[He glances downward uncertainly, then meets Byerly's eyes again-- his gaze is assertive in a way it often isn't, but still bears no particular judgment or accusation.]
It's true. You haven't come out in support of the mages' cause. All I can go by is what you've said to me in private.
...and I believe you, that you would support me, personally.
[This is different from a usual spat-- he's not upset, and also not being made to feel small, which makes it far easier for Benedict to keep his head and continue the discussion.]
If the majority of Riftwatch sided with the Divine, and concluded that everyone would be safer with mages confined, what would 'protecting them' mean to you?
To be honest - I don't believe that mages should have unlimited freedom.
[ There's no pleasure as he says it, but: ]
An Abomination is fully capable of murdering hundreds of people. To pretend that's not a reality would be naive. To pretend that a mage is like any other person, that they do not need particular training - I cannot say that I support a world where magic is treated no differently from green eyes or left-handedness.
[There's a flash of disappointment in Bene's eyes, but he recovers.]
...sure. Training is important. People ought to know what they have. [His gaze flits to the floor as he thinks.]
But it doesn't have to be a shameful, hidden thing. In Tevinter we see it as a gift, a privilege. People are educated accordingly. Some people abuse it, but. People abuse weapons training, too.
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[He squares his shoulders uncomfortably.]
I think you'll do what it takes for Riftwatch to succeed. You've said as much-- and right now, mages being part of the effort is beneficial.
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[ No help here; By just prompts him to continue. ]
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...so it could go either way, from an outside perspective.
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It's true. You haven't come out in support of the mages' cause. All I can go by is what you've said to me in private.
...and I believe you, that you would support me, personally.
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[ Byerly's lips thin a little. ]
And my statements that I am loyal to the members of this organization - Those are not sufficient.
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[This is different from a usual spat-- he's not upset, and also not being made to feel small, which makes it far easier for Benedict to keep his head and continue the discussion.]
If the majority of Riftwatch sided with the Divine, and concluded that everyone would be safer with mages confined, what would 'protecting them' mean to you?
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[ But, drumming his fingers on the desk: ]
Are you imagining that the move would be immediately confining them?
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[The faintest of smirks.]
I'd rather not have been an idiot twice.
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[ By gestures slightly. Doesn't smile back. ]
I wish that my will would have any effect upon the fate of the mages. But it wouldn't. The areas in which I have any power at all - are small indeed.
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[He twists in his chair, resting his chin atop folded hands along the back of it.]
To keep you from going mad speculating, if nothing else.
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To be honest - I don't believe that mages should have unlimited freedom.
[ There's no pleasure as he says it, but: ]
An Abomination is fully capable of murdering hundreds of people. To pretend that's not a reality would be naive. To pretend that a mage is like any other person, that they do not need particular training - I cannot say that I support a world where magic is treated no differently from green eyes or left-handedness.
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[There's a flash of disappointment in Bene's eyes, but he recovers.]
...sure. Training is important. People ought to know what they have. [His gaze flits to the floor as he thinks.]
But it doesn't have to be a shameful, hidden thing. In Tevinter we see it as a gift, a privilege. People are educated accordingly. Some people abuse it, but. People abuse weapons training, too.
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[ Byerly lifts his shoulder in a small shrug. ]
The current way of doing things is, without question, cruel. Circles are monstrously corrupt.
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