Deesh's group encountered a locked door, but she diligently worked to unlock it. She was having some difficulties due to magic being involved with the lock. Deesh could only speculate that the one who locked this passage was a mage. Judging from the smells this wasn't an entire elven clan. At best this group of unfortunates were a scouting or investigation group who recently uncovered the ruins. It was regrettable that these poor souls could have avoided this fate if these ruins had just disappeared.

The physical part of the lock was easy enough, getting the magical element was proving to be tricky as too much snaps her lockpick and not enough won't trigger the magical part of the lock that also broke the pick. Luckily this doesn't have any kind of alarm attached to the magic. This almost make her wish she could borrow Nocturnal's Skeleton Key for these more stubborn locks.

Once the magical component had finally been worked out, Deesh moved aside to let Shadow rush in first. She as going to draw the attention from the mage first so Deesh could sneak in and finish them off quickly. As expected, the dulled minds of the tainted could not properly counter a well thought out plan or the simple illusion magic Deesh concealed herself to get behind the mage.

The mage was only able to throw a single fireball at Shadow before his lifeless body hit the ground. With the major threat taken down, Strider now rushed in to take on one of the blighted elves as Deesh kept her distance from the fighting. She was searching the mage to find any clues as to why this group of elves would be here and if there was any danger for the rest of their clan falling victim to the same corruption.

Just as she had expected, the mage was the leader of the expedition, though it would seem their ranks were far fewer, meaning some of those they had encountered were probably search parties who stumbled upon them after their corruption from the blight. She'll need to remember to ask Theron or Ariane about any symbols or signs they could create to warn others from venturing into this tainted place.

After securing the room, Shadow was busy ripping the arrows out from her hide, "Can't believe they can still shoot as accurately as they did. You'd think they'd be a bit shakier, like the Taken."

These 'taken' meant nothing to Deesh, though it must be some estranged foe from her realm. Deesh kept the journal, kicking the body aside, "We must hurry. Theron's group is already moving, and I smell more still waiting for us."

Shadow was rubbing Strider now, "And you're sure about this? Not getting your smells mixed together?"

Deesh pointed off to a nearby door, "Theron's group has just finished off those in the chamber with the pillars." She adjusted toward the door before her, "There's still two more left that are waiting. I'd prefer to pin them in a coordinated strike."

It was worrisome that such degraded creatures were cognizant enough to repair the doors for the passageways, though after the experience with the Architect's faction it's not wholly unreasonable that this group may be some deviant offshoot similar to the Architect or the Mother's minions.

Rather than dwelling on the unknown, Deesh proceeded to the final hallway before the shattered mirror. Visibly there was nothing left but Theron used a knife to signal they were in position. Deesh slowly pulled out a flask filled with poison. She took a few sniffs to trying to estimate where they could be hiding.

She swiveled the vial around to stir up the mixture so that it spreads further after it shatters. The screeches from the shrieks made them very easy to locate even while hiding. Finn threw a fireball, igniting one to make it easier for the others to fire arrows at.

With three archers attacking from both sides, it didn't take long before the two shrieks were on the floor. Deesh pulled out a gawdy mace covered from tip to the bladed pommel in spikes with the image of a demon's face and horns decorating it. She moved to the shrieks and proceeded to bash in the darkspawn skulls to be certain they won't get back up.

Nothing spectacular happened aside from the new bloodstains, though given how garish it looked Shadow was expecting something special. The group gathered before the final chamber where the remains of the mirror laid.

Once they entered, a chill ran down Ariane's spin. "I can feel its history…and its malevolence." She looked to Theron, grabbing his shoulder, "I'm sorry to bring you back here."

Theron let out a sigh, looked down at the fragments that remained, "The last time I saw Tamlen here, he was alive, and healthy."

Ariane gave him a reassuring grip, "I heard a new infant of your clan bears his name. They remember him."

Finn however was more preoccupied sifting through the few shards that remained, "With the shard, and the Lights of Arlathan, we should be able to scry for an unbroken mirror." Finn took a quick look around, "This looks like a suitable place to do the ritual. We can start whenever you're ready."

Deesh turned away, "This spell will undoubtedly draw more unwanted company from the spirit realm."

The others moved to surround Finn as he got the materials ready for his spell. "Here we go."

Finn needed to concentrate on the spell, disconnected from the rest of the world around him as spirits started to tear their way to reach Finn. Everyone had already spread around Finn in anticipation for the attack.

Deesh unfortunately had one dragging itself out under her feet, forcing her back before she could properly strike it down while forming into this realm. She was able to recover enough to strike before the demon was ready to defend itself. Theron, Ariane, and Shadow put down the others they fully materialized.

Another group of demons materialized while the first wave was being dealt with. Strider and the deepstalkers jumped onto and shredded one of the demons as it was clawing into existence. The others rushed to cut down the others before they could get to Finn.

It wasn't too difficult to keep them away from Finn as he finished his spell. Finn however was in a panic seeing some blood on his sleeve, "Am I bleeding? Oh look, a rip in my robe." With the thought that he had been hurt embedded into his mind, Finn collapsed.

Ariane however could help but laugh, "What happened to, 'Ariane, give us your blood. Who cares if it hurts'?"

Finn was still on the ground, "It's…my blood. That's different."

Theron was more interested in what he found, "Did the ritual work?"

Dusting himself, Finn finally got back to his feet, "I've pinpointed another Eluvian. It's in the Dragonbone Wastes. The Tevinters probably moved it there to see if the ancient dragon bones could enhance the Eluvian's power.

Deesh, Theron and Shadow shared a concerned look at one another, "We've been to the Dragonbone Wastes. We saw no mirror."

Finn shrugged, uncertain what to say, "It might be hidden…or only appear to those who know its location."

Deesh picked up the deepstalkers, placing them into her satchel, "Then we have little time to waste. We'll be traveling to the other end of the country."

Reaching the area, the Guardian Commander couldn't find anything left of her missing scouts. Something was wrong about the whole situation. Their transponders were missing and not even using Biometal Model L's searching ability couldn't lead her to any sign of the scouts. Shifting to Biometal Model P to search for the Mavericks did lead to something, only she couldn't find anything related to Mavericks. Instead, she found large, strange women with the bodies of spiders below their hips crawling around the area, carrying things wrapped in silk and making a pile of them.

Even wrapped in such thick looking threads the energy emanating from them could only be from Model W fragments. However, what was stranger was that these spider-like beings had no known matter and completely organic. These spiders were almost like the mythological Arachne.

This is just leading to more questions; how are there so many unaccounted for Biometals, why are there no Mavericks drawn to the Biometals, where do such creatures come from, and what interest do they have in the Biometals.

Before being able to investigate these questions further one of the creatures attacked. It wasn't noticed until the moment of its strike, something that should have been impossible with Model P's enhanced sensors.

Barely managed to dodge the Arachne's claws and shifted to utilize Model Z, now needing to fight against these unknown creatures in the hopes of avoiding them and destroying the Model Ws at the same time.

"This is your only chance, surrender the Biometals if you know what's good for you! It'll only lead to despair." The attacking spider screeched to draw the others in. "I'd rather not hurt you if you can understand me. Those Biometals will only corrupt and destroy." The creatures attacked relentlessly instead, showing no interest in listening or trying to understand. Regardless these Model Ws need to be destroyed. "Sorry, but you've left me no choice now."

The near month-long trek to the Dragonbone Waste was mostly eventless. Deesh found signs suggesting there to be new occupants since their routing of the Mother's darkspawn faction. The lack of corruption in the area easily ruled out a new darkspawn nest.

As they started passing the first of the litany of dragon skeletons strewn about, Finn whispered among them, "We're here. Keep your eyes open for dragons. And mirrors."

Not too far in, Strider started to snarl, drawing in a group of young dragonlings and their human handlers. Shadow kicked one of the dragonlings as she shot one of the humans, "More dragon cultists? Didn't we wipe out the group in Haven?"

Theron stabbed one of the dragonlings before grabbing his bow to shoot one of the cultists, "We didn't kill all of them."

Deesh smashed the head of a dragonling with her shield, "The children and some adults escaped. Even assuming they are the same cultist, humans are prone to worship the weirdest of things with enough persuasion."

Ariane blocked a cultist's axe with a sword, "Yeah, humans do get obsessive over the strangest of things."

Finn yelled out, "Hey, not all humans are so easily impressed."

Deesh stabbed the dragonling, "No, just most of your kind, hatchling." When the final cultist fell, Deesh stopped the group. "Just like when we passed through when darkspawn occupied here, the enemy will have plenty of vantage points against us. I'll sneak around first and do what I can. Give me a five-minute head start. Rush if the dragonlings start squawking."

Before anyone could say anything, Deesh used her spell to turn invisible. Shadow whispered to herself, "You'd think she'd want to use us to map the area."

Shade kept to Shadow's pack, "Not that my scans wouldn't go unnoticed or your shots unheard."

It was a quiet five minutes as they sat and waited for whatever Deesh was doing. Shadow stretched her arms, throwing her back to stretch, "Well, five minutes are up. Time for some fun!"

Shadow rushed in headstrong to see Deesh's handiwork. It was hard to tell as a spike of ice flew in front of Shadow's helmet. She shot at the mage before a sudden eruption of flames roasted him alive. She was quickly flanked by new cultists with swords. Theron and Ariane both intercepted, though the two dragonlings and the drake rushing toward them wasn't an encouraging sight.

Before the dragons could reach them a series of icicles speared out of the ground cutting them off their most direct route. Finn zapped the three dragons with lightning. Shadow helped speed up the death of the dragonlings with a quick shot through their open mouths.

As Theron and Ariane finished off their cultist foes, the dying screech of a drake echoed ahead. They found Deesh with a sword driven through the drake and three more cultist archers with their throats slit. Given that Deesh obviously dragged some of the bodies from their original positions they could have possessed a significant threat.

Deesh pulled out a knife to start gathering scales from the drake and gather the arrows. Everything else was of little use to her beyond that of her kills. Deesh continued her work, "Mage, blow up the two idiots who still think they have a chance against us."

Shadow pulled a grenade out of nowhere, "Don't worry, I've got them." She then stuck her thumb out and aligned it with the stone arch, "Say Shade, think they're behind the arch or the rocks?"

Shade popped into existence, "If they're smart, it would have been the arches. But given the tech and other factors they'd probably chose rocks." Shadow swung her arm around before tossing the grenade out.

The grenade landed nicely between the rocks before detonating as it had the cultists scream while being disintegrated into purple particles.

Everything appeared clear, though as they entered the clearing a strange creature with five limbs climbed on top of a tower before them. Even stranger was the tiny arms the gangly creature had. Finn was slowly backing away as the beast took notice of the intruders. "What…is…that?"

Ariane was shaking with fear and awe, "A…a varterral? It can't be, they're only legends! It is said they were rock and tree, wind and rain, given form and breath by the elven gods to protect their people."

The varterral jumped down to them, approaching aggressively and roaring. Finn didn't see that, "To protect their people? Then why does it look like it's going to eat you?"

Deesh rushed in front with her shield to block the varterral's pincer-like leg before it struck Ariane. Deflecting the blow Deesh quickly shouted, "Yol Toor Shul!" as fire blasted the varterral in the face. Only the varterral didn't seem fazed, rather it seemed annoyed.

The varterral used its arms to latch onto Deesh's shield, pulling her closer to its own maw. Shadow fired her rifle into its cycloptic jeweled eye, forcing the varterral back.

Deesh jumped back, "Fire doesn't work. Mage, try lightning. I'll try ice. Theron, arrows." Strider rush forward, barking at the varterral to get its attention.

Shadow moved around to the flank to provide Strider with support in distraction. "Come here ugly! Why go for dog meat when you've got grade A muscle right here!"

Despite its large size and awkward form, the varterral was surprisingly fast as it easily jumped from attacking Strider to attacking Shadow within seconds of each other. Theron moved to a new position to start firing arrows as Ariane did the same in the opposite direction.

Deesh focused on her spell, forming a long icy spear and threw at the relatively tiny body of the varterral. That injured it significantly, letting out a bloodcurdling scream as the frost from the ice spear continued to spread across the stone-like scales.

As the varterral let out a pained scream, a pair of young dragons flew in and blasted fire at the group to separate them from the varterral. Theron pulled out his swords to draw one of the dragons as Ariane did the same.

The Arachne were relentless and endless. No matter how many were cut down or blasted they continued to rush into battle, occasionally even using their fallen as shields or distractions. In truth, they were more of a distraction on a whole so a group of them can do something with the Model Ws but getting an opening to stop them was going to be difficult.

"That strange energy buildup appears to be hitting its apex."

"Grand Nuage, fall back!"

"But Commander!"

"No excuses! Fall back now! Model H, shift!" Her armor shifted, changing to its new configuration as she boosted through the enemy before her and her two energy sabers cutting down anything else. She just might break the energy channeling the group around the Model Ws were somehow conducting.

The shockwave strike cut through three of the Arachne, but that didn't seem to matter as a massive portal appeared above the Biometals. It created a gravity well as the smaller Biometals were being sucked up first. She had to take the initiative to at least destroy the bigger fragments before they could leave and hope the other fragments aren't ending up in the wrong hands.

After destroying the sixth fragment, seeing how many were being taken away meant her current effort was almost meaningless. "I'm going to be out of contact for an extended amount of time. Continue operations without me. I'll try to return as soon as I can. Until I return Gardénia will be in command. Stay safe everyone. Aile heading out." She jumped off one of the fragments she destroyed, spinning through the air with her two energy blades and cutting through as many fragments as she could while letting the portal take her to its next destination.

Another pair of dragons were attracted to the battle, making the suspicion that the dragon cultists could have driven the varterral mad or was twisted and lost its original purpose. Deesh and Finn's ice magic helped to destroy one of the varterral's legs, though that hardly slowed the monstrosity down.

While Strider and Theron dealing with the last immature dragon the other focused on the varterral. With this moment while Shadow was distracting it, Deesh moved to Finn, "Our attacks are nothing but miniscule cuts. We need to strike the body."

"We've tried. It's too fast."

"Too fast for direct magic perhaps." Deesh looked down to Ariane as she slashed at one of the varterral's legs. "Create a platform, about neck high. That should be tall enough."

"Enough for what?" Deesh's glare was enough to shut Finn up to do what was asked of him, even if he still didn't fully understand her plan.

Finn wanted to question her further, but they really didn't have the time as the varterral secreted more of its caustic venom. He started to cast his spell, shifting the earth near the varterral's missing limb. Even before it finished forming, Deesh rushed to the growing mound and used her momentum to aid her approach.

Deesh leapt to one of the varterral's legs, carefully climbing up onto its back. The varterral had no experience dealing with a foe who was willing to risk climbing it. The movement was becoming more erratic in its desperate attempt to throw Deesh off. Its arms were useless with Deesh on one of its rear legs, though moving from the legs to the back was a bit of a struggle because of the thrashing.

Shadow and Ariane helped to hold it still long enough for Deesh to move, drawing out her Dragonbane. Even if the creature was crafted like a golem, it still had a core to keep it functioning. Following the flow of magic within the varterral, she found the most concentrated gathering of magic and drove the sword through.

The varterral continued to struggle for a while, even more desperately trying to throw Deesh off. But it was already too late. The varterral was losing strength, the strange legs collapsing despite its effort to keep standing. Until it finally gave out and collapsed completely.

Shadow looked closer at the beast, "How'd you know your dragon slayer would work?"

"It was speculation. If the dragons came to its aid, perhaps the dragon cultists corrupted it because of its draconic link. Regardless, our path should be clear now. Mage, lead the way."

They traveled down the spiraled depths of the Tevinter ruins, going all the way down to the Mother's former nesting site. A lot of the darkspawn's infestation had withered away, though the very essence of their presence still lingered in the air.

Behind the thorny remains of the Mother stood the elaborate elven mirror, with a small camp and its occupant nearby. Finn was completely awestruck by the active magic mirror, barley noticing the Witch of the Wild standing before it. "The Eluvian! And it's…glowing? We should…" Ariane stopped him, making him finally notice the situation at hand.

Morrigan did something to the mirror as its surface rippled like a pond against her fingers. She smiled as she looked back to the group. Ariane knew this was not her place to interfere now, encouraging Theron, "I think she's…expecting you." Theron and Deesh walked toward her, though Ariane quickly added in a hushed tone, "Ask her about our book!"

Deesh and Theron slowly approached, though to Deesh's surprise the deepstalkers jumped out of her bag and rushed to Morrigan. Their maws snapping as though expecting treats from the witch, who indeed tossed a pair of rabbit legs to chew on while she gently caressed some of their backs.

After entertaining the deepstalkers, Morrigan crossed her arms, confident in her position, "No further please. One more step and I leave. For good, this time," her tone reflecting the heartache she desperately was trying to hide before them.

Deesh gave a simple nod as Theron bowed, "Hello to you too, Morrigan."

"I assume you know what this is," giving the Eluvian a momentary glance back. "I have gone to great lengths to find and activate this portal. Give me reason and I use it, and you will not be able to follow," pointing specifically to Theron alone.

"The Eluvians are portals? To where?"

"To another place, beyond this world and beyond the Fade. But this portal can only be used once more. Achieving this much was…difficult." That was enough reason for Deesh to join Morrigan, even knowing she couldn't keep her end of the bargain for long, not that she'll bring it up in front of Theron. "I remained because I sensed your approach. You kept the ring. Tell me, why did you come?"

Deesh continued to remain silent, knowing it's as a conflict they needed to resolve amongst themselves as Theron noted, "I couldn't let it end like that."

Morrigan almost chuckled, "And you once argued with me that love is not weakness. I will never understand you. And you will never understand me."

Theron wanted to get closer, though he held himself back, "I won't understand unless you help me to."

And in kind, Morrigan wanted him closer, hesitating just so, "I…would not know where to begin explaining."

There was plenty he could ask her, but Theron narrowed it down to one that should cover most of it, "What is your plan? I want to know."

"My plan is to leave, and prepare the child for what is to come. Such preparation requires time. And power. I must have both if I am to be successful. More than this, I dare not say. Even to you." Even Morrigan couldn't hide the distress she must be feeling at telling Theron to keep his distance in such a cold manner.

Theron wanted to ask more about the child, but he could see the pained look Morrigan was expressing. "No more questions."

"Then allow me to provide you a warning. 'Tis Flemeth you should beware of, not me. Hunt her if you hunt anyone."

Theron was confused, "Flemeth is dead."

Deeesh finally spoke, shaking her head, "No, what we killed didn't feel right… I never said anything because I had nothing but a feeling at the time. But…"

Morrigan nodded, "My mother has tricked her way past death and more. She is no more finished than I am." Morrigan moved closer, as she could no longer contain her fears on this matter, "I thought I knew what Flemeth planned. I thought what she craved was immortality. And yet I was wrong. So very wrong. She is no blood mage, no abomination… She is not even truly human. The ritual was but a means to an end, a herald for what is to come."

"Why? What is going to happen?"

Morrigan started to return to her more sultry tone, the allure of the unknown, "Change is coming to the world. Many fear change and will fight it with every fiber of their being. But sometimes change is what they need most. Sometimes change is what sets them free."

Theron knew her better than that, "And is that what you want? To be free?"

"What I want…" cutting herself off as she stared into his eyes, immediately breaking away in shame, "is unimportant now." Morrigan moved closer to the mirror as the magic surrounding the Eluvian was starting to wane, "I cannot tarry longer. The time has come for me to go."

Deesh moved closer, as per their agreement, though she pointed to Shadow to get over as well. "And this where we must part as well. If there is any way back home for me, or her," glancing to Shadow, "these Eluvians are the key."

Theron grabbed Deesh's arm, "Take me with you."

"You…" Morrigan was tempted, but she hesitated, "cannot know what you ask. 'Twould be better if you stayed. For you, for us both."

Deesh paused, looking back to Theron, not as a friend but as a concerned party, "This path is filled with more dangers than you might imagine."

Theron moved to Morrigan, grabbing her hands delicately, "I want to be with you. No matter what."

Morrigan took Theron's arm away from Deesh, "Then come, my love. We will face the future together." Morrigan and Theron both took a moment for themselves to share a kiss. Afterwards, Theron was brought to the mirror. He hesitated while running his fingers across the mirror, a legacy of his people and a complete unknown of what waited beyond.

Shadow looked over the mirror too, trusting Deesh with his next step. Deesh though threw a random iron knife from her collection toward the stack of books next to Morrigan's campsite, leaving it to Ariane and Finn to salvage.

After gathering the deepstalkers, Deesh and Morrigan walked through without hesitation followed by Theron and Shadow. Unexpectedly, Strider rushed to the mirror and making it through just as the magic completely dissipated from the Eluvian forever.

While in transit however the trip was interrupted by oily tentacles that broke through the realm, blocking their path before rushing for Shadow, Deesh and Strider. As much as Deesh wanted to fight back to return to Nirn, Hermaeus must have more planned for her. And the others were being dragged along.

Shadow and Strider obviously struggled against this unknown, until Deesh finally yelled out, "Stop it or Hermaeus may decide to keep you for his personal interests beyond what is to come." Even as more tendrils rushed forth around the three, Deesh nodded to Morrigan and Theron, "I wasn't expecting my departure to be so sudden. Perhaps we'll meet again, Perhaps not. Regardless, stay safe, my friends."

Theron grabbed his family's necklace, throwing it to Deesh before one of the tendrils could ensnare her free arm. "Keep that as a reminder of us." Deesh wrapped the wood carvings tightly between her fingers, "You can give it back when we meet again."

Morrigan seemed rather disappointed herself. "I was hoping to show you to the Crossroads to search for your path in earnest. Alas, 'twas not to be. If your gods were going to be so demanding of you, then my research may have been for not."

Shadow still struggling, joked, "Well maybe the next time we visit you can break us from these 'chains' so we all can go home for good. Hey damn it, loosen up you damn squid!"

The tentacles pulled Deesh, Shadow and Strider down as the tears into the realm rippled like water. The transition was going to be rough and undoubtedly wiped from their minds to prevent any efforts to leave on their terms. What awaited however was something they'll have to wait to see what the Daedric Princes had planned for them.