hadriel | Video 1

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Video 1

[the video opens with a sixteen year old girl who is doing her best to appear self-assured and confident. she's in armor and she's sitting ramrod straight in a plain, wooden chair. she takes a deep breath and speaks]

Hello. My name is Lady Mariane Cousland and I'm looking for sparring partners. I use a sword and dagger, but I'm willing to fight with any kind of swordsman. Or swordswoman.

I'm also willing to teach others to fight, so please let me know if you'd be interested in that.

[she looks away from the camera briefly, as though debating with herself whether or not to say anything more]

Any responses would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

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No, no, not at all! [she hastens to reassure Cecily] Indeed, I think it will be good for both of us to spar together. You, to further hone your skills, and I, to get to know you better.

If living under the same roof hasn't managed to bring us closer, then I do hope sparring will. [ She winks good-naturedly. ] Just name the time and place.

[Maker, but she is a dunderhead! sometimes she wonders how she ever managed to succeed at ending the Blight. this is one of those times] Yes. Yes, I hope so. [she tries to smile back] I usually arise at dawn. After we've had our breakfasts, we can go to what used to be the park?

That'll do. Have you heard back from any others? The more practice, the better, I think.

A--a few. Enough to get started, I hope? And there are a few who are willing to teach me skills in exchange.

I'm not surprised. The others here are usually very generous with their time.

[ Partially as a result of having so much of it on their hands, she assumes. ]

Yes. It's surprising? Is it not? I'm unused to others being so willing to train and test others with their skills.

[after all, she had to catch Isabela cheating at Wicked Grace to be trained as a duelist]

It's commonplace for Hadriel. We're all in the same boat, so to speak, and so it's better to just act saintly and aid others as much as we can.

[ Though that can be easier said than done, sometimes... ]

Truly? [she ponders a moment] If it's meant in sincerity, I cannot see it as a bad thing.

It isn't, so long as they aren't meddling. That will happen from time to time.

[ But she means it with fondness. ]

Meddling? In me? [a pause] Without Alistair here, there's not a great deal to meddle with.

I mean that they can become overly involved in your life. [ ...

Cecily tilts her head slightly. ]

Do you...often define your own life by Alistair Theirin?

[she blinks and looks confused]

He is my beloved and my king.

Right, I get that. It's just... [ She considers her words carefully, brows knit in something like a gentle concern. ] ...You had a life of your own before you met him, didn't you? I don't mean to preach, like some old woman to a young one, but I think it's important to...sort of...maintain your identity as an individual whilst in a relationship.

[ Maybe this isn't a conversation they need to have, but she feels compelled to try and nudge the Warden in what she feels is 'the right' direction. ]

Feel free to tell me to bugger off.

Yes, but father had already sent envoys with my portrait and particulars to noblemen of Orlais and Antiva. Had the Blight and--and my family's betrayal never happened, I'd be wedded and bedded by now. I suppose I'd have been content enough and would eventually learn to love my husband, but Alistair and I were thrown together. Initially by circumstance, later by choice.

[and she sees nothing wrong with them being on the codependent side at all]

No, no, I would never do that.

...Right. [ It doesn't seem as if she's going to get through to Mariane on this point, but...it's okay. ] Well, if you're happy, then I suppose that's enough.

[ For now. She'll have to work more on this point over time. ]

Alistair is lucky to have you.

Yes, we're both very happy and looking forward to our upcoming marriage. Arl Eamon wants a tremendous ceremony and feast, feeling that it would be uplifting after the Blight and the strife of civil war, but I--I can't help feeling that the money spent would be better used on relief efforts.

[and both trying to avoid the question of heirs. they've defied the odds so many times already, surely one more time...?]

Thank you. I consider myself fortunate to have him as well.

Then you've got a better head on your shoulders than most. [ Says the woman who had a secret, tiny wedding. ] They seem a massive waste of-...well, everything to me.

[ And on that note: ]

In any event, do keep me updated as to what your plans for sparring are. I can stop by later, if you aren't otherwise occupied.

Then I will speak to Alistair about it once I am returned home. I believe that he will see things my way.

[she nods briefly]

I have to guard the Clinic until noon, but I'm free afterwards. Is that acceptable?

Of course. I'll be happy to speak with you then.

[ And with that, she winks and signs off. ]

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