Author's note: Probably not for those who are fans of Anders, although I am not seriously advocating this as an explanation of his character and his actions. I just think it'd be much more interesting game (and a more enjoyable character!) if it were so.
I have always been good
at subtle manipulation
of magical energies
.
and of people.
.
Poor me, poor mage
misunderstood,
abused, imprisoned
within a templar-barred cage.
.
It's easy to play the victim.
.
I spin my spells
with a charming tongue
like my stories. Not lies
.
I insist they are not lies
even if they are
deceptive.
.
Blood magic is not the only way
to control
your puppets.
.
I had a captive
audience within the Tower
templars, mages, people
absolutely predictable
and so
boring.
.
I left, sought out others
to play with. Hawke had potential
like the power, and the tension
in the blood-carved city
of chains.
.
I made him
mine, fought a gentle war
of soft touches and longing eyes.
He'd lost too much
to be suspicious
to see me coming.
.
I curve myself
around him in the quiet night
listen to his breathing
and dream
of the peaceful Chantry in flames,
the mages silenced, like the templars,
blood on white stone.
.
I will call these deaths
martyrdoms, this violence
necessary
for the cause.
.
Perhaps I will believe it.
I know Hawke
will, as he always does.
.
I had forgotten how satisfying
it is to take
a lover
and turn him into a pawn.
.
Hawke will help me
I'll leave him
no choice.
Author's PS: So I was reading a book on sociopaths, and thinking about Anders...