Andraste's Tears
~~==Prologue==~~
Frewyn Cousland stood motionless, catching his breath as he watched the scene that played out in the sky before him. The Archdemon thrashed and buckled trying to shed itself of the Grey Warden who had plunged from the heavens and onto it's back. The Archdemon roared in fury and agony as Frewyn watched transfixed as Riordan's figure plunged it's blade deep into the Darkspawn's back. The Archdemon now became more frantic and aggressive in it's attempt to dislodge the stowaway as Riordan began to repeatedly skewer the scaly skin, searching for its black heart.
The battle that raged around him was lost to his senses as he watched in horror as the Archdemon clipped against the looming tower above him, connecting with a sickening crunch and howl of agony. He could not turn his eyes away from the spectacle - he was transfixed and yet he felt as if something inside him was pulling him towards the cry of the Archdemon. Time slowed down to a trickle. The debris from the tower dislodged and the stone and mortar began falling like snow from the heavens, "Frewyn!" he heard his name but did not answer as he continued to stare open mouthed. And then he felt it. As time caught up with him once again.
The blow to his left side took him by surprise, knocking him off his feet and carrying him through the air until he connected with the hard, blood stained cobbles of the courtyard. "I thought you said you would be the one looking after me, no?" the voice brought him back from his stupor and he suddenly became aware of the petite figure who was now on top of him. Leliana. The dust began to settle around them and she picked herself off the Warden beneath her and extended her hand in offering to him. He grasped her hand feeling her remarkably soft skin meet with his battle hardened grip, he looked up at her, their eyes meeting; she was covered head to toe in Darkspawn blood and all the hall marks of battle however to Frewyn she would always be as Pristine as the first moment she had approached him in the tavern in Lothering.
Now on his feet he saw where he had been standing, instead now in his place was enough bedrock and stone to crush even several Qunari with minimal effort. Leliana looked at him, her forhead wrinkled betraying her emotions showing she was concerned, she turned her head slightly hoping to mask the expression on her face, "You and Alistair" she began, "You both… Froze to the spot and looked up as if you had been petrified". Frewyn glanced over her shoulder as she spoke and saw Wynne kneeling beside the King who looked like he was about to be sick. He couldn't explain it. All he knew was that as soon as he heard the call of the Archdemon he had felt so close to it… He couldn't take his eyes from it or move, it was as if it was calling to him, beckoning his spirit and demanding obedience. Could it be the taint? Quite possible he thought as he recalled when he first saw the Archdemon while in the Deep Roads of Orzammar, he recalled its cry and remembered how he felt it was almost enchanting. Whatever happened after today, the Warden's would need to address this issue
The loudest cry from the Archdemon yet filled the sky. This time, everyone looked up. The Archdemon was now climbing high in the sky as fast as it could. The now weakened figure of Riordan was becoming more and more difficult to see as they climbed towards the clouds, he was holding on for all he was worth his hands wrapped around the hilt and pommel of his sword that was encased in the scaly flesh of the Archdemon. And then it happened. The sword lost it's grip in its host and slowly began to tear down the icy flesh before picking up speed as the Dragon continued its ascent but still Riordan held on to the sword with all his strength. And then it was over. The sword left the body. The Archdemon screamed in pain. Riordan fell. And so did his foe. The figures looked like tears falling from Andraste herself as they penetrated the cloud line shrouded in pain and bravery. Two tears that showed this war for what it was. One tear for evil. And one tear for bravery and sacrifice.