Mask or Menace - IC Inbox

[dreadinquisitor]

He's gotten better with his communicator - a part of him even likes it! He'll probably get back to you, if you leave him a message.

Conversely, do it the old fashioned way. He'll definitely get back to you.

Comments

[dreadinquisitor]

[A chuckle, a hint of the handsome laugh he was capable of on better days.]

And never a manual to go with. [Then a bit of a grin.] It's almost like it's not supposed to be trifled with or something.

[h2no]

You'd think they'd realise if they just told you the shit you're going to get into instead of leaving some stupid riddle, maybe people would avoid it more.

[he shakes his head. archie hates whoever "they" are.]

[dreadinquisitor]

Or be more secretive with their dark, ancient rituals. [Maxwell makes a "pfft" sound and shakes his head. Those people..] They wonder why things keep getting blown up all the time.

[His laugh fades gently, and he looks at Archie.]

So, what's your story, then? Clearly I'm not the only one that's had their fair share of phenomenal cosmic power wrangling.

[h2no]

Same as most people's.

[he crosses his arms, leaning against the surface next to the stove while the water comes to a boil.]

Fucked with powers I thought I understood, didn't, almost ended the world.

[dreadinquisitor]

[Maxwell sits quietly, listening. He waits for Archie to go on, then asks gently.]

What happened?

[h2no]

I got another chance, surprisingly. By the person who stopped me.

[he shrugs.]

I was trying to save the world, not end it. I guess I have that going for me, even if it didn't actually need saving.

[dreadinquisitor]

You do. [He nods, honestly meaning it. Maxwell has seen enough, done enough, to know that details are important. The reasons, as much as the actions.

He holds up The Anchor again.]

I got this from the monster that was trying to end mine. Purposely, so that he could rule whatever ashes remained.

[h2no]

[which he doesn't deserve and is still struggling to terms with.]

End it and then rule it? Look, coming from a bonafide madman, that's fucking stupid.

[dreadinquisitor]

That's what I said, but somehow he still managed to raise an army to follow him

[He holds out both hands, a 'what're ya gonna do' gesture.]

[h2no]

...I mean, I didn't quite raise an army, I just had a small team, but I like to think I had a point that wasn't completely insane.

Just, uh. Y'know. The method.

[dreadinquisitor]

If it helps, you don't seem particularly mad now. [He smiles.] And Corypheus would have never made me tea.

[h2no]

I got lucky.

...Corypheus, honestly. Even the name.

[dreadinquisitor]

Now imagine someone shouting "bow before the will that is Corypheus" at you. [He laughs softly, and shakes his head.] ...He was a piece of work.

[h2no]

Good fucking lord.

[he can't help but snort.]

You're talking about him in past tense. I hope that means he's dead.

[dreadinquisitor]

He wanted into the Fade so badly, so I obliged him. [A beat, a small bob of his head.] In pieces.

....Hopefully he stays that way this time.

[h2no]

Careful what you wish for, right?

[he assumes the fade is an afterlife, which is a completely badass name.]

Well, I'm sure if he comes back he'll just need one look at you before he shits his loincloth and immediately retreats.

[dreadinquisitor]

One can only hope. [He isn't sure what he expects, knowing that Hawke had also killed Corypheus once before, and the Grey Wardens had held him imprisoned before that, but he knows that he'll keep waiting, just in case, ready to try again. For as long as he can. If he ever returns home....

Quickly, he closes that trail of thought off and shakes his head to chase the moment away.]

...But enough about him, he doesn't deserve the attention. What about you- any plans for the holiday I understand is coming up?

[h2no]

[archie would argue he doesn't deserve the attention either but dang he doesn't want to be a miserable bastard.

the water is at a boil, now, so he dumps it into the cup (carefully) and puts the bag in, holding it out with a spoon to max.]

Not really. Maybe I'll get a Christmas miracle and will get to sleep in for once.

[or... sleep at all!]

[dreadinquisitor]

Or at all?

[Trust your insomnia bro to make the joke anyway, Archie.]

Here's hoping its quieter all around. I think everyone's had just about enough excitement for one month.

[For several, really, but somehow he doubts they'll get that lucky.]

[h2no]

Like any imPort would be so lucky...

[it genuinely surprises him that the night life in this world is so dim, given he could count the people he knows without sleeping issues on one hand.]

Arceus, don't jinx it.

[dreadinquisitor]

[Maxwell looks up from where he's gently stirring his tea with a gasp, his eyes mock-wide.]

Too late. I've probably doomed us all. [He takes a small sip and ruins the joke by humming happily.] ...And after you made me such a nice cup of tea. I'm the worst sort of person.

[h2no]

Hey, some people need someone to blame when everything goes wrong.

[he pours more of the water into his own mug, dumping a bag in.]

Weird I can make a good one when I rarely drink it, right?

[dreadinquisitor]

Clearly, you missed your calling. [Maxwell dunks his teabag gently and takes another sip.] You ever decide to make it a profession, let me know, I'd invest.