The rain had finally settled, but the chill permeating the air had only worsened. The makeshift base that had become a mobile prison for the three children had settled for the night, the sounds of grunts and snoring mixing with the distant sound of crickets and night creatures.
Raedar and Ember had mercifully managed to fall asleep, their tiny bodies huddled together for warmth. Aria had taken off her own cloak an draped it over the pair, hoping it would allow them a small amount of warmth against the icy chill of the night air. Aria sat with her knees brought up to her chest, her teeth chattering as she tried to gather her wits about her. The words from the young woman earlier in the night had shaken her, and despite her best efforts to reassure herself that she was mistaken, Aria knew in her heart there was some truth to her words.
Aria knew her father's story. She knew that he was a good man, who always tried to do the right thing, even when the answer was hidden in the shadows. She knew that he would never intentionally hurt anyone, even when they were not necessarily deserving of his mercy. But she was not naïve; she knew that despite all of the good he had accomplished, he had also made enemies along the way. He had been more open with her as she had gotten older, telling her the full story of events, not just the ones where he looked to be the hero. He had been honest of his mistakes and shortcomings, lamenting about how his choices had haunted him over the years, leaving him wondering if he would walk the same path if he had the power to go back in time. But in the moment, he had tried to pursue the best course of action with the knowledge he had been given, and the whispers of doubt had plagued him ever since.
He had been revered, and respected for his choices as ultimately it had saved the world from the Breach, but there were those who found fault with his choices, and had likely never forgiven him for the perceived wrongs he had inflicted.
Still, she never could have imagined his choices would have landed her in her current predicament. She remembered tales told to her by Leliana when she was a small child holding themes where children were punished for the sins of their fathers, but she never would have guessed she would end up being a character in one of those stories. She did her best to not be angry, but it was hard not to feel frustrated when her father's choices had ultimately lead to her own abduction. Despite her anger, she knew it would all go away the moment she saw her parents again.
She closed her eyes, trying to imagine herself back at Skyhold, warm and safe with her loved ones surrounding her. She imagined the scent of her mother's perfume, how it lingered on Aria's clothes long after she had left her presence. She could hear her father's booming laughter, how just the sound could lift the spirits of anyone around him. She could see both of her parent's together, the three of them gathered around the fire as they discussed names for the new baby that was due to arrive before the year's end. The idea of never meeting her new sibling filled Aria with an overwhelming sadness, and she did her best to shake the thought from her head.
A cool breeze picked up, sending a violent wave of shivers through her. Her clothes were damp from the rain, and she could practically hear her mother fussing that she would catch her death in such weather.
A figure in a dark cloak appeared next to the cage, pressing his finger to his lips as she looked over. His face was rugged, scarred and worn from years of battle, with a hefty bit of stubble covering his face. Yet his eyes held a kindness in them she had not expected, and for reasons she could not explain she felt as if she had seen him before, yet she could not remember how. He handed over a small bundle through the bars of the cage, offering the hint of a smile before disappearing as quickly as he came.
Aria unwrapped the bundle the stranger had given her, nearly crying with relief as she pulled the dry cloak around her. A it of paper fell from the fabric, which she quickly snatched up in case there were any prying eyes.
She squinted her eyes, reading the hastily written note in the moonlight.
Do not be afraid. Will be back soon.
-A friend.
A/N: Who is the mystery man? Is he true friend or foe? Would love to hear your guesses!