3/2/15
Three years after becoming Champion, Carver realized his life was only slightly changed from what he had anticipated. The team of friends he had started with was the same, with only Isabella's absence truly notable. Anders had taken a couple years away, but at that point the city had been busy asking for advice rather than deeds. His team rotated, Merrill his only true consistent companion.
By the time Anders returned, it was with a lot more responsibility on his shoulders as well. Which is why The blonde mage running into Carver's estate with a huff was more disturbing even than normal. This was not mitigated by his announcement of "We have a problem," as he barged in on Carver and Merrill having dinner.
Carver jumped to his feet. Anders had returned only a few months earlier to find his clinic ransacked. He'd moved his offices both for the ill and the Wardens into Gamlen's old residence in Lowtown since the older man had moved into a small room in the mansion. Since that point Carver knew Anders had been very busy- enough that Hawke was hesitant to ask his friend for aide in doing his good work. And work it was for Kirkwall's champion.
Yet the blonde had come to him. After saying there was little he would add to Carver's mind. The Warden even looked particularly troubled.
"What's wrong Anders?"
"Meredith."
The name made Carver groan. He'd hated how many complaints the woman brought him, and in turn how many were brought against her. Nothing could ever be proven of course but the accusations on both sides were disturbing and dangerous.
"Anders, I..."
"She's refusing entry to the Circle, Carver. ALL entry."
Carver growled. If that was the case it meant Anders wasn't able to recruit mages. It also indicated she was breaking the promise to let the Champion visit his sister. "Let's go. I need to see this myself."
Carver put a hand on Merrill's shoulder as she tried to rise. "Too dangerous. If Meredith suspects..." Carver sighed. "I can't lose you Merrill."
The elf looked sadly but nodded, sitting back down to her meal as the two men left.
Carver and Anders were quick in their travel to the Gallows and near immediately saw Meredith watching for them. The woman huffed with a pursed smile. "Champion. I see you and our resident Warden have come to show your support."
"Let me talk with Bethany."
"The mages have become dangerous. Even the best of them is susceptible. Even your sister."
Carver was about to pull his sword, but Anders put his hand on the man's shoulder. "We are better than this," he whispered, though magic swirled at his hands barely controlled as well.
Meredith wrinkled her nose. "You, mage, are lucky for the protection the Wardens afford you. If I hadn't promised Commander Howe you would be locked up too."
Carver did growl. "Unacceptable."
At that point, the Revered Mother exited the Chantry. Even Meredith bent the knee before her.
"What hurts you, children?"
Carver and Meredith both explained themselves clearly, but the blessed woman kept her face emotionless as they spoke. And in the end, her pretty words said nothing to help Kirkwall weather the storm.
So Carver went back to Lowtown with Anders, thinking carefully as the two men found something to drink. "I don't know what to do," Carver admitted.
Anders downed the entire drink in his hand, pouring another. "I know. For myself, I have seen the oppression, but I am free now. I thought I could leave it behind, but seeing it at its worst...I feel like I must act to free those who remain oppressed."
Carver nodded. "Let's think about it. We can't be too hasty, much as we'd like to be."
"I want to write Sis."
Carver paused. She did have a right to know, but...
"You said you wouldn't disturb her right now. With Lee..."
"Marian deserves to know, both because of her arrangement and Bethany. Maybe she can use that legendary diplomacy for us."
Carver sighed. "Write. Maybe she'll send aide, and at least she'll know what's going on."
Kirkwall was falling. Carver knew he needed help.