video; open to both courts

[bethany_hawke]

[The video feed shows Bethany in, what some might recognize, as Cothromach, though there are still effects of the previous attack and it's damn cold for anyone to be out and about.

However, it appears she's not alone. There's a small group organized to provide hot soup to people who are in need of something warm, as well as any blankets they managed to gather up for those who are lacking.]

I hope everyone is managing to keep warm. My name is Bethany Hawke, if we haven't met. I've been helping however I can here in Cothromach. If you're in trouble, please let me know so I or another can find you and help you. It doesn't take long for this weather to have an effect.

[A slight smile.]

Luckily, some of my magic has been returned to me, including a fire spell. It should come in handy if anyone needs to be warmed up quickly. Not to be cast on you, of course, but I think we could all do with a little thawing right about now.

Comments

[foraneye]

In that case, I'll be grateful if I never count myself among your enemies.

[She can parry a blade. A ball of fire would be more difficult.]

[bethany_hawke]

I prefer not to make too many enemies if it can be helped, so don't worry about that.

[foraneye]

Thank goodness for small favors.

If you don't mind my asking—how was it you regained some of your magic? Is it the same as it was before?

[bethany_hawke]

After the attack of the creature, an imp came to me and asked what I wanted in return for my service. I asked for my magic back and the next day I woke up to some of it restored. It's still only part of the spells I could cast at home, but at least it's something.

[foraneye]

Quite generous of it. So it's true, then—we're to be rewarded for our deeds here. And more handsomely than most soldiers, at that.

[bethany_hawke]

That does seem to be the case. I hear people ask for all sorts of things, not only powers.

[foraneye]

I imagine it's quite revealing of ourselves, to tell them what we want most. But then they already claim to know our souls.

[bethany_hawke]

I imagine some are tempted to ask for things they shouldn't have. Things that could be dangerous.

[foraneye]

I'm quite certain you're right. Can you blame them, though, in a world such as this? So many had only just arrived here before the results of this war had them running for their lives.

[bethany_hawke]

That is true. With such danger here, people will naturally want to protect themselves.

What would you ask for?

[foraneye]

What I want is not something in our hosts' power to give.

[That question hits a little closer to home than Bethany probably means it to.]

Failing that, I wouldn't turn down some coin and a reliable backup sword.

[bethany_hawke]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[She has to wonder what the request might be, but it is probably something tragic.]

One must take comfort in what they can. You sound like a strong person.

[foraneye]

I try to be.

[She has doubts about how well Bethany can assess her after only a short conversation, but she appreciates the sentiment. Moreover, she want her to be right.]

I'm actually interested in learning some magic myself, but it will have to be a different process than it was for you. Was it difficult in your world, or did it come naturally?

[bethany_hawke]

[Where Bethany comes from, women who had the strength to swing a sword were not to be trifled with. Just look at Aveline!]

I was born with it. One can learn it like something in school where I come from, though mages can get better at it with guidance.

[foraneye]

As they should. A person who relies only on talent and not training is unlikely to go far with that talent.

[She may not know much about magic, but she's pretty sure the principle applies.]

[bethany_hawke]

Yes, that is true.

[As she said, true for many things.]

[foraneye]

Then I hope I may call upon you for advice, should I have need of it in the future—part of good training is recognizing those with greater expertise.

[bethany_hawke]

I would be glad to help in any way I can.