Leliana felt her head crack against the stone wall and she groaned in pain, willing herself not to pass out. The sheer strength of the ogre they now faced was unbelievable. With just a single swing of his arm, she was sent flying. Once they had entered the banquet hall, they were ambushed by the ogre and a horde of Darkspawn. "Leliana!" she heard Elicia yell. The Grey Warden was distracting the ogre, provoking it to come to her. "Wynn, help her!" Leliana's heart swelled with joy despite the overwhelming pain in her head. Elicia was always concerned about the wellbeing of others and it was that act of kindness that drew Leliana to her. The Chantry protected her and offered her sanctuary when she needed it, but those feelings of safety were nothing compared to the protection she felt while traveling with Elicia.
"Are you all right, Leliana?" she heard Wynn ask. She felt the old woman's hands on her neck and face, and there was a pale blue light that filled her vision. She blinked a few times and finally realized that she was staring at the ceiling in the banquet hall. Her head was still spinning, but she was able to get to her feet.
"Thank you, Wynn," Leliana said. She picked up her sword and dagger and steadied herself. Dozens of Darkspawn lay dead on the floor while the last few were finished off by Oghren and Ari. The others were fending off the ogre, avoiding its deadly horns and powerful arms. There was only one weakness the ogre had, and she was determined to strike quickly. "Can you make the earth move?" she asked Wynn.
The senior enchanter nodded and closed her eyes, summoning her power. Leliana could already feel the ground beginning to shake. "Knock him down!" she cried.
Elicia and Allistair both glanced to her and they smiled. They had fought together since the beginning of their journey and all three had learned to work well together. Elicia shouted out orders to clear the area, and the others did so without question.
Wynn's spell was now in full effect, knocking down paintings and goblets. The sudden jolt of shifted earth caused the ogre to stumble slightly, and that was all Elicia needed to duck down and cut its legs and heels. The ogre screamed and grabbed for her, but she rolled out of the way. Allistair then charged for the gray monster gathering all of his strength and momentum to use his shield and knock the ogre off of its feet. Leliana readied herself then broke into a sprint.
With sword in hand, she jumped on top of the flailing beast and plunged the blade into its neck. Dark blood gushed from the gaping hole and the ogre reached for her and grabbed her roughly at her waist, but she kept the sword implanted in its throat. She felt one of her ribs crack under the pressure of the ogre's grasp, but she did not give up. She twisted the blade and ripped it out of the ogre's neck, permanently silencing the beast.
She was free of its grasp, but she did not have the strength to hold herself up. Elicia wrapped her arms around Leliana's shoulders, keeping her from falling to the ground. "Maker… you need to rest yourself," she said.
"Not bad for a female human," Sten said with approval. He easily picked her up in his arms and carried her to the nearest wall. Gently, he set her down and backed away to give her room to breathe.
She smiled at him. "You old softie," she lightly teased.
He grunted, but did not say anything more. The others gathered around her but the silence was interrupted by a screeching cry. The Archdemon was just a level above them. Elicia knelt down beside her. "I want you to stay here," she said.
"You must be joking," Leliana said. "I am a bard at heart you know. I cannot stand by and let this tale pass me by." She had already begun to create stanzas depicting the story of Fereldan's hero and her allies.
Elicia frowned, obvious that she did not like the idea of Leliana entering the final battle, injured and bloodied. She looked to the others. "Ready yourselves. Our next foe will not give in so easily. Be ready in two minutes." They nodded and checked their equipment while Wynn took care to heal their minor wounds. She turned her attention back to Leliana. "I do not want you directly in harm's way; however, there is something that you can do for me."
Leliana smiled. "Anything, my friend."
Elicia pointed upward but toward the east side of the room. "Arl Eamon had mentioned that the highest level of the fort is equipped with ballistas. If you can maneuver and arm them to fire upon the Archdemon, I will accept your assistance. But I want you away from the dragon."
"You have my word," Leliana said. She took a deep breath and winced when she felt a stinging pinch in her chest. She was sure that her ribs were broke, but her injuries would have to wait until the battle was over. Slowly, with Elicia's help, she stood and took another breath. "Thank you. What a story this will be to tell our children," she lightly joked.
"You will be a fine mother," Elicia said. There was something in her eyes that made Leliana uneasy. Suddenly, the Grey Warden seemed sad and distracted.
"There's something you are not telling me," Leliana said frowning. Ever since they left Redcliffe, she felt that Elicia had pulled away, secluded herself from the rest of the group. "We are going to survive this. You know that, right?" But even she did not fully convince herself of the declaration. Elicia did not answer her, and that confirmed her suspicion. "Do you plan on dying here? Well, that is unacceptable."
Elicia gave her a sad smile. "You are a dear friend. While you are on your travels, will you promise me something?"
"O-of course," Leliana stuttered, surprised with the request. She did not like where this was going. "You know I would do anything in my power to help you."
"Tell our story. But make sure it has a joyful ending. I do not wish my story to be one of sadness and tears," Elicia said. "Will you promise me this?"
"But you won't-"
"Elicia!" Allistair called. "We are ready. Lead the way, and we will follow."
"About bloody time!" Oghren said, shaking his fist in the air.
"Well, no sense in lingering here," Morrigan said pursing her lips. "The sooner we get up there and kill this demon, the sooner I can get back to enjoying my quiet life, free of his majesty and these so called… men."
Allistair gave Morrigan a dark glare. "Lucky, you're a mage. So you get to stay behind all of us … far away… where I can't hear you."
Elicia smiled, but there was a hint of sorrow that was overlooked by the others; however Leliana could now see it as clear as crystal. She could not say another word. Elicia had set her mind on dying this very day. But why? What was she not telling them? She could only stare as Elicia approached the group and prepared to make their final charge.
"Zevran, I would like you to assist Leliana. Keep those arrows of yours at the ready. I am not sure if there will be more Darkspawn above, but we will need your eyes," Elicia said.
"Say nothing more, fair Elicia," Zevran grinned. "Your desire is my command."
"Everyone, please be careful. And know that I would not have anyone else by my side in this battle," Elicia continued. She gave Ari a pat on the head, and the Mabari barked happily, loyally staying by her side. She drew her sword, readied her shield, and faced the stairway that led up to the highest level of Fort Drakon. "For Fereldan!" she shouted and charged up the stairway.
