In a panic everyone scurried like terrified mice, survivors of South Reach darting in every which way. Knocking over each other and stepping on belongings as they tried to get space between them and the inky darkness surrounding them. The terror demons slinked through the shadows, killing anyone they came across. The man who had been married to the woman who was pulled away was the first one to go. His eyes wide as a demon cruelly drove its bladed fingers through the mans' body. I was pushed back by people as I tried to get to the demons. Someone shoving me into a nearby tree as they fell over and hit the ground hard.
"We need to move!" Bran shouted as he kicked a demon off his blade. "Fall back! With me!" My attention went to Bran who was pulling Laura with him. My attention broken as I saw Roland fly into a tree, smacking against it hard before hitting the ground.
"ROLAND!" Rose's cry for him echoed as she slid in front of him as a demon scurried for him. She moved to the side to avoid a nasty swipe and stabbed upwards through the demon's chest. It shrieked and pulled away. An unearthly scream lifting from it. Rose tried to grab for Roland, but he pushed her away as the demon swiped at her again. My body was moving before I realized and I lifted myself up, grabbing a low hanging branch and swung into the demon. I held onto its back as I stabbed at it, my dagger embedding in its chest. I twisted the knife and threw myself off of it as it melted into the ground beneath me. I backed away as Roland stood with the help of Rose. He held his side in pain as I nodded to him.
"We need to hurry!" I said as I heard the dying screams of the people behind us. Roland nodded hesitantly and pulled Rose along.
"W-Wait! All those people!" Rose protested as she continued to run. Me tailing them.
"I know, but we cannot turn back." Roland replied as they hobbled forward. We needed to run, my injuries were still healing and those demons were tearing through the survivors. Wait!
"Have you seen your sister?!" I called out to Rose who suddenly froze in horror.
"I saw them, they were up ahead with Bran." I let out a sigh of relief as I looked behind me, but something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention.
"MOMMA! PAPA!" I skidded to a stop when I heard Thaddeus crying out. I felt my blood turn to ice as I saw someone laying next to him. A demon slinking up towards him. Its inky body twitching with interest as it stared down the boy. I reacted, firing off towards him. The demon shrieked at the crying boy to which I returned as I blocked its attack and drove my blade up and in. My other blade came around and sliced its head clean off. I spun to Thaddeus and got on my knees. My hands coming to his face as I tried to get him to focus. My eyes drifting for a moment to the person next to him, not recognizing them. Thank goodness.
"Thaddeus, where are your parents?" I asked as he sniffled.
"I-I don't know. I can't find my Mommy!" I nodded and lifted him looking around. Everything was thrown into chaos. I felt my heart racing, beating against my chest like a drum. He ducked his head into my shoulder, crying into my hair. I held him close as I looked around.
"Shh, it'll be alright, kid." I whispered as I tried to spot them amongst the trees and shadows. Holding onto him a bit tighter, I saw demons slinking towards me. Their eyes reflecting the torches and campfires around them. I backed away slowly, his hands balling into my shirt.
"Auntie Quinn…" His little voice was so filled with terror.
"Close your eyes, Kid, and hold onto me." I ordered, his legs that were hooked around my waist tightening as his hands balled up even more into my shirt as his head tucked into my hair. "Count to a hundred for me and when you're done, we'll be safe." He nodded as I heard him counting in my ear. I ran for it, spinning around a tree as a demon launched at me. It hit the tree and crumbled down as the others ran past it. One demon got too close and I rolled with the kid as it leapt over us and I drove my blade through it. It squirmed around on the ground as I took off again. I didn't see any of the survivors, but they couldn't have gone far. I noticed, however, that there were too many demons following me. My eyes widened as the three that were chasing me jumped. I swerved and skidded shooting off to the left just under their claws, but another just in front reared its head towards us. I jolted, my dagger coming forward when a shadow leaped from the darkness. My eyes widened as the shadow then leapt to the three behind me, killing them as well. The shadow with the red eyes nodded to me and I back at it. I ran forward, calling out for Mia, hearing nothing.
"Auntie Quinn, what comes after 29?" He asked as I wove through trees.
"30." I replied quietly as I came to a small clearing with a statue of a dog or wolf of some kind. It was overgrown and decrepit looking, my mind catching 'Fen' on the base of the statue as I ran past, the rest of the name covered by vines. I called out for Rose next, but still nothing. I felt the shadow nudge me to the right and I twisted my head towards him before nodding and running forward. I skidded to a stop looking around. That's when I heard Mia's voice. I shot forward with Thaddeus in my arms, and emerged from the brush and immediately I saw Mia moving around with Terrence calling for the boy. She looked so frantic when her eyes laid on us and they widened as she grabbed Terrence's arm and pulled him forward. I passed off the boy to Mia who held onto him, kissing him as the boy kept his eyes shut.
"You can open your eyes, Thaddeus." I said as she gushed over the boy.
"THADDEUS! Thank the Maker!" Mia cried as she hugged him and kissed his head. Terrence touched the boy on his head, relief on his face as he nodded to me. "Thank you!" She nearly cried as she hugged him, nodding to me. Rose and Roland nodded to me, jogging over.
"There's too many demons. Roland spotted about eleven to the East."
"There was even more behind us." I voiced as I looked around. I felt my heart pound in my ears when Flemeth's warning whispered through my mind.
"They are attracted to your mark. To the Fade."
The demons are attracted to my mark… I nodded as I felt my hand spark up. "I...I have an idea." I said, noticing their stares. "You guys go on without me, I'll draw them away." I said, but Mia stepped forward and touched my arm.
"No! I am not leaving you behind again." I heard the screeches of the demons as the scoured the area.
"I wish there was another way. I have to draw them away." I said as I pulled away and gave them a smile.
"Why you!?" Terrence spoke up and I waved my mark hand at them.
"Unfortunately I'm the only one who can." I replied. "Now, go." I ordered as I turned from them feeling a hand on my shoulder. I looked over at Roland who nodded back to me.
"Be careful. We need you." I replied with a nod before I took off. Bobbing through the unruly forest. I closed my eyes for a moment feeling my palm spark up. I focused on moving through the trees, but my mind wandered to anything emotional I could think of. Solas had mentioned before I left that he thought the two were linked. That I could make my mark react by replicating emotions like fear. Fear, Fear. Shouldn't be too hard! I jolted as a demon swung out at me, noticing my palm was dimly lit. I dipped underneath the blow, the demon's claws tearing right through a small tree. I rolled and stood, bounding into a sprint. I tried to think of something, when My Father came to mind. The demon taunting me about him clear in my mind. My palm sparked madly making my eyes widen. I suddenly was thrown through a rift and I stumbled into a clearing. My eyes widened as I looked around not hearing or feeling many demons nearby. I paused and looked at my hand. Great. Perfect. My eyes scanned the area as I looked back down at my palm, the spark dying out.
"No, no,nonononono. C'mon! Do your thing you stupid fucking-Yes!" I growled at it and with a burst of green light it was sparking again. I still didn't feel any demons nearby as I stood with my hand sparking. I needed more power. More to attract them to. I thought of South Reach. When I made that gigantic rift. Energy started to build up in my hand, I could feel it. Like a surge in my blood. I thought of anything painful, anything that would make me afraid. Tayen. and my Father clouding my mind. I suppose all those nightmares are finally becoming useful. I opened my eyes as a shout burst from my lungs, my arms thrown open.
The motion feeling almost natural. I heard the clap of the Fade opening and I smiled triumphantly at it, but it fell when I heard what was now coming for me. My eyes widened, not even feeling, but hearing the horde of demons pouring through the woods. Trampling and destroying everything in their path. I looked back up at the rift feeling its energy waning and it was flickering. I heard someone cry out, drawing my attention from the rift to the Healer from South Reach. I gasped and ran forward grabbing her and pulling her with me.
"My-My Lady! Where are we going!?"
"I have a bad feeling that will only distract them for a little bit. Come on!" She started running, but I noticed a scrape along her forehead. We wove through the woods, me trying to calm my mark down so that we weren't discovered too quickly. These demons were fast. The way they moved, jarring and snake-like. They were stronger as well. She was huffing as we turned right into the woods. We slid to a stop and I looked around wondering which way to go. I didn't recognize this path and everything was dark. Shit, Quinn. Think. I racked my brain, but I was interrupted when I felt a silence wash over me. I smiled as I popped my head up. I saw his red eyes glowing in the darkness. He looked relieved and I nodded to the Healer.
"Hey, what's your name?"
"My- Asa." I nodded.
"Asa, you're going to follow my friend back to the others. Don't be scared." I said and she stared at me in shock, before looking over her shoulder. Stiffening at what she saw. "Don't worry, he's good." I nodded to the red eyed shadow. "You know where they are, yeah?" I asked to which he nodded in reply, looking a little concerned. "I have to draw them away or no one will be safe." I said to which he nodded hesitantly. I looked back at Asa, noticing her eyes roll back in her head. I grabbed hold of her as I heard the demons screech loudly. "Shit." I cursed as I handed her off looking away from him as he got close. "Here take her. Make sure the others are safe. Please." I said and he nodded to me as I ran in the opposite direction. I heard the demons tearing after me as my legs pumped faster. This plan sucks. My heart in my throat, my pulse beating against my eardrums, dulling out the sounds around me. Was this even going to work? I heard more sounds of the demons running right for me this time. There were more too. Too many. My eyes widened as I saw their glowing green eyes from over my shoulder. I tried to control my fear, to focus on my surroundings. If my mark burns too bright it may attract more than I can run from, but if it doesn't attract enough this will be for nothing. Fear was ebbing into my mind, my body aching already. I gasped in shock as I was dragged down and slammed against the ground. I rolled over as the demon struck the ground next to me. Its claws lodged in the dirt. My dagger snapped out and drove into its head and rolled back over and ran for it. The demon that I'd just stabbed spasming on the ground as more toppled over it, clamoring towards me. I didn't look back as I burst through the woods splashing through the creek in the clearing. A demon launched itself at me and I ducked and rolled. The demon flew over me as I skidded back onto my feet and kept running. I took a peek at how many were following me and saw just a mass of blackened bodies following me and tumbling over each other to get to me. More were filing through too. My blazing mark attracting them. Maker's shit what do I do now? There's too many to kill and I can only run but so far. I kept running for my life, my heart ramming in my chest as I just tried to get away. Demons toppled down trees bursting through as their claws scraped the ground just feet behind me. I felt my hand react and I was burst forward through a rift, stumbling and tripping when I came through the other side. I pushed myself back onto my feet looking behind me and I just saw woods. Maker, where am I now? I heard the demons though still behind me, but farther. They were screeching into the air. A pulse shooting out and it rumbled the ground beneath my feet. I stumbled, but took it as my sign to get going again. Hardly any time to catch my breath as I burst back into a run. I tried to avoid the panic that was setting in realizing that I might not be able to get away from the demons. I couldn't stop running though. I had to keep going. I couldn't die. Another demon tackled me and I tumbled kicking it off of me as my hand activated and I tumbled through another rift. I gasped out as I hit the ground hard and rolled down a small hill. I leapt back onto my feet and looked around again hearing the commotion still behind me. Move Quinn! My hand flaring angrily again as I burst forward. I kept on running. My lungs burning, my wounds aching. I was running out of stamina and these demons weren't. I heard them following me still as I wove through the trees when suddenly I was grabbed. A heavy silence nearly making me pass out. The pressure on my hand forcing the power of the Fade to cease all together. I gasped out in shock, but a hand was clamped over my mouth and I was dragged behind a tree. The demons poured past me as I stared on. They ran aimlessly past us as I was dragged to the other side of the tree. My chest heaving as they all passed and I pulled away from the person holding onto me. I glared, but seeing it was my red eyed shadow I calmed a bit. I heaved, my eyes a bit wide. "Thanks." I heaved and he grabbed onto my wrist and dragged me forward. The silence was heavy around me as we ran through the thick forest. I was pulled back around a tree and he moved quick to the other tree as two demons crawled around the ground. I flipped the daggers in my hands and held them up to my chest as I tried to control my breathing. I was still panting from exertion though, and I heard one of the demons get close. It hissed as it loomed over me, looking past the tree I was behind. It was then that I noticed the multiple other demons that were in the area. I sucked in a breath and noticed he was gone. Did that bastard leave me? I heard fighting and I leapt out at the demon next to me, dispatching its head swiftly. His silhouette was moving around through the shadows, killing the demons at an alarming rate. I felt my heart in my throat watching him. I could barely make out his movements, he was so fast. Two more demons spawned behind me and I killed one as the other got a hit on me. A pained cry leaving my lips as I felt its claw against my back. I shook it off and kicked it away, leaping onto it before driving my blade through its chest and twisting. I stumbled away from the body as it disintegrated and I hazily looked over as his eyes moved closer. I wobbled for a moment before I corrected it and I nodded.
"Let's keep going." I said and saw his eyes looking me up and down, worry in those striking red orbs. "Don't give me that look, Tempy." I grunted with a forced smirk. His eyes returned to mine. "I'm a little hard to kill." I puffed the hair out of my face, my body aching but I forced myself upright. His eyes narrowed a bit smugly, but the worry was still there. With a nod we resumed and ran back through the woods. I recognized this area of the forest, we were near the creek. "Wait." I called out quietly as I stopped. "I...I can't really control this thing and I don't know if we got them far enough from the survivors yet." I said, the red eyed shadow stopping ahead of me and looked back. "My mark is luring the demons to us." He nodded and his silence got heavier for a moment. His eyes on my marked hand. "Oh." I slapped my forehead. "Oh sweet Andraste I'm stupid." I whispered as I looked at him as he moved away from me, the silence lessening before he was right in front of me again and it was heavy. "So...as long as you stay close you can keep the silence up. Can you just do that non stop then?" I asked and he shook his head. "Then...then we just need to be careful." I said with a frown. "I'll try to keep the mark in check, but if I can't I'll need you to. Or get that family as far away from me as you can." I demanded to which he hesitantly nodded. We ran forward, seeing no demons around us as we continued on. I was exhausted, my body aching as I suddenly teetered, my vision hazy and I fell against a tree. His red eyes turned to me in shock and I held up my hand. "I'll-I'll be fine. I just need a second." I huffed as I felt the cut on my shoulder ache. Blood dripped down my arm and back, running onto the tree and ground beneath me. My body was coming down from the adrenaline and everything was catching up to me. I closed my eyes for a moment to catch my breath, for a moment just focusing on my breathing. The sound of a cloth being torn startled me and I opened my eyes. I saw nothing but a blur as I was spun around, nearly falling over before I was caught and my eyes covered. I felt hands tie off the scrap of material behind my head and I grunted in annoyance as I went to pull it off. My hand was suddenly smacked away. "Excuse m-" I attempted to protest, but it dissolved into a confused cry as I was lifted. I let out a huff of annoyance, but my body was too tired to retaliate. "You're very impatient." The grumble passed through my lips sounding more amused than I'd wanted it to, earning a quiet chuckle. My eyes closed for a moment. This feeling of familiarity echoing inside my chest. A yearning for something I once knew... "Who are you?" I asked as exhaustion ebbed at my mind. "Why...why do you feel like him?" I nearly choked as Cullen's image burned into my eyelids. "He's gone. You can't be... " I couldn't remember how I finished the sentence. My mind slipping in and out of consciousness.
The world sank away, but I was shaken back.
"You're making me seasick." I groaned so that he'd stop shaking me. Who was he? He didn't want me to see him, he couldn't even speak it seems… I frowned to myself, yet he seemed very intent on protecting that family and me. Perhaps he just recognized my usefulness and he was friends with the family? After all he didn't just help Mia and Rose and their family members...he also helped the rest of the survivors. Perhaps...perhaps he was just a friendly Templar...with glowing red eyes. I needed a name for him, but it seems he didn't speak. It was just annoying calling him the red eyed shadow in my head. My mind painfully went to Avis's bird. A hollow ache in my chest as I remembered the last time I'd seen the creature... Red… I shook off the dreadful feeling settling on the name. It seemed to fit him. I felt us stop and I was placed down on the ground gently. I was too tired to look around. The cloth was pulled from my eyes, but I didn't even bother to open them. I tried to stay as still as possible, my body aching. My back still bleeding, but not as bad as before. I felt Red move away for a couple of moments before I heard small feet approach and I heard Thaddeus's voice gasp in my ear.
"Auntie Quinn!" He cried out. His little hands grabbing at my face. "Auntie Quinn, wait here! I'll go get help!" I opened my eyes to look at him, barely catching his form as he ran out of view. "Momma! Papa!" He cried out as his little feet retreated. I looked forward as Red seemed to loom close, but not too close.
"My hero." I drawled, too tired to show any enthusiasm. I thought I heard him chuckle quietly. I felt a small smile come to my lips as I looked to my enigmatic savior. His eyes dissapeared from view and I heard multiple feet storming towards me. I nearly flinched as Mia skidded to her knees in front of me. Her hands moved my hair out of my face as she looked me over.
"She's alive! Help me carry her!" I was lifted and carried away. My head lobbing as I looked back and saw Thaddeus being pulled away by Mia as he stared off into the woods with a wide smile.
I blinked, my body feeling heavy in the complete darkness. I couldn't move, my body unresponsive. Floating in the darkness like I was adrift in a black sea. I could hear voices around me, echoes of a discussion between a couple of people around me, but it was too muffled. I could feel my heart constrict as pain erupted through my right side. A voice, lower than the rest, called for me. It felt like someone was clawing around in my mind as I heard it hiss.
"Fadewalker." The voice sung, the voice echoing in my mind. "I see you, Fadewalker." The voice took on a form that seemed far too gruesome to be human. A demon's eyes fixed onto me, a claw driving through my shoulder wrenching a scream from my lips. It pulled away and licked its claws. Glee filled its eyes and it tried to reach for me again, but as soon as it reached for me its image sunk away. "No! No-! You cannot run from me! I will find you! You are mine!" It screeched as it was sucked away into the depths below.
My eyes snapped open and I sat up, my back seizing in pain. I muttered a curse, biting my lip as I sat very still to avoid putting stress on the wound. I heard someone startle next to me and noticed it was the Rose who suddenly turned and gave me a short smile.
"Ah, you're awake. Good. We were worried." I nodded and gripped at my forehead grimacing at the slight headache forming.
"How long?" She frowned as she pulled out some water.
"About a day. We moved from where we initially found you. We're close to the water now. I don't know if you can smell it." She said as I inhaled the faint scent of the salty sea air. My mind jumping to the last time I'd been to the ocean- "Bran and Laura are scouting ahead to see how far away we are from the water." I nodded silently as she handed me a waterskin.
"How many are left?" I asked as I kept my face neutral, taking a sip of the watered down wine. She shook for a moment before looking down at her hands in her lap.
"Eight of us." She said with a sniffle. "I'm sorry-" She apologized as she wiped away the tears quickly. Poor Rose.. she's probably never seen this much death. I pretended not to notice, keeping my eyes on the woods around me. "Now it is only you, me, Bran, Roland, Laura, Asa, Thaddeus and Terrence. No one….no one else made it." She let out a small sob as she balled up her fists. With a grit of my teeth, I touched her hand.
"You did all you could. You survived, Rose. You continue to fight, that is what matters now." I reassured, her eyes widening at my words.
"I just feel so useless. I'm only alive because someone else deemed me worthy enough to live." She bit her lip to keep a sob in and looked away from me. "I can't-I wish I was like you."
"I am glad you are not like me." I said with a small smile as I touched her shoulder. "If someone else was taking all the punches what would I do?" I asked with a small, playful smirk. Her eyes widened realizing I was joking with her and she let out a giggle.
"Oh, how dare you joke at a time like this." She stifled a laugh and shook her head, wiping away stray tears. "Thank you, Quinn." She said as she hugged me gently. "We would be lost without you with us." I patted her back and smiled.
"You would be just fine, my friend." I said with a soft smile and pulled away. I looked into her eyes seeing the same eyes as Cullen staring back at me. My eyes stung as I blinked back the tears, looking away from her. With a painful amount of effort I pushed myself up, attempting to stand, but my back seized. I fell back against the tree hitting my shoulder. A hiss of pain made its way through my lips as I tried not to cry out, my hands bracing against the bark.
"Quinn!" Rose fussed as she stood quickly and made to grab onto me. I held out my hand and shook my head as I panted. "Please don't push yourself! You're clearly wounded. There is no need to-"
"The longer we stay here the more dangerous this place becomes. I won't put you all in needless danger so that I can get a couple more hours of shut eye." She frowned at me, clearly displeased with my answer.
"And if you get yourself killed I'll never forgive myself." I smiled at her regardless of the concerned glare she was giving me.
"Rose. I promise you I will see this to the end." I promised as she stared at me intently before letting out a sigh.
"At least allow me to help you." I nodded and groaned as she pulled her shoulder under my arm and I leant against her as she helped lift me. "They're just up ahead." She murmured as we hobbled forward. "They're trying to figure out what to do next, but we can't decide to stay or leave." She added quietly as he pulled myself forward.
"Bran and Laura have yet to return. It's been two days. What if something happened to them?" Terrence muttered just up ahead in the middle of a makeshift campsite."We should go after them."
"N-nothing happened to them. They're fine. I'm sure of it. They...They're probably just being careful." The Healer, Asa, said as she shifted, her finger tapping against her leg. Her left arm was a bit hidden from my sight, but I could see it was still bandaged.
"We cannot afford to stay here much longer." Roland grunted. "Regardless if Bran and Laura are back yet we cannot stay idle. Those demons could be back on our tails in no time." He added before noticing us over Terrence's shoulder. "Ah, perfect timing." He nodded. Terrence looked at me smiling as Asa stared at me in shock.
"Sorry to interrupt the conversation, but I agree. We need to get away from the forest and as fast as we possibly can. If we head in the same direction we can possibly meet up with them assuming they made it out." I frowned as I looked towards the East. "Rifts will continue to open and more demons will come. I don't want to be around when that happens." They all nodded in unison. "Is everyone alright to travel?" I asked and they looked me up and down.
"We should be asking you that, lass." I frowned and shook my head.
"I'll be alright." I replied, Asa twitching slightly at my words, her eyes revealing her discomfort. "We just need to move or none of us will be alright for long." Roland nodded as he looked at Terrence.
"Go collect Mia and the boy. Rose and I will pack up camp." He ordered as everyone dispersed.
"Asa, tend to her wounds. Make sure she's actually okay to move." She nodded to me and motioned for me to sit on a stump.
"I said I was fine-"
"I will flick you in the ribs. Sit down and let her look at you." I rolled my eyes and sat down.
"Yes, mum." I commented in a huff, Roland walking off with a far too self satisfied grin. Asa moved to me and gently looked me over. She pulled away after a couple moments of poking and prodding, her face unreadable. "How we lookin' doc?" I asked and she grimaced.
"I…" She looked around and noticed no one was around. "My Lady it's...it's not good. Do you want to know?" She asked and I nodded as I ran a hand through my hair.
"Yeah, just tell me." I leant down, staring at the ground. My hand on my face as I frowned. That's never a good sign.
"The lacerations on your shoulder and back are deep and I was unable to use sutures. I bandaged them as best as I could, but if you strain you'll lose a lot of blood." I felt Red closeby and move even closer as she spoke to me. "Your ribs are heavily bruised. The cut on your side and ankle are also bandaged, not as deep. Sweet Andraste I can't even begin to imagine the internal damage done. Your body can't take much more of this abuse. There's only so much you can take." She said and I frowned as I stared at my palms. "You shouldn't even be able to stand." She added her voice rising a bit, the urgency in her tone hardly shaking me. She seemed terrified though, her impassive healer facade forgotten.
"Can you give me anything?" I asked and she frowned.
"I can give you something for the pain, but I'm very serious. You...you will die if you continue to fight as you do. The physical strain should be too much for any normal person." I sighed and nodded.
"Alright." I let out a puff of air as I ran a hand over my face. "Keep this between us. I don't want them to know."
"They-they should know though, I won't say anything, but you should." She frowned down at me and rubbed her temples. "I will be back with something to stave off the pain for a while." I nodded a thank you and I groaned, leaning against the tree.
"You know. Eavesdropping is kind of rude." I said as I chanced a look over at Red. It seemed like everytime I look at his eyes they seem increasingly more concerned than before. "Oh don't look so concerned. I'm not dead yet." I sighed as I looked away. "I'll be fine. I always am." He didn't seem convinced. I reached into my pocket feeling the bracelet Cullen gave me. Just making sure it was still there, my fingers grazing over the pearl. "I have to fight. For those I've lost and those that I am afraid of losing." He stared at me, his ruby eyes glowing in the darkness. "Hey, can you make me a promise?" I asked as I closed my eyes. "I'm just going to imagine you nodded and agree." I let out a small laugh.
"If...if something does happen to me, make sure they're safe. Can you promise me that?" I asked as I opened my eyes back up and looked up at him. He squinted for a moment before looking away. I smiled. "Thanks." I let out a grunt as I shifted. "You know, I'm really glad you've been watching over us." I laughed as I closed my eyes. "Never thought I'd say tha-" I started, but I felt a hand gently pat my head before it pulled away. Just the touch made my heart slam in my chest. I opened my eyes and I let out a snort. "Did you just pet me?" I heard a faint chuckle. "Alright, fine, but I'm not doing any tricks. Understand?" He snorted at that and I smiled as well. Roland came back and nodded to me, but paused. His eyes moving to the darkness.
"Your friend is around." He observed with a weary look. I tilted my head, but nodded knowing who he was talking about.
"He's always around." I replied, noticing a short look of concern in his eyes.
"Look, I trust you, but...do you even know what that thing is? What if it's dangerous?" I stared up at him, but nodded anyway. Fair concerns on his part.
"Fair." I muttered. "But...He saved my life and yours. I think he deserves a little trust." I stated before I could think about the statement. He stared for a moment before sighing.
"Like I said, Lass, I trust you and if you trust him then he's okay in my book." His eyes went over my shoulder and he stared for a moment before nodding and looking away.
"We've picked up camp. Let's head towards the water. Hopefully we meet up with Bran and Laura on the way." He said as he sighed and scratched his head. "We'll leave a message that explains where we went just in case we miss them." I nodded and stood, forcing myself to stay upright. He jolted forward towards me, but I waved him off.
"I'm okay." I said and he nodded, backing away. "What? No 'you look like shit?'"
"It's bad form to kick someone when they're down." He chuckled and I lifted an eyebrow as I rested against the tree.
"Is it?"
"Who taught you manners? Of course it is." He grumbled before looking out into the forest. "...and I feel bad that you were seriously injured helping us while I could do nothing."
"Would you look at that. A mercenary with a heart of gold." I replied with the tiniest chuckle I could muster.
"I take it back. I'm glad you got hurt." He ground out and I chuckled at that, slamming my fist against the tree as pain erupted through my side. I cursed under my breath noticing a grimace on his lips. "C'mon I'll help you along." I shook my head.
"I told you-" He turned around and squatted down.
"Shut up and get on my back. You'll slow us down." I stared.
"Roland, I'm not-"
"Get. on. my back." I glared at his back, but nodded with a huff.
"Fine." I groaned and gently got onto his back. He lifted upwards.
"You on?" I resisted the urge to smack him.
"You're not funny." I grumbled, eliciting a laugh from him. He carried me on as he looked around.
"Andraste's knickers I've held swords heavier than you."
"Heard that one before." I drawled as we bobbed along. He laughed at that as we met up with the others. Asa walked up to us and she handed me a vial. I took it and downed it, trying to hide the look of disgust. So bitter. Thanking her quietly, I looked around at everyone and they all nodded to us.
"Quinn, are you alright?" Mia asked as she touched my leg gingerly.
"I thought she could just use the rest while we traveled. Just until she's good to walk without nearly passing out." The urge to smack him on the back of the head was becoming harder to resist. He was right through and I was grateful. His hand went to my foot and he patted it. "Alright. Let's get moving."A day passed as we traveled. Roland refused to let me walk most of it. Insistent that I needed to rest while I could. We were close to the water, the refreshing smell of the salt air renewing my companions spirits.
"I believe with another couple hours of travel and we'll be at the ocean." Roland said as he let me down. I hobbled to the nearest tree and leant against it. At first I was very against being carried, but Maker did it help.
"Smell that salt air." Rose murmured as she inhaled. "I've never seen the sea, but it smells glorious." She said with a smile on her lips.
"Quinn, how are your injuries?" Asa asked me, her worry masked with a soft smile.
"Better than I was. Thanks to you." I replied hearing Roland clear his throat behind me. With a roll of my eyes I shifted my shoulder. "And my stinky donkey who carried me." He laughed and walked away.
"Stay here with them, I will check the perimeter. One whistle for locating, two for danger." I nodded as I held my arm.
"Got it. Be careful, I've had explicit orders from the doc to avoid moving." He snorted walking away. Rose accompanied him, giving him pause.
"I'm only going to check the perimeter." She folded her arms.
"And? Two people are better than one. Besides, you are still injured." She frowned putting her hands on her hips. "If you are worried don't be. Quinn taught me how to take care of myself." She said with a scoff, her eyes shifting to me as she gave me a wide smile. "I won't let you down, my friend. Rely on me." I worried for her, but I was even more worried at what would happen should I show it. She already felt useless, should my confidence in her waver whatsoever she'll never grow; and I might not always be around to protect her. I grinned at her confidently.
"I think she can handle it." I replied with a smile. "Stay close to him." She nodded as Roland gave me a look of slight concern. This. This is the most I can do for her right now. He nodded to me, seemingly understanding.
"Alright, let's go then." With that, they dissapeared into the darkness. Terrence walked up next to me and nodded towards them.
"Do you think that was wise?" He asked with a frown on his lips. He didn't sound like he was being vindictive, instead he sounded curious.
"If no one waters a plant, it will not grow." I said as I shifted again, trying to get comfortable. "I may not be around to continue protecting them. They'll need to rely on themselves and on each other. They're strong people. You all are." He gave me a nod, his face turning a bit serious.
"I wished to ask you something, if that is alright." With a lift of my eyebrow he continued. "Do you think we actually have a shot?" He asked, his voice sounding slightly hopeful. "Do you think we can get out of here?"
"I can't be sure." I said with a small frown on my lips. "But, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to ensure you all make it out." He stared at me for a long moment.
"...why?" I tilted my head. "Why go to such lengths for people you hardly know." He frowned and looked down at himself. "I know you care about Mia and Rose, but...is that truly all of it? I just can't seem to wrap my head around...why."
"I don't really have an answer for you." I smiled. "I...I just knew someone who was a real hero. I imagine he'd do something like this." He stared down at me, sadness pulling at his features.
"What was he like?" I felt a pang in my heart.
"He was infuriating." I chuckled quietly trying to keep my voice low. "...but, he was also kind and brave." My voice broke a bit at my own words. My soul aching as his image came to mind. It's time to move on.
"He…"
"He died." I whispered, my throat getting too tight, but I felt a smile come to my lips. "I miss him, but I'm relieved he never had to see any of this." I said as I patted my pocket discreetly to feel the bracelet still there.
"I'm sorry for your loss." He said as he gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "I will take my leave. Rest well." His voice was low and saddened. Not his normal tenor. I felt the chill of grief run through me, my hand hardly sparking. Reds silence washed over me and I felt a jolt of surprise run up my spine. How did I not feel him near? Did he just get there? I masked my confusion, taking breaths I calmed down, my body relaxing as Asa nodded to me.
"How are you feeling, Lady Quinn?" I frowned.
"It is just Quinn, Asa. Too much of that Lady stuff will make me vomit." She huffed for a moment before nodding.
"Quinn, then, how are you feeling?" I stiffened a little as my back seized.
"I'd be lying if I told you I was fine, but I think I'm healing up just fine." I said giving her a short nod.
"Being able to rest too seems to be helping. We have been fortunate that the demons have ceased. At least for the moment." Her eyebrow creased and she let out a soft sigh."Here. This will help ease some of the pain. I noticed it looked like it was hard for you to move earlier." I nodded a thank you as I took it from her good hand. My eyes lingering on her injured arm that was wrapped.
"How's your arm?" I asked noticing her stiffen and push it out of view.
"Fine. It's healing." I frowned at that noticing her eyes cast away from me. "Do not worry I will not slow you down." She said as she stood. "I will fetch you some new bandages." I wanted to stop her. What she'd said about slowing us down, it bothered me. She...was she thinking about what I'd told her? Back in South Reach about leaving her behind? Instantly I felt horrible for making her feel like that. I heard Red shift for the first time and I looked over my shoulder into the darkness.
"You're very nosy." I said with a soft, forced smirk. Forcing the pain out of my voice. He was at the other tree, giving me a squint. I sighed looking away. "I'm assuming you heard all of that?" I grumbled as I looked back to him. He nodded shortly, looking away. "I...will be fine. What's the worst thing that happens? I die?" I blew air from my lips, snorting at the thought. "Not like I have much to lose." He looked startled. "What? I've got quite a few people waiting for me on the other side." I said, my confident smile turning into a small frown. "I suppose that's a bit too selfish though isn't it?" I shrugged my shoulders trying to ease my back. My head leaning back against the bark of the tree. "Whatever my fate, I accept it. Until then, I'll just have to keep going." An extremely determined look crossed his eyes and it made my heart leap. He felt so familiar.
"Is...it okay if I call you Red?" I asked and he stared for a moment. "It….I lost someone, but they had a bird whose wings were the same color as your eyes." I gave him a soft smile, before looking away embarrassed. "Maker I'm a fool. I...you just can't talk and I-" He suddenly patted my head again before quickly retreating back into the darkness. I stared up at him in shock. He nodded shortly.
"You're getting rather cheeky as of late." His eyes were scrunched like he was smiling. I tilted my head back as Rose and Roland returned, Red's presence shifting away into the darkness. They set up a small fire, just large enough to cook the little food we had left. We'd need water soon as well. We'd run out today for certain. Looking over the camp I saw them all chatting. Their somber voices, straining to sound light and pleasant. As if they were trying to sound happy for each other. To not show the fear and sadness that ebbed and dragged at each of their souls. Ignoring the hopelessness of their predicament. It was something no one wanted to say, but the world was coming to an end and they knew it. They were just looking to give each other more time. Perhaps a better chance if something miraculous does happen. To hope. Some may call it naive, foolish even, yet who was I to judge? I could never belittle them for acting in such a way when I brought this upon them. When my intervention could have turned the tides of their present, yet I was too slow. Too weak. Already I was undeserving of their kindness, a kindness my Father would have spurned and detested. A kindness my Father had said was only reserved for fools or those with malintent. A slight snort came from my nose as I relished in how foolish and paranoid my Father had become. Oh Father… these people were not weak in the slightest. The fire flickered in the darkness, lighting all their faces. The darkness of the woods forgotten as they spoke. Sharing stories of a time before this. Tales of Fereldan, urban legends and far fetched fantasies. Anything to keep their minds distracted. A momentary peace. My eyes shifted to Asa who walked over to me handing me a bowl of what was left of our food in her good hand. A bit of meat in some broth. What looked like some potatoes and smelt faintly of elfroot.
"Here. Eat this while I replace your bandages." She said as she pulled the bandages from her pack. I leant forward as I at the food with my opposite hand so she could work on my shoulder and back.
"Asa." I spoke up as she gently fixed my shoulder. She paused momentarily, looking to me out of the corner of her eye before continuing her work.
"Yes?" Maker why was it so hard to apologize to her? With a sigh I nodded.
"I…" I frowned at myself. "At South Reach I was harsh to you, and yet you still readily help me. Thank you." She stopped to look at me. "I want you to know, I appreciate it and I'm sorry for what I said." She tilted her head as if confused before smiling.
"I...I did not expect that." She replied quietly, seemingly to herself as she finished my bandages. She sat back and nodded, "You're welcome." I gave her a small smile back, but felt a chill run down my spine feeling Red's presence. "Are you cold?"
"Not really." I replied to which she nodded and stood.
"If you need anything, just let me know." With a tip of my head she walked back to rejoin the others. They looked like a family, all gathered around the fire chatting. In a very low voice I heard myself say to Red.
"You should get some rest, Red. I get the feeling what is to come will not be easy." His silence pressed a bit and I could only imagine that was him agreeing with me.
Rain dripped onto our company as we traveled through the woods. The lush canopy of the forest providing some coverage for us. The dark sky above lessening our vision even more than before. The rain loud and irritating in my ears as I attempted to listen out for anything that wished to attack us. My eyes constantly scanning our surroundings. Roland and I both on high alert taking up the back as Terrance led the front. Something felt off.
"You feel that too?" I nodded as I turned my head seeing Reds eyes. Red nodded to me and was gone back into the shadows.
"I'm not sure if we're in danger, but there's just...something off." He nodded in reply.
"I had a feeling similar to this once." He frowned as we moved through trees. The forest thinning gradually.
"Yeah, how bad?" I asked with a frown on my lips. We moved next to a stream, following it out. Our pace quickening when we heard the sound of water. Waves crashing, a sound that seemed to lighten the souls of those around us.
"Bad." He replied gruffly. "There was this storm when I was a boy. The world felt like it was coming apart. The wind was making this awful screeching sound. Then suddenly it stopped. My Mother and Father were relieved and they went out to check leaving my sister and I inside. It was...this sickly feeling. Like my stomach was tying itself into knots. I remember looking through the window and seeing straight up to the sky. No cloud in sight." He said as we walked through the thinnest part of the trees.
"Well that doesn't sound good. I said with a frown on my lips. "I'm...assuming that wasn't all of it." With a nod he looked down at his feet as the rocks and pebbles started to replace dirt. I felt my heart in my throat. We nodded to Terrence as he moved forward and stepped onto the beach. Our eyes scanning for any dangers as the rain let up for the moment. He nodded for them to come and they stepped onto the beach, smiles coming to their faces as they moved forward into the water. Mia let her boy down, his little legs carrying him to the water as he held his mother's hand. Rose smiled as she lifted her skirts and ran into the water smiling happily. I felt the smile that I hadn't noticed come to my lips fade.
"It was a hurricane, one of the worst I'd ever seen. We thought it had ended, but it was nowhere near over." He said as a crackle was heard across the sky. Similar to thunder, but closer to the sound of a rift. This metallic rumble echoing through the sky. I looked from him to the sky, the veins of the breach growing and pulsing. No… "Little did we know we were in the eye of the storm and the worst had yet to come." I heard his words echo around me as everyone paused in their celebration wondering where the sound had come from. All eyes turned skyward as the clouds lit that same sickly green, vein-like cracks spreading like a disease.
"W-what is that?" Mia gasped as I felt my eyes drift to the darkness of the forest and then back up at the sky.
"Nothing good."
Thanks for reading! 3 -BatCat