When Lightning Strikes, Ice Shatters {Louis}

[Seraphina Fáelán]

Never had the winters been so harsh, a blizzard of snow had emerged, each snow drop stinging the numb cheeks of the Templars that trekked through the wilds in searched of what had been sighted within. There had been rumors that an old lady lived there, whereas others said it to be a beautiful woman, so unable to chose from the two, people then began to spread the rumor of it being a shape-shifter being able to take on the many forms of a woman. How ridiculous.

With each sharp and shuddering breath a cold cloud escaped the mouths of the Templars, approximately five of them, and with each breath came more anticipation and anxiety. What if there were a shape-shifter dwelling within? These particular five had never encounter such a creature, though each had no choice but to put their faith into The Maker and hope that He would guide and protect them from the foul demon that lingered.

- - -

Not far from where the Templars scouted, a woman sat on a tree stump alone and in silence, doing nothing in particular with the exception of staring at the ankle deep snow and thinking to herself. Her food supply had finally run out a week ago which then caused her to resort to eating bark from a tree, various creepy crawlies, and even snow... it tasted awful but at least it satisfied her hunger despite the fact that it had made her sick. She was weak, her body drained and tired, even lifting her hand up or walking very small distances made her feel as if she had been running for hours on end, her immune system was hardly functional at that moment.

Her head hung low as it appeared as if she were sleeping yet her eyes were open except that her hair was partially covering them. Though at that sudden moment a gust of wind blew harshly past her, causing the sheet of paper that held instructions to be blow away, alerting her instantly. Shakily grabbing her bag, she set off after it along with her staff in which was strapped to her back with a sheath though her given condition caused her to hunch forward slightly much like an old lady.

- - -

Meanwhile, the Templars were nearing closer to where they needed to be until suddenly a piece of paper slapped into the face of ones helmet. "Wh-what?" he said in slight alarm, pulling the piece of paper off his helmet to look at it, though his helmet made it difficult for him so he then handed it over to their group's leader who wore no helmet. "What in Andraste's name...?" he began before his brown eyes widened in surprise, almost as if what was on the paper was something he had heard about, something that both made him feel prideful as well as fearful. On the paper were instructions of how to get to Andoral's Reach, this would be a great help to both himself and fellow Templars though he dare not go there with just himself and four others, it was surely to be filled with a large amount of Mages that even he alone could not face.

Before he could think any further, one of his men spoke up. "Captain! There! Someone's coming!" he said in a bellowing voice as he reached for his blade which was then followed by the words of the other men. "Is it...? It's that Witch! She's come for us! She knows hat we're here! She boil us, she will!" a more fearful Templar stammered, but their Captain held up his hand in command. "Fear not, men! This old hag will be slain before she can magic her filth upon us! On my command, we strike!" without a single trace of fear in his voice, the Templar leader gave his orders.

- - -

The woman, be she young or old, stumbled forward rather tiredly, unbeknown of where that small piece of paper had gone. Now without that, there was a very low chance of her being able to reach her destination, for a few months now she had been homeless and feeding off of various... things which made her ill. Maybe this was to be--

"Now!!"

A voice not far from her startled her, causing her to stumble back slightly and it was not long before she noticed the five men charging towards her with swords in hand. She immediately recognized them as Templars, which sent fear coursing throughout her weakened body, after all these years of running and hiding, they had finally caught up with her. It couldn't end like this! The pale and sickly mud-faced woman awkwardly stumbled back onto her feet and fled, though in a rather pathetic manner as her legs shook with each time her feet slammed against the snowy ground which then only added onto her struggle as the snow was slowing her down even more.

Before she could even get within a mile away from them, she felt her delicate body slam into the snow, her face buried as the Templar that had captured her sat near her lower back and pulled her arms harshly behind her. She was barely able to lift her head up to that another Templar had his sword raised above his head and it was then that the woman lowered her face back into the snow in submission, for a long time she had wondered how she would leave this earth, in every corner she sought out death and finally it had appeared in the form of a Templar.

The only choice she had now, was to accept her fate.

[Senior Enchanter Louis]

Winter had arrived in the Blasted Hills and the cold had already claimed many lives in Andoral`s Reach, finding food and other sorts of equipment had not been easy, but Louis had tried his best to support the weak and now he was again outside to look for more resources that could assist those in need. Traveling through the thick blizzard, with snow up to the ankles, he took one step at a time as he dragged himself forward with the enchanter staff in hand. He was clad in his typical enchanter robes, wearing a thick hooded cloak of wool coloured brown and gloves that protected him against frost damage. At his side hung his bag of items, which he always carried along.

As he breathed, Louis could see smoke form in front of his face and when it got especially cold he tucked his cloak more tightly together. He could barely see what was in front of him due to the thick fall of snow, but he knew the way he was heading. Lucky for the mages they were not that far from the cities, although getting there was still difficult. The Templars had stationed guards around Andoral`s Reach, and every time they tried to breach them there was a risk of either getting caught or killed, yet it was something Louis had to try and get passed.

Gone in deep thoughts, Louis walked over and through the hills, until he noticed a glimpse of light in the distance. Immediately he grew curious and once he walked closer to look, he realized it had been a reflection from a sword. What he then saw was six individuals, five of them were definitely Templars, but the last one seemed to resemble a poor woman. Had the Templars found another victim to torment, was it not enough already?

What Louis witnessed made him angry and quickly he searched through the bag he had brought along for vials of lyrium, it was time for him to do something. Once he drank two vials, it gave him additional strength and as he leaped forward to assist, Louis shouted. “Hey you, leave her alone!” And then with the staff summoned four lightning bolts which was shot against the Templars, one after another they fell, until only one remained.

The Templar who was left alone was the one who had held onto the woman, but seeing how quickly his comrades had fallen scared him and as a coward, he dropped his hostage into the snow and fled the scene. That was too easy; Louis thought to himself and was glad he had managed to save the poor woman`s life. Who knows, had he not been there then perhaps she would have been dead by now. In a fast paste he ran over to her aid, and once he reached her he helped her up from the cold. "Are you alright?" Louis spoke worried.

[Azalea Valdea]

It was strange how Winter struck so quickly and harshly through out the country. The temperature was beyond freezing it seemed like, and the snow was deep. The cold was already claiming so many lives at Andoral's Reach, especially amongst the elders and the younger children. It broke Azalea's heart to see so much suffering amongst her own people. She hated sitting by idly as the cold and starvation was slowly killing them all out. At the rate, all the Templars would have to do was just wait for them to die. Azalea frowned grimly at the thought, but couldn't help to think how accurate it was.

Now, Azalea knew she should be inside, where it was at least a bit warmer for her, safer. But, her allotted time for being cooped up was expired, and she needed to get out, get out of the cramped tower and away from the bitterness that took hold there. Surely she would be scolded at for having snuck away from Andoral's Reach, especially by Louis once she found him out here. Winter was a dangerous time, especially now for Azalea since she had recently discovered that she was with child. She wasn't too far along, but far enough to notice a small change from her, a small little bump on her stomach, which was easily hidden away in her mass layers of clothing.

Carefully the young mage made her way through the snow, comfortably snuggled within her thick robes, her head covered in a cloak that covered a great deal of her face, save for her bright amber eyes. Her staff was carefully strapped to her back, and now a days she rarely set it down for fear of an attack. It was a gorgeous staff in her opinion, a gift from her mentor at the Ferelden Circle. She was unsure what material it was made from, though it didn't seem to be wood. It was silver in color though and the top of the staff curved slightly and was carved into the shape of a dragon's head. Occasionally, Azalea would reach for the staff if she heard an abnormal noise, but then realize it was nothing and she just marched on. She off searching for Louis, for she felt a lot more comfortable in his presence, seeing as she knew no one else at the Reach other than him. Azalea was normally a lot more cheery and friendly around others, especially mages, but perhaps the depression of the place was getting to her and she felt like she would be a burden if she spoke to anyone.

Maker's Breath it was hard to see in this blighted snow. Azalea frowned from underneath her cloak but pressed on. Surely Louis wasn't that far off. He didn't leave all that long ago. It was a shame the snow had already covered his tracks, but she could guess as to which direction he was going. So, she continued on, bundling herself deeper into her clothing before bolts of lightning danced in the distance. Except...it wasn't in the sky though, it was on the ground. Ah, spells! Azalea quickened her pace, almost stumbling once or twice in the snow while doing so however. When she arrived, there were bodies of Templars littered on the ground, and a figure hunched over a laying body, helping them up. Azalea thought she caught Louis' voice from above the chilling wind, but she wasn't sure.

"Louis? Louis is that you?" She called before making her way over, taking note of the second figure, a woman, who seemed to be a bit shaken up. Had these Templars attacked her? "Maker's Breath! What happened here? Are you two okay?" Azalea asked, her voice slightly muffled from behind her cloak, though it was easy to hear the concern in her voice.

[Seraphina Fáelán]

She must've been trapped in her own thoughts of death to not realise the danger had passed, it was until she felt the weight lifted from her back that she soon snapped back into reality but yet a bitterness hung at the tip of her tongue. Was she not meant to have died at that moment? Who could've possibly dared to alter her fate in such a selfish manner? But alas, that feeling washed away despite the bitter ash taste still lingering.

With slight effort, she lifted her head out of the snow, the melted parts clearing away the dirt from her face to expose pale youth. Gently, she brought a hand to her head, grimacing slightly at the pain that throbbed in her mind, that fall was rather nasty and her sickness was getting no better by just sitting around. It took a while until the voices of two others began to register in her head and then she felt arms lifting her up, which triggered various alarms in her head and with whatever strength she had in her, she managed to push herself away, her demeanor became hostile as she took two steps back.

No frown plastered her face, just an icy cold look in her eyes which focused on the man, he was taller than her, cleanly shaven and handsome, though such features never caught her attention, he spoke but she did not answer. Her cold eyes half shut, indicating she was feeling worse, but she did not want the help of strangers... or perhaps she was just being stubborn. Another joined the man's side, but this time it was a female, suddenly she did not feel as hostile but she made sure to keep an eye on the male.

It appeared he had saved her life, and ignoring that fact would make her seem somewhat ungrateful, despite that he had interrupted her fate, but again, ungrateful. "I... I am fine, thank you..." was all she said in that quiet and soft voice of hers, she did not do too well with strangers, but at least they weren't Templars, they were Mages... just like her. A feeling of pity washed over her. Mages... they had caused so much grief and all that had to do was just be born, it wasn't their fault... but what good had ever come of Mages? Whose life had ever benefited from them? They were all cursed, she was cursed, they were all outcasts and rarely did anyone ever see good in them. But she digressed.

Breaking away from her thoughts again, she reminded herself why she was out here in the first place. "Pardon me..." she said in an apologetic tone, they must've thought her rude for ignoring them for that short moment "...my name is Seraphina Fáelán, I... I was looking, uh, attempting to look for the Andoral's Reach, a friend told me that I would be safe there because... as you can see, I am also a Mage... just like you."

She never did do too well around others, but... if she wants help, it looks like she had no choice but to hope for it from them.

[Senior Enchanter Louis]

Just as Louis went to assist the woman up from the snow, he quickly noticed a presence appear behind him and when he turned to look, he saw it was Azalea. She had chosen to follow him, regardless of what he had told her. Why did she constantly put herself in danger? He thought and wished her to return, but as she asked if it was he, Louis replied while he took off his cloak and threw it around the woman's shoulders. “Azalea! What are you doing here? Didn`t I tell you to stay at Andoral`s Reach, it is too dangerous.” Louis spoke shocked and worried, afraid about what could happen to her in the cold weather so far from the others, while the other women wore the cloak he had just given away.

Then as Azalea asked if he and the poor woman were alright, he allowed the woman he assisted to answer the question "I... I am fine, thank you..." Louis stood by and watched, glad to hear she was doing well, but to answer Azalea more, he added “The woman was helpless against five Templar`s, luckily I managed to stop what they were about to do.” He glanced at Azalea shortly, before turning the focus back at the poor woman. It was horrid to think about what the Templars had tried to do, and it was not the first time he had experienced how evil they could be toward those of their kind. It made him angry and it gave him fuel to keep on fighting, knowing that the battle to come would not be easy.

However Louis could not avoid, but to feel a bit frustrated toward Azalea. Had she been there a moment earlier, she would have been part of the fight, which could have made the situation a lot worse. Who knows? Perhaps there was more Templar`s coming their way. The best they could do now was to try and get away from the area as soon as possible, the longer they stayed the greater the risk. In silence, Louis moved his gaze between the women and whenever his eyes met Azalea`s they showed what he felt.

Hearing Seraphina speak again caught Louis`s attention, and he listened intently. It was great to get to know her name, but it wasn`t entirely shocking that she was a mage, due the Templars behavior “A pleasure to meet you, mademoiselle.” Louis said and bowed forward as he took her hand to kiss it, before standing straight and continued. “My name is Louis, and this woman`s name is Azalea.” He spoke, introducing himself and his beloved. With a smile on his face he acted like a gentleman, feeling lucky to be in the presence of two beautiful women. “If you are looking for Andoral`s Reach, then you certainly have come to the right place. We just came from there, and if you wish it, we can guide you.”

[Azalea Valdea]

Once again, Azalea was a fool for doing what she did. She knew better than to be out here in the cold, but, here she was. It was truly a wonder how the young mage has survived all these years outside her Circle. Perhaps the Maker took that much pity on her, or she was just that lucky.

Now, could Azalea blame Louis for being frustrated with her? Certainly not. But, could Louis blame her for wanting to get out? She hoped he didn't. The young mage looked at Louis when he demanded to know what she was doing out here, that she should be back at Andoral's Reach where it was safe. She rolled her eyes to convey her feelings, seeing as all of her face but her eyes were concealed. "I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic was all. I needed to get some air so I thought I would come find you and help if you needed any." She answered, honest with her answer. She frowned a little though at Louis' tone. Azalea didn't mind that he was being protective of her, but he had to understand she was a big girl who didn't need to be watched over all the time. Ok, that's a bit of a lie. She did needed to be watched on frequently, but she could handle herself well enough for the most part.

Azalea turned to the woman, and her eyes softened in sympathy. "Thank the Maker." She said with a sigh of relief. She then turned back to Louis as he mentioned the Templars, which had been the first thing she noticed upon arriving. "Bah! Blighted Templars." She grumbled angrily, clutching her hands into fists before walking over to the nearest body and kicking at it in a sudden fit of rage. Of course this did no good and only hurt Azalea's foot. She heaved a sigh, calming herself down. Her gaze met Louis' then, and she could tell he was frustrated with her. She stared back at him apologetically, crossing her arms.

The woman introduced herself then, and Louis properly greeted her in his Orelsian manner, which caused a small pang of jealousy in her; just a small one though. Azalea rolled her eyes a bit and gave a small laugh as he introduced her to Seraphina. "I could have introduced myself you know love. But thank you." She said with a grin before moving to stand beside Louis. Azalea turned to look at Seraphina and she nodded to what her love was saying. "It's not too far from here actually. It wouldn't take to long to get there." She said, turning to look the way she had come from, back to Andoral's Reach.

[Seraphina Fáelán]

Seraphina just stood there, distant and almost daydreaming, she wasn't really paying much attention to the two strangers, merely stood there staring over the bodies of the fallen Templars. Her dreary eyes showed no emotion whatsoever but yet she felt pity and more reason to hate herself. Look at what magic brought, look at what it caused... why wasn't she just drowned at birth? Why did the Templars have to hunt people like her? Why? All she could ask was why? Her gaze then fell onto the two strangers who introduced themselves, well, the male had introduced both of them, noting the slight irritated expression on the woman's face. She couldn't help but feel slightly irritated herself when Louis explained to his female companion that she had been helpless. No... he had just interfered in ruining her death.

Without a moment's hesitation, when Louis had took her hand to kiss it, she immediately pulled it back, disliking the contact... any contact at that - clearly he was Orlesian, so such manners were to be expected. She made note that the two were clearly a couple, which only made Seraphina feel even more uncomfortable along with their little disagreement that was occurring, she didn't have to say anything but being in this situation made her feel obligated to do so - still, she kept her mouth shut and didn't dare to speak.

However, standing around for more Templars to come wasn't exactly wise, plus all this talk was more than what she was capable of. "I'm sorry to interrupt your little, uh, talk... but, may we please leave? The cold is making me a little ill..." she tried as best she could to sound polite given her condition, she was capable of walking so she didn't require carrying, she just wanted to get away from where they were.

[Senior Enchanter Louis]

Louis understood why Azalea had left Andoral`s Reach to follow him, but it wasn`t a wise choice. The wild was no longer safe, Templars guarded the area and the cold snow and wind didn`t make it any better. Azalea had been incredible lucky to avoid the fight that had just taken place, who knew what actually could have happened had it turned out differently. Frustrated he watched as Azalea spoke in defense of her actions and he watched as she kicked the Templar nearby in rage, although what begun as frustration quickly turned into worry and guilt. He didn`t want to be the guy that was controlling, but nonetheless he could not but to feel worried for her. After all they had been through he knew how dangerous it could be, and if something happened he would never be able to forgive himself.

Just as he had introduced himself and his fellow mage to the stranger, he sensed a slight moment of jealoust from Azalea and nervousity from Seraphina, what he just did was something neither of them seemed pleased with, but none the less he stayed calm and smiled in return to both. Certainly Azalea could have introduced herself, but he was Orlesian and it was common for the man to introduce the woman at his side. Listening to her speak again, he watched and waited for Seraphina`s reply, who`s answer was low and shy.

“Oui, of course. We should leave; we have stayed here longer than we need too. Come with us, we`ll lead you to safety.” Louis spoke friendly and then moved to Seraphina`s side to help her forward through the snow, giving a glance back at Azalea which told her to stay close.

North-west they headed and carefully they walked, observing the frontier as far they could, while they helped the frozen woman. “Don`t worry, it is not far. And once we get there, we`ll be sure to give you something to eat and drink.” He said with a smile as his glance turned to Seraphina, holding a tight grip around her as he hoped for his cloak to give her some warmth. Normally he would ask Azalea to create some fire in such a moment, but the fear of being spotted by more Templars kept him from asking. They had to get Seraphina to Andoral`s soon, or the cold could cause damage.

The further they got to Andoral`s Reach, the more they could see of its ruins in the distance. Far the ancient Tevinter fortress stretched, a place of sanctuary, a place of hope, but how much longer would it be safe. Winter had taken its toll on the people within, food was getting harder to get and outside its walls the Templars always observed. What once had been a safe haven, had now more and more turned into a prison, similar to the Circle Towers that once had been crowded by Mages. It was there at Andoral`s Reach their last stand would be fought, soon the Templars would come. Although at the moment they could do nothing else, but pray and prepare. It wasn`t long now and it worried Louis greatly.

[Azalea Valdea]

Azalea could feel her own frustrations starting to build up. Louis was frustrated with her, which made Azalea frustrated as well. She knew he meant well with his concern, but she wished he would understand that Azalea wasn't that frail and vulnerable. She had been taking care of herself since she left the tower all those years ago. Azalea was still alive, so she must have been doing something right. Right? She frowned, pulling up her scarf to hide the frown from Louis and the woman Seraphina.

A quiet sigh passed through Azalea's lips as Seraphina and Louis spoke. and she caught the look in Louis' eye. The one that practically said "don't go running off". "I agree. Come along then lest you freeze." She said, turning on her feet back in the direction of the reach. Perhaps she sounded far more curt than she meant to, and she felt a little bad about it. But, she couldn't help feeling another pan of jealousy as Louis covered Seraphina with his cloak and helped her along through the snow. To hide her face further, she pulled her hood back up, and tried to seem as indifferent as possible as she walked on slightly ahead. Ok, maybe she was being a bit immature, but, that's just how Azzy worked. Though she had to admit, she was being a bit moodier than usual. Its probably because she's been cooped up inside so much. Yeah, that's it.

"Yes, don't worry. We're not that far off. At least it will be a bit warmer inside." Azalea said quietly, turning her head to look over her shoulder at Seraphina. She frowned again from beneath her scarf. Ugh...Sera was right about one thing, the cold certainly could make one feel ill. Azzy was feeling a bit sick herself, and she pressed a hand to her stomach. Perhaps she picked up some sort of illness from the Reach. Being crammed together with so many people, it wasn't uncommon for sicknesses to be spread. The young girl stopped suddenly, but made sure she was still turned away from Louis and Seraphina. She managed to pull her scarf down in time just as she felt the sensation of vomiting. She heaved for a moment, tossing back up what little food she had managed to eat earlier in the day. Ugh, gross. Her face was contorted with disgust and she spat a couple times to try and get rid of what ever was left in her mouth. She even went as far as to scoop up some clean snow and eat it, allowing it to melt in her mouth before spitting it back out. Much better, at least the taste isn't quite so bad.

"Ugh. Maker's breath that was disgusting." She grumbled, pulling her scarf back up over her mouth. Well, at least she didn't get any on her. Azalea started walking again, trying to pretend that she didn't just humiliate herself by getting sick in front of Louis and a total stranger. Maker, at least they were about to the Reach. This was just downright embarrassing.

[Seraphina Fáelán]

Seraphina didn't know what to do... or to say even, already the air around her felt thick and it wasn't just because of the cold, the was tension in the air. A bit too blunt than she would have preferred, she released herself from the man's grip, keeping a few steps away from him. "I... appreciate your concern, but I am quite fine walking by myself..." she said quietly before wrapping her black cloak around her body, it wasn't that the cold made her ill... she only wanted to drama to end and to get going, the heat... now that was a different story.

It was then she heard to sound of vomiting, which caused her gaze to widen as she turned to the red haired woman. "Are... you alright?" she asked with slight concern on her snow white face, without a moments hesitation she took out a vial from her bag and placed it in the girl's hand "I don't know if this will help... but it's a potion, it's good for sickness... plus it gives you a nice warm sensation in your tummy..."

She didn't think much of the act of kindness, but when one has talent in specializing in potions, it was best to put it to use. "If... you truly are so cold, I don't mind giving you some extra warmth..." she said kindly, removing her cloak and wrapping it around her before pressing onward, as she specialized in ice magic, this weather was a mere child.