And the Stars Stood Still

by Afrokot

Dragon Age/Teen Wolf crossover: Ever since his first accidental magic killed his mother, Stiles has been afraid of using it, but with the Blight at his door, he is forced to reconsider.

1. The spark

Chapter 1 - The Spark

"O Maker, hear my cry: Guide me through the blackest nights."

- Transfigurations 12:1

9:21 Dragon

Stiles is eight when his mother dies. Dad says it's not his fault, but Stiles is little, not stupid, ok? He is not! He knows that fire started because of his spark. His mom is dead, and it's because of him.

He remembers mom saying not to be sad when she is gone, that she will return to be with the Maker again and will wait by his side for Stiles and Elric, but. His mother is dead, and it's because of him. How can he be anything, but devastated? The weight of his guilt crashes his tiny shoulders. He imagines himself smashed into the ground, waits for it to finally break him, he deserves nothing else.

Elric finds Stiles in his mom's wardrobe, face buried in her tunic that still carries her smell: a mixture of Wildflowers, and Elfroot, and, of course, her favourite — Andraste's grace. He is crying, clutching coarse material, and wishing to bring his mom back with the sheer force of his will. Apparently, he has magic, maybe he can do it!

Sighing, Dad crouches beside him and pulls Stiles to his chest. The embrace is fierce, and for a while they do not speak. The room is silent, save for Stiles' occasional hiccuping. He's almost calmed down when his father starts speaking.

He tells Stiles things like 'it's not your fault' (But it is, says the voice in his head), and 'she loved you so much' (And you killed her, continues the voice), and 'it's fine to cry' (As if you have any right to it, scoffs the voice), and 'of course, I love you! Don't you ever think otherwise!' (Who would ever love a murderer?! says the voice), but when his father says 'it was her fate', it finally gets to him, and the voice in his head falls silent.

And as if transported back in time, Stiles suddenly hears his mom singing the Chant of Light (she sings him to sleep; new Verse every night, but never the full Canticle of Transfigurations). It is her favourite, the Canticle of Trials. Her voice is soft and quiet. It soothes his worries, and Stiles can almost see the light her words bring.

And then she's telling him about her visions, that fate is not written in stone and usually can be changed, but there are landmarks that can't be prevented or avoided, that sometimes what will be, will be.

Stiles is eight, but he thinks he understands it now.