entranceway | ➶ two (video)

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➶ two (video)

[ It's strange, being more often out of armor than in it, but Wonderland doesn't often call them to battle in the same way that she's gotten used to. The Warden is dressed simply and more for comfort, though still in the kind of dress of Ferelden, rather than the modern clothes of much of the others in the mansion. Her hair is braided to keep it out of her face and her expression is quietly contemplative. Shutting her eyes briefly, she says: ]

"Your name is etched into my every step. I will not forsake You, even if I forget myself."

[ And then opens them again, taking a deep breath, admitting a little smile. ]

I've yet to find any kind of... chapel, or place of worship. I never thought there would be one strictly Andrastian, but any sort of quiet space for prayer would be suitable. If there is one, I would appreciate the help in tracking it down.

[ Maker knows, she's faced a lot of trials thus far and needs a little more guidance lately than usual. ]

Most of you won't have heard of the Maker or of Andraste, but I don't think the idea of solace in faith is too strange, is it?

[ Lightly, Robyn clears her throat before changing the subject. ]

I mentioned once that I was in an order called the Grey Wardens? Part of that life is nights of very bad dreams. But, I haven't had a one since I've been here, not in all those months. [ There's a pause in which she thinks back, frowning thoughtfully, almost torn between concern and relief at the lack of the nightmares. ] ... We must be far from home, after all.

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[It's the first time he's heard any part of the Chant since his arrival and that's enough to make Alistair pay attention. He may not be particularly devout but he does take some comfort in faith and it's not a terrible idea to have a place to go to pray. Even if he'd likely never use it, the option would be there.

It's only when she brings up the Wardens that he finally chooses to respond instead of just listening, switching the device on and nodding in agreement.]

I haven't been having the dreams either. Or anything... darkspawn-ish. I think you're right about there not being any here or anywhere nearby.

[Which is a little strange after over a year of bad dreams and the increasingly frequent sense of darkspawn around him.]

It's a nice change.

[Even if they have no choice but to go back in the end there's no reason not to enjoy it while it lasts.]

I haven't seen a one since the summer, when I arrived. As far as I've heard, there haven't been any before then, either.

[ And thank goodness for that, unless there were other Wardens present before she showed up. ]

A very nice change. [ Robyn agrees firmly. ] I only wish it would carry over back to Ferelden.

[Uncomfortable or not he has to laugh at the suggestion. Wouldn't that be something?]

I don't know, it'd be a bit embarrassing I think. 'Don't worry everyone the Blight just went away'? I'd feel a fool having to go tell all our allies not to worry about raising those armies, the darkspawn decided they'd had enough and went home.

[And on a more depressing note it would feel like all those people at Ostagar had died for no reason. But it's mostly the embarrassment he'd have a problem with, really.]

I think it would be worth the embarrassment to have the horde decide to withdraw. [ She shrugs, but she's also smiling brightly. ] And, don't forget; we still have an enemy to contend with.

[ As far as she's concerned, Loghain is still responsible for the slaughter at Ostagar. The Landsmeet still looms over them both, demanding justice for their fallen fellows. ]

[If there's one thing guaranteed to ruin any good mood it's Loghain. He doesn't even have to be in the same country to do it.]

True. [For once the anger in his voice isn't directed at her.] But we don't need an army to stop him.

[So long as they had enough support at the Landsmeet they could bring Loghain to justice. He'd do it himself given the chance, even without their support.]

[ A man will have that effect when he betrays your order, resulting in unfathomable death, and then declares innocent people to be traitors in order to protect himself. ]

No; we have allies enough. [ People from Denerim and Redcliffe to speak on their behalf. Without that support, there wasn't much to stop them from being thought of as the traitors as Loghain had said. ]

We'll bring him to justice. [ She says firmly, but quietly. ] I promise that we he did won't go unpunished.

[That's exactly what he needed to hear, anger slowly fading as he's reminded that he's not the only one determined to see the man punished for his crimes.]

You're right. He will pay for it all. [And not just Ostagar, although it's what weighs most heavily on his mind.

He exhales slowly, trying to get bring back his good mood of a moment ago. Loghain is currently out of reach. As eager as Alistair is to see the man pay there's no point in talking about it further now.]

...Are you really trying to find a Chantry here?

[ Good, he seems to have a little of that tension ebbing. She smiles, glad to see him at least a touch more relaxed, and almost amused at the question. ]

Would that be so strange? [ But, no, she's shaking her head. ] I only want a space to be able to pray, but I think everyone should be able to use it for... whatever they need. So, it won't be a Chantry.

[ Beat. ] It isn't as if I could staff one, anyway. I'm hardly qualified for any holy position.

[He makes a show of sizing her up critically, only the spark of amusement in his eyes giving him away before he speaks.]

I think you could pull it off. From what I've seen it's pretty easy to be a Mother. Recite bits of the chant, scold people for talking, scold people for not talking and never forget to make them feel guilty. Doesn't matter what for, just lay it on as thick as you can, as often as you can!

[Easy, right?]

Oh, you're much closer to being one than I am. See, you know all of the requirements already! And I know how much the Revered Mother favored you during your training.

[ She grins. He'd told her dozens of stories about his time in the monastery, disguising how awful it had been for him with humor and regaling his own mischievousness. ]

At the very least, I'll be counting on you to yell if things get too quiet.

[It's strange still, hearing that she knows things about him that he didn't tell her. Not so much he can't ignore it when she makes him laugh but strange all the same.]

You don't think the robes will make me look fat?

[He holds his arms out for inspection as if he's already wearing said robes, stopping just short of doing a little twirl.]

Of course not, they'll perfectly accent your curves!

[ ... Okay, so he doesn't have curves, leave her to her harmless banter. ]

I'm not so sure about that color, though. You should find some that bring out your eyes.

[Rude. He's totally curvaceous... outshone only by ~~Wynne's magnificent bosom~~ Shale's girlish figure.]

Hmmm, a pretty blue you think? I do love the Warden uniform, it would be a shame not to keep part of it.

[ alistair pls ]

Blue would be lovely. [ She can almost forget that this isn't their usual air of conversation, that the light-heartedness with Alistair in Wonderland is infrequent and new. It feels too much like their usual talk, all gathered around the fire at camp. ]

So, you'll do it, won't you? Petition to the Maker and His Bride on our behalf?

Since you ask, I'll do it. But I expect some impressive donations for my hard work. You can't run a Chantry without donations.

[If he thinks of her as just another person he met in Wonderland - one without any personal connections that is - it's easy to relax and make light of things just as he would with anyone else. And the fact that she's willing to joke around with him is just another reminder that, Warden Cousland or not, she's her own person.]

Oh, naturally. I can stand outside and ring a bell to take their coin in a dish, if you like, Mother Alistair.

[ Okay, that one makes her laugh, teeth flashing in a bright grin. ]

Well, now that I have your word, I suppose I should get right to work, shouldn't I?

[She's pretty when she laughs. It's a stupid thing to notice all of a sudden but there hasn't been a lot of laughing when they've spoken in the past.]

You should.

[In his best falsetto he mimics the disapproving tone the Reverend Mother always used on him, waggling a finger at her for emphasis.]

And I will have no loafing about on the job, you hear me young lady? I expect this to be finished by the time I come to check on you!

[ Oh, Maker, that pitch. She tries very hard not to burst out laughing again, but it's so... both funny and cringe-worthy at the same time. ]

Of course, Revered Mother. Right away.

[ She is going to go figure out how to get this space functional, though there won't be any heckling strangers for funds any time soon. ]

Is there anything else, Your Reverence, before I go?

[Oh it's not that bad - he's still more womanly than some of the Chantry Mothers.]

Hmmm. [Is there anything else to add to this surprisingly not unpleasant moment?] No, that is all. Be on your best behaviour now!

[ So, does that say more about him, or about the Mothers?

(She would say that it speaks more to the Mothers). ]

Yes, yes, all right. [ There's a lilting laugh, and she hesitates a moment before adding: ] And you'll let me know right away if you think of anything else, then?

[ Robyn is unwilling to end their little game, but she also won't stop the call abruptly. There should be at least a semi-serious offer of... what, conversation? Interaction? Something. Before she goes. ]

[It says more about the Mother's obviously. The stories he could tell - and apparently has.

Dropping back to his normal register he nods in agreement.]

Oh sure, count on it. [That's a little too flippant given she's making a serious offer. But do they really have to be serious? Can't they just... not?

Fine.] I will. And if you do too.... Or if you need help with something.

[Yes, even making a space to pray. Jokes aside, it is an important thing to have.]

[ No, they don't need to be serious. Wonderland is hardly a serious place, what with it sometimes burping up puppies (she heard) and producing items magically from closets (she knows from experience). ]

Or if a Wonderland Blight begins. [ It's a joke, but one made with a little hesitance, as if she expects it to happen just because she's said it. Thinking better of that, Robyn quickly clears her throat and closes with: ]

Goodbye, then. [ There's a smile, and she's gone off of the feed. ]

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