Video 1

[theladyofhighever]

[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.

Comments

[theladyofhighever]

And thus, I can prepare myself for the future. [and a slightly wry twist to her lips] I take everything seriously.

Yes. Had I more time to experiment, I'm sure I could formulate something similar to the acid. My brother's wife was an expert at such things and she taught me all she knew. [a hint of frustration sneaks into her voice] I simply need more time.

[dragonsgrasp]

Which is for the best, of course. Most people don't take things seriously enough.

Unfortunately, there may not be much time... but you could still attempt to get done whatever you possibly can, anyway, in the time we have. It's better than just waiting around for the inevitable.

[theladyofhighever]

Indeed.

There aren't many plants to experiment with here. Perhaps if we move elsewhere, I'll have more to work with.

[dragonsgrasp]

Well, you never know, when it comes to this world, and our need to keep moving and remaining safe from the enemy. Perhaps the next place will have more variety.

[theladyofhighever]

I do hope so. To be frank, this place brings back . . . unpleasant memories.

[dragonsgrasp]

How terrible... I'm sorry to hear of that. It's all the more reason to leave it behind as soon as possible, then.

[theladyofhighever]

Indeed. One can only hope.

How long have you been here?

[dragonsgrasp]

Too long, it feels like... well over a year or two, by now. I sometimes think I've gotten a little too used to this place.

[theladyofhighever]

I--I don't think I'll ever get used to this place. It's too foreign--too unreal.

[dragonsgrasp]

Unfortunately so. Were it not for the gods' war before this, I might feel the same. It seems I'm getting too used to ending up in strange worlds.

[theladyofhighever]

[she shakes her head] I'll never be used to it. Ferelden wasn't much, not compared to much of Thedas, but it was home.

[dragonsgrasp]

It's understandable... nothing quite compares to being in your true home.

[theladyofhighever]

Yes. I miss it--and its people--greatly. [a pause] Were I in Ferelden, by now I would be its queen.

[dragonsgrasp]

Ah, I'm truly sorry you cannot be there for your people. It's a responsibility never to be taken lightly. I hope you get to return to them again one day.

[theladyofhighever]

[sounding more certain than she feels] I will go back to them. This place cannot hold me forever.

[dragonsgrasp]

Nor I. May that day come for us both soon.

[theladyofhighever]

Indeed. I wish us both the patience to see it through.