Second.

[trustwellness]

A week's distance from the last death seems to have helped some of you, seems to have calmed things down somewhat; the presence of a new floor has helped a little in that endeavor as well – things are a little less claustrophobic, a little more open. Of course, for others things haven't been going as smoothly; between the odd dreams that you've all been experiencing and the Wordsmith's incentive, the added space may just be encouraging distance between you and your fellow Apprentices. It seems that only time will tell how things will progress from here. Friday morning comes, and with it comes the brightening of the lights throughout the University – though it seems there's something a bit wrong with the second floor in that regard. Namely, the workshop remains dark. That's probably going to be a problem. >Explore?

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[neverheardofhim]

[Caught up as Varric was in keeping Killia in place, he didn't really feel the claws rip across his skin. In any case, it was nothing he wasn't used to. Given the amount of scraps he'd found himself in, this was likely the least devastating wound he'd suffered in awhile.]

This is his game, Killia. Let them play it.

[It was sick, seeing their lives reduced to this -- to murder and dispensing of some mockery of justice. He knew that if the roles were reversed, if it were Hawke in there and him out here, he would have felt the same damn well. But it didn't change what needed to be done. Survival hinged on the methodical investigation going on inside.]

Mikazuki, take his shoulders, will you? [Varric was a strong man, but his low vantage point made the struggle next to impossible.]

[deofoled]

[ They're stopping him from doing anything, and he hates it. He hates feeling powerless, he hates-- how easy would it be if he just gave in right now to everything.

But he hears that one word "game". It sounds like something Christo would say, Christo who managed to give them some direction in fighting Void within hours of joining.

In his heart, he knows that it's the truth. It was too late to do anything. His movements slow, though he's still resisting, just not nearly with the ferocity of before.]

It's happening again.

[tsugomori]

[ It's happening again.

There are those wings of Killia's certainly getting in his face now, and he certainly moves so he can at least grip the male by his shoulders, because encircling the waist isn't doing any favors, clearly enough. The dark-haired male releases a sigh, because yes, it certainly is happening again, but he wonders if Killia is referring to the same thing.

Mikazuki wishes that things didn't have to be like this; they were all being used as tools to kill each other here and falling victim to it like hook line and sinker. It was the epitome of depravity.

And they had to suffer for it as well. He'll try to keep talking, to distract, if he can't comfort. ]

It is -- and it is frustrating. But, we'll make it through this together, like we did before, and the traitor who broke our trust won't get away so easy. You and I know what end awaits them.

[neverheardofhim]

[Like Mikazuki, Varric had his own suspicions about what Killia meant in regards to "again." He choked down his questions for the time being -- the kid was already suffering enough, he didn't need an investigation into his personal life. If Varric had learned anything this week, it was that memories were painful.]

[With the ebbing of Killia's struggles came the the loosening of the dwarf's grip. While the rest of his body was still poised to leap into action, to drag the so-called demon to the floor if he had to, he was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being.]

And if you do anything now, you know what end might await you. It's not worth it. It's -- [He was hedging his bets here.] -- not what Christo would want for you.

[deofoled]

[ Finally he stops fighting earnestly, though he just kind of stands there held up by the other two men. They were both right, though it did nothing for the feeling in his chest that felt like it might burst at any moment.

Christo would have wanted the most logical action done, that's what he would have wanted. And that certainly wasn't flying into a blind rage, no matter how much he wanted to. All Killia could do right now is push down the impulses welling up within him, until he could act on them later. There would be a later, one way or the other.

....

It was always about revenge, wasn't it? It always came back to that, no matter what he did.]

Let me go. Both of you.

[ There's surprisingly no anger in his voice, as it's been replaced by a tone as cool as ice.]

[tsugomori]

[ Mikazuki released a shuddering breath he didn't know he had been holding, however, it was not due to lack of patience -- that he certainly he had in spades. It was because of the simple fact that the man had managed to calm down and wouldn't charge into the scene and cause a bigger mess than there already was. Well, he's never had to hold back someone being reduced to a state...

Even so, he knows very well, judging from that tone and their circumstances things are still the opposite of honky dory.

Mikazuki makes sure to not only carefully let go, but also make a move to step back, before moving to the side. His gaze passes over to Varric, grateful for help in holding back a friend, before landing back upon the demon with a calm, serene expression. ]

Killia, if you do not mind, I will gladly stay by your side for awhile, if you need any company.

[neverheardofhim]

[For a moment, Varric's hands remained on Killia. He glanced up, studying the man's face for a quiet moment. While he had his doubts, the man's demeanor had seemed to have changed. And if this whole thing was meant to be a blighted trust exercise...]

[He let go, hands falling to his sides, and stepped out of the way. His gaze shot up to Mikazuki, hoping that, should anything happen, he would stand ready to step back in. It didn't take long for his eyes to find their way back to Killia, however.]

Agreed. [He paused.] Better yet, I can shake up something to eat. Let us do the cooking for a change.

[deofoled]

[ Thankfully it doesn't seem like Killia has any intention of going rogue, and he steps away from the doorway once he's released.]

I don't care. [ And then to Varric:] Make what you want, I'm not hungry.

[ Those words said, he's going to start to walk off...somewhere. He doesn't have a destination in mind, but he doesn't want to be near the workshop anymore.]