Spirits: The Song of Andraste

by Herebedragons66

The Chantry tells us Andraste is the bride of the Maker, and that he was the one who granted her remarkable powers. But what if Andraste's strength came from another source? On the night before she is burned at the stake by resentful Tevinter magisters, Andraste thinks back on her life, her loves, and the divine inspiration that guided her. Written for the Dragon Age Big Bang.

1. Tales

This story was written as part of the Dragon Age Big Bang, where authors and artists from across the fandom came together to create a variety of short stories, at least 10,000 words in length, to be debuted during the autumn of 2012. I've always been fascinated by Andraste, and wondered just how much of what the Chantry teaches is true, and how much was made up by church leaders after the fact. This is my attempt to tell the story of what really happened.

My gorgeous cover artwork was created by Jessica Jones (Jancola on Tumblr). Please also visit the story at AO3 to see the beautiful painting by Foxghost that depicts a scene from Chapter Five. I am so grateful to both of these artists for creating such wonderful artwork to accompany my story, and also to my fabulous betas, Defira and Psyche Sinclair, and to the lovely people who organized the Big Bang. This story wouldn't have been written without their encouragement and support.

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"After being betrayed by her husband, Andraste was taken to the Tevinter city of Minrathous, where she was burned at the stake. It is said that her death at the hands of the Imperium so angered the Maker that He once again turned His gaze from humanity. Only when the Chant of Light has been sung in all four corners of Thedas will the Maker once again welcome us as His beloved children.

"During her life, Andraste was known for her singing. Both her beautiful voice and the words of her songs - derived, no doubt, from her communications with the Maker - were inspirational to those who followed her into battle. It is said that she sang to the very last. And though the melody has long since been lost to the ravages of time, the words inscribed below are believed to be the ones our Beloved Prophet sang in her final moments on this earth.

"Spirit of the water, soothe away my anger,
For I am soon to leave here, in great fear and pain.
Surround me with thy beauty, if it please thee that I might lose my fear of the flames.

"Spirit of the fire, hear me when I cry,
For I am soon to die, and leave my people to mourn.
Let me burn brightly, if it please thee that they might see my light and be warmed.

"Spirit of the air, lift my essence quietly,
So high above that gathering, and to the Maker be borne.
Take me to His side, if it please thee that I might spend eternity as His bride.

"Spirit of the earth, I give my body to thee.
Oh, let my ashes sacred be.
Let the Chant of Light grow, if it please thee to end our fear and our suffering."

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From "Tales of the Destruction of Thedas," by Brother Genitivi

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