"No..! Please..!"

Screams echoed through the forest, smoke pouring out of the treetops, children crying, horses braying in terror as the flames danced along their manes.

"Stop..! This... this can't be happening..! Stop it... stop it... stop..!"

A young woman woke with a start, drenched in sweat as her heart raced as though it were trying to flee from her chest. She put her face in her hands, eyes clenched shut as she tried to push the images still haunting her.

When she was finally calm- calm enough as she could be at least- she swung her legs out of bed and pulled on her boots before grabbing her cloak and heading out the door to her cabin. Snow blanketed the the village, not a sign of anyone else out of bed. She wandered aimlessly, trying to find a nice and quite place where she could collect her thoughts.

Her name was Una An Muire O Falconhold. She was from an Avvar clan who specialized in falconry. Her obsidian black hair and silverite eyes often gained unwanted attention, but to make matters worse she was also a mage. In her clan, she was seen as gifted and blessed by the gods, but to outsiders she was seen as cursed and feared. It astounded her to see how vastly different the outside world was compared to the humble, simple life she had led before her life changed forever.

As she wandered outside of the village, she found herself coming to the trebuchets and stared up at them. 'How could people have such need for weapons like these..?' Her gaze shifted from the siege engines to the stars as its eerie green glow danced in the sky. 'How could the gods let this happen...? Have we angered them in someway..?'

She sighed, letting the gentle wintery breeze kiss her cheeks as her curls swayed ever so slightly.

"Lady of the Skies... have you forsaken me..?" Una asked, the tears slipping from her eyes. She tried to fight them back, but her nightmares only served as a reminder of all that she had lost. She wrapped an arm around herself while she tried to stifle her sobs with her other hand. She tried to stay as quiet as she could, hoping that no one would see her in such a weak state.

"Herald?"

Una jumped when someone touched her shoulder and she turned to find Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast standing behind her, very concerned.

"What is the matter?"

Una couldn't find words and turned into Cassandra, freeing her tears.

Cassandra, unsure of what else to do, simply held her as she cried. "Hush... it's alright..." She tried to comfort her, unsure what was causing her so much grief.

Not long after Una had been named the Herald of Andraste and sealed the Breach, Una had taken a small escort of soldiers to visit her village. During her stay, however, they were attacked by a new enemy who were later identified as the Venatori- a cult from Tevinter bent on sowing chaos in southern Thedas. They set fire to the village and started slaughtering everyone- sparing no one and nothing, not even the children or animals. Una and the Inquisition soldiers did their best to fend off the attackers, but it was to no avail.

Only Una had survived the attack returned to the village, and when she returned to Haven, she reported only that they had been attacked by Venatori and she alone had survived- barely escaping with her life. She remained reticent about the ordeal, only doing what she needed to do, and only spoke when it was absolutely necessary. Not even Varric or Sera could get through to her.

Cassandra was surprised that Una had turned to her for comfort, seeing as she had a bit hardened and apprehensive personality, but she had grown to admire her for her trustworthiness and dependability. Seeing her so vulnerable and so desolate... it made her heart sink.

Una wasn't sure how long she had cried for, but when she had finally calmed herself down, she wiped her eyes dry and looked up at Cassandra apologetically.

"You do not need to apologize, Herald." Cassandra tried to offer her a reassuring smile. "And do not worry, this will remain between us, I promise."

Una hugged her. "Thank you..." She set herself back down and bid her a good night before hurrying to return to her cabin and try to get some more sleep.

As she watched Una disappear back into the village through the main gate, Cassandra wondered if she would be alright. She could still remember what it was like to see her own brother die.

"Cassandra, is everything alright?"

Cassandra looked over as Cullen stepped out of tent. "I hope so."

A few days later, Una stood in the war room alone as she poured over the reports awaiting her review.

"Herald, might I have a word?"

Una looked up from her work to find Cassandra waiting in the doorway. "Of course, Cassandra. What can I help you with?"

Cassandra stepped into the war room, closing the door behind her- grateful that she and Una were the only ones present. "I wanted to see how you were doing." She could see the surprise in Una's eyes at her inquiry. "Forgive me if I have overstepped..."

Una sighed. "No, it's alright." She set her quill aside. "I appreciate your concern. I should really apologize for the other night."

"It is quite alright. I was happy to assist in whatever way I could." Cassandra watched her a moment and made to answer, but their conversation was cut short as the rest of the council gathered came into the war room.

"Good, now that everyone is present, shall we begin?" the ambassador began, setting the meeting into motion.

Throughout the meeting, Una had resumed her reticent demeanor and calm facade. She tried to stay focused on the task at hand, but her mind was wandering. When the Commander, Cullen Rutherford, asked her a question, she hadn't been paying attention at first.

"Herald?"

Una jumped a bit as she was pulled back from her thoughts by Cassandra's gentle touch on her shoulder. "Hmm? Forgive me, I was lost in my thoughts."

"I was just curious as to what your thoughts were on the new training regiment I've proposed." Cullen said, repeating his question for her.

Una looked at the Commander. "I trust your judgment, Commander."

Cullen's brow furrowed and he looked at her with concern. "Are you alright, Herald?"

Una nodded, rubbing her neck. "Yes. I apologize for my lack of attentiveness. I'm just tired." She looked to the ambassador. "Is there anything else that needs my immediate attention, Josephine?"

"No, my lady."

"Very well, then may I leave the rest to you?"

"Of course." said the spymaster, Leliana. "Please, get some rest?"

"I think I might just do that." Una said, excusing herself.

Once she had cleared the room, everyone looked at each other.

"Is she alright?" Josephine asked.

"She has been having difficulties sleeping." Cassandra said, trying to keep her promise as best as she could.

Una found her way through the village to one of the hills overlooking the lake and stood, watching the glow of the Breach dance along the frozen surface. She stood there, for an hour or so, just enjoying the peace for what little moment she could. When she turned to head back to her cabin, she stopped short of herself when she saw Cullen standing there- as if he had been patiently waiting for her.

"Forgive the intrusion, Herald." he said, rubbing his neck. "You seemed rather distracted during the meeting, so I wanted to check on you."

Una sighed. "I appreciate your concern, Commander Cullen, but I'm alright."

As she came down the hill and made to pass him, Cullen turned and grasped her hand- stopping her. "Herald, if there's something on your mind..." His heart sank when he saw the pain and sadness in her eyes as she met his gaze. Tears were brimming her silverite eyes and she pulled her hand free as she stepped away. "Una..."

Una brought her hand to her chest as she fought back her tears. "Cullen... please... just leave it alone..."

Cullen wanted to go after her, but he feared he would only make it worse and was beginning to feel as though he was failing her. 'Una, why won't you let anyone in..?'

"Commander, word for you."

Cullen sighed and turned to the soldier approaching him. "What is it?"