A few days after the attack on Vigil’s Keep, Anders picks his way through the forest, trying to find his way back to the road. He grimaces a few times, as Justice flares beneath his skin. It hurts, in a strange way, like his skin doesn’t fit.
Or maybe that’s how Justice feels.
She shakes her head sharply, makes a motion with her hand.
(-Something about Anders being exhausted from helping Lirene?)
"Don't you worry about that. That's Justice's job," Anders says gently. "If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask me. We're in this together now. Boat ride proves it."
Anders manages to stop himself healing Ilska without permission. "Ilska, I want you well. You well keeps Cia safe. Is there anything I can do to help that?"
She looks away, obviously isn't used to other people helping her. And then nods, fast and cautious, permission to heal, but still looking for a price.
"All right. I'm just gonna get a little bit closer," Anders says, shuffling closer as he says so. Then, with a careful look about the hold (most people focused on the new baby), Anders lets his hands glow blue, and gets to work.
Is there any injuries more suspect than others?
Her throat's raw, and there's bruises around her throat, but other than that, not really.
It's not usual to have those injuries. They usually mean something. But Anders won't push. He knows how much trust must mean to Ilska and Cia. He won't betray that unless he's sure.
"Here, let me fix those," he says, fury building in him at whoever caused them, and heals them, carefully keeping his hands off her.
"You will never have to worry about me hurting you. Or asking you for payment. I know I have a lot to prove, Ilska, but if you ever need someone to heal your injuries, I'm here," Anders says, trying to keep himself unemotional, but his fury seeps in. How dare anyone take advantage of her. How dare anyone not see the brave, fierce soul she was.
-She can hear his fury, and it scares and confuses her in equal measure, but she nods. (It's the nod of someone who's trying to appease, trying to reassure, trying not to be a target. There isn't much belief in it.)
Anders sees that, and hates himself for it. "Cia? Please, I'm not- I wouldn't-"
Anders can't even find the words. He would never be like the evil souls in the Circle.
Cia reaches for eir sister, and after a moment, reaches for Anders as well. "I-I know." Can't say 'we', won't lie and pretend Ilska doesn't know how to trust anyone but Cia. "Ilska-" Ey looks heartbroken, like ey knows something got broken, and ey doesn't know how to repair it. "I know you won't."
"I won't," Anders says fiercely. "I'll protect you. I'll heal your wounds, kill any Templars that come near. But I will never hurt you. And if Justice ever does? Kill me. Without hesitation, Ilska. Cia."
"Not about healing, if today is any indication. You were magnificent, Cia."
Ey ducks eir head, shy in the face of his praise. "I mean- you told me what was needed."
"But I could feel you listening to my magic. You knew what I was doing and you learned. My mentor would've been as proud of you as I am."
Ilska is smiling proudly at Cia at this, her own discomfort long forgotten.
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