"I can't even begin to understand how any of this world-traveling magic works," Marianne concedes with a shrug. "I suspect you're right that we'll probably never know the answers to our many questions about it." It's the sort of thing that probably drives Claude nuts, but she's more or less made peace with it. Knowing one way or another doesn't really change anything about why they're here and what they have to do.
Edelgard's reaction to the bracelet confirms what Marianne already knew: it's no mere piece of practice handed over out of charity. Hilda had given it to her not long ago, actually--just after the troops regrouped in Gareg Mach after the strange attack at Fort Merceus. She'd insisted it was a meant as a pick-me-up to a friend, nothing more, please don't read too much into it, it's just a practice piece, it just seemed that Marianne could use something nice after something so scary, that's all. It was all oddly awkward, especially given how Hilda is usually so confident and astute.
And then there was a whispered conversation between Hilda and Balthus soon after that had stopped aburptly when Marianne had gotten too close. She'd meant to ask her friend about it, but she found herself plunged into the Bay of Avalon before she had the chance. Rather than try to rationalize on Hilda's behalf (and ultimately set herself up for disappointment should she be wrong), Marianne instead is doing her best to appreciate the gift as it was given. From a friend.
"That's all very nice of you to say. I'll pass the compliments back to Hilda, once we've completed the quest we're here for and I get to see her again." There's really nothing else to say but that. Edelgard doesn't need to know the whole story of the piece aside from what Marianne's already told her.
Marianne nods in response to her hostess's observation. "Hilda was my first friend back at the Academy, despite my best efforts to be left alone." Even now, five years removed from it, Marianne still wonders why Hilda had decided that she was worth all the effort. "She helped me out a lot, and I would repay her with pastries and tea. As we got to know each other better, the moments we spent together became... much more special. Especially now, with the war."
After a pause, Marianne realizes how that sounds and quickly rushes in to quell any assumptions. "O-of course, all of the Deer are special to me. They're the closest thing I've had to a family in a long time, and I don't mean to sounds like I'm playing favorites or anything."
Oh look, she has a cup of tea. She takes a drink from it. Better that than talking herself further into a hole.
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Edelgard's reaction to the bracelet confirms what Marianne already knew: it's no mere piece of practice handed over out of charity. Hilda had given it to her not long ago, actually--just after the troops regrouped in Gareg Mach after the strange attack at Fort Merceus. She'd insisted it was a meant as a pick-me-up to a friend, nothing more, please don't read too much into it, it's just a practice piece, it just seemed that Marianne could use something nice after something so scary, that's all. It was all oddly awkward, especially given how Hilda is usually so confident and astute.
And then there was a whispered conversation between Hilda and Balthus soon after that had stopped aburptly when Marianne had gotten too close. She'd meant to ask her friend about it, but she found herself plunged into the Bay of Avalon before she had the chance. Rather than try to rationalize on Hilda's behalf (and ultimately set herself up for disappointment should she be wrong), Marianne instead is doing her best to appreciate the gift as it was given. From a friend.
"That's all very nice of you to say. I'll pass the compliments back to Hilda, once we've completed the quest we're here for and I get to see her again." There's really nothing else to say but that. Edelgard doesn't need to know the whole story of the piece aside from what Marianne's already told her.
Marianne nods in response to her hostess's observation. "Hilda was my first friend back at the Academy, despite my best efforts to be left alone." Even now, five years removed from it, Marianne still wonders why Hilda had decided that she was worth all the effort. "She helped me out a lot, and I would repay her with pastries and tea. As we got to know each other better, the moments we spent together became... much more special. Especially now, with the war."
After a pause, Marianne realizes how that sounds and quickly rushes in to quell any assumptions. "O-of course, all of the Deer are special to me. They're the closest thing I've had to a family in a long time, and I don't mean to sounds like I'm playing favorites or anything."
Oh look, she has a cup of tea. She takes a drink from it. Better that than talking herself further into a hole.