Bec Note: I know I haven't updated in like 5 years, and I really don't have an excuse. I was busy with finals for a while, then summer started, and the biggest reason it has taken me so long is because: I HATE THE FADE! It is extremly hard to write and I apologize if this chapter isn't all that exciting. I tried:) Please, give me your thoughts!
Chapter 11: Sweet Dreams (Part Two)
The demon's hand burned Farah as it quickly shifted to her throat. Farah fought back with all of her might, clawing and kicking as the scorching demon lifted her from the ground by her neck. Her hope was quickly fading. She could not allow this demon to destroy her. She needed to stay in the Fade and find Alistair and Wynne. Nolan cried in pain, a sound that hurt Farah more than anything the demon holding her could. Farah closed her eyes tightly, feeling herself give way….
Suddenly, what was once hot was now ice. Farah jerked her eyes open but instead of the fiery wicked eyes of the demon, cold blank extinguished ones stared back. A bolt of lightning shattered the demon to frozen pieces. Farah fell to the ground, coughing. She watched as another bolt of lightning shot passed her. The shadowy figures convulsed as the electric chain passed through them, some fell. Those that survived glided away into the strange beyond. Nolan weakly stood to his feet, then walked to Farah's side. Farah was still trying to catch her breath. It was strange how real everything felt in this dream world. Nolan nudged her, encouraging Farah to stand. Using her hand and Nolan as an anchor, Farah feebly stood to her feet.
"You should be more discrete. You stick out like a sore thumb, boldly walking right down the open path." A familiar voice chastised from a safe dark distance.
Farah looked around for the owner of the voice. Niall walked from the shadows, shaking his head at Farah. Nolan tensed up and let a warning growl escape his jaws.
"Easy boy," Farah said hoarsely, "He just saved us." Nolan softened. "You should thank him." Farah added. Nolan barked excitedly as he strode over to Niall. He nuzzled his hand, and Niall hesitatively pet the fearsome hound. Niall smiled as Nolan sat down beside him, and eventually rolled over to his back as the mage rubbed his tummy. Farah made her way to her hound and her rescuer.
"Thank you." Farah said looking down, smiling.
Niall continued petting Nolan, "You should be more careful."
"And you should help me." Farah said as a firm plea.
Niall let out a heavy sigh and rose to his feet, "You are a determined thing aren't you?"
He sounds like Wynne. "And I'm sensing you had a change of heart. Otherwise, why would you be here?"
"Can you really save the Circle?" Niall asked with a small spark of hope in his eyes.
"If you help me, yes." Farah said confidently, almost believing herself.
Niall was quiet, considering. Farah knew he would help. What choice did he have, and if he wasn't intending on aiding her why did he follow her? After a heavy sigh, Niall spoke. "Very well. You probably won't get very far without me anyway. Let's find your friends." Niall added a quick smile when he was finished and Nolan nuzzled his hand in thanks.
Navigating through the Fade was difficult, and frustrating. They were wasting time and Farah's mock confidence was becoming harder to keep up. There were two doors Niall was certain led to Alistair and Wynne. He sensed a lot of power coming from them, and a dreamer within. One door was see-through and ghostly. It was visible, but it could not be touched or opened. The other door was protected by a river of flame that covered the entire door: an easier fix in Farah's eyes. All Niall had to do was put it out with a cold spell or something. Why he hadn't thought of that himself, Farah wasn't sure.
Farah, Nolan, and their new ally finally approached their fire protected door. Farah stared optimistically at it with determined eyes. Alistair could be on the other side of this door. Farah wanted nothing more than to have Alistair in her sights. She needed to know he was safe. This was all her fault. She should not have let him come. He was the only heir to the throne, wither he liked it or not. Farah had put him in danger, and she hated herself for doing so. Doing the right thing was always something Farah prided herself on. It was something her father taught her, but this time her decision had put too many people in danger. Arl Eamon's family, all those within the castle, the villagers, and now… Alistair. Farah had to make it right, and no river of flame was going to stop her.
"Can't you just cast a spell?" Farah asked Niall hopefully.
Niall sighed, "It is not that simple."
Farah grunted, "Not that simple? It's just fire, and YOU are a mage. Cast a spell like the one you did on that fiery demon from earlier."
"Do you take me for a fool?" Niall asked calmly, "I've tried what you're asking before. It didn't work."
Farah raised an annoyed eyebrow, "Why?"
"I don't know. It seems that these flames are… stronger."
Farah sighed, "Then what do we do?"
Niall stood quietly, contemplating. Farah knew that Niall wasn't exactly the bravest of mages. His initial choice of not helping, then his safe distance when he recused Farah told her that he wasn't a warrior. No, this man was a thinker. Which was exactly what Farah needed. Farah was the warrior, or at least she was now.
Finally, Niall cleared his throat and began pacing as he explained. "There is always a way in, a back door if you will. You just have to know where to look."
"Are you saying there is another door leading to where this one does?" Farah asked hopefully.
"Perhaps. Demons are curious creatures, if anything. They like to see what one is capable of. And if we somehow make it into this dreamer's trap they have another chance to trap us. All the more reason for them to make it possible to get to the other side of this door. There IS a way; it's just finding it that's difficult."
Farah was frustrated beyond words. All this talk of backdoors and finding a sneaky way to it was making her head hurt. Farah wished she was at her home in Highever. There her biggest problems were keeping Oren's swordplay lessons a secret and her Mother pushing every single man her way. She could deal with those things, but this... Farah was completely out of her element and had no one to rely on but her hound and a smart, but cowardly mage. Farah was no mindless brute, but right now the urge to smash something was overpowering.
So with that Farah decided to do something stupid. She glanced around the Fade in search of anything that could be used as a shield. Seeing a couple of branches on one of the strange trees, Farah walked over and began making a… well something. Farah was really just making things up as she went and was thankful that the mage simply watched and did not question. Nolan was sitting beside Niall watching just as curiously. Farah chopped down three braches no bigger than her own blades and used vines to tie them together. Farah knew this plan was just plain foolish, but there wasn't time to search for a backdoor. So, deciding to rely fully on her strength she was simply going to smash her way through the door and if that didn't work Niall would try.
Standing to her feet with her branch-shield Farah cleared her throat, "Can you enchant this? Cover it in ice or something like that?"
Niall creased his brows, but said nothing. He raised his hands and Farah felt the cold spread over her arm where her shield was. Satisfied with the mage's work and freezing Farah faced the fire door.
"OK. Just what are you doing?" Niall asked, finally.
"I'm going to bust through the door." Farah said with her eyes focused on the engulfed door.
Nolan tilted his head at his mistress and let out a confused yelp.
"You are going to run… headfirst at a door… covered in flames with nothing but yourself and a shield made of branches and ice?"
Farah stood still, considering, then shook her head once, "Yep."
"Right. Brilliant." Niall said, rolling his eyes.
Ignoring Niall's negative comment, Farah breathed in deeply and closed her eyes to steel herself. She knew this wasn't the smartest idea she'd ever had, but there wasn't time to think of a better one. With a quick prayer, Farah flashed her eyes open and ran as fast as she could with as much force as she could muster towards the flaming door. Right before impact Farah felt something rush past her. It wasn't unlike the lightning bolt Niall used to save her before. This bolt had a brown and green glow about it and it shattered some the door on impact. Shards of flaming wood flew through the air. A rough hole was visible and the wood surrounding was cracked and splintered. Unable to stop herself Farah smashed through what remained of the door and crashed into the ground. Her makeshift ice shield was destroyed and her arm ached.
"Farah? Are you alright?" Niall asked from the other side.
Farah cringed as she rose to her feet and studied her new surroundings, "I'm fine." If Farah did not know that she was indeed in the Fade, she would have guessed she was in the entrance of someone's home. The room was bright and inviting. The furniture was quaint, and a vase held the most beautiful white flowers on a table in the corner. Their scent filled the air and calmed Farah as she breathed in. Farah walked closer to them and recognized them. Her father, after a long trip, would bring these exact flowers to her when she was little. Farah smiled and closed her eyes remembering.
"What do you see?" Niall asked, thankfully bringing Farah from her daze. The small cozy room was drawing Farah back in. Straitening her back and forcing her guard up, Farah focused on the task at hand.
"It's just a room. Maybe an entrance to house. Come on." Farah walked back over to the door and offered her hand to Niall through the smashed door. Suddenly, flames engulfed Farah's hand covering the hole in the door. Farah yelped and pulled her hand back through. The hole Farah and Niall made was once again covered in flames.
"Looks like you're on your own." Niall said grimly. Nolan let out a sad, concerned whine.
"I'll be fine, Nolan. Niall, maybe you can work on getting through the spirit door?"
Niall sighed, "You mean the one we can't physically touch? How do you expect me to do that?"
Just as Niall was finishing with his complaining, Farah heard a 'poofing' sound behind her. A key appeared in the table beside the vase. Farah inspected it. It was ghostly like the other door, but for some reason Farah could touch it. Curiously, Farah picked it up and walked back to the fiery door.
"Maybe this'll help." Farah said as she threw the key through the flames.
Niall clumsily caught it and grunted, "You know the sloth demon is only helping us in the hopes to recapture us."
"Yes, but his game for now. We have to play." Farah didn't like playing right into the demon's hands but she had no choice. She knew the flowers were put here on purpose, and she wondered what else the demon had in store for her. For now, she had to let the demon lead her.
A child's laugh caused Farah to turn. Walking away from the fire door, Farah heard a second laugh. A silly chuckle that she had come to know, and rather enjoy. Alistair! Farah all but leaped for joy. Quickly she ran back to Niall. "I believe this nightmare is of my friend Alistair's. Meaning Wynne is behind the spirit door. Go, quickly. Take Nolan and see if you can save her." Niall nodded his head once and turned, "Good luck, my friend." Nolan stared at Farah with alarm.
"Do not worry, my friend. I will be fine." Farah said reassuringly. Nolan tilted his head back and whined in response.
"I will find him. I promise… Now go. Protect Niall." Watching Nolan catch up to Niall, Farah heard another laugh chime. This one was female and almost as musical as Leliana's. Interestedly, Farah slowly walked out of the entrance room. As she made her way down the hallway, Farah heard a booming rawr followed by squeals and laughter. Stepping through the doorway, Farah saw four little kids running away from a man. His back was turned to Farah, but she knew who it was. A small spark ignited in her heart. It seems that now that Farah was close to Alistair, their connection could no longer be hidden by the Fade. The man stopped suddenly, and turned around. A huge grin spread across his face.
Faster than Farah could process Alistair's arms were around her, "FARAH!"
Farah returned the hug eagerly and smiled. He was safe, finally. Closing her eyes, Farah rested her head on Alistair's shoulder. The warmth in her heart began to spread through her body. Farah was totally contented and the world seemed to fade away… The Fade! Farah released her fellow Grey Warden and held in at arm's length. Studying his face, Farah was once again distracted. Alistair had never looked so happy, so content. For a moment, Farah was afraid this was not her Alistair. But the spark in her heart and the cozy feeling surrounding her told her otherwise.
"Aren't you going to introduce me, brother?" A melodic voice asked from behind.
With a quick smirk to Farah, Alistair released her and walked to the side of the woman. "Where are my manners! You must forgive me sister, but manners aren't the first thing a bastard is taught. This," Alistair gestured toward Farah, "is Farah Cousland: my dear friend and fellow Grey Warden."
The beautiful woman's face brightened as a broad smile appeared. Nudging Alistair's arms, "Well, she is as beautiful as you described." Alistair's face turned bright red and Farah couldn't help but let out a giggle followed by her own cheeks heating.
Alistair's eyes shifted from Farah to the woman nervously, "Riiiiiiight….. Moving on. Farah, this is my sister: Goldanna." Alistair gestured behind him to the unusually silent children, "and these are her kids."
Farah had forgotten about the kids the moment her eyes fell onto Alistair. Just then, the woman stepped forward and Farah studied her for the first time. She was indeed beautiful and indeed Alistair's sister: with tan smooth skin and golden blonde hair. The features of her face matched Alistair's, but instead of his strong chin and nose, softer and more delicate features were present. Her eye color, however, was certainly nothing like Alistair's. Pure blue eyes peered from behind a wave of luscious blonde hair. She was lovely. So lovely, Farah nearly forgot what the enchanting creature before her really was.
Focusing her mind, Farah took a deep breath, "You can't fool me, demon."
Alistair tilted his head curiously and smiled, "Demon?" He laughed. "What are you talking about Farah? My sister is far from a demon… She's great!"
The beautiful demon laughed and walked over to the children, "You're not too bad yourself, dear brother. Now children, would you like your uncle's friend to stay for dinner?"
The kids squealed with excitement and ran to Farah. Little arms surrounded her waist and Farah's mind slammed into memories of her nephew. Farah cringed; the demon knew exactly how to push her. Feeling uncomfortable and determined to get Alistair out of here Farah gently pushed the kids away.
"Nice try, demon." Farah said firmly. "But you cannot hold me and you cannot hold Alistair."
Alistair stepped forward and placed the back of his hand on Farah's forehead, "Farah, are you feeling alright? You're acting strangely." His hand soon feel to her cheek and Farah could feel herself falling back into the demon's trap. Remembering Niall's warning Farah quickly moved away from Alistair and forced a harsh look.
"Alistair, listen to me… This is the Fade. That is not your sister and those are not your nieces and nephews. The only thing that is real is YOU and ME."
Goldanna laughed and walked to her brother, "I believe your friend is exhausted, she talking nonsense. Maybe you should show her the guest room, make her… Comfortable." The last word was laced with implications. Farah wondered when the demon was going to use this tactic. Goldanna took Alistair's hand and pulled him to Farah. "Alistair, wouldn't you like her to stay?"
"Awwww, Farah! Please say you'll stay! My sister will make her minced pie! Won't you?" Farah had never seen Alistair so childlike.
"Of course, dear brother." Goldana smiled sweetly making Farah's stomach turn.
Alistair turned back to Farah and grinned, "PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE?" A little girl with golden blonde hair exactly like her mother's tugged at Alistair's tunic. Farah watched as Alistair picked up his 'niece' and twirled her around in the air. The little girl screeched with delight and giggled. With a quick kiss on his check Alistair placed the little girl back down.
"I love you, Uncle Al." The little girl said as she hugged him around his thighs before running off.
Farah was at a loss for words. Never had she seen Alistair like this and his warmth was… Blissful. It was almost overbearing. "You seem… Content…"
Alistair laughed, "I am. I thought being a Grey Warden would make me happy, but... it didn't. But this... Having a family…. This makes me happy."
Farah sighed. She couldn't blame him for wanting a family, wanting a place to belong. Farah wanted nothing more but to have her family back. Farah almost hated herself for having to pull him from this place. But they had a job to do, and she knew Alistair would never forgive himself if something were to happen to Conner or Eamon.
With a heavy sigh Farah spoke, "This is not your family. You don't belong here… That thing is not your sister. It is a demon… She's using your desires against you…. Please, believe me. Remember the Circle?"
Alistair knotted his brows, "What?... I…. but…. You're wrong. I do belong here."
Farah sighed and tried to think of a way to convince him, "Alistair, we went to the circle… We have to save Conner and Eamon. Redcliffe Castle… Please, remember."
"Conner?... Eamon?... Wait…." A spark blinked in Alistair's eyes.
"We came to Circle to seek aide from the mages, but we were trapped here in the Fade by the sloth demon."
"I…. It's all a bit fuzzy…"
"YOU CANNOT HAVE HIM." Goldanna's beautiful voice rang out angrily. Farah was sent flying through the air and smashed into a cupboard. Before Farah could regain herself, Alistair was in front of her. His tunic turned into familiar armor and his sword and shield appeared in his hands. Alistair took a protective stance and pointed his weapons at his 'sister'.
"I don't know what my sister is like, but I doubt she throws people into cupboards." Alistair said jokingly.
Goldanna's golden hair slowly melted away, followed by the rest of her. Soon, a demon just like the one in Farah's nightmare stood before them unashamed. The room faded away and soon they stood in a familiar but strange place, "I had you. You," The demon walked seductively closer, "Were mine…. Till this lovely creature came along." The demon's purple eyes fell upon Farah as she lied on the ground behind Alistair. "It seems you win, my dear. I cannot trick you. You have what you want most…" The demon's eyes flickered to Alistair then back to Farah then winked.
"Back off, fiend." Alistair said threatingly.
The desire demon laughed, but did as she was told. "I'll make you a deal… In exchange for my life, I will help you defeat Sloth."
Farah grunted and brought herself up from the floor, "You would turn on your master just like that?"
The demon giggled, "Silly beautiful thing… I have no master but desire. And right now, I desire nothing more than to live."
"And I desire nothing more than to see you dead." Alistair said firmly.
Farah drew her blades, "I agree. There is no honest deal with a demon. We don't need your help."
The demon sighed with disappointment, "Very well."
The desire demon began hurling bolts at Alistair and Farah, but Alistair would have none of that. He charged forward blocking the demon's attacks. Before Farah could move a muscle, Alistair bashed the demon to the ground then threw his shield aside. He raised his blade in the air, then brought it down directly on the demon's neck.
Farah sighed with relief. It was over, and Alistair was safe. Now, all we have to do is find the sloth demon and kill him… No biggie… Right?
"Alistair? Are you alright?" Farah asked feeling his warmth sinking.
Alistair slowly turned around, "I'm fine. Thank you… I can't believe how easily I was tricked by…. Wait. What's happening?"
Alistair's form began to fade just as the room did before. "Alistair!" Farah ran to him but it was too late. Alistair was gone. Farah hung her head in disappointment. Suddenly Farah felt herself being pulled. She began to fade just as Alistair… Great.
To be continued…