nysalogs | January Catch-All

[Justice didn't expect to be invited out on a gryphon ride of all things, but when Anders suggested it, why would he refuse? He enjoys experiencing new things in this world, and he especially enjoys experiencing them alongside his friend.

For moral reasons, he had to check in with the gryphon to make sure that he was doing this of his own free will. Anders had been stuck explaining why Justice was staring excessively into the gryphon's eyes and asking him if he is enslaved by the stable master. Luckily, from what Justice could gather, the gryphon is just as pleased for a chance to go out as they are, so Justice had no moral issues leading the gryphon out of the stable and taking him to the top of a hill.]

It is good to see that these creatures yet live. [He says as they mount the beast. Justice pats the beast's flank before wrapping his arms around Anders' waist. It's definitely the closest he's gotten to a mortal outside of battle, but for some reason, it doesn't seem so noticeable when it's a matter of practicality.] I have seen them many times in the Fade, but I was under the impression that they were extinct.

( It pains him to have to explain his friend's behavior away as nothing more than that of a nutcase. He knows that people see him as such, with the way that he acts and the way that he blurts things out without any prior provocation. Anders knows that he isn't, though, and that's why it hurts so much to have to lie about it.

He's able to get over it by the time they reach the top of the hill and take their places on the back of the gryphon. Anders takes the front, since he has the most riding experience between the two of them, while Justice takes the rear. He's not sure how much his decades old experience of riding horses around the family farm is going to translate to riding a gryphon, but he's willing to give it a shot. )

You know, they said the same thing about dragons not all that long ago. ( He brushes his hand along the plumage that made up the front half of the beast. ) Maybe there were still some left, somewhere. I've always wondered if they were as vicious as the stories made them out to be.

( The gryphon rears his head back, at that, and Anders sharply pulls his hand back. )

[Justice doesn't approve of lying, but he has grudgingly accepted that mortals are attached to little lies and he's never going to get them to stop. He knows that many of the natives are convinced he is mad, and that Anders has to confirm the notion to protect the secrets mortals insist on keeping, so he does not take offense when Anders plays into the stable master's expectations. He's more concerned with the hurt that wafts from Anders' skin as he does it, and Justice is sorry to put Anders in that situation.

Justice isn't one to laugh or smile, but there is definitely some amusement in his eyes as Anders recoils from the gryphon.]

I do not know if they were vicious, but they are famously proud, if the memories I saw were at all accurate.

So perhaps it would be unwise to insult him.

[It's not quite a tease, but it is remarkably close to one by Justice's standards.]

If you are truly curious, the memories always showed them to be fierce and terrible foes in battle, and stalwart and noble allies to have at your side.

I'm sorry.

( It doesn't matter whether Justice meant for it to be a tease or not. Anders was already plenty worried that he may have harmed the creature's feelings so the apology slips out quite easily, almost as easily as the way his hand goes back to lay against the griffon's neck. He strokes the beast's grey plumage soothingly. )

At least we won't have to worry about running into any darkspawn out here. Maybe if we're lucky, we won't run into anything.

( Anders likes to be optimistic. Not so optimistic that he was about to leave without his staff and several potions with him, though. Between the three of them, they should be able to handle whatever's out there. He takes the reigns in his hands and throws a short look across his shoulder at Justice. )

You ready?

If we are lucky, [Justice agrees, tightening his grip around Anders' waist in preparation for takeoff. He ignores the odd contentment he feels with their closeness.

He tightens his legs' grip on the gryphon's flanks.] Let us see if this resembles flight in the Fade. I am ready.

[In the Fade, Justice has had many experiences and forms. Sometimes he's ridden gryphons, and sometimes he's been a gryphon himself, depending on the memory or the dream he found himself in. Everything else has been different in the mortal realm--he's excited to see if this is the same.]

( There's a little bit of anxiety coiling in the pit of Anders' stomach when he turns his attention toward the sky. He's never done anything like this before, so it should come as no surprise for him to feel this way. But the arms around his middle help him feel safe, and he smiles slightly when he notices them tighten around him.

He squeezes his legs hard against the gryphon, trying to urge him forward like he would a horse toward the edge of the hill. )

Hold on tight.

( It's more of a figure of speech than a suggestion, given that Justice is already holding as close as he can. His grip on the reins remains firm, and he uses his back and legs to coax the gryphon into a gallop. The gryphon seems almost a little reluctant to do so, at first, but once they reach the end of the hill, the beast's wings begin to spread and he takes off, suddenly, into the sky.

Anders curses lightly. There goes my stomach, he thinks, looking down toward the continously shrinking ground with a glance. )

[Justice, on the other hand, is perfectly comfortable with this turn of events. Probably because he comes from a place where gravity is a suggestion at best. The thrill of flight, however, matches the memories from the Fade, and he lets out a soft, breathy noise as they lift off and the ground shrinks beneath them.

But he can sense Anders' anxiety. Justice moves one hand to squeeze Anders' shoulder gently before returning to his tight grip around Anders' waist.] Do not look down if it makes you uncomfortable. You will only make yourself anxious.

[A lot of Gray Wardens left behind memories of their fear of flight. Usually it would go away, but some of them decided to just walk into battle instead.]

( It's just first time jitters. Anders'll get over it eventually. He brings his gaze forward just as Justice tells him to, though, and tries his best not to think too much about how far below the ground is below them. )

I'm fine. ( He says, reassuring himself as much as Justice. As long as the gryphon doesn't decide to buck them off, he shouldn't have anything to worry about. )

It's just like riding a horse for the first time. I'll get used to it.

( Once they are high enough in the air, Anders focuses on trying to steer the gryphon toward the coastline. Since he's not bonded to the beast, it takes him a little while, but after wiggling around in his seat and gripping the reins, he eventually gets the gryphon going in the right direction. )

[Once he's satisfied that Anders is no longer on the edge of panic, Justice turns his attention back to the view.

If he breathed when he wasn't talking, it would take his breath away. It's different in this realm, somehow. There is something vast and humbling about seeing an entirely static world laid out at his feet, full of creatures brimming with unpredictable, unbridled possibility. Beauty bursting from order, the sprawling artistry of a world that bends to no one's will but that of reality.]

Do you ever wonder at your world's beauty as I do, Anders?

[Justice's voice is a whisper, almost stolen by the wind. He can live in the mortal realm for a thousand years, and he will never get tired of its beauty.]

Are you're getting sentimental on me already?

( If Anders wasn't so wasn't intently focused on trying to get the gryphon to their destination, he'd almost throw a look over his shoulder. His tone is undeniably teasing, though. Justice should be able to tell that much by the way Anders begins aww'ing at him. )

Just wait till you see where we're going. It's not quite as charming this time of year, but I think you'll like it all the same.

I cannot help it. Your world has that way with me. [Justice knows he's being teased, but he doesn't mind. He hopes that he never loses sight of how beautiful this world is, so orderly and yet so breathtaking.

The thought of seeing something more beautiful is exciting. The corners of Justice's mouth softens in something that vaguely resembles a smile, but it's not like Anders can turn around and see him.]

I am certain I will. You know what I enjoy.

[And not just because Anders happens to be fused with him, though Justice is sure that helps.]

Edited 2018-03-09 03:28 (UTC)

( Anders doesn't need to be fused with Justice to know how much he likes seeing new things. The first time Justice saw trees, it was in the Blackmarsh. And even though those trees weren't particularly breathtaking or nice to look at, Justice still was in awe of seeing them because he was seeing them for the first time outside of the Fade. Anders is pretty sure he'll feel the same way about Flona Cove. )

Watch the horizon. We should be coming up to it soon.

( The crystal clear water comes into view just a few moments later, surrounding on three sides by miles of sprawling beaches. There's a harbor and a bustling little town right next to it, but Anders guides the gryphon down toward one of the wide open areas along the beach. He throws a glance over his shoulder, then, smiling at Justice as the ground gets closer. )

Pretty, isn't it?

[Justice isn't worried about letting a known thief into the space he and Stannis leave their things. Isabela may have sticky fingers, but she's not stupid, and stealing things from a person who can hear thoughts would be stupid. Also, he likes her, and she treats him kindly despite knowing what he can become, so he was pleased to offer her a place to stay when he heard she needed one.

He's not exactly the best host--mainly because he hasn't seen a whole hell of a lot of examples of hosting to work from--but once she's arrived and settled, he does actually think to consider the fact that she has to sleep eventually.]

I do not sleep, so you can use the bed that was originally meant for me.

[He sees nothing weird about inviting someone to sleep in his bed.]

[Isabela might be a pirate who doesn't shy away from stealing, but she is at least a pirate with standards. One of those being not to bite the hand that feeds you (within reason-), and certainly not the one that's giving you free room and board that can read minds apparently. It being Justice who's the one offering such a kindness keeps her on her best behavior too, since for a spirit he isn't too bad beyond some social awkwardness causing a scene or some biased assumptions here and there. It feels a little crazy in the grander scheme of things with what she'd heard, but getting to know a spirit hasn't been too bad.

Which comes into play now with the topic of sleeping arrangements. With anyone else she'd have some teasing remark, maybe some innuendo with regards to having some company to make them flush. She almost wants to anyway, but she knows it'll be met on deaf ears so she lets the opportunity go. A part of her appreciates his innocent offering with no underlying desires to do anything though, for as available as she makes herself it's nice to be in a place where she doesn't have or need to be.]

You don't need to sleep, even with how you are now? [All flesh and bone and not...whatever spirits were made of.] What do you do instead all night?

The only difference between my own form and this physical form is that this form survives independently in the mortal world. Otherwise, it seems to behave as my own form usually does.

[Which means no food, no water, no sleep, and yet it runs perfectly well. Justice doesn't understand it, but he doesn't question it too hard either.]

I usually spend the time patrolling the streets. Wrongdoers become more confident when it is dark. On quiet nights, I like to read.

[Justice doesn't have much in the way of hobbies, but he never gets tired of reading about mortal creativity and intellectualism. Academic texts, fictional stories, he finds it all interesting.]

So you don't need the same things normal humans do? What about...you know. Physical desires or urges of the carnal variety?

[She pauses to think of the most blunt way of putting it that's still tasteful, since she knows well enough by now that being vague about this kind of thing will just get taken at face value. It's still a little embarrassing looking at it this way, but curiosity prevails.]

Sounds like you'd fit in well with the guardsmen, they do like their patrols. Careful you don't steal their thunder with that talent of yours. You might make them jealous.

[There isn't an ounce of surprise at knowing he goes out patrolling in her expression, a small part of her expects it at this point. She laughs after that last part, knowing full well the guards would likely be more unsettled than jealous, but also to show that she isn't in the slightest serious.]

I'm not being serious about that last bit, only joking. What kinds of books do you enjoy reading then, anything exciting? I used to be big into reading more often than I do now believe it or not.

You mean sex? [Justice has no sense of tact. Perhaps luckily, he is entirely unashamed on this topic, and he discusses it as easily as his lack of sleep.] I do not crave it as you do. Spirits do not sexually reproduce, so I have no instinct for physical intimacy. [Justice's frown deepens in thought as he considers.] Perhaps one day I would be curious to try it with a suitable partner. But at the moment, mere embraces remain a novelty to me. I imagine sex would be too... complicated for now.

[Just letting Anders kiss him on the cheek was a lot, and that was with Anders. Justice knows he has to get comfortable with more casual intimacy before he tries anything more.]

The guardsmen do not like me. They think that I am mad and do not listen when I attempt to warn them of crimes being committed. [Which is frustrating, but works out okay because then Justice just deals with it himself. Which probably could become a problem if the guardsmen catch on that it's him doing it, but Justice doesn't consider things like that.

It is nice that she tells him that she's joking, because otherwise he would have taken her seriously.]

I like to read what mortals have to say about magic and the Fade. There is little literature to that effect here, so I read what I come across. Fiction, nonfiction. I find it all interesting.

I thought as much, but it's not too surprising. If I recall our meeting you didn't really notice much of a difference between us beyond the physical. I flirted with you pretty hard too, just for fun. [She laughs again then, meets his frown with a soft smile.] Just so you know, I was serious that this new body of yours is fairly attractive. Should you want to try it I'm sure you'll have little problem finding a partner.

[Still so oblivious, but then he's a little cute being so innocent to the more indecent ways of the world.]

The guardsmen don't like anyone from the looks of it, far too focused on their jobs to manage any manners. [Or maybe that was just her. Still, bad manners is bad manners.] Sounds like you're better off with what you've been doing then, but I'd urge you to be careful not getting caught yourself.

[Of course, now she thinks he actually is making them jealous with his competency, but she keeps that under wraps so he doesn't go out and ask them about it straight up like she expects him to.]

We are in a different world, strange as that is to think about still. I think the Fade is a thing of the past unfortunately. I'm sure there's plenty of people from ours that'll love to talk with you about it, maybe other mages?

[Her earlier smile gets just a touch devious at the mention of other forms of literature.]

I could give you some recommendations if you wanted, even take a look at the libraries here if they'll let me in. It's mostly some of the philosophical books they keep here, but there's some good smutty literature meant only for private eyes around too. Could make a good crash course if anything happens in the future.

You were? [...Huh.] I did not notice. You may need to be more direct if you flirt with me in the future. [Justice completely misses the point of flirting, but honestly, that shouldn't be a surprise.] I would not wish for just any partner. I would wish for someone who understands what I am and my limitations. I understand that sex can be an emotionally charged experience at the best of times, and I would not wish to unintentionally harm someone who is unaware of the extent of my lack understanding. [He knows himself, and he knows that he might do or say something unintentionally hurtful. He'd need someone who understands that these things don't come from malice but from his inhuman nature, which cuts down on the sorts of people he'd be comfortable experimenting with significantly. He can't sleep with a native because they just assume he's insane, and most of the people not from Thedas need him to explain what spirits even are.

He cocks his head, still staring unblinking at her, but he does still manage to look quizzical.] Why should I be careful to not get caught? I have been doing what is just.

[Justice is still a little vague on the idea that sometimes laws prevent people from doing what is just in the same way that it prevents people from doing what is unjust.

He doesn't quite get her deviousness at the moment. The fact that most mortals would find discussions of smutty literature to be embarrassing escapes him.] I doubt I would learn anything new from them. Mortals dream frequently of sex and sexuality, so I witnessed much in the Fade. I would however appreciate any recommendations you would make.

Of course not, but that's what made it fun. [A laugh.] Careful what you ask for though. I'm already being on my best behavior in bringing something to sleep in while I'm here. I wouldn't want to be a rude guest after all.

[She shakes her head, amusement written all over her face. There was some truth to the fact that his appearance in this world was certainly attractive, but with how she still sees him confronting strangers in the street anything physical or otherwise related is a whole other issue to tackle. Although how he describes it isn't too far off the mark in parts, and she looks a little surprised.]

You do get it better than I thought you might, but you're much too hard on yourself. [Not that she doesn't get his hesitation after finding out his connection with Anders, but that hardly makes how he is in this form dangerous. A terror to the locals probably, but so far he's been more eccentric than of any harm.] Just because you've much to learn being what you are, shouldn't hold you back from being with someone if you wanted to be. Of course I think it's smart to be wary just in case, but I hardly doubt that means being with someone could be bad.

[She rolls her shoulders in a shrug for an initial answer, for lack of words to say about it. Some explanations were tougher to explain given her own relationship with the law, as well as thinking how to explain what to many is common sense.] I didn't say it wasn't, knowing you I'm sure you got to the matter sooner than the guards would have. It's hardly fair nor do I even understand why myself, but I doubt they'd take kindly to it even being on the same side of the cause.

[Which is the closest she can manage for an answer to that. Explaining the way that laws function and why the people supposed to be on the right side of justice is hard to explain even to herself, especially being someone often on the wrong side of it. Her expression gets fond at the mention of books she's read though. It's a shame she probably wouldn't be allowed entry into the Wyver libraries anymore, but hopefully with the unrest building in the city she could manage to get into Olympia's libraries.]

They're entertaining at least. The badly written ones are especially good for a laugh, but the well written ones could possibly be good for tips and pointers if you take most of it with a grain of salt. As for the rest...well. They probably don't have the books I know, doubtful they carry books from authors in Thedas. They might be lost to the storm but I did like reading about how we as a people function. I'm sure you find that plenty interesting already though.

If you are most comfortable sleeping without clothes on, do not wear something for my sake. I do not mind either way. [Which may sound mildly insulting, but he doesn't mean it that way. He's comfortable with human nudity the same way he's comfortable with cat nudity. It doesn't really strike him as something he should be embarrassed by.

He shrugs at her point about sex. He doesn't crave it like a mortal would, so it doesn't feel like a sacrifice to wait on trying it, possibly forever.] Perhaps one day. But I am wary of mortal social rules that I do not know or understand. I would be most comfortable with someone who knows me.

[He nods his thanks for her point about the guardsmen. He doesn't know why they wouldn't take kindly to his help, but he appreciates the warning. Perhaps he should keep that in mind going forward.

He listens as she talks about books, clearly interested in what she has to say about it.] Perhaps it is something to consider, if I ever believe I may a have sex with a mortal. I would like to read stories about how mortals function, but I rarely understand them. The authors expect that the reader will understand why the characters do what they do, but I do not.

Contrary to what most people think of me out there I don't just strip down to nothing without good cause. [Good cause being questionable in and of itself, but it's what works for her.] Although I appreciate the invitation to plenty enough, I am but a guest in your home. I'm already taking your bed as it is anyway. If you have a shirt or anything you don't mind me sleeping in that'll work just as well, since I didn't exactly bring anything for an overnight stay. I wouldn't want to startle anyone else who might be around here after all.

[Which just makes her think of the possibility of Anders walking in to see her in all her naked glory, which...wasn't new but would probably come as a shock to either of them now with the days of the Pearl being long past.]

Certainly don't rush on that because I've mentioned it, I do that plenty enough in the time that you've known me. [She shrugs at him, odd quirks for being a spirit aside he looked just fine if he wanted that kind of thing. But she also knows he's cautious so any concern she has doesn't really need mentioning.] Take your time with it, I'm sure there's much more around you'd probably want to learn anyway with you being sort of human and all now.

You'll probably want to find books meant more for teaching then if they have them. A lot of the books on the matter of people and their societies that I had access to years ago were written by men too up their own ass to dream of clarifying it to someone who doesn't know nearly as much about it.

[And they had been hard reads then too with her only recently having learned to read, but she'd done it. Even if some of them made her eyes cross and her head ache from over complicated terms.]

The smutty literature I used to read was more for fun than education but I'm sure there's better books around for that too if you're ever curious. [She grins.] And if you ever want to laugh at the sheer absurdity writers have gone to with incorrect details then well, I'm sure I could send some of those along your way. You could look at them as a guide of what absolutely not to do, or what will kill the mood the easiest.

Do not feel like I am sacrificing by giving you my bed. I do not use it. [Justice considers for a moment.] You may use anything you find in my closet, though you will not find much, I am afraid. [Justice doesn't sweat and only sort of understands the importance of clean clothes, so he only has about two or three shirts in all.] Though I do not object if you choose not to wear anything.

[Justice nods along to what she tells him, keeping it all in mind. No, he doesn't think he will have sex any time soon, but maybe he will want to know this eventually just in case.

When she mentions absurdist smut, the corners of his mouth soften in something that's close to a smile by his standards.] I suspect I have already seen much of that in the Fade. Without reality to constrain mortal sexual fantasies, they become strange, even by Fade standards.

[The things he's seen, Isabela.]

Perhaps it would be good to read books so that I will learn what is and is not appropriate outside of dreams.

January Catch-All

Anders

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Isabela (and possibly Stannis later)

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