"You'll have to do better than that to get rid of us," Dorian greets the shocked Alexius as we jump out of the neon green portal which quickly diminishes as we return back to our present, no chaos, no discord, no deaths. Quickly, I turn to the others, relief evident in my features when I find no ruby red hue emitting from them, no ruby red veins coiled around their eyes or pupils and no more pale as a corpse skin tone. I glance at Fen, a huge smile on my face while she sends me a look of confusion when I release a relieved sigh, seeing no shards infused into her skin, her veins her normal dull neon blue and her expression no longer psychotic, or filled with bloodlust, a small shiver of fear courses up my spine at the dark memory, only causing further relief to see her and the others well and stable, no longer that empty hell of a puppet being a pet to this Elder One.
Defeated, Alexius shoulders slump in defeat, his wrinkled face shows exhaustion, tiredness and despair as he falls to his knees in utter shame and defeat while we stand, looking at the defeated mess.
"Please Alexius there has been enough bloodshed, just give up, go home give your son the love and attention he needs before he passes," I whisper softly to him, seeing his mournful expression at the reminder of his son's impending demise.
"You won. There is no point in extending this charade," Alexius gives in sighing tiredly then slowly, he lifts his head to see Felix approach him. "Felix," Weakly, Alexius calls out to his son, his face morphed into sorrow, fatigue and anguish knowing he can't stop it. Softly, Felix kneels down next to his father, a look of peace and acceptance across his face as he smiles softly down at his father.
"It's going to be alright, father," Felix assures his father.
"You'll die!" Alexius cries, his true sorrow shown from his trembling tone.
"Everyone dies," Felix states as the two shares a brief stare down of sorrow, silence and finally acceptance of the sad fate. Silently, Alexius stands, his eyes closed in soft sorrow but acceptance. Bravely, with a face of guilt and sadness, Alexius turns to the inquisition scouts, bravely following the scouts to be arrested and confined until the correct punishment or fate is decided for him. A Pang of empathy hits me as I watch the defeated father leave, he truly loves his son; I just hope he gets a merciful punishment…
"Well I'm glad that over with!" Dorian smiles happily at me, relief evident on his features.
"Same," I smile in agreement, that all this chaos is over. However, the sound of metal footsteps approaches with the joined chorus of matching enters the castle.
"Or not," Dorian remarks as we all turn to the army of suits and armours, seeing Ferelden soldiers standing, ready to fight however in the middle leading the army is…oh my Andraste, maker….it's King Alistair.
Quickly, I bow, recalling my mother's lectures and yells, screeching at me to bow, I suppose it's an automatic response but I can't help but bow to the king of Ferelden. However Dorian stops me, bowing his head instead as he helps me stand, I gawk at the action, seeing King Alistair gaze not on me but looking, frowning at Fiona.
A brief blush crosses my features from my embarrassing movement but I quickly shove it aside as I join my friend's side.
"Ah haven't seen Alistair in a while," Fennic whispers making my eyes widen at her.
"You know him?" I gasp in shock.
"Briefly," She shrugs casually, nonchalantly to mention she met THE KING of Ferelden.
"You know everyone," I grumble pouting almost jealous of her.
"I know a lot of enemies," She shrugs as I simply sigh and we watch the scene play before us.
"Grand enchanter, imagine how surprised I was to learn you've given Redcliffe castle away to a magister," King Alistair turns to Fiona who approaches, looking both shy and shamed for her actions.
"King Alistair," Fiona's eyes widen to see the actual King not that I'm surprised since most tasks are usually carried out by the soldiers, rather than the king coming in person.
"Especially since I'm fairly sure Redcliffe belongs to Arl Tegan," King Alistair continues.
"Your majesty we never intended…".Fiona begins, a look of grief across her features.
"I know what you intended. I wanted to help you but you've made it impossible. You and your followers are no longer welcomed in Ferelden," Alistair declares much to Fiona's horror and my sympathy; she only wanted to help her people and thanks to all this mess…
"But…we have hundreds who need protection where would we go?" Fiona questions worry evident in her tone for her people.
Carefully, I step forward, bowing my head to King Alistair automatically, which he nods in acknowledgement as I turn to Fiona.
"You can come with the inquisition," I offer, smiling only to falter when I see her sceptical expression.
"And what are the terms of this arrangement?" Fiona demands, her eyes arrowed as I nod, understanding her wariness considering her last mistake.
"Hopefully better than what Alexius gave you, the inquisition is better than that yes?" Dorian asks as I nod and turn to the others for advice and their view on the matter.
"I know you are a mage but they must be conscripted not coddled. I suggest conscripting them, they've proven what they can do given too much freedom," Cassandra frowns, her reasoning justified as I shiver recalling that grim future.
"They have lost all possible support. The inquisition is their only chance of freedom," Solas reasons making me nod, seeing how vulnerable they are. So I turn to the other two on their advice…
My green hues then turn to a silent Fennic and Iron Bull, Iron bull frowns, agreeing with Cassandra, they need to be controlled but then I turn to Fen.
"Honestly, I don't trust the mages but considering the Templars and the soldiers we have back home, we can control them if they resist or step out of line," Fen points out making me nod, we do have both a Templar and seeker in the ranks…but still, sighing I shake my head and close my eyes coming to an agreement, no matter the anger sent my way, it's only fair.
"It seems but we have little choice to accept whatever you offer," Fiona sighs giving in trying to be strong even if she is being put in the corner.
"The mages will be our allies! Allies and partners in working with the inquisition!" I declare proudly feeling two glares sent my way as Fiona smiles relieved to hear the news.
"We'll discuss this later," Cassandra frowns but I ignore her, I will fight my people have been submissive long enough they deserve a break.
"I'll pray the rest of the inquisition honours your promise then," Fiona smiles warily.
"The breach threatens all of Thedas. We cannot afford to be divided now. We can't fight it without you. Any chance of success requires your full support," I reason calmly.
"I'd take that offer if I were you. One way or another you're leaving my kingdom," King Alister dictates as I notice the look of sorrow across Fiona's expression with a look of far longing, strange.
"We accept. It would be madness not to. I will gather my people and ready them for the journey in Haven. The breach will be closed you will not regret giving us this chance," Fiona smiles.
"Hold it!" Suddenly, the startled roar of mages takes us aback as we all turn to a surprised Fiona and a crowd of mages.
"What?" Fiona whispers surprised and taken aback by the group.
"Why should we trust you!? You sold us out to a magister! You betrayed us! You caused all this chaos!" One of the mages roars, my eyes narrowing when I recognise one of the mages from before, he was outside with Fen, I tihnk he was from my tower.
"Yeah! We will not join the inquisition!"
"We will not follow!"
"We will not follow a knife ear!"
"We will not-"
"Please stop!" Fiona's pleads fall to deaf ears making me scowl as I step forward.
"Please, I promise the inquisition will treat you fairly as a fellow mages I understand-"
"Oh shut it rich kid!" Shocked, my ears perk up at the familiar voice as I turn a brunette, Anthony, he was always jealous of my advanced magic while he couldn't complete one of them.
"You know nothing of our pain!"
"You're not one of us!"
Dejected, I take a step back in shock of the crowd, roaring cursing at Fiona and me. I turn to see a frowning Cassandra and Iron Bull, ready to draw their weapons. "No!" I call out stopping them only for my eyes to widen when a familiar white haired elf step forward, glaring at the crowd.
"SHUT IT!" Fen roars, silencing the group and even the king himself.
Oh Maker, Andraste give me strength, Fen stop please, don't do anything too rash, please don't, oh maker, oh maker, oh mak-
"Do you have any idea what we did for you!? Sure you're leader was tricked but it was by a magister, blood magic no doubt made her, she wanted to save you, sure Fiona was stupid to think to make a deal with a Vint but still she was looking out for you, she was tricked and what do we do? We helped you, she made us help you, she is one of you lot, sure she may be different but she still fell for the same prejudice, discrimination and hatred you lot are victim too, so is Evelyn, she is a victim too. You all have had your fair share, no matter the origin; you are all mages and need help. You have no one to pick you up, if you just go out there now, no doubt you'd be killed on the spot by some Templars but the inquisition can save you, protect you and all you would have to do is join the inquisition. Is that so hard? My god you mages are thick! And are so god damn self-absorbed, Templars are facing the same blame you lot are but at least they are trying to do something about it, even if it's a bit fucked up with their sudden belief of them being superior, at least they made a speech to say they didn't kill the divine, you lot didn't do jack shit!" Fen explains making us all gawk at the balls from Fen to speak such things.
"Now how-"
"Shut it blood bender!" Fen snaps her killer glare silencing the pouting mage that is Dorian, who huffs, muttering some witty remark or curse under his breathe.
Silently, the group stare at us, not sure who to respond to Fen's speech until…
"Wait…you were there! You were the elf that saved my family!" One of the mages steps forward, one I don't recognise but he has long ginger hair in a low ponytail, his hazel hues stare at the confused expression of Fen.
"Huh…" Fen gives the male a blank look causing a small chuckle to the mage.
"You probably don't remember me, considering you were thrown into a glass window, but I do, our enchanter, his name was Orsino…" The ginger male informs her.
"Ah the abomination," Fen mutters taking a few aback.
"Enchanter Orsino was a great ma-
"He was weak, he turned to blood magic and became the monster that further caused more bloodshed to both mages and Templars," Fen cuts the group off, silencing them as I stare amazed by her blunt words.
"You did that?" I ask to confirm only for her to shrug.
"Maybe, I don't remember much…"Fen grumbles, pained almost as she cradles her neck.
"The speech you gave us truly gave hope to our people though. I will never forget that bloodied night when our enchanter Orsino…changed. We were all lost but then you spoke to us, as though you could see through our eyes and inspired us to fight. My family will always be grateful for your inspiration, you have inspired so many mags to fight back," The ginger male recounts smiling brightly as Fen and I raise a brow, hearing the once raging crowd, calm and accept the agreement.
Smiling, Fiona turns to us, directing her attention to Fen.
"I had heard tales of your travels to think you'd end up with the inquisition, perhaps mages stand a chance after all," Fiona smiles grateful at Fen who scowls.
"Just don't get any bright ideas, one sniff of iron ad I'll cut you down," She warns gravely causing Fiona to numbly nod and leave us…
"So… you were thrown through a window," I whistle as we exit the castle, leaving the king to deal with it.
"Yep," Fen shrugs.
"Did you intend to make yourself a role model to mages?" I ask curious considering her stance on magic.
"No," Fen mutters.
"Do you remember much of that night?" Sols intervenes making us raise a brow at him.
"No, all I really remember after all that bloodshed is passing out and waking up in a bed with a killer hangover, a few weeks later someplace I had no idea. I think I was in bed with someone," Fen answers.
"Really wh-"
"I don't know could you just shut up about it," Fen huffs tiredly making me blink surprised by her sharp tone but simply I nod, following her out.
"Thanks Fen for sticking up for me," I smile grateful at my friend who simply huffs.
"I did it because they wouldn't shut up it was getting annoying," She huffs, earning a small chuckle from me and she walks off, needing time to herself I'm guessing.
Calmly, we head back to Haven but this time not alone…