THE ADVENTURES OF ANDRASTE THE DRAGON
Rants of the day:
Okay, first of all you really need to read your game Lore and talk to your companions more. There are quite a few things that are in conflict. For one, Archdemons aren't just tainted dragons- they are gods made manifest in dragon shape that become tainted the moment the darkspawn touch them. You also made a few comments about Morrigan that weren't correct. This fic is clearly AU but the things I'm talking about aren't necessary to further the plot. With AUs it's a delicate balance between making adaptions to fit the story and keeping things recognizable. Finally, please think very carefully about your main character's dialog. She comes off as a 12 year old with potty mouth rather than an experienced doctor who should be in her 30s. It would also be very interesting if you considered the personal ramifications of suddenly being turned into a dragon. Develop your character and let the reader share the journey and the huge burden she's been given.
a/n: ok lets get one thing straight about this thing….the reason why Andraste as a bad case of ADD and acts like a twelve year old is BECAUSE SHE IS A DRAGON! One has to think ok dragons are animals and animals have urges. Their minds are not like the minds of a normal person. And second of all the doctors I grew up with that still work at the hospital in my home town DO ACT LIKE TWELVE YEAR OLDS! I modeled Andraste after them. Third off an AU does not have to follow the ramifications of keeping the story the way it is. This is a MAJOR AU not a minor one. Just to let you know dear reviewer when you grow up on the streets of what ever city your from you do have a potty mouth. The way you say it suggests to me that you are a person who grew up in a family that is a little better off then the rest of wherever it is you came from.
Third off the reason why Morrigan is the way she is; is simple…this story crosses the lines between comedy, adventure and action and since I am not very good with dialogue there is not that much. And it is YOU that needs to look up the game lore more. True Archdemons are dragon gods but in this story you will find elements from other stories and series that are mixed in as well but are not really crossovers. Besides the way Morrigan acts will change as the story goes on. So save your flames till after the story is finished! In fact don't read what you don't like as I said it before AT THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY!
New fanfiction buddy:
Raven Jadewolfe
Raven Jadewolfe's response to the rant:
when a$sholes like that leave nasty reviews, just remind them that this is
FANFICTION, not a carbon copy of the game and if they don't like that, they
can go write a damn story their way. Hell, send them to me, I'll happily cuss
them out
From: anonymous () I have to admit when I saw the subject of the story I expected to skim over I sat down intending to read a few chapters, but ended up reading all the
it and move on after five minutes. However as I read it I started enjoying the
story more and more. This story is unique, humorous, and enjoyable to read.
chapters posted...and eagerly awaiting more! Please continue this story and
don't let negative reviews get you down. I for one, will be checking the site
for your updates, don't keep us waiting for too long!
My response to that one!
GOD YOU ARE MY NEW BEST FRIENDS! I DON'T HAVE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO STICK UP FOR ME! YOU ARE MY HEROES!
Now on with the story
Chapter 26: Kal-Sharok
TEVINTER IMPERIUM CAPTIAL MINRATHOUS
The many priests and mages of the Imperium gathered before a mighty crystal. Its dark etches stretch throughout its namesake and the markings on the ground are a means to deep magic. The ancient mages of the Imperium used this as means to tear open the fade and enter the golden city.
Now however they serve a different purpose.
Urthemiel entered the city with a mirror in his hand. The last of the Alluvia a series of ancient elven mirrors that were designed to travel great distances throughout time, space and dimensions. The placed the mirrors in different places the exact corners of the crystal in the middle. The soldiers of the Imperium watched fascinated that their gods could do such a thing. All three of them paid homage to the crystal in front of them by weaving great and powerful magic.
It was then that the dark mirrors came to life and images of ages past were shown. Images of creatures long ago thought extinct till the images finally shown those of four other dragons. These dragons were on the verge of defeat. Already the bones of these creatures were brought in front of each mirror. As soon as it was activated the soul emerged from the mirror in a dark mist before forming into its draconic shape.
Urthemiel watched as each soul descended into the bones and the bones began to take shape once more. Flesh began to grow from nothing as blood was freely given by several of the imperial mages. As the blood flowed and the chants continued emerged finally was the other four dragons of the old gods.
The largest of them Dumat smirked his glowing golden eyes pierced the crowd.
They finally landed on the other three dragons.
"My brothers," he hissed in greeting.
Dumat brother it is good to see you again brother Razikale said as he walked up to his once fallen brother.
It is good to live again though from what I sense this is far in the future he said
Indeed brother it is the age of the dragon sung because a beauty from afar has sung her song as she laid her clutch on the mountains to the southwest. We are together again brother Dumat Lusacan said as he bowed low to his brother the mighty Dumat.
Dumat was pure black with scorching fire as the color of his eyes and sails across his back and fins on the sides of his head. His brother Toth was a fiery red with green emerald eyes and two large horns across his head. His long snakelike body and large wings made him burn even in flight.
Next to Toth was Zazikel the dragon of chaos whose silvery green scales allows him to roam freely across the jungles to kill his prey with ease. To the left of Dumat was the last of the risen Archdemons Andoral with his deep purple scales and red claws. His tail looks like that of a whip which probably gave him the right to be called the god of slaves.
In deed brother you have done much to bring us here and it is time to give the dragon age and those who oppose the Imperium the true meaning of begging. We shall have all who oppose us march here as either corpses or slaves Andoral said and the other demons reared their heads back in one mighty roar while all who are loyal to the Imperium also paid homage by bowing down to their masters.
OZAMMAR
The great doors opened and I once again took flight around the mountain glad to be out and into the open sky again. Twisting and banking to feel the nice cold breeze again and the fresh air I managed to find some deer to feed on. Returning to land I found Morrigan once again on the slab but this time she was not alone.
Turning I landed beside her. To my surprise the person she was talking to was a strange woman dressed in leather and feathers with her hair pulled up and out like horns. A crown of iron was on her head holding it back and if she were not elderly would have been a model.
"Well Morrigan what do I owe the pleasure for this person right here?" I asked when I landed.
When I did I caught her scent…
It smelled very familiar…
"Why Andraste I did not realize that you have lost quite a bit of weight hanging with this wretched brat," a very familiar voice said
It was then that it hit me
"FLEMETH!" I said out loud; so loud in fact that it echoed across the mountains and probably woken up every creature for at least several hundred miles.
"In the flesh! Did you miss me?" she said and I quickly grabbed her and gave her the biggest hug I could think of…gently of course.
"Ok I guess you did you overgrown lizard!" she said good naturedly.
"Sorry!" I said as I gently placed her back on the ground.
"What brings you here mother?" Morrigan said
"I am here on important business with both you and Andraste," she said
The woman walked around slowly pacing herself trying to find the words to speak. When she finally found them she then turned to us, "Morrigan remember what I told you before you went to the Deep Roads?" she asked
"About the grimore being fake?" Morrigan replied
"It is not fake it is just incomplete; I do not bind these mages with my secrets. Even though they don't use blood magic some things are left to themselves," she said.
"But why is Andraste here then mother?" she asked pointing to me.
"Because what I am about to tell you concerns her too," Flemeth replied.
"Really?" I said listening in
"Yes it does my friend because I will need your help when the time comes," she said
"What time?" Morrigan asked
Then like lightning Flemeth struck; grabbing Morrigan's arm and lifting up the sleeve of her robes to reveal what she has shown me. The scales were more proficient now and the human skin becoming more translucent.
"These!" she said to Morrigan before dropping her arm rather rough.
"Your time is nearing and you must prepare," she said
"For what? Possession?" Morrigan said remembering the words from that book.
"How many times do I have to tell you there is no possession! What that book makes you believe is all a pile of bullshit! At the time I was trying to find a way to undo the possession thing in all mages. For you however it is more of a manifestation of your true power," she said
"What?" Morrigan replied
"As you can tell I am not human; I am not an abomination either I have no demons in me. What I am about to tell the two of you however you can tell to the rest of your party but no one else. You must make them swear to secrecy. For if the Imperium finds out they will hunt me down even harder to ensure that I am dead," Flemeth replied.
"Then Mother what are you?" Morrigan asked
"I am from an ancient circle of mages that proceeds the Circle of Magi an order of beings who has watched and protected Thedas for generations. Now however I am the last…or was the last," she said
"You mean whatever is happening to me involves you and Andraste?" she asked
"In a way yes, you see your powers; your true powers are beginning to manifest. Andraste being a dragon can see that and can help you. You see my daughter you are a dragon mage an order of mages far older then the Chantry, as old as the Arlathan Elves. We are an order of peace and protectors of all life. The power can only be passed from mother to daughter and with it all the knowledge of our ancestors. We Morrigan are the last of our kind. That is until Andraste came to us through the fade," she replied
"Ok if what you say is true and Morrigan is a dragon mage then why is she…turning into a dragon?" I asked
"Because Morrigan is a dragon," Flemeth replied
"Dragon mages are dragons who through magic became sentient then their original cousins. We take the form of men when needs be to make sure they don't do anything stupid. It was because we were hunted to near extinction that the Imperium took advantage of the opportunity. They killed dragons to use their blood in making Thedas suffer. The heart of the planet is corrupted because of them! Now the heart of Thedas is as cold and black as always. Even if you destroy all the Darkspawn there is out there with your warden friends unless you heal the heart then all of that will be for nothing." She said
"What are you talking about mother?" Morrigan asked
"Thedas our world, its heart lies to the north and we must stop them! When the time comes we will see each other again. But until them I will keep the people safe. Find the library of the Elven hidden somewhere in the sunken city. There you will find your answers,"
She said this with her voice as desperate as a mother protecting her child. Morrigan still in shock looked down at her hand. And as Flemeth turned to walk away Morrigan watched as she transformed into her dragon form.
Before she flew however she turned to me, sister she hissed
"Yeah?" I replied
You did us all a favor and did something that I have not thought possible in many generations you have fought an Archdemon and lived dragon. When Morrigan manifests into her true form you will be there to guide her. Until then Andraste take care of my daughter when the time comes I will meet you there.
With that she was gone flapping her mighty wings amiss the wounded people I finally saw with my own eyes.
Hundreds of people came standing at the door to the mighty city of the dwarves. Then the gates opened and out came Branka. She and several dwarven guards came and started escorting people in. both Morrigan and I were stunned by this as she came to stand before me.
"Andraste if I am what mother says I am then what does that mean?" she asked me as the dwarf came closer.
"It means that there is more at stake then I realize," I said
"Andraste you need to get back to Kal-Sharok," Branka said
"What about here?" I asked her
"I will remain behind with Harrowmont while you fight off the Darkspawn. We will hopefully get everyone that we can in Ferelden here. But you are needed up north; hopefully we can meet you there if we can find a way around the deep roads." She said
I nodded as I entered with Morrigan once again into Ozammar. The wardens were already waiting for me as I approached them. Oghren was already waiting in his red armor. I entered without any harm and a lot cleaner. The river I bathed in proved most useful in getting out the dirt and grime from between my scales. Already the sick and the wounded have been pouring into the city as Branka assisted with them. I really wanted to help them out seeing as I am a doctor. But alas I was not able to.
Turning towards the others I nodded as I bent low to allow them onboard once more. Fully armored and ready with supplies the dwarves Bodahn and Sandal have decided to accompany me also. Getting their supplies I held onto Betsy as close to me as possible. I swear the cow loves me as she gave a happy moo before I took off into the tunnel again.
The trip back was not as long now that I know the way to go. Following the route I used to get to Ozammar I traveled back to Kal-Sharok in less then six hours. When I finally arrived back at the city of Kal-Sharok I was greeted with chaos.
People were yelling at the top of their lungs as guards tried to hold them back. The guards made of all different races held the men at bay.
"What the hell is going on here?" Alistair demanded as he leaped off of me.
"Aleria, Alistair, Morrigan, thank the Maker you're here!" yelled Leliana as she ran up to us in full battle armor.
"What's happening?" Aleria asked
"The mages have revolted! It seems as if the Templars in the Free Marches have attacked the mages unprovoked thinking them nothing but blood mages! The knight commander there has declared war!" she said and just as she said it a group of people began to pour in from all directions. Those who are being treated for injuries were suddenly awakened by this screaming mob. They tried to rise and flee from them only to have their wounds reopen.
This I can't stand more then anything and in any world I've been in. The Wardens both walked right up to them weapons drawn.
"Now what is going on here!" Alistair demanded as he stood up again amongst the crowd.
"There is a blood mage amongst your patients; we demand that she be handed off to us!" a woman shouted clearly a chantry cleric by her robes.
"Now why would you say something like that?" said Alistair
"Get out of our way Warden that blood mage was the one who help start the war in the Free Marches! They help bring the Darkspawn upon us!" shouted the woman she was clearly pissed and others like her started to shout.
It was time I stepped in.
Marching up to her she did not notice me as she was busy shouting at Aleria as the noble human stepped in to argue with her. They were at the point of screaming and many of my patients around me when my patients started to stir…the ones most injured.
"Do you mind being quiet! I have patients to tend to and you are not helping!" I roared
The woman turned white when she saw me speak for the first time. Because a talking dragon is something that is never heard of in Thedas.
Ever
"It speaks! That creature speaks! It must be possessed by a demon kill it!" she yelled.
I roared in her direction and added fire to it as well. She scrambled away faster then a roach. My wings were stretched to their fullest as I approached slowly to her.
Cornering her in the crowd as they backed away I leaned right over her. My ruby eyes glaring daggars into her brown ones.
"You listen very carefully human, and listen well. Don't you ever insult me of being demon possessed again you here me!" I growled at her
"Fuck you abomination!" she spat in my face and my clawed hand came crashing down; shaking the ground as it did so. The people gave me a wider berth thinking I would kill this lady just because she pissed me off.
I am more civilized then that.
"I was sent by Andraste herself and named after her with her blessing so if you dare insult the lady Andraste again I will personally make a phone call to the realm of the Maker, and trust me dealing with her wrath is not worth it…understand?" I said in a very low voice.
"Andraste would never send a dragon to do the Maker's work," the woman screamed.
"I was not always a dragon you know human; I was once an arrogant bitch like you," I cried and the woman backed away.
"Andraste gave me this form to help others and if I don't…well I don't want to get to that." I said smirking
The woman slowly began to get up and back away from the crowd. Running as she did while other Chantry sister approached slowly. Their stance however was not hostile at all.
"Um excuse me lady dragon would you be so willing as to let us help tend to the wounded?" asked one of the sisters who was dressed like the woman who left.
I backed away from them to let them pass and immediately they rushed to the side of the patients they were tending. Others joined as well mages and some common folk. Some starting to tend to the wounded already disturbed in their rest. The Wardens decided to see if Hathor is still amongst the crowds while I went to join Wynne with her latest patient.
I walked over to the bed on the far side of the main hall as she was whipping down the brow of an elf.
"How is she doing?" I asked
"Not so well she was bitten by spiders that much I can tell," Wynne replied
"Let me take a look," I said and she lifted up the blanket that supported the nearly naked torso of the woman's body. Her entire side was red and swelling and already I can see the dead tissue surrounding the wound marks themselves.
"Corrupted Spider I take it?" I asked
"You've seen this kind of wound before I take it?" Wynne replied.
"Yes, I've seen them in the Deep Roads and in Brecilian Forest. It is a good thing I had enough time to study their venom and made medicine for it." I said
"You've made medicine to treat the venom of a corrupted spider?" she said
"Yes why? Isn't there anyone who dealt with it?" I asked
"Normally the venom would kill you instantly after nearly a week of constant agony. It is full of blight virus as well so it adds to its potency," Wynne asked
"Studies animals I see?" I joked
"It is part of the study of magic in the circle," Wynne replied.
"Well the werewolves in Brecilian kept getting bitten so their DNA is similar to humans or elves. I managed to find a way to deal with both if you don't mind," I said and Wynne moved aside to let me fully examine the elf.
She was rather young around her early twenties and judging by her tattoos she was one of the Dalish Elves. Pulling the pack from my back (which hasn't been unloaded yet) I dug into them until I pulled a bladder of clear liquid mainly water and had a sharp stinger at the end.
"What is that?" Wynne asked
"In my world it is called an I.V. a bag containing liquid to keep the body hydrated so it does not die out so soon. The medicine I am about to give her has to go directly into her blood and this is the way to do it." I said and with great care lifted her up and used the tips of my claws to insert the rather very fine needle into her vein.
Tapping the feed from the bladder to make sure that the flow started I then used a syringe that I made to inject the medicine into her body.
"When she wakes give her this," I handed her a flask, "It is full of elfroot, spinach, pasted pingle nuts and fish paste. It may not taste the greatest but it will help to regain the blood that she lost," I said
I then moved to reopen the wounds again to help drain the venom. Wynne helped me with this one and I can tell she has had some experience with this sort of thing.
When we were done cleaning her she was starting to sleep a bit more peacefully now. I added something to dull the pain and allow her to sleep more. As she slept on I worked to clean the wound as best I could allowing it to bleed so I could find healthy tissue.
Many people gave this elf distance seeing as she was something to fear. I had no fear of her as Wynne and I helped her.
"Wynne why did everyone back away from this elf?" I asked
"It was because they think this elf is the blood mage that they are trying to kill," she replied.
I looked down at the elf and saw her tattoos on her face. I looked up to see other elves as well and the only ones near her are those baring the same kind of tattoos. Lifting up from treating her I went to help the others who needed my assistance as well. Magic could only do so much but at least I knew enough about herbs and draughts to help these people.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER
After treating at least my thousandth patient that day my muscles ached from constantly leaning over and Wynne was not surprisingly asleep. She must have been exhausted after her ordeal as I gently scooped her up and placed her on one of the unused cots. I looked around and saw that the others had indeed fallen asleep and the next shift was due. Picking them up carefully I placed each one of them on cots and moved away.
As I moved away I was aware of someone watching. Turning to face them I was surprised to find a dwarf standing there. He wore bandages on his head on his arm was in a sling, and his leg was crutched up since he was using his crossbow as the crutch.
"Can I help you?" I asked
"Sorry I was just checking to see if the rumors were true; that an old friend is here among the injured," he said
"Who is your friend?" I asked
"An elf she has tattoos all over her face; the blood mage," he said
"She is fine just resting for now," I said
The dwarf looked relieved as he sat down and I approached him. He was startled that a dragon would be so willing to talk to him; much less talk at all to him. I gave him a critical look down to check up on his bandages and it appears as if the treatment I gave them for the blight sickness helped. He too was bitten by corrupted spiders but suffered worse then the elf. Well dwarves as I found out from Oghren are stubborn and pig headed.
But at least they mean well.
"Tell me dwarf how did one such as you meet this elf?" I asked
He looked at me and then shrugged, "We met in Kirkwall," he said
"Kirkwall?" I asked
"In the Free Marches of course! A different place then here…a lot more open…and a lot more crazy," he said
Now my curiosity is aroused as it changed his bandages with utmost care, "Tell me…um I did not get your name?" I asked
"Oh sorry I am Varric Tethras a surface dwarf so traditional shit don't bother me so much," he said as smooth as a Casanova in a bar.
"Well Varric I am Andraste it's a pleasure to meet you," I said as I finished with fixing his splint.
"Andraste? Well that is an unusual name for a dragon now eh? I'm sorry for the commotion earlier but my friend Merrill can be a pain in the ass at times," he said
I lifted my head and turned in 'Merrill's' direction. The elf was fast asleep no signs of dreams or nightmares as one of the chantry sisters took over the watch.
"Well why are you hated here in Kal-Sharok?" I asked
"It was because Merrill was caught using blood magic that's why," he said
It all made sense now, "So she is a blood mage?" I whispered.
Nodding Varric relaxed on his cot.
"Yep I've been tracking her for some time to make sure that she does not kill herself for her ignorance into human society. She was a rather sheltered Dalish elf you know," he said
"I see," I replied.
"What about you dragon? What is a large scaly thing like you doing in a dwarf city? shouldn't you be burning some village to the ground?" he asked
And I figured why not tell the story of my coming here one more time to Varric what's more to lose.
TBC
Ok I am going to end it here because it was taking so long to write this chapter. But yes you do have elements of Dragon Age 2 in here so laugh it up while you can.
It will only get worse.
Blackdragon
"Because they fear she is a blood mage," said Wynne