Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize from the game.
Author's Note: Well, I managed to get the sequel started sooner than expected. The title may sound a bit uninspired but like the first one, it has it's place. If you haven't yet read 'All That Glitters' you should read that first. Without further ado, let us begin. I hope you enjoy the story.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Chapter 1 – Remnants
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Leliana awoke amidst the comfortable warmth of bodies. She was lying with Morrigan and Eternia in their tent. It was the night after the battle had been won. The army was too exhausted to move just yet. There was perhaps something slightly disconcerting about camping in the shade of the ruins of Arlathan but there wasn't much choice. She smiled as vivid memories of just a few hours ago played themselves through her mind. She stared fondly at the two women, sound asleep and stark naked. She needed to go for a walk; there was something that was irking her.
She got up and slipped on a light piece of leather armor. She quickly belted her daggers and strapped on her bow before leaving; better safe than sorry. The area was lit by the faint embers of dying fires from around the camp. Most of the sentries were fast asleep, a few remained somewhat aware. She walked silently past them, unnoticed. Her footfalls were muffled by the foliage beneath her feet. She stared for a while at the haunting silhouette of Arlathan's remains. She wandered slowly toward the partially crumbled entrance gate. The city was dark, no light for her to see. She ducked under the rubble, and scrambled over a pile of debris. She found herself on a cracked street surrounded by decaying buildings. She saw only through the faint illumination of the stars and the moon.
She wandered slowly through the once magnificent place, mulling over recent events. She remembered now, she remembered much of what happened in the prison those many years ago. She shook her head to clear the thoughts away, Deimos was dead. There was nothing left other than painful memories. To her surprise she found herself in front of the doorway that led beneath Arlathan. She turned to head back to camp but froze as a voice echoed through the dead city.
"Hello Leliana."
She knew that voice. But it wasn't possible. She pulled off her bow and strung an arrow. She saw the faint outlines of a figure in her peripheral vision.
"It is pleasant to see you again." The voice mocked her now. "You seem surprised to see me."
She took a deep breath as she swung around and let the arrow fly. It hummed softly through the air as it passed clean through her target. She took a step back to drink in everything. The person who stood before her was undoubtedly Deimos. But something was wrong, he looked like a ghost. He looked like what his fadewalkers once looked like.
"It can't be…" The bard muttered, stepping back and stringing another arrow. "What are you? A ghost…?"
Deimos shot her a somewhat annoyed glance before responding.
"I suppose you could say that." He whispered. "I am certainly not alive anymore. At least not in the physical sense. I cannot harm you now; all I have at my disposal are words. And those are perfectly harmless aren't they?"
Leliana wanted to turn her back and leave. To walk away from this. But something told her to stay, to figure things out a little.
"We killed you. How..?"
"Still stuck on that little point are we?" Deimos spoke as if he were scolding a pupil who wasn't being attentive. "I suppose there is a benefit to your soul existing both here and in the fade simultaneously. The part of me that was in the fade is not quite gone. So I suppose I am a ghost here, in a sense."
The bard simply turned to walk away. She had taken several steps before the ghostly figure materialized before her. She paused for a moment.
"We are not here to talk about me; we're here to talk about you." His look was now razor sharp. "You remember clearly enough what I told you in that prison. The only question left is will you will do as I requested you?"
"You're a monstrosity. This world doesn't need you or your help." The Orlesian spat angrily before marching on. She stopped as the ghost spoke again. Deimos now materialized on her right side and drifted along with her.
"Ferelden is in danger. If not for my untimely demise, I would have dealt with it myself." He said flatly. "But due to the circumstances, I have no choice but to turn to you."
"The greatest danger was from you and that is over." Leliana said shortly, marching on.
"Would you want this nation to perish, along with you and your lovers?"
The bard froze again. She turned, eying Deimos suspiciously.
"What danger to Ferelden could there possibly be at this time?" She asked pointedly.
"You Fereldans always seemed to forget Orlais." He said thoughtfully. "You are going to be attacked. And after the blight and the… incident here, your army is in no shape to hold the Orlesians back. Trust me, you will lose."
"Negotiations with Orlais were going perfectly well! The bond between our two nations has scarce been stronger, why would they attack now?"
"Have you never felt suspicious and then surprised to find out you were the only one?"
Leliana opened her mouth and close it. She simply stared at Deimos.
"I thought as much." He said derisively. "You are being naïve and that will cost you everything. You were once a bard in Orlais. You know what the place is really like, don't you? Underneath all the luxury and decadence, I mean."
"Fine." She said. "I'll talk to Eternia and Morrigan about it. I doubt any of us believe you though, not after everything."
"You know that you cannot tell them." Deimos spoke with a knowing look in his eye. "They would never work with me."
"And I would?"
"More likely you than them. All I asked of you in that prison is that you hear me out."
Leliana stood for a moment. Memories playing themselves back in her head.
"You've already been repaid, with the flower."
"I know."
"Alright." The bard huffed. "Talk if you must, but I won't help you."
She continued her slow walk towards the gates as Deimos spoke.
"You see Leliana; the issue is no longer about warning Ferelden. It is too late one way or another. You will never prepare in time. The issue is to delay the Orlesian attack as much as possible."
"How much preparation time do you think Ferelden would need anyway?"
"Several years at the very least. You have suffered very significant losses recently. Even if Orlais attacks after a year, it will be too soon."
"So… what do you want?"
"It is quite simple, dear bard." Deimos said gently. Leliana knew this was what he had been waiting for. "I know what must be done to delay the assault and to procure solid proof for Ferelden. You will have an easier time convincing your bickering nobles that way. And of course, you are perfect for the job."
"This sounds like some twisted plan for revenge."
"And that is the beauty of it. It is both a way to perform my duty and a way to gain revenge. You will protect Ferelden but it is highly unlikely you will survive this. Of course you cannot do this without me. And you, Leliana, are the only person who is capable enough to perform the task and would be willing to work with me."
"I am not willing."
"I have a question for you. What are you willing to sacrifice for this nation, for Morrigan, for Eternia, for all your friends?"
The Orlesian didn't answer. She simply stood there staring at the entrance gate of Arlathan. Far above thunder rumbled in the clouds. She didn't answer, but both she and Deimos knew the answer. She would give up anything and everything.
"So you want me to leave everything behind and follow you on a mad quest to Orlais? Maker!" She screamed. "Why am I even considering this?"
Deimos knew. He also knew that this was perhaps not the best time to answer that question. If all went well, he would never have to answer it and never have to confront it.
"I can't just leave Eternia and Morrigan behind. I love them…"
"That sacrifice is yours to make." Deimos said pointedly. "They will still have each other if nothing else. By accepting this… journey, the only person who really pays is you. It is your decision, your loss, your sacrifice."
"Why do I even believe what you say?"
Again, Deimos supposed that he knew. He could make an intelligent guess anyway. Still, it was a little disconcerting to know that Leliana could tell when he spoke the truth.
"I-" Leliana started before pausing again. "I don't know. But something… something tells me I need to do this."
That something was nothing special, Deimos knew that much. It was simply her nature to protect the things she loved. And now that she could tell he spoke the truth, she would give herself no choice other than to accept. He hadn't expected this to go so well. Perhaps the prison had been a good idea after all. Nonetheless, the similarities still disturbed him a little. But that was irrelevant; he had a task to perform.
He knew he would have to help her stay safe, as long as necessary. After that, a little dose of revenge never hurt anybody. He smiled at the undecided look on the bard's face.
"I told you." He said firmly. "You cannot evade your purpose, no one can."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Author's Note: I hope you liked it. Feedback and criticism is welcomed. Next update should be soon.
To my reviewers (For the last chapter of All That Glitters) :
interesting2125: I can't be sure what you're thinking but you may be surprised, or maybe not. I hope you enjoy this story as well.
paxm: Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy this story as well. Also, there is still quite a bit to tell about Deimos.
grover11606: Thanks and here you go. I hope you like this story as well.