There's a man about her age with her, and the two appear to be talking quietly.

Varric is having what seems to be a spirited debate with another dwarf, who is red with anger. 

Anders takes Cia’s hand in his left and Ilska’s in his right. “Well. Better head over.” He feels strangely bereft. 

"Last chance to change your mind," Cia murmurs.

Anders presses a kiss to Cia’s temple. He closes his eyes and tries to imprint the feeling in his mind. 

He then heads towards Hawke, keeping his expression neutral. 

The man makes a tiny gesture with his head, back towards Anders.

Hawke turns, and a faint smile crosses her lips. "You made it then."

“Yes, I have emerged from my cave. This the group, then?”

"Bartrand apparently has a few more people we're waiting on. At least, I think that's what his argument with Varric is about."

"I lost track a while ago. I'm Henri."

“Anders. These are my kids, Cia and Ilska.”

"Pleasure to meet you all. Have to say, I'm thankful to have a, by all reports, good healer on board with this."

"Yeah, about that," Cia says, eyes intent. "You better bring him back safe. Or else."

"I'd mind her, if I were you," Anders says, bumping Cia with his hip.

"-I am actually genuinely terrified," Henri says frankly. "How did that much threat get into that small a package?"

"Learned from my older sister," Cia says brightly, gesturing at Ilska - who is doing a rather good job of being intimidating in her own, more looming way.

"Our intention is definitely for everyone to return in one piece," Talia assures. "You have my word."

Anders squeezes Cia's hand. "Hear that? One piece."

"You better be," ey says, squeezing back.

Anders hugs em, and Ilska. He doesn't want to say the words, doesn't want to put even more dire importance on this moment. Better he just make sure with his actions that they both know how much he cares about them.

They hug back, perhaps a little tightly, perhaps a little desperately. "Come back quickly."

"I promise I'm coming back. One piece or no pieces."

"Good," Cia states firmly, forcing emself to step back, still clinging to Ilska. "I- we'll see you then."

"See you soon," he swears.

"We're ready to go," Talia says quietly. "When you are."