exsilium | ☀ 001

[The video feed clicks on, showing a pretty young lady wearing blue and silver armor. One might notice dark circles under her eyes, making her look as though she hasn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. She doesn't acknowledge the netbook right away, instead staring down at the staff in her lap, eyebrows knitted together in thought.

After a moment, she finally looks up, addressing the camera, and rolls her eyes irritably.]

No one ever wants a mage around, I've noticed, unless they think we can be useful for something. And it's always something. First darkspawn, and now I'm fighting a blighted war for some strangers.

I think I'd rather the war, though, so I'll play along. Speaking of which - there are other Grey Wardens here. Or perhaps I still have to deal with darkspawn, but I'm trying to stay optimistic. So, if I may ask who's out there... Stroud? Anyone else from Vigil's Keep?

[She moves to reach for the 'off' button, but freezes. It wouldn't hurt to introduce herself to everyone else here, instead of being such an angry jerk all the time, she realizes. SIGH, her life is so hard. B(]

Ah, and - my name is Bethany Hawke. If I didn't just make it completely obvious, I'm one of your newest "transports." [She bows her head politely.] A pleasure, I'm sure.

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Yes. It's lasted for... hundreds of years.

[That gets a smile out of her, oddly enough!] All right, then, I'll be sure not to do it again.

Wardens spend a lot of time in dark tunnels killing darkspawn. Mage Wardens in particular don't have to worry quite so much about getting locked up, at least.

I can do a lot more, but that should... give you a general idea. [She pauses thoughtfully.] It's very dangerous, and I... would honestly rather I wasn't a mage, but it has its uses.

Mostly in a bad way, unfortunately. Though I've been told that our recent travels to the past have helped to improve things.

With neither force ever gaining the upper hand?

Elves and dwarves, huh? What's your homeworld like?

[There's a beat, and then she gets another smile out of him. Awwww cutie] I have, yeah. I mean, I was born on - well, this planet, actually, but a different version. Or at least, a different time. It's pretty confusing. But yeah, I started off there and ended up going off world when I was a teenager. I spent a few years travelling on my own, before I joined the military. And then - well, you go where you're needed. I've definitely ended up in some places I never would have imagined.

You should show me sometime. I'd like to see. [He gives her a friendly, encouraging smile.] And danger doesn't frighten me. [Liar.]

We all do. But at least it will be a -- good death.

Hey, I didn't say that. Feel free to osmosis off of me.

Sounds like lots of fun. And by lots of fun, I think most people would pass. What they stick you in a tower or something? [He thinks he's being clever. 8C]

[She sees that reluctance, Bethany, and by god will she beat it out of you with love and flowers.

But first she's going to think about what you said about darkspawn, and how it reminds her of fal'Cie and l'Cie and Cie'th. When she responds again, it's notably more subdued. She knows that kind of burden all too well.]

And... you don't want to fight them, do you?

[She listens with great interest because hey wow that sounds really cool. *u*]

Oh, my home is nothing so spectacular. Thedas is nothing like this Earth; we don't have anything like these netbooks, for instance. [She shakes her head dismissively.] I grew up on a farm, in a small village called Lothering. It wasn't the most glamorous life, but I - it was enough, for my family.

I joined the Wardens three years ago, so I do a lot more traveling now, but... I miss those quiet days back in Lothering.

[She shakes her head, and that tiny smile on her face slips away easily. This one's going to take a lot of work, Vanille. :V]

No, I... I don't. What the Wardens do is very honorable, but it's... not what I wanted for myself. I've little choice now, though.

I could do that, certainly. [She blinks at him curiously.] ...It doesn't frighten you at all, really? I'm almost jealous.

They... do, actually. Stick us in towers, I mean. [WAY TO BE CULTURALLY INSENSITIVE, JOKER] I've never had the pleasure, myself.

Ah... I think that is where you and I differ, Your Majesty. [She shakes her head.] It is honorable, I'll give you that, but... not what I wanted.

Well, the Fifth Blight ended well enough for us. But another one will come eventually, and we'll start all over again, yes.

[His smile drops for a moment, and he looks suddenly serious.] No, it does. But I don't know magic well enough to be afraid, just wary.

Then you did not choose not to die?

[That seems...problematic.]

Sure, if you wanna call it that. Guess you're not too bad to look at.

Being wary is smart of you, at least. You've little to fear from me, though; I'm not out to hurt anyone unless I have to.

[Yes. Yes, it does. :|b]

No, the decision was not my own. My brother chose for me.

[Frowning...]

I'm sorry for that, then. I'm sure he thought he was doing what was best for you.

Then I won't give you any cause to hurt me.

I don't know, I think you make your own spectacular. Your world probably has just as many things I haven't imagined, you know? [He nods] A glamorous life is overrated. [And then he grins a little] Or so I've heard, at least.

Oh, uh, speaking of things I haven't heard of. What are the Wardens, exactly? If you don't mind me asking, that is. I know where you're coming from with missing the quiet, though.

Even in victory, the cycle repeats itself.

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