Another chapter!

Asteria and Dorian have fallen through Alexius's portal.


The first thing Asteria noticed was that she was standing in water and in a dimly lit room that smelled disgusting.

"We're in a dungeon, aren't we?" She asked Dorian as she stood up.

"Very perceptive Ria. I wonder where we are?"

"A dungeon." Asteria repteated and Dorian sent her a dry look.

"Perhaps I should state, when are we? I don't think we've moved very far forward in time. I doubt we went backwards in time.

Asteria grabbed her staff, "All of this timey wimey magic is confusing Dorian. Are you sure you can get us back to where we were?"

Dorian pondered her words, "I think so. That necklace of Alexius's is what we're going to need. If I can get it away from him, I should be able to get us back. Maybe."

She quirked an eyebrow at him and he reiterated, "I should be able to get us back."

The elven mage swung her staff around and took out the two guards, "Then we should get moving. I don't want this dirty water smell to stain my clothing too much-it'll never wash out."

"I'm with you there, Ria. I just got these."

As they explored the dungeons Asteria noticed the Red Lyrium, "This stuff hasn't always been here, right?"

"When I came through here earlier it was filled with the tackiest statues of wolves and dogs I'd ever seen-this is not an improvement. I kind of miss the tacky dogs." Dorian replied.

They found Varric and Ironbull in cells with Red Lyrium, and Asteria was happy to free them and they were happy to see her.

"It's good to know you aren't dead Song. Sounds like the band is back together." Varric replied.

"Let's go kill something. And quickly-I've been sitting in that cell for too long." Bull remarked.

Asteria was pleased to hear that Leliana was still alive, but she was raging. The fire in her soul was burning in anger and pain. There was so much suffering and it needed to end. She needed to change everything so that this future never happened.

'Papa this is not the future we dreamed of.' Asteria mourned silently.

'You'll change it da'len. You'll make it better.' Papa spoke soothingly, but she could hear the anger in his own voice.

Asteria nodded at Papa's words, continuing through the dungeons determined to find Leliana-they'd change this together.

The elven mage opened a door and rushed in after hearing the sound of Leliana screaming as she was tortured. She watched as Leliana, still bound, managed to kill her torturer. Asteria studied Leliana in horror-she looked awful. Her heart ached suddenly, for Josephine, Cassandra, and Cullen-by the Gods, where was Cullen?

'Don't think of that now, da'len. Leliana is here, she can help you and Dorian get back to your time to stop all of this from happening.'

'Papa, look what they've done to her. Leliana is strong, she-'

'Her strength is what got her this far, Asteria. She's not broken yet.' Papa stated.

"Its good to know you're alive." Leliana remarked as she took the keys from Asteria and opened a chest that contained her bow and arrows.

"You aren't curious as to what happened to us or how we got here?" Dorian asked.

"No." Leliana bit back impatiently, causing Asteria to flinch.

"Alexius miscalculated. He sent us into the future. This, his victory, his Elder One-it was never meant to be." The Tevinter mage explained.

Asteria met Leliana's hardened gaze, "I'm so sorry for everything you suffered."

"We have to reverse his spell." Dorian stated. "If we can get back to our time, we can prevent this from ever happening."

"And mages always wonder why people fear them…" Leliana stated coldly. "No one should have this power."

Her words brought fear to Asteria's heart, but she forced it away, much like the pain she felt knowing that her absence had caused so many people she cared for, to hurt so badly.

"Its dangerous and unpredictable. Before the Breach, nothing we did-"

"Enough! This is all pretend to you, some future you hope will never exist. I suffered. The whole world suffered. It was real."

The iciness in Leliana's ice and the frigid tone of her voice sent shivers down Asteria's spine-she didn't know this woman and that hurt more than anything else.

Dorian tried speaking to Leliana, but here was no point. The Spymaster wanted nothing to do with talking. They fought their way to Alexius's location.


"Alexius! Its time to answer for your crimes."

"And here you are finally. I knew you would appear again. Not that it would be now. But I knew I hadn't destroyed you. My final failure."

"Was it worth it? Everything you did to the world? To yourself?" Dorian asked.

Alexius refused to look at them, "It doesn't matter now. All we can do is wait for the end."

Asteria shook her head, "It does matter. I will undo this."

"How many times have I tried?" Alexius asked himself, "The past cannot be undone. The Elder One comes-for me, for you, for us all."

Leliana snuck up behind Felix before Asteria could stop her. She yanked the boy up and pressed a blade to his throat.

"Felix!"

"That's Felix? Maker's Breath, Alexius! What have you done?" Dorian demanded.

"He would have died, Dorian! I saved him! Please, don't hurt my son. I'll do anything you ask."

"Hand over the amulet and we let him go." Asteria bargained.

"Let him no and I swear you'll get what you want." Alexius countered.

"I want the world back." Leliana growled before slitting Felix's throat and letting him fall.

"No!" Alexius yelled. He slammed his staff into the ground sending Leliana flying, "No!"

Asteria's hand closed around her staff as she slammed it into the ground and a trail of ice and frost went straight for Alexius. He blocked her attack and opened a portal that poured out demons. The mark on Asteria's hand began to glow brightly and she fired lightning at a Shade before raising her hand up at the rift.

She was glad to have Dorian, Varric, and Bull fighting alongside her. As she focused her magic on the rift, they kept the demons and Alexius occupied so that she could force the rift closed. When the rift closed she barely had enough time to move before Alexius sent a fireball at her and then opened another rift. She grit her teeth in frustration before slamming the end of her staff into a Shade's face before turning the mark on the rift above her.

Dorian noticed that Asteria was getting fed up and he slammed his staff into the ground and watched as electricity raced along the floor until it knocked Alexius off his feet for the final time. Bull reached down and grabbed Alexius, kicking his staff out of reach and making sure he couldn't cast any magic.

Asteria watched as Dorian approached Felix, a sad look in his eyes. "He lost Felix long ago and didn't even notice. Oh, Alexius…"

"This Alexius was too far gone. But the Alexius in our time might still be reasoned with." She offered quietly.

"I suppose that's true. This is the same amulet he used before. I think it's the same one we made in Minrathous. That's a relief. Give me an hour to work out the spell he used, and I should be able to reopen the rift."

Leliana approached them, "An hour? That's impossible! You must go now!"

As she finished speaking the entire building began to shake and a loud roar shook Asteria to her core. Leliana's eyes widened, "The Elder One."

"Song, you can't stay here. You need to get back to your time as fast as possible." Varric stated urgently.

Bull and Varric shared a look before heading for the door.

"Where are you going?" Asteria asked, although she was afraid she already knew.

"We're going to hold them off." Bull answered. "The only way they're getting in here is through us. When they get past us, it's your turn."

"I can't let you kill yourselves for me. There must be another way…"

Leliana stepped forward, "Look at us, Asteria. We're already dead. The only way we live is if this day never comes."

Her heart clenched painfully when she heard Leliana's angry voice call her by name. Of course she chose to do so now.

"Cast your spell. You have as much time as I have arrows." Leliana stated as Varric and Bull closed the door behind them and she took position in the center of the room.

Dorian worked quickly, doing his best to cast the spell as carefully and quickly as possible. There's no way they could let this ever happen. His eyes darted to Asteria and found that she was watching the door fearfully but there was hope in her eyes that spoke volumes-she wanted them to make it back.

They all heard the rumbling cries of demons approaching.

Leliana readied her bow, "As darkness closes, I am shielded by flame." The door burst open and demons and soldiers poured in. The first two soldiers fell to Leliana's arrows. "Andraste guide me. Maker, take me to your side." She dropped soldier after soldier, each time she readied another arrow quickly.

Asteria nearly ran to her side when an arrow lodged itself in her shoulder, but Dorian held her back. "You move and we all die!" He yelled.

Leliana began to beat them with her bow, dodging swords and leaping out of her enemies way with grace. The portal opened in front of Asteria, but a cry from Leliana forced her to turn around. Leliana was surrounded. The elf struggled to make a decision-she wanted to help Leliana, but helping Leliana meant going through the portal.

"Go!" Leliana yelled and at the sound of her voice, Dorian and Asteria jumped.


They landed in front of Alexius, who backed away from them slowly.

Dorian smirked, "You'll have to do better than that."

Alexius fell to his knees in defeat.

"Put aside all claim to Redcliffe, and we let you live." Asteria stated, surprised at how calm she sounded.

"You won. There is no point extending this charade." Alexius admitted. He turned to his son, "Felix…"

Felix knelt beside him, "Its going to be alright, Father."

A look of anguish covered Alexius's features, "You'll die."

"Everyone dies."

The Inquisition's agents took Alexius into custody and Felix followed, after giving Asteria and Dorian a final wave.

"Well, I'm glad that's over with!" Dorian remarked.

The doors burst open and soldiers dressed in Ferelden armor marched in, each of them taking positions in the hall.

"Or not." Dorian whispered, eyeing the new soldiers curiously.

"Grand Enchanter, we'd like to discuss your abuse of our hospitality." A man stated.

Asteria noticed his regal bearing, as well as that of the woman beside him and figured they were the king and queen of Ferelden.

"Your majesties." Fiona bowed her head, approaching them cautiously.

"The King and Queen of Ferelden?" Dorian inquired curiously.

"Yep. That's King Alistair and his wife, Queen Eliara of the Cousland family. She is the Hero of Ferelden." Varric explained quickly.

Instead of the King speaking, it was Queen Eliara, "When we offered the mages sanctuary, we did not give them the right to drive our people from their homes."

"Your Majesties, I assure you, we never intended.."

"In light of your actions, good intentions are no longer enough." The queen continued.

"You and your followers have worn out your welcome. Leave Ferelden, or we'll be forced to make you leave." The King growled.

Fiona's face dropped, "But we have hundreds who need protection! Where will we go?"

Asteria stepped forward and offered Fiona a gentle smile, "The Inquisition might be willing to take in the mages."

Despite the smile, Fiona eyed Asteria suspiciously, and the younger elven mage found that she did not blame her. She'd been tricked and lied to before.

"Hopefully better than what Alexius gave you. The Inquisition is better than that, yes?" Dorian stated.

Asteria looked to Varric for advice, "Hey all I can say is, these guys have had it rough. What happened here was not their fault, but the fault of a mage. I've learned it isn't always a good idea to let them have free reign, but I've known some pretty bad mages." He smiled at her, "I've also known three really good mages too."

Fiona studied Asteria, still not trusting that the Inquisition would have the mages' best interest at heart. "It seems we have little choice but to accept whatever you offer."

Asteria smiled as her heart and soul told her exactly what she should do. "We would be honored to have you fight as allies at the Inquisition's side."

Varric whistled, "Curly and the Seeker are going to have a field day."

Fiona nodded, "I'll pray that the rest of the Inquisition honors your promise then."

"The Breach threatens all of Thedas. We cannot afford to be divided now. We can't fight it without you. Any chance of success required your full support." Asteria stated, trying to reassure Fiona that the Inquisition would keep its word.

King Alistair spoke up, "It's a generous offer. I doubt you're going to get a better one from us."

Fiona looked to the ground, pain evident in her eyes and Asteria felt for her. The Grand Enchanter looked up and met Asteria's silvery gaze, "We accept. It would be madness not to. I will gather my people and ready them for the journey to Haven. The Breach will be closed. You will not regret giving us this chance."

Asteria smiled as she watched Fiona go before turning her attention to the King and Queen of Ferelden. King Alistair looked to his Queen when Asteria would not look away. Queen Eliara Cousland, seemed to have no problem holding Asteria's accusatory gaze.

"Not everything is as it seems. They did not have a choice-they were manipulated and-"

Queen Eliara raised a hand to silence Asteria before approaching her, "I'm a mage too, Hearld of Andraste. I can sense the magic here and its powerful and dark, however, his Majesty and I cannot let an event of this severity go unpunished. The mages have my sympathy, as well as that of my husband. He knows well enough how many times magic saved his royal hide during the Blight." Eliara cast a smirk at her husband who made a childish face at her in response. "However, there were other innocent people besides the mages who suffered."

Asteria grudgingly nodded, "I understand your position, but I still believe you were rather unfair."

The Queen gave Asteria a pitying smile as she took her hands in her own, "Your role as Herald will teach you a great many things, and the most important and constant lesson, is that life is unfair. I learned that as the Hero of Ferelden."

Eliara turned to walk towards her husband but Asteria's voice called out to her, "My name is Asteria, your Highness. I hope we can meet under better circumstances in the future."

The Queen offered the elf a smile over her shoulder, "I hope so, Lady Asteria. Maker guide you."


Fiona and her mages regrouped with Asteria and her allies at their camp, established by Leliana's scouts. After resting Asteria found herself in a slightly better mood, as long as she didn't think too much about what happened…or about how angry Cassandra and Cullen would be when they found out she offered the mages equality rather than conscription.

She smiled at the mages, "I'm glad you all made it out here alright. We'll be leaving in the morning. We've all had a long day and I figure that we could do with some decent sleep."

"You're the one that's offering us freedom?" A mage asked.

Asteria nodded, "Yes."

"How do we know you're serious?"

"Just because you're a mage doesn't mean we can trust your word-the non-mages call all the shots."

"What are you going to do if your advisors tell you we can't have our freedom?"

Dozens of questions were suddenly asked of her all at once and Fiona gave Asteria an apologetic look, but it wasn't entirely genuine. Asteria was surprised by the bombardment of questions and looked to her friends for assistance.

However all three of her friends seemed to be avoiding eye contact with her, meaning she was on her own-and she didn't blame anyone.

'Now what Papa?'

'Speak words of truth, da'vhenan. That's what they need to hear. What will you do if the others decide not to uphold the promise you made?' Papa inquired. "Follow your heart, you know what you should say. These people are frightened and their tired. Since the rebellion started, they've had no allies and have been judged for the actions of the mages out here who hurt people. Listen to your heart, da'len.'

She looked at the people around her and realized that he was right. They were tired-no, exhausted-and believed that they were no longer worthy of the freedom they were searching for. They were afraid to hope, because giving them false hope was the cruelest thing anyone could do to them.

The words echoed in her soul and Asteria felt the magic that came with them begin to course through her being.

Is it true what they say?
Are we too blind to find a way?
Fear of the unknown
Cloud our hearts today

Dorian stopped eating to listen to Asteria sing. Her voice was amazing.

"I had no idea she could sing."

"She's a Soul Singer, ancient elf magic. She connects to her listeners through it." Varric explained, listening intently to her words.

"I hear it." Dorian admitted.

Come into my world
see through my eyes
try to understand
Don't want to lose what we have

Asteria understood the song as the words poured from her lips. She was their ally, understood their pain on some level.

We've been dreaming
But who can deny?
It's the best way of living
Between the truth and the lies

See who I am
Break through the surface
Reach for my hand
Let's show them that we can
Free our minds and find a way
The world is in our hands
This is not the end

Fiona's eyes widened as she continued to listen to the Herald's words. She understood their pain-understood their dream. Fiona was a city elf, born and raised, but even she knew the old stories of the Soul Singers.

Fear is withering the soul
at the point of no return
we must be the change we wish to see

Varric smiled to himself as he listened to her words. Asteria always managed to hit the nail on the head. Fear was keeping a lot of people from acting-they talked about saving the world but they didn't do anything.

The mages wanted to change the way they were treated, wanted to change how people perceived them-but fear kept people rooted in their ways.

Assisting the Inquisition with the closing of the Breach was a good way to show the world that they were changing for the better.

I'll come into your world
see through your eyes
I'll try to understand
before we lose what we have

We just can't stop believing
because we have to try
We can rise about their truth and their lies

Hope began to fill the eyes of the mages as Asteria's song settled over them and into their hearts. She understood them, and how badly they all needed to work together.

See who I am
break through the surface
reach for my hand
Let's show them that we can
free our minds and find a way
the world is in our hands
This is not the end.

I hear their silence
Preaching my blame
will our strength remain
if their power reigns?

Asteria had been blamed too. They blamed her for what happened to the Divine. They blamed her for the rifts. They blamed her for everything bad going on, but she was working past that. She was going to save the world whether the world thought it needed her or not.

See who I am
Break through the surface
reach for my hand
and show them that we can
free our minds and find a way
The world is in our hands

This is not the end.

Asteria held their gazes, "If the Inquisition refuses to hold the promise I made you, I will fight for you until they agree with me. I won't let them make a liar out of me. I'm a mage too, and while I was not raised like you were, I understand you and I won't let anyone take advantage of you any longer."


"It's not a matter for debate. There will be abominations among the mages, and we must be prepared!" Cullen stated.

Josephine shook her head, "If we rescind the offer of an alliance, it makes the Inquisition appear incompetent at best, tyrannical at worst."

Asteria steeled herself for what was coming the moment Cullen's eyes landed on her.

"what were you thinking, turning the mages loose with no oversight? The Veil is torn open!"

'Nice to see you too, emma lath.' Asteria thought dryly. "We need them to close the Breach. Its not going to work if we make enemies of them."

"I know we need them for the Breach, but they could do as much damage as the demons themselves! Seeker, you have to agree with me!" Cullen countered.

"While I may not completely agree with the decision, I support it. The sole point of the Herald's mission was to gain the mages' aid and that was accomplished." Cassandra stated.

"The voice of pragmatism speaks! And here I was just starting to enjoy the circular arguments." Dorian sarcastically remarked as he entered the room.

Cassandra turned to him, "Closing the Breach is all that matters."

Asteria refused to look at Leliana, for fear she would break down in tears. She could already feel them burning her eyes. Instead she focused on the matter at hand. "The longer the Breach is open, the more damage it does. We should head there as soon as possible."

"Agreed." Josephine seconded.

"We should look into the things you saw in this 'Dark Future'. The assassination of Empress Celene? A demon army?"

Asteria jumped at the sound of Leliana's voice, but still refused to look at her-she clenched her fists and welcomed the biting of her nails into her palms.

"Sounds like something a Tevinter cult might do. Orlais falls. The Imperium rises. Chaos for everyone!" Dorian remarked.

Asteria met his gaze and he winked at her, earning him a thankful quirk of her lips.

Cullen sighed heavily, "One battle at a time. It's going to take time to organize our troops and the mage recruits. Let's take this to the war room." He met Asteria's gaze, "Join us. None of this means anything without your mark, after all."

She nodded, "Thank you, I'm honored."

"Meet us when you're ready." Josephine stated.

Dorian gave Asteria another smirk, "I'll skip the war council, but I would like to see this Breach up close, if you don't mind."

Happiness overtook the sadness in Asteria's heart as she smiled, "Then you're…staying?"

"Oh didn't I mention? The South is so charming and rustic. I adore it to little pieces." The other mage countered.

A small laugh escaped Asteria and Dorian smiled. That was better. She looked like she was about to fall to pieces at the mere sight of Leliana.

"There's no one I'd rather be stranded in time with, future or present." Asteria smiled.

Dorian nodded his head, "Excellent choice, Ria! But let's not get 'stranded' again anytime soon, yes?"


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