Chapter 10: Sweet Dreams (Part One)
Farah awoke in a warm bed. She lazily fluttered her eyes open and stretched. A high ceiling was visible and the pleasant smells of Castle Cousland filled her nose. Nolan grunted and stirred beside Farah. After a long yawn her hound tenderly licked his mistress' face, then rested his head on her chest. Farah cooed at her dog with sweet words as she gently pat his head. Just as Farah was drifting back to sleep, she heard a door crash open followed by swift footsteps.
PLOP!
Oren, Farah's sweet nephew, jumped onto his half asleep aunt and her Mabari hound and wrestled them both awake. Farah, startled and laughing, acted quickly and pinned her nephew down as Nolan licked his face and she tickled them.
"Auntie! Stop it!" Oren choked as he laughed.
"NEVER!" Farah stated then let out an evil laugh dramatically.
After a few minutes, Oren laughed until he could no longer breathe. Satisfied, Farah stopped and got up. Putting on a warm robe over her silk night gown, Farah leaned against her vanity and watched her nephew play with Nolan. She loved her wake up call. Everyday her door would smash open and her little Oren would jump up and wake his favorite aunt. Farah wouldn't trade it for anything. She loved her nephew dearly.
"Oren! There you are!" The coarse but wise voice of Nan was heard from the doorway. "I thought I told you not to wake up your aunt this morning!"
Farah giggled, "It's alright Nan."
"It most certainly is not. You have to get ready for your Father's party and with you…" Nan studied Farah, "We'll need all the time we can get. He's a distraction"
Farah rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at Nan. Farah then walked over to her closet. She stared at the dress she was to wear to her father's surprise birthday party. Farah had to admit: it wasn't that bad. The purple wasn't exactly her, but it was the first dress Lady Isolde had sent her that she didn't absolutely hate. It was simple, unlike the others she had sent in the past. Farah liked simple.
"There's my beautiful Fairy!" The voice of the Teyrna, Farah's mother, rang out. Farah turned around just in time for her mother's hug. Farah smiled and returned the hug. "We've got to get you ready!" Her mother breathed into her neck. Releasing her daughter the Tryena turned her attention to Nan and Oren. "Come now, Oren! Your auntie has to get ready! There will be many eligible men at the party. We have to make sure she looks perfect!"
"But Auntie Fairy always looks perfect." Oren stated matter-of-factly.
"Thank you, Oren." Farah said smiling.
"Come Oren! You need to get ready too. Your Pa will be returning soon with Arl Emmon and we must be ready." Nan said as she rushed Oren out of the room. Farah laughed as she watched her pouting nephew leave.
Calling in a maid, Farah's mother moved quickly. Sitting Farah down before the vanity the Teyrna began brushing her hair. The maid was readying a quick bath. Farah just went through the motions as usual. She was used to the 'dolling up' process, as her mother called it. Farah had to admit, it was kind of fun. Farah knew her mother enjoyed it, so she smiled and went along. Hours of laughing and telling stories between the maid, the Teyrna, and Farah went by fast. The Teyrna left to get ready herself, leaving the maid to help Farah dress. The time of her Father's arrival would be soon, and they were behind.
Finally dressed and alone Farah stared at herself in the mirror. She could hardly recognize the woman before her. She was…. Stunning. Farah couldn't believe it. Her hair surrounded her face with a silver and purple feathery pendant pinned on the right side. Big dark curls framed her face perfectly. Farah's gray eyes were done up with silvery shadow and charcoal. It brought out the light blue in her eyes and made them striking. The dress… the dress was beautiful. The neck was low and made to show the shoulders. A silver sash was attached to the front of the dress at the chest. The sheer cloth was brought up around the neck tied in a bow and flowed down Farah's bare back. A silver metal feather with purple stones was located at the start of the bodice. Underneath the bodice, the elegant purple cloth flowed all the way to the floor. The shoes that Lady Isolde sent were Orlesian made. Farah's mother had forced her to practice walking in them for weeks. Farah still had trouble, but she could manage walking in the heels well enough. The shoes were decorated with with silver and purple feathers completing the look.
Farah hated to admit it, but… she looked good. Maybe it won't be so bad. Then again… A quick flash of a woman in armor caused Farah to pause. A feeling of uneasiness took hold of her. Farah felt like she was forgetting something. She felt as if she was supposed to be doing something else, something important... Shaking her head, Farah pushed aside the unsettling feeling. Leaving Nolan locked away in her room; Farah made her way down to the main hall.
"There you are!" Fergus, Farah's beloved brother, called out from across the way. "You've already missed Father's entrance and the big 'SURPRISE!' So, watch out for Mother… I'm sure she'll want to lay into yo…." Fergus trailed off as he came closer to his sister. His eyes widened as he studied the woman before him. After several silent moments Fergus managed to speak. "Wow, sis. You look… beautiful."
Farah blushed. Her brother had called her many things over the years. Beautiful had never been one. "Thank you. You clean up pretty good yourself." Farah said with a playful pat on his arm. This action caused Farah to feel the uneasiness again. This time Farah felt a sense of familiarity. Suddenly everything that had happened prior to this moment all seemed familiar. As if Farah had already been through it.
"Fairy? Are you ready?" Fergus asked offering his arm. Farah once again shook her head and pushed back the uneasy feeling. Arms linked, Farah and her big brother entered into the main hall. Farah never liked a double door entrance. It called attention, but Fergus insisted. The main hall was full of nobles. Most Farah knew, but there were a few she had never seen before. Her mother had made it a point for Farah to learn who was who. A silence fell over the party as the doors shut behind them. Farah breathed in deeply and swallowed hard. Fergus, sensing her nerves, leaned over and whispered in her, "Just imagine everyone in their underwear…. You'll be fine." Farah let out a muffled giggle as her Mother and Father walked over to their children.
"Fairy… You look stunning." Bryce Cousland breathed as he hugged his all grown up daughter. Farah hugged him back… hard. She felt a sudden wave of sadness and did not wish to let him go. She could feel tears swelling in her eyes. She sniffled against her Father's neck, causing her Father to let up. "Fairy?" Teyrn Cousland raised a curious eyebrow to his daughter.
Farah shook her sadness and cleared her throat, "Sorry… I'm just happy to... see you." Farah said staring at her feet.
The Teyrna stepped forward and whipped away a tear that had escaped, "If you keep that up, you're going to ruin your pretty face."
"Eleanor!" Teyrn Cousland protested. "That would be impossible."
Farah smiled and blushed. The next couple of hours were full of introductions. Farah was introduced to noble after noble. Truth be told, Farah really didn't care. She couldn't help but feel as if she should be doing something else: something that was far more significant that this party. Her mother would start a conversation and lead it to Farah when it was a young eligible man she was being introduced to. Farah was rather unimpressed by all of them. Thankfully she got a break when the king and queen arrived. All the attention was drawn to them, and Farah was grateful. After a quick chat with the King Calian and Queen Anora, mostly about her appearance, Farah snuck away. Truthfully, she just really wanted to be away from Anora. The snooty queen just gave Farah icy stares and short rude comments.
Farah made her way to the hallway just out of the main hall. She crossed her arms and began to pace. The uneasy feeling was growing stronger until she was unable to shake it. Farah searched her mind. Why does this all feel so… familiar? It's as if I've… I've done this before. Then there was the feeling of missing something. Farah felt as if she was supposed to be somewhere else. And as if there was something important she was supposed to be doing. A task… A mission…
"Fairy? What are you doing out here?" Farah turned around quickly, and found her brother smiling sweetly to her.
Farah knotted her brows and began pacing again, "Have you ever… had the feeling that you were supposed to be doing something else? Something important?"
Fergus walked closer and leaned against the stone wall of the hallway. "Meaning?"
Farah sighed and continued to pace, "I… I just can't shake this feeling. I feel as if I've done all this before. Getting ready this morning, entering with you, Mother pushing ever single unmarried man my way… everything. And I get this feeling that I'm supposed to be doing something else. Like I have a mission." Farah stopped pacing and faced her brother, "I feel… like… like something's wrong."
Fergus laughed, "Wrong? Whatever could be wrong, dear sister? All is well… You're not needed anywhere and you haven't done this before. You're acting crazy… Well, crazier than usual." Her brother added with a grin.
Farah laughed and shook her head, "Maybe you're right. I'm just… I don't know." Farah sighed and the two Cousland siblings stood in silence for a few moments.
"You wanna go make fun of the nobles' terrible dancing?" Fergus asked in a mischievous tone.
Farah laughed and nodded. As the Cousland siblings made their way back into the party, Farah and Fergus scoped out the 'dancers'. Fergus's eyes widened, "Look at Lady Lalandra! I think she's drunk!"
Farah looked quickly and saw her Mother's friend, Lady Lalandra, dancing around like a fool. She was waving her hands in the air and shaking her hips in a most unladylike manner. Farah closed her eyes and laughed hysterically as Fergus pulled her closer for a better view. Just as her brother let go, Farah tripped over her dress and began to fall forward. A pair of strong arms caught her, and Farah's face crashed into the owner's chest.
"Whoa! Been walking long?" An amused, familiar voice asked.
Farah shifted her body and looked up at her timely rescuer. A pair of golden eyes smiled down at her. "Are you alright, My Lady?"
Farah blinked up at the man and eventually muttered a weak yes. He helped her to her feet and released his hold.
"You should be more careful, My Lady. Wouldn't want anything to happen to such a beautiful creature."
Farah stared at the man before her. He seemed familiar. There was something about those big brown eyes. A kindness in them spoke to her, and he way he grinned at her. His honey hair and his tan smooth skin. Why is he so familiar?…
"I appreciate you catching my clumsy sister, my friend." Fergus said as he extended his hand.
The familiar stranger took it and shook Fergus's hand firmly as he smiled. "Not a problem. I'd catch her anytime." The man slyly added a wink Farah's way and allowed his eyes to travel down her body. Her uneasy feeling returned quickly as the man openly stared at her. Something wasn't right. Alistair wouldn't wink at me and stare me up and down…. ALISTAIR!
Farah's memory stared to flow back slowly… The Tower, mages, templars, Wynne… Conner. Farah, Alistair, and Nolan had all traveled to the Circle of Magi to seek aide for Conner, but when they arrived they were met with yet another obstacle. The Tower had been taken over by demons. It seems that a certain mage called Uldred had been planning a takeover for weeks and Farah stumbled right into it. Once again choosing the right thing, Farah said she would help free the Circle. She couldn't allow the templars to simply kill all the mages just because they MIGHT be abominations. That wasn't right, and the Cousland in her would not stand for that. Farah found it funny how the right thing to do was always the hardest thing to do.
"My Lady, would you like to dance?" The strange Alistair asked. Farah closed her eyes and tried to remember. What is this? Farah felt a hand take hers and start to lead her to the dance floor. Farah shook it off and stood her ground. Her memory was returning now, this was the Fade. A demon trapped her here in this… dream. This wonderful, happy dream. Or was it a nightmare? Farah shook her head trying to rid herself of her confusion. She looked around. This was her home, the people surrounding her… was her family. And the nobles… She knew them. Right? NO! This is not my home. This is not my family. This is a trap… and that thing is NOT Alistair!
"You failed, demon. I know what this is." Farah said firmly, her face determined and strong.
"Excuse me? Demon? I suppose I can be a demon for you… Just say the word." The fake Alistair replied in a sensual tone.
Farah shook her head, "Stop it." She ordered. "You're not my Alistair."
"Not your Alistair?" The demon laughed. The people in the main hall of Highever Castle began to fade. Farah watched as her family disappeared along with the nobles. A pang of sadness ripped through her heart as they faded. Farah wanted this to be real. Her family alive, and Alistair at her side. Soon Farah was alone with the fake Alistair.
"Sloth said you would be a hard one. I see he was right…" The demon began to circle around Farah. "But everyone has their price. Everyone has a desire… something they want above all else. I thought perhaps it was your family, but I see now what you really want. WHO you really want." The demon was directly behind Farah, its breath hot against her neck. Demon Alistair pressed its body against Farah. Farah closed her eyes, and cringed, trying to remain strong. Its hands held her from behind, wrapping its arms around her waist and resting its head on her shoulder. Demon Alistair let his hands explore Farah's body, lingering in all the right places. Farah liked it, of that she was certain, but it felt wrong. Her Alistair would NOT do that, or at least her Alistair wouldn't do that without Farah's consent. Even then Farah guessed he'd be too nervous. The lustful Alistair began nibbling Farah's neck and jaw as it spoke to her.
"I know what you want. What you want to hear. What you want to do. You cannot hide it from me. You cannot even hide it from yourself. You've been trying. But I see through you…" The demon whispered into Farah's ear. The demon mimicked Alistair's voice exactly. Farah could hardly stand it. She closed her eyes tighter, and balled her hands into fists.
The Alistair demon exhaled and pressed closer to Farah, "I love you, my Fairy. Will you love me?"
Farah cringed and gasped. The demon was right. Farah desired Alistair. She had been fighting it with all her might, but it was a secret battle she was losing. It seemed her crush on the 'golden haired boy' from Redcliffe never went away and the man Alistair had become only ignited those long lost feelings. He was caring, sweet, goofy, and strong. He was nothing like any man she had ever met and even though she didn't know him well she still wanted him. I do want him…. But I want the real Alistair.
Farah opened her eyes and breathed in deeply, "YOU'RE not him, demon. And you can't hold me here." Farah felt her blades form in her hands, the beautiful purple gown faded into familiar bloodstained armor. Delicate high heels were replaced with practical boots. Farah quickly twirled the blades around, and thrust them into the demon. She heard the demon Alistair gasp and Farah felt its arms release limply. Farah shook the demon off of her and turned around slowly. She watched as Alistair changed into a creature of the Fade. It turned into a woman-like being with light pink flesh and hardly any clothing. Farah had seen pictures of this demon before: This was a desire demon. The demon fell to the floor, lifeless. The walls of the main hall began to fade and soon Farah stood in a bizarre and unfamiliar place.
Farah heard clanking of armor followed by concerned barks. Farah turned around quickly and ran to Nolan. She stopped before she reached him, uncertain if it was the real Nolan. She studied him curiously. Nolan barked at her fiercely. Farah felt it in her heart that this was the real Nolan and not another trick. Farah surrounded her hound with a desperate hug.
"They almost had me, Nolan. I almost gave in." She whispered weakly. Nolan nuzzled her in response and whined. "You wanted them to be alive too, huh?" Farah released her friend, and stood to her feet. Nolan looked sadly up to her. Farah closed her eyes. The desire demon did indeed almost have her, but the tactic it used is what frightened Farah the most. Her family, happy and alive… and Alistair. His arms around her, his sweet words whispered into her ear. Farah had nearly caved. She couldn't believe herself. She felt ashamed, and stupid. Farah brought her hands to her face and tried to focus. Now wasn't the time to think of all that had happened or the acknowledgment of her emerging feelings. Farah needed to find a way out. She needed to find the REAL Alistair, and Wynne. Conner's life was hanging in the balance and Farah needed to move quickly. She spotted a pedestal nearby and something told Farah that was her way out. Nolan and Farah stepped onto the pedestal and Farah felt it pulling her away from this nightmare. Farah reached down and placed her hand on Nolan and closed her eyes. She prayed that when she opened them Alistair would be in front of her. But when Farah's eyes opened, her trusted companion was nowhere in sight. She even couldn't sense Alistair; the dream world must have blocked that connection.
Farah found herself in yet another strange place. Alone. She looked around at the peculiar, ominous trees and weird statues. The ground beneath her feet felt mushy and was a drab yellow. Everything was hazy, and ghostly. The air was musky and stale. Nolan growled, bringing Farah from her assessment of her surroundings.
"What is it boy?" Farah asked looking around inquisitively.
Nolan growled and pointed with his nose to a statue nearby. Farah eyed it curiously and saw the slightest movement behind it. Without having to give Nolan the order, her hound raced to the statue and bark fiercely to scare whatever was hiding behind it. A man yelped and fell to his bottom as he backed away from Nolan. Farah drew one blade and took her stance by her friend.
"Are you a demon?" Farah asked firmly, her blade pointed at the frightened man. If this was a demon, it was a cowardly one.
"N-No. I'm... no-not a demon." The man answered weakly.
"Then a spirit?" Farah questioned harshly. Nolan growled deeply, backing his mistress.
"No! I am a dreamer! Like you! I was trapped here by the sloth demon! Please don't hurt me!" The man pleaded.
Farah eyed the man, considering. He was wearing mage robes and the most frightened expression on his weary face. Farah decided to take a leap of faith. She knew nothing of the Fade except what everyone knew. Perhaps this dreamer, if he truly was a dreamer and a mage as he appeared to be, could help her. Farah sheaved her blade and offered her hand. The man hesitated briefly then to took it.
"My name Farah and this is Nolan. I am Grey Warden, helping the Circle." Farah explained. For now, her shortness would have to be enough.
"I am Niall. I'm a Circle mage who foolishly tried to save the tower, but I got trapped by the sloth demon before I could do any good." The mage admitted shamefully. His eyes dropped to the dull ground.
"You're a mage? Good, maybe you can help me. I don't know much about the Fade, and came here with others. Have you seen a blonde man, well armored like me and an older mage, called Wynne?"
"Wynne?" Niall jerked his head up and faced Farah, "Wynne came with you?"
"Yes." Farah said with a frustrated sigh, "Have you seen them?"
Niall dropped his head once more, "No. They must behind the doors I cannot get to. I feel a lot of power coming from them. They must be in their own nightmares, trapped like you were."
"Trapped? I don't understand."
"The sloth demon trapped you here. He wants you to forget. Forget about your life and what you were doing. He wants to keep you here, so he reaches into your mind and tries to make you happy. Or rather he leaves that to the desire demons he's working with. I escaped my trap, as you did."
Farah closed her eyes, "There must be a way out."
"There is. You have to kill the sloth demon and the desire demons he's working with. But you can't get to them."
"Why?" Farah asked desperately.
Niall sighed and began pacing as he explained, "There is always something in your way. You think you have it, but then another obstacle appears."
"It cannot be that hopeless." Farah said. Nolan let out a sad whine.
"This place drains you of all hope." The mage said with a wave of his hand. "It drains and drains until you have nothing."
Farah creased her eyebrows in determination, "I am not giving up. Please Niall, help me. Together we can find my friends and find a way out of here. We can save the Circle once we have escaped."
Niall let out a grunt and turned his back to Farah, "There is no point in trying. The Circle is lost and so are your friends."
Farah sighed and closed her eyes tightly. Nolan nuzzled her hand and whimpered. She opened her eyes and stared down at her most trusted hound. His eyes were pleading. Niall was right, the Fade drains you. Farah wanted to give up before she even started, but Nolan would not allow that. Farah saw the plea in his eyes and heard it in his whimper.
"Fine." Farah stated firmly. "If YOU will not help me, I will do it myself."
Niall offered but a dark laugh and nothing more. Nolan and Farah walked away, leaving Niall to himself. Farah followed a path through the Fade. She had no idea where she was or where she was going. Farah saw a portal up a head, she didn't know where it led but it was a start. With Nolan at her side, Farah bravely walked through the portal.
Another ethereal place was before Farah filled with the same dark trees and eerie statues. Farah looked around nervously. She needed to find Alistair and Wynne, time was running out and the fact that the mage wouldn't help her infuriated her. Selfish man. Farah began walking forward, uncertain where she was going but determined to find her companions.
An evil laugh chimed in the strange stillness. Farah stopped, and looked around with widened eyes. Shadowy figures appeared, blocking the path in front and behind. Farah twirled around slowly counting at least ten beings surrounding her. Their bodies were dark and smoky while their undefined faces stared at their new found prey. Suddenly fire began spouting from the ground in front of Farah. A flaming hand appeared. The hand clawed and pulled the rest of its body from the ground. A large blazing being stood in front of Farah and Nolan. It eyed them for a moment then titled its head back and let out a wicked laugh.
"Get the dog." The fiery demon said. The shadowy figures all glided towards Nolan. Farah screamed and reached for her dog but something grabbed her arm. It burned and Farah shrieked in pain. She looked up and found the red eyes of the blazing demon staring down at her. Farah winced in fear and pain. Nolan yelped and Farah turned her head to see. The shadowy demons had Nolan on the ground. Farah didn't know what they were doing to her hound or what this demon holding her planned on doing. Whatever hope Farah had of finding Alistair and Wynne was quickly fading… This was it. She had failed….. Farah's fate was sealed…
To be continued…