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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Is magic so disliked where you're from?

Mm, it is, though with good reason. Magic poses many risks, so those who can wield it are... feared.

But anything else can be a danger, too, like the sword or an unwieldy power. Magic can be used for so much good.

Wielding a sword won't draw the attention of demons, though. It is very dangerous, in my world, though I've always tried to use my magic for good, as much as I can.

Demons?

Mages in Thedas face an increased risk of... ah. Possession.

I've never heard of something like that.

[But, then again, every world is different.]

That must be a frightening thing for mages to face. I'm sorry.

It... is very frightening, yes. I'm fortunate enough to have had a good teacher, though. [A small, sad smile.] I know enough to keep them at bay, defend myself, and avoid getting caught. It could definitely be worse, at least.

Did you?

[She gives a faint smile, just briefly.]

That's good to hear. And no matter what others might tell you, this place doesn't seem to look down on mages. At least, not among those who are new arrivals. There seem to be a lot of us here.

That is heartening, at least. I've spent my entire life hiding... it's nice, to know I won't have to do that here.

Are you new as well, then, miss?

I should hope you won't have to. It's not fair to have to do that.

[She nods.]

I just arrived yesterday. And you can just call me Aqua.

Alas, life itself is not very fair, I've found.

[She smiles, though, pleased as she is to encounter someone friendly.]

Ah, is that so? I suppose we can adjust to this place together, then. It's nice to meet you, Aqua.

☀ 001 | video

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;