When the group reached the top of the stairs, they found themselves in an enormous room that looked like an arena. A balcony stood at the end of the room, and as the Warden-Commander cautiously strode forward, she halted at the recognition of three figures above; the Architect, accompanied by a dwarf and Velanna's sister. Her blood boiled at the sight of the Emissary but she willed herself to get a grip on her rage. Caena growled and the others ready their weapons and spells, yet made no move when their leader raised a hand to halt them.

"I believe you have something that belongs to me creature," she started as she stepped forward while her hands twirled her blades. She heard a protesting noise from her Second but it was completely ignored as she glared at the darkspawn. "I want it back."

"My apologies," the Architect replied, bowing his head low, "but I cannot return what you seek."

"It wasn't a request." Gripping the hilt of her swords firmly, she dashed towards the creature who suddenly summoned two corrupted dragons from the side chambers. Her feet backpedal just in time to evade one of the dragon thralls that landed a few feet away.

"Commander!"Loghain shouted as he ran towards her only to be blocked by the second dragon thrall that crashed down in front of him. The mighty creature roared ferociously, beating its wings with such power that it would've sent him flying off his feet if not for his heavy armor. The others, with the exception of Oghren, weren't as fortunate for some – namely Anders and Caena – were slammed against the wall while the rest were scattered about.

"Finish off that blighted thing quickly! I'll keep this one busy!" His Commander yelled back as she led the dragon chasing her away from the rest of her companions.

Loghain's eyes widened. Is she insane!? Yet, there was no time to protest as the dragon in front of him was already spinning around, its tail swatting at Sigrun after she stabbed one of its hind legs. The dragon was fixated on her now as it stomped towards her, and if not for her agility, its taloned foot might have crushed her before she could roll away.

He and Oghren then charged, slashing its sides just before it could snap at the legionnaire with its great jaw. The creature roared in pain and fury as it pushed itself high up into the ceiling. Now, they could see the Warden-Commander on the far end, engaging the other dragon with one arm so badly injured that it could barely lift her other sword. Its fanged maw opened up, ready to lunge down and crush her between its teeth but two arrows found their way to its eye.

Nathaniel shot arrow after arrow, all aimed at the dragon's vulnerable head. This gained him the creature's wrath as it rushed with lightning speed towards his direction, its maw open wide. Even as Anders and Velanna fired lightning bolts at the creature, it did not halt for its rage was too focused on the archer now. The latter quickly scrambled as far away as possible whilst their two heavily armored warriors charged forward, hacking and stabbing deep just above its forearms.

Its cry seemed to have summoned the other dragon as the latter had swooped back down from the high ceiling, its mouth opening wide. Elisa knew what was to come the moment she heard sound of a great intake of breath.

"Run!" she shouted.

And then, flame burst out from the creature's maw. Everyone scattered. It didn't matter where; so long as it was far from the searing heat. Its fellow dragon joined as well and breathed out fire at the warriors who were by far the slowest among its companions. The mages took this as an opportunity and began casting another spell which abruptly dropped the room's temperature as icy winds blew from every direction.

Elisa had to cover her ears as the creatures bellowed furiously. With eyes squinted, she searched for them in the blowing snow. One with arrows on his eye was writhing on the ground, flapping its wings helplessly as shards of ice pierced through its hide. Loghain and Oghren took the chance and charged forward, slashing the weapons at it until the latter ended its life with his great battleaxe chopping off its head.

Where's the other one? She wondered which was immediately answered by a loud roar from above. She could sense it was close, but where? Her head tilted up and through the blizzard, she saw a shadow passed overhead. It was heading towards the Dalish mage.

"Velanna! Move!" She yelled but her warnings came in too late as the dragon landed in front of the elf. She rushed towards the creature as its mouth open wide, the intake of breath audible enough for her to hear.

However, instead of the fire engulfing the Dalish, the flames struck a barrier that shielded her. Her gaze darted to the side and found Anders with his staff raised high and brows furrowed as he concentrated on keeping the shields up. Elisa then slashed her sword at its flank before Sigrun and Nathaniel appeared with the latter aiming at its neck while the former attacked its other side.

Furious, the dragon roared as it spun about. Its tail nearly swatted Sigrun if she hadn't rolled away just in time. Its head turned from one side to the other, snapping at one of its attacker only to be distracted by another one.

Despite their efforts, the last dragon refused to go down easily. And with lack of mana and lyrium, the mages couldn't summon another blizzard spell either; not when they were constantly healing the others. The most they could do was piss it off.

Elisa backed away and searched for its most vulnerable part. Then her eyes caught a glimpse of the slain dragon nearby. "Loghain," she called when her Second was now beside her. "Keep it distracted."

"What are you–" His question was silenced when she gave that look which told him to trust her. With a quick nod, he charged back at the fearsome creature.

She waited for the perfect moment, when the dragon had its back facing her. Then she ran as fast as she could, ignoring the pain on her leg that had been burned earlier. She could see Anders and Velanna switching from offensive spells to healing, their faces pale and sweaty which was a sign that they were almost out of mana. She saw Loghain burying his sword deep and pulling them out quickly before he ended up batted away. And then she saw its tail.

Taking a great leap, her feet landed on the thickest part of the tail. She didn't slow down for a second however as she had picked up the pace and ran along the ridges of creature's spine. The others saw and nearly halted their attacks at the sight of the Warden-Commander's stunt. Particularly, Nathaniel's jaw slackened as he wanted to shout at her insanity but couldn't find the adequate words to use.

"Keep attacking!" Loghain ordered them as he went on with hacking at the dragon. Whether it knew that there's someone on its back, he wasn't sure. However, he wasn't going to give it the slightest chance to do something about it.

As the others resumed distracting the creature, Elisa sped up as she neared its neck. She could feel adrenaline pumping through her veins and something else she couldn't point out what. The humming began to tingle in the back of her mind once again, and this time she could hear it whispering something.

Kill...

Whether it was her own thoughts or the Call of the Old Gods, she wasn't sure. All she knew was that she needed to kill the blighted creature now. Rather than pushing the soft music away, she welcomed it with open arms. Grinning madly, she dug her blade deep into the back of the dragon's neck. Blood and black ichor spilled as it penetrated through its bones, causing the dragon to rear up high and roar in pain. She could hear her companions calling her but she ignored it as her hand gripped tightly on her blade and sank it deeper while the creature flapped its wings and flew up into the air.

Loghain turned to the archer and two mages. "Shoot it down!"

Nathaniel shot arrows in quick succession at its wings while Velanna and Anders gathered what mana they had left and aimed lightning bolts at its midsection. Yet, the dragon kept its focus on dislodging its unwelcome rider. Its serpentine neck twisted and turned as it tried to snap on the Warden-Commander. It nearly caught her between its teeth too if it was any more flexible. When it could neither remove its passenger nor the sword, it flew straight towards a wall.

Elisa's eyes widened as she immediately realized what it was about to do. Pulling her sword from the dragon's neck, she leaped and then drove her blade into its left wing just as the dragon turned and slammed its right side against the stone wall. Both of her hands grasped the hilt tightly as she hung for her dear life. She heard the creature's furious cry as its wounded wing caused it to spiral down to the ground.

Several feet above where everyone stood, Loghain could see that his Commander slipping as her sword sliced the membranous part of the wing in two. He rushed forward, his eyes locked on her as she was thrown off from the creature that continued its descent. He forced his feet to speed up but failed to catch her in time. The impact was so great that he heard some of her bones break, making her scream loudly. The ground beneath them shook immediately after as the creature that crashed down on the ground.

Elisa felt her body rolled helplessly along the ground until it skidded into a halt. She could hear the sounds of fighting, most likely the rest of her companions finishing off the dragon. She could hear Oghren's battle cry – one she knew he used when he was about to strike a fatal blow. Then everything became silent. It worried her because they were not done yet. They still had three more enemies to face. Could they not feel them in their tainted blood?

She wanted to get up yet her entire body ached and refused to move an inch. So she forced her eyes open instead and saw her fellow Warden's gathered around her, deep concern etched on their faces. Why are you wasting your time with me!? The Architect! Kill it! She wanted to shout but no words came out when she opened her mouth. She could see Loghain speaking frantically – judging by his hand gestures – to the blonde healer beside him. Two hands hovered above her that emulated a blue glow. It had a soothing effect on her body even then all she could accomplish was twitch slightly.

Her mouth opened once again, hoping this time she could utter the words. "The… Architect…" Everything became fuzzy after that. The voices became too distant for her to comprehend what was being said. She remembered seeing her Second and Nathaniel standing up and facing somewhere before everything went black.

Elisa woke up with a start, gasping loudly as her eyes flickered from side to side. Where am I? She thought amidst the humming that tingled in the edges of her consciousness. It was dark where she lay though judging from the cot beneath her and earthy smell, it was definitely not in the mines. She felt bandages around her arms, legs and ribs, and she wondered just how injured she was.

There was a sound of a body shuffling beside her before it moved away. Then a faint light made her shut her eyes for a moment as the flap of her tent opened. She saw the silhouette of a man peeking outside and when he spoke, she instantly recognized that it was Anders.

"She's awake!"

Not a minute later, another person's silhouette blocked what little light passed through as he entered the tent. "Take a break," she heard the voice spoke who she knew belonged to her Second. Her gaze shifted to the mage who gave a quick nod before leaving the tent.

"Loghain…" His name came out more like a groan as she tried to sit up. Maker, her entire body was hurting so badly that the bandages were probably the only thing keeping everything attached

"Maker's breath woman…" Loghain sighed as he moved over to her side and gently but firmly pushed her back down. "You haven't fully recovered yet."

She didn't put much protest as she lay back down on the cot. Her eyes closed for a moment as she tried to recall what had transpired after she fell off the dragon. "What happened?" she murmured.

"We dragged your nearly lifeless corpse out of the mines," he replied dryly with a deep scowl.

Through half-lidded eyes, she watched him for a minute when he didn't add anything else. It gave her enough time to adjust to the surrounding's dim light which allowed her to see him press his lips tightly together as his icy blue eyes glared down at her. She tried to read the emotions behind it. Anger, perhaps? She couldn't tell for certain.

After another minute or so, he shut his eyes as he finally spoke, his tone strained and hurried. "Forgive the insubordination Commander, but there's a need for this to be stated." He then met her gaze with such intensity that he couldn't mask that damnable worry she put him through in his features despite his best effort to remain stoic. "Never. Do that. Again."

Elisa turned her head to the side. What was she supposed to say? 'Sorry, I helped you kill the dragon'? That blighted thing wouldn't go down! It was either risk her own life or have all of them be the creature's next meal. "I can't promise anything…" she muttered quietly.

"I wasn't asking you to," she heard Loghain answer. It made her face him once more as she met his eyes glaring hard at her. "It was an order."

She scoffed. Truly, she should be mad and threatening to flog him for the lack of respect. But she couldn't help but feel like applauding him instead for having the stones to give his superior officer an order without so much as stuttering; especially when said superior had slain the Archdemon not so long ago. Perhaps, it's because she might have done the same. Well, at least he has the decency to do it privately, she thought before shifting her attention towards the entrance to her tent.

Nathaniel regarded them with a small nod before he went further in. "I finished making the tonic," he said as he handed the half-full vial over to Loghain. "I only found a few of the ingredients required in the woods so that might not be enough. We could make more once we reached Denerim." He glanced over to his Commander, brows furrowing as he examined her from head to toe. Yet, he remained silent, uncertain how to proceed after… what they had seen in the mines.

She seemed to have picked up his reluctance too. "Nathaniel, about what happened…" she started and tried forcing herself to sit up once again.

"Elisa, it could wait," he insisted despite his own curiosity growing.

"He's right Commander," Loghain added with his hands reaching out for her shoulders. "You can barely move in your condition."

"It's fine," she replied, squirming in her Second's grip in spite of the ache it caused. "I'd rather lay it all out." Sapphire eyes held the archer's grey ones. "Don't you?"

"I…" Nathaniel hesitated and glanced over to the dark-haired warrior beside their Commander, giving him a look which said that it was his call whether to let her get out of bed or not.

After a moment of considering, Loghain finally conceded. "Very well…" He allowed her first to drink the tonic before taking her arm and placing it around his shoulders. He glanced over to the archer for assistance, and the latter complied, mimicking the older man's actions with her other arm.

Outside, the others were gathered around the campfire. Footsteps made the glance up to the three figures approaching. The Dalish mage immediately brought her question up even before the Warden-Commander could be set down. "Has a decision been reached?"

Elisa's brow arched up as she looked over to her Second. "Decision to what?"

Loghain sighed heavily. "She wishes to become a Warden." He glared at the elf who met his gaze with the same intensity. "Though I had hoped to bring the matter up once you are in a better condition."

Velanna snorted, crossing her arms on her chest. "Such decisions do not require the use of her limbs, unless that's where her brain's actually attached. Then it explains why she did that little stunt."

"Insolent—" Loghain was abruptly silenced by his Commander when she moved her arm away from him and raised a hand. His attention quickly shifted her and he saw that look in her eyes that said she was considering the matter and slight twitch in the corners of her lips. He fought his urge to scoff at whatever was amusing her.

"All right," Elisa began as the archer helped her settle down near a log which she leaned back against, her hound quickly settling beside her as it nuzzled her leg – no doubt it had been worrying over its master's well-being while she was unconscious. "Tell me why I should make you a Grey Warden."

"That monster took my sister!" Velanna exclaimed. "They say Wardens can sense darkspawn, even underground. If that's what it takes to find her, then I'll join your Order!"

"Uh, correction," Anders cut in. "She went along with it." He avoided the elf's seething gaze as he added, "just making sure Commander gets the right story."

Oghren shook his head and grumbled after taking a long swig from his flask. "If she went along with that thing, she's a lost cause."

"She is not a lost cause!" Velanna shrieked defiantly at the red-haired dwarf, though she couldn't help the doubt gnawing in the back of her head. Her brows knitted together as she shook her head. "She must have some reasons for doing… whatever it is she's doing."

"I did not ask why you wish to join." The statement made the Dalish turn her attention back to the Warden-Commander. "I ask why I should recruit you. If it's only because you want to save your sister, then, my apologies but I must decline. If you want, we'll find Seranni for you instead."

"You think I'll just leave the fate of her life on the hands of not only a stranger, but a shem!?" Velanna sneered. "You want a reason? Here, then. From what the others told me, your Order is in dire need to replenish their numbers. Not to mention, the single mage you have available is only good with healing spells." She ignored the other mage's protest as she stepped forward 'til she stood in front of her future Commander, her chin held up high. "I have been trained by our Keeper ever since I showed signs of magic, and those taught in your Chantry's gilded cage are child's play compared to elven magic. I will pledge my services to you Warden in exchange for the powers your Order will grant me."

Elisa stared at the elven woman silently, her expression remaining deadpanned. "Are you certain? The Joining could kill you."

Velanna's reply came in swift and with great certainty that some might even mistake it for arrogance. "I am not afraid of death!"

The elf's response even made Elisa's brows raise briefly as the corners of her lips twitched in a slight grin before sparing the other Wardens a quick glance, judging each of their reactions. "Opinions?"

Oghren merely shrugged indifferently, returning to drinking his ale, while Sigrun replied, "I don't see why not? The more, the merrier right?"

"Your call, Elisa," Nathaniel said when her gaze passed by him.

Loghain crossed his arms and looked away, scoffing. "Since when did my opinions ever stop you?"

Anders looked at everyone who either agreed or remained neutral – which was the same as agreeing either way. It wasn't as if he didn't like having another mage around. It would probably be a good idea to be perfectly honest since he could focus more on healing everyone during battles. It was just that the Dalish was so… high-strung. Probably keeps her staff up her arse, he thought before giving in with a small shrug. "You know me; I just go with the flow."

Elisa returned her gaze back to the blonde elf and after a moment of silence, she gave a small lopsided grin. "Welcome aboard then. You'll undergo the Joining once we reach Denerim."

Velanna didn't even realize that she was holding her breath until she let out a deep sigh. "Ma serannas." Though, she had to raise a brow when the female shemlen's hand gestured dismissively.

"Don't thank me just yet." Elisa features then became grim as she contemplated on something. "I have confidential Grey Warden matters to discuss with them. You can stay and listen or Loghain can escort you away from the camp for the time being. However, should you decide to listen, you can no longer back out from joining the Order."

Velanna glared at her challengingly. "And if I do?"

"Then I would be forced to kill you."

"Elisa, that's a little extreme, don't you think?" Nathaniel voiced out his doubt.

"We cannot risk letting an outsider walk free while knowing some secrets of the Order." Elisa's answer was callous but had a hint of regret. "That is why I'm giving her the choice; stay and listen or leave the camp for the time being."

Velanna's lips pressed tightly together. "If you are trying to frighten me shem, I assure you it is not working. Whatever dark secrets your Order has, I care not."

"For two sovereigns, I say there'll be a cat-fight before we reach Denerim," Anders told to the drinking red-haired dwarf who nearly spitted his ale out and guffawed.

"Five says there'll be one before the sun comes out."

"They can hear you two, you know," Sigrun commented, pointing at their Commander and the elf who looked over to them with the latter glaring sharply.

Elisa sighed and shook her head before her hand gestured for the Dalish to sit down so she could begin with her explanation.

End of Chapter 20