"You learn by being given information and extrapolating from that, not by being given NOTHING and told to 'figure it out'." She mutters, cutting herself a sliver of cheese.
"...I had an Avarr going on about how my research is a lost cause and that a time comes when a healer must put a knife to a patient as they are beyond saving." Not something she enjoyed hearing. "That may be their way, but it is not mine. How many die because they are beyond saving? Because we do not TRY to save them?"
"Well...he is Avaar. They've an entirely different perspective on spirits and possessions- apparently? Augurs can be possessed, live with their spirit, and then the spirit can leave of their own volition when they are no longer needed? It's fascinating- I do not know if it is a cultural conflict or my pride wandering in the way."
"If they know how to do it, why won't they share?" It sounds naive, until she continues. "Is having a smug secret more appealing than being able to lord it over everyone by having the answer to an ancient question? They couldn't possibly be sitting on this and keeping quiet. He must be lying."
"If Tranquility can be cured, why can't he be telling the truth?" She knows precious little of Avarr, but the fluid nature of spirits and how they are influenced by intent and belief changes a great deal. "How do the Dalish view spirits, Pel?"
"Sort of like we view the weather, really. Wind can pull your aravel and it can damage it. That there is wind isn't a good or bad thing, you just have to be aware of the state of it and shorten sail when it's too strong. Spirits and demons aren't fundamentally different to us. They're all equally dangerous, just like a little breeze can become a gale. And we don't know what else to do about possession except to kill or be killed."
"In Tevinter they are seen as tools. Among the Avaar, as gods. They are influenced by interpretation, by what we expect to see. When the whole of a people believes them to be a certain way- that is how they are. I cannot unlearn how I was taught to look at it from your point of view, or from his." Life would be so much easier, otherwise.
"Not to how spirits behaved around me- or this particular instance. Mages among the circles- or even apostates that have heard the same tales as Circle mages of spirits and demons- they cannot unlearn that. If they become what Anders is- they will endure it in the way they think they ought. Interpretation influences intent. Teaching me would not help as much as it would someone of his own people." Unfortunately. "But I remain vexed that I am unable to learn."
"It is for more than him- when he was Detlef, before...Before." She sighs, drinking deeply of her wine. "He told me he was possessed. I did not know he was Anders. I thought he was a spirit healer that had gotten in over his head. I gave my word that I would find a cure."
Pel nods solemnly. "Consider it done. But please don't get yourself killed. There's a lot of other things you're needed for, like keeping me from murdering a lot of idiots."
A chuckle. "You've made a lot of commitments. All right. It's my turn. Leliana is my, um, ultimate superior. Most superior officer. She comes to me, talks to me about my notes, and says one of my opinions is naive. But she has me here to give an analysis, an opinion to chuck in with all the others people give her. That's my job. She's to take it or leave it, not berate me for it."
"If Tevinter had that magic- it would depend upon who it was that had such a power. Sitting in the shadows and playing a long game only you are certain to see?" It is what any good deathless Orlesian would do.
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It could be the latter.
"I am not ready to go for the knife. Not yet."
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"If they know how to do it, why won't they share?" It sounds naive, until she continues. "Is having a smug secret more appealing than being able to lord it over everyone by having the answer to an ancient question? They couldn't possibly be sitting on this and keeping quiet. He must be lying."
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"You're helping Anders get rid of Justice."
Perhaps Adelaide can read the minutiae of Pel's expressions and inflections right now, and gather that she is surprised.
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She was positive she'd told Pel. Hadn't she? No, no she hadn't, they'd both been busy with their own projects. "...I am now telling you."
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LeBlancs keep their word.
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