hadriel | action and video;

Entry tags:

action and video;

[ When she's brought back through the door, it's in a small explosion of green. The Inquisitor lurches forward back into Hadriel, into the coliseum, her hand a mess of sparks, of arcing lightning, of heat and pain and danger. It's all stemming from her left palm, the green mass flaring up in a crackling clamor which Cecily adds to, crying out as she struggles to do something, anything, to keep it under control. ]

Stay back, it isn't safe-- [ She yells to what she hopes is a person seen out of the corner of her eye, and not an enemy of any kind (she also doesn't yet realize where she is). ]

[ Some time later, the battered Inquisitor appears over the network, not looking much different physically save for the obvious green light that makes its way into the picture, reflected in her dark eyes. Her expression is an attempt at concealing an agonizing pain, so her mouth is drawn into a tight, thin line, brow occasionally twitching downward. ]

I think it's settled... That is, I don't think it's expanding anymore. [ "And isn't going to kill me, yet." ] But, if there's anyone who has healing abilities, or... some medicine to dull the absurd amount of hurt it's doing, I really would like to speak with you. I'm considering just chopping off my hand, but I don't think the thing would go without a fight.

[ Cecily starts to move to end the call, but she glances downward and mutters: ]

It's still dangerous. I've got to do something to get the flare-ups under control, too. [ She then looks upward, exhausted, and adds: ] Don't come and investigate the mysterious lights, if you see them. Unless you like... I don't know, intense nerve pain. In that case, come over; we'll shake hands.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Where she would have expected to be frustrated, Cecily is just... grateful. Tired, relieved to see him, and unable to bring herself to be anything more. She would have likely (definitely) done the same if it meant protecting him. If it meant saving him some worry, she would do almost anything. ]

I understand. [ And she does, for once without any bitterness. ] ... Thank you, Cullen.

[ He smiles, pulling her close, and she can't help but sigh contentedly. The past two years have added a lot to their relationship that he could never have explained or conveyed, so much that she'd needed to experience for herself. Cecily rises up to kiss his forehead before lowering and again touching their foreheads together. ]

I heard. [ That had been one of the first things she'd learned after realizing where she was. Is. ] ... And it is. I haven't been here in--... well, you know how long. I can scarcely believe that it's only been a single day.

[ But, something quickly occurs to her and she glances briefly downward to where the device is stowed away. ]

... I saw your messages. [ Heard them, heard the obvious distress in his voice. She tugs him in even closer, turning sideways to burrow her cheek against his chest, heart thudding painfully, sympathetically, for him. ] I'm so sorry. To have left you, even for a day, thinking that I'd gone-- You know that if there's any way I can make sure that never happens, I'll do it. I won't leave you here alone, not truly.

[ She has to believe that even in light of what had just happened to them. She has to believe for herself, at the very least, that he won't be left to face this particularly cruel world alone. ]

I love you so much. [ beat ] I'm sorry.

[ ah, right. his messages. he's not... embarrassed by them, not really. alright, maybe the last ones he regrets a little. enough so that the flush in his ears doesn't leave as he tightens his arms around her. ]

It's not your fault, Cecily. [ she can't control the door, and he won't have her apologizing for what happened. ] I love you, too.

[ he kisses the side of her head gently, then pulls her back just enough to cup her face in his hands. ] I promise the same for you. If there's anyway I can stop it, anyway to make sure you don't have to face this place alone, I will do it. No matter what it takes.

[ they're in this together. for better or worse. ]

[ Really, she knows it isn't her fault, but that doesn't stop her from feeling guilty pangs that clutch tight at her heart. No, it isn't her fault, but that doesn't take away from what she imagines was a difficult night for him. She'd died and left him, he'd died and left her, and then she'd vanished, which... had a different fear and sadness to it. Death in Hadriel isn't kind, of course, but it isn't permanent, either.

If he'd known about the anchor, if he'd thought she'd gone home permanently, he might not have expected to see her again at all. ]

I'm-- fucking terrified. [ She admits quietly, withdrawing enough to be able to look into his face. ] The Council was bad enough, but then with the qunari, the spies... even those things would be too much for one day. With this-- [ She curls her fingers and then unfurls them again, hand trembling slightly. ] I'm not sure how much longer I have to sort it out.

[ Her companions had seemed to know that she wouldn't be alive for much longer, judging by the anchor's escalation. Her advisers had seen and heard the pain it caused her, but they still hadn't seen the way it had begun to ripple and explode, lifting her into the fucking air before discharging. It stings to remember, even, and she sets her jaw hard and stubborn. ]

[ qunari? spies? this isn't anything he's lived through yet which means... he's now behind her. and isn't that a strange thought. he almost mentions is, questions what she means. almost. but then he thinks that maybe, just maybe he doesn't want to future weighing on him in this place. perhaps it's irresponsible. but given all they deal with in hadriel, he thinks it can be excused.

cullen holds her a little tighter, one hand raising up to rest on her hair, the other rubbing small circles on her back. ]

We'll figure it out. We'll make it through, like we always have. [ he has to believe that. he's not sure his heart can take anything else. ]

I know. [ He's right, this isn't the place. There's not a damn thing that they could discuss or solve in Hadriel that would carry back to Thedas (as far as they know). The Inquisitor breathes out a long exhale, fingers curling against his back, heart pounding as if celebrating the reunion. ]

Well, that's enough doom and gloom. [ She says after a while, speaking briskly, though not yet drawing back from him. Cecily gives him a lingering squeeze, silently thanking the Maker and whoever else might be listening that Cullen is still here and still whole. After, she steps back, though she doesn't release his hand and clasps it between them (not with her marked one, naturally). ] So, now I've got as much gathered intelligence on you as you had on me. [ And she prods him, this time with the anchor, against his chest. ] Though, how is it that I find it harder to believe that we up and married at the Winter Palace now, after I've been through it, than before?

[ She grins almost lopsidedly, looking marginally happier than she had a moment ago. ]

[ he laughs quietly, shaking his head. ]

I know what you mean. It was... unexpected. [ sure, he'd been psyching himself up for an embarrassingly long time when it came to asking her to marry him. but he wasn't completely sure she'd say yes. and even then, eloping wasn't really something he thought about until it happened.

he can't say he's sad it happened the way it did though. ]

It's a shame I didn't have the ring on me when I asked you. It's still back in Skyhold.

You have a ring? [ Somehow, that surprises her immensely, and rare spots of color begin to appear in her cheeks. ] I... remember you saying that you'd had a plan, but I didn't think--...

[ That he would have been thinking about it seriously. At the same time, though, she isn't thrown too far off balance by that idea, as she considers Cullen, his earnestness, the whole of himself. Cecily smiles then, gradually, drifting back toward him to kiss him on the jaw. ]

Having or not having the ring doesn't change anything. [ Cecily states. ] We're both up to date with things, both here and able to warm our bed.

[ It isn't a flirtation, for once, and the look she gives him is more sympathetic and concerned. She'd gotten his messages, after all. ]

[ he laughs quietly, rubbing the back of his neck with a free hand. ]

I count myself lucky you didn't find me any of those times I was practicing how to ask you in front of a mirror.

[ because he'd wanted to have a plan. wanted it to be perfect and that meant practicing every word, making sure he had everything just right... or so he thought until the actual perfect moment sprung itself upon him. ]

Ah-- [ the slightly embarrassed posture doesn't leave as she reminds him of his message from last night. ] Could we, perhaps, forget what I wrote while not exactly sober?

Oh, but I can imagine it. [ She leans in to press a lingering kiss to his Adam's Apple. ] Did any of your men walk in on it, though? Did you have to threaten anyone to keep quiet about it? [ Something seems to occur to her and Cecily laughs, surprising herself. ] Ah... actually, before you proposed, Cassandra congratulated me on our engagement. Apparently, Varric had told her that it'd happened even though it hadn't yet. It was only a prank, but... well, maybe he knows you better than you do, Commander.

[ Really, she thinks it'd just been hilarious timing, but there's no denying that their dwarven friend is very perceptive. ]

We can forget what, now? [ She questions lightly, taking her cues from his request. ] I'm not sure what you mean.

[ Yes, of course we can let it go, but that doesn't mean I can forget. ]

[ he steps back, taking her hand in his and starting to walk back home. as she plays along, he presses a kiss to her knuckles, a silent thank you for sparing him the embarrassment those messages bring. ]

I, ah, may have asked Varric for advice. On how to ask you. [ if anyone else were in this conversation, he would never ever admit this. but since it's cecily, he's alright with it. ] That may be where he got the idea.

You asked Varric? [ Oh, no, now he'll have more accurate ammunition for his book. ] I'm surprised I didn't hear it from half of camp and not only from Cassandra.

[ She'd seemed... worried? Nervous? It's always difficult to say with Cassandra, who had clearly had a lot on her mind, what with having become Divine, and all. ]

I'm sure he'll be happier with your way of doing things. [ She laughs. ] Eloping in the middle of the Exalted Council following a proposal brought on by a lost dog? He'll love--

[ There's a startled shout and a string of curses as the anchor flares up again. Cecily rips her arm away, stumbling some distance from him in as much as she can concentrate on that thought through the pain that rips through her nerves. She clenches her jaw and doubles over, trying to will the episode away.

It's much worse than the last time she'd been in Hadriel, though Cullen has already seen some of it. He's had nearly as much experience with the recently-lethal anchor as she has. That doesn't make it easier to lift her gaze and look back at him. ]

Fuck. [ She comments quietly. ]

[ she moves, and he follows her. it's likely not the smartest of ideas, but he can't help but reach out for her when she's in so much pain. he doesn't touch her until she looks up at him. and then, it's with gentle fingers that cradle her hand in both of his.

the lack of lyrium in his veins makes it more difficult and less potent, but he concentrates on the anchor, silencing what he can of the magic embedded in her palm. it's not a permanent solution. it might not even provide much relief. but it's something he can do to try and help, so he does it without a second thought. ]

How often is it doing this?

[ It helps. Maybe it's a placebo, maybe it's really his templar training coming into play, but Cecily sighs softly with relief as he acts. ]

Too often. [ Hadn't he seen it for himself at Halamshiral? ] You've not seen the worst of it.

[ When its force is so wild and strong that it lifts her entire body into the air, explodes with a force that hurts Inquisitor and foe alike. ]

It seems less so, here. [ Thank the Maker for that. ] Maybe because we're so far from the Fade.

[ Which is still a disquieting thought. Remembering herself, she raises their clasped hands and presses a lingering kiss to his knuckles. ]

Thank you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

action and video;

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.