The Winter's Queen [Magus AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Then we'll just have to be better," he snaps at her. "What spell are you going on about?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"The spell. The ritual. The one she was meant to stop. There were -- the prophecy had multiple outcomes. This is the worst one. The falcon dashed gainst broken stone." 

[Tethras Clan]

"That doesn't- what is that supposed to mean dammit?" Zevran snaps.

[Helene Dakesh]

"I don't know," wails Helene. "Only that she changed, became a-- a Lich, I think. And she seems to have control of the ritual creating the undead."

[Tethras Clan]

A Lich. A lich? What does that- I've heard of them, in tales and legends but they aren't- "Alright. We'll go and scout. Watch her. Maybe- maybe she's still Hawke," he finally decides.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one could scry. A-- a scroll. To see without being in danger."

[Isabela]

"Why didn't you start with that?" snaps Isabela. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"Th-this one is-- th-this one is trying--" Helene stammers, looking down at their feet, tears forming in their eyes. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zeran hisses. "We don't have time for you to cry. Take a deep breath. Now. What do you need for your spell?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"A-- A mirror, and my-- my scroll, I have not the power to cast again today." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Any mirror?" Zevran demands. "Breath, Helene. You're of no use if you can't stay calm. Breath."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes a deep breath, then lets it out. "Any mirror with silver backing. Not a tin one, real silver." 

[Tethras Clan]

"'bela, go ask around, find a silver backed mirror. Don't let them argue," he orders. "You, get your scroll ready."

[Helene Dakesh]

"I-- I have to go to my dwelling. I will return with the scroll." Helene doesn't waste any further time; they bow deeply, then turn to run for the street. 

[GamesMaster]

"YOU HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY BEFORE YOU, VARRIC TETHRAS." It was hard to care overmuch about the voice of the woman (woman?) before him, not when it was such a cosy evening, not when he had a delightful mug of spiced ale to sip and a fireside to sit by, but something nagged at Varric, some small worry nestled away in the back of his mind, despite the veneer of comfort.