The Winter's Queen [Magus AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Varric waits a beat, then, ~Woah! You're awake. That was... strange. Everything got all... shadowed and muffled when you passed out. You alright?~ Last thing he needs- or we need- is for me to prick him on this. ~Ducked out a bit ago, the mabari are calm, so I think we're still good,~ he adds, that part the truth.

[Carver Amell]

I'm fine. Just a few nightmares, that's all. I'll walk the perimeter if you like, make sure we're as secure as can be. Let me get my trousers on. Carver yawns, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. 

[Tethras Clan]

~Yeah, I imagine those are going to be pretty common these days,~ Varric says soberly. ~ Patrol sounds good but check in on Helene first. She's older than she looks, I'm sure, but I doubt she has much combat experience so yesterday must have been several kinds of hell for her.~

[Carver Amell]

Astea preserve, yes. She's probably terrified. Carver pulls on his trousers and boots, then his shirt, heading for the guest room. When he finds it empty, he checks the kitchen next, finding Helene staring into the larder despondently. 

"Good morning," he says, forcing some cheer into his voice for Helene's sake. "Have a seat, I'll make some breakfast. Though I'm afraid I'm not up to date on what little girls like to eat," he adds. "Porridge? Toast?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one does not know," says Helene stiffly, moving to the table. "This one is not a little girl."

[Carver Amell]

"Oh, sorry. Boys, then?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"No. This one is Bright Helene Dakesh. This one is called Bright, They, or Them."

[Tethras Clan]

~Ah. Crap. Agender, not male or female. Apologize, thank them for informing you about the proper mode of address, then ask about food again. Don't make a big deal about it,~ Varric advises rapidly.

[Carver Amell]

It's a good thing he spoke up; Carver was about to ask if 'she' were plural or what, if that was a racial thing, related to, uh, being blue. His train of thought comes to a halt before any of it comes out of his mouth, though at least Varric can tell he's honestly confused and not malicious. "Uh. Right." he says, trying to rephrase his thoughts. "Sorry about that, I've never met someone who is.... agender?... before. Thank you. So what do little agenders like for breakfast?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one will eat whatever is placed in front of this one. Do not fear for this one's sensibilities. Also, this one is an adult, despite the form this one wears. Please take that into consideration." 

[Tethras Clan]

~I did mention they were older than they looked,~ Varric points out. ~Oracles carry a burden, a curse, in exchange for their power. I would assume Seeker Helene's curse is being frozen in a child's body. There's tea above the stove, go for something from the light green bag.~

[Carver Amell]

I thought you meant like... human twelve or fifteen. Carver turns toward the stove, looking for the tea. "Right. Do you drink tea?" Please, Junon, let her drink tea.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Yes. This one drinks tea." They frown, looking down at their sketchbook. "This one expresses thanks to Mr Stone." 

[Carver Amell]

Who...? Wait, wasn't she calling you that yesterday?

[Tethras Clan]

~...yeah. It's a reference to a prophcy that... didn't work out well,~ Varric explains shortly. ~You can tell them to call me Varric. And that they're welcome.~