The Silver Queen [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"These things are common, for adventuring parties." 

[Carver Amell]

"I thought we were pirates," jokes Carver, with a small, fleeting smile. 

[Tethras Clan]

"But don't they feel... off somehow?" Zevran asks helplessly. "No more improbable but..." He shrugs helplessly. "I suppose it does not matter."

[Helene Dakesh]

"We were meant to prevent what happened in Nyra. We did not. This... much of this, these refugees, are our fault. My fault." Helene's voice is quiet as they look down into their lap. 

[Tethras Clan]

"No," Zevran snaps. "We failed to stop the Mori ritual. I should have passed on the prophecy to more than just Varric. The gods should have been more clear. Asshat Lichbitch should have, I dunno, not tried to turn Nyra into a damned necropolis. We did our best. It was only just enough, to prevent the fullness of failure, but we tried. I refuse to accept that the blame lies on us."

[Helene Dakesh]

"You performed admirably," whispers Helene. 

[Carver Amell]

"Okay, Helene needs a Mabari cuddle pile," announces Carver. "Maybe Zevran should go talk to Isabela while we read and cuddle?"

[Tethras Clan]

Hunter's ears perk up and he heaves up out of Carver's lap to trot over to Helene. Spotting that, Beka quickly rises as well, happy to be able to help even a little. Good guard dog protects. Gives comfort to tiny not-puppy parchment-scent one. "Cuddles are good. Hopefully Isabela and I will join in afterwards," Zevran agrees softly.

[Carver Amell]

"Thanks," says Carver, looking slightly away.

[Isabela]

Isabela isn't hard to find; far from doing a runner, she's gotten her cocoa and tucked herself away in the forecastle, out of sight and out of mind. Silence's tail sticks out, marking where they are; Isabela's legs are tucked between Silence's bulk and the barrel she's resting against, and her head is craned back to look up at the stars, the navigational sails that would block the view all behind her. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran hums softly as he approaches, one of the light-hearted nursery rhymes he often hums or taps absently, to both warn her of approaching company (startling the likes of Isabela or himself is a poor decision) and tell her it's only him. No-one else has that habit on the ship for certain, so it's a good subtle identifier, even if it's a somewhat new one for him.  Nearing the forecastle entrance, he slows to allow her to set the tone of their interaction, wanting her to feel in control as much as he can.

[Isabela]

She doesn't move from her perch, doesn't acknowledge him. After a moment, almost to herself, she says softly, "The stars are lovely tonight."

[Tethras Clan]

"Among other things," he replies softly, moving to stand just within arm's reach of her back. "They pale to the sight of your smile," he adds, giving a hint that this is not just flirting or idle banter.

[Isabela]

And there it is -- a fleeting, small, but real smile.

"I used to look up at the stars a lot," she says quietly, still not lowering her gaze to him. "But it's been some time since I just watched them." 

[Tethras Clan]

"People can take the most wondrous things for granted if they let themselves," Zevran agrees. "Stars, money, family, love, luck, safety, faith, sex, trust... all of it."