Note: I've amended the end of DA2 a little, so I'm aware events don't quite happen as I've written them.

The streets of Denerim are darkened by storm clouds, the rain lashing down in an endless torrent. Thunder cries and lightning blazes above the alleys surrounding us. They are haunted by spilled blood and whispered conspiracy. It is so narrow, so suffocating, and my breath is snatched away. Torn flesh burns at my hand, but physical pain is nothing right now. My mind is filled with regret, and I am drowning in it.

I have made a terrible mistake.

But I am not alone. Even though she risks her life, she remains by my side, pressed in by the walls as I am. Her hair is like golden fire, so bright even the rains cannot extinguish it. Her grey-blue eyes are upon me; a gaze I cannot meet. I am too overcome with shame and humiliation. I went against my word, against her trust. I have no right to stand in her presence.

She sees this, but denies me the retribution I deserve. Instead her voice is comforting, sorrowful. She tells me my pain mirrors her own, that she would bring the heavens themselves to ruin if it meant she could take away my burden. Her fingers are warm, tender, and they brush aside the droplets that soak my cheek. It is a touch that ignites my skin, and suddenly I cannot be without it.

Then she nears yet more, were it even possible. Her breath warms my lips, and then we are as one. I cannot move, overcome. With fear or desire, I cannot decide. The moment is like a frozen eternity, and yet it ends before my heart can make a choice. She withdraws, her scent lingering, her taste unforgettable. Warmth tickles my ear, and my breath catches as she whispers her confession,

"I love you."

Tears escaped Yara's eyes, and she raised her arm to cover her face. It had not been long since she'd retired to sleep, but a dream had disturbed her yet again. This one felt different, however. No panic or terror flooding through her; just a deep ache inside, an emptiness begging to be filled. As if she'd lost something important. She lay still, the salty moisture souring her lips, and listened to the crackle of the campfire. While it was a relief she hadn't drowned in a nightmare, it did nothing to quench the longing of what vision had flashed across her mind. If only…

Suddenly a deafening roar tore across the horizon, shattering her senses. Nathaniel yelped, and Yara winced, holding her ears. Bethany cried out, jolted awake. All three looked skywards, as brilliant red and gold light erupted from Kirkwall. It was so bright it turned the night to day, and the ground trembled from the shockwave. Yara's mouth went dry.

"Maker preserve us," Nathaniel uttered. "What in Andraste's name was that?!"

"Amber…" Bethany whispered. "Amber!" She threw off her blanket and grabbed her staff. "I have to get to her!"

"Beth, wait!" Yara snatched for the mage's wrist, but Bethany was already off and running. Cursing, Yara picked up her blades and grabbed Nathaniel's arm. "Come on!"

Abandoning their camp, the trio raced down the path, through the clearing and onto the main road. Kirkwall was being showered with burning debris, and Yara kept her gaze on the sky, her heart rumbling. What could have caused such a powerful explosion? And if they'd felt the blast from this far, she could only imagine what state the city was in. It seemed Sister Nightingale's predication had come to pass.

Finally they reached the city gates. They were deformed and melted, and fire blazed at every corner. The buildings were plastered with soot, and many had crumbled to rubble. The worst damage was towards the higher end of town, where a huge hole marked where the Chantry once stood. The ways were filled with the cries of panicked citizens, who pushed through the mangled gates to escape. Yara coughed, covering her mouth and nose from the stinking smoke. Sulphur.

"Amber!" Bethany screeched, tearing through the crowd and into the city. She twirled her staff, summoning a wind that banished the smoke. Her eyes scanned the mess, frantic. "Amber, where are you?!"

"Bethany?" a new voice called.

The mage turned, and her eyes lit up.

"Aveline!" She ran to the city guard captain, Yara and Nathaniel right behind her. Aveline's armour was blackened, and there were scrapes on her breast plate, but otherwise she appeared unhurt.

"By the Maker, I never thought I'd see you again," Aveline said, looking relieved. "What are you doing here?"

"It doesn't matter," Bethany answered. "What in the Maker's name just happened?!"

"The Chantry was blown up," Aveline said, her voice bitter. "Everyone inside, including the Grand Cleric, is dead. And the fallout is causing more damage." She was interrupted as a piece of debris slammed into a building nearby. Ash erupted into a billowing plume, and Yara shielded her face with her arms. Once it settled, Aveline continued. "My men are trying to evacuate survivors, but the Templars are making a full assault onto the Gallows."

"What?!" Bethany's eyes widened in horror. "Where's Amber? She's not…no…"

"She's around here somewhere," Aveline answered. "You know how tough she is. We'll find her together."

"Right." Bethany clenched her fist. She nodded to Yara and Nathaniel. "This way!"

They bolted for the narrows streets, Bethany in the lead. Even after so long away, she still knew her way around. Burning rubble continued to hail down, and embers prickled Yara's face and neck. They almost hurt, if not for the adrenaline surging through her. All the while her mind buzzed, reminding her that had she carried out her original plan, she would've been caught in the blast. She swallowed. If she ever saw Sister Nightingale again, she would thank her a thousand times.

The paths began to narrow, becoming blocked with debris. Injured citizens began to emerge, many crying and pleading for help, and the guardsmen did their best to assist. Even so, Yara had to turn away, unnerved by the burned faces and bloody limbs. It was a complete blood-bath.

At last, as they rounded another corner, Yara spotted Hawke. She was standing in the shadow of a fallen building, along with a pair of elves and another familiar dwarven face; Varric. Her was face smeared with ash, and her armour was bloodied. Bodies of fallen Templars lay around them, unmoving.

"Amber!" Bethany sprinted towards her.

Hawke spun around at the sound of her voice. Her jaw dropped.

"Bethany?!" She'd barely spoken her name when Bethany threw her arms around her. Hawke returned the embrace just as fiercely. "Maker's breath, I can't believe…when did you get here?"

"I had to see you again." Bethany eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry…"

"Hush," Hawke soothed. "That's not important right now." She renewed their hug. "I'm just so happy to see you." She released her sister, and her attention fell to Yara. "I see Beth's kept you on your toes, Yara. Good to see you!"

"Likewise," Yara said, smiling.

"Well, this is a surprise," Varric chortled. "Long time no see, Sunshine, Grim!"

"I thought Amber said her name was Yara?" the female elf asked, her head tilted.

"You know these Grey Wardens?" the other elf added; a tall man with strange markings across his neck and chin.

"Long story, Fenris," Hawke chuckled. "And Merrill, Grim is just Varric's nickname for Yara." She turned to Nathaniel, brow raised. "And you are?"

"Nathaniel," the archer said. "Amber Hawke, I take it?"

"The one and only," Hawke said, managing a mock bow. "I hope Bethany's not told too many wild stories. I can assure you only half of them are true."

"Pleasantries aside, can you tell us what happened?" Yara asked.

Hawke's expression darkened, and all trace of humour dropped from her voice. "That bastard Anders did this."

Yara's eyes nearly popped from their sockets. Bethany tensed.

"Are you serious?" the mage blurted.

"I don't know if it was that spirit Justice goading him or whatever, but he planted explosives in the Chantry, and when Meredith and Orsino started kicking off, he detonated them," Hawke spat. "Now the city's gone to the dogs, and to top it all off, Meredith's invoked the Right of Annulment. She's going to attack the Gallows and slaughter the entire Kirkwall Circle for something they didn't do."

"Maker, this is horrible!" Bethany gasped. "Where is Anders?"

"Turned tail and ran like the coward he is," Varric growled. "Moron. You don't play with fire if you can't handle being burned."

"Which is why I have to take responsibility for his mess," Hawke went on. "He led me on all this time. I even helped him trick the Grand Cleric so he could infiltrate the Chantry!" She shook her head, regaining herself. "Anyway, you don't need to be here. None of you do. I know Wardens are obliged to remain neutral, so…"

"No." Bethany stood tall. "I'm going with you."

Hawke blinked. "Are you sure?"

"I will not stand by and watch my own sister walk into the jaws of death," Bethany stated. "Nor will I let innocent mages suffer for a crime they didn't commit. Warden or not."

Nathaniel frowned, and grasped Bethany's wrist.

"Bethany, your sister's right," he said. "We can't interfere. Not with a conflict this polarised. And if we're seen fighting the Templars, Stroud will lose his allegiance. You'd have the Grey Wardens banished from the Free Marches, like they were in Ferelden?"

Bethany clenched her fists.

"Then I'll be a Grey Warden no more." She faced Nathaniel, her face pained. "Tell Stroud I perished in the explosion."

Nathaniel stared.

"But Beth…" Yara began.

"I won't force either of you to come with me," Bethany cut her off, her voice firm. "But I won't let you stop me. Not this time."

Yara sighed. It was ironic; only hours ago she'd been agonising over the same decision. This time, however, there would be no going back. Just as she'd chosen her path all those years ago on the Deep Roads expedition, so she'd have to choose a new path now.

And it wasn't going to be any different.

"I won't stop you, Beth," Yara said at last. "I'll go with you."

"Ugh, Maker, not you as well!" Nathaniel growled. "Have you lost your senses, Yara?"

"If it was Delilah in Amber's place, would you hesitate?" Yara challenged.

"I…that's not…" Nathaniel let his shoulders slump. "No, you're right. I wouldn't. But maybe I can help another way." He faced them both. "I'll return to Stroud and inform him that both of you were caught in the explosion. That way he won't send anyone after you, and you won't be labelled deserters. I'll make sure of it."

"Then, this is…goodbye," Yara said, her heart sinking. She'd hoped to avoid this, for this very reason. Bethany, too, looked crestfallen. After so many years travelling and fighting together, they were finally parting ways. But Yara knew this day had been coming for a while. At least now she could remain with Bethany, and have a chance to voice her farewells, too. Whatever the future held for her, she had to put her trust in the Maker.

"Yes." Nathaniel suddenly pulled the two into a hug. Yara stiffened, not expecting the gesture, but swiftly returned it. Bethany did the same. "I'm going to miss you both. Maker protect you."

"Maker protect you as well," Yara said.

"Thank you," Bethany added. "We won't forget this."

"Farewell, and good luck." Nathaniel turned and headed back towards the city gates. As he disappeared into the burning ruins, Hawke cleared her throat.

"Well, now that's sorted, how about we make a move?" she offered. "If we delay any longer, we'll be defending nothing but a pile of corpses."

"Amber!" Bethany scowled, while Hawke shrugged. Yara managed a wry smile. The rogue's sense of humour hadn't changed.

"Sadly, she has a point," Varric added. "We'd better get to the docks before the rest of the Templars do."

The Gallows were already overrun by the time Yara and the others arrived. Fenris and Aveline kicked down the boarding plank of their boat, and the group vaulted into the main courtyard. Dead Templars and mages alike lined the way, their blood still cooling on the stone tiles. Yara's stomach churned. She was no stranger to death, but this was out of control, as dark as any of her nightmares. How had things fallen so far?

Hawke led them towards the entrance, stepping over the corpses. At the foot of the Gallows stood the First Enchanter. Wearily he surveyed the courtyard, allowing the remaining mages to retreat into the fortress.

"Orsino!" Hawke called out. The First Enchanter looked up, and his eyes filled with relief.

"Champion, you made it!" He descended the stairs, ushering them to get inside. "Quickly, before the next wave…"

"It is already too late, First Enchanter!"

A commanding voice rang through the courtyard, and Yara turned. The Knight-Commander had arrived, an entire platoon of Templars at her back. She stormed forward, her cerulean gaze like ice. Orsino met her stare, his jaw set.

"It is never too late," he growled. "Look what you've turned the city into! You claim you're protecting it, but it's being ripped apart!" He shook his head. "Revoke the Right of Annulment, Meredith. Do not slaughter us for the mistake of a rogue apostate!"

"I cannot ignore the people's cries for retribution!" Meredith shot back. "A mage murdered the Grand Cleric in the name of freedom, and so all mages must pay for that crime!" Her eyes fell to Hawke, then to Yara and Bethany. Her lip curled. "What is the meaning of this, Champion? Grey Wardens have no place interfering in affairs outside their own!"

"They're with me of their own choice," Hawke stated, stepping up. "Even they can see you've lost control. And we're going to stop you."

Meredith laughed. "You dare threaten me, Champion? You saw what happened just as I did, yet you still side with the guilty party!"

"I saw the actions of a single mage provoke unnecessary punishment," Hawke snapped. "I side with the innocent, not a fool driven insane with her own ambition!"

"Silence!" Meredith drew her sword, and aimed it at Orsino. The blade gleamed crimson, bathed in a light of its own. Runes glowed along its length, and the magic within made Yara nauseous. Varric caught his breath, unable to break his gaze from it. Meredith noted his discomfort, and began to chuckle. "Ah, you recognise this, do you? Pure lyrium, mined from the very heart of the Deep Roads! Nothing on Thedas can match such power!"

"You forged the lyrium idol into a sword?!" Hawke spluttered. Her eyes were a mix of incredulity and rage.

"Yes, and that fool dwarf charged a fortune for it!" Meredith cackled. The blade crackled with energy, and she licked her lips. "But it will be worth every sovereign when it has dealt justice to the corrupt, as it was made to do!"

"It destroyed my brother's mind!" Varric bellowed. "It'll do the same to you, as well!"

"No wonder you're two deathroots short of a black locust poison," Hawke muttered.

"Bartrand was weak!" Meredith cried. "As I am not." She turned her gaze back to Orsino. "I give you your final warning, First Enchanter. Surrender and meet your end with dignity, or be struck down like the abominations you are!"

Orsino's eyes flared. "If your only choice is death, then I will take mine fighting!"

He raised his staff, but Meredith was quicker. She plunged her sword into Orsino's belly, and the First Enchanter groaned. His staff clattered to the ground, and he fell to his knees. Meredith withdrew her blade, indifferent. Orsino grasped at the wound, unable to stem the flow of blood. Hawke tensed, a hand on her dagger. Slowly, the First Enchanter looked up. His eyes took on the same crimson gleam as Meredith's sword, and his lips curled into a twisted smirk.

"If you…would label us…all as blood mages…" He pressed his hands over his stomach, and magic began to gather around his palms. "Then…face…the true zenith…of my power!"

"Orsino, no!" Hawke yelled, but she was too slow. The First Enchanter finished his incantation, and everyone was thrown from the eruption of energy. Yara gasped, clawing at the ground before she'd be blown away. The air was hot and sticky, and she choked, fighting for breath, her hair flying and obscuring her vision. The corpses of the mages and Templars started to shake, drawn into the vortex of blood and power. Her grip was slipping, but Bethany and Varric snatched her arms, drawing her back. The Templars still standing drew their blades, fighting to resist the pull of the storm.

At last the magic dispersed, and a terrifying shriek echoed across the courtyard. Yara looked to where the First Enchanter had stood, then wished she hadn't. A huge, bloated abomination now took up the entire front of the Gallows, its body made of pieces of corpses. There was no trace of Orsino left. It roared again and lumbered forward, striking the Templars in its path as if they were mere insects.

"Do you see? I was right!" Meredith howled. "Kill it!"

"Damned idiot!" Bethany swore, helping Yara to stand up. "What was he thinking?!"

"Imminent death does tend to dull the senses," Hawke quipped, hurrying to their side. "Fenris, look out!"

The elf warrior grunted, bracing his sword against a swipe from the grotesque creature. The abomination lashed out again, and he was thrown into Merrill, interrupting her casting.

"I don't think he sees us as allies anymore," Yara said. "We have to take him down!"

She took up her sword and dagger, making for the creature's flank. The beast rumbled, ripping through the pillars and using them as clubs. The Templars yelled, making a charge, only to be bludgeoned aside, Meredith included. Yara yelled, dodging the blows, and cut deep into the mass of flesh. Her dagger sank in until the hilt, soaking her left forearm with blood. It did nothing to slow the demon, who grabbed her and threw her into the Gallows' steps, hard. Yara groaned, the breath knocked from her lungs. She struggled to get up, as the creature grasped its wounded side. Flesh and sinew bubbled around it, before a new limb sprang forth, oozing and foul.

Bethany and Merrill stood together, flinging fireballs and lightning at the beast. Meanwhile Hawke had regrouped with Varric, using a discarded bow to attack from afar. Fenris and Aveline joined the Templar ranks, making for another charge. The abomination roared, swords, bolts and arrows raining from all sides. It made to attack again, and that was when Yara spotted the patch of frail skin above the back of its neck.

She'd only get one chance.

Wiping her mouth, she sheathed her sword and switched her dagger to her right hand. Too pre-occupied with the frontal assault, the creature would never notice her approach. Teeth clenched, Yara broke into a run. At the bottom of the stairs she leapt, landing on the abomination's back. It thrashed, using its extra limbs to grasp at her, but Yara was already at its neck. She slammed her dagger into the brittle tissue, and it came apart, pouring blackened blood. The demon screamed, and she let go, dropping back to the ground. The creature began to flounder, unable to remove the thorn in its neck.

That was enough for Hawke. Throwing her bow aside, she drew her knife and blazed towards the beast. Fenris nodded and dropped into a crouch, his hands cupped together. Hawke stepped onto his palms, and the elf grunted, helping to give her extra lift. Hawke soared, her eyes filled with blood lust, and landed on the creature's face. She stabbed it in the eye, once, twice, three times, and it screeched like nothing Yara had ever heard. A final blow, and it collapsed, defeated. Yara's dagger tumbled free, and she reclaimed it, wiping the blood off.

Hawke jumped off, landing beside Yara. She shook the blood from her fingers, smirking, but then Meredith approached.

"You…you see…" Her voice was wavering. "Even the First Enchanter fell to temptation!"

"Only because you murdered him!" Yara shot back.

"I was doing my duty!" Meredith's arm shot out, and she grabbed Yara by the neck. "Something even you Wardens can't abide by!" Her grip tensed, and Yara choked. "You took the Champion's side, and in turn took the side of the sinful. When I am done with you, I will hunt down the rest of your pathetic Order, and ensure they understand even they are not above the judgement of the righteous!"

"No!" A flash of fire burst forth, and Meredith was forced to release Yara. Yara fell, gasping, and Hawke caught her. Bethany's eyes blazed, and Meredith glared at her. She took up her sword again, and poised it at the mage.

"You are all the same, inside the Circle or out of it!" Meredith hissed. "You are weak, you cannot stem your own recklessness! And for that reason our hand is forced, lest we watch you destroy yourselves. It is a kindness we even have the Right of Annulment, to protect you from horrors worse than death!" She tightened her grip around her blade. "And since such matters are clearly beyond your understanding, then you too can meet the same fate!"

She made to strike Bethany, but a Templar stepped into her path. Meredith hesitated.

"Knight-Commander, that's enough!" His eyes were narrowed. "This is not what our Order stands for. Orsino tried to reason with you, and you did not even entertain rational discussion! Nor did you listen to the Champion, and now you seek to murder the Grey Wardens as well?" He shook his head. "I will not have you lead us into a meaningless killing spree!"

The Knight-Commander's eyes went livid.

"You dare disobey me, Cullen?" She turned her sword onto him, but Cullen stood his ground. Yara blinked, dazzled by the blade's gleam. It was growing stronger. "I will not tolerate insubordination in my ranks!"

"And I will not let you continue this madness!" Cullen answered. "I defended you when Thrask whispered rumours of insanity, but I cannot turn a blind eye to this." He drew his own sword, and stepped in front of Bethany. "Step down, Knight-Commander. You are hereby relieved of your duties."

Meredith shot daggers; a gaze that could've melted steel.

"And so, even my own Knight-Captain falls prey to the influence of blood magic." She rounded on the other Templars, and they backed away, for the first time revealing their fear. "You all have! Allowing the mages to manipulate your minds and turn you against me!" The runes on her sword came to life, and the bolts of energy travelled up her arm. "I don't need any of you! I know what must be done, and I will not hesitate!"

She thrust her sword into the ground, and the runes flared, too blinding to look at.

"Blessed are they who stand before the corrupt and the wicked, and do not falter!"