Title: Broken Beyond Repair

Chapter 4

Beta: OhSlashy

Sometimes Nathaniel hated his role in the Wardens but other times, like now, he loved it. Finding the truth and helping innocents, that's what this job was about. Protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. Mages fell under that category now more than ever, with the Templar's evil schemes 'accidentally' leaked to the general population, everyone would understand just how mistreated and misunderstood these people were. Sure, having powers made them dangerous, but so did wielding a sword or owning anything sharp. Just because they had their weapons within them, in the palm of their hands and the spirit of their minds, didn't mean they had to be separated and abused. And that was exactly what Anders was telling Nathaniel, most animatedly.

Nathaniel liked listening to the mage's sombre voice as he explained everything that was wrong with the Circle of Magi and the 'capture and enslavement' of his kind, as Anders put it. Another part of Nathaniel's job, one which he was finding difficult, was locating those who committed a crime against innocents he was sworn to protect. Talking to Anders, was one way of finding out who were his assailants, But the mage was tight lipped and would change the subject quickly. Not that Nathaniel minded. Having to talk about being chained, beaten and raped was not something he wanted to talk about. And Anders seemed to like having someone to talk to, someone who would listen and not judge even if he did flinch a couple of times as Nathaniel moved to sit more comfortably.

Before coming to check on Anders, Nathaniel 'interviewed' the Templars who were accused of the heinous crime, only to be stonewalled. Talking to the mage seemed like a better deal, not that he didn't leave some of his more unruly wardens working on it. If the Templar's were to appear with a few cuts and bruises tomorrow... well, the Tower was a big place and accidents happened.

He took to noticing the way Anders spoke, so passionately and philosophically. He had his thoughts planned out, his plans mapped out and he knew what the future for mages should look like. Nathaniel smiled as he explained what the future held for his people, the free and wondrous world in which everyone would live together, in harmony, regardless of their gender, race or magical ability. If only more people were like Anders, he thought to himself, then maybe the future wouldn't look so bleak.

"What about Templars?" Nathaniel asked. "Where will they be in this new future of yours?"

"The Templars would do their duty," he replied looking at his hands instead of Nathaniel. "They would do their part as Andraste instructed, not this warped sense of protection. I don't want to talk about them."

"Okay, we won't," Nathaniel stood up from his seat and reached over to Anders' forehead to check his temperature. He put the back of his hand on the mage who pulled away, a confused look on his face. "I'm checking your temperature, relax."

The mage furrowed his brow but didn't pull back when Nathaniel's hand made contact with his forehead. Satisfied, if a bit worried, Nathaniel pulled away and sat back down. He looked at the mage once more, his eyes assessing his healing progress. The gashes on his face were healed by magic, as were his other wounds. The only signs of abuse were a few scars scattered about his body, mostly on his arms and chest, and the tightness at which Anders held his body in the presence of others. Even now as they spoke Anders held his body as far away as he could on the bed from Nathaniel.

He continued talking with Anders, trying to keep the conversation away from unpleasant topics as much as he could, until First Enchanter Irving came in to check on him. The elder mage walked in, smiling as he saw them having a lively conversation. They were talking about the best way to cook mash potatoes and beans but that's not the point. Their conversation ceased when the old man entered and made his way to Anders' side.

Nathaniel stood from his seat and made to leave the room but Anders, practically jumping out of bed, asked him to stay. He looked to the First Enchanter to see if he minded, he didn't although he suppressed a smile, so Nathaniel returned to his seat. After a few minutes of running his hands up and down the mage's stomach, back and thighs with healing magic, the First Enchanter sighed.

"You have some muscle damage that magic cannot fix," the mage began. "But other than that your dehydration, malnutrition and wounds are all healed. You've got to eat more, however, if you want your mana to return and your magic to be yours to control."

"How extensive is the muscle damage?" Nathaniel asked. "I've had minor damage before and all it took was a pack of ice and a few weeks of rest."

"Mostly the same thing," Irving replied. "I won't risk using an ice spell, even a minor one, due to Anders' low immune system. He could go into shock or it could make it worse. The only thing we can do now is fatten him up, keep him rested and entertained."

"Um, hello?" Anders said, raising his hand, making the two men turn to him. "Do I not get a say in this? I'm okay with trying the ice-"

"No," Nathaniel said with a stern look. He turned to the First Enchanter, "Thank you, serah. I shall keep Anders fed, rested and entertained, I promise you."

"I don't need a baby sitter," Anders huffed. "I can take care of myself, thank you very much!"

"I don't doubt that, mage," Nathaniel said with an uncharacteristic smile. "But it wouldn't hurt to have a friend to talk after everything that's happened."

A bit short, sorry. Working on Chapter 5 and 6 now!