Hey! Happy holidays everyone! I'm so glad I got this done before the end of the year like I hoped I would! Here (finally!) is the end of Orzammar! Thank you so much for sticking with it, it's been an absolute blast to write!


Hand in hand, Aqua and Terra strode into the assembly hall together. For the first time in a long time, Aqua felt like she was ready. There was no doubt or fear. Not as long as she knew that Terra had her back. His darkness had long since retreated, too. It was still in him, but as long as he could come back, she didn't have to fear. While they were in the Deep Roads together, there had been a particular scent that had stuck to him but it was there no longer.

"Announcing the Grey Wardens, Ser Amell and Ser Theirin!"

The quarreling that had previously been heard through the door suddenly stopped, all eyes following the Wardens as they walked in. Several of the Deshyrs had sat up since they entered, their eyes heavy with a lack of sleep. They had been bickering about the future king for the entirety of the time the little group had been there; it was finally time to settle it. Aqua held her head up high and took a couple of deep breaths. Surely the dwarves were waiting just as anxiously as she was to see what would happen.

Phil was the first to speak. "So, you're finally back. Did you find anything in the Deep Roads?"

"We did. And now I know who the Paragons support as their choice for king." Aqua released Terra's hand and grasped the crown with both of hers. "Here is a crown forged by the Paragon Hiro himself."

"Hiro? But he left for the Deep Roads ages ago. There's no way he's alive!" Phil leaned on the desk in front of him.

"He placed himself and his companions into golem bodies, and after forging the crown they decided to go back to the stone."

There was suddenly a small clamor from the crowd of Deshyrs. Prince Hans sat back in his chair, watching the whole thing play out while still keeping an eye on the crown. He knew enough about their own history and the Paragon Hiro. Now there was only one thing that he needed to know before they could go into the details of the monarchy- what had happened to the anvil of the void? Plans to create powerful golems were already swirling around in his mind as they spoke.

"If Hiro was still alive, then what of his creation? Surely you wouldn't mind a large golem army behind you in battle? We have a problem with overpopulation in the casteless caste, and using the anvil of the void could kill two birds with one stone."

So it seemed that Hans was going to follow in the footsteps of kings of old and conscript casteless dwarves to be golems. Aqua glanced at him, grateful that she had destroyed the anvil. With it destroyed, there was no reason to make a trip to the dead trenches after it. The way golems were created was horrifying, and should never be done without proper given consent.

"I already made my decision. After forging this crown, Hiro asked me to destroy the Anvil of the void, and I did. There will be no more golems, ever."

A loud gasp tore through the assembly. Her fingers wound themselves tighter around the crown, the molten gold smooth against her fingertips. The crown felt heavier now that all eyes were on her. It was important that they got this right. She waited for the Deshyrs to calm down, each hanging on her every word, hoping that she would get this matter resolved quickly. Clearing her throat, Aqua began to speak again.

"I don't pretend to know much about your politics. But I do know what's right is right. The anvil is gone and I will decide who will be the new king." Aqua held up the crown.

"Wait, don't we get one last appeal?" Phil protested.

"He's right. This isn't how it's done. But if you have the Paragon Hiro's support, then there isn't much we can say."

"What about Cindy? Did you find her?" Phil jumped in.

Aqua nodded, feeling no reason to hesitate. She knew what had happened to Cindy, and how it had felt to see her meet her end. Aqua was sure that nightmares of the event would haunt her dreams for some time yet. Cindy had been a vision of her own future, whenever the light inside her would expire and darkness overtake her. Whenever it did happen, she would go down fighting. It was her duty to stop as many darkspawn as possible before she lost her mind.

"Yes, we did. She is gone now, a victim of the blight sickness. Her whole caravan was finished off far into the Deep Roads." Aqua reported.

"All that way and she falls to blight sickness." Phil scoffed.

"With all due respect, you don't know what it's like down there. The darkness seeps into you and does things to your mind." Terra stepped forward.

"I believe you. That's why I want better restrictions in going into the Deep Roads. Too many dwarves have lost their lives to the scourges of the darkness. Let us instead expand our trade up before we're nothing but stone." Hans petitioned.

The Deshyrs seems to agree with the statement based on their group murmurings. Phil's face was taking on a deep red hue. She took a step back, but Terra stopped her from moving any more. They didn't want to show any weakness; not here. As far as he was concerned, this was an excellent preparation for a landsmeet (1) in Denerim.

"Are you nuts? Go too far topside and you'll fall into the sky!" Phil erupted. "Not to mention how much of our culture would be missing if we gave it all up now. We've been doing just fine living as we have."

Aqua hadn't meant for this to turn into a debate, but she certainly wasn't opposed to it either. Perhaps it was what they should have done in the first place- allowed each dwarf to candidly discuss the needs of the kingdom. In the heat of the moment, they wouldn't need to construct a speech that was what the Deshyrs wanted to hear. This was where they were bearing their hearts.

"So you'd rather sever trade just to keep things the way they are? How many caravans get taken by the darkspawn every year? We have to take action!" Hans replied.

"Actions like killing your dad and family?" Phil spat.

"And don't tell me your hands aren't dirty. I know about the bribes and your lechery. One of your maids came to my door and started singing like a canary."

Phil's face flushed a deep red once again as Hans brought those allegations to the assembly. Philoctetes kept his fists clenched as he slowly stepped towards his opponent. He was absolutely steaming-1 Aqua was sure if they had an egg it would fry perfectly on his bald head.

"Why I oughta-"

"That's enough!" Aqua shouted. "You both are done. I'm going to declare a king and then that person is going to come with me to make arrangements for an army."

The two men stared at her, slack-jawed. The whole time she had been in Orzammar, her manners were near impeccable. But now Aqua was getting to the end of her rope. She had heard all she needed in order to make her final decision. Personal goodness aside, it was time to move the kingdom forward. It was time to unite Orzammar after more than three months.

"My choice backed up by the Paragon Hiro is Hans. Orzammar can't stay secluded if it wants to survive."

Hans smirked and walked toward Aqua, bowing his head for her to bestow the crown. When he rose back up, he looked at her with gratitude and ambition. Finally it was time to get started preparing for the blight. They could finally continue on their journey. There would still be snow up top, but they could hopefully get past it. It was close to the end of the season, if she reckoned right.

"Thank you, Wardens. But before we get to work on the blight, I make my first order as king. Philoctetes is to be sentenced to death immediately. Guards, see to it that it gets done."

Aqua gasped as the guards marched towards Phil. "What are you doing?"

"It has to be done, Aqua. I can't risk a rebellion from his supporters."

As the guards bound him and dragged him back towards the door, they stopped briefly beside the Wardens. Whereas only a few moments ago his face was full of rage and life, all of that spark was gone. He suddenly looked much older, too. For the first time, she noticed just how deep the wrinkles on his face ran.

"What's done is done, kid. At least I get to see Hercules soon. I hope you're happy with your decision."

The guards dragged him away, Aqua unable to watch him as they did. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and she recognized it almost immediately as Terra's, the comfort from one single squeeze filled her whole body. The losing side wasn't supposed to have been killed off. But it's just as likely that Phil would have done the same thing if she had chosen him. Politics became a whole other world that she barely had time to fathom. With any luck, Denerim wouldn't be that bloodthirsty.

After the guards dragged Phil from where he stood, the rest of the deshyrs began to talk among themselves. There was plenty to do and much aid to be offered to the Wardens still. Aqua swore she could hear the axe fall upon Phil, but she was sure that was partially her conscience. She may have made the right decision, but she couldn't help but feel that Phil's death would always partially be on her hands. Just like she felt with Eraqus, despite her efforts to push down the memory.

"We have a lot of planning to do if we want to get this done right. Blights in the past have lasted hundreds of years." Hans spoke softly. "Follow me in my chambers after the meeting. We have a few things to discuss."

Aqua nodded and stepped back as Hans took his rightful place at the front of the assembly. He gave a short impromptu speech that was incredibly eloquent; it made Aqua wonder if he hadn't already had one prepared. Still, Hans was naturally charismatic, so even if he hadn't taken time to memorize something, he could have pulled up a rallying cry without too many problems. His speech ended the meeting and from there, Terra and Aqua walked through the lush chambers to his personal room.

"Thank you again for helping me to ascend to the throne. As a way of showing my thanks, I have something I think you'll find interesting." Hans had his back turned to them, filing through a bookshelf for just what he wanted. "Here we are. A book on the blights. They don't keep this copy aboveground."

He pulled out an old book with a worn blue hardback cover. The pages were yellowing, but hadn't lost their ability to bend. Carefully Hans flipped through its contents until he reached a specific chapter. Placing the book on the table, he slid it over to where Aqua and Terra were leaning over. On the pages opened was a large picture of the archdemon, snarling mid roar. Behind it was what Aqua guessed to be a heart shaped moon and a door that looked very familiar to her.

"Wait, it's that door! The one that Eraqus asked us to close. What's all this about?" Aqua gasped.

"I don't suppose you've ever heard the legend of Kingdom Hearts, have you?" Hans sat down.

Eraqus's face covered her mind, his eyes heavy with sleep and judgement. She had followed him so willingly, eagerly even. But she had recently learned of a whole village killed in order to get some keyblades. Who knew whose hearts they contained or if any of them were still trapped. Her own keyblade felt heavy with that revelation. Surely he knew about the history of the keyblades. What she wouldn't give to have one final heart to heart with the man she barely knew.

"I've heard of it, but I still don't know much about it other than there's supposed to be something incredibly powerful inside." Aqua took a seat followed by Terra. "I didn't realize the two were linked."

"Indeed they are. They're like three dominos that lead to the end of the world."

"Please, tell us about it." Aqua looked him in the eye.

"Of course. According to legend, Kingdom Hearts wasn't always there. It was created when some of you humans decided to venture off where you shouldn't have- the Golden City." Hans began.

A small book of myths Aqua had read once began working back through her mind. Anora had asked Aqua to read it to her and then fell asleep after the first story. But she remembered the story. It had been a Tevinter folktale about the Golden city; the place where the old gods resided. Those were the same old gods who became Archdemons during each of the blights. They were in the fifth blight now, with two more to come sometime in the future.

"Because of this, there was a wall put up between the city and here, called the veil. I wish I could tell you more, but as a mage, I'm sure you're already aware of what the veil is and what it does. As a dwarf I only have a vague grasp of those concepts. All I know is that the legend states that that door connects to the fade and could lead into the golden city."

"Why are you telling us all of this?" Aqua spoke softly.

"Because the darkspawn are trouble for us year round. If we could find something that would shut down their power or weaken them or something, then shouldn't I look deeper into it?"

Aqua nodded. There were so many directions that could be taken. Eraqus had asked her to lock the door, Hans was suggesting they go through it and the man who appeared at the end of her harrowing told her to only focus on defeating the Archdemon. Her gut told her to listen to Eraqus firstly, but simply locking it on the outside didn't work. Perhaps she was going to need another strategy. When she turned the page, she suddenly found her answer, as there was a picture of two people holding keyblades on either side of the door. So that was what they had done wrong.

"Wait, what's this picture here? Is this someone locking the door?"

"Yes. In order for it to be locked, someone must be on both sides of the door."

"This door appears during the blight, right?" Terra asked, also aware of what Eraqus asked them to do.

"Yes. Once when it starts and once when the Archdemon appears. It disappears as soon as the archdemon is defeated." Hans replied. "I take it this door is of interest to you?"

"It is. Our mentor asked us to lock the door or else darkness could consume the land." Terra nodded.

"I don't know about any of that, but if it'll stop the darkspawn, then I'm willing to do what is necessary."

Aqua sat back and pressed her hands to her temple. How was she supposed to take the final blow to destroy the Archdemon and seal the keyhole? She couldn't let Terra take the blow for her, Ferelden still needed it's Wardens. Perhaps she'd write Mickey and see if he could get her in contact with the Orlesian Wardens. They couldn't save Ostagar, but perhaps they could be here in time for the end of the blight, whenever that was. They could also help build their ranks back up while they were on their journey.

"Thank you for all of your help. This has been much more enlightening than you know. You dwarves are made of some pretty tough stuff to stay so close to the darkspawn." Aqua looked at Hans.

"Can't stop us that easily, we're children of Thedas itself, the stones our flesh and lyrium our blood." Hans nodded. "I'll prepare an army, where would you like us to be positioned?"

"We're likely going to end up in Denerim, which is….here. Can you meet us there when the weather is warmer? We still have a few alliances to call upon."

"We will. Until then we'll keep an eye on the Archdemon."

They spent just a little longer discussing their plans, as they only had a small idea of when the Archdemon would emerge topside based on its movements. The dwarves had the advantage of living so close that if anyone had an idea of its waking habits, they did. Before taking a turn down to Dust Town, they checked at the entrance to the kingdom. Snow was piling high on the ground in a fierce storm. The commons was filled with the merchants who had previously been denied entrance to the kingdom, warming themselves any way they could.

A shot of anxiety passed through Aqua's spine and her hand instantly reaching for Terra's. They were on a tight schedule. There was no way they'd be able to wait out whatever storm was raging, but they certainly couldn't travel in this either. Not to mention Olette had been sent back with the horses with a plan to buy some chocobos before they left. His hand squeezed hers back. It was warm and large, helping Aqua to feel secure despite her nerves.

"There's no way we're getting out of here with the snow like that." Aqua sighed.

"And who knows how much longer the snow is going to last. How much longer do we have until the Arl is…" Terra's voice faded.

"A little less than three months. But we're still back at square one as far as the cure goes."

"There has to be something. Now come on. You said you had somewhere else to go?"

"Yes. But Terra, I need to ask you about something first." Aqua began to walk. "We need to increase our numbers, right? What if we called the Orlesian Wardens and asked them for help? It seems that neither you nor I are going to make it out of this alive."

It was a hard sentence to admit, no matter how desperately she wanted Terra to thrive after they defeated the Archdemon. But if one of them had to be trapped in the fade, she would be the better suited to last. As long as she didn't run into Vanitas, she should be fine. Aqua shuddered at the thought of Terra being turned into some abomination like the chirithy she had met during her harrowing

"You thought about that too, huh? Glad to see I'm not the only one." He replied. "If one of us has to go into the fade, can't we just get first enchanter Mickey to help, like last time?"

She shook her head. That artifact he had used to get them out last time- the wolf statue- was likely a one in a million item, though it might not be bad to ask. She had seen it in the circle basement, but there hadn't been any others. Aerith hadn't been there physically, either come to think of it. They had entered and exited through a hole in the veil, and the artifact had sealed it.

Terra looked troubled by that. She herself didn't care for the idea of losing him now that they had confessed everything, but they were the only ones who could destroy the Archdemon. Having those memories would only make things harder when the time came to finish the job, but it had to be done, and she would steel herself for it. Her hand found his once more.

"You finish off the Archdemon. I'll seal the door. I had a better track record in the fade than you have." Aqua looked at his profile.

"You want to subject yourself to the demons of the fade? No way. That's a fate worse than death." Terra squeezed her hand.

"Look, maybe we should talk about this later. There's still another promise I have to fulfill."

Terra sighed and reluctantly agreed, allowing Aqua to lead them to Dust Town. Her eyes searched the small crowd had gathered until she found the person she was looking for. A small glimmer of hope rose up in the woman's eyes, though she didn't allow her face to betray her inmost thoughts. Aqua knelt down beside her and began to speak softly. Her voice had a tone that Terra recognized immediately. Whatever Aqua was saying, she was lying through her teeth. He paused to listen.

"So yes found her then. Ye say she was with a caravan?" Elinor replied.

"Yes. Unfortunately there wasn't anything we could have done to help her by the time we got there, but she died helping to protect a small boy from darkspawn."

"That's my Merida. Always helpin others where she could." Elinor smiled softly. "Thank ye for coming back to ease a poor widow's heart. Now I can rest easy knowing ma kin is taken care of."

"I'm so sorry for your loss."

"Don't be. Just focus on the future. It's all anyone can do. They've returned to the stone and I'm sure to join them one day. Until then, I'll keep their memory safe."

Aqua pulled the woman into a hug and she softly returned it, gently patting the Warden on the back. They left her as she was, a knot tying itself in Aqua's stomach. She wasn't so worried about the fact she had lied, but moreso about just how easily Elinor had bought it. Was it just because Elinor was a grieving mother and would buy any good hope, or could she use her position to aid her cause in Denerim? She could only pray it would.

When they returned to the house, Kimahri was in the living room, sharpening Asala. If they had to be stuck here for a little while longer, she could at least ask him something she had wanted to know for a while.

"Hey Kimahri. Can I ask you something?" Aqua sat down beside him.

He nodded and she continued.

"It's about your lance. You were incredibly worried about it earlier, but it didn't seem like it was for any sentimental reason. Why is it so important to you?"

He paused, a low grumble coming from his throat. "Weapon part of soul. Kimahri not Tal Vashoth."

"Tal Vashoth?"

"Kicked out of Qun. Hunted till dead."

So the Qunari were that serious about their weapons. If he had gone back to his people without his weapon, they would have hunted him down until he was dead. Aqua looked down at her own hand, imagining her keyblade in it without actually summoning the tool. There was a soul inside it, she knew. The blade had been a part of her ever since she had first been gifted it. In a small way, she understood the position they took.

"Does that happen often?"

"No. Arishok sees to it." He paused and took note of her confusion. "Arishok leader of army."

This was the most she had heard him speaking at one time. That didn't change the determination that glinted in his eyes as he spoke about his people. Kimahri didn't need words to communicate just how proud he was to be a member of the Qun.

"Need weapon. Qunari moving."

"Moving? Where are you going?"

"Not leaving. Coming."

Something about that statement gave Aqua goosebumps. Could that mean that the Qun were planning on invading any time soon? Besides Kimahri she had never seen any others in the circle, as they dealt with their mages in ways other than Ferelden did. The books in the circle were scant about them, too. One of the things she did know was of their small island home called Seheron near the Tevinter empire. They kept to themselves mostly, and that was one of the reasons she had wanted to learn about them so badly when she first left. Now she wasn't so sure.

"For...an invasion?" Aqua asked warily.

"Not now. One day." Kimahri returned to sharpening his lance as Aqua bid him farewell.

Before she could make it too far though, Ava burst through the door and headed to Aqua's side

"I did what the hooded figure from Aerith's dreams said, and I think I know how we can cure Arl Tidus. I didn't mention it because it was such a long shot, but at this point, it's the best lead we have."

"What is it?"

"The Urn of Sacred Ashes. It is said to hold the ashes of Andraste herself and can cure any sickness. It may just be a legend, but it's worth a try."

An urn with the ashes of the Maker's wife? She had been burned at the stake, so of course there would be ashes. She nodded in agreement. All of their own studies had amounted to nothing.eith only a short time left, perhaps the only thing that could truly help was a miracle.

"Where is it located?" Aqua asked.

"That's the best part- Friar Tuck heard a rumour that they might be around here closeby. There's a foretress just above us in the frostback mountains called Haven."

"That's great news! How soon can we get prepared to leave?"

"That's the only downside. We'll have to wait out the snowstorm out there. And then it's probably a week or two of a trek up the mountain. The good news is going back down should be significantly shorter since we won't be fighting gravity."

Aqua nodded. "Okay. Let's make preparations and leave as quickly as we can. Can you take care of that? I need to send First Enchanter Mickey a letter."

Ava nodded back and left the house to return on her errands. Aqua left those who were downstairs to go into her room for some quiet. She whistled to summon Walt who barked happily and sat on her lap, curling up to sleep. She sat by the desk and pulled out a piece of vellum to begin writing.

Dear first enchanter,

I know you told me to call you by your first name, but I'm calling on your wisdom in your position. I recently learned of the true nature of the keyblade- that each one was forged from the heart of a dwarf who had been turned into a golem by a powerful anvil that has since been destroyed. You must realize now that once I learned this, I began to have questions about my own keyblade. They were supposed to be given specifically to the Wardens. Why did you have one and why was it given to me?

This heart is a heavy burden, but not one that I cannot bear. In my time here in Orzammar, I've had enough of lows, so I won't feel bad about your answer. I've accepted my responsibility as a Warden and all that comes along with it. I just need to know of it's origins, that perhaps I might one day release the heart that's inside.

I also have an important request of you. I have just learned of the duties that both Terra and I must fulfill as the last two Ferelden Grey Wardens. However, in our need we cannot do it alone. Eraqus once tried to send for aid from our Orlesian brethren. Could you find a way to track them down and request aid for the blight? I still don't know when it will be, but I hope there's enough time to reach them.

Thank you for everything, Mickey. Please send Ven my best.

Aqua Amell

She folded the letter up and placed it in the pouch on Walt's collar. When he stood up, she scratched him behind the ears and sent him away. It would be another week before she heard a response back from him, Walt appearing in the middle of breakfast. She read the reply immediately.

Dear Aqua,

Your words sure are news to me, and I'm not certain how I should have taken then- that's why it took so long to respond. Your keyblade was a gift to me from Madame De Fer a long time ago, although she wasn't specific on the details, and I didn't think to ask. My heart saw you coming out of your harrowing and I just somehow knew that the keyblade was supposed to be yours.

Speaking of Madame Rinoa, I have my quarterly meeting with her in just a couple of weeks. She oversees the circles, but with her influence, I'm sure she could get a request to the Wardens easily. Eraqus always said that no nation should separate your order, as you serve the greater whole of the nation.

Are you okay out there? You spoke of lows in your letter. I wish I could be of more help, but between the circle getting rebuilt and gathering mages and resources for the blight, it's been hard to do anything else. We've also gotten a new mage here in the circle that's caused quite a stir in his attempts to escape. I've entrusted his fate to Cid.

Ven says hello and asks when your next letter is coming. He's doing incredibly well with his magic, although there's still some darkness in him that has me worried. You didn't see anything odd in the fade, did you? Anyway, I wish you the best of luck in everything, you're doing the circle proud

Your pal,

Mickey

By the time the storm cleared up, it was already to the four month mark and the chocobos were ready to go. Biggs and Wedge had taken Joshua under their wings and told them they'd see them once more of the snow cleared up. Aqua looked up at the fortress above, praying that the answer would be within their grasp.


There you have it! Time to find the Urn of Sacred Ashes! Let's hope they can get there in time!

1 landsmeet is just all of the arls and nobles coming together to decide what to do.