Note: Special thanks to Raven Sinead for adding a bit of flair to the song lyrics (you'll see soon enough).
Emerald lightning thrashed through the clouds, and Elissa flinched, the shock sending ripples through her Shard. Every pulse of the Breach rumbled through her chest, and she clamped her hand over the rune, bile souring her throat. The mountains groaned, their torn peaks swirling overhead, and she shivered, reminded too closely of the dark future. They had to put an end to this, quickly.
Then she could finally end the storm in her own heart, too.
Engrossed in her thoughts, Elissa didn't notice the sudden ice patch in the path. Her foot skidded, and she yelped. Bethany's hand shot out, grabbing her before she would slide head-first into the rocks.
"Careful," the mage chided.
"Sorry," Elissa said, regaining her balance. Her Shard continued to burn, and she grimaced, the nausea back in full force. The back of her neck turned clammy, and she held her hand to her forehead. Maker, why did she feel so ill?
"Is your Shard still hurting?" Leliana slowed her pace to walk alongside them, her brow arched.
"I…feel really sick," Elissa mumbled, wishing the nasty taste in her mouth would disappear. For once, she couldn't blame it on her feelings.
"Your Shard must be absorbing the Fade energies, as well," Solas said, raising a hand to his chin. "It is intriguing how the effect manifests differently for you than Lahara."
"I'd take a hangover from hell over this mad jangle in my head," Lahara muttered; she'd taken to covering her ears again, though it was clearly not doing much. "Anyway, any idea what's made the Breach so upset all of a sudden?"
"This was no act of chance," Solas stated, his eyes narrowed. "Something—or someone—has deliberately undone the stabilising measures."
"And they managed it without one of these?" Lahara asked, tilting her eyes towards her left hand. The rift mark was flickering, glowing brighter the closer they approached the Breach.
"It would seem so," Solas answered.
"Then whatever set it off must have used a great deal of power," Dorian added, chewing his lip. "Perhaps your Shards of Andraste had something to do with it?"
"Our Shards were triggered after the Breach went out of control," Elissa pointed out, irritation overcoming her churning stomach. "And they're still being affected by it, in case you didn't notice."
"Hey, Sparkler's not trying to point fingers, Grim," Varric said. "But it's kinda bad if whatever we're facing can give the Breach a nervous breakdown like this."
"I agree," Bethany said. "We need to hurry, before it gets any worse."
Elissa nodded, forcing herself to walk faster. Thankfully, it wasn't long before the temple ruins emerged from the rocks. Not a trace of the ornate architecture remained, and red lyrium had sprouted everywhere, smothering the rubble like crimson fungus. Elissa let out a breath, absently clenching the fingers of her left hand. How ironic she would return to this place, feeling as unwell as the last time…
"You can barely recognise it now, Elissa." Leliana's jaw tensed. "The explosion took far more than it should have."
"Oh, that's right, you've been to the Temple of Sacred Ashes before," Bethany piped up.
Elissa nodded.
And if not for Leliana, I would never have survived to see it again…
"Stay clear of the red lyrium," Varric warned, clutching Bianca tighter. He shook his head. "How the hell has it spread so much?"
"Want to bet it's related to the Breach losing it?" Lahara said. Her brow twitched, and she groaned, clamping her ears tighter. "Maker above, I can't stand this!"
She dug her fingers into her temples, hard enough to leave marks. Bethany's gaze softened, and she grasped the Herald's shoulder. Lahara sighed, pulling a hand free and pressing it over the mage's. Elissa didn't miss the tender gaze they shared, and had to look away, her own feelings stirred. If Leliana noticed anything, she didn't show it.
They hurried past the fractured pillars, entering a ridge surrounding the remains of the Conclave. A crumbling stone railing also circled the ruin; about the only thing that had survived the original blast. Cullen and Alistair were waiting on the narrow platform, staring at the enormous rift above. Sparks of green periodically erupted from it, enough to send the ground trembling.
Saliva pooled in Elissa's mouth, and she gagged, the concentrated magic flooding her Shard. She staggered against the railing, when a comforting hand rested on her back. Leliana was at her side, supporting her. The bard didn't say anything, but her grey-blues eyes revealed enough.
"Cavalry's here," Lahara announced.
Cullen and Alistair turned around, and their faces filled with relief.
"Thank the Maker you made it so swiftly." Cullen's expression was grave. "It's worse than we feared. The rift has become completely unstable, and it's almost impossible to get near."
"We also don't know why it's become like this," Alistair added, crossing his arms. "There was nothing here but a school of demons when we arrived. Whoever messed around covered their tracks well."
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Bethany murmured.
"Where's Cassandra, and the rest of the mages?" Cullen asked.
"Right behind us," Dorian supplied. "They should be here soon."
"But if we cannot approach the rift, Lahara will not be able to seal it," Solas remarked.
"Worry not," Cullen answered. "I did say 'almost'." He stepped to the edge of the overhang, gesturing to a dais a few metres below. "We've secured a good vantage point. It should be close enough for you, Herald, to do what you need, and it is easily defendable."
"Nice one," Lahara said, although her face twisted, still irked by the rabble in her ears. "Should be done in no-time."
"So, what's the plan?" Varric asked. "Our lovely Herald wiggles her fingers and we see what happens?"
"There will be more to it than that," Solas said. "The mages must channel their magic into Lahara's mark directly." His eyes fell to the Herald's right hand. "And you will have to be careful your Shard doesn't drain the mana before you can use it."
"And here I thought we'd be back in Haven in time for tea," Dorian grumbled.
"This is going to attract a lot of attention from the other side, too," Solas went on. "The rest of you must keep the demons distracted, lest they interrupt."
"Ah, our favourite pastime." Alistair nudged Elissa's shoulder. "I suppose it was either that or darkspawn, and we're a bit out of practice with the latter."
"Will you be alright to fight, Elissa?" Leliana asked. "Your sickness…"
"I'll be fine," Elissa said, wiping her mouth. "I've coped with worse."
"But…"
"Herald, we're here!"
Cassandra's shout cut the bard off, and the group spun around. The Seeker and Fiona emerged from the ruins, leading the remaining mages. Connor was amongst them, and he gave Elissa a firm nod. The Grand Enchanter's gaze lingered on Alistair for a moment, before she bowed.
"We are ready," she declared.
"Then I will take you and the Herald to the vantage point," Cullen said. "Mages, fall in!"
"Right." Lahara made herself lower her hands from her ears. "Looks like this is it, everyone. Wish us luck."
"We're counting on you, Herald," Varric said.
"Yes, we must leave everything in your hands now," Cassandra added.
"But we've got your back," Alistair encouraged.
"May the Maker protect you," Leliana said.
"You can do this, Lara," Elissa said. "Take care."
"Same to you all," Lahara answered, managing a smile. "Watch yourselves out there. And don't do anything I wouldn't."
She strode to Cullen's side, the mages filing in behind her. Dorian and Solas also bowed, joining the lines. Bethany sighed. She turned to Elissa, giving her arm a squeeze.
"Look after yourself, sis," the mage said.
"I will," Elissa answered. "Be careful."
"Don't push yourself, okay?" Bethany warned. "You're not at your best, and I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Can't afford to," Elissa murmured, her eyes drifting towards Leliana. Bethany caught the stolen glance, and managed a smirk.
"No, you can't. And I'm glad." She playfully flicked Elissa's chest-plate, then hurried after the mages.
"We'll need to support the ground force," Alistair said, drawing his sword. "Follow me, and stay away from the base of the rift."
He walked along the descending path, Cassandra and Varric in tow. As Elissa made after them, Leliana grabbed her wrist.
"I'll be watching over you," the bard promised.
Elissa clasped her hand. "I know. Stay safe."
She wanted to say more, when the rift shuddered, bursting with energy again. Elissa stumbled, breaking contact. She grabbed the railing, wretching, but nothing came out. Groaning, she righted herself, making for the jagged path before Leliana could stop her. She would have to fight through it.
Eventually she caught up to Alistair. He flashed a concerned look, but Elissa shrugged it off. They took position, facing the rift. Inquisition soldiers were stationed around the dais, intent on the crystals that kept forming and reforming. Archers were also scattered along the ridge, and Elissa caught a lilac hood amongst them.
Lahara and the mages appeared, gathering on the dais at the edge of the ridge. The Herald stood in the centre, Bethany and Dorian beside her. They clasped her shoulders, and four other mages clasped theirs in turn, forming a fan-like formation, until they were all united.
"Don't get too close," Alistair ordered, raising his shield. "The rift could easily tear you apart, never mind the demons."
"Right." Elissa drew her blades, her brows narrowed. Cassandra took up her weapons, and Varric primed his crossbow.
It was time.
Lahara's eyes narrowed, and she raised her hand towards the crystals. Her left palm burst into life, and she hissed, her arm shaking as mana began to feed her mark. The crystals slowed their endless morphing, and the air rippled. The rift spluttered like a dying firework, and a shower of sparks struck the ground. The ruins shook, and some of the mages stumbled, but they held firm, keeping the chain unbroken.
It did not last, however. A surge of light escaped the rift, and Lahara lost her hold. Her mark dimmed, and the crystals shattered, only to be replaced by larger, more deformed ones. High above the Breach swelled, widening slightly. Lahara groaned, snatching her hand to her chest, and that was when a shriek erupted.
"Here they come!" Alistair cried, bolts of green light slamming into the floor. Moments later a Rage demon materialized, followed by a plethora of others. Screaming, they charged, making straight for the dais.
Snarling, Elissa sprinted, her body acting of its own accord. Her sword sliced the first demon, tearing its throat, and her dagger cracked its skull open. It crumpled at her feet, but she was already onto the second. It soon met the fate of its brother, and she fell into a rhythm, cutting through flame and flesh as if she were tending a harvest. Her Shard pulsed, renewing the sickness with every blow, but she forced it aside, urging herself to move faster.
"Hey, leave some for us, Grim!" Varric teased, shooting a Despair demon.
"Draw them away from the mages!" Cassandra barked.
"Lahara, try again!" Solas's voice echoed, distorted by the Fade energies.
Teeth gritted, Lahara forced her left hand up once more, her face screwed in determination. The mana poured into her, and Elissa caught the whisper of her thoughts.
Can't…too much…noise…all over the place…can't…focus…Maker, why…won't…it…shut..up?!
The rift started to tremble, growing brighter and brighter. The rune on Elissa's chest lit up, and the horrible taste came back. Her stomach muscles clenched involuntarily, and she spat out dark bile. Her throat burning, a Despair demon suddenly appeared, cackling. It lunged, and Elissa yelped, its ice spell scraping her shoulder.
Seconds later an arrow zoomed past, smacking into the demon's chest. Two others followed, their tips set aflame, and the creature howled, burnt to ashes. Elissa recognised the fletching, and she glanced to the ridge, offering a silent thanks to Leliana.
"Agh!" Lahara cried out, falling to her knees. "I can't…this isn't working!"
"Don't give up!" Bethany hooked her arm under the Herald's shoulder, helping her to stand again.
"What appears to be the problem?" Dorian asked. "It looked like you almost had it!"
"If you'd all…just…stop shouting…" Lahara let out a growl, shaking her head. Her thoughts spilled, and Elissa bit her lip.
Impossible…too many voices…fighting…jostling…so much…discord…
Wait…
Maybe…
Something clicked, and Lahara's eyes widened. She pulled away from Bethany, squaring her jaw. Then she stepped to the edge of the dais, extending her hands toward the rift. Bethany and Dorian renewed their hold on her, and the mages braced, ready for the next attempt.
Before the mana would flood back into her, Lahara closed her eyes. Her right hand glowed faintly, and then she began to sing.
"Rain melts from stars on high,
Falling down from blackened skies;
A thund'ring rage against the light,
Erasing pain and breaking lies,
Truth calls to you, now face the choice,
To mute your lips, or raise your voice?"
Her voice was unfaltering, hauntingly beautiful, and even the demons hesitated. Elissa took her chance, striking down another Despair demon, before regrouping with Cassandra and Alistair. They stared at the Herald, puzzled.
"That is the Chant of Harmony," the Seeker said.
"I thought I recognised it," Alistair said. "It was one of the first hymns I learned in my Templar training."
"Bit of an odd time to show some devotion to the Maker, isn't it?" Varric asked.
"Wait, look!"
Elissa turned to the mages again, and the change was immediately apparent. Now they all held themselves completely still, fixating on nothing but Lahara's voice. Her mark glowed, more brightly than ever before, and the rift crystals began to shuffle and twitch. It was enough to provoke a burst of lightning, and fresh howls rang through the ruins.
"She's giving the mages something to focus on," Elissa realised. "Come on, don't let the demons break their concentration!"
She charged with Alistair into the next wave of monsters. All the while Lahara's singing echoed, and she was soon joined by mages and soldiers alike. It fuelled Elissa's slashes, and she tore through demon after demon, nausea a distant memory.
"Maker, now you're just showing off!" Alistair said, ramming a Rage demon into a fallen pillar. "I thought you said you were feeling sick?"
Elissa didn't answer, plunging her dagger into a Despair demon's chest. She threw it against the ground, and her sword took care of the rest. The creature had barely vanished when another took its place, and Elissa hit out again. So long as she kept fighting, she didn't have time to think about anything else.
Abruptly the rift groaned, shedding another load of crystals. They cracked against the stone, exploding into fragments. Elissa's Shard burned white-hot, and she gasped, staggering against the base of a broken pillar. She could no longer hold back, and she doubled over, her stomach forcibly emptied. Streaks of blood splattered the ground, and she held her hand to her mouth, her eyes wide.
Maker, what…
"Elissa!"
Alistair made to run to her, when a deafening roar broke through the chamber. The ground screamed, wrent apart by the invisible forces. Elissa scrambled, jumping away before she'd fall into nothingness. Alistair, Varric and Cassandra were forced onto the other side, backed against the south ridge with a handful of soldiers. They barely had time to recover as the rift burst into life, and an enormous Pride demon tore out of the Fade.
It crashed down onto the stone, and Elissa swore, taking cover behind some rubble. She was stranded; there was no way she could face it alone.
The Pride demon growled, taking lumbering strides forward. Still Lahara kept singing, but she was almost at the end of the hymn, and her voice was wearing out. Elissa knew the Herald wouldn't be able to draw on such power a third time; this was their only chance.
The Pride demon had to fall.
Gritting her teeth, Elissa emerged from her hiding place, her blades in hand. The Pride demon glared, grinding its teeth, when hurried steps rushed from behind. A gust of wind of followed, and Bethany and Leliana appeared, halting by her side. They must have jumped from the ridge.
"Lara's getting tired," Bethany said, bracing her staff. "We don't have much time!"
"This is all that stands between us and victory," Leliana said, nocking an arrow. "We can do this!"
Elissa glanced between them, her eyes filling with warmth. She took point, tilting her sword forward.
"Then let's end this!"
The Pride demon bellowed, lashing out a whip of lightning. The three scattered, and Elissa bolted, heading straight for the creature. Her sword caught flame, and a flurry of arrows sank deep into the demon's eyes. It screamed, blinded, and Elissa yelled, swinging her blade savagely. It carved a chunk of its torso free, and she slammed her dagger into its belly. Blackened blood spilled over her arms, and she yanked the knife away, retreating.
Twin spears of ice followed, driving through the demon's chest and pinning it against the ruptured ground. Flailing, the Pride demon lashed out, sending bolts of energy in all directions. Elissa dived behind a fallen pillar, shielding her head with her arms as lightning blasted the overhanging stone. Bethany sprinted to Leliana, raising a barrier to deflect the debris.
The spears snapped, and the Pride demon righted itself, adorned with multiple wounds. It cricked its neck, then roared, sending the chamber quaking.
"How is it still standing?" Leliana hissed, drawing another arrow. At the same moment, Lahara's singing ceased. The rift began to vibrate, threatening to explode open again. Elissa clenched her fist.
No, no!
Without thinking she sprang into the open, her sword held high. One shot, if she could kill it with one more strike!
She leapt, forcing all her strength into her blade. The Pride demon made to block, but it was too slow. Elissa's sword ripped right into the demon's head. The cut was clean, severing all the way down to the base of its neck. A fountain of blood gushed out, soaking her, and the demon thrashed. Its claw caught Elissa's face, scoring a deep tear across her brow and cheek, and she cried out, falling back. She lost her grip on her sword hilt and hit the ground, hard.
"Elissa!" Leliana and Bethany called her name in unison. Soon they were both upon her, and they half-carried, half dragged her behind the rubble again. Elissa groaned, her back and hips singing with pain, her left eye streaming with blood.
"I thought I told you not to push yourself!" Bethany snapped, summoning a healing spell. She pressed her palm over Elissa's bleeding brow, and Elissa winced, the blue aura repairing the broken skin.
"You stupid, stupid fool!" Leliana spluttered. She clasped Elissa's palm, her grip almost painful. "That could've killed you!"
"But…it worked…" Elissa weakly raised her free hand. "Look."
The two turned their eyes skyward, and were stunned into silence. The sickly green glow that had tainted the entire region for so long was now absent, the hole in the heavens mended at last. It didn't take long for the realisation to sink in, and the mages and soldiers started cheering.
The Breach was finally sealed!
However, the elated cries were soon drowned out by an earth-shattering shriek. Elissa flinched, bolting to a sitting position. Her Shard screamed in answer, and she grabbed at the rune. Her eyes fell to the defeated Pride demon, and her breath caught. Hundreds of thousands of tiny black fragments were swarming it like hungry ants, and its limbs began to twitch.
"Maker, move, now!" Her pains forgotten, she grabbed Leliana and Bethany, hauling them across the cracked stone floor. She pushed them behind the furthest pillar, then spun around, her mouth dry.
"Elissa, what's…" The rest of Bethany's words stuck in her throat. "Andraste's grace, no, it can't be!"
"What's happening?" Leliana asked, confused. "Why are you both so…"
Another screech cut through, and the bard clenched her teeth. Elissa's brows narrowed, as the corpse of the Pride demon started to rise. Now it had turned completely black, and the shimmering particles rolled off its body like charcoal dust. Crimson eyes burned beneath the shadows, and the dust monster howled, flexing its newly-formed claws.
As Elissa stared, her heart in her throat, something thudded into the ground on her left. She turned, catching a female figure in red and black. The woman hurried out of the shadows, revealing her brown hair and the twin daggers across her back. She was also joined by two others; a broad-shouldered Qunari warrior and a lithe, blonde-haired boy. They all marched towards them, and Bethany gasped.
"Sorry I'm so late," Hawke said, flashing a lop-sided grin. She pulled her daggers to hand, and her comrades followed suit. "But the real party's only just begun!"
