"So, this is it."
Elissa took a breath, peering into the newly constructed Well. It had been dug beneath the remains of the keep, and stretched the span of what had been the lower courtyard. Behind it gleamed the Inquisition's very own Eluvian, its frame cracked but its pane intact. It had been discovered in the underbelly of Skyhold not long after the Inquisition had first settled in, and thanks to Merrill, had been restored to full functionality, as it was an integral part of the Well's makeup.
Bethany, Alistair and Leliana stared at the stone, awed by the construction. While it was no masterful piece of elaborate carving, the blocks shimmered beneath the water, ripples of blue and silver dancing and intertwining. Elissa sensed the power contained inside, and it sent a shiver down her spine. This Well appeared very different to the one that had been destroyed, yet it was its twin in every other way. Such magic certainly seemed able to hold the energy of multiple souls, but the numbers here would dwarf Mythal's by hundreds of thousands. Elissa could only hope it would withstand the force long enough for her to lead them out.
"It's incredible," Bethany breathed, starting a slow pace around the edge. "Maybe not as beautiful as the one in Mythal's temple, but it still has that…aura about it."
"We have done well to see it completed in time." Morrigan's eyes wandered the stone, and she chewed her lip. "I never dreamt I would witness the re-creation of an architecture so ancient." She paused, holding a hand to her chest. "And I never dreamt such a moment would feel so bittersweet."
"It is not quite the spectacle of power you once sought, is it?" Solas spoke coldly. "Perhaps now you see why some things of the past are best left forgotten."
"Yet if we hadn't found this, all of Thedas would be doomed to die," Dorian countered. "All swords are double-edged, my friend. What can be used for great evil can also be used for great good."
"Indeed," Solas murmured, running a finger along the pendant around his neck.
"We're not using the Well for bad things, anyway," Merrill added. "Anything can be harnessed with the right tools and mindset." She bit her lip, glancing at the Eluvian. "Even that which has been Tainted."
"Perhaps, but not all see that what we are doing is good," Solas argued. "Nor have we any promise that the information given to us is the truth."
"Then without truth, we must have faith," Cassandra spoke. Her eyes had lost some of their spark, still carrying the grief of the murder of Hawke, but her determination remained bold as ever. "This situation is beyond any of our control. And when the alternative is eternal death, what have we to lose?"
"Blind faith has led to greater disasters," Solas retorted. "What say this won't cause precisely what we are trying to avert?"
"I don't expect you to believe me, Solas," Elissa said, firm. "But I would hope we'd respect each other enough to trust more than this. And as Cassandra said, we have no other options. Better to fight for a sliver of a chance than to wait for inevitable death."
Solas huffed, folding his arms, but said nothing further. Elissa watched him, her expression neutral, though inside built a growing unease. She had been overhearing such exchanges over the last few days, and it left her tense. Solas had never been shy to voice his opinions, and while it was naïve to think everyone would agree to her plan, it was an unknown she did not need. Should anything go wrong in these final moments, everything would be lost. And the burden of blame would fall squarely on her shoulders.
A hand squeezed hers, and she looked to Leliana. The bard gave a gentle smile, stroking her thumb over Elissa's palm.
"Come what may, it is up to us to decide our future," she said. "We have but a single day until world's end, we cannot delay any longer." She stood tall, lowering her hood, before turning to Elissa. "Are you ready?"
Elissa looked back into those grey-blue eyes, her heart breaking as she fought to stave off tears. Truly, she never would be ready. She had scoured and searched all she could, only to find nothing that would protect her lover from the onslaught of souls. But she had run out of time. The decision had been made, and there was nothing more she could do about it.
Gazing into Leliana's eyes one last time, Elissa opened her mouth, trying to speak the goodbye she had been rehearsing for days—the goodbye she hoped beyond hope would not be their last.
"Leliana, I…"
A thunderous roar bellowed from the sky, cutting her off. Gasping, all eyes looked up, to see a blazing boulder smash into the rear fortification. The shockwave shook the entire fortress, sending rock, debris and ash flying. Elissa staggered, catching herself on the Eluvian that shimmered at her touch.
"What in the Maker's name is this!" Alistair drew his sword, spying another volley of fiery stone coming from the east. "Who's attacking us now?!"
"Sir, sir!" One of the soldiers came rushing from the front gates, his eyes wide. "It's a Qunari force, they're trying to break inside!"
"What?" Elissa snarled. "Why?"
"We will have to question them later!" Cassandra brought forth her blade. "We must protect the Well!"
Elissa nodded, rising tall. This was the last thing she needed, but it was not entirely unexpected. All manner of rumours had been spread about the Inquisition since Corypheus' fall, and when the world was in such turmoil, discerning truth became less of a priority that fighting for survival.
"Alistair, Cassandra, come with me to the gates," she ordered. "I'll destroy their artillery, and you must double down to make sure they don't get inside." She turned to her remaining friends. "The rest of you need to stay here and defend the Well."
"Right," Bethany said. "Be careful."
"Yes," Leliana added. "Everything is lost without you, Elissa."
"We won't fail," Elissa proclaimed.
"We can't," Alistair added. "Cassandra, come on!"
The trio hurried away, while the remaining Inquisition members formed a circle around the Well. Elissa led the charge, jumping through the broken stones, before scaling a ladder to the front rampart. Cassandra and Alistair continued straight on, heading for the gates themselves. Another projectile whistled past, shattering into the ground behind. Elissa cried out, pelted in a shower of stones and dust, but she climbed through the cloud to the summit of the wall.
Once at the top, Elissa ran to the edge, surveying the attack force. It was indeed a large Qunari army, bearing the colours of the nation, so it was no mercenary militia. Several artillery towers stood amidst the mass of soldiers, and she scowled. An unprovoked attack for nothing, which would lead to the death of everything if they succeeded…
I can't be merciful.
Sucking in a breath, Elissa raised her hands, conjuring a bow of Corruption. The darkness fizzled and hissed in her palms as it was forced into shape, and she raised it, producing Corruption arrows from her fingertips. She took aim at the first artillery tower and fired, grateful for the informal lessons Leliana had given all those years ago. The arrows struck their target, rapidly engulfing it, before it dissolved into nothing. Elissa fired again, and again, taking out all of the towers, before focusing on the marching army. Her attack had done nothing to deter them, and still they gathered on the bridge, trying to carve a path inside.
"Damn it," Elissa hissed under her breath. As usual, whatever reason for this assault was deemed too important to abandon. And while it was within her power to wipe the whole army out, it would leave her too weak to lead the souls once they were gathered.
She abandoned her post, hurrying back to ground level. As her foot touched the courtyard once more, however, a new rumble shook the land. This was deeper than the striking of missiles, and Elissa backed against the rampart, waiting for the tremor to pass. Cries from the invading army echoed through the stone, and Alistair swore.
"Elissa, Elissa!" He came to her side and took her arm. "A pocket of Corruption's just erupted in front of us!"
Elissa's eyes widened. "No!"
She scrambled behind Alistair, who took her through the side-gate to the outside. The bridge that connected Skyhold to the mountains was filled with Qunari soldiers, but beyond its first arch was nothing but a dense cloud of Corruption. It had fissured from the mountains below, erupting like a volcano of darkness that had split the front lines from the main force behind it. Corruption tore through the rear of the bridge, and the screams of those caught in between echoed louder and louder. The inky darkness blended with the mist, forming a band around the furthermost mountain that would easily carry on the wind. Elissa clenched her teeth. She made to run, but Alistair blocked her path.
"What are you doing? They'll slaughter you!" he warned.
"And if I sit here, the Corruption will destroy us all!" Elissa argued. "I'll be fine, they can't hurt me, I swear Alistair! Just let me dispel it!"
Alistair bit his lip, deliberating, when movement from the stranded soldiers caught his eye. He turned, and Elissa followed suit. The front line suddenly fell into rank, sheathing their weapons as they stood aside. In the forming gap she spotted a figure walking towards them, adorned in red and black armour. Curiously he did not sport horns, and as he approached closer, both Elissa and Alistair's jaws dropped.
"Sten?!" Elissa couldn't help herself, stammering out the name of her former comrade. Though his white hair was longer and he now had a knotted beard, there was no mistaking his identity.
"You know the Arishok?" Cassandra blinked.
"He fought with us during the Blight," Alistair supplied. "But…I never imagined…"
He trailed off as Sten arrived, his broadsword still in hand. His piercing stare bore into Elissa, and his eyes would not leave the flower in her eye.
"It's you." His voice had not changed, and a hint of lightness graced his eyes. "You survived."
"Yes," Elissa said, finding her courage. "Sten, let me help your soldiers, I can banish the…"
"No." Sten interrupted. "We know our fate is ended. There is no Arigena, nor Ariqun, all fallen to this darkness. I am all who is left." He gestured to his sword. "Thus this is the end we chose for ourselves. The rest of the world is nothing, already consumed by the darkness that has taken everything away." He looked to the Skyhold ramparts. "Your Inquisition is all that remains, all that would be strong enough to grant us the end we crave."
"But this isn't the end!" Elissa protested. "We have a way to save the souls of this world, to start anew…"
Sten scoffed. "A world without the Qun is no world to strive for. I would rather end everything."
"Sten, I know, I can't guarantee it will be the same world," Elissa said, "but everyone gets a fresh start. A new purpose to fulfil, a new path to follow." She braced her fists. "But if you want to oppose that, then I will have no choice but to destroy you and deny you and your people that chance."
"Very well." Sten drew his sword. "Face me, Grey Warden. Whoever is victorious will decide the fate of the world."
Alistair growled. "Sten, we don't have time for…"
"Then it's agreed."
Elissa stepped forward. Alistair gawked.
"Elissa, are you sure?" he blurted.
"Yes." Elissa held out her hand. "But I'm going to need a weapon."
Grimacing, Alistair handed over his sword. Cassandra quickly caught on, relinquishing her dagger as well. Elissa gave both a nod of thanks, feeling her way around her blades once more. She would not rely on her goddess powers. This was a test of will.
Sten backed away, creating space for their duel. The remaining Qunari soldiers formed a closed rank, while Elissa's allies remained at the gates. Elissa braced herself, her eye locked on her opponent. It pained her to have to go through with this, but Sten had not changed in all the years she had not seen him. This was the only form of diplomacy he would understand.
"Begin!" Sten rumbled, taking the initiative. He swung his broadsword direct, and Elissa dodged, rolling aside. He soon followed with a second attack, showing surprising speed, but Elissa deflected the blow, sweeping her leg under him. Sten stood firm, however, aiming a kick back. Elissa cried out, his boot catching her shin, but she retaliated with a swipe of her dagger.
Sten groaned, jumping back, his thigh bloody. Elissa staggered back to her feet, the pain already fading. She pressed forward, feigning a jab with her dagger, before cutting her sword downwards. Sten blocked both blows, keeping their blades together as he wrestling to overpower her.
"You…have not changed…" he growled, their eyes locked.
"Neither…have you…" Elissa grunted back, before she let her arms relax. Sten sank forwards, not expecting the loss of resistance, and Elissa slammed the flat of her sword into his ribs. Sten coughed, losing balance, and Elissa took advantage. She struck with several rapid blows, before slicing with her dagger, tearing open Sten's fingers and causing him to drop his broadsword. It clattered to the ground loudly, but Sten barely flinched. Instead he clamped his hands to fists, striking out. Elissa blocked his first punch, however the second slammed into her chest and she was thrown back.
Snarling, Sten ran at her, tackling her to the ground. Elissa didn't even have the breath to scream as she was thrown onto her back, Sten's weight on top of her. Somehow she kept a grip on her blades, but Sten's hands were locked around her wrists, pinning her down.
"You…are still…weak…" Sten panted, beads of sweat coating his forehead. "Still…not fit…to lead…"
Elissa clenched her teeth, those familiar words echoing in memory. It had been so long ago, just after she had returned to her friends after abandoning them to selfish guilt. Sten had challenged her then, firm in his belief that someone with such weak willpower was not fit to lead them against the Blight. And so to prove herself she had duelled him like this. Of course, at that time their duel had been interrupted by darkspawn, ending at a stalemate which Sten had opted not to pursue afterwards.
But this time there's so much more at stake than my pride…
I can't lose!
A new resolve gripped Elissa, and she writhed, getting her knee under Sten's chest. Sten tried to push back, but he was already unbalanced, and so Elissa threw herself into a ferocious roll, switching their positions. Her dagger moved of its own accord, scoring a tear down Sten's face. He cried out, and Elissa rammed her knee into his ribs, causing a sickening crunch. Sten groaned, and Elissa struck once more, severing the tendons behind his knee. Sten howled, grasping his leg as blood soaked into his boot. Satisfied, Elissa stood, her sword primed at his chest.
"Submit," she said.
Sten snorted. "Only death is true submission. You must kill me."
"No I don't." Elissa didn't hesitate, lowering her blade. "You said the winner decided the fate of the future. And I decide you get to be reborn along with everyone else."
Sten glared, struggling to sit. He pressed his hand to his wounded leg, baring his teeth.
"How have you bested me with such weakness?" he spat. "It should not be. I will not accept your mercy."
"It's not mercy," Elissa said. "It's not even compassion." She handed her weapons back to Alistair and Cassandra. "Compassion would be killing you here, giving you the warrior's death you desire. But by sparing you, what harsher punishment could you endure that the thought of living a life without the Qun?"
Her words sent a ripple through Sten, and he stared.
"…perhaps you have changed." He made no motion to move, but continued to sit. "Go."
Elissa nodded.
"We'll keep an eye on him," Alistair said. "Go get rid of that Corruption, then we'll get back to saving the world."
"I won't be long." Elissa strode forward, and the ranks of Qunari soldiers parted once more. She marched to the remains of the edge of the bridge, spying out the smothering blanket of black smoke.
Taking a deep breath, she reached out with her hands, before making a rotational gesture with her arms, as if she were commanding the wind. The Corruption mist responded, ebbing and flowing with her movements. Gradually, Elissa funnel it into a pillar, channelling it closer and closer. At last it met with her palms, and she clenched her fist, sending a pulse through it. Then it melted, falling into the clouds below, until only the white vapour remained.
Sighing, Elissa walked back to Skyhold. As she passed this time the soldiers dropped to one knee, bowing their heads. Cassandra and Alistair had Sten on his feet, and they followed, carrying him behind her. However, once Elissa returned to the courtyard, she was met with the collapsed forms of her friends.
"Maker, what happened?!" She ran towards them, noting that Solas, Merrill and Leliana were not amongst them. Heart racing, she dashed to Bethany, who was slumped near the Eluvian. Thankfully the mage was still breathing, and a sharp pinched forced her eyes open.
"Ugh…" Bethany sat up, before the fatigue vanished and she held a hand to her mouth. "Maker, Elissa! Solas, he…"
"What?" Elissa was frantic. "What did he do?! Where's Leliana?"
"He…took her," Bethany said, grimacing as she held her shoulder. "He grabbed her and fired a stun spell, I can only imagine he escaped through the Eluvian with her…"
"That bastard!" Alistair roared. "What does he think he's doing?"
"Sorry," Dorian groaned, pushing himself to his feet. His hand was bruised. "I knew he was planning something, but I was too slow…"
"It's okay, but we have to catch him," Elissa said. She looked around, noting another absent party. "Where's Merrill?"
"I don't know," Dorian answered. "Perhaps she went after him?"
"We'll soon find out." Elissa set her jaw. "Open the Eluvian, he can't be far."