His finger extended out, like a tendril of a vine awaiting the capture of a foe. " You will kneel." He spoke, his words filled with venom as he spoke. Whatever he was, the humanity within it has been long forgotten.
She clenched her jaw, her teeth becoming painfully sore as her eyebrows furrowed in anger. Her eyes unwavering against his, "You'll get nothing out of me." She spoke through clenched teeth, her anger keeping her grounded and afoot to the monstrosity that stood before her.
"You will resist..You will always resist." She looked as his hand raised, a grooved orb within his hand, clenched in his claws like a hawk with a fish. "It matters not.." She looked at the red lyrium that grew from his body, like it had from Fiona. Flesh torn and strewn upon the red rock, like his muscles had hardened to stone. "I am here for the anchor." His eyes looked over the orb as it began to breath with life. Red cracks forming on the surface like quaked land. It glowed unearthly, like the mark on her hand, "The process of removing it begins now."
His hand shot forth, his magic pulling towards her like manacles she felt it tug on her wrist, feeling the flare of magic pull forth from her arm. The magic no longer within her control, her arm moving, fingers grasping for the air around her as she felt the pain swell inside of her.
The pain felt like a distant memory, When she had first awoken to Haven the pain was overwhelming. Her magic became wild, and spirited like an untamed stallion it charged and threatened to destroy them all. She felt her other hand grasp at her shoulder, feeling the burn within her scar spread further into her body. Like a searing fire it spread leaving itself to weave through her, like lightning within the sky or branches in a tree.
" It's your fault 'Herald.' You interrupted a ritual years in the planning, and instead of dying, you stole it's purpose." His hand flared like hers, his magic reaching into her and threatening to pull from her to very thing that made her special. Her magic.
How she laughed in the face of tranquility, how she sneered at The Chantry, and mocked it's people. Here she was now, facing the threat in it's most serious presence and she could feel the stinging of tears within her eyes threatening to end her here.
His hand wrenched upwards as she felt as if her hand would break away, leaving her an empty shell like Meredith.. She felt the panic and fear rise within her again, there was no comfort of Solas, no wise words of Cullen. Nothing, nothing but fear.
She buckled over in pain, her knees giving way as she held her arm. She felt the pain continue its movement down her back. The scar of magic mingling with the scars from The Circle, from the harsh blades and harsh magic that met her there. She could feel the magic move over a scar, reigniting the pain and memory from whence it came.
The scar burned, it's memory burned into her flesh, the mark on her back from when she was branded into Ostwick Circle. She fell forward, her body doubled over in pain as it continued to spread. The raised flesh of lines across her back, from lashings from the Knight-Commander for her insidious nature. Her hands dug into the dirt, as she screamed in pain, the memories coming through her mind and body, tearing her from within.
She heard the guttural calling of the winged beast behind her, it's sound deep and unpleasant. She felt the cold of the wind gently touch her cheeks as a reminder. Her head was dizzy, as if in a fog her eyes looked up into his, rebelliously her body tried to fight, her knees scraped the ground as she breathed the air. The cold from the mountains mixed with the burning of the world around her. His legs spanned great distance as he walked towards her, his arm grabbing her wrist, pulling her small frame from the ground.
He towered like a giant compared to her, she could feel herself fight against him, her feet kicking in the air as he held her there. Like a child being scolded, "Beg that I succeed, for I have seen the throne of the gods, and it was empty." His eyes were cold and spiteful as he threw her body, like she was a weightless creature being tossed away from the world.
Her back hit the trebuchet, as grunt of pain escaping her lips as her back hit the metal. Her body slouched against the war machine, her eyes looking up into the creature before her.
"The anchor is permanent. You have spoiled it with your stumbling." Her fingers clenched as she felt it gain back within her control, the burning flare within her hand began to burn down. Like a fire caught within a windstorm, she could feel her hand settle, her fingers aching from their clenching.
She looked up, only seeing a sword within her grasp. But it was all she could do in her position now, she had to fight, to ensure that the others would make it.
She gritted her teeth again, feeling the new scar settle within her back, the magic he possessed against her mark now forever marking her, reminding her, tying her to Corypheus.
Her feet slid out as she reached for the sword, her arms tired and sore from the fighting as she gripped it tight within her hands. Fearing the blade would slip from her hands she held it against the creature and it's pet.
She could hear it's snarl, angered with sharpened teeth like a dragon made from battlements and decaying flesh. " So be it." Corypheus looked at her, blade in hand as she held it up against them. "I will find another way to give this world the nation- and god- it requires."
She felt the breath draw out from her as she looked over the walls, her eyes searching for a signal, anything from those fleeing.
There in the distance, like a single light of hope an arrow breached the tree tops, signaling her from the distance. It can finally end.
She drew breath, her eyes closing as she still felt Solas, albeit distant. Fearing that these would be her final words she said only what she knew, " I do not fear, for what I had with you, will echo into eternity."
Her eyes stared into his, defiant as ever, "Your arrogance blinds you. If I'm dying. It's not today!" Her foot kicked the winch as the trebuchet launched itself forward, distracting the eyes of both fiends before her, watching as the mountain began to descend upon them all.
Her legs were exhausted and overworked as she ran through the town, feeling the cold chill of the avalanche upon her heels. Her feet threw herself from the torn battlements, her back hitting a collapsed floor, dropping her into darkness.
Cullen turned as he looked down the mountain, watching as Haven was engulfed in snow and flames. He looked towards Solas, his expression was guarded, but he could see pain behind those eyes as they looked at the snowy grave.
"What do you know?" Cullen asked, concern ringing through his voice as he spoke.
"Nothing.." Solas spoke, his words ringing cold as he looked over the vast valley his lips becoming a hard line as he spoke, "I know only the name, Corypheus.."
The cold was the first thing she felt as she began to stir, the second was the flaring of her mark. Her eyes opened to the ice that surrounded her, her body pressed upon rock and ice.
She lifted herself up, her arm felt as if it was out of place, she could feel it's pain, but she could not react to it as she wished. Her hand grasping for her shoulder as she held herself in place, feeling warmth and movement slowly return to her.
She let out an audible yelp of pain as her hand squeezed against her shoulder, knowing full well something was amiss. Her body ached, her legs struggling with movement as she struggled through the pilgrims path. The wounds and scars upon her body taking it's toll as she looked at the end, finally seeing light that met her as a welcoming sight.
She heard the screams and whispers of demons as she limped her way through, her body moving without thought now only looking to stay alive. She saw the demons make their way, blocking the path from her, not allowing her to escape.
She wiped the blood from her lip as she felt her fingers twitch, the mark still flaring, it's pain like a dull blade stuck within her shoulder. She couldn't lift her arm, even though it's will wished it. her free arm grabbed her wrist, holding it up as the mark poured through her into this world.
She watched as the demons hissed and screamed, trying to tear towards her as she watched a rift appear above them. Their bodies buckling over as their fingers clawed at the ground, being dragged along, being pulled back into their world, their screams filling the air, like lost echos or ghosts upon this world and then silence.
Her knee gave out as she tried to catch herself, her foot scraping against the ice below her, stopping herself from completely giving in.
She could feel herself getting weaker as she moved, her body lumbering towards the exit, wishing to see sunlight again, but instead only greeted by the wind, and the cold of night.
The chill dug down into her bones, the only heat she felt was from the mark still lingering within her. The winds blew violently against her, obscuring all her vision as her hand blocked up against it, hoping to find some relief. She felt herself shiver, her voice no longer present, but instead replaced by the chattering of her teeth and rawness of her throat.
She listened closely, hearing the howls of mabari in the distance as she moved, her arm cradling the other trying to keep the warmth from her mark contained. She felt the snow begin the thicken as she passed by an abandoned cart, the fire from it still fresh. "They must be close.." Her voice couldn't speak, the cold taking it hostage as she shivered.
She traveled further into the wind, her body beginning to fall as she began to stumble, her hand reaching for the trees within distance as she pushed herself more. " Keep moving… They're close by.." The cold stung her cheeks like thousands of cold needles upon her skin. It stung through her clothes and through to her bones as she moved. Her feet still struggling as she felt the snow begin to gather up against her. Like a cold blanket threatening to smother her, lulling her into a deathly sleep.
The howls got closer, became louder and her heart began to beat faster. Wolves? Mabari? They were closing in on her, she was weak, a straggler, and she feared she would die as such. If not from the cold, if not from Corypheus, than what from? She looked ahead, seeing the soft glow of embers from a fire pit, finally it felt like the wind would not claim her today.
She struggled forward, her hand reaching out for the small warmth that remained in the pit. Reminding her for the briefest moment what she was struggling for. "Embers.. So close…"
She could feel her teeth chatter as she pulled her legs forward, one step at a time. She could feel it again, the warmth of his embrace, of his words, of his mind. Solas was close by.
Her feet moved as she crossed over the top of the mountain, her eyes looking into the valley, and only saw death in front of her. She looked at Haven, the town they called home, was now aflame, a reminder of her failure as The Herald. A reminder of their failure as the Inquisition. She could feel tears running down her face, the moment of warmth now threatened to turn to ice upon the air.
Her knees finally gave as she sunk into the snow, her eyes taking in the sight before her, the burning homes and those she met. All those who perished, and those who would remain with her forever in her guilt.
She heard a voice in the distance, her head turning towards the group that was running towards her. She heard the voice of Cullen shouting as he moved, the snow meaning nothing to the Commander.
Her vision blurred as the group drew closer, her head was swimming, her body was sore, she felt the fresh wounds begin to bleed again as warmth returned to her. Her head fell back as she looked up into the sky, tears pouring from her eyes as she felt blood dripping from her nose, making it's way down her face. Her body had stopped moving, and instead tried to grip her into some sense of warmth. Her body knew better than to fight anymore, and it seemed she did too.
Her eyes rolled to the side, watching the blurred figures move towards her. She was no longer able to tell who was who anymore as her shoulders slouched and her eyes closed as her body slumped into the snow. The cold was the last thing she remembered and felt as she slipped into darkness.
Cullen raced to her side, his knees digging into the snow as his hands pulled her free from the grip of the cold. He looked at her face and saw the bruises that began to form, her hair tattered and wild from the wind. His fingers smeared the blood from her nose, leaving only a faint reminder as he looked at her, fearful that she was dead.
He could feel himself choke up as he held her in his arms, her body still and cold as Cassandra finally made it, Leliana and Solas in tow. "Is she?" Cassandra asked, not knowing who would answer.
"No." Cullen spoke angrily, his teeth clenched as he fought back his fear. Hiding the tears that threatened to form within his eyes. She had sacrificed so much to ensure their safety. She had fought mages, and templars. She fought Alexius and closed The Breach. She had come too far, and suffered too much to just die now.
"Cullen.." Leliana spoke, trying to reach for the Commander, her hand knocked away.
"No!" Cullen turned towards them, baring his teeth like a cornered animal as she laid there in his arms. The faint glow from her mark died like a cold ember, Solas hunched down, his arms reaching out against her magic.
"She is still alive, but very weak.." Solas could still feel his connection with her, the bridge between them still formed. "She will need a healer." Solas pushed himself back up from the snow, allowing Cullen his moment of weakness and in turn hiding his own.
"Then we should make camp, gather our strength, until she returns to us." Cassandra stood, her back to the destruction of Haven, the past behind her.
"Agreed. It would be wise, Corypheus thinks she is dead, and we have the advantage." Solas spoke, his eyes wavering as Cassandras eyebrows furrowed,
"How do you know that creatures name?" Solas looked up as if he let something slip. He looked at Cassandra, her eyes suspicious of Solas.
" I learned it from Anara, as mages we...have a connection.." Cassandra continued to look at Solas with suspicion as she turned from the elf. Moving only forward.
"Cullen, I suggest we take The Herald to a healer. We must make camp and wait for her to awaken once again."
Cullen turned to Cassandra, his arms gripping tighter as he pulled her close, her head resting against his shoulder as he tried to stand. " Of course Lady Cassandra." His mind was elsewhere, his hands gripping tighter on her body as he tried to share his warmth. Hoping to bring her back from the brink, hoping that she would return.
His feet felt heavy, and his mind weighed as such as the winds picked up. He felt the chill of the air cut through him, and held her closer, cradling her head against his shoulder as he moved towards the townspeople as they gathered.
"The Herald!" They spoke, their bodies gathering around Cullen as he tried to pass. Cullen felt on guard, protective of the body within his arms as hands brushed against her. Words given to her in praise to The Maker, prayers quietly given as they passed through the crowd that gathered. Haven was a town that first looked upon her with suspicion and anger, but now feared for her safety and sacrifice more.
He watched as hands lingered as they passed, prayers to Andraste and The maker being spoken aloud. He watched as those who wept for the loss of loved ones wept as well for her well being. Even though she was muted from the world around her, silent to it's calls the people still spoke to her, as if she was ever present.
"Maker bless you Herald."
"Blessings be upon you."
"Prayers to you Herald."
They lingered on as Cullen passed through, their mourning and pain were strong, but not as strong as their respect for the body within his arms. He looked in the distance Mother Giselle standing there amongst the sick and injured. He could feel the eyes of Haven upon his back as he approached Giselle, her words comforting as any mothers, "You have come far Commander. She will be safe with us here.." She motioned to a cot as the mages watched Cullen, knowing well his feelings were exposed to the world around him.
He slowly walked, not wishing to let go of the body within his arms but had to separate himself from her, lest the whole world know his true feelings.
He slumped over, setting her gently in the cot as he swept a few stray hair from her face. Mother Giselle stepped forward, her hand resting upon his shoulder. " She is safe here Commander." He bit down on his lip, looking at Anara's still body, it was just dejavu all over again. Like the beginning back in Haven. How she laid there lifeless and quiet, her magic just as muted as it was then. All in that making him fear that she was perhaps lost within the darkness that she was before.
He stood back up, his hand sliding off from her shoulder as he turned to leave. Looking across the way as Solas walked through the crowd, their attention focused towards the warmth of the fires.
Cullen passed the elf, his head turning towards him as he spoke, "Bring her back Solas.." The elf nodded silently as Cullen walked on, his mind wandering as his feet reflected the same. He looked into the distance and saw as the sky began to slowly change. Watching as the darkness began to flee the world, and they were greeted once again by the light of a new day.
Solas sat there beside Anara, her mind still unreachable as he watched the advisors in the distance their bodies closed off to one another as their voices began to raise against one another.
He turned to see mother Giselle rest her hand upon Anara's head, her eyes closed as she breathed deeply. "She is a fighter this one. Strong and reliable, she will not give in so easily to the darkness." Her eyes opened to look at Solas, his hand resting upon Anara's, feeling for her pulse. "The Commander show's much concern for her safety." His eyes flickered upwards, looking at Gsselles warm smile. "And it seems like you do as well." It had seemed Solas wasn't able to hid his true feelings from just about everyone.
"She is, a force to be reckoned with." Solas spoke under breath as he felt his magic soak into her skin. "She is…" Solas fought with himself, unable to find the words that he could use to describe her. He shook his head, not finishing his words, but instead leaving them as empty words in the ears of Giselle.
" We all love those, with the greatest abilities to bring change." She looked over at Cassandra and Leliana, both arguing with each other. "The right and the left hand of the divine, they loved her, as did we all." Her eyes turned back to Anara, "But it seems to me, that her right and left hand love her as much, if not more than Justinia." Solas could feel his hand clenching in Anara's his magic spreading further as he thought over her words.
Mother Giselle seemed to sense the uncomfortableness that Solas felt in her words, and stood up slowly. "As Andraste loved Shartan, do not fear the love that you feel." Her feet picked up as she walked away, the mother leaving him to her words.
He closed his eyes as he heard the Commanders voice raise in the distance as Cassandra met his volume as well. It seemed the advisors weren't ones to make decisions, but instead to argue the possibilities amongst one another.
He felt his hand on hers as he felt his magic course through, like blood leading to her heart. He could feel the residual marks of his magic upon her skin, seared into her flesh now like fresh scars. He searched through, touching through the scars and memories that followed them, only walking through her memories as she relived them like a nightmare.
He stood there in the hallway, the darkened halls echoing with screams and shouts as torches flickered from a door. Solas could feel himself follow the memory, watching as she was dragged through the hallway, her legs lashing out as her screams filling the air.
Vhenan..
He turned to see a group of older mages stand there with the Knight-Commander standing amongst them. Solas looked up at see the stairs that wound upwards, leading to the Harrowing Chamber.
"What now Knight-Commander?" He saw one of the elder men speak as the Commander turned.
"You already know what will happen. What happened to all of you. But she is still a wild horse, and a wild horse must be broken." He gripped his sword walking away from the mages as they stood there, their eyes looking down in concern for the girl being dragged off.
Solas followed the man, knowing well the power and pain within this memory. He watched the door open, his feet stepping inside with hesitation as he looked as Anara sat there in a circle, her arms chained to the ground like earlier within the harrowing.
" Anara Trevelyan." The Knight-Commander spoke, his eyes looking upon the frame of the young woman as he moved closer, his hands touching her chin as he pulled her gaze up, "Rabbit." He spoke under breath, "You have successfully passed your harrowing. Not a small feat to accomplish to say the least." His eyes turned from hers as he looked off into the distance, focusing intently on a brazier.
"With your successful completion, you are now a full fledged mage within the Ostwick Circle, but...You have one more test to complete." A wicked snear spread across his lips as he watched a templar shift the coals around with a metal bar.
Solas could feel his heart beat faster, feeling a lump grow within his throat as he looked around the room. Familiar faces of those within the Harrowing, standing there in silent enjoyment as the bar was removed from the coals.
A brand.
Solas watched as the Templar walked forward, handing the searing brand to the Knight-Commander. " As mage to Ostwick, you must be branded. So then the world shall know what you are in The Makers eyes."
He watched the look of panic spread across her face as he held the metal instrument in his hand "No.." he heard her mutter, as her arms began to pull against the chains. She was so weak still from The Harrowing, her body was struggling as the Templar's gathered in.
"Hold her still.." The Knight-Commander spoke, the red glow from the brand illuminating his face, making him seem more twisted and evil.
"No!" She shouted as hands grabbed her arms and shoulders, holding them apart. Her arms and legs thrashed about on the ground as she began to yell, the Templar's swarming her, keeping her still.
" Anara Trevelyan. You are one of the most unruly mages we've encountered here in Ostwick. You feel that since you are of noble blood that you are entitled to special treatment. You are not."
She felt her head being shoved down as her hair was being grabbed, She felt a blade run up her back cutting through the back of her robes, exposing her flesh to the Templar's gaze.
" You are not special. But instead an outcast. You are no longer noble, but instead you shall be broken." She felt tears come upon her eyes as she felt the blade draw across her hair, cutting it down to the near roots. She heard laughs come from the lips of those around her as her hair fell to the ground. The cold air of the tower ran across her skin, causing her skin to bump against the air.
"She's cold commander." One of the men laughed hands spreading across her exposed flesh, pulling back her robes from her back.
"Then, we must find a way to warm her." She felt her arms stilled as she felt heat almost upon her back. She struggled, her body moving trying to wrangle free from the grasp as she yelled and fought.
Solas felt his heart drop as he watched her struggle and fight against the Templar's holding her down. His eyes felt tears begin to form as he watched her hair being cut, the brown locks cut close to the scalp being discarded to the ground as they laughed.
Solas could feel his magic build up within him. Knowing this was a memory and there was nothing he could do. He wished to weep, to cry for the woman that was in the tower, and the events that happened to her.
"Hold her still!" He heard the Knight-Commander shout, arms pressing her knees back into the ground as he moved the brand closer. He heard her cries, muffled by the bodies around her as they held her still.
She felt the heat burn against her skin, the brand marking her for all eternity as it burned below her shoulder blade.
She screamed, louder than anything she could ever remember, her hands gripped in pain as her arms strained against the chains. Her head was pulled back by the roots, the Knight-Commanders grip getting tighter as the burning threatened to draw her into the darkened pain.
" You will be broken." He scowled at her as he pulled the brand from her back, her flesh torn and burnt from the heat. She still screamed as the Templar's slowly pulled away as her arms fought with the chains. Tears running down her cheeks as her hands crossed her chest, her hands trying to find her brand, wishing to heal it's mark.
Solas was heartbroken as his eyes looked at her, he could feel his body move towards her, his knees resting on the ground as he looked into her eyes. Tears fell across her cheeks, as she sobbed uncontrollably, the sting from the brand still fresh upon her skin. Solas looked at the sun freckles upon her nose how the tears had reddened her face. How her body cowered, holding herself close as if she would fall apart at the seams.
Solas watched as Her eyes looked up, her eyebrows furrowing at the men before her. His heart ached as he looked at her, her hair short and patchy, tears still fresh upon her cheeks as she held back more cries of pain.
He turned his head, looking at the Knight-Commander standing over her. His hand upon the hilt of his blade as he looked at her. " You are branded and bound to Ostwick now. In The Makers eyes you are shunned, and exiled from his grace. Thank your family for that brand. For it was their idea." He bent down, his face close to hers, " And as long as you are here Rabbit, you will never be free from me."
He stood back up, looking at Anara as he spoke, " Dengar…" The older man walked forward from the group, his fist within hand as he cracked his knuckles. The look on her face changed as anger flashed across her face, the fear that she once had gone in an instant as she felt her rebellious nature rise once again.
She felt a hard crack upon her face as her teeth clenched at the feeling. Her head jerked at the feel of it as his fist came across her face. She could feel blood in her mouth, the anger within her only growing as she turned back to the Templar's, her teeth gritted as her arms clenched in the chains.
"Dengar…" The Knight-Commander hissed as he took another swing. His fist came into contact again as Anara slumped over against the stone floor. Her head hitting the ground as she blacked out.
Solas felt himself get pushed out of her mind and memory as he opened his eyes, the daylight they had long gone as Giselle sat there next to them. "You have been gone a long time. Pray it was for the right reasons.." Her head turned as she looked out at the advisors, their arguments still heated. Coming to no end.
" What would you have me tell them? This isn't what we asked them to do!" Cullen spoke, the anger in his voice rising.
" We cannot simply ignore this, we must find a way.." Cassandra spoke, her words fighting back against Cullen.
"And who put you in charge? we need a consensus of we have nothing."
Anara opened her eyes, bolting upwards as she looked around, fear obvious in her eyes. Solas's hand reached out touching the small of her back as he calmed her.
"Vhenan...Calm, be calm..You're alright." She looked around, her arm reaching for the brand on her back. Her breath finally calming after a few moments, feeling Solas's hands touching hers, she pushed the memories back as she looked at the group of her advisors standing there arguing among each other.
" You need to rest." Mother Giselle spoke, her hand touching her forehead, wiping the sweat from her brow.
"If they're arguing about what we do next I need to be there." Solas's hand comforted her, but insisting silently that she rest.
"We saw our defender stand, and fall. And now we have seen her return. The more the enemy is beyond us, the more miraculous your actions appear. " Giselle turned as she looked out towards the fire, Anara's feet met the ground as feeling began to return to her. " And the more our trials seem ordained. That is hard to accept no? What we've been called to endure? What we must perhaps come to believe?"
Anara looked to the ground, the brand upon her flesh a reminder in the belief in The Maker, of what her own family created in his name. Solas could feel anger swell within her as she thought of what she was called, The Herald. She was no prophet, no miraculous savior of the people. She was stubborn and bull headed at times, with morals not revolved by a man in the sky. She lived her life as freely as she could within the confines of The Chantry. And loved even those who spread fear into her life.
" All of this happened because of fanatics, and arguments about the next world." Her hand pulled from Solas as she stood up, her body aching as she left the cot and Mother Giselle.
Her hand grazed against a beam, pushing herself forward as she remembered the scar on her back and the memories that flooded her from it. How her hair was cut from her scalp and tossed to the floor. How her robes were torn from her skin and left bare for the brand. How it burned and singed her skin, her screams that filled the room and echoed into the halls. How Dengar's fist met her face until she fell against the stone, her mind and memory blackened after that moment until she awoke in her bed blood stained her sheets as a mage placed a poultice upon the wound, trying to lessen the pain.
She stood there in anger, her arms crossed over her chest as she listened to the sound of the wind whistle past her, a reminder of her journey through the snow.
Her eyes looked over the advisors, their bodies rigid and separated. Keeping distance from each other as they all disagreed to each others plans. Anara looked upon Cullen, his facial hair coming in thicker, his eyes tired as his hands fiddled around, trying to calm himself down.
Cassandra stood at the makeshift war table, her hands holding down a map as she searched the paper for answers still unknown to them all.
Leliana and Josephine sat beside the fire, both quiet to the others presence as they internally wrangled with themselves.
Anara's head hung down, watching as the faith and hope that once filled these people leave to the winds. Her faith had escaped her long ago in the life of the circle tower. Long before her harrowing, long before her branding. But instead she lost her faith the moment she stepped onto the bridge that separated her, from her family.
"Shadows fall..And hope has fled.. Steel your heart. The dawn will come." She felt her teeth clench and tighten as she heard to music within herself, the very song she used to sing as a child each night before she slept.
Mother Giselle walked slowly forward, the song leaving her lips and gathering a crowd among them.
" The night is long. And the path is dark. Look to the sky. For one day soon. The dawn will come."
Silence seemed to stretch for eternity until Leliana's voice joined with Giselles, "The shepherds lost. And his home is far." Anara watched as people began to move forward, between the tents their voices coming together in harmony, reminding her of simpler times within Ostwick.
"Look to the stars. The dawn will come." She looked around, Cullen's face changing in light of the music as he looked towards those that began to gather.
"The night is long."
She watched as he closed his eyes. The words coming upon his lips so easily as the masses gathered.
"And the path is dark. Look to the sky. For one day soon. The dawn will come."
People began to move in front of her, their eyes looking to Anara as they stepped down to their knees. Their words and song raising through the sky, pulling them all together as one.
"Bare your blade. And raise it high. Stand your ground. The dawn will come." She looked into the distance to see Solas standing there, staff in hand as his head gently nodded to her, his brows furrowing to the group that gathered around her, as if seeking penance from her.
"The night is dark. And the Path is long. Look to the sky. For one day soon. The dawn will come."
She felt as if a wave of cold came over her as their song ended, their eyes still upon her "An army needs more than an enemy. It needs a cause." Mother Giselle spoke as she walked away, the fear that once gripped these people now slowly melting away like snow in the summer.
Solas slowly made his way, standing beside her for a moment as he spoke, "A word." he kept it brief as he walked off in the distance, allowing Anara to follow him.
He walked towards a torch and poured his magic into the veil fire that ignited as he stood there, braced against the cold. Anara made her way towards him waiting for his words or guidance. But was instead met with silence.
"Solas?" She spoke, his seemed lost in his words. Thinking it thoroughly before he spoke. He looked out into the distance, his eyes searching for people nearby until he turned to Anara. His face seemed as cool and collected until his hands rested upon her shoulders, pulling her in for a kiss.
Her hands tensed for a moment, until she felt him possessively wrap his arms around her, pulling in in closer, sharing his warmth with her. She left out a soft sigh, as she could feel all his worry and concern and love pour into his kiss as he gently pulled away. Resting his temple against hers he let his most private fears and concern come full fledged to her.
"I feared you had died Vhenan. I could not sense you. I only could hear the creatures name and then I felt cold. Like you had passed from this world." He feared his words would bring tears to his eyes as he held her close. "But here you are. Alive once again, and in my arms." He rested his head into her shoulder, his words mumbling against her coat, "Do not leave me Vhenan. For I am not ready for the echo of eternity."
He held her close, his hand resting gently against the brand upon her back, wishing for it to be healed, for the memories to be wiped clean from those times. But what had happened made her into the person that she was now.
Solas instead held her closer now than he had ever before in the past. Walking through her memories, through her pain always reminded him of the person he relied upon today. Of the woman that he loved.
His fingers touched her cheek as he looked into her eyes, fingers gently brushing aside stray hairs from her face. " Ma emma lath, ma vhenan." He looked as her face softened to him his fingers gently stroking her cheek as he leaned in once again, drawing a kiss from her lips as his heart and mind gave her promises that he could never give before. Fearing now to lose her forever.
Regardless of what hid within the sky, under the constellation of Fen'Harel, regardless of the secrets that laid within his heart, just outside of her reach. Solas could pledge no more than what he could, his darkest thoughts, and secrets just outside the grasp of his love for her.