hadriel | 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

[ 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.

action and video;

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.

action.