"Do you think you can fight me? I am your every fear come to life. I am the veiled hand of Corypheus himself! The demon army you fear? I command it. They are all bound through me"
"Ah so if we banish you we banish the demons? Thank you, every fear come to life," Roaring, the voice growls from the smart remark of the spirit as we make our way to the rift that could take us home, only one problem.
Shocked, we stare at the huge ass spider looming over us and the spider head octopus wannabe, getting what did Isabela call it, Cthulhu vibes from the guy, releasing non-stop small spiders out, fortunately for me this time as we strike at the mid boss compared to the huge ass spider watching, Solas is hidden healing while I look out for him as Eve and Dorian take the offensive, Cole giving the sneaky the monster and again then retreating while Bull is the tank of it and I change from mid, sometimes joining Sera in firing my arrows at the creature to while it has its barrier up, tending to protecting Solas, hearing us and the smalls fears trying to get at our healer…
Screeching, the spider roars faltering, grasping its bony wounded torso, glaring at us as suddenly, the giant ass spider practically devours it before us, leaving us now hurt and tried to deal with this giant, great, right in front of the portal.
"We need to clear a path!" Stroud reasons.
"Go, I'll cover you!" Hawke orders.
"Hell no! I'm not ditching you, Fenris and Varric would kill me!" I snap insulted at the sheer idea of facing both their wrath and having to tell Robin the sad but noble sacrifice of her mother.
"No you were right. The grey wardens caused this. A Warden must-"
"A warden must help them rebuild! That's your job! Corypheus is mine!"
"Hawke. Stroud is right, listen to me, you have a family, you have a husband and a daughter, you would truly throw that away when there is a man who if he did die, would be remembered and the lesson of blood magic in the warden ranks would be remembered much more than some outsider, dying in comparison to a brother in arms, a high commander one many knows of, you cannot and will not die!" Enraged, I step forward; explain to her through gritted teeth, holding in my temper to slap the selfish prick before me.
"Stroud...thank you," Defeated, Eve bows her head, true sorrow in her eyes as I notice the glassiness of her greens.
"Inquisitor, it has been an honour and Hawke, your brother became a fine warden. I trust the future of the grey wardens in his hands…for the wardens!" Bravely, Stroud rushes towards the arachnid creature, most likely to his demise to clear a path for us as he draws his sword and shield, slashing off pieces of the spiders' legs and such as we make or way up the staircase to the green portal as we dive in.
Coughing, I wince from the hard impact of the sturdy stone floor, groaning at the heavy weight on my front, making me crane my neck to look down at the grimacing Solas only then to simply push him off, wincing from the killer headache echoing in my mind as I shakily stand as Eve confidently, sternly, stoically simply closes her fist, simply sealing the rift, I can't believe I'm saying this, like a badass leader as her scouts slay and hold back those wishing to harm or interrupt the green rift before them. Powerfully, Eve clenches her fist, her face indifferent by the shockwave of green pushing her soldiers back on the ground and striking at the demons, making them cry out in agony as they wither away their debris and remnants, seeping back into the closing rift. Victoriously, the scouts cheer, blades raised as I try to level my breathing, noting Solas arising up, glancing at me as my eyes remain glued to the sealed rift and the sealed fate of Stroud…
"She was right. Without the nightmare to control them, the mages are free and Corypheus loses his demon army. Though as far as they are concerned, the inquisitor broke the spell with the blessing of the maker," Hawke sighs.
"They need to know the truth, the truth of Stroud's sacrifice…" Eve reasons.
"They'll be terrified. I for one am tired of giving fear demons anything to feed on. Let them have their story," I reason.
"Inquisitor, the archdemon flew off as soon as you disappeared. The Venatori magisters is unconscious but alive. Cullen thought you might want to deal with him yourself. As for the wardens, those who weren't corrupted helped us fight the demons," Meredith arrives, briefly giving me a look of relief after her report to Eve as I simply nod at her, acknowledging her presence only then to turn to one of the many uncorrupted mages approaches, warden uniform on.
"We stand ready to make up for Clarel's…tragic mistake. Where is Stroud?" The warden soldier questions.
"Warden Stroud died striking a blow against a servant of the blight. We will honour his sacrifice and remember how he exemplified the ideals of the grey wardens. Even as Corypheus and his servants tried to destroy you all from within…" Eve decides as I notice the sharp scowl from Solas, making me groan, having no patience to deal with him.
"Inquisitor, we have no one left of significant rank. What do we do now?" The warden enquires.
"You serious? This is why we have back-ups," I huff shaking my head noting Hawke's look of guilt as Eve turns to me and I shrug, not having a clue on the decision…
"You stay and do what you can to help. Stroud died for the ideals of the wardens. In war, victory. And we are still at war! Do you believe the wardens can still help?" Eve demands, her voice strong and firm.
"I do, your worship," The soldier affirms.
"You're still vulnerable to Corypheus, and possibly his Venatori, but there are plenty of demons that need killing," Eve advises.
"While they do that, I'll inform the wardens at Weisshaupt what's happened. Best they not get caught off guard," Hawke promises.
"Thank you your worship we will not fail you…" Grateful, the warden bows and leaves with Meredith, the two talking quite closely as I watch Solas and the others treat the wounded. Exhausted, I slide down on the stone steps as Eve rushes over, smirking, I raise a brow at the happy couple, Eve leaping into Cullen's arms who chuckles, swinging her around only to falter when seeing the eyes and my playful smirk and raised brow as awkwardly, Cullen coughs letting her down, acting all strict and stern, earning a wry chuckle from my lips.
"So big bad Cullen finally got a girl," Calmly, I turn to Hawke sitting down by my side.
"Yep and I'm guessing you're leaving," I huff leaning back against the cool step, appreciating the sense of safety.
"The quicker we get there the quicker I can tell Carver the news and know my family are safe…" Hawke reasons as I nod in understanding.
"Good…" I compliment, not sure what to say, my bleus glued to the sky of bright diamonds.
"Fennic back at the fade…don't tell Fenris what I said," Pleadingly, Hawke begs making me shake my head.
"And risk finding you six feet under? No thanks. I need a scapegoat if I do something wrong…" I shrug causally giving her a strained smile making her sigh.
"Are you going to be alright…?" She questions worry evident in her tone.
"…Yeah…I just…" I trial off not sure what to say.
"Need space?" She smiles weakly from my simple nod.
"Am I that predicable?" I joke lightly.
"Fennic I…I just want you to know, if you want to talk…." She trials off.
"I know," I grumble, that phrase has been bashed and engraved into my skull.
"Fennic, I'm being serious. If you and Solas are serious about one another, he should know as well…" Hake brings up making me raise a brow at the idea. Quietly, I remain silently, watching Solas reluctantly, tend to the grey wardens.
"Think about my words and don't worry, I'll handle Fennic and Robin," Hawke smiles weakly.
"You think you could? I don't think I can," I request, tiredly.
"Of course, just…rest." Hawke tells me as I nod.
"Thanks Hawke, I mean it," I nod my head appreciating it.
"You're my sister of course I want to help," Cheekily, she winks ruffling up my wild white locks.
"Sister in law," I correct.
"Still a sister…" Boldly, Hawke winks.
"Good luck with your inquisition. Try not to start an exalted march on anything…and take care of Varric and Fen for me," Hawke stands turning to Eve before I could argue as smirking, Hawke leaves, leaving me to clean up this mess…
Hah…yeah right.
Eve POV:
"Hawke sent me one final report; she is on his way to Weisshaupt. As for the grey wardens, they are fighting demons and red Templars while staying clear of Venatori. You dealt Corypheus a significant blow, Inquisitor," Leliana informs me as we talk one to one, hearing the caw of ravens now again. Hearing the faint clink of the cages being rattled as briefly, I notice a familiar scout, tending to some letters, the same scout I believe to be called Meredith looking saddened as she continues her work. Calmly, I look down at the others, civilians getting by on their daily duties.
"The grey wardens carry respect in other nations. If we spread word that the inquisition has their support," I bring up.
"We may gain standing with nations that have suffered under the blight. I will take this matter to Josephine while you bested Corypheus here and at Halamshiral, he himself was not present either time. We fear he is close to finding another way to enter the fade. When you have a moment, Cullen and Josephine are waiting in the war room for an update…" Leliana catches on as I turn to leave.
"What was she like? Divine Justina, or her soul, or the sprit that took her form. I read your report; I know it isn't clear, but…" Leliana questions making me stop to turn back to her, back faced to me leaning on the railing looking sorrowful.
"She was at peace and guided us through the fade," I confess.
"That does sound like her," Sadly, she smiles.
"She did ask me to tell you something though. She said, "I'm sorry, I failed you too," I recite noting Leliana's tense body language and her head down in sorrow.
"Oh…I should finish this before it slips my mind. Perhaps later we can discuss this matter further…thank you," Leliana offers.
"Leliana," I begin making her turn to me as I join her overlooking the levels below, noting Solas desk below us.
"Yes?" She responds.
"What of Fennic? I haven't seen her for a few weeks now since…" I trial off, frowning when we notice the elf, not in our sights once we returned to Skyhold.
"Inquisitor, Fennic is taking her time to rest," Leliana sighs sadly.
"For a few weeks? Can you tell me where she is?" I ask concerned for the elf.
"That I can't but I will say this Inquisitor, leave her be," Leliana says making me blink surprised.
"Why? She needs help!" I reason.
"Fennic deals with her issues differently to most and sometimes she needs space to think and clam down. She knew if she came back she wouldn't be up to the expectations of the inquisition and wouldn't live up to standards, therefore she left." Leliana explains making me frown at the worrying words.
"Is she coming back?" I ask worried over losing her. Fennic has proven herself countless times.
"Yes however she needs her space….whatever she saw shook her and Fen isn't used to people seeing her in that way," Leliana sighs.
"Why can't she?" I ask baffled.
"Because it would only hurt her even more…" Leliana states. Disappointed, I turn to leave only then to perk up at the strange sound of a bird swooping in as I notice Leliana turn to the window. Briefly, another crow swoops in making me raise a brow recalling Leliana's favouritism towards ravens rather than crows as she tends to the letter and I take that as my cue to leave her to her duties…
Frowning, my eyes narrow at the memory of our chat, deciding to instead focus on other matters. Maybe Fen came back, I mean it's only been a few days since our chat, I should ask around…Varric would know, especially if its something to do with Fennic. Slowly, I approach Varric, back turned to me, looking into the hiss, fizz, and crackle of the orange flames, looking upset.
"I knew Stroud you know? Not well, he led the wardens near Kirkwall. Not many people knew who he was but the man was a hero. He wasn't the first good man to fall to Corypheus and he won't be the last, this stories no good for heroes," Varric informs me.
"Hawke's alive so is Fennic," I bring up trying to be optimistic.
"Yeah, Fenris and Robin weren't happy about leaving without a goodbye. Heh to be honest, a part of me wanted to stop you," Sadly, Varric confesses.
"Really?" I raise a brow.
"Yeah, when seeing Fennic and Hawke fall, it…scared me. Those two are the closest friends I've ever had. If we're all standing by the end of this, I'm buying us drinks. Hawke told me to tell the others back in Kirkwall where she's going. At least she's with Fenris and Robin now," Varric smiles sadly.
"Varric…do you know where Fennic is?" I enquire.
"Honestly? No, but from what I saw and what you told me. I don't blame her." Varric sighs looking deeper into the fire wall before him.
"Did I do something wrong? I told her she can come to me," I argue feeling pained at her not coming to me with her issues.
"And so have I and so has Hawke even Chuckles, etc. etc. Fennic is different from most people Eve, if you hadn't noticed; she…is not used to showing people her vulnerable side. What she saw in the fade scared her into going to brood. Its best to just leave her be to brood," Varric smiles sadly as my brow softens, noting his strained smile and breaking voice, showing his clear worry for the elf.
"But what if…?" I begin paranoid at the thought of the shaken elf in trouble.
"Fennic is a fighter Eve. She'll come back better than ever, she's bounced back from far worse," Varric assures me.
"But are you going to be alright without her?" I question, my tone gentle, worried.
"I'll be fine. But whatever happened to Fen must have been pretty big so when she comes back, I'll make sure to give her one hell of a welcome back party! Now if you excuse me I got to write some letters…"
"You have little here on early Tevinter history. All these 'gifts' to the inquisition and the best they can do is the Malefica Imperio? Trite propaganda. But if you want twenty volumes on whether divine Galeta took a shit on Sunday, this is evidently the place to find it," Dorian huffs as I approach him, tossing a few books over his shoulder and onto the floor.
"Not to your standards?" I smile weakly at my friend huffing, frowning discarding book after book in the case displayed before him.
"I wouldn't have to if you could find some rebellious heretic archivist to join the cause," Dorian retorts.
"Are there rebellious archivist other than you that is?" I smirk lightly.
"If Corypheus ever starts burning masterworks of literature. I'm sure a few will pop up. Did I see something on Genitvi here? I could have sworn," Dorian begins.
"What is this about Dorian?" I sigh noting his strange behaviour.
"When we fell into the chasm, into the fade I thought we were done for. We went into the fade, physically went into it, I'm alright but are you? I know Fennic wasn't…" Dorian sighs sadly as I frown at the horrid memory.
"Dorian, I learned a lot but are you?" I question curious.
"I…I need to apologise to Fen. I never knew…she never told me!" Dorian whimpers as I note the betrayal and guilt in his glassy eyes.
"It was probably too painful for her…" I begin gently.
"But she needs to know not all magisters are…" Dorian begins pain in his tone.
"I think she already does Dorian. I don't think she left because of you. I think…it was too much for her, imagine having your most private secret revealed to everyone both friends and strangers…" I reason gently.
"You… may have a point. I...when Fennic comes back, I'll…I'll apologise on the half of Tevinter for what she had to endure and hopefully my gift will cheer her up," Dorian smirks as I smile at the thought of Dorian bestowing upon Fennic some wine, most likely.
"I…the fade is an ordeal under normal circumstances. To be the only real thing there...beyond description. That we made it out at all is a miracle. You do realize this feat hasn't been performed in over a thousand years. Corypheus and his contemporaries entered the fade and began the blights. In comparison….if you walk in the fade, others will try to follow. Who knows what secrets Corypheus has revealed? Not all of them will be as lucky as you. What they could unleash…my advice? Keep this quiet. Let them speculate. Too many will see this as a challenge," Dorian explains to me and I nod.
"Yeah, you're right…" I agree fearful of what this knowledge could arise.
"There are enough idiots in the world who think if they just sue enough blood magic, their problems will vanish. Its exactly the sort of thing I want to stop back home. This…this I don't need. What I do need is a copy of the liberalum. I'll wager I can find Corypheus real name. If I can prove he was a grasping ankle biter with no family to speak of? The lustre would come right off. Wish me luck…" Dorian smiles sadly turning back to the books displayed.
"Dorian…." I begin.
"If you want info on Fen, the best source is the man swooning for her…" Smugly, Dorian smirks as I follow him to lean over the banister finding Solas to my surprise, not at his desk but sat down, leaning against the stone wall of one of his many murals, and sketching, after having just dismissed Fen's scout, I believe her name to be Meredith.
"I wouldn't call it swooning," I mutter.
"Longing, admiring, courting…the list goes on and on. I bet you he's into the whole body worshipping thing with her, he worships her almost," Dorian shrugs smirking coy as I nod and decide to approach the silent Solas, briefly, my eyes widen to find scouts of both elven and human looking worriedly into his office.
"Inquisitor thank goodness!"
"What is it?" I question puzzled leaning in noting Solas leaner figure, looking paler and much more stressed.
"You see, for the past days, master Solas hasn't eaten or drank…"
"What!?" I gawk horrified.
"Yes, any chance we get, he always seems to forget it, it's worrying us…"
"Of course, I'll get to it right away!" determined, I enter the room, my eyes widening at the beautiful murals done by Solas he truly is talented but no, I need to focus on Solas health.
"Solas…" Calmly, I begin entering his area.
"Inquisitor," Sharply, Solas scowls at me as I sigh recalling his distaste of the wardens.
"I know you're angry but…" I begin peacefully.
"Angry, no, I'm not angry you let an easily corruptible powerful group join our ranks…" Sarcastically, Solas scowls.
"Solas, I've been told you haven't been eating…" I begin desperate to change topic.
I have been eating when necessary…" Severely, Solas cuts in.
Solas…I know you're worried about Fennic," I continue.
"I have faith in her return…now if you will excuse me…" Solas brushes me off.
"What's this…?" Curious, I pick up the sketchpad of sorts, my eyes widening at the beautiful pictures of…
"Is that Fennic?" I question as Solas scowls, not sure what to do as he sighs.
"Yes…I…sometimes, I notice something beautiful and draw simple as that," Solas shrugs it off as I furrow my brow, looking over the numerous pictures from arms, eyes and hair, all linking to one person Fennic. Softly, I raise a brow at one picture of Fennic her back turned in the picture, looking out at the lake then another of her hunting…that must have been when I third wheeled, a pang of guilt crosses me at the memory.
"You miss her don't you?" I whisper gently noting a few pictures of her face, in great detail from caring for Robin to even arguing with someone, only then for my eyes to widen when noting one of her sleeping, naked….stunned, my eyes widen as I feel my head blaze up with heat as Solas snatches it out of my hands, scowling at me as I struggle to speak from such a drawing, such raw emotion of love, devotion and feeling as Solas catches on and scowls, turning away, hiding the sketchbook as every now and again, he stops looking though the charcoal pictures, to add more detail and stare down as I notice the warmth, the pain, the loneliness and…guilt? In his eyes at the sight of her…poor Solas, he really misses her.
"Fen is a strong person. She, she will come back I have faith," Simply, Solas states.
"And so do I. So please…eat not for me, not for you…for her. Fen wouldn't want you starving," Softly, I whisper gently pushing the food on his desk closer, turning my back to leave him…
Longingly, Solas lingers, lowering his book to look back at the plate and gently, he sits down, tending to his meal…the words echoing in his mind as he stares sadly down at his meal….
"You must eat," Solas argues, his brow furrowed at the stubborn girl he had just saved.
"And why should I?" Fen scowls as Solas notes her twitching nose, not many do but Solas did and he thought it adorable like an annoyed Nug, pouting, most he found often described Fennic as loud, annoying, scary, cold and plain odd, from her skin to her aloof lifestyle, some often called her a knife eared freak but he…he dealt with those close minded fools and he…he saw things differently. He could see when people described her as loud, for she often had to intervene in arguments but he didn't consider it as bad as others. He found her strong willed nature fascinating and her origins interesting, she is a city elf but with Dalish tattoos as many pondered her origin, she was a puzzle, a mystery he was fascinated in.
"To help regain your strength," Solas responds calmly, at first he found her annoying but over the time together, he had noticed her beauty, from her small smile to her kindness with others, a small aspect of her life no one saw but him from his observations, from her small moments with Cole to her calmly taking care of Sera, although he found the girl to be disappointing he found Fennic to be quite the opposite, he found her to be paradox, one he wished to understand and hopefully solve…
"We both fought today," Fen argues.
"Then what? If I eat will you then?" He proposes.
"Deal," Smugly, Fen smirks as he offers the spoon to her with the soup only making Fen scowl as she shuffle forward, the two happily eating out of the same soup…
Sighing, Solas lowers his head at the memory, pain in his eyes as he looks sadly at the long coat of fabric hanging on the wall, his very best and rare paint supplies beneath it, hidden from view to the outside world…
"Why can't you see yourself as I do Fen?" Solas whispers pain in her tone as blinking, his ears perk up at the small pitter patter, making him turn to see a familiar Fennec Fox, to the surprise of Solas, sitting down on the wooden table a softly, Solas places his hand on the creature, the pair of them both sharing the same pain, waiting for the same person to come home, to come back to them…
Fennic.
*Poor Solas so how do you think he'll feel when knowing the truth of Fen's past considering his...origins. Also broody elves am I right or am I right? Leaving like that...like brother like sister.*