Video; early morning of 01/19

[ceruleans]

[The woman who pops onto the screen? She doesn't look at all pleased. She's disheveled and incredibly sore, but at least she's been able to have a shower since things have returned to normal. She'd woken up in her own bed, having muddied up the sheets -- so, okay, she's still pretty annoyed.

Still, it had occurred to her that she'd done something a little bit irresponsible the night before. It had been motivated by anger, certainly, but it isn't as if she'd killed the man -- still, she needs to get it off her chest and just make sure that he's -- you know, still alive.

She clears her throat.]

Uh, all right -- this message is especially for Alistair, or for anyone from his world -- now that this thing is working again.

I was attacked in the forest last night by someone accusing me of being a demon, so I thought that you guys might know him. I knocked him out and left him tied up outside the tavern, so I don't know where he'd be now.

[She scowls.]

And just to clear it up for anyone who might be wondering ... I'm not a demon.

[She motions to her hair.]

I mean, do you see a set of pointy horns? I have no interest in your immortal soul, okay? So further attempts to end me? Not going to be dealt with so gently.

[It's a bit of posturing since she's never actually killed anyone, but...they don't need to know that.]

Comments

[bloodmagics]

[Given the rest of Hawke's companions, Mystique will fit right in. He laughs, shaking his head.]

Nothing like that, yet, at least. A few tense conversations, at most. But if he keeps this up, someone will have to step in.

[And from his tone it's clear he means him. He has no problem putting Cullen in his place if needs to, but he really hopes it doesn't come to that.]

But maybe we'll get lucky and being left unconscious and bound in the rain will be enough to deter him.

[ceruleans]

[She appreciates that he's willing to step in for her, and it reminds her briefly of Alistair - people in his world must put a high value on honor. She smiles mildly.]

If he's anything like the people who go after my kind in my world, I think it's probably just made him angrier.

[Which should make it all the more clear that she really should have killed her and very intentionally didn't.]

Maybe if enough of you tell him to leave me alone, he might.

[bloodmagics]

[Hawke can't help his frown. It shouldn't surprise him that prejudice on the level of what mages face happens in more than one world, and yet.]

I don't think it would have. As I said, he seems to be from my future and I can tell he has changed. While it doesn't excuse what he did, I'm hoping it was just the shock that comes with arriving in Wonderland, particularly during an event.

[It really doesn't excuse it, merely makes it slightly understandable.]

I'll speak to him, but I can lend you my Mabari if you want a guard dog.

[At this, he moves the camera to showcase his hulking warhound sleeping on a lush cushion, before moving it back to his smiling face.]

[ceruleans]

[He's winning points all over the board here. He's not only trying to defend an acquaintance, but he's also offering his personal guard dog to protect her. It's a balanced approach, and one that reminds her of her brother.

She nods.]

I'd hate to take him away from you. He looks pretty comfortable. We'll just hope you're right about the Knight-Commander.

[bloodmagics]

[Hawke has to laugh at that.]

He could do with the exercise, but if you're sure. The offer's open if you need it, though.

[He sounds so genuine, wanting nothing more than Mystique to feel safe in their new - temporary - home.]

If it comes down to it, I'll give him a few nightmares until he gets the hint.

[ceruleans]

I mean ... I"m not going to say no. He looks pretty cute.

[And hey, the guy is being generous enough that the dog is probably not going to end up being some sort of planted assassin-hound, right?

She blinks.]

Nightmares, huh? Is that a -- mage thing?

[It's a guess, but it doesn't seem wildly farfetched.]

[bloodmagics]

Well, then, I'll bring him to you, if you like? I'm on the second floor right now, so if you're nearby, I'll meet you in the entrance hall?

[Definitely not an assassin-hound.

Hawke nods.]

One of them. There's a bunch of different schools, elemental magic, healing... Things like that. I ended up studying the Entropy school, which is things like nightmares, curses, that sort of thing.

[ceruleans]

[So it's something that he chose to learn. Interesting.]

I think I could make that work -- unless you need me to help carry some of his things from your room.

[She half-smiles.]

Entropy. So is that a strategic move you made, or did you just -- understand the nightmares? Or have them yourself.

[Maybe she's pushing, but she wants to know.]