early morning

Anders liked early mornings at the Peak. He liked when things were still and a bit chilly. It wasn’t a rare site to see a tall man, cat curled around his neck, lion at his side, walking the grounds, silently observing and taking in everything he could about his organization.

It had taken some time after Lana had relinquished it to him for him to really feel like the place was his, but once he’d gotten over that hurdle he was able to start really seeing the potential in the place. He’d had a little bit of a say in how the Protectorate was structured from the beginning, but he was able to mold it a bit more, streamline it, and build it up just a bit more.

He thought he would just focus, personally, on the animals, but he found himself enjoying working with the people as well. One of his favorite moments was watching when a griffon bonded with a new rider. He was almost always right at figuring out what type of griffon would bond with what type of person. It helped in the administration, making sure the right individuals weren’t wasting their time on a griffon that wouldn’t suit them. Anders and Fred were omnilancers, but he spent a lot of time around the medics.

Anders wandered to where Fred was roosting and climbed on his back easily. He should his satchel, filled with some paperwork and breakfast. He flew up and landed on a nearby plot of land, and made himself comfortable. He laid out a blanket and Fred sat down nearby. He leaned back against the griffon, relaxing, and pulling out some bread and cheese. Making a small breakfast out of it he worked on some paperwork.

There was a snap of a twig and he rested his hand on his staff, waiting to see if the person nearby would make themselves known.

”I have more food if you’re hungry?”

Lana had been limiting her magic use, realizing not long after the incident near Denerim that something was dreadfully wrong. Something that even Voracity could not discern the cause - or cure.

While the wound itself had closed and the black had begun to recede, there were still lasting, lingering effects. Trial and error, over and over. She just wanted her magic fixed, wanted the freedom of casting again. Without harming herself, or others. It was bad enough she was certain she'd caused some level of harm to Anders.

But Anders was the one person she felt certain could help with her troubles. Or, at least, would have far more ideas as a healer than she ever would.

So she'd set out to go see him, leaving the day's duties to Connor as she often did. With so many other wardens around to support, he'd have little to no issue. They respected him just as sure as they respected her, of that Lana was confident.

Anders, however, was not at the Peak when she arrived. Someone among the aerie pointed the direction he'd gone with Fred and off she went again. Spotting the clearing wasn't too challenging, and she had Garuda land a short distance away so as not to spook man nor beast.

I'd prefer wine, if you have it. She replied with a chuckle, making her presence known. It took her little time to close the distance and plop down beside him with a smile. How are you faring, love?

@Anders

Lana had been a grounding presence in his life for longer than most. From his time as an apprentice to finally freeing him from the confines of the Tower by offering him a place in the Grey Wardens. She was his rock when he recovered after Kirkwall. The mother of his children, biological and adopted. She kept him above water, even when she was drowning.

He knew it was her before she spoke, the wind bringing her familiar smell towards him. He glanced over at her and smiled slightly, Bit early for that. Can I offer you some tea instead? he held out his hand to her.

I’m alright. How are you feeling? Your magic getting any better?