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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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.

[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.

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.

Oh, are you another one who doesn't have magic? I'm beginning to like your home the more I hear about it.

[She smiles, trying not to look put out by the fact that everyone keeps asking about the Wardens ugh!!! But it's her own fault for mentioning it so publicly, and this Kaidan is very ~~cute~~ nice, so--]

The Grey Wardens are an ancient organization of warriors, dedicated to fighting darkspawn. I suppose it's not so different from what you do, now that I think about it - I go where I'm needed, and I have certainly seen... quite a lot. [and yet she doesn't seem so enamored with the idea.]

Not...really. I mean, we have what you'd call magic from a distance. [He'd demonstrate, but Kaidan isn't one for waste] Back home, technology has basically reached a point where you could consider it magic. I mean, if I want, I could throw something across the room with a few hand movements.

[He notices that smile, and decides not to push it] It's not for everyone, I know. [He's curious about why that's her life anyway, but he's seen enough soldiers to know that everyone had their reasons]

Not too different from what we can do, then. Except, perhaps, for the consequences. [She looks thoughtful.] A different kind of magic, perhaps.

...No, it isn't. They told us as much when I left to join. [She shrugs, still smiling politely, but it definitely doesn't reach her eyes.] My brother would have enjoyed it far more than I do, I think, but he and I were very different.

The consequences vary at home, depending on your implant, physical abilities and...willpower. Most biotics have a steady diet of juice and other high energy foods to keep us from falling over. And...not everyone understands the extent of our abilities. Human biotics especially are pretty new to the galaxy, so a lot of people are suspicious.

We don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to. I'm happy to tell you more about my world.

So you're not without your own hardships, then. [Oh well, I guess magic can't be perfect. :c] We don't have to worry so much about our diets, or how physically strong we are... I'm usually fine, so long as I keep some lyrium potions with me.

--Oh, but I would hate to be a bother. You don't have to indulge me so much.

I don't think anyone is, really. It's a case of degree. [He's curious about what lyrium is, but having noted her reaction to being asked questions about home before, he doesn't ask]

No! No, it's no bother at all, really. To be honest, there's not a whole lot to do in this place anyway.

It's all part of the Maker's will, I suppose. Better that I don't dwell on it, I'm sure. [Sorry, Kaidan. :V Maybe ask her later, when she's cheered up a little bit.]

No? I'd have thought it a little more exciting around here...

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