3/2/15
Carver walked into Anders' offices in Lowtown calmly. The calm left when he observed the scene, very quickly. Anders was sitting in one of the cushioned chairs on the visitor side of his own desk. In the owner seat was a man he'd met only once but immediately knew. That man had one hand marking a place in what appeared to be all the reports from Kirkwall, the other around a glass of alcohol. Even if Carver had been unsure of Nathaniel Howe's identity the crest on the bow at the side of he desk was obvious.
"Shouldn't you be with my sister at Vigil's Keep?" Carver asked, surprised.
"She figured it prudent to remain there herself and send her second of for the moment," Nathaniel advised. "Apparently when you mess with the Commander's direct orders her idea is to make a statement."
"A statement?"
"She tried to come herself, but I thought it prudent to intercept. On behalf of the Knight-Commander. And Kirkwall. And the Wardens. Honestly, anyone who could be affected by a very direct attack on Meredith and her kine."
Carver chuckled. "I would almost like to see that attack on the Gallows, but on behalf of Kirkwall I thank you for coming instead." He had expected suggestions, information...definitely not for a high-placed member of Fereldan's Wardens to come. Especially one with a nearly two-year-old daughter. "Any questions?"
"Yes, actually. When precisely did Meredith lose her mind?" Nathaniel sighed and pushed back from the desk. "And why isn't the Chantry speaking against this?"
The trio discussed and debated through the night. Carver was very glad he's given Bella and Merrill the night alone so they wouldn't be expecting him back; by the time a conclusion was reached, dawn had already come to Kirkwall. Anders was the weariest of them, rubbing his eyes and shaking his head, though Carver knew that he wasn't getting much sleep lately overall due to his worry.
Maybe having a course of action would help.
Carver followed through on his before heading home. He went up to the Gallows and immediately demanded an audience with the First Enchanter. As Kirkwall's Champion, he had a certain right to consult with the mages on matters of import. Privately. The Templars knew that, and Carver made sure it felt common enough that they didn't bother waking her for permission.
When Orsino entered his office, Carver was pacing.
"Champion?"
"Enchanter." Hawke let his relief shoe. "What in the name of Hadrian's cock has been going on here?"
Orsino's eyes popped wide open. "Too much, Champion, though I prefer we keep the blasphemy to a minimum."
"Work with me. Please. For Bethany's sake."
Orsino shuddered and sat down. "Meredith is crazy."
"I know."
"I have every mage here as my charge."
"And I all Kirkwall. Including your mages. I'm not asking you to act rashly, only to be ready when the time comes."
Orsino bit his bottom lip and seemed to consider Carver. "What do you need me to do?"
"Keep your mages safe, and be ready. I WILL stand with you when the time comes, for Bethany's sake. And everyone who should be free."
Orsino extended his hand. Carver accepted the handshake, glad of the new compatriot in this shamble of a town. With mages and the Warden support, they might be able to save Kirkwall from destroying itself.