some grumpy grump hates kids

[trulyfree]

[No formal introductions here since Fenris is preoccupied with the noise coming from down the hall.]

I returned to my quarters to find the others rooming with me to be missing and shrieks echoing down the hallway.

Perhaps it should be of no concern, but it seems some of the younger ones among us are murdering each other collectively in some strange ritual. I am uncertain of if it would be wise to intrude, though advice would be appreciated as to whether or not I should bolt the door and bar them from returning as punishment for their unruly behavior.

[Not that he hasn't already done just that.]

Comments

[pseudologist]

No, he's still...

Wait. Just...let's say in the spirit of inquiry. Did you ever meet Hawke's sister?

[trulyfree]

Yes. Bethany I saw plenty of.

[Not sure why you're even asking this, Varric. You should know it already.

Fenris thinks, anyway.]

[pseudologist]

I never met her. Leandra spoke of her a time or two, and there was a painting, but she died before the family escaped Lothering.

[Somewhere on the other end of the psychic connection, he's rubbing his forehead to banish the inevitable headache.]

Our histories don't match. There's bound to be other discrepancies, but that's a pretty big one.

[hakodate]

That shit happens a lot here, you'll find.

[The stories Hijikata could tell. Except he probably won't because they're awkward.]

[trulyfree]

Hm. Well, I suppose it wouldn't be fun for our captors without inducing a little confusion for their own entertainment.

[Dry, dry, dry. Everything is dry.]

[hakodate]

I'm pretty sure they get off on all of this, up to and especially including when we get ourselves killed in the line of duty.

[Hijikata entertains no illusions about the Trumps being out to work for the greater good.]

[trulyfree]

[Fenris hadn't actually been serious, but now he is frustrated that someone else actually agrees with the notion, which only further postulates that it may actually be the truth.

He sighs, shaking his head though the other man can't see.]

A sick game of control, it would seem. Once a puppet, always a puppet, I suppose. [How utterly disappointing.]

[hakodate]

[The first few times Hijikata said as much, it was probably a joke.

Now? Now, he's been traveling so long that it's stopped sounding like one to his ears.]

You put it a lot more eloquently than me. I just call it bullshit.

[trulyfree]

[He chuckles.]

I'm afraid "bullshit" is not part of my standard vocabulary. At least, not in the common tongue. But I wouldn't say it is any less inaccurate as a description of the circumstances, informal or not.

[hakodate]

The Trumps haven't done much to earn me speaking nicely about them, so informality it is.

[trulyfree]

A reasonable choice to make. You don't worry about the impression you'll give to others?

[hakodate]

If they can't find something more important to judge me over, I probably don't need to give a shit what they think anyway.

[pseudologist]

You could make a case for it happening every time we land somewhere new.

[hakodate]

...point. But I was mostly thinking of how we used to have three Soujis running around.

[Two of whom also shared a face and one of whom was really goddamned confusing 99% of the time.]

[trulyfree]

It begs the question of why, but I don't suppose you would have an answer, even with your endless ability to tell wild tales, would you?

[Awkward pause here as Fenris debates telling Varric this next part.]

You called her Sunshine. If that helps your understanding of her any. I found it rather appropriate.

[pseudologist]

Aside from the spirits in charge of all of this having a strange sense of humour?

And that's...evocative. I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet her myself.

[Yet. It hovers on the tip of his...well, mind, but he doesn't project it.]

[trulyfree]

She has a kind soul. And a generous heart. Surprising considering who she is related to.

[Yes, this one might have even developed a small crush on her. ...but, RIGHT, back to...the original topic. Ahem.]

They must have a very odd sense of humor indeed to cast such differences between us. What was her brother like? Carver, that is. I don't need to know about the other one. [AMUSED CHUCKLE. OH, HE'S SO FUNNY not...really...]

[pseudologist]

I've never been able to track down proof, but I'm convinced Gamlen was actually switched at birth.

[Because that clearly has to be who Fenris is talking about, right? Hawke is Hawke, and Leandra had been an absolute darling.]

Carver was headstrong, prickly, hungry to prove himself, no matter the cost. The number of fights he picked, you'd think he was getting paid for all of them. He'd grown up into a decent enough man the last time I saw him...but you didn't hear that from me.

[trulyfree]

[Fenris had meant to make a jest regarding Hawke, but Gamlen actually fits better in this case, so he simply goes along with it as if it was his initial intention.]

It would certainly explain why he lacks any sense of loyalty.

Carver doesn't seem the most pleasant company by your description, so perhaps I am lucky in not knowing him, even if he may or may not be a better man now. By the words of a man whom I am not acquainted with. [Don't worry. Broody's got your back, Varric.]

[unabatedly]

Hijikata's right; this isn't all that uncommon, unfortunately.

[It doesn't make things easier, certainly, but this part she can explain a little.]

We've had several people come in with...similar histories but sometimes inexact details. It's something the Trumps like to do from time to time. They bring others from alternate worlds.

[pseudologist]

I hadn't missed that.

[With Anders around, expecting Hawke to start swinging around a sword the size of...well, of Anders, it would be hard to miss.]

It's just a little more surprising when it's close to home.

[unabatedly]

[A beat.]

I'm sorry. I know it's...difficult. I've been mostly lucky enough not to have anyone from my 'time' that I've recognized.

[pseudologist]

I do have to wonder how groups of Travelers are chosen. I know Hawke attracts followers like a dog attracts fleas, but the disparity is...notable.

[unabatedly]

There's only small threads of similarities between us. All of us, in some way, have shaped our respective worlds. Beyond that-- I think the Trumps just like to have a varied group of us. The better to watch our reactions.