ Silly. He shakes his head. ]
I can certainly appreciate that.
[No sane man could argue that things weren't complicated.]
But you'll forgive me for observing you seem to have something specific on your mind.
[He doesn't make it a direct question, so it's easy enough to deflect. But it's clearly an invitation all the same. Julius sees no reason to hide the fact that his curiosity is piqued, considering.]
[No sane man could argue that things weren't complicated.]
But you'll forgive me for observing you seem to have something specific on your mind.
[He doesn't make it a direct question, so it's easy enough to deflect. But it's clearly an invitation all the same. Julius sees no reason to hide the fact that his curiosity is piqued, considering.]
[ Ilias gives an apologetic sort of sigh, leaning back and bringing two fingers up to the knot between his brows. ] Not something about which any of the parties involved would appreciate my specificity. Forgive me.
[ But Julius is asking, maybe-- ]
Can we say-- in your days of being inconveniently trapped in a tower with everyone you ever made eyes at, was there ever more than one? That had your heart, not just your attention.
[ Or else he'd have to count, like, half of Riftwatch. ]
[ But Julius is asking, maybe-- ]
Can we say-- in your days of being inconveniently trapped in a tower with everyone you ever made eyes at, was there ever more than one? That had your heart, not just your attention.
[ Or else he'd have to count, like, half of Riftwatch. ]
Ah.
[He is not going to press for identities; given how long it took for most of the Gallows to notice he and Petrana were involved, there's some evidence for his understanding discretion.]
Not precisely in the way I suspect you mean. I have more than one person I think I could have been happy with longer than I was, in different circumstances. Where we ended because because one of us decided the risk of discovery was too much, or that it would be better not to pursue a deeper connection when we were in a Circle and we'd always be stealing a moment here or there. I still held them in my heart after we ended things, sometimes, even into a new affair. But I was never pulled equally in multiple directions at once, as it were. I suspect part of that was luck, though, not anything to do with my choices.
[And part of it was how many people died in the one-two punch of Uldred and the Fifth Blight, but that seems needlessly bleak to bring up.]
[He is not going to press for identities; given how long it took for most of the Gallows to notice he and Petrana were involved, there's some evidence for his understanding discretion.]
Not precisely in the way I suspect you mean. I have more than one person I think I could have been happy with longer than I was, in different circumstances. Where we ended because because one of us decided the risk of discovery was too much, or that it would be better not to pursue a deeper connection when we were in a Circle and we'd always be stealing a moment here or there. I still held them in my heart after we ended things, sometimes, even into a new affair. But I was never pulled equally in multiple directions at once, as it were. I suspect part of that was luck, though, not anything to do with my choices.
[And part of it was how many people died in the one-two punch of Uldred and the Fifth Blight, but that seems needlessly bleak to bring up.]
Edited (Straighten out, curly bracket) 2020-02-07 03:08 (UTC)
Well, if that's what it takes.
[ Wryly delivered over his raised tankard of ale, which he then drinks from. ]
Rest assured, we needn't talk about the weather, either. I'd learn more about the organisation, as you see it. My duties thus far have consisted of assisting a Chantry sister in collecting medical leeches, and breaking Petra's fall down a mountain.
[ Very illustrious, all round. ]
[ Wryly delivered over his raised tankard of ale, which he then drinks from. ]
Rest assured, we needn't talk about the weather, either. I'd learn more about the organisation, as you see it. My duties thus far have consisted of assisting a Chantry sister in collecting medical leeches, and breaking Petra's fall down a mountain.
[ Very illustrious, all round. ]
Both vital efforts.
[Personally, at least, he is grateful for the latter.]
I suppose I'll start with a question, though. What brought you to us, rather than the Inquisition? I can think of several possible reasons, but I'm not sure which is yours.
[Personally, at least, he is grateful for the latter.]
I suppose I'll start with a question, though. What brought you to us, rather than the Inquisition? I can think of several possible reasons, but I'm not sure which is yours.
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