Note: And here we are, the third and final fic of my 'War of the Old Ones' Series. Thanks for sticking with it. Never thought I'd actually get this far, so aren't you the lucky ones!
If you've just joined, I recommend reading 'Chances' and 'Catastrophe' first to get up to speed, else things might not make much sense.
I will still follow the rest of Inquisition's story, but with some rather large differences, obviously. I am also ignoring the DLC this time around (but I am aware of what happens). More of the FF XIII: Lightning Returns lore will surface, too (honest), adapted to fit.
In a slight twist, parts of this fic will split between Elissa, Lahara and Hawke's POVs—you'll see why soon enough. It's still predominantly Elissa's story, however.
It's also going to be a fair bit darker than Catastrophe (as if that wasn't bad enough, right?) so consider yourself warned.
Right, all buckled in? Let's go! :D
It was unnaturally quiet in the Skyhold courtyard. Elissa cast a wary gaze around, running her thumb over the flag in her hand. Surely someone should have come to challenge her by now. She hadn't long stolen it from Bethany, and she knew the others had to be lurking, waiting to catch her off guard.
A sudden creak caught her ear, and her head snapped up. Alistair grunted, leaping from the scaffolding above. Elissa bolted, and he fell just short of her. Dodging his outstretched hand, she tore up the steps to the main keep. When she reached the doors, however, they burst open. Smirking, Dorian lunged, his fingertips brushing the flag. Elissa snatched her arm back, then twisted, skidding down the stone railing back to ground level. Alistair tried to tackle her again, but she vaulted over him, and he collided into Dorian.
Lungs burning, Elissa ran up the steps to the east wall. The sun fell into her eyes, and she blinked, raising a hand to her face. Cullen's tower was a few steps away, and her jaw tensed. If she could climb it…
Out of no-where a heavy weight pounced onto her, and she cried out.
"I'll be taking that back!" Bethany proclaimed, snatching the flag away. She shoved Elissa to the ground, then sprinted northwards. Elissa caught herself on her hands, snarling. She rolled back to her feet, taking chase. The sneaky mage would pay for that!
Bethany ducked into the tower, trying to close the door, but Elissa was too fast. She slammed into the oak, and Bethany was thrown back. The mage stumbled into the wall, clutching the flag against her chest. Elissa couldn't stop, however, tripping and landing straight onto Cullen's desk. The scrolls and quills crashed to the floor, and she groaned, clasping her thigh.
Catching her breath, Bethany staggered to the door, when a pair of arms circled her from behind. She struggled, but then she was pulled around, coming face to face with familiar mismatched eyes. Bethany froze, Lahara's breath warm against her cheeks. The Herald smiled, pushing her against the wall, and Bethany shivered, holding the flag tighter.
"I don't care about that." Lahara lowered her eyelids and pressed closer, her lips almost against Bethany's. The mage almost forgot to breathe, her own eyes closing.
The flag vanished from her grasp, and Bethany was left in the cold.
"Sorry, changed my mind!" Lahara blew Bethany a parting kiss, racing to the battlements.
"Hey!" Bethany scowled, regaining herself. She nodded at Elissa, and they charged after the Herald. "You won't get away with that, Lara!"
Lahara laughed, already at the next tower. It was still under repair, and she scaled the scaffolding to the roof. At the top, she kicked downward, causing the struts below to collapse. Elissa and Bethany back-tracked, stuck as the Herald hauled herself through the ramparts. She made herself comfortable between them, her legs dangling over the edge. The metal collar around her neck clicked, glowing softly with lyrium.
"So, want to give me the round yet?" she jeered, draping the flag around her shoulders.
Bethany rolled her eyes. Her fingers twitched, eager to cast a spell, but Elissa shook her head.
"No magic and no weapons allowed, remember?" she reminded her.
"I know," Bethany grumbled, running a finger over her lips. "But that wasn't fair…"
She was cut off as an arrow sailed overhead, slamming into the tower's front façade. It stuck fast, its shaft thicker than normal. Elissa raised a brow.
"A broad-head arrow?" She glanced to the main keep, and caught a shock of red hair. Leliana was sitting on the rookery balcony, bow in hand. She waved, then fired again, letting another arrow sink into the stone.
"Thank you!" Bethany shouted, grabbing onto the first arrow shaft. It easily supported her weight, and Lahara's eyes widened. She scampered away, Bethany right behind her. Elissa folded her arms, watching them disappear, and let out a sigh.
"Lara's in trouble now, hmm?" Alistair said; he'd caught up, along with Dorian. He brushed the mud from his knees, chuckling. "It's good to see she can keep up this time."
"Right," Elissa murmured, guilty thoughts stirred. It had been a couple of months since they had escaped the maw of the Frostbacks, and its aftermath continued to haunt. Lahara and Leliana had made it through the worst of their illnesses, thanks to Eliza, yet the ordeal had still left its scars. And while Elissa had been spared any physical reminders, the mark on her conscience ran just as deep.
"They're taking their sweet time," Dorian commented, starting to pace. "Not that I want to be the one to interrupt them, of course."
"That's got to be against the rules, too," Alistair huffed. "I think you should gently remind them the game's not over, Elissa."
"Er, why me?" Elissa scoffed.
"Well for one, you're a better climber than I am, and two, it's bound to be awkward if…"
Lahara's sudden yelp cut Alistair off, and they all looked up.
"You're making this too easy!" roared Iron Bull, stepping to the tower's edge. He held the Herald in one arm, the flag in the other. Bethany remained alongside, holding her hands to her mouth to control her giggling.
"You cheat!" Lahara spluttered, straining to reach the flag, but she was no match for Iron Bull's strength. Her collar clicked, and she threw up her hands. "Fine, fine! You can have this one!"
"Glad we've reached an agreement," Iron Bull chortled.
He set Lahara down, who proceeded to stick her tongue out at Bethany. They retreated from sight, descending the other side, and soon they were all together on the wall. Iron Bull was grinning, the flag raised in triumph. Lahara sneered at him.
"So, your plan didn't quite work out, huh?" Elissa asked, as they made their way back across the ramparts.
"Damn idiot blocked me while I was making my way down," Lahara muttered. She shot Bethany a dark look. "Then my delightful girlfriend thought it would be hilarious to push me right into him!"
"You deserved it, after that trick you pulled," Bethany retorted, making a face. "Even if I couldn't win, at least you lost."
"Oh, since when did our sweet little Bethany develop such a mean streak?" Alistair asked.
"Tell me about it," Lahara added. "And against me, the poor pitiable Herald, too! You're supposed to love me!"
"It's not a mean streak," Bethany corrected. "But you should know if you try and bite me, you'll just get bitten back."
"Come on, Beth, I couldn't resist," Lahara admitted, snaking her arm around the mage's waist. "You're so cute when you're flustered, you know that?" Her voice lowered. "And oh so easy to take advantage of…"
"Man, you two must be a riot in bed," Iron Bull broke in, resting his hands behind his head. "Bet there's never a dull moment."
Lahara almost choked on her next breath, and Bethany's blush deepened. Dorian snorted back a laugh, and Elissa fought the smile creeping on her lips. Alistair coughed, loosening his collar, his ears turning pink.
Before Lahara could muster an answer, someone cleared their throat harshly. Elissa glanced ahead, and spied Cullen in front of his quarters. He did not look too pleased.
"I'm glad you seem to have made a strong recovery, Herald," he said, trying—and failing—to hide his irked expression. His scattered papers were still visible through the doorway. "Might I ask you keep such activities strictly outdoors, however?"
"Sorry, that was my fault," Elissa said, bowing her head, and only just noticing the ink stains on her overcoat.
Cullen sighed.
"I understand it's easy to get carried away, and I suppose it has been for Lahara's benefit, but do take care next time," he said. "Anyway, I was actually hoping to catch you, Herald. Josephine, Leliana and I humbly request a meeting as soon as possible."
"Oh?" Lahara raised a brow, drawing her left hand closer.
"You are very much integral to the Inquisition, Lahara, even if the Breach has been contained," Cullen said. "The smaller rifts remain, and a lot of work must still be done. We've not had a chance to discuss how things stand, given your health, but we feel now would be a good time to plan our next move."
"I guess so," Lahara said.
"You should attend as well, Elissa," Cullen went on. "The Champion has further matters to bring up, and she insisted you be involved."
"Sure," Elissa said.
"Good," Cullen answered. "I will see you both shortly in the war room."
The Commander bowed, then departed, heading towards the courtyard. Lahara let out a sigh, and her collar clicked again.
"I was wondering when they'd start chasing after me again," she said, stretching her arms. "You'd think after my contribution, I'd be allowed to retire by now."
"Many rifts linger across southern Thedas," Dorian pointed out. "And as unfortunate as it may be, you are still the only one who can seal them."
"Hey, I was only joking," Lahara said, holding up her hands. "I've actually been worried how long I've been out of the loop. Maker-knows what's been brewing since."
"It's not only your responsibility, Lara," Elissa said.
"And you've made so much progress," Bethany added, "considering that a couple of weeks ago, you were too breathless to even walk."
Lahara brushed back her hair.
"Yeah. I have Dagna to thank for that." The Herald ran her finger over the device around her neck. "This thing works way better than I expected. I'm glad we were able to recruit her, and Eliza, too."
"I've noticed you wearing that these days," Alistair remarked. "What exactly is it?"
"Dagna's working on a name, but essentially it lets me breathe normally," Lahara explained. She pointed just above the hollow of her throat. "My windpipe was badly burned, and once it started scarring it almost suffocated me. So Eliza had to make a nick here, and this thing keeps my throat from closing over. Don't ask me how the heck it does that, though."
"It's certainly made a world of difference," Dorian said. "Last time you barely lasted five minutes into this game, you were so out of puff."
"I know, right?" Lahara clasped Elissa's arm, and Elissa blinked. "I'm lucky you got me out of that gas chamber when you did, Elissa. If I'd been stuck a minute longer, I'd have lost my voice for good, among other things."
Elissa didn't respond, her shoulders tensing. Such praise was underserved. If she had been that little bit more alert, perhaps she could have saved Lahara from the injury in the first place. But she would not let this go unanswered. The next time she and Zevran met, she would discuss the matter with her blades.
"Anyway, we shouldn't keep the others waiting," Lahara went on, sensing Elissa's unease. "We'll call it quits for today." She waggled a finger at Iron Bull. "But it's not over, Bull! First thing tomorrow, it's round two!"
"I accept any and all challengers," Iron Bull gloated, folding his arms. "Not that you stand any chance. I'll enjoy crushing you again."
Lahara's mismatched eyes gleamed. "Heh, we'll see."
The Skyhold war room was a far cry from the dingy vestibule in the Haven Chantry. It was much, much larger, boasting pale walls and gothic windows, making it bright and inviting. A table carved from an ancient trunk spanned the rear, an enormous map of southern Thedas spread across it. Already it was littered with markers and pins, and Elissa raised a brow. The Inquisition had certainly kept busy, despite their setbacks.
Josephine, Cullen and Hawke were already waiting, as promised. Hawke was pacing, her brows knitted, but she relaxed when Elissa and Lahara entered.
"Morning Elissa, Lara," she greeted. She clasped Lahara's wrist. "Good to see you doing well, my friend."
"Likewise," Josephine said. "You had us worried for a time, Herald. We are fortunate to have such a talented healer in our ranks."
"Sorry to be such a burden," Lahara said, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Where's Leliana?" Elissa asked.
"I sent a summons not long ago," Josephine said. She began to fiddle with her ledger. "Of course, now it takes her a little…"
Cullen flashed the ambassador a warning look, and she quickly trailed off. Elissa bit back the pang in her chest, clenching her fist. Once more her guilt threatened to resurge, and it took all her willpower to stop it flooding over.
Soon, rhythmic clacking echoed from the hall behind. Elissa didn't look back, biting her lip. It was a sound that had come to make her heart ache.
"My apologies for my tardiness," Leliana said, emerging through the doorway. Adjusting her grip on her crutches, she hobbled towards the gathering. She halted beside Elissa, their arms touching. Elissa sighed, the bard's palm joining hers beneath the table. "Shall we begin?"
"Yes," Josephine said. "I am afraid there is not much good news, but hear us out." She leant over the table, gesturing to where Haven had once stood. "The first thing is that despite your tremendous effort, Herald, Corypheus survived the volcanic eruption."
"I'm not surprised," Lahara mumbled. "He did have an Archdemon to fly away on, after all."
"The ash cloud, however, provided the cover we needed to escape," Cullen broke in. "Not to mention you utterly decimated his Red Templar force." He paused. "Given his losses, Corypheus has been looking to replace them, and we believe we have found his next target."
"My agents report his surviving troops hiding in Orlais," Leliana said. "It would make sense, as Empress Celene, having put down the elven rebellion, now faces civil war within her own court. That leaves the empire vulnerable."
"How so?" Lahara asked.
"Her main opposition is her cousin, Duke Gaspard," Josephine said, "a renowned General who commands much respect in the Orlesian army. Many feel he was cheated out of the throne, and they would gladly flock to him if he declared open war. That gives great potential for Corypheus. If he swayed the Duke to his side, he would control a sizeable force."
"Great, so headache number one," Lahara drawled, tapping her finger against her arm. "What's next?"
Hawke stepped forward.
"I want to talk about Corruption," she said. "Apart from the fact Corypheus still has a dust monster, the mist keeps spreading, and it won't be long before it'll become a problem for all nations. It's not something we can leave on a backburner." She pressed a finger to her temple, and the rune on her forehead flashed. "But these Shards of Andraste might be the key to getting rid of it for good. So…" She took a breath, her eyes falling to Elissa. "I was hoping you'd join me, Elissa, and help eradicate it, before it's too late."
"A sound idea," Josephine said. "You could…"
Elissa held up her hand, cutting the ambassador off. She'd had an inkling this was what the Champion had wanted to discuss, and had come prepared with an answer.
"I'm afraid I have to say no, Amber," she said.
Hawke frowned slightly. Lahara raised a brow.
"Doesn't sound like you, Hero," the Herald said.
"Look, it's not because I don't recognise Corruption as a threat," Elissa continued, uncomfortable under everyone's stare. "But I think we need to know the truth behind these Shards. As useful as they've been, we have no idea about their origin, and we're definitely not using their full potential." She brushed her fingers over the rune on her chest. "We don't even know if what we've done has been safe. And…"
She licked her lips, hesitant.
"And what?" Hawke prompted.
"We can't ignore Zevran anymore," Elissa said. "Even though he's helped us before, he also just tried to kill Lara. We have to find out his real motives, and who he's working for." Her gaze turned distant. "And something else keeps bothering me. He's convinced my memories hold the key to something, and he's not been the only one to mention it, either." She let out a breath. "I know it's selfish, but I have to know why I seem at the centre of it all; why my past seems so important. Before anyone else has to be dragged in with me."
A brief quiet descended, as the group mulled over her words. Elissa held Leliana's hand tighter, swallowing.
Eventually Hawke gave a conceding nod.
"You know, that actually makes a lot of sense," she said, resting her hands on her hips. "We have been a bit reckless with this power without fully understanding it. That's bound to lead to problems." Lahara's cheeks reddened slightly, and she glanced aside. "I have no objection to your plan, Elissa."
"And neither do I," Leliana proclaimed. "There are other forces working behind the scenes, it is time we discovered what they want."
"Yes. Our forces are also strong enough that we can divide and conquer," Cullen said. "I see no reason why we cannot tackle all three of these problems together."
"So it's decided then." Lahara pushed a pin into the map. "I'll stay with the Inquisition, and we'll protect this Duke Gaspard from untoward influence." She then looked to Hawke. "Meanwhile, our Champion can keep hunting dust monsters, and see what to do about Corruption itself." Finally she nodded to Elissa. "And you, Hero, can dig something up about these mysterious Shards, and get to the bottom of some long-overdue truths. Does that sound about right?"
"Got it in one," Hawke smirked.
"Thank you, Lara." Elissa bowed.
"Excellent," Josephine stated, smiling. She glanced to her ledger. "There is just one more thing outstanding, and then you are free to go."
Cullen and Leliana nodded, and they all looked to Lahara.
"The Inquisition has yet to have a formal leader, even now," Josephine began. "All three of you have given much to our cause, but we feel the title should be extended to our dear Herald."
Lahara blinked. "What, seriously?"
"I agree, you're a real force to be reckoned with, Lara," Hawke grinned. "You sealed a giant hole in the sky, you destroyed an army and brought half the Frostbacks to their knees." She flashed a wink. "Not to mention you've tamed my sister, which is nothing to sneeze at."
"Yes, it's your turn to be the hero, now," Elissa said, half-teasing. "Maker knows you deserve it. You survived the Conclave, you won over the mages, and your forward thinking got us out of Haven, too." She patted the Herald's shoulder. "I couldn't think of a better person to lead."
"Now you are really making me blush," Lahara said, holding a hand to her cheeks. "But if you're all so insistent…" She stood tall, her lyrium collar glistening. "I accept."
"Then let us make it official," Josephine said, and the three advisors bowed. "We pledge our service to you, Inquisitor Trevelyan. May the Maker guide you, always."