➶ tenth ( video )

[heroica]

Greetings. [ Inhale, exhale. They still have time. ] For those of you I've yet to meet, my name is Robyn Cousland, one of the Grey Wardens of Ferelden. You don't have to know anything about the Order, but know that I have... some experience in leading others, and a great amount of exposure to war.

[ Between Ferelden's civil war and the Blight... it was a lot, she thinks. ]

I know that everyone here has their own strengths to share with others, so I thought that I might make an offer of my own. Since diplomacy has failed us, we must be ready for battle. I have experience creating traps, some basic poisons, and, perhaps most importantly, healing potions and poultices. I am a practiced archer, and I fight with my mabari - a war hound - at my side. If any of these things would be useful to you, I would be happy to give lessons for whichever of the above you would like to learn.

[ Her jaw is tight, her expression strained. The Warden sighs, dropping her gaze. ]

It sounds a bit - bleak, really, but I wanted to add that... you may want to think about the people and things most important to you, and the lengths to which you'd go to protect them. There may come a time when you have to place yourself in harm's way to keep them safe, and it's easier to be ready before that time comes.

[ Speaking from experience? Definitely. ]

Comments

[forwearemany]

(Considering what's been going on with Legion and what happened the other day, their response may not be entirely surprising.)

No.

(They refuse to fight.)

[heroica]

Legion. [ She looks pained as she addresses him and shifts where she stands. ] ... Is there anything that I can do?

[forwearemany]

...Uncertain.

We are considering the possibility of assisting mirrors who do not wish to fight.

[heroica]

Good. I know there are some who don't want to fight, and they hardly deserve to be lumped together with the rest.

[ It's a good goal for him. For anyone. ]

[forwearemany]

Affirmative.

(There is, of course, more to it than that.)

The Queen of Hearts is likely to oppose us.

(Or at least, punish the nonviolent mirrors.

...They are not certain what to do about this.)

[heroica]

She will. But, you won't be alone. I'd like to help you, and others will, too.

[ They'll find a way to avoid the Queen's wrath and to protect the peaceful Mirrors, too. Somehow... ]

[forwearemany]

Acknowledged. Thank you.

(They chatter, headflaps shifting.)

This will require a way to ensure she does not punish them once they are returned to their side of the mirrors.

(They are unsure of what this will take: they may be starting their own war with the Queen of Hearts and those mirrors loyal to her. But it will be a war they chose.)

[heroica]

Maybe we could speak with the Red Queen, or the Duchess, about providing them with some sort of protection? Maybe... they could be hidden, even on their own side of the mirrors...?

[ It's difficult to say, not knowing much about Wonderland's magics. She sighs, but appears determined. ]

We'll do everything we can. You have my word.

[forwearemany]

Affirmative.

(It's probably sad that they're uncertain how good her word actually is, now.)