entranceway | ➶ tenth ( video )

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. ]

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I figured that much out pretty quickly. I've been trying to learn as much as possible about this place in the meantime.

[It's been a busy first day. She's nothing if not determined.]

We should make sure to shore up our defenses, and focus on gathering supplies. It's a common guerrilla tactic to cut off supply lines, so we need to make sure that's not an option for them. I know the closets here are supposed to be able to give us practically anything, but if anyone could stop them from working at an inconvenient time, I'm guessing it would be the Queen of Hearts.

[She seems like That Type, and Blake has to assume she's powerful if she's holding the title of 'Queen' in the first place.]

Anyone who knows how to fight should be helping those who don't to learn how to defend themselves. You're already doing that, and I looked back through some of the more recent messages— you're not the only one. That's good.

[ Her expression looks - perhaps "knowingly pained" as Blake mentions the closets. ]

They've been taken from us a dozen times. ... The closets, that is, and their offerings. Some people have made rooms full of supplies, but I don't think that there's really a way to ensure everything given to us from Wonderland could be taken away just as easily.

[ Whether they're out of the closets already or not. ]

I agree. People are willing to help, to share what they know to protect others. If we can all work together... well. We'll have a much stronger chance at standing against this.

[Blake frowns in response, thoughtful. That doesn't necessarily mean it's not worth trying, especially if they want to add to the supply caches that have already been made, but it's discouraging to know that it might not even matter.]

So we can't even rely on what we build for ourselves.

[Good to know— and just a bit depressing.]

That's definitely the right mindset, at least. A lot of people never learn that lesson— that people are stronger together.

[To be honest, she's still figuring that out herself, but it's easier to believe in when Robyn says it, somehow.]

Not on what we build within Wonderland's... system, for the lack of a better word, but I do think that we still can build something. A system of support for each other, of protection for those here who need it. [ There are children, after all. ] We aren't helpless. We may not be able to be entirely prepared, but we'll do what we can.

[Well, Robyn's not wrong. Even if it's not a visible structure, that certainly does count as building something, and something important.]

I'd like to help. I know I just got here, but since it's been made pretty clear that I won't be able to get back home anytime soon— I'd like to do what I can to help the people here.

[Helping people, protecting them, is why she'd gone to school to become a Huntress, after all.]

I'm used to fighting monsters. Defending ourselves against an enemy that can think will be different, but— I've done that, too.

[It's been awhile, and she's not proud of it, but she can at least offer her experience to others.]

You may be. People come and go all the time. [ She smiles, but sadly. ] We never know who will arrive, and for how long they'll stay. ... While you are here, though, I'm sure that your abilities will be of use to yourself and to others.

[ This other woman sounds capable, at the very least, and willing to help as much as she can. ]

May I ask your name?

Seems like the thing to do is plan for the worst case scenario, then, and just hope for the best.

[So plan on staying here— but don't give up on the idea of getting to go home.

She nods once, confirming. Of course, introductions are important.]

Blake Belladonna.

Then, at least, you're prepared. [ Or so she thinks.

At the introduction, she smiles lightly. ]

That's a beautiful name. It's a pleasure to meet you, Blake Belladonna.

I— thank you.

[She blushes faintly at the compliment, though it doesn't last.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, too. You've been very helpful— but I don't want to take up any more of your time. With everything going on around here, I'm sure you have other people to talk to.

Are you sure? I have the time to answer more questions, or you're welcome to contact me in the future, if you like.

[ She's a helper!! ]

I'm sure. [But her smile warms at Robyn's eagerness all the same.] If I do have any more questions, I'll be sure to seek you out.

All right. I look forward to speaking with you again.

[ There's a polite little bow of her head, and then she's gone. ]

➶ tenth ( video )

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