Chapter Three: A merry party we shall be
Author's notes:
Thank you everyone for your continued support! :D
A special thanks to: alethalruby, PancakeLove, LadyofLightMarkedone, sugaafoot, Schizophrenic-unicorn, Jules Sab, allanna55, Fionn Rose, and Ruri7533 for the favorites and follows!
"We are happy aren't we Cassandra?" The Seeker glowers at the author. "Ahem, as we practiced, please." Cassandra sighs before saying, "We humbly thank you for your patronage." Author nods, then adds happily. "See that wasn't so hard. Though you could've smiled. Do you need help smiling? Here comes the tickles!" Cassandra swiftly unsheaths her sword. "Dare, and you shall loose your fingers!" The Seeker growls. "Well folks, I tried...but I need my fingers to type the next chapter. I hope you will enjoy this one in the meantime!"
A special shout out to Guest reviewer Jessica! Thank you for letting me know what you liked about the story. I am glad you are enjoying the original content, so I am definitely going to stick to it! :D I hope you will like this chapter!
{Edit: Hot off the press so there may be a few mistakes. I will fix them asap after I get some sleep!}
The bright sunlight nearly blinded the lass. Evelyn had to furiously blink her honey brown eyes before she could get a good view of her surroundings. The young woman recognized the great Frostback Mountains. But, something was very wrong with the usual stunning snowy vista.
Where the Temple of Sacred Ashes had stood, and the congregation of the Chantry conclave had taken place, was now a swirling pillar of poisonous green energy that pierced the heavens. Massive boulders, possibly from the ruined temple, were floating like feathers in the powerful green energy. Angry billowing stormclouds made a whirlpool-like pattern as they churned around the pillar. Green lightning flashed amongst the dark clouds, followed by booming thunder.
A chill ran down Evelyn's spine that had nothing to do with the chilly snow powdered breeze. "You think I did that?!" Evelyn remarked with sheer disbelief as she tore her gaze from the pillar of light. The young woman fixed Cassandra with a gaze that clearly said, 'you must be kidding me!'
The Seeker felt a slight twinge of guilt as she took in the lass's stunned expression. Indeed it was becoming more farfetched with every passing moment that this young woman could have been the diabolical mastermind behind the explosion. But… "Someone is behind the destruction. Maybe you are innocent, but you are also our only suspect. I need proof to exonerate you, and we might find it at the Breach."
"The Breach?" Evelyn repeated in confusion. "Yes, it is what we are calling that massive rift in the sky. I have been advised that your mark may be connected to the Breach. And through that connection, you might be able to influence it." Cassandra explained, only to see the young woman's eyes grow larger in bewilderment. "I'm...my hand...is connected to that evil thing?" Evelyn remarked in shock.
Then she experienced exactly what Cassandra was trying to explain. "Augh!" Evelyn screamed in agony as pain flared up in her hand. As if someone had stabbed it brutally with an invisible knife and twisted it around. Through her bleary eyes, the lass could see the green light dance around her left hand, though remarkably there was no wound or blood for how much hot searing pain she was enduring. The ground suddenly shook underneath their feet as the Breach shuddered.
The pillar pulsed with powerful energy that Evelyn could feel resonate in her aching hand as she doubled over, clutching her shackled wrists to her belly. The young woman gritted her teeth, then began taking in deep breaths as her vision became clear and the pain in her hand subsided.
Cassandra could see that the mark was inflicting great pain upon Evelyn. Once the lass steadied herself back up, the Seeker added, "With every pulse, the Breach widens, and your hand seems to be in sync with its moods." The older woman expected more disbelief from the lass, or even fear at what was happening to her. But, Cassandra was surprised to see a resigned expression upon Evelyn's face.
"You think there is a way I can affect that damnably Breach, then I'll do it." The young woman stated once her breathing had steadied. "There will still be a trial in store for you," Cassandra added, but the lass just shook her messy hair. "I don't care about that." Evelyn closed her eyes briefly, before opening them to remark in a stronger voice, "I lost family to this Breach. We lost many good people who were just trying to bring peace back to the land." Evelyn lifted her chin as she stated resolutely at the Seeker, "I'll do it for them."
Maybe it was just in Cassandra's mind, but the way the Breach's green light was reflected, it made Evelyn's eye glow brightly. Indeed, the young woman seemed to radiate strength and a determined spirit.
"Follow me," Cassandra beckoned to the lass before turning. The Seeker led the young woman through the refugee camp. Evelyn was never used to being the center of attention, and the looks the people gave her made her wary. Villagers as well as soldiers wore expressions that varied from angry, distrust, to even fear as they gazed at the lass.
"They have already decided your guilt," Cassandra remarked as she noticed the looks the refugees and soldiers gave Evelyn. "Indeed, my shackled hands don't reinforce that opinion at all," the lass added in a sarcastic tone. But, her miffed expression turned into surprise as Cassandra came to a sudden stop, took out a key from her waistpack, and unlocked Evelyn's bindings.
The metal shackles hit the ground for all the people around to see. "Thank you," Evelyn breathed as she massaged her red skinned wrists. Cassandra inclined her head slightly, before she added, "You wouldn't get far even if you did try to run." Evelyn snorted most unladylike at the Seeker's comment before adding, "True, but then who doesn't want to be chased by angry villagers with pitchforks and torches?"
Sighing, Evelyn following after the older woman, trying to keep up with Cassandra's long strides as they entered the long bridge. The lass was wary to find it fortified with anything and everything the soldiers could find. Beyond the bridge, the snowy path that had once been safe and peaceful, was now dotted with barricades reinforced with sharp spears.
"Open the gates!" Cassandra ordered in her commanding accented voice. "We are heading out into the Valley." The soldiers nodded and saluted the Seeker. It was obvious that the older woman was in charge as she radiated a commanding presence. But, as Evelyn followed Cassandra, her eyes fell upon a wooden cart filled with cloth wrapped bodies. The lass grimaced and hurried after the older woman. No doubt that under Cassandra's intimidating exterior, she must be overwhelmed and stressed from the loss of innocent lives and the chaos the Breach had cause.
The snow was heavier and the air was colder as the pair climbed up the first hill. It sounded like a storm was ahead, but then Evelyn realized what it truly was. Falling meteors of green flame were falling from the Breach. A trail of greenish smoke followed the meteor before it disappeared off into the distance with an echoing BANG!
Suddenly, one of the falling stones hurtled right towards them! "Watch out!" Cassandra shouted as the green flaming rock hit the side of a mountain near where they were. The Seeker jumped in front of Evelyn as she raised her great shield to protect them both. The small rubble pelted the metallic shield as Cassandra grunted slightly to keep it steady.
Indeed, the close call from nearly being pulverized made Evelyn's heart pound in her chest. "We must move quickly and carefully," Cassandra urged as they made their way through the snow blanketed valley. "Smaller rifts have opened all over the place. We may become overwhelmed by demons, so stay alert."
"What did you say," Evelyn must not have heard Cassandra correctly. "Demons?" The Seeker nodded as she added, "Yes, you will see them soon enough if we are unlucky." She then quickened her pace leaving Evelyn to groan a, 'oh joy,' as she tried keeping up with the Seeker's long legs.
The next bridge was not doing so well. There was a mix of fire and billowing smoke, while Soldiers shouted and ran up and down the stone bridge. Cassandra quickened her pace towards her soldiers so that she could assess the situation. "What is going on?" The Seeker asked loudly but one of the soldiers just screamed, "Watch out!"
A large green fiery stone smashed into the bridge in between Cassandra and her troops. The thundering noise upon impact was almost deafening, but Evelyn could still hear the bloody screams of the soldiers being pulverized by breaking and smashing stones.
She and Cassandra fell as the bridge collapsed from underneath their feet. The pair tumbled down the snowy slope underneath until they came to a stop. Evelyn gasped and rolled over to lift herself back up upon shaky arms. But, barely had a chance to calm her trembling hands when another fireball slammed into the ground before them. A shadow darkened the broken ground as a dark creature pulled itself up. A Demon! It was hunched, with one glowing eye peering out from under its cloth wraps. It hissed errily, making the hairs upon Evelyn's skin stand on end as it stretched long nailed fingers. As if sensing their scent on the breeze, the creature began gliding towards the pair.
"A lesser shade!" Cassandra stated before adding, "Get behind me!" The Seeker quickly drew out her sword and banged it upon her shield, taunting the demon so that its attentions were solely upon her.
Evelyn stepped behind as told, but she was already feeling the effects of being too close to a demon. Her head felt lighter and she seemed to be moving a bit slower than normal. The lass shook her dark haired head, trying to regain focus, when she realized that a shadow began forming and swirling around her feet!
Evelyn jumped back just in time for another lesser shade pulled itself up out of the ground! The young woman nearly fell over backwards as she bumped into a broken wooden cart behind her. Quickly, she tore off a broken plank of wood to defend herself with. But, a the rubble shifted aside, Evelyn found a sword and shield. Definitely better that a chunk of splintered wood!
The lass quickly slipped on the shield with left hand and grabbed the hilt of the sword tightly in her right hand. "Alright, lets dance." Evelyn nodded to the lurching demon. The lesser shade hissed as it raised its left claw and lashed out with a speed that was not humanly possible! Evelyn hid behind her shield, holding it strong as it met the demon's sharp claws.
Its long nails dragged against the wooden shield, leaving deep gouges in its wake. Evelyn did not want to discover what those claws would leave on human flesh!
Quickly, the lass bashed her shield into the lesser shade's hooded face, before spinning around on the spot. Evelyn whipped around her blade in a sideways slash to slice the demon's belly. Upon seeing it a the wound seep tainted black blood and hear the lesser shade shriek in pain, the woman woman unleashed all the anger and grief that had been welling up inside her.
"That's for Madeline!" Evelyn shouted as she lashed out at the demon. "And that is for Auntie Regina!" The lass yelled as she sent her blade down in an arc. Evelyn struck out again and as she cried out, "For Reinold and Matthew you damnation!" The lass lunged forward and impaled the horror in its belly. And as she drove her sword through it, the demon hissed shrilly before exploding into a plume of smoke.
Evelyn coughed as the smell of sulfur overwhelmed her lungs. She rubbed off the warm black blood that had speckled her face, only to look up in shock as an equally blood speckled Cassandra was staring down at her with wide brown eyes, and sword pointed at her chest.
"Drop your weapons," The Seeker commanded in a low and dangerous voice. Her sword hand not wavering from its intended mark. "You've really got to be kidding me this time!" Evelyn remarked feeling reckless as adrenaline flowed through her from the fight.
"I am being cautious." Cassandra growled. "So drop them, now." One clean lunge would skewer Evelyn like a shish kabob. But, the lass didn't back down. "I could have ran and let you deal with both of the demons. Instead I armed myself and made a stand. I keep my word, I keep my sword."
They stared each other down for what seemed like too long. Fear now chilled Evelyn's blood as she worried that this time she had pushed Cassandra to the edge. Heart racing, the lass nearly sighed loudly in relief when Cassandra pointed away her blade.
"Indeed you didn't run, and I cannot babysit you on the battlefield." The Seeker sheathed her sword and added, "Just don't make me regret my decision." Cassandra looked back at Evelyn, to see a lopsided smile spread across the lass's face. The older woman shook her head in slight exasperation. She had always been one to slowly trust another. Yet, not many people would remain so calm and confront her like that when Cassandra's blade was pointing at them. This young woman had some true guts within her.
"We must keep moving towards the forward camp." The Seeker stated and it continued to rain green flaming stones as they ventured deeper into the valley. Though the pair were able to dodge the smaller boulders heading their way.
The pair came upon a dead soldier's body in the middle of the road. Cassandra walked swiftly by it, but Evelyn crouched next to him and began rifling through his pockets. "Ahem!" Cassandra cleared her throat when she realized that the lass was no longer by her side. Turning around she had found Evelyn rifling through a fallen soldier's pockets! "I lost all my belongings for the trip to the Temple." Evelyn stated with a shrug as she checked the man's other pockets while the Seeker sighed and rubbed her temples.
"You should take the helmet then." Cassandra suggested, before adding. "Though with your thick skull, you might not need it." A wry smile spread on her lips when she heard Evelyn's snort. Though the lass did take the helmet as she whispered a respectful 'thank you,' to the fallen soldier.
The pair continued to trek down the slope, only to find their path infested with two lesser shades and… "What are those things!" Evelyn gasped for green glowing spectres that prowled about the forest without making a sound. "Wraiths, watch out the can attack you from a distance." Confused, Evelyn asked, "What? How?" But it was too late. "I said watch out!" Cassandra shouted as she pushed the lass out of harms way. Two green ghostly glowing orbs struck the Seeker. Cassandra might have been able to handle one orb, but two knocked the older woman right off her feet as they dealt an addition paralyzing effect upon her whole body, leaving Cassandra wheezing for breath as she laid sprawled helplessly upon the cold snow.
The group of demons were now upon them! "What do I do? What do I do?!" Evelyn screamed in fear as she seemed frozen as well. Then it came to her. "I have a plan!" The lass assured the older woman...before she dashed off, running headlong into the group!
"By the Maker!" Cassandra gasped. "Are you crazy!" She added as she tried desperately to gain mobility in her arms and legs, but all she was able to do was bend a finger or two.
"Hey ugly!" Evelyn shouted as she banged her sword on her shield just as Cassandra had done earlier. "You demons smell terrible! Are you sure you aren't just a condensed fart!" The lass taunted them to divert their attention from her fallen comrade. They began lashing out at her as she tried to run past them.
One of the lesser shades managed to whip around its sharp clawed hand, and its nails sliced through the lass's clothes and skin. Biting pain flared up around her side. "Ohhhh, I might have bitten off a wee much to handle!" Evelyn cursed under her breath as she tried to zig zag her sprint while orbs were hurled after her and shrieks came from behind.
But, her plan was nearly complete! As Evelyn ran past a large snow laden tree, she turned around and threw her wooden shield like a discus. The shield struck the tree trunk with a dull thud, but it was enough force to rattle the branches, sending thick sheets of snow to overwhelm the charging demons as they glided underneath.
Shrieks and hisses were muffled by the cold snow. Soon, green smoke and black shadow dissipated into the air. "Yes!" Evelyn cheered, though she quickly grimaced as she clutched her aching and bleeding side.
"Reckless, but...interesting," Came Cassandra voice as the older woman had regained full mobility was now at the lass's side. "Show me the wound," The Seeker nodded as she rifled in her waist pack for a few items. Evelyn had forgotten how little armor she had on as she lifted coat, tunic, and light shirt to reveal three bloody claw marks.
Cassandra pulled out a blue vial with shimmering liquid and cloth. "This tonic will clean the wound and help stop the bleeding," The Seeker stated as she began dabbing icy cold liquid that burned slightly on contact. Evelyn hissed, but tried to remain still as she closed her eyes. Cassandra then pressed more clean cloth to the wound before wrapping around a long bandage to keep everything in place.
"Here, drink this," The Seeker recommended as she held out another vial, though this one was of dark red and tasted like spiced cider that warmed Evelyn's throat and body. "It's a healing potion that should promote your body to mend the wound quickly." The older woman explained.
"Thanks, but don't think I can't take a hit or two, you know." Evelyn added, worried that Cassandra would become some overbearing momma bear due to her wounds. She just didn't want Cassandra taking more risks like earlier just to protect her. Though...I guess that was a bit hypocritical of her huh...
"I cannot risk agitating your mark." The Seeker explained matter of factly as she repacked her first aid it. "Oh, yeah. Makes sense…" Evelyn replied as she chewed her lip slightly. Cassandra paused, not understanding why the lass would look so glum suddenly, when it dawned on the older woman. "Though, I suppose I could share some of the glory." The Seeker added, with a small smile toward the lass. Evelyn couldn't help but smile back for it was the first genuine smile she had seen.
Climbing a larger hill, the clamor of battle became louder. A fight was taking place as the noise of clashing metal and shouts grew louder. At a crumpled ruin, around a small flashing green rift, were two soldiers, a nearly barechested crossbow wielding Dwarf and a swift spellcasting Elf, with the shiniest bald head Evelyn had ever seen.
"Alright! Here is where the party is!" Evelyn nearly cackled in fresh excitement as she rushed right in before Cassandra could protest. Though the Seeker did shout after the lass, "You are a menace on two legs you are!" As she jumped into the fray with her great sword lashing out for suddenly more demons came through the torn rift!
A handful of wraiths attacked the group, they were quick ghostly devils! Evelyn was able to single one out, but she slipped and fell when the the Wraith shot a well aimed orb at her. Then a lesser shade loomed upon her as she struggled to get up off the slippery stone.
The shade raised its clawed hand to swipe at Evelyn when an arrow plunged into the demon's head. The arrow's point dripped with blackened blood as it protruded from the lesser shade's head. The demon shrieked in pain as more blood splattered at Evelyn before it exploded into a plume of ill smelling smoke.
The Elf was instantly at Evelyn's side, and helped her up to her feet. But, before she could thank him, he dragged her towards the small rift by her marked hand. "Uh! There is a body attached to that!" The lass grunted in indignation, wincing slightly at the jerky movement that pulled at her wound. "Well the body should try to quicken its pace so that no more foul demons transport through." Replied the calm Elf as he lifted up her marked hand to the Rift.
The Rift pulsed and her hand glowed in rhythm. The energy resonated between the Rift and her hand, forming some sort of green energy beam or connection that made Evelyn's hand feel hot and prickle like she was trying to pet a hedgehog. But, the Rift was shrinking! It suddenly imploded and was gone!
"Well done," remarked the bald headed Elf serenely. "My hypothesis has been validated. And I am pleased that the Rift did not tear you apart." Evelyn stared at the calm, smiling Elf in shock before collecting herself and her weird humor. "Yeah, I must confess myself pleased as well. I'm sure I would have made a terrible mess!" The lass chuckled more to herself for she was feeling slightly hysterical, especially after all that just had happened today.
Her hand felt calmer now. Since gaining consciousness the mark felt like an itch deep to her bone that she couldn't scratch in between the Breach's pulses. Now it didn't annoy her at all.
"So, I can close the Rifts with my mark?" Evelyn asked as she studied her hand. The Elf nodded. "What about the Breach?" The lass asked. "I am less certain of the outcome. There is an increased chance that it will indeed tear you apart." Evelyn grimaced at that news as she remarked, "I'm not liking those odds now."
"Well, you made our odds great by just showing up." Piped up the Dwarf in a deep voice. "We were ass-deep in demons. But, Bianca and I weren't worried." Evelyn looked around before asking, "Bianca?" For there wasn't another woman around. "My trusty crossbow." The Dwarf replied as he patted a large and very unique crossbow.
"By the way, I'm Varric Tethras. Rogue, storyteller, and occasionally unwelcome tagalong." He finished with a roguish grin that earned a groan from Cassandra. "Unwelcome tagalong?" Evelyn asked as she followed his gaze onto the older woman.
The Seeker had crossed her arms and was back to her normal grumpy disposition. "He was my prisoner," The older woman answered Evelyn's questioning gaze. "Ah, I see. You only had one pair of shackles." The lass added, earning Cassandra's glare upon her as she tried to look innocent.
Cassandra then continued as she said, "I brought Varric here to present his case to Divine Justinia. But, seeing as how we lost her, you are pretty much free to go. I have bigger troubles to contend with." The Seeker finished with a dismissive wave of her gloved hand.
"Actually, I decided to stay and help." Varric remarked earning a surprised look from Cassandra at his willingness provide aid at their plight. "I can't miss out on all this action. It's going to make one juicy novel," The Dwarf gave the Seeker a wink, and Cassandra was back to glowering. With how things were going, soon her face would stay like this, permanently.
"And, I am Solas." Introduced the serene Elf with a polite bow. "I helped keep your mark under some control while Adan treated you. Seems that discharging the growing energy within it has stabilized your mark; for the time being."
"You are quite knowledgeable on the mark and Rifts," Evelyn remarked with a mix of curiosity and wariness. Hopefully no one had been experimenting on her while she was unconscious.
"As an apostate, I have traveled far and wide. During my journey I have learned much. Now I offer Cassandra my expertise in order to seal the Breach. For if we fail, then the Breach will expand until it swallows up our world in darkness and death." Solas finished with his serene smile, even after proclaiming possible doom for them all.
The Elf then turned his attention to the Seeker as he remarked, "I am glad to see she is no longer a prisoner. This woman is no mage, and the magic behind whatever plot is afoot is far too great and warped to be wielded by a mere mortal being."
Cassandra nodded as she replied, "Thank you Solas." The Seeker trusted the Elf's knowledge and conclusion. He had been an invaluable asset to the team.
"We need to press on," Cassandra then stated as she turned to lead on. Evelyn was about to follow when she heard whispers carried upon a sudden breeze. Chanting, by a deep and dark voice which the lass could not understand at all. But, as soon as she heard it, it was already gone as the whisper blew away with the breeze. Suddenly, the snow felt much colder, and Evelyn quickly hurried after her ragtag party down the steps of the ruins.
More rambling notes from the Author:
Whew! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Let me know with reviews, follows, and favorites! I hope to have an exciting way for Cullen and Evelyn to meet in the next chapter. Any thoughts dear readers?
Anyone else thought Cassandra would chastise them for looting? I couldn't help it but add something in this chapter! xD
And, Cassandra and Varric...is there something there. Will there be something there. Should I make something there?
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Dragon Age Franchise and Bioware's work. It is from the team's own brilliance…though my original characters are from my own madness.