New Chapter: 5/14
To Bethany Hawke, Herald of Andraste:
I must admit that when word of your situation and title reached me I couldn't believe my ears. Isabella is still laughing in hysterics. Merrill is as confused as you would imagine- I tried to explain why Bella and I find this funny but it just isn't breaking through.
While your position is amusing and a strange surprise, the fact people flock to you is not. I always knew your disposition was suited to something greater than either Mari or myself. Mom would be proud you are taking charge and soon something.
I am making my way west to your location. Don't protest (you would, I k ow you!). You need me, you and your Inquisition.
Until soon.
-Carver
- 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 -
Bethany had returned from the horrible past with a more certain gait. Her companion in that adventure, Dorian, did not seem to share her newfound confidence in the slightest. In fact the Tevinter mage had returned with some reservation in his steps.
Bethany was confident. She say in the small residence she had been allotted, her fingers wrapping around a simple letter Varric had slid into the pocket of her robes. As she read it, tears of relief ran down her face.
It was from Carver. It hardly said anything, being just pleasantries. Yet she was excited. She would see her twin soon! It was far too long.
With any luck, she and the mages would have the Breach closed before he ever arrived.
"Herald! A moment."
Bethany turned to the source of her title to see Cullen. She smiled gently at him, nodding in welcome. "Commander. Please, leave the title be."
He chuckled. "Mage Hawke then?"
Bethy couldn't help but laugh aloud with the Commander. Maker it felt good. "I believe I left THAT designation across the Narrow. Best just call me Bethany."
"Bethany." Her name rolled off his lips, and reminded her of how the past should have been. "I just wanted to thank you for rising to the occasion here. Your presence has made my job easier."
"Glad to be of service, Cullen."
"Is there... I mean, I am concerned for you. You attempt to close the breach tomorrow, yes?"
"I do."
"Make sure your friends are strong. And prepared. I fear the path ahead."
Bethany just smiled. "Cullen, my friend, I will travel with the Right Hand of the Divine. How bad can it be?"
- 0 - 0 - 0 -
Bethany regretted her hasty words as soon as she saw the army at Haven's none-too-sturdy gates. Cullen and Leliana worked fast to gather the people with Bethany took Dorian, Cassandra, and Varric to defend as best they could. Something about this strange boy though, this Cole who arrived ahead of the Templars, felt so familiar...
Bethany had no time to think about that. Not once she saw that... thing. Dear Maker, that could actually be an archdemon. Where were the Wardens- the REAL Wardens- when she needed them? Blackwall was a single man, not a fighting force, and this was beyond the Inquisition's meager numbers.
There was only one thing to do. She resolved to bring down the mountain. That resolution was only stronger when she locked eyes on the cause of their strife...
"Corypheus? No. This isn't possible..."
"You. You're one of those beats who freed me. And now you have spoilt my prize." As if to underline his frustration, the ancient being lashed out and allowed his power to flow through the mark in Bethany's hand. The Mage woman screamed loudly, almost in tears from the pain.
The Chant came to her mind. "Blessed are those who stand before the corrupt," Bethany recited quietly. "And the wicked."
With that, she struggled up and rushed to the trebuchet, bringing the mountain down on top of Corypheus and his dragon. She leapt to the safe refuge below her, praying it would hold, and finally let the darkness consume her at least for a few hours.
- 0 - 0 - 0 -
Leandra. Marian. Carver. Nathaniel. Anders. Leliana.
Leandra. Marian. Carver. Nathaniel. Anders. Leliana.
Bethany recited the names in her mind as if they were her own personal chant, reminding herself how much was at sake of she were to fail now. They had to know about Corypheus. They had to know the truth. They had to know the danger everyone was in.
Leliana. Marian. Carver. Leliana. Leandra. Leliana.
Leliana.
Leliana.
Leliana...
"There she is."
"She's alive."
"Thank the Maker!"
Bethany shivered for a brief instant before collapsing into the waiting arms before her. She felt herself being pulled up and taken nearer to the fire, the cold starting to slide from her bones and warmth taking its place. This was only aided by the sudden sensation of arms sliding around her.
"Lean back, young Hawke." Leliana's clipped voice whispered in her ear gently. "I remember these mountains. You must take all the warmth you can."
Bethany relaxed into the bard's light hold and let the warmth spreading calm her nerves. She fell back into restful slumber against Leliana's chest, comfortable and feeling safer than she had imagined possible.