Pot and Kettle

She wasn’t completely clear on the events that had landed her in the cell, but things could have been worse. She could have watched the guards kill Khali and in turn, Leaf may have ended up with more blood on her already stained palms. No. The mabari had used intelligence and bolted off in search of aid while Aoife had been carted off in irons to some dank cell. The Champion neither cared nor had the facilities to really argue, not without spilling blood and the journey there had already been eventful enough with the bandits and her small baby-mage-sitting. Aoife just hadn’t expected the brew to be so deliciously quick to put away.

In a small crevice of her mind she may have put it down to a plot by Korr, lowering her inhibitions, his annoying niggling in her mind. Her situation may have been worse if not for the protest and snickering. [color=#1e92f7]“Might wanna tell Princy that his goo-hic buddy Hawke is in town.” [/color]With a cackle of amusement, [color=#1e92f7]which one[/color], Leaf sauntered her way into a single person cell. [color=#1e92f7]“I’mma be here. You put me in the big cell and you might come back to it in pie-hic-ces.”[/color] Waving off the bemused guards who began arguing over the validity of her words, Leaf sat on the make-shift bed, pulling out a flagon of ale she’d managed to swipe before being shoved down the street by the guards.

Lifting the stopper to her lips she took a deep pull, reattaching the cap and nestling into the corner. A song soon came to her lips, her voice cracking at points giving Leaf wasn’t the best but she could at least carry a tune. In between verses and sips she’d query the guard with an uncouth yell or demand for an update about Khali or the Prince.

[color=#1e92f7]“Oooooh Mr Guardsmaaaaaan,” [/color]she’d slur. [color=#1e92f7]“Mr grumpy guts! My Mabari turn up yet? … Fuck,-hic- maybe I’ll be lucky and she’s done your job for you and got my -hic- friend, eh?” [/color]


OOC: Leaf's singing the chorus

Sebastian tended to get visitors of all sorts, especially given the current happenings in the world. However, the latest one was probably the last he'd ever expect. Especially to specifically come to him.

He'd been leaning over a large table with maps spread out over it. Advisors shooed away for a time so he could let the news of further advances from the Antivans sink in. Something needed to be done, but he'd already taken what steps he could to protect the Marches short of going to war with Antiva.

Barking stirred him from his musings on plans. Sebastian's brow furrowed, looking around for the source. No one in his court owned a dog, especially one that sounded suspiciously like a Mabari. Finding the source brought further surprise. Khali?

He wasn't given much time to process before he put together he needed to follow. But where the familiar Mabari took him was not, exactly, what he was hoping for. Not that he really knew what exactly he hoped for.

Guards scrambled, barely getting to attention, when he made an appearance in the prisons. A scowl swept across his face as he looked from the guards to the cell and back. Why was I not notified immediately? Release her. Now. His tone broke no argument as they awkwardly scrambled to follow the Prince's instruction.

Of the other two guards he pointed first at one. You, fetch her some water. And you, to the next Notify a chambermaid. Have a guest room prepared in the palace. Frustration seeped into his demands. He liked to think he wasn't known for being overly harsh with his people, but incompetence tipped the scale after an already headache filled morning.

Guards gone and cell opened, he arched a brow at his old friend. Aofie. A small sigh escaped his lips as he asked his question: Do I even want to know?

Aoife was still slurring lyrics when a disapproving voice filtered through. Her head lolled from side to side in time, eyes hazily shifting in the direction of the voice calling her name. Lips curled into a pout until azure eyes found the man filling the doorway. Arms raised into the air as she chimed out, [color=#1e92f7]“Sebbyyyyy.”[/color]

Hands dropped back down, head trying to gauge through the bars what was going on. She caught the eye of one of the guardsmen. [color=#1e92f7]“Toooooold yaaaaa,”[/color] she’d snicker, quickly shifting into a fit of drunken giggling. The door creaked open and filling the doorway his shadow fell on the mage, smile faltering slightly as he asked the question.

[color=#1e92f7]“Wow.”[/color] Brows shrugged as she pulled herself onto unsteady feet. [color=#1e92f7]“That’s a nice way to say hello to someone who’s saved your fancy butt nuuumerous times.”[/color] Staggering out of the cell, Leaf ambled around the corridor the flagon of ale still clutched in one hand. She waved it at him. [color=#1e92f7]“Drank some of your brew. Lot tastier than I thought.” [/color]There was a heavy shrug of her shoulders at the explanation, it dulled Korr’s incessant taunting though it did sharpen her quickly ignited temper. [color=#1e92f7]“I behaved.”[/color] At least she’d claim that, Leaf couldn’t quite remember how she got here and the uncertain drift of her gaze quickly found Khali.

[color=#1e92f7]“Traior. You left me.”[/color]

Oop. Sebastian had definitely seen Aoife like this before. Yet it never ceased to catch him off guard when it happened. What bothered him more than her present state was that she was alone. Drinking alone never lead to good places. He knew from experience many, many years ago.

She wobbled and Sebastian moved to steady her, but stopped himself short when she seemed to keep herself upright. Somehow. A slight chuckle at her words, though. I seem to recall my arrows saving you a fair number of times as well.

The drink that had brought her to this state - and possibly cell - was still within her grasp. Sebastian groaned. No steps taken to cover the disapproval that lingered behind it. I'll have to take your word for it. He'd not had a drink in years, for good reason.

Behaved. Really. Sebastian laughed. Aoife, the last time you behaved... he trailed off, then shook his head with another chuckle. I take it back, when have you ever? The glimmer of mirth in his blue eyes destroyed any chance of looking disapproving.

Without that 'traitor', I'd not be standing here right now. Sebastian shook his head slightly. It truly bothered him none of the guards on rotation had retrieved him. She was the bloody Champion of Kirkwall, after all. Andraste's sake, what was hard to grasp about that?

One of said guards returned, then, with a wineskin in his hands. A slight frown flickered over his lips until the guard assured him it was, in fact, water. To that, Sebastian nodded and held it out for trade to Aoife. Save the rest of the ale for later?

This wasn't the first time in his memory he'd tried to help sober a friend like her.

Older beyond her years, Leaf had made it her role as the sensible, pragmatic twin. Her brother had always been the one to jump in head first, fists and magic flying. She was the one often hauling him out, ending and straightening out the fight that he no doubt had started. Solitude had been the norm for some time now, adding drink was more to handle the noise that came with people.

Aoife pulled a face, mimicking his words with a chime just as a child would. [color=#1e92f7]“Yes, and I have thanked you many -hic- times.”[/color] The open disapproval only earned him a drunken smirk, and a snort of giggling.[color=#1e92f7] “Aw Seb. You can be such a … such a square some.. ALL the time. A drink is not going to offend the Maker, otherwise he’d not have invented the means for it.”[/color] Leaf had long been of the opinion that if the Maker cared at all, he’d have made it far more difficult for people to become intoxicated.

Her body spun to face him, brows steepling, [color=#1e92f7]“Last time? …”[/color] a scowl, [color=#1e92f7]“Last time was your fault.”[/color] He was right to take it back, he had been the one to find the whiskey and while he hadn’t poured it down her throat if he had just left it behind, Aoife wouldn’t have ended up skinny dipping.[color=#1e92f7] “I behaved,”[/color] she repeated. [color=#1e92f7]“Didn’t have you, or Varric, around to encourage me so I retained my dignity this time!”[/color] Again, the sliver of doubt niggled though she pushed it away when her gaze found Khali’s.

[color=#1e92f7]“I did tell them,” [/color]maybe not the shared title she and Mikael shouldered, but with time, people did forget. Leaf gave a half-assed shrug. [color=#1e92f7]“If she hadn’t found you well… might’ve been a hole in your prison next morning. Is good she found you.”[/color] Eyes hazily rolled over towards the returning guardsman, flashing him a grin which spoiled to a scowl at the contents being water and not wine. Goddamn party-poopers. Her face scrunched further as he offered it in exchange for her flagon. [color=#1e92f7]“Uh... how ‘bout No.”[/color] And with that Leaf was heading out the way he had come in.

[color=#1e92f7]“Which way out Seb, preferrrrrably before I start asking, or making my own doors.”[/color]

Sebastian rolled his eyes. It's as if I don't talk, he quipped. You of all people should know it is not my vows that have kept me away from a drink. Not that he should even be trying to reason with her while she was drunk. Many drunks he'd known in his life were petulant children when inebriated and, well, Aoife tended not to be much different. Though it always depended on how much liquor was involved, as with any of his drink-loving friends and acquaintances.

My fault? he echoed, incredulous. Oh, please do enlighten me on how I could possibly prevent you from retaining your dignity. I thought I was a... square?

A frown tugged at his mouth and he threw a glare at the guardsman as he'd returned. Still unhappy he'd not been informed. Especially if she'd specifically said something. That would be an issue to solve later, however. For now, he had a guest to tend to.

Maker's breath, he muttered under his breath.

He wasn't going to argue yet on the matter. Instead, he tied the wineskin to his belt and put an arm around Aoife, guiding her away from the cells and toward the way out. Please don't. The coffers haven't quite recovered from the last time you put holes in things.

Depending on how much contact she'd allow him, he'd guide her out of the prison area and back toward the palace. Otherwise, he'd simply lead her in the direction of the palace - keen to keep a close eye in case she wandered off.

It was probably wise not to attempt reasoning with her. Leaf was staunchly stubborn when sober, steaming drunk was an entirely different level of her willfulness. Even as he spoke her eyes rolled, the exaggerated sigh falling heavy at his excuses. [color=#1e92f7]“Pussy.”[/color] A drink was not going to kill him and despite her high tolerance, Leaf had in recent years steered away from it, the consequences of last time still all too fresh in her mind. There was a cursory short glance down to Khali which quickly shifted away again for the flagon. Another sip was taken. [color=#1e92f7]“Honestly, a drink is probably something you need. Gods, you need to lighten the fuck up.” [/color]

[color=#1e92f7]“Your fault,” [/color]she repeated, eyes narrowing. [color=#1e92f7]“Got me involved in that fucking game of Strip Grace then convinently disappeared. Some friend you are.” [/color]

As his arm slid across her shoulder Aoife lamented bitterly, [color=#1e92f7]“You left me. Much like you left me in there,”[/color] pointing back towards the cell. Feigning hurt that wasn’t really there but by gods could she play it with the fake brimming of tears. She let him guide them out, steering towards the palace. Ah, it had been left instead of right, well shit, no wonder she’d gotten turned around and lost.[color=#1e92f7] “Let’s not talk about last time, okay!”[/color] Another thing she was certain wasn’t her fault.

After a little distance Leaf pulled away to shake her flagon at him. [color=#1e92f7]“Have a drink. I refuse to suffer you completely sober. Have one and I’ll forgive you for abandoning me in a cell for hours.”[/color]

A few replies ran through Sebastian's head, but he made the concerted decision and effort to say nothing in the moment. What good would it do anyway? Aoife went beyond stubborn when she was drunk like this.

When the Wicked Grace game was mentioned, he winced. In my defense, I never agreed to strip Grace. He shrugged, not that it would get him far. She'd still blame him, there was no getting around that. And sure, he supposed he could shoulder that blame.

Aoife, I didn't leave you in that cell. You did something and I came as soon as I was informed. You cannot blame me for that. Maker, the way she looked made his heart clench a moment. Until he reminded himself she was seeking pity. After all, short of sprinting, he'd have arrived no faster. Pity for what, however, he wasn't entirely sure. After all, it came as a massive shock for him to even see she was here, of all places.

Sebastian let out a chuckle. You are the furthest thing form sober. As if that had been what she meant. He eyed the ale in her hand, though, wheels turning in his head. Ideally, he'd get it out of her hands and not return it. But then, there were consequences to consider. Though he did have options.

Fine. He slid the flagon out of her hand, but stepped away without taking a drink. Tofa? Thankfully, the pandalope was lurking nearby - as she often did - scurrying over and taking the prize out of his grasp. She hopped up his arm to perch on his shoulder, peering quizzically at Aoife.

[color=#1e92f7]“No, you just left me. Unsupervised with the filthiest and prolific storyspinner in Thedas!”[/color] She hadn’t been able to look that bloody dwarf in the face for weeks because of that night. It had earned her a nickname the bastard would utter under his breath while they were alone. Shitheads. The lot of them.

For the briefest of moments her look had him hooked, and then of course sober judgement sunk in. Leaf knew he’d have come as soon as he’d heard, still, the warmish reception unnerved her a little. The other shoe was always expected. [color=#1e92f7]“Nothing’s on fire nor are people screaming, so I’m sober enough,” [/color]she retorted, flashing him a grin over her shoulder. [color=#1e92f7]“And I’ve not been to your fancy digs, so excuuuuse me for not knowing the god damn way!”[/color]

Her attention set ahead, Leaf meandered some as they walked on towards the royal estate. Brows eventually furrowed as  he took his time deciding on accepting the flagon or not, suspicion entered them further as he took a step back. As the critter scampered over Leaf’s blue eyes darted, following and tugging the muscles of her face into a scowl.

[color=#1e92f7]“...,” [/color]followed a deep sigh before Leaf’s wrist turned, fingers playing across invisible strings as fade magic came to her will. The force of gravity, hers to command, even in her inebriated state to hold him and the creature in place.[color=#1e92f7] “... You seriously thought that wise?” [/color]eyes rolling. Sauntering over to him, she plucked back the flagon, giving … Tofa a pat on the head and retreating. Some steps away she dispelled her hold, head tilting at him with a degree of disappointment. [color=#1e92f7]“You know better than to get between us,”[/color] she shook the flagon.

It seemed he'd inadvertently slighted her more than he'd ever considered. After a moment, Sebastian relented on it and put his hands up in a surrendering gesture. You got me, I apologize. Whether or not she'd take it - or if it was even something Aoife cared that much about - was another matter. But if it would placate the drunk woman, Sebastian could live with it.

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose. Maker's breath, Aoife, you did not tell me you were coming to visit. I'd have arranged an escort had I known. He'd leave out the part where it was mostly to ensure she didn't find herself in any trouble on the way. Like she managed to do regardless. Though he did appreciate the fact that nothing was on fire. He had enough problems with the Antivans pounding on the doors to worry about what sort of fiery chaos might follow a Hawke.

The fact that his choice to accept the flagon of ale and then try to keep it from her didn't land his ass in the dirt was... a miracle. He'd taken the calculated risk, implicating his poor companion in the process. Having magic used on him was not commonplace. In fact, he'd blessedly avoided being hit by whatever most mages had flung at them back in the day. This was different than anything else, though. The heaviness he felt alluded to the type of magic being used - not that he was versed enough in magical schools to fully understand what it was or what it meant.

By instinct, he'd held his breath in the moment, breathing out heavily when he was released. Sebastian rolled his shoulders and shook his head as his companion took off, the poor little pandalope a bit off put by the magic. Understandable. Not many mages were around the creature on a daily basis. Can you blame me for trying? Yes. Yes she could and very likely would.

Once he'd straightened himself out and taken a quick inventory of his body, he focused on Aoife. I don't recall you doing well black out drunk, he added, starting to head back on their path again. I merely wish to help. Believe it or not, I still care about you - and your well being.

[color=#0074d9]“We both know what would’ve happened if I sent word.”[/color] Her wobbly blues found his, attempting to give him the most deadpan look she could muster. There would be no way on Thedas that his advisors would let her come unannounced. [color=#0074d9]“A motherfuckin’ parade and likely,”[/color] her arm gestured wildly,[color=#0074d9] “some eeeejit would try and assashin-assannin-...ASSASSINATE -there we go- me.”[/color] Leaf gave an exaggerated nod, even now there was still mixed feeling about venturing out of quiet isolation and back into the world. Fucking Mikael, but with the everything tipping over on all fronts her idyllic undisturbed existence wouldn’t have been spared. Everything had its end, nothing was permanent.

The bemused look across his face as her hold froze him and Tofa tugged her grin higher. Smug amusement filled her face, [color=#0074d9]“You’re too soft, you know that right?” [/color]Her giggle veered on the sinister if not for the odd snort, snickering as he adjusted from the momentary discomfort. Aoife meekly followed, eventually drawing back alongside him though continuing her oscillating trajectory to the palace.

A scoff of a laugh blew through her nose, head shaking in agreement with him. [color=#0074d9]“No. I don’t, but I’m not there yet. This won’t get me there either,”[/color] she assured him, raising the flagon but deigning not to take a sip. No. Ale was not whisky and she wasn’t going to lose her pants quite yet. [color=#0074d9]“You can help me by not being such a square and join me at the adults table. There’s spicy juice. It helps dealing with the potential end of the world scenarios.”[/color] And boy, were there a fucking shit ton for them to face.

Leaf paused, her head lowering some to briefly stare into the ground until finding his again. [color=#0074d9]“I came… well, mostly… “[/color]. Because Mikael found me and blew up my house and I haven’t found him to kick his ass yet but, that wasn’t the main reason. [color=#0074d9]“...because my friends mess is my mess… and.. I guess it’s better to try and fight with people who are going to handle me if … if Korr gets too big for his boots. You could use the help, with the Antivan's, I mean.” [/color]

Fucking ale, why was she more honest on this than the blackout trouble maker on whisky. Eyes fixed on the building in the shortening distance. [color=#0074d9]“Tell anyone I said that and I’ll stonefist you into paste, got it Chastity?”  [/color]

Sebastian sighed. Have some faith in me, Aoife. He gave up shortly after his words, however, as she flailed about trying to come up with the word assassinate. He knew better. One couldn't reason with a drunk Hawke. Didn't matter which Hawke, either.

Soft. Perhaps he was, but regardless his immediate reaction was to crinkle his nose at her. Maybe you can help me with that while you're here. He conceded after a moment, unable to resist, especially as she laughed like that. It was too cute, but he dare not speak a word of it.

He eyed the flagon as she waved it, but didn't bother to do more than that. It had already proved a futile effort to attempt keep-away. To her commentary, Sebastian rolled his eyes. I'm certainly capable of dealing with that free from liquor. But perhaps a few too many sweets to curb the stress came into his life instead.

They'd nearly reached their destination, but Sebastian stopped short. Surprise clear across his features as he stared back at his friend. We have mages here that were continuing the Divine's work with the possessions, he started after a moment. They might be able to aide you in... less violent ways than I take you to mean. He then nodded. And yes, I could certainly use help with Antiva. They, if no one else, have grown too big for their... boots.

Sebastian laughed. Understood. He nodded, then gestured at the building they were just shy of. With luck, it should be prepared for you. No one else knows you're here and it will remain that way. You're welcome to stay as long as you like.

Stepping forward, he opened the door to a fairly lavish room. It might be a bit more than you're used to, hopefully it won't make you soft. He added, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

Aoife snorted,[color=#0074d9] “I have barely enough faith in myself, Seb. With all the shit we’ve been through, can you blame me?” [/color]She’d been prepared to die at Adamant, but worse had happened. There were times, moments where Leaf thought she was back in that hellscape. People were more predictable than demons, though his next comment caught her off guard.[color=#0074d9] “What?... How?”[/color] suspicion slipped into her brow, her gaze appraising him carefully. [color=#0074d9]“... I’m not nearly drunk enough for that kind of talk, Seb. Dirty fucker,”[/color] she snickered, hoping that would be the end of it.

Ignoring the lingering glance over the flagon, Leaf focused on her footing and the Prince’s lame excuse. [color=#0074d9]“Are you? Because the leaders I’ve met… they’re a lot more agreeable when they’ve had a few. Too stiff and they don’t trust you. Not completely.”[/color] Only Sisters should be clean sober, but even they couldn’t be trusted. Fucking Petrice was a clear example of the lack of intoxication addling ones brain. No. Best not to tarnish the drink with her craziness.

As the neared the estate she walked on a few steps ahead as he abruptly stopped. Here it comes, the mage thought, shoulder sagging with the expected pity, the offer of help in dealing with Korr. She chuckled, but there lacked any humour in its tone. [color=#0074d9]“I’m afraid it’s not quite as simple as that,” [/color]her back straightened, lungs drawing in a deep breath. [color=#0074d9]“Korr has chosen me. He refuses to shift to another and… in some ways I suppose he is a fitting punishment.”[/color] Her hand rose to stall any protest he might have, the mage had long made peace with her companion, as much as she despised the demon. [color=#0074d9]“I’ve been out of the world a long time, I don’t handle crowds as well as before.” [/color]Leaf grinned a little, [color=#0074d9]“That being said, I am an effective weapon. I can certainly remind the Antivan’s that the Free Marches are not theirs to step on.” [/color]

[color=#0074d9]“Mmm,” [/color]Leaf mused, brows shifting, uncertain if he really would or not, but they were soon moving indoors, down a few corridors until eventually the pair landed outside her chambers while she was in town. [color=#0074d9]“Well, depends what you need of me, I suppose,” [/color]shrugging as he opened the door. A low whistle at the sight of the grandeur had her head turning as eyes scanned around. [color=#0074d9]“.... Just a bit,”[/color] mumbled from her throat, before she shot him a mock glare. [color=#0074d9]“Ain’t nothin’ soft about me… well… some things.”[/color]

In the end, all Sebastian could do was sigh. On most fronts, really. Despite knowing better than trying to reason with a drunk woman, here he'd been. Though it didn't mean he'd back down on the possession front. I'm told it doesn't have to be a removal. I admit I lack knowledge of the finer points, but our researchers say there might be ways of suppressing the presence to... he trailed off, searching for the right words. A dull roar? He added after a moment, shrugging slightly. She'd need to talk to one of the researching mages herself to fully understand it.

You don't deserve to be haunted like that, he added. Why were both the Hawkes such martyrs? Infuriating at the best of times.

After a moment, though, he nodded along. Perhaps once you've settled in, you can join me for my next meeting. She'd probably scoff at the notion. Just demand to be pointed in the direction she needed to go cause chaos. But it wouldn't hurt to offer, no?

Sebastian watched her with amusement as she took the room in. He caught himself before offering she stay indefinitely. Not particularly keen to admit how much he'd missed her... and a few of the others, naturally. Or was it merely the nostalgia of a simpler time?

A laugh escaped as Aoife replied to his barb. Some things? he asked, amused more than curious. He paused, hesitated really, then pushed the door closed behind himself. You win, Aoife. I'll take one drink and maybe you can tell me why you're really here now. The Antivans weren't a recent problem, after all. And now, at the very least, he could guarantee there'd be no curious eyes or ears on what she had to say.

Brow furrowed, eyeing him sceptically. Leaf wasn’t a scholar, she’d read a few tombs, but her talents were blunt, destructive and elemental. She couldn’t weave delicate spells, the subtlety lost on one who learned better on her feet and by trial and error. Being a guinea pig to his researchers though didn’t inspire confidence either. [color=#0074d9]“... I’ll think about it,”[/color] it was all she could promise, especially inebriated. [color=#0074d9]“He’s not all bad, but fuck is he annoying,” [/color]a hand gestured, then reached to uncork the flagon’s stopper again.

Lips paused around the rim, withdrawing to scoff out a hollow laugh, [color=#0074d9]“Ha!” [/color]knocking back a mouthful. [color=#0074d9]“We both know that is a barefaced lie. There are a lot of people who’d like me or my brother, or anyone I care about, dead.”[/color] Azure eyes measured him a moment, the flagon dipping toward him. [color=#0074d9]“Prince Sebington of Trashaven, is also on that list.”[/color] The seriousness in her expression lasted about thirty seconds before her upper body leaned back to cackle.

[color=#0074d9]“Count me in, my prince. I will… put the fear of the Maker into them?...the fuck if I know, but not right now.” [/color]Leaf shook her head, pointing her in the direction was usually the best way to ensure results, get things done. The small scuffle on the way here had been a nice casual dip back into action, flexing long unused skills set aside while hiding in the wilderness. It had been nice to stretch her magically legs so to speak.

[color=#0074d9]“...Could probably use a bit of training before you send me off to war…,”[/color] eyes narrowed on him, taking in the regalia. [color=#0074d9]“When did you last spar properly? With someone who’s not going to let you win, just cos you’re the Prince?”[/color] She turned, catching him looking at her in the oddest way. His laugh timely shifted them out of the awkward pause, her grin curling upwards. [color=#0074d9]“Fitlth! What would my mother say?”[/color] shoulder’s shook with amusement until the sound of the door closing snuffed it out the chuckles.

Again suspicion descended over her forehead. His question, the offer and bribe. Leaf sucked in a breath, the gears and cogs turning as she weighed how to play this. Her wits both dulled and heightened by the booze. The corner of her mouth twitched briefly, [color=#0074d9]“Mmm… one drink isn't enough for the truth. That’ll get you… something, but not that answer.”[/color] She seesawed the flagon in the space between them, [color=#0074d9]“You want this answer you gotta offer me more than one measly drink.” [/color]