Bec Note: Ok, so I know you see Sloth in like 24862984 different forms in the game. Which made writing Farah's confrontation with him a little tricky. So, what I did here was I picked the form I liked best in the game and then added a few tweaks of my own. I hope he comes off as the terrifying creature he is. Or at least the terrifying creature he should be.
Also, I found Niall very annoying and a waste of time in the game. But I wanted to involve him more in the story and make him, likable. I hope I have succeeded, and that you hurt like Farah does at his death.
Chapter 12: Sweet Dreams (Part Three)
It felt like being in two places at once: Alistair's nightmare and the origin of the pull. Farah watched unmoving as a new ethereal place faded into view. Finally stable and able to move, Farah studied her new location. The strange trees surrounded the edges of the enclosed area. Broken and crumbling columns were scattered about along with the peculiar statues. Farah was unsure of what pulled her here or where 'here' even was…
"Farah?" A familiar voice spoke out from behind. Even so, Farah drew her blades. She would not fall for another trick. No demon would ever have hold over her again. Farah quickly turned and readied herself. Niall put his hands up in defense, "Wait! It's me!"
Farah did not ease up from her tense state, "Prove it." Farah demanded.
Nolan barked from a distance and quickly made his way to his mistress. Nolan grunted at Farah and sat down beside Niall. Niall began to pat Nolan's head. Farah studied the two for a bit then sheaved her blades. No demon could ever recreate her Nolan. Farah knew in her heart that Niall and Nolan were real and not another hoax.
"Sorry. You can never be too careful here." Farah explained.
Niall relaxed, "I understand… I trust you found your friend?"
"Yea… then…."
"He disappeared?" Niall interjected.
Farah sighed sadly, "Yes. Then I was brought here."
"Same thing happened to me. I managed to convince Wynne this was indeed the Fade, though it took some work. I tell you, that woman is as stubborn as…"
A swirling sound cut Niall off. Farah drew her blades once more while Niall and Nolan took a defensive stance. A ghostly form appeared before them, fuzzy at first then slowly gained a more definite state. Red robes, white hair… Soon Wynne was standing clear as day before Farah and her new party.
"Stubborn as what, Niall?" Wynne said with her hands on her hips, a determined and annoyed look in her eyes.
Niall coughed nervously and quickly changed the subject, "Glad you are alright, Wynne."
Wynne huffed and walked over to Farah, "I see you found your way into more trouble, dear."
"Maybe trouble just always finds me." Farah said coolly.
The old mage laughed, "It would seem to find us all."
Another swirling sound broke their conversation. Farah turned around excitedly: she could sense who was coming. Slowly, Alistair came into view with a totally confused expression. Nolan barked with excitement and ran to him, armor clanking. Alistair smiled widely, and kneeled down to hug his Mabari friend. "I'm glad to see you too, boy. Now," Alistair stood up straight, "Will someone tell me what the…" Alistair's eyes shifted to Wynne, "What's… going on?" Alistair corrected himself clumsily.
Niall sighed, "Sloth has brought us all here together… for some reason. Perhaps to confront us?"
Alistair raised a curious eyebrow, "And you are?"
Niall bowed, "Apologies. I am Niall, a mage of the Circle, trapped here by Sloth. Like you."
Farah cleared her throat, "I found him, Alistair. He helped me navigate through the Fade. Without him, I never would have made it to you."
"I see," Alistair nodded, "Now, you say Sloth brought us here, to what? Confront us for breaking out of his traps?"
"That would seem a logical explanation." Wynne reasoned. "His snares could not hold us and demons despise such failures. Sloth will want to question us."
"Such a wise mage…" A dark, husky voice rang out. "But even in your wisdom, you were fooled. If this cowardly mage had not found his courage, you would still be trapped." The voice spoke slowly, and menacingly. Farah felt a chill run up her spine as she searched for the owner. There was no one else in the enclosed area besides Farah's party.
"Show yourself, demon." Wynne demanded, her staff at the ready.
An evil laugh chimed through the silence causing Farah more chills down her spine. "Very well."
Nolan took a defensive stance at his mistress' side beside Niall. Alistair drew his blade and shield and readied himself by Wynne. Whatever was to come, Farah knew it wouldn't be an easy fight but she also knew that her companions would never back down.
Another ghostly form appeared before them, surrounded by a misty fog. The fog cleared quickly, and the owner of the sinister voice, Sloth, towered over them. Farah had never seen a creature like Sloth before. For a demon, he gave off a very wise and distinguished sense. His helm and armor was trimmed in gold and his robes were as fine as any noblemen's. His body was medium built but slender. Farah took a step back as Nolan took his place protectively in front of his mistress.
"Does this satisfy you, mage?" Sloth asked Wynne, as he spread his long slender arms mockingly.
Wynne grunted, "When you are dead and only then will I be satisfied, demon."
Niall reached for his staff in a sudden swift motion. With the flick of one long boney finger, Sloth sent Niall flying backwards. "Naughty mage. I liked you better when you were a coward. This new, bolder you… Is getting very tiresome."
Farah rushed to Niall's side and helped him to his feet. He was unharmed, but shaken. Determined, Farah stood tall and mustered her courage, "Stop toying with us, Sloth. What do you want?"
Another dark chortle escaped Sloth's lips, "To talk, of course." Sloth's form dissipated suddenly then reappeared directly next to Farah and Niall. Nolan barked furiously at the demon. Farah jerked around and drew her blades. Niall casted a protective shield around himself and Farah.
Sloth sighed, "No need for that, Niall. And Farah… I thought you of all people wouldn't resort to such barbaric means so quickly. I do not wish to fight, least of all you. For you, my pet, are unlike any being I've ever met. I've ensnared many of your kind here, but none have ever managed to escape and free others from my traps. Tell me, how did you do it?"
Farah grunted, "You helped." Farah's party watched in curious silence.
Sloth smiled, "Yes, well… I was curious. The Fade is supposed to drain your kind of all hopes. But not you. I knew you would be hard to keep here. Did I not make you happy?" Sloth began to circle Farah and Niall's protective shield as he talked. "Was having your family at your side once more not enough? Was the…" Sloth's dark eyes shifted to Alistair, "Other thing, not sufficient? Isn't that want you want? What you want most? Did it not make you happy?"
Farah considered for a moment. She had to admit… It did. But it was an allusion and cruel one at that. "I'll make my own happiness, thank you. I don't need your help."
Sloth shook his head disapprovingly, "So selfish. Does it always have to be about you?" Sloth dissipated once more and remerged beside Alistair. With another flick of his finger, Alistair's weapons where torn from his hands. Sloth then placed his hand on Alistair's shoulder, rendering Alistair motionless. "And what about Alistair? All he's ever wanted was a family. A family that loved him and accepted him… And you ripped it away." Sloth's voice was harsh now.
Alistair struggled under Sloth's grasp. The demon seemed to have him under some sort of spell making it impossible for Alistair to get away. He did, however, manage to speak, "She saved me."
"Saved you?" Sloth's laughter roared loudly. "You were perfectly content before she busted through the door…"
Farah felt Niall elbow her as Sloth continued his rant. Farah knew immediately what Niall was thinking. Sloth was distracted and his power was a bit weakened by his spell on Alistair. If there was any chance of taking down the demon and getting out of the Fade, Farah knew now was the time to act. Farah nodded to Niall, and without missing a beat Niall sent a stone fist bolt at Sloth sending he, and Alistair, flying through the air. Alistair crashed to the ground, whereas Sloth collided with a crumbing column. Everyone moved quickly. Farah ordered Nolan to assist Alistair while she and the two mages focused on Sloth.
"YOU WISH TO FIGHT ME?" Sloth roared with anger. "VERY WELL!"
Sloth dissipated and reappeared close to Nolan and Alistair. Sloth began working his powers over Alistair. Nolan, being the protective Mabari, lunged at Sloth. His bite was hard and Sloth could not shake him. Nolan savagely shook Sloth's boney arm with his jaw as the demon wailed in pain. With his free arm, Sloth lifted a statue and hurled it at Nolan. Niall sent another stone fist bolt, this time aiming for the statue. He could not stop it from hitting Nolan but he moved it enough that it would not only hit Farah's hound, but also Sloth. Sloth had no time to stop the statue. Nolan yelped in pain and crashed to the ground, releasing his grip on the demon. Sloth, with one arm rendered useless, had no way of bracing himself. Sloth hit the ground, and lied motionless.
Alistair was already to his feet, his lost blade in his hands. Wynne quickly enchanted Alistair's blade with fire as he loomed over Sloth. Alistair then brought his fiery blade directly through Sloth's chest, causing the demon to shriek in pain. Alistair then twisted his blade, silencing the fiend.
Withdrawing his blade quickly, Alistair made his way over to Nolan. Farah followed. "Is he alright?" Farah asked worriedly as she fell to her knees beside Alistair.
Nolan was still breathing, but would not move. "Do not worry. Injuries within the Fade will not cross over to the real world." Niall said reassuringly. Farah sighed with relief. Nolan would be fine. Now, all they had to do was find a way out. Niall and Wynne began talking quietly to one another.
"Your dog is something else. He didn't even hesitate when Sloth threatened me." Alistair said in awe, his eyes still on the silent hound.
Farah smiled, "He's quite found of you. He'll protect you no matter what."
Alistair smiled, his eyes finding Farah's, "A trait he picked up from his mistress. You're always saving me, Farah. Thank yo…."
"WATCH OUT!" Wynne yelled.
Farah and Alistair wheeled their heads around. Sloth was suddenly to his feet, his injured arm holding his chest. His free arm lifted a strange tree, roots and all, and sent it flying directly at Farah and Alistair. Wynne acted quickly and made a protective barrier around the Grey Wardens while Niall got closer.
Alistair shielded Farah with his body, and braced them for impact. The barrier stopped the tree, and Niall acted swiftly. With a stone fist bolt Niall sent the tree back at Sloth. The tree hit Sloth hard, sending him into a stone wall. Farah watched from behind Alistair's protective arms as Wynne lifted the uprooted tree, manipulating it to her will. She pinned Sloth to the wall and twisted the branches around his body. She then sent the branches into the demons mouth. They twisted inside, then ripped through the wound on his chest. The bloody branches twisted and intertwined in and out of Sloth's body, forever pinning him to the wall.
Farah hid her face in Alistair's shoulder, not wanting to see more. It was a gruesome site, though the demon deserved his fate. Stupid demon… Like to see you smooth talk me now with a root down your throat. Farah wrinkled her nose, reveling in the fact that Sloth's silver tongue was finally silenced.
"It's over, Farah. You're safe" Alistair said softly drawing Farah from her thoughts.
"Thank the Maker." Wynne said with a sigh of relief. Alistair and Farah stood to their feet and made their way to Wynne. Nolan came to, but did not bother to stand. He simply sat up, and watched.
Farah drew a deep breath. It was truly over. She was safe, Wynne was safe… Alistair was safe. Farah smiled inwardly at the thought. Now all that was left was to leave the wretched Fade. Well, one good thing came from this, Farah thought looking over to Niall, we've gained another ally. The wheels in Farah's mind began to turn. Yes, Niall was a bit cowardly but he proved himself brave. If anything, he could stay back with Bodahn and Sandal and protect them. Yes, Farah decided that as soon as the Circle was safe she would ask Niall to join them.
Alistair cleared his throat, "Soooo… How do we get out of here?"
"Leave that to me." Niall said walking towards them smiling. "I know just the thing to send you all back."
Farah tilted her head and raised an eyebrow, "Don't you mean 'send us back'?"
Niall's face turned grave, "No, I don't." Niall looked Farah directly in the eyes.
"What do you mean?" Farah asked, worriedly.
Niall sighed, "It's too late for me. My real body is gone, I cannot return to it. It is over for me, I've been hanging on this long because of Sloth. Now, that he's gone… My fate is sealed."
Farah twisted her face in confusion, "I don't understand."
"Niall has been in the Fade since the demons took the Circle, over two weeks ago. His body has… withered away, dear. There's nothing we can do." Wynne explained.
Farah couldn't believe what she was hearing, "No. I will not stand for this. There must be a way to heal you, to save you." Farah's voice was pleading.
Niall smiled, "You cannot save everyone, Farah."
"I can try."
Niall laughed, "And something tells me you will… But you can't save me."
Alistair stepped forward, "Are you sure there's absolutely nothing we can do? We owe you so much, it would feel… wrong not to try."
"I am certain." Niall said, looking to Wynne. Wynne nodded sadly.
"But… I never would have found Alistair if it wasn't for you. You saved me and Nolan from that… fiery demon and those shades. I cannot allow you to just… die." Farah said firmly.
"Farah…" Alistair started, while placing his hand on her shoulder.
Farah shrugged Alistair off, "No…" Farah searched her mind for an answer. She was determined to find a way to save Niall. There had to be something.
"The day the Templars took me," Niall began, "My mother told me that I was destined for greatness. Saving the Circle was never my destiny, but perhaps aiding you was. You can succeed where I failed."
Farah sighed, "Niall…."
"It's ok, Farah. I've known my fate for some time, and I've accepted it. They say you return to the Maker when you die. That doesn't sound so bad."
Farah closed her eyes, sadness taking over. It seemed with every turn, the people that helped her paid for it… With their lives. Farah was tired of it.
"The Circle will know what you've done Niall. We'll make sure of it." Alistair said, reassuringly.
"Thank you, but first you have to save the Circle from Uldred. When you return to the real world, search my body. The Litany of Adralea is in my robes. You can use it against Uldred's mind domination. It will give you a chance to defeat him. But you must hurry. The longer you take, the stronger Uldred becomes. Now, it's time for me to send you back."
Niall created a portal much like the one Farah first went through, except this one would send them back to the real world. "That should do it." Niall said, walking over to Nolan. Nolan wagged his short tail and rose to his feet. "Thank you, Nolan. You're a good dog. Brave, loyal, fierce… You protect Farah, alright?" Nolan barked excitedly and licked Niall's face.
"Goodbye, Niall. You will be remembered." Wynne said before walking through the portal.
Farah ordered Nolan through, leaving Alistair and herself last. "I'm sorry, Niall. I wish there was something we could do, we owe you that much." Alistair said sadly. Farah remained quiet, unwilling to say goodbye.
"Save the Circle, and we'll call even." Niall jested.
Alistair laughed, "Shouldn't be too hard."
Farah's eyes met Niall's. Overwhelmed, Farah reached for Niall and hugged him tightly. "Wish things could be different." Farah said releasing Niall.
Niall nodded, "It's time for you go, Farah. Good luck."
Alistair grabbed Farah's hand and gently pulled her toward the portal. Farah let him, but never took her eyes away from Niall. The last thing Farah saw before walking through the portal with Alistair, was Niall waving goodbye, smiling.
"I have the Litany." Wynne said as Alistair and Farah stirred from their slumber. Slowly, Farah rose to her feet. Nolan ran to her, and nuzzled her hand.
"Good, then we should waste no time." Alistair said making his way to the stairs.
Farah looked around the room. Her eyes fell on Niall's decaying body. She had not seen it before, perhaps Sloth was hiding it, but now… It was clear as day and Farah felt a twang of guilt and remorse in her heart. Anger stirred within her belly. Farah would save the Circle, of that she was certain. Not only for Niall, but for all the mages that were slain. For the mages that resisted the temptations of the demons and died doing what was right. Farah owed them that. She owed Niall much more.
"Farah?" Alistair called from the stairs.
Farah raised her head, determination and a new hope within her eyes, "Let's go."
