Snippet #1368887

Bruce sighed, relieved that they weren't apostates or anything of the like. That was good, and since he was a Templar he could, theoretically, have the upper hand over these two, though he didn't see the need to exploit his social rank. As the mage was introducing them to him, Bruce took the formality of opening the wine and offering it to the two mages; mages or not, even they could use something to cheer them up in such a distasteful condition such as this one.

Magic to built roads and buildings? Interesting yet...Why do such a thing? What about the honest men who earn their coins for such things? Who break their backs just for the better of the nation. Typical mages, always looking for an easier way to do things, there's nothing honest about them, Bruce thought as he listened to Antius, however he hadn't been prepared to share his opinion concerning the matter.

"Well...Its...Its an idea, at least, however I do hope that such spells won't be available till this Blight is over, and order has been restored. The Maker knows we need order now...With both good men being dragged out of their homes to fight against the Darkspawn, now the Templars has to also maintain order in the realm. I could see that such spells would be. Useful, in the short run, just to rebuilt what was lost during this war, however once order is back and everything is as it ought to be...I'd say that such magic would be nothing more but wasteful."

Bruce was trying is best to sound and look as neutral as possible, last thing he wanted was an unneeded debate of what was right and wrong with a mage, As if they would ever see things my way anyways, Bruce thought. "It's nothing personal, I'm just thinking in a more...economical sense, after all the Chantry doesn't have an abundance of lyrium, nor do I think that the labour workers would be particularly happy with your magic. They wouldn't earn their coins from their profession anymore."
With that said, Bruce went silent and turned away, he didn't really wish to discuss with the mages, though something bothered him, If they are out here to study the Old Imperial Highway, then why is this Asmara be bloody and so ragged with her clothes? Come to think of it...Why are they here when there is a Blight going on?
Bruce's natural suspicion and paranoia over for mages were scratching his mind. He found himself eyeing the two every now and then, and in particular Asmara. Peaceful study, eh? Explain the blood then.

"Do you know anything about the recent news concerning the lyrium trade between the dwarfs and the Chantry?" Bruce asked, his voice was now cold and inquiring, as his eyes shifted from Antius to Asmara, Are you reading my mind mage? Or are you another good liar? I know you have something to do with it. You always do. Bruce thought as he studied the faces of the two mages.