Cherith

Karl’s Alphabet - V As In Vanity

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Karl does not spend as much time in front of the mirror as a certain other mage he knows, but he takes time to trim his beard in the mornings. There are those that grow one to hide something, such as an unfortunate chin or the lack of one, but not Karl. He has the sharp, strong bone structure that he vaguely remembers being so common in his homeland, that he on occasion finds himself missing seeing in abundance, especially on the women. It is a good look, not one that needs to be hidden, and that is not what he is doing. He grew the beard to show something.

A Harrowed mage might be considered an adult, but as mages, they will lack the many markings of adulthood that exists outside the tower. They are not allowed to choose their own trade, to have their own homes, or starting their own families. All they have is studying, all they will ever have is Circle life.

A beard is a mark of adulthood that the templars can not rob him of.

That was his reason for growing it, and the largest reason for keeping it; the other perks are secondary. But it does look good on him, it warms his chin a bit in the chilly stone prison, and Anders really likes it. Not just Anders, either; he is not the only one to have kissed it and buried eager fingers in the coarse hair. He is the only one that has scratched it, just under his chin, and cooed at him as if he were a cat, however. Karl tries to not think back at that particular moment too much.

“You spend way too much time on that beard,” Anders remarks as he drapes himself over Karl’s shoulders. He has no room to speak, really, but at least he knows better than to tug at it. Now.

“Well, you know how it is, to be vain,” Karl responds because there are things that are too important to explain so early in the morning, hurriedly rushed through in between moments meant for other things.

[OMG I’m reblogging something that mentions Anders… try not to be surprised.]

It is rare that I reblog anything that has to do with Anders.  But, I had to do this one.  Combo, lady.  This is adorable and lovely, and I love his reason for growing his beard, and why he keeps it so well.  <333

I love this a lot.