Note: More exposition, sorry I didn't really plan this out all that well but the fun bits are coming I promise…

"Why won't he wake up?"

Alistair held Kieran's hand, stroking the boy's fingers as he lay in bed, breathing soft and even. Elissa stood beside him, a choke-hold of guilt silencing any response she might have had. She watched the rise and fall of Kieran's chest, biting her lip. For the last few days they had been observing both Morrigan and her son, yet while Morrigan was slowly recovering, Kieran had not once opened his eyes.

"I don't know," Eliza said, doing another set of checks on the slumbering child. "His observations are fine, and he's not been drugged or poisoned as far as I can tell." She glanced to Elissa. "It reminds me of when you fell into that coma after unlocking the Shards."

Elissa could only nod, coils of tension wrapped around her chest. Being trapped within herself had been torture enough—she could only imagine how much worse it had to be for Kieran.

"Perhaps, but his spirit isn't in the Fade," Bethany remarked, her caramel eyes focused. It seemed keeping herself busy was the best way to keep her own pain at bay. "Even Lara couldn't find him, and that obsidian gate won't open again, too."

"Only way we'll find out more is to ask his mother," Eliza stated, glancing to Morrigan. The latter remained asleep, her wounds dressed and colour returning to her face, though she still looked gaunter than when last Elissa had seen her. "Once she's had a chance to recover, of course."

Elissa sighed, running a hand through her hair. While she was relieved Kieran had survived, she was still not absolved of her crime. He sported several new scars, and the helplessness in Alistair's eyes were like knives in her chest. It was a constant reminder that Kieran was in this state because of her, that she was putting her friends through such grief. And she was powerless to do anything about it.

Before she could dwell on such thoughts, a grunt came from Morrigan's cot. Elissa turned, catching her old friend's eyes flutter open. Morrigan lay still for a moment, blinking sleep away, before rising to sit. Her gaze fell to Kieran, and Elissa's heart rumbled.

"Morrigan!" Bethany crouched beside her. Morrigan winced, her wound catching. "How are you feeling?"

Morrigan managed a dry smile.

"As well as one could feel, having traversed hundreds of miles of forest and mountain in the span of several days." She held her bandaged side, and her expression softened. "My apologies, I did not mean to sound ungrateful. Thank you."

"Hold still," Bethany said, "I can help a little more."

Morrigan obliged, closing her eyes as the mage peeled back the dressing on her side. Bethany rested her hands close, then let the healing blue aura seep inside. The angry edges calmed, and the claw marks became less deep, though they did not close over fully. Bethany frowned, but when she tried to renew the spell, Morrigan caught her wrist.

"T'is all magic can do for that wound," she explained. "You have done what you could, waste not your power."

Reluctant, Bethany lowered her hands. Hissing through her teeth, Morrigan shifted position, swinging her legs over the side of the cot. She took a moment to catch her breath, before she raised her head to Alistair and Elissa. Elissa looked away, unable to meet Morrigan's gaze.

"I am glad your senses are restored, Elissa." Morrigan flashed a relieved smile. "T'is not often I put much stock in faith, yet I knew you would prove stronger than Flemeth's control."

"Morrigan…" Elissa bowed her head. "You say this to the woman who went against her word and did this to your son." She hunched her shoulders inward. "Whatever punishment you deem fit, I'll…"

"Elissa," Morrigan interrupted, "look at me."

Elissa took a breath, daring to lift her eyes to Morrigan's once more. To her surprise, there was no anger or malice; only deep concern.

"To blame you would be akin to blaming the knife wielded by the murderer," Morrigan stated. "You were used, Elissa, made into a tool for another's purpose as my dear mother is wont of doing." She shook her head. "I did not come all this way to take vengeance, for you are not deserving of such." Her lip curled. "Flemeth was the one who poisoned your Shard, so t'is Flemeth who will reap the force of my wrath." Her fist clenched. "Alas, I underestimated the depth of her knowledge, and should I want my chance to secure our safety, I shall need your help."

"Whatever you need, it's yours," Alistair vowed. "Flemeth doesn't scare me."

"Yes, and we can't ignore what she's been plotting, either," Bethany added. "Why did she want Kieran? And what was she trying to do to Elissa?"

"That I can only speculate," Morrigan answered. "Flemeth needed Kieran to possess the soul of the Archdemon, and she clearly wants the Shards of Andraste. I would guess she wished for a vessel capable of controlling their power, and what better could she have asked than a mortal who held the soul of an Old God?" She rubbed her shoulder. "However, what I do not understand is why she did not seize the Shards earlier, nor why she is so interested in you, Elissa, and your connection to them."

Elissa ground her teeth.

"Flemeth engineered everything from the beginning," she growled. "She set Howe against my family and forced me into the Grey Wardens, amongst other things. In the Stonewall ruins, she also said something about a blood tie. I didn't understand at the time, but if the text Merrill translated is true…" She licked her lips, the pieces starting to line up. "It means my lineage traces back to Andraste herself, and that might be why I have a link to the Shards."

"Really?" Bethany blurted. "Merrill told me that scroll she had was full of names. Was that an ancestry record?"

"Yes." Elissa ran her finger over the Cousland ring on her neck. "The first name was Andraste's, and the last name recorded was my grandmother's. I'm sure of it."

"Maker's breath, really?" Alistair blinked. "That's quite the claim." He shook his head. "It seems odd to find such a thing in some random ruins in Orlais, though." He squeezed Kieran's hand. "Maybe you got sensitive to all this weird magic because you had to use the Sacred Ashes?"

"I don't think so," Elissa answered. "Flemeth was aware of all this before I even knew the Ashes existed." Her voice darkened. "She's been pulling so many strings from the start, even before she saved us from Ostagar."

"I see. I was not aware of any of this." Morrigan chewed her lip, thoughtful. "T'is likely then that the Shards' power could only be unlocked by one of Andraste's blood. And t'would explain why Flemeth insisted that you be defended at all costs when she sent me with you."

"Right." Elissa swallowed, hard. "Was that the real reason you rescued me from the rubble of Fort Drakon?"

Morrigan stiffened.

"Far from it." She spoke slow, her tone wounded. "Flemeth may have tasked me to watch over you, Elissa, but my actions after the defeat of the Archdemon came from my own heart." She sighed. "You were my friend, the first I had ever known and trusted. I wanted to save you for that, not for the cruel machinations of my mother." She paused. "I hope you believe that."

Elissa could only nod, biting back the doubts that were starting to creep over her. Deep down, she did believe Morrigan, but that made other questions arise. All the lucky escapes and close calls…had they really all been driven by a single woman's ambition?

Has my life ever been my own?

"Alas, as intriguing as Flemeth's plot may be, we waste time speculating," Morrigan went on. "She has neither you nor Kieran, and she cannot achieve her goal without both. So long as we keep things as such, we should not have to worry about her further." She placed her hands beside her and pushed herself to a standing position. Elissa raised a brow, but the creases of concern vanished as Morrigan walked to Kieran's bedside unaided. She caressed his cheek.

"If I am to heal Kieran," she said, "I must claim a lost fount of knowledge that resides within the Arbour Wilds." She traced her fingers across Kieran's forehead. "It is called the Well of Souls, a relic of the elven goddess Mythal. As one would expect, however, her temple is heavily guarded. I attempted to break through the wards, and almost paid the price for it." She bent down, kissing her son's cheek, before she looked to Elissa. "I have already asked much of you, Elissa, but if I do not acquire the Well's secrets, Kieran's soul will be lost forever." Her voice wavered. "So, though I have already put you through so much, I beg of you, old friend. Will you help me one more time?"

Elissa squared her jaw.

"You may have absolved me of blame, Morrigan, but it was still my hand that left Kieran like this," she said. "I must atone for that. Of course I'll help you."

"Hey, don't forget about the rest of us!"

Lahara's voice bounded from the doorway, and she strode in, accompanied by Leliana. The bard's expression was stoic, though her eyes lightened on seeing Elissa.

"Afraid I can't let you lot scurry off on another solo adventure," Lahara said, slipping to Bethany's side. "The Inquisition is coming along as well."

Morrigan frowned.

"I appreciate the offer of additional help," she began, "but…"

"There cannot be a choice in the matter," Leliana stated curtly. "Your attempt to reach that temple did not go unnoticed, Morrigan." She held up a slip of parchment. "My spies report Corypheus's forces are marching through the Arbour Wilds as we speak, no doubt also seeking the same power."

"What?!" Morrigan's amber eyes erupted. "That blind, arrogant fool! He lusts for a power he could never hope to understand!" Her arms shook. "We cannot let him get to the temple!"

"Exactly what I thought," Lahara drawled. "Cullen's already deployed our soldiers, we should be able to stall Corypheus long enough to slip ahead, if we leave immediately." She eyed Morrigan's injuries. "Will you be up for it?"

Morrigan's gaze darkened.

"I would sacrifice all that I am to see my son restored, and these wounds will not stop me," she hissed. "Lead the way, Inquisitor."

"Elissa, do you have a moment?"

Leliana's voice called out, and Elissa looked up from the weapon smith's tent. An earlier skirmish had broken her sword-hilt, and so she was seeking a replacement. The bard made her way towards her, surrounded by the humid foliage of the Arbour Wilds. The faint cries of fighting echoed across the air, and the camp was bustling, re-equipping soldiers and tending to the wounded. They had made steady progress since joining the front lines, but Corypheus had more of a lead than anticipated. If they wanted any chance of stopping him, they needed to move fast.

"What's wrong?" Elissa asked, as the smith hastily re-tipped her weapon. "Are we being swarmed?"

"No, we are holding position well," Leliana reported, "but that wasn't what I wanted to talk about."

"Oh?" Elissa raised a brow. "Can it wait? I have to get back to the advance line."

Leliana let out a breath.

"I wish it could," she admitted, "but this is too important, and I did not have a chance to catch you earlier. Please, it will not take more than a few moments."

"Alright." Elissa reclaimed her repaired blade, then walked towards the empty tents. Leliana followed, her grey-blue eyes seemingly uncertain. Once they had a semblance of privacy, she began.

"You know Morrigan and I always shared our differences," the bard stated. "And though she seems changed from when last we met, I cannot…" She let out a breath, fumbling for words. "Are you certain it is wise to let her have this ancient knowledge?"

Elissa frowned. "If it will bring Kieran back…"

"I don't doubt she wishes to save him," Leliana countered, "but…" She ran a hand through her hair. "All I can recall is how I too was after such a power to see you healed, and it almost cost me everything. Seizing onto unknown magic can bring far greater tragedy than fortune." She licked her lips. "And when Morrigan knows you are still sought after by Flemeth, I…"

Elissa's gazed softened, and she held Leliana's cheek.

"You're worried she'll still use me to get to Flemeth?" she offered.

Leliana clasped her palm over Elissa's, pressing it closer.

"I don't know how you trust her so freely," the bard whispered. "How are you to say that once she gets what she wants, she won't betray us? She's lied to you before about restoring your memories."

Elissa smiled.

"She did," she admitted, "but it was out of fear I would perish if I chased a dangerous cure, not because she wanted the power herself." She laced her fingers with Leliana's. "I know asking you to trust Morrigan is a tall order, but she proved herself long before she saved me from certain death." She kissed Leliana softly. "If you won't believe in her, believe in me. She doesn't want me come to harm, just as you don't."

Leliana nodded, letting her lips linger over Elissa's.

"I believe you," she murmured. "I…I still cannot forgive her for not telling me you were still alive. But past grievances should not dictate the present, and if you feel you can still trust her, I will stand by your judgement. I…"

"Spymaster, Hero, urgent message!"

The two turned, catching Sparrow racing towards them. The side of his uniform was bloody, and Elissa's eyes widened.

"An Executioner's…been spotted…by the ruins!" Sparrow puffed, hunched over his knees. "Inquisitor's…asking you to hurry…"

"I'll be right there," Elissa proclaimed. "Where are they?"

"Up…there…" Sparrow gestured with his hand, pointing out a flattened trail through the trees.

Nodding, Elissa stole a final kiss from Leliana, then took off into the branches and shrubs. The canopy was smothering, blotting out almost all light, and reminded Elissa too closely of Stonewall. However, here there was no abandoned village of cultists to stumble onto. Instead, as the screams of battle fell into the distance, the trail ended at a large clearing. At its north edge stood a narrow stone passage, the walls towering as high as the trees.

Yet most noticeable was the huge black shadow draped over it, its hollow neck revealing a throat lined with red crystal teeth. For the moment it seemed dormant, content to watch over the bodies of Red Templars, Inquisition soldiers, Venatori and strangely-clothed elves that littered the ground, each scarred with red lyrium. Lahara and the others were also present, standing a distance before the creature so as not to disturb it.

"Sorry I'm late," Elissa reported, skidding to a halt beside Alistair. Iron Bull, Cassandra, and Bethany were also there, eyeing up the monster.

"You're good," Lahara answered, her mismatched eyes never leaving the beast. "I've sent the others to find another way inside to save time. Looks like Corypheus posted this one here on guard duty."

"Then we need to hurry," Elissa said, the rune on her chest tingling.

"My thoughts exactly," Lahara replied. "Get it on the ground, then Elissa and I can do the rest. Beth, better stay back 'til we're done."

The mage nodded, tightening her grip on her staff.

"Got it, boss," Iron Bull proclaimed. "Hey Warden-Commander, up for a wrestling match with that thing? I'll hold the head, you hold the tail."

"Not my usual style but I'm up for it," Alistair smirked, sheathing his sword and slinging his shield onto his back. "Once it's down you can throw the tethers, Cassandra."

"Very well," the Seeker answered.

"Okay." Lahara sucked in a breath. "Now!"

Iron Bull and Alistair broke into a charge. No sooner had they come within a few steps of the creature than it rumbled to life. It sprang off the wall, sending twigs and dust flying as it landed heavily. Iron Bull leapt, snaring his arms around the base of its neck and throwing all his weight on top. Alistair grabbed its tail, wrapping it around his arm and twisting savagely. The Executioner screamed, claws thrashing and tearing chunks of earth from the ground. That was Cassandra's cue and she bolted, throwing thick rope around its legs and locking its ankles with secure knots. The creature writhed, exposing its defenceless chest.

"Destroy it!" she cried.

Elissa and Lahara sprinted, their hands interlinked. Together they slammed their palms into the inky depths of the monster's body. Eventually Elissa's fingertips found the core and she growled, a surge of energy shooting from her chest, down her arm and into her hand. It was soon joined by Lahara's, and Elissa ripped the core free, shattering the pulsating blue crystal. It exploded, throwing both her and Lahara backwards. Elissa lost her grip on Lahara and tumbled straight into a broad trunk, the wind knocked from her lungs.

"Elissa!" Alistair was at her side in an instant, his hand on her back. Coughing, Elissa pushed herself onto all fours, gasping, and fighting the urge to throw up. "Maker, that packed a punch, didn't it?"

Elissa nodded, slowly gaining control over her breathing and digestive system. Her Shard was throbbing, and she swallowed, fanning back the flames that wanted to take over. A cold sweat had broken on her forehead, and she shivered, letting the shaking pass.

Once the rush of pain and nausea abated, she took Alistair's hand and stood, glancing over to Lahara. The Herald was on her back in the mud, wincing as Bethany helped to sit her in her lap. Her right hand was still glowing, and the silver bracelet rippled, half-turned to gold.

"Ugh…" Lahara spat out excessive saliva, cradling her hand to her chest. "Maker…that's sore…"

"Lara…" Bethany's eyes brimmed with worry. Her fingers touched Lahara's bracelet, tracing over the line of colour change. "The Shard, it's…"

"'M okay," Lahara said, pushing herself back to her feet. She wiped her mouth and shook her hand, as if she'd dipped it in something wet. "Don't worry about that. Need to get going, we're almost there."

Without waiting she strode off towards the passage, her back straight. Bethany hurried after, her brow creased, and the others followed. They slipped into the cool shadows, their footfalls echoing off solid stone. Elissa rubbed the rune on her chest, wishing it would fully calm.

"You okay?" Alistair asked. "You look awfully pale."

"It's the only way we can defeat those monsters," Elissa shrugged. "How it makes me feel is irrelevant."

"Not true," Alistair murmured. "If you're not careful…"

A cavernous roar flooded from behind, drowning the rest of his words. It was followed by a huge blast of burning wind, and Elissa covered her face with her arms, scant embers flowing off her chest-plate.

"It's that blasted Archdemon!" Alistair bellowed. "Run, get to the end before it makes the whole thing collapse!"

He scrambled, snatching Elissa's wrist as he pelted down the corridor. Elissa ran harder, honing on Bethany's neckerchief that was just a few inches ahead. The tunnel seemed endless, and the walls began to tremble. Finally the light of the exit approached, and Elissa upped her pace. They were almost, almost…

The group burst back into daylight, onto a vegetation-ravaged balcony that overlooked a courtyard. Elissa caught herself on the railing, panting. A few metres ahead extended a marble bridge, towering above a stagnant moat. More Red Templar bodies lined the stones, and a pair of hooded sentries stood guard, their weapons bloodied.

Before Elissa could fully get her bearings, the passage behind shuddered. On instinct she vaulted the balcony rails, just as the Archdemon crashed through, shattering the entire rear wall. Bricks went flying, and the two elf guards braced their polearms. The Archdemon didn't flinch, ploughing straight into them. They cried out, pierced by the dragon's horns, before falling into the moat. The Archdemon howled, returning to the air and starting to circle faster and faster.

"It's going to hit the bridge!" Lahara yelled. "Everyone across, now!"

"I'll distract it!" Elissa snarled, drawing her blades. "Get ahead before you lose the chance!"

"Not alone you won't!" Alistair shot back, snatching his sword free.

Lahara growled in protest, but the decision had already been made.

"Damn it, I'd better see you both ahead!" she declared, tearing across the bridge with the others. "Or there'll be hell to pay!"

Elissa clenched her teeth, knowing arguing would waste valuable time. Instead she jogged onto the bridge, keeping focus on the Archdemon above. Faster and faster it circled, and Elissa squinted, judging position. It was going to strike the middle support pillar. She had to get onto its back before it hit.

At last the Archdemon bellowed, twisting into a dive.

"Alistair, now!" Elissa yelled.

The two former Wardens charged, right into the path of the blighted dragon. Elissa moved like lightning, and when she reached the edge she jumped, right onto the Archdemon's back. Her dagger sank between its shoulders and the beast roared, veering off course and striking one of the smaller supports behind. The stone cracked, and the bridge lamented, buckling under the new strain but still managing to hold. Elissa snarled, driving her blade in deeper, twisting, and the Archdemon shrieked. It flung itself from under the bridge, rolling and thrashing, and Elissa lost her grip.

The fall was short, but still painful as she plunged into the moat. The icy water scraped her skin, engulfing her as she crashed into its shallows on her side. Her left wrist flared with pain, and she gasped, the sting of icy water burning her mouth and chest. For a moment Elissa remained still, the shock of the fall freezing her in place. Her legs were wobbly, and her vision swam.

Move, get up, just…

Then a rumble echoed from above. Chunks of stone and metal crumbled into the moat, sending up huge splashes. Elissa tried to crawl away, but something struck her temple and she fell into the darkness.