Chapter Inspiration: Ally (We the Kings)

Friendly Fire

Commander Fabria had not intended to spend the entire night on this cursed vigil, but his conscience would not let him leave the scattered entourage in House Pavus – he still feared that the eluvian would not remain dormant. The ever-vigilant Gianna brought fresh rolls and coffee just before dawn, and the warrior managed to nod off once or twice in one of the library's several luxurious chairs while his host resumed his reading. The fire crackled cheerfully against the pervading cold that now consumed Tevinter.

It all happened at once.

The eluvian sprang to life, its silver reflection glittering blindingly and a high-pitched shriek emitting from its depths. Lady Lavellan sat upright quite suddenly, curling in on herself with gritted teeth and a stifled groan. Wisps of emerald static flickered around her petite frame; he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck begin to stand on end. Dorian dropped to friend's side, hands outstretched in an effort to understand what was unfolding, but Gideon's eyes were fixed on the mirror. Something was staring back at him, hungry and ready to consume all in its path.

"Commander," an exasperated Archon pleaded, growing frustrated at his companion's lack of response. "Gideon! I need you to stay here and…prepare yourself for whatever might come through that mirror. If you sense the magic reaching its climax, get out."

"And how will I know that?!" Gideon squawked while a shiver ran down his spine and the inside of his ears began to tickle from the grating noise. Dorian merely laughed.

"Trust me, you'll know."

"Pavus." His cold tone stopped the other man in his tracks. "What is happening?"

"I've seen this before – it's the magic of the Anchor, but without the Anchor to focus and discharge the residual energy. If I don't act fast, we could be in serious trouble."

"And the mirror?"

Dorian's eyes darkened.

"I fear it is a demon attempting to…"

"Possess her? Use her to reach here?" Fabria demanded, reaching for his broadsword.

"No, wait!" the Archon begged. "Just…wait."

The Savior of Vyrantium remained vigilant while the lightning around the no-longer-sleeping Inquisitor continued to grow in intensity and circumference. No longer able to hide her anguish, Inara screamed aloud, rolling onto the floor and folding into a little ball as if it would keep the magic contained.

The agonizing whistle from the eluvian heightened in pitch, its surface seeming to boil over. He drew his sword, bracing himself for a fight. One by one, Hawke, Fenris, the Iron Bull, and Zevran Arainai appeared at the doorway with weapons at the ready; but they remained just outside for fear of being hit by the frantic bolts of electricity.

"Dorian!" the warrior yelled over the din. He backed away as he began to smell his own hair burning. "You'd better have a plan!"

The Commander dove headfirst out into the hall just as a deafening explosion of energy tore through the library. He staggered to his feet, determined to see what was occurring in his wake. The screaming ceased, but loose pages of text rained down onto the untouched rug. And the mirror was still roiling with life. All five veterans prepared to make a stand in the now seemingly enclosed space.

"Move!" Dorian screamed, shoving past the miniature army. He shoved the coffee table aside, sending books and mugs flying every which way, to reach the spot where Inara lay and slip what appeared to be an amulet over her head.

Silence.

Had he gone deaf? Magical static, screeching mirror, tortured elf, and churning portal had simply…ceased. The eluvian had gone utterly dormant. After a moment, Suledin quietly let out a moan of both pain and relief. Dorian waved off his watchful compatriots with an offhanded,

"A project I've been working on to stem the worst of it. I'm sure Gianna will nearly have breakfast ready."

Deliberately choosing to ignore anyone else's presence, the mage eased Lavellan onto the couch, where she leaned her head weakly against the cushioned back. Though the others went in search of food, the Legionnaire remained intrigued.

"Did we do it?" Gideon just caught her whisper. "Is Hawke back?"

"At great risk to you, yes. And she's in one piece." Trembling, Dorian brushed the escaping braid away from the girl's eyes. "Back at Halamshiral…when you asked to come with me to Tevinter in the first place… I should have said yes. I should have scooped you into my arms and fled the country like a madman! It would have been a lovely existence. Just you and me."

"And possibly miss out on the chance to become Archon? Miss the greatest opportunity to help your country? Never," she teased, grasping his hand as her strength began to return. Dorian didn't budge, but only grew more stern.

"I'm never letting you do that again. I can't watch my best friend lose her life because I wasn't there to stop it."

Gideon could see the elf's visible confusion from his perch.

"What are you saying, Dorian? It's not like you can be with me every time I walk in the Fade."

"When you face Solas…I will be at your side, no matter what happens. I promise you that. You will not be alone, my sweet. I may be the Archon, but I will follow you to the end of the world and gladly walk into the Void itself if it means giving you the chance you so deserve."

When you cry I cry with you
And when you're hurt I feel it too
And sometimes it feels like we're going nowhere fast
For every step forward take two steps right back
I hope that it helps to know I'll help however I can

'Cause I am an Ally and I am a friend
And you have my heart and my voice and my hands
And even in war you need somewhere to rest
And I am an Ally and I am a friend