This is my first foray in such things and as such i'm inexperienced, what bothered me in DAO was the lack of a real more dark side ending where one could take it all, and so I came up with my own ending.
Leliana in mine is allot darker, and Alistair is "hardened" as well so this will be a more altered representation of the characters
Disclaimer: I own nothing Bioware and EA owns DAO and its expansion.
And last but not least eng is not my natural language so expect grammar errors I did my best to spot them but some may have gotten trough.
A new threat rises
Arina sat in her chair dressed in only night ware drinking some wine, memories always came flooding back at night, of the blight the war and all it took to defeat it, all the sacrifices and pain, yet even now after a year after all this power she did not know if it was worth it all of it.
There was no turning back now all that she built would move with or without her, but the thing that hurt the most was leaving Leliana without even a goodbye, the deal with Morrigan had brought her power part of the old gods soul she was something new not elven or truly mortal anymore but something different Ari did not know exactly what but it did not matter in the end.
Flashes again, after the archdemon is slain she paralyzed everyone and fled the look on Leliana's face still haunted her, the surprise the betrayal that was the hardest decision in Arina's life, to find answers and move the world foreword or stay with her love, but the end goal demanded sacrifices to break the chains and be free, that was the original plan, freedom from the chains of morality of death and finally of ignorance.
She was just an empty shell now, the past weighed heavy and nothing could repair the mistakes there was only foreword, all the armies gathered here bound to her will would drive on and install a new order, one in which the mortal races could decide their own fates without interference from anything, slaves is all they were for now, slaves to powers that regarded them as puppets play things, power was the path to freedom and her power now eclipsed most things.
Arina looked at the silver chalice in her hand gently touching it feeling its texture as she drank some more, a knock in the wooden door snapped Ari out of her thoughts.
"Enter!" she said in the cold tone that was most common to her.
As the door opened a skinny human male made his way in, he was bald and reminded Arina of Uldred her old master, the man moved even closer to her looking at Ari, she pointed at the free chair. "Do take a seat Valerius."
He complied and sat down "I believe everything is in place master we are just waiting for your word to move and unleash our full power"
The red eyes stared with intensity at the dark robbed human "No need to be so formal." She sighed and drank some more wine again her face contorting as the bitter taste assaulted her senses. "As for moving, well I will be leaving soon on a personal matter, you and the others will wait! If I see even one of our soldiers on the surface expect executions."
Valerius looked closely at her and knew at once that was no empty threat, but he was concerned about what his master would do, the army depended on Arina the most to function. legions of undead enslaved by her will, if she died their numbers would be greatly reduced and everything would be jeopardized.
"As you wish" the older human bowed his head.
"Good I would hate to demonstrate what happens when I'm disobeyed" a mischievous smile appeared on her face "Again.."
The older man looked at her as she stood up dressed only in a nightgown, he studied her black hair as it gently touched her shoulders and the scar on Arina's face near the left eye, he guessed she could heal that but kept it as a reminder.
"That will be all."
Valerius stood up bowed gracefully and left the room, she was now again alone with her thoughts, tonight Arina would depart for Denerim to find her family, she didn't know why revenge or simple curiosity, the creases on her face deepened as her mind kept flying back to Leliana and her face as she fled from that tower, Leliana always knew what she was and accepted it but fear drove Arina to flight if only the bard would forgive her give her a second chance, this was the mage's greatest regret fleeing like a coward and leaving behind the only person to ever care for her, Arina's 'eyes' in Denerim knew where Leliana was and what she was doing, it was not a happy situation and with all her being Arina wanted to go and see her, inside she knew her family was more of a pretext to get there, truth be told her time was limited even with all this power and with Avernus brought here still researching a way to stop the taint from spreading.
But she did not have much hope and what she built here seemed more pointless day by day, doubts about this course of action now plagued her and she had to be sure that's why Ari would leave for Denerim tonight.
As she made her way to the locker where her armor was stored she took another sip of wine and put the chalice on the table, Ari opened the slim wooden doors in her locker reveling the armor inside, it was made of black leather adorned with various jewels and with a sliver eagle on the chest, the leather was covered in black material that looked like silk but had magical properties protecting the wearer, the armor was a work of art made by her armorers here in Ismidril, her slender hands removed the night ware and started equipping the black armor, slowly she put on piece by piece with care until Arina was fully armored, she took her cloak of a dark grey color and her sword, made of star metal white and with the inscriptions that further fueled its power, it was curved at the tip and long thin, its scabbard was grey adorned with white crystals.
She was ready to leave and decide what the fate of this place would be, Ari could control her servants even from distance and if need be she could guide them with her will, make them lay waste to this place and be done with it.
Arina looked at the doors to her room and they opened, as she made her way trough the renovated darwen colony she could see mages and others bowing, plus the undead guards patrolling this place, the dwarfs built this thaig to last but now it was renamed and reborn as something else, the mighty underground fortress would serve as a base for a new order, one were mages would be free and rule, of course the rule part was only meant for her directly, true power and knowledge could not come from anywhere else.
To do that she had to attack Ferelden destroy the chantry and templars and that would mean destroying the kingdom as well, betraying all her friends.
Looking at all of them as she walked the halls Ari could detect hope and desire for revenge on their faces, mages have been flocking here for over a year learning and preparing for the moment they would march, Arina reached the main hall and the guards opened the metal doors, the room was huge but not richly decorated aside from a throne in the middle where she stood and several tables, drab and dreary but it was enough for now.
"Everyone out now aside from Marcus!" Her voice echoed in the stone room and everyone obeyed at once.
Arina moved toward him and could see a hint of concern and fear in his blue eyes, as humans go Marcus was tall and had the build of a bear he looked more qunari than human, his long blond hair tough and blue eyes made him easy to recognize as ferelden.
"I need to know how the fighting is going near Amaranthine."
He fidgeted a little since he had bad news, no agents remained all were killed by the dark spawn and the 'eyes' their word for wraiths summoned and sent to spy since they could move unnoticed were destroyed too.
"I am sorry master but no agents remain there. I failed I have no excuse." Marcus's head was bowed.
"So we can deduce the dark spawn won again, there is something else going on here and it worries me, we faced by all accounts a reduced number of them during the blight, where were the rest?" the question was more rhetorical because she knew Marcus had no real answers.
"Do you want me to send more master?"
Ari shook her head "We can't afford to keep losing live agents, keep sending more expendable ones, but this time have them scour over the sea in the Free Marches also."
As she turned around to leave she looked into Marcus's eyes. "And do find something for me this time, or you may find yourself joining the army Marcus."
The cloaked woman exited the room and started navigating the corridors toward the exit, some parts of the keep were still in poor condition even with an untiring workforce things took time, and this was a thaig after all and not a real city, but Arina's forces had rebuilt most of it and added extra fortifications, truth be told for her it felt like a tomb she wanted to add some decorations some color but it seemed pointless since soon enough they would be moving on the surface, it was so clear then, now not so much.
There were two secret exists she was heading for the northern one, nothing more than a ladder that lead to the surface to Gwaren Loghain's old tenyr, Ari moved faster she was already getting mad because of the labyrinth like passageways, finally after three minutes of climbing she made her way to the hatch and opened it taking her first breath of fresh air in months, outside the sky was clear the moon and stars all perfectly visible, she just stood there for some time and watched them in silence.
So much was at stake so much riding on her decisions alone that sometimes she felt overwhelmed, Arina had always second guessed her own decisions, she was forced to take the lead during the blight and they won but even after victory her mind wondered about what could have been.
She did not really consider herself a true leader she ruled by power mostly and charisma but Loghain who had no such power as her had done the impossible, that's why she did not consider herself truly superior, beings with much lees power had done greater things.
But it was time to go all this soul searching solved nothing and even she could not turn back time, as Arina started gesturing and speaking the air around her was filled with electricity, a white blinding light like an explosion erupted all around and when it faded her form had shifted, she now stood on the ground a giant hawk ready to take to the skies and reach Denerim quickly.
Arina soured into to sky her wings beating ever faster as she rose, everything seemed to get smaller and smaller, the wind under her wings the open sky she felt free, a feeling Ari was devoid of for a long time in that tomb of a fortress.
Her eyes scanned the horizon as she glided trough the sky it was dark very dark but even with all that she could still make out shapes on the ground, shed never seen Denerim from the sky and wondered how it would look, actually she had never traveled outside of Ferelden, but soon if she decided to go foreword with her plans Arina would see and lead more than Ferelden.
Six hours had passed and Ari could make out Denerim in the distance, she would first go to the alienage to 'deal' with her family than to the house in which Leliana resided, as her body surged over the city walls at great height so no one would see her she carefully calculated where the alienage would be, in a second she started diving with great speed wings around her body head down, the ground was getting closer and closer and her eyes could make out the run down house where her supposed family lived, the same ones who abandoned her to the circle abused her called her a demon child, now they would taste full power, all the beatings the isolation being locked in the cellar for weeks, her sisters laughing at her it all came back and that made Ari mad, they were worms insignificant specks and that would make it even more pleasurable to crush them under her heal.
She already imagined the look on their faces when they would see the Hero of Ferelden return and step in their run down hole, Arina decided she was going to enjoy this as much as possible since she would only get to see that look of surprise once, but of course in the fade she could torment them for as long as her heart desired, break their very minds.
The giant creature touched down slowly atop their house without a sound, the bright explosion of light again and her body had returned to normal, she jumped off the roof and in the street where a beggar lay near the house supporting his back against the wall.
His eyes shifted and he could make out a pair of intense red eyes watching him from under the dark grey hood.
"What are you?" the fear and horror in his gaze was clear since he saw the giant bird turn into a slim figure.
Without an answer she went for her sword and with a quickness the man barely registered cut his throat, blood immediately began pouring out of the wound as the man gave his last breath.
Arina sheeted the white sword and moved toward the door, slowly placing her hand on the door knob she tried to open it, but it was locked "Damn now I have to make a ruckus"
Her palm touched the middle of the door, a shallow blue light appeared as the door flew of the hinges and inside the house, the Hero of Ferelden stepped inside waiting for her family to come and see what that noise was, the house was as poor as she remembered it three rooms a couple of chairs a table it disgusted her, Ari wondered if the rest of the house would be the same as it was years ago.
Sure enough Darin her father made his way there and saw the door in pieces plus a thin cloaked figure staring at him, he could only make out the bright red eyes, he moved for the knife on the table and quickly grabbed it in his hand, the figure was motionless just starring at him.
"We have nothing you would want we are poor so leave now!"
Arina slowly removed her hood, she waited for a response as the man now looked at her face, but nothing he was still clueless.
"It is I father or don't you recognize me any longer?" a smile appeared on her face revealing the perfect shaped teeth.
"Arina? Hero of Ferelden? My daughter?" he was shocked and that look Ari tried to burn into her mind.
"Yes it is me as I said. Do be so kind and call the rest of the family I've come to get you out of this place you deserve at least that for giving birth to me." Arina's was a master manipulator and her voice seemed sincere of course.
He rushed foreword and hugged her tightly she went along with it and returned the hug even shed some tears to make it seem real.
"My daughter when you disappeared after the battle I thought you were lost or worse."
"I'm sorry father but I had to go, now please call the rest of the family out I want to see them."
"Wait here." The man ran off in the other rooms and started shouting that his girl was back home back to take them away from here.
When the door opened they all came foreword with a false joy to see her she guessed, there was Miriam her mother Arwin and Demira her sisters and a strange man who Ari guessed was a husband to one of her sisters.
Even as Miriam came toward her daughter ready to embrace her Arina started gesturing and they all found themselves trapped paralyzed inside their own bodies, but she left their eyes free so she could see the look on each of their faces.
The armored figure started pacing around the room and laughing wildly "So stupid so gullible no wonder you people still live here." She shook her head as the chuckle continued "Did you really think I was here to 'save' you after all you did to me? No my dear family I'm here to show you what true horror is."
Arina grabbed a chair and sat down in front of them "Now the demon child is back to thank her family for all the joy and love they brought to her, simple is it not."
Her father tried to speak but his mouth did not move "No father its my turn to speak now, as I explained its time for all of you to face judgment, and as justice goes the verdict is already decided death, you will help me in death as you never did in life, I will use your life force to strengthen myself, the first time my family helps me a true miracle."
A wave of her hand and Darin could speak again his eyes revealing the terror and fear he felt "Please your sister Arwin is pregnant you will be an auntie please don't do this to us, yes we treated you badly but family is family as an elf you should see that."
Ari just let off a smirk "You idiot I'm not one of you pitiful animals my kind are mages you made sure of that, and soon enough my kind will take their rightful place again."
"Don't you have any mercy? if not for family take mercy on us and leave us be."
"I never had any father, but I will take mercy on Arwin because her baby well it has no fault and it would not be right to kill him I will even give her money to raise it, that's all I can give."
With a gesture from her hand again Darin was silenced "Its almost dawn and I have other places I need to be in Denerim so it is time" She began speaking in a strange language and waves of red energy shot foreword targeting all of them aside from Arwin, their bodies were lifted up and started convulsing uncontrollably, all of them were getting older and suffering greatly, Arwin watched terrified as her family and husband withered away, Darin's hair and eyes were white his skin withered almost mummified, as he fell down Arina continued to drain the others until nothing was left but bones and crumpled skin, she looked at her mothers body as it fell on the floor her hair white and her eyes sockets empty Ari herself felt a pang of disgust and shock as she just realized what shed subjected them to, revenge was not as sweet as she had imagined, she felt more alone and empty now then ever, Arina tried to see the images in her mind of what she suffered as a child but it had no effect the anger had faded and was replaces with sorrow and disgust at what she had done.
She pulled out a pouch of money and threw it on the floor. "There is twenty thousand in silver, my agents will deliver more when you need it, now I must go."
With that she headed for the exit and turned into a giant hawk again soaring to the sky and not looking behind, the next destination was the market district where Leliana lived, she knew what her love went trough day by day alone drinking away at life, that would change now she would either help her move on or bring her at the head of the new army, she was not certain but maybe she would simply destroy Ismidril and stay here.
Ari could feel the wind again and with speed continued toward the market district , as she reached the space over Leliana's house she dived again and landed on her house,
Arina's body reverted to its natural form and she jumped landing in front of the door.
As her hand pulled on the door knob it opened and she entered closing it again behind her, the house was large opulent even at the entrance she could see expensive paintings gold cups on the tables and various clothes made from fine materials scattered on the floor, as Ari moved deeper inside and opened the door to the living room Leliana was staying at a table drinking from a crystal glass wine, her hair was messy and her face full of wrinkles what baffled Arina was the scar on Leliana's face it was new, plus the orlesian was clearly drunk and that saddened Ari to see her like this
The elf just shook her head and moved closer taking a seat at the lavishly decorated table, it was only at that moment the bard realized just who was standing in front of her, she recognized the red eyes and oval face the black hair and slim shoulders.
"Hello Leliana."
She was just stunned, Arina standing in front of her after all this time, the woman she loved the same one who abandoned her over a year ago, Leliana with her left hand slapped Arina as hard as she could over the face, the elf didn't flinch and stood in the same motionless manner gazing at her.
Tears began to appear in the bards blue eyes gently slipping on her cheeks, Arina stood up and moved closer, Leliana did the same and embraced the mage placing her head on Ari's shoulder.
For a few minutes they stood there in each others arms not saying a word, both just feeling comfort again after all this time, this was all Arina wanted this same feeling again.
"Why did you leave me?" her voice was shaking as was her body in Arina's arms
"I…" she paused for a bit "because I was foolish."
The human looked into her red eyes as tears began to flow from them as well. "Were you not happy with me?"
"I was but you see I wanted to free my people all peoples." She finished uncertain if that was really the reason.
Leliana gently put her hands on Ari's face and kissed her, it was like their first kiss all over again for Arina, the same passion she always felt when the bard's lips touched hers, as they looked at one another standing face to face it was like just the two of them existed nothing mattered more in this moment for Arina other than the person in front of her.
"And now you will return at the head of an army as I knew you would."
That didn't shock Arina, the other woman knew her and how she thinks, but she looked to the ground not meeting the blue eyes of her love.
"Yes.." she wiped the tears from her own face and continued "But if you want I will give it all up and be with you, it will be enough."
"It will never be enough even if you give up now later you will try again, you are not content to live normally and die you never will be."
"Then come with me and let us shape a new better world, nothing can stand against us together."
Leliana sat down again and offered the other woman a glass and some wine, they both began to drink. "My life has been hell since you left, I've even thought about giving it up but I held hope this day will come." She took anther sip of wine. "Why did you not ask me to come with you the first time?"
Arina looked down again seemingly scared to meet the bards blue eyes. "Because I was afraid of you saying no, and so I ran abandoning you and everyone."
The orlesian places her hand on Arina's "I would have come with you the first time and I would still follow you now."
"You do know what I intend to do right?"
"Of course I know, this filth and corruption I see here everyday sickens me, you will cleanse it I imagine by force." Her blue eyes now changed from soft to a determined gaze that made Arina's face light up.
"You know me and how I can be, I don't want you to feel guilt and regret if you come with me, I want you to be happy."
"I will be happy by your side and nowhere else, let the world burn under our wrath if we are together nothing else matters." Her tone was determined and fiery
Arina stood up "Then let us leave we will go to Ismidril and attack Gwaren in a days time."
As Leliana got up too she went for the lamp on the wall smashing it on the floor. "Let the past burn…" she said as both of them left the house in flames.
The elf transformed into a giant bird again and Leliana got on her back, her new life would begin at Arina's side again.
Six hours later Denerim royal palace
The situation was tense Anora was yelling for an hour straight, they had found out who was here last night from Arina's sister in the alienage, Alistair on the other hand was more calm and just decided to examine the situation more before rushing into any kind of action after all Ari was still a friend from last he knew and honored as the Hero of Ferelden even if she did leave before officially receiving the title, and besides he was king here, Anora always tried to take power away but he stood his ground and that meant they were always this close to drawing swords at one another.
But these was dire times for Ferelden the dark spawn had destroyed Amaranthine and his armies could not drive them back, and now with Arina's visit things would get more interesting, but unlike Anora he did not presume to know her intentions, she was always vengeful and killing her family seemed to conform to the image Alistair remembered of her.
Anora did not know the Hero of Ferelden as well as he did and the first thing Alistair ordered after he heard about Ari's family was to check Leliana's house, and as he suspected she was gone and the house burned down, this could simply mean she came here for the bard.
"Anora as I told you maybe she just wanted to return for Leliana." He was getting mad from her constant yelling and insults.
"Are you a complete fool? She is a maleficar." The glare she threw in Alistair's direction spoke more than words.
"And your point is?"
"My point is she is a threat to Ferelden how can you not see that?" Her anger was like a volcano about to explode, so much frustration at her husbands soft approach.
"And how do you propose we find her dear send a letter?" Alistair put on a condescending smirk
"Send word to the grand cleric tell her about that traitorous wench."
"You are naïve, no one will find her unless she wants to be found, I have one big advantage over you in this matter I know her, leaving her sister alive was a moment of weakness that's how she would see it I guess, but non the less if she is up to something Arina will act soon." Alistair took a breath of air and continued. "Arina would not risk discovery if her plans were not ready so if nothing happens in the next couple of weeks she came for Lellianna if something does happen we can only wait for it and react accordingly."
The queen seemed to calm down, for once Alistair was making sense and his strategy seemed good enough, after their marriage a year ago Anora always tried to manipulate him move him away from the centre of power, the childish man tough always proved he was no stranger to politics, but she agreed with him for now.
"So what are we going to do?"
He shifted a little as if thinking ahead. "Mobilize the bannon and the rest of our forces, that will take time however and even if Arina isn't up to something we could use all those forces to drive out the dark spawn from Amaranthine."
It was enough for now, Anora nodded "Very well Alistair we wait."
"Good now I have to go see Eamon about this, we will talk later dear."
Alistair left pleased with himself from the common room and headed for the armory before going to see Eamon, he was dressed in a simple tunic with a pair of white pants and boots, no sense in maintaining protocol and pomp when it was not needed, after all that's why the people loved him, he grew up as a common man and understood their plight, but this year of marriage had not been an easy one his friends had all chosen different paths Arina even betrayed him by fleeing, the only true friend and confidant he had left was Eamon which was like a father to him by now, as he walked around the corridors of the royal palace most soldiers saluted and he returned with a simple nod, the armory was in the left wing, an older part that had yet to be furnished and renovated properly but he did not mind those funds could be put to better use than that.
He still remembered how naïve and difficult he was during the blight, often Alistair wondered why he felt so comfortable leading now, maybe because of Arina, learning from her was a painful process and Arina had strived to teach him mold him into a leader her words were always harsh uncompassionate and at the beginning it hurt him badly but as he got to know her better he knew she cared about him in some way and tried her best to prepare him for this, even now he remembered her words at the end when they entered Denerim to do battle "I envy you Alistair you are the leader I can never be and you retained your compassion trough all of this, if you survive the coming years you will be what Cailan never was.".
The thought hit him now if he survived the coming years, that would mean she had the escape planned maybe more than that, whatever was coming he was not about to roll over and die Ferelden would stand united against the dark spawn and against his old friend if need be.
When he opened the wooden door to the armory Alistair could see many types of armors all neatly arranged in rows separated by material and weight, he wanted something more heavy all this time out of armor had softened his body considerably, so he picked the heavy steel chainmail durable but flexible and a steel kite shield, he knew the drill and in a few minutes Alistair was armored completely, now all that remained was to go see Eamon about mobilizing their forces, then some sparring with the soldiers that would raise morale and help him get some feel for fighting again.
Alistair had sent word ahead to his uncle telling him they would meet in the war room where they would be alone, as he continued walking Alistair heard a shout coming from one of the side rooms, without a second thought he drew the sword from its scabbard and ran toward the room, he burst trough the doors his body tense ready to strike.
What he saw made him angry beyond words, the captain of the guard was hitting an elven girl he guessed she was a maid. "What in the makers name are you doing?" the man turned around and at once recognized that this was the king, he fell on one knee in front of Alistair, the elf continued crying her face bruised and bleeding from the mouth and nose.
The king rammed the hilt of his sword in the captains face throwing him on the back, he moved closer and placed a foot on his chest. "So this is what one of my captains is doing in his free time? Beating innocent maids?" He moved his armored foot on the mans throat and pushed harder. "Guards!" Alistair yelled, in seconds two armored soldiers entered the room recognizing the voice of their king.
"The captains is striped of his rank, to the dungeon with him, keep this scum there until I decide what the punishment will be."
They obeyed and took the captain off the floor dragging him away, Alistair's anger was turning to pity when he looked at the young woman standing in the corner shaking, he reached for the towel on the table,. "Its okay." Alistair said as he crouched near her. "Let me help you." His hand slowly moved and began wiping the blood off her face with the towel, she couldn't believe the king just saved her from the beatings and rape she endured at the captains hand everyday.
"What's your name?" Alistair asked as he looked at her bruised face, she had short honey blond hair, but her green eyes seemed so lost so devoid of hope that Alistair could not help but be moved.
"I am Merin majesty." His hands continued to gently touch her lips with the towel which was now stained with blood. "Call me Alistair." The king helped her up. "Why was he beating you?"
She looked down as if ashamed "Majesty he ….." That's all he needed to hear to make the blood in his veins boil, the captain was raping her. "Its okay lets take you to the guest room I will have people looking after you, I will deal with the captain myself." Alistair held her hand as they walked and took her to the guest room where the king ordered she be cared for.
When he left the room Alistair called one of his royal guards over. "Execute the captain and let no one disturb her clear?"
"Clear my king."
Alistair stormed off toward the war room madder and more disgusted than ever, he was not in the habit of ordering executions but this was over the line for him, the creases on his face were deep and his brown eyes burning with rage as he entered the war room where Eamon was waiting, his uncle could see something was wrong, rarely the younger man looked this angry.
"Alistair what's wrong?"
The king spit on the ground in disgust. "One of my captains was beating and raping an elven maid it seems."
"And what did you do to him?"
"Ordered his execution."
"I'm sorry you had to see that…" Eamon said in a soft tone.
"Don't worry I sent her to the guest room I'm going to go back later and make sure she's okay."
An approving nod came from Eamon. "Why did you want to meet here alone?"
"We may be heading for trouble I want you to mobilize all our forces the bannon included."
The older man was surprised "Why? We can drive the dark spawn out with the royal forces since you said this was no new blight."
"You may not have heard but Arina was back in the city last night, she killed her family aside for her sister Arwin, Leliana is gone as well I guess that's why Arina came here.."
Eamon shook his head in disbelief. "How did she enter undetected? And why are you mobilizing the army because of this?"
"Arina has 'powers' so she could get in and out when she wants as for the army Anora think she's planning something I'm not so sure, even if she's not we could use those armies to rid Amaranthine of the dark spawn, we need to move fast if Arina acts it will be in the next couple of weeks otherwise she would not have risked revealing herself."
"How can she attack us? With what?" Eamon was still confused.
"She is a maleficar and a necromancer so I would wager with undead."
"Very well my king." He bowed and exited the room.
The next day Ismidril
Valerius was sitting in his quarters rubbing his hands together in frustration, he was second in command from the beginning, then last night Arina arrived with that woman and now she had equal power to Arina's., he simply could not fathom how, she was not a mage or a great fighter aside from the fact that she was the masters lover she had no qualities.
It was infuriating how someone so useless could gain so much power in a heart beat and him who served for a year faithfully had not, but alas nothing could be done Arina had ordered the red haired woman be treated as her equal in power and authority, and he was not stupid enough to disobey Arina he knew that even death would not end the anguish, he witnessed Arina torture prisoners kill them then enter the fade and torment them there until she broke their minds maddened them and enslaved them to her will using their spirits as fuel for the war machine such a fate was worse than oblivion.
Arina could not be betrayed that's why she was so secure and ruled with an iron fist, without her the army would be reduced to remnants nobody could command such a large number of undead as her, that secured Arina's position and ensured she alone commanded, second to her he commanded the most servants.
He knew her tactics, the lower parts of the mages would squabble for scraps of power and keep themselves busy fighting for nothing, a great setup Valerius admired the idea of such a secure position.
But that wench that slut added nothing but gained more authority than all of them, Valerius himself once tried to seduce Arina but it was not a pretty sight as she almost chocked him to death so he knew that was out of the question.
The door opened and he guessed it was the master since all others knocked, he was right Arina entered cloaked in black on her face a smile. "Valerious in a couple of hours we will move to the surface, I wanted to discuss your role in these events."
His bowed and he offered her a seat, Arina accepted and stood down. "You will take your forces north destroy every village in your path and kill everyone, add them to our army."
"I understand."
"You do not!" the smile disappeared from her face and was replaced with a cold glare. "I want no one left alive, the kingdom must not find out we did this so no witnesses, I want to win the hearts of the people get them over to our side, if not we will be forced to kill half of Ferelden."
"Of course master." He paused for a bit as if gathering courage to ask her. "If I may be so bold where will you be?"
"I will be going west to a large town near Gwaren its called South Pass."
"Will you kill them all?"
Arina furrowed her brow "Of course not killing such a large town would ruin our image."
"Beg your pardon master but you are leading an army of undead that's a really hard one to explain."
The mischievous smile appeared again. "We are there to liberate them, and the revered mother in that town will say as much."
He nodded. "I see, you will control her mind."
"Yes I can hear that little brain of yours putting all the pieces together." She shook her head and headed for the door.
"Summon all the mages in the main hall in one hour!" she glared at him again "And if any word about the killings gets out you know what awaits Valerius."
She left the room passing by the kitchens getting a bowl of lamb stew and some wine plus apples as dessert all on a silver platter, Ari headed for her quarters were Leliana was sleeping, she passed quietly and opened the door in the same manner since the bard was sleeping still.
Her room was the most spacious and luxurious in the fortress, a double bed in the middle made from exotic wood covered in silk sheets, two silver tables and four chairs, a yellow carpet received as a present from the dalish stood on the floor and a white crystal chandelier light her quarters, of course she had crystal glasses too but nothing golden since she hated that metal Arina preferred everything in white ironic really since she mostly wore black.
Arina placed the platter on the table removed her hood and got into bed close to Leliana, she was still armored but removed her black gloves, the orlesian was sleeping on the left side face in the pillow her hair all messy, Ari slowly begins moving her long fingers over Leliana's lips as she reacts the fingers move to her face slowly caressing it, her white skin felt more soft than silk, the bards blue eyes opened gazing at the figure clad in black sitting on the bed, Leliana placed her palm on Arina's and continued moving it felling its touch for as long as possible.
"And how did you sleep?"
The bard smiled "I haven't slept this well since you left."
"I bring food wine and apples!" Leliana could tell the excitement on her lovers face.
"Don't you have a world to conquer or something? And why didn't you wake me earlier?" The smile on her face grew into full laughter.
"Ohh I do but you were sleeping so peacefully I didn't want to disturb you."
"Serving me breakfast in bed are we?"
Aroma grabbed the platter and carefully placed it on her lap "Here tasty uhmm."
"Lamb stew? By the maker!" As she started giggling again the platter almost flew from her lap.
"Hey my personal chef cooks a godly lamb stew compared to Alistair's."
Leliana grabbed a piece of bread dipping in the bowl offering a bite to Arina. "Here check maybe its poisoned and since you're immortal or somesuch it's safer for me."
The other woman opened her mouth and Leliana slowly placed it on her tongue touching her lips in the process, but Arina didn't want to let go and slowly rolled her tongue around the bard's finger with an innocent look on her face.
"As I said tasty very tasty, sweet like candy."
"Ughh me or the stew?" she feigns a puzzled look
"Well since I was occupied tasting you the stew escaped my attention."
"I guessed so." A naught smile appeared on the orlesian's face.
"I wish we had time for that now but sadly the world can't wait for us but I promise after our first victory we will have a godly celebration in South Pass dancing music wine and everything you want. I swear."
"You do know we will both be damned for this right?
Arina's face changed to deadly serious, Leliana often wondered how Arina can be so warm and smiling one second and the other cold and stone faced.
"Not if we do the damning, you forget history is written by the victors and no god will stop us much lees no one in Thedas."
Her head was bowed and staring at the sour stew. "You know I gave up on the maker to do this with you right, I tell you Ari we will be wondering the fade forever because of this, but no matter we will be together at least."
The mages fearless red eyes stared at her. "Not if I take paradise for us Lel."
"What do you mean?" now she was genuinely confused
"Why do you think I'm attacking Ferelden building an army of mages? My people here know true freedom cannot be achieved for the mortal races until we assault the Black City and take it as our own."
"You intend to try and take the black city?" Leliana was surprised she knew Arina had ambition but this was too much even for her.
"Of course I do, if I cannot find a way to transport an army directly in to the fade I will attack only with mages when we have the numbers. Are you with me on this?"
She hesitated for a little then gave a determined answer. "Yes."
"Then that's all the incentive I need, but sadly we first have to deal with Ferelden then Orlais maybe."
Ari got up and went to the locker pulling out her set of old silverite armor received as a gift for saving the circle, it was specifically made for the female body and offered incredible protection for its weight.
"Here, and a white cloak."
"So you want to armor me for today?"
"I want you to be on the front with me commanding the army."
The bard got up and took off her nightgown Arina was staring just staying there frozen, Leliana was pleased she still had such an effect on Ari, her hair was longer now over her shoulders and by day she wore a pony tail, the human was a little taller than Arina but had graceful curves that would turn the eyes of any man or woman in this case, she slowly put one of Arina's tunics on, it fit just a little short but it did not matter.
"Let me help you with that armor." Ari mover closer and started attaching the breastplate her hands slowly passing over Leliana's breasts, she continued placing the rest of the armor and sneaking a touch here and there that was rewarded with a giggle from the bard.
As she clad the white cloak her armor glowed in the low light, an eagle over her chest same as Arina's but in contrast she was in silver and white while the elf was in black just the silver eagle on the breastplate.
"For as long as I know you Ari, you insist on wearing that knot at the back I tried cutting your hair braiding it but no you still revert to that knot." The bard moved closer and loosened Arina's hair letting it fall over her shoulders.
"You got a brush or something for my hair?"
"Yes in the drawer near the bed."
She started brushing her hair letting it lose today same as Ari, after ten minutes of brushing it stood perfectly and she pulled the white hood on.
"So what do you think?"
"Beautiful as ever."
"Say why are you in black?"
"Well as an evil overlord I have to scare people into obedience." The comment drew a chuckle for Leliana.
"And who am I supped to be?"
"Whoever you want that's why we are here Lel freedom to choose our own path. Now come I have to address our forces."
The two women left Arina's quarters and headed for the main hall, Leliana was a little scared and disgusted by the four skeletons guarding the room, there bones were white bare, their skulls same but with a pair of red bulbs where the eyes were supposed to be, they had a shield old swords and some ragged chainmail, Leliana wagered they were raised from some old battlefield since from what shed seen no two were the same, she dared not think about all the other 'soldiers' in her lovers army.
As she walked behind the elf Leliana received cold glares from every black robed mage that crossed their path, it was clear why, she was no mage and her lightening rise to power seemed to infuriate them, but she had seen how they obeyed Arina without question Lel could only imagine what would happened to them if any touched her, and that brought a smile to her face, to feel so safe and loved in a place like this among blood mages and undead, it was strange but soothing in some ways to know Ari had such power, and that she would use it without remorse most of the time, the only person with who Arina dropped the many mask she wore was with her, in reality Arina was caring and warm careful even, but most if all never got to see that side, they saw only the image Ari created and projected daily, Leliana did not deny her love made Marjolaine look like a kid when ruthlessness was concerned but it was of no concern because with the people that mattered she was warm and kind.
She cringed as the metal doors opened and Arina stepped foreword grabbing her by the hand walking side by side.
The huge hall was packed, mages both in armor and without on both sides as their master passed in the middle, they were all here from apprentices to mages to generals all waiting for this for over a year, even Avernus was here among the front ranks, he looked at most thirty his body revitalized by Arina's power.
As the elf and Leliana made their way to the podium near the throne Ari started speaking.
"I said this day will come I said that we will march on the surface and that we will carve a new place for all of us in the cosmos, I promised you victory and freedom from all the chains that bind us, but victory does not come without cost, we will pay any price kill as many as needed drive the war machine deep into Thedas if we have to, a new age starts today an age where mortals make their own decisions where they no longer bow down to anything."
Cheering started from the room as Arina drew her breath and spoke again.
"Predetermined paths set by gods turned to nothing eons ago. No more! The mortals rise today and bring the fire of war to all who oppose freedom, we will exterminate the dark spawn and we will take paradise as our own by right of our power."
Heads were turned looking at her and cheering as Arina drew her white sword rising it over her head, others followed until all had their swords drawn and held them up high.
"Brothers and sisters together we will take back the Black City assault it with all our might only then can we claim to be free. Now as I stand here before you I say go and bring freedom to all peoples go and drive the blade of war into our enemy's heart without mercy. Go and earn freedom" she shouted as loud as she could and pointed her thin blade toward the metal doors.
At once the lower ranks started pouring out of the room, the mages who controlled some of the armies and the apprentices were the first to leave and go to their units, then the researchers and scholars who went back to their assigned areas, until only her ten generals remained.
They gathered around her waiting for orders hope and anger burning in their eyes equally.
"I will move my forces to South Pass with Leliana and take it, the rest of you strike out in all directions and subdue any town or village in your path, but do not wonder over the predetermined line, Valerius has a special mission so he will not be joining you."
Ari looked at them her red eyes almost seemed on fire. "A warning to you, do not kill randomly I don't want us to look like a horde of mindless butchers, those who you do kill add them to our army. Any questions?"
No one said anything and they left heading for the doors leaving only Arina and Leliana alone in the cold hall, the bard seemed inspired by Ari's words and looked at her. "You can really rile up a crowd, you almost have me ready to throw myself at the enemy naked sword in hand."
Arina smiled her anger and coldness turned to warmth. "Impress them with your bardic ways? " Ari chuckled a little
"Something like that yes, since I impressed you most of them would just give up when they saw me."
Her smile turned into uncontrollable laughter. "True. Now let us be off freedom and war await us!" Arina tenderly kissed Leliana a shiver went down her spine when their lips meet.
As the elf turned to leave she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Would you really do anything to win?"
"No and you know what I mean."
Of course Leliana realized what she meant there was one thing she would not do to win, lose her.
"Very well love to freedom and war."
With those words they headed for the surface both knowing there was no turning back, the women held hands as they made their way foreword to what they hoped would be a new better path for everyone.