Chapter Text
The crisp crunch of foliage echoes beneath the feet of the elven woman with locks of hair hidden under a black hood, silently making her way through the small orchard of sorts, staring at the warm ombre colours of autumn. Fennic couldn’t help but freeze, quietly taking out a small slither of a letter of sorts. She sighs.
“Here…? Really?” Fennic frowning looks around the forest, clutching the letter close to her chest when the sharp snap of a tree branch below. .
Fennic swiftly takes out her blades brow furrowed at the small sharp sound turning to glare at the intruder only to falter, doing a double take at the young girl before her. The girl looked scared, alarmed almost at the blades the woman wields. Not that the woman could blame her. She sighs. Again.
“U-Um…” The meek voice shyly stutters, shaking.
“Hm?” The elven woman turns to eye the young girl, her brow furrowing at the eerie familiar features of the young girl with short white hair and icy blue eyes.
“You seem a bit lost…mam. Is there something you’re looking for?” The young girl asks the woman.
"Yes I’m trying to locate the home of a certain idiot dwarf named Varric, you wouldn’t happen to know him child? He has a crossbow called Bianca?” The elven woman wonders.
"I see so you’re a visitor.” The young elven girl whispers.
"Hm?” Fennic frowns only then does she notice the once trembling basket of mushrooms and other foraged goods in her basket.
"Come with me.” The young girl turns to lead the way, Fennic’s eyes widening at the cabin she soon finds.
"Wow, so you’re still alive…” Fennic turns to eye the old man at the table, long locks of hair with thin trails of white now on the dwarf.
"No need to sound so disappointed my friend.” Warmly, Varric greets Fennic.
"I’m not disappointed, I’m surprised. Least you can do is get that right…” Fennic sighs sitting down, setting the bottle of wine upon the table only to falter from the same white haired girl coming over, silently setting some tea down for them both.
"Uh…” Fennic questionably eyes the tea.
"Why thank you kind lady.” Varric smiles softly at the little one, quietly keeping her head down, looking almost scared as shy blue looks into a similar shade to the woman’s own, her eyes narrowing at the child.
Varric notices Fennic’s still confused expression, eyeing the child.
"I’ve cut back on the liquor.” Varric smoothly brings back the attention onto himself.
"…Who are you and what have you done to Varric?” Fennic turns to frown at Varric.
"A lot can happen in a few years…” Varric just shrugs.
"Clearly look at you.” Fennic eyes the old man before her.
"Not all of us have the immaculate genes of an elf.” Varric playfully points out.
"So. Who’s the kid?” Fennic eyes the child quietly scuttling back to the kitchen getting on a step stool of sorts, knife in hand as she cuts away at the mushrooms she had gathered.
"I can’t believe you can’t even recognise your own niece.” Varric smiles.
"…Oh yeah I do have one of those.” Fennic’s eyes expand briefly taken aback at the reminder.
"Honestly, how could you not tell from the hair alone?” Varric shakes his head bemused.
"I don’t know I don’t go around assuming every white haired person to be a relative Var…so…guessing my brother left her in your care?” Fennic assumes eyeing the child, her back to them preparing food.
"With the hunters after them, Hawke and Fenris thought it best she stay with me.” Varric just shrugs.
"Yes at least as the viscount you could provide the girl with some protection...still imagine my surprise to find the viscount not in Kirkwall at all but in some backwards hut in the middle of nowhere.” Fennic remarks.
"I wanted her to be safe.” Varric shrugs.
"And that’s all?” Fennic’s eyes narrow.
"You know how Kirkwall is, even with Aveline as captain I didn’t want her growing up there.” Varric sighs.
"Yeah can’t say I blame you on that front. So…why’d you call me here?” Fennic takes out a familiar letter.
"Down to business I see…” Varric eyes it.
"I’m honestly curious over how you managed to track me down.” Fennic admits.
"You mad?” Varric smirks.
"If you’re asking if I’m upset you disrupted my solitude then yes. So tell me, what do you want?” Fennic gets straight to the point, ignoring the child looking back at her now and then.
"Tell me…have you ever considered an apprentice?” Varric smiles.
"…pardon?” Fennic frowns.
"Come now Fennic you and I are getting older, we can’t keep fighting forever.” Varric smiles.
"I…does Fenris even know about this? Does the girl!?” Fennic hisses, eyeing the child her back to them tending to prep.
"Bethany’s a fan she grew up hearing stories about you and well, her parents.” Varric smiles.
"…How much does that girl know?” Fennic’s eyes darken.
"Enough…for now.” Varric just smiles.
"Varric you can’t just expect me to just pop up out of this girl’s life and be like hey I’m your aunt who you never met before now I’m just gonna uproot your entire life and take you to who knows where.” Firmly, Fennic reminds him.
"Why not? You’re family and it seems to me, she really would like to meet you.” Varric argues.
"She is a child!” Fennic hisses.
"She’s also a mage.” Varric reveals.
"…Huh?” Fennic does a double take at the news.
"You heard. As you and I both know magic isn’t exactly my thing but…” Varric begins…
"No.” Fennic tries to end but…
"It is yours.” Varric ends it for her.
"Do you comprehend what you ask of me?” Fatigued, Fennic sighs, cradling the side of her head, exasperation etched into her tense tired tone.
"Bethany is quite the mage, she just needs experience.” Varric tells Fennic.
"And you think it wise to throw her to the wolves?” Fennic frowns.
"You’d protect her.” Varric just shrugs.
"Varric I don’t think you quite comprehend the people who are after me, yes your girl might be a strong mage but you said so yourself she needs experience, her coming along with me would be a death sentence for her. And I will not be responsible for the death of my niece.” Fennic frowns at Varric.
"But perhaps with the changing times perhaps throwing her at those sorts of people would be for the best.” Varric cooly counters.
"So you want the kid dead? “ Fennis scowls.
"I want the child prepared.” Varric corrects.
"She is but a child Varric! A child like that will only be corrupted by what she sees in the world, the people after me would…you and I both know what they would do to a child like her…and I refuse to let that happen to my niece. The world her father and I ran from…there’s a reason Fenris sent her away Varric.” Fennic hisses harshly, hushedly whispering it worriedly eyeing the child in the next room.
"…Yes I understand your concern but old legends like you and I cannot carry this mantle of fixing shit whenever the world goes to rot always…we got to prepare the future generation don;t you think?” Varric smiles.
"…Speak for yourself.” Fennic leans back still scowling.
"I know you’re tired, old frend…” Varric’s features soften at Fennic.
"…If you knew me for a second you’d know I never have had a choice in any of this, having the chance to…stop. Someone like you perhaps can afford that luxury but I can’t…” Fennic stresses sternly.
"But you can afford to stand idly by as Chuckles reigns havoc all over Thedas?” Varric argues.
"Don’t.” Fennic tenses up, her lone glare saying it all.
"Fox I get it you being hesitant you two were close…” Varric sighs.
"Look I told you guys what you needed to know I played my part now leave me be.” Bluntly, Fennic reminds Varric.
"Fox we both know you may be the only one able to talk him down.” Varric argues.
"You’re a fool to think that. I tried before and look what happened, the inquisition was eradicated, the inquisitor…” Fennic begins but falters grimacing.
"You still disagree with their goal?” Varric assumes.
"If you mean I think them to be naive then yes.” Fennic shrugs.
"…Fennic…” Varric sighs.
"I ain’t taking the girl I’m sorry. This guy you got on your hands I wish you luck but that’s all I can afford.” Fennic refuses.
"What are you so scared of?” Varric’s eyes narrow at his old friend.
"I’m sorry? Scared of?” Fennic scoffs amused almost at the notion.
"You heard.” Varric remains resolved.
"Would it baffle you to consider, perhaps, I don’t want more blood on my hands, especially my nieces?” Fennic sneers.
"I understand then I have another favour to ask of you.” Varric smiles.
"What is it?” Fenic’s eyes narrow at said smile.
"I need you to translate these.” Varric sets down some papers.
"Qunlat?” Fennic recognises right away.
"That’s right.” Varric confirms.
"Can’t Fenris or Josie do this?” Fennic frowns.
"You think they have the time to do so? Look these documents are too vital for me to hand them over so easily, if his spies got even a glimpse of this…” Varric explains to Fennic.
"This is in a tongue far older than the modern tongue of the Qun. This will definitely take a while, five to six years maybe…” Fennic quickly scans the contents.
"Up for the challenge then?” Varric smirks, a glint gleaming in his eye.
"Why do you want this to be deciphered?” Fennic frowns.
"It is a matter of utmost urgency please old friend?” Varric asks.
"…Fine.” Fennic sighs.
"Oh and whenever you need a break from your task, do you mind teaching Bethany a thing or two on magic. Hawke could only teach so much before following after Fenris.” Varric admits.
"I’ll see what I can do.” Fennic sighs, slumping her shoulders unaware of her old friend’s smile.
The brisk breeze brushes through the short locks of white from a familiar girl, a staff far too tall for the small child clutched in her hands, eyeing the bolder far across the canyon of sorts as she stares out at it.
"What are you doing out here girl?” The young girl flinches from the cold curt tone of Fennic.
"I…” The girl startled turns to the white haired woman.
A still silence settles, the young girl trembling turns away from the piercing stare of the older woman looking back at the bolder in the far off distance, her grip tightening upon the staff far too big for her.
"Uncle Varric says once I’m able to blast a hole through that rock on the other side I can become a proper mage.” Bethany shyly explains to Fennic.
"That makes sense I supp-” Fennic hums only to falter her eyes wide at the blast bursting from Bethany’s staff only to watch it fizzle out.
"…My magic never makes it to the other side, it just won’t reach.” Bethany sighs sadly at the rock remaining untouched.
"Clearly.” Fennic frowns.
"Do you know any ways I can train this skill?” Bethany shyly looks up at Fennic.
"…” Fennic stares down at Bethany.
"Uncle Var told me you knew magic so can you?” Bethany continues to press hopeful.
"Can I ask you something first…?” Fennic asks as she looks out at the horizon towards the boulder.
"Hm?” Bethany blinks befuddled.
"…do you like magic?” Fennic asks her.
"…I like it somewhat I guess.” Shyly, Bethany looks away unaware of the surprised look on Fennic.
"In that we’re alike.” Fennic hums overlooking the rock. A still silence settles between both aunt and niece as before Fennic knew it, the gentle sound of cutlery echoes, Varric releasing a hearty yawn and bid of goodnight heads to bed leaving both girls to clean up.
"Ass…” Fennic grumbles glaring at the ass heading to bed.
Fennic frowns at the sharp gasp.
"What?” Fennic turns to Bethany.
"You said a bad word!” Bethany gasps.
"Ah…right…” Fennic awkwardly turns away, going back to cleaning.
"So…are you really my aunt?” Curious, Bethany asks Fennic.
"Well…your father is my brother so yes technically that would make me your aunt.” Fennic calmly confirms as she washes a plate.
"Then how come I’ve never met you before?” Bethany steps up on a step stool to ask as Fenic couldn't help but squirm.
"Eh your father and I have just been busy with our own things.” Fennic firmly focuses on the bowl.
"Oh…” Bethany bows her head sad almost as Fennic furrows her brow, not quite sure what to say.
"Long-range magic is a combination of three key factors essential to mages. There's the amount of mana, the strength with which it's fired, and the level of control the mage has over it. You know that much, don't you?” Fennic smoothly changes topic to ask Bethany.
"Yes.” Bethany leans over the counter, confirming it with a nod.
"Earlier, your magic dissipated before it reached its target. That's a sign that your mana and firing strength are lacking.” Fennic hands her the bowl.
"Oh…” Bethany takes the bowl to dry.
"It's not something you can fix overnight. Regardless of your talent, it'll take years to master. However, your level of control over the magic is very high. That's what most people tend to have trouble with. But you've got no problems there, which is impressive in itself I will admit.” Fennic admits to Bethany.
"Really?” Bethany says surprised.
"Yes. Magic is a raw power, as beautiful as it may be its tricky…for you to have a sense of control at such a young age is impressive.” Fennic tells Bethany.
"…I just didn’t want to make dad worry.” Bethany bows her head pained.
"…Worry?” Fennic frowns.
"…He…he wasn’t exactly happy when I first came to my power…” Pained, Bethany whispers recalling it well, the look of horror on her father’s face when the flames burst from Bethany. Bethany could still recall her scream, her hand was on fire it hurt, it burnt if not for her mother…
"…That sounds about right…” Fennic sighs.
"You…you know?” Bethany watches Fennic take her hands out the water.
"You could say that.” Fennic reveals the fierce flame she summons within the palm of her hand.
"You…you’re like me?” Bethany’s eyes expand in awe almost at the sight of the fierce flame.
"Eh, I wouldn't say that. Look, just be patient with yourself. Okay?” Fennic swiftly snuffs said flame out with ease.
"…Okay.” Bethany shyly bows her head.
"Now head to bed.” Fennic takes the rag and bowl from Bethany.
"But I can wash up.” Bethany protests, she always did, she was fine with it.
"Just cause you can, doesn’t mean you should. You’re a kid, go sleep or else you’ll never grow any taller.” Fennic firmly orders.
"R-Really?” Bethany sputters, stunned startled, alarmed almost at the thought.
"That’s right…” Fennic just goes with it, giving her a stern look.
"Eeep!” Bethany squeaks shooting off to bed leaving the fatigued Fennic to finish tidying up.
The soft sound of quill on paper echoes, Fennic firmly focused on the task at hand in the library, the gentle glow of the candlelight being her only source of light when another soon joins, Varric holding a light source of his own approaches.
"Do you ever think about him?” Varric couldn’t help but ask Fennic.
"This again…?” Annoyed, Fennic sighs.
"Is it so wrong for me to be curious?” Varric wonders.
"Curious about something that was over 6 years ago?” Fennic scoffs.
"…” Varric goes quiet.
"Varric what you’re referring to is a relation long since buried. No doubt he’s forgotten about me and thrown himself at the women in his cult…” Fennic tiredly reminds Varric.
"You really think that?” Varric asks.
"He’s a man.” Fennic just shrugs.
"I see and you still…” Varric begins…
"My answer remains the same Var.” Fennic ends.
"Is Bethany's training coming along smoothly?” Varric changes topic.
"In just four years, she's learned more than most people do in ten. Whether that’s a good thing or bad thing is yet to be decided.” Fennic gives her report tiredly, still focused on her work.
"She's been spending all her time in the woods lately. She must really love magic.” Varric smiles sadly.
"She's still a long way from becoming a proper mage. I'll finish deciphering these notes before she does.” Fennic assumes.
"I see.” Varric bows his head.
"Hey Var this repo-” Fennic begins but the thump of a body falling to the ground stops her.
"Varric?” Fennic stares wide eyed at the fallen form of her friend below.
Rain free falls from the sobbing skies above as a frowning Fennic looms over her bedridden friend.
"How long…?” Fennic’s cold curt tone demands from Varric.
"…Seems father time has decided its my time.” Varric smiles.
"Don’t joke about this!” Fennic glares down at her old friend.
"Fox…” Varric just smiles.
"Does Bethany know? Hell do Fenris and hawke? Is this why you left Kirkwall? Wait does the Inquisitor know?” Fennic furious demands from Varric.
"…Guess I ain’t the spring chicken I used to be…” Varric whispers weakly.
"Great now you’re making me feel old.” Fennic frowns.
"We’re not as young as we used to be Fox…Don't look at me like that. If anything, it's a miracle I've been mobile until now.” Varric smiles.
"I'll try to decipher the texts quickly.” Fennic sighs.
"I'd appreciate that.” Varric just smiles as Fennic leaves Varric to rest.
Rain continues free falling as the young Bethany stands before a familiar cliff of sorts steadying her staff, far older now as she charges an attack and yet as it is released it quickly fizzles out.
"Bethany, put your training on hold. Heiter collapsed. I need you to stay with him.” Fennic comes over to the drenched child scowling.
"But I still haven't hit the rock!” Bethany snaps, her shoulders shaking.
"You'll do it eventually. Right now—” Frowning, Fennic tries to give the order but…
"Eventually isn't good enough!” Bethany snaps, sniffling.
"Bethany?” Fennic’s tone softens, concern clear on her furrowed features for her niece.
"Varric will die before then…!” Tearfully, Bethany whimpers, tears freely falling from her sniffling form as Fennic simply sighs at the sad reality of the citation, a small slither of her hand almost reaching out to the girl when she stops…drawing herself away from her sniffling niece.
"I don't care if it's as a mage or whatever else—learning some kind of skill to support myself is my way of repaying him. I want him to know I'll be fine.” Tears free fall from the sniffling Bethany telling her aunt that.
"You remember everything I've taught you, don't you?” Fennic asks her tone cold curt.
"Yes?” Bethany befuddled turns to her aunt.
"Then do as you like.” Fennic however turns her back to the child leaving her in the rain, leaving her to train…
The sun slowly seeps in, the morning light peering into a familiar room as Varric in bed slowly stirs noting the glaring elf above.
"Bastard.” Fennic sets the stack of notes on his bed.
"Hm?” Varric looks down at them.
"You tricked me.” Fennic glares.
"So…you figured me out.” Varric just smiles.
"Luring me out here…all for some brat?” Fennic scowls.
"That brat’s your niece you know?” Varric just chuckles.
"I know. If you think I’m going to make her into a weapon against Solas then you can think again.” Annoyed, Fennic gets straight to the point.
"You think me so cruel?” Varric chuckles.
"I don’t know what to think anymore.” Frankly, Fennic admits.
"How is Bethany?” Varric asks.
"She has room for improvement in some areas, but it wouldn't be wrong to call her a proper mage.” Fennic concedes recalling well Bethany's blast, her bright beaming smile as she turned to Fennic’s quiet nod of approval at the rock now nothing more than shards.
"I see. Then she made it in time. Now she won't get in your way, Fox.” Varric smiles.
"…Asshole.” Fennic huffs.
"So will you bring her with you on your travels?” Varric smiles.
"…Don’t have much of a choice now do I?” Fennic sighs.
"Fox, please look after her…” Varric’s words echo as before Fennic knew it, she and a tearful Bethany stood before his grave, flowers and booze, Bianca too at his grave. Bethany bawls her eyes out while Fennic keeps a stoic face, pain clear in her eyes as before she knew it, she had headed out, a sniffling Bethany by her side…