All eyes fell upon Cassandra the instant she burst into the dungeon. The Seeker scanned the cells, but it did not take long to identify where Kathryn was being held. The jail never housed very many criminals, and the templars stationed outside her cell were a dead giveaway. Cassandra's brows drew together dangerously as she marched over to Cullen.
"You threw the Inquisitor into the dungeon, Commander?" Cassandra growled.
Her fierce glare was returned resolutely by the ex-templar, who squared his shoulders.
"I don't relish the idea of keeping her here, Seeker," he replied. "But it is a necessity. She is unable to control herself. It is here that we are better able to watch her. She will not hurt anyone else, or cause any more damage."
Cassandra gritted her teeth, hating that she understood the rationale behind this. But…
Her eyes found Kathryn, who was huddled in a dark corner of the cell, farthest away from the templars. Her arms were wrapped tight around her knees, her head bowed low. Traces of red lyrium were still visible on her skin, but they were not burning as bright as they did before. Kathryn's entire body was still shaking noticeably. She muttered to herself, occasionally emitting a whine or sob.
"She needs help," Cassandra muttered, walking up to the bars. Kathryn gave no indication that she noticed the Seeker's approach. In fact, she acted as if nothing else existed beyond the bars. "Not this."
"This is the best we can do for the moment," said the Commander. "Just getting her in here was no mean feat. Even after you nullified her abilities, we had trouble subduing her. Wouldn't stop kicking and clawing at us. I had to knock her out. And after she awoke, well…" He gestured helplessly at the cell. "She's been like this ever since. We've tried to get close, but she reacted violently each time."
"Because you are templars."
There was a sudden rustle and clinking of armour they turned to where Cole stood. They stared at him in surprise, wondering when the waifish figure had entered their midst.
Cole continued, unperturbed by their reaction. "Only templars have tried to touch her, bring her back. She doesn't like templars."
"But Cassandra–"
"Cassandra is a templar. A templar without lyrium. Different, but still the same. And dangerous. More dangerous." Cole paused, his hand reaching up to clutch at a cold metal bar of Kathryn's cell. "She knows you are here. But she wants you to go. All of you."
"We cannot do that." Cullen seemed indignant at the idea. "If she lapses into another…'bout', we need templars here to ensure she doesn't hurt herself."
"You are making her hurt," came the simple reply.
Cullen turned to Cassandra for help, but her attention was on the templars stationed around her. Six armoured figures to watch over one mage. Kathryn often told her of how she felt like a prisoner back in the Circle. Like she was thrown in there for a crime she did not commit. The templars would scrutinise them suspiciously, ready to bring their charges back in line at any faint hint of foul play. Cassandra had taken her words with a pinch of salt, as the mage had a tendency to overdramatise her stories. But now, faced with this sight… She could not help but hear the ring of truth behind Kathryn's words.
"Very well," Cassandra spoke finally, hoping that she made the right choice. "There will be only two templars standing guard by the entrance at all times." She raised a hand to stop Cullen's protest. "And the Inquisitor shall only be approached by Inquisition soldiers. Is that understood?"
The commander's lips parted, but he pressed them together again. He nodded and motioned for the templars to follow him towards the entrance, where he started to disseminate orders.
"You don't have to worry."
Cassandra blinked, realising Cole was addressing her. The boy was still staring at Kathryn, as though searching for something he could not find.
"Pardon?"
"You don't make her hurt as much as the others." Cole paused, tilting his head. Then the blond turned to her. "You don't have to feel guilty."
"Even though I'm still hurting her?"
Cole regarded her for a moment, before turning back to the Inquisitor. He gave no answer.
She found Dorian and Cole outside Kathryn's cell the next day. They were sitting close to the bars, Dorian reading a novel aloud while Cole sat next to him silently. The prison warden stood at his post uncertainly, unsure whether he should chase the pair away. Upon noticing Cassandra's arrival, he snapped to attention.
"What are you doing?" Cassandra asked when she got close to the pair sitting on the floor.
"Reading," Dorian stated matter-of-factly, waving his book at her for emphasis. "Would you like to sit in? We're just getting to the climax."
"Why are you reading here, of all places?"
"It brings her back," Cole supplied quietly.
Cassandra's disapproving frown lightened when she noticed that Kathryn had opened up a little from her tight huddle. Her back leant against the wall behind, while her head rested on the cold stone to her right. The mage had not acknowledged their presence yet, her eyes staring blankly at a spot in front of her. But it did seem as if she was listening.
"Maybe you'd like to lend us some of your books, Cassandra," Dorian said with a smirk. "They might excite her even more."
The Seeker bristled at the prodding, but decided to let it go. Dorian had thrown himself into a deep study of lyrium after learning of Kathryn's condition, even working past his reservations to cooperate with the ex-Circle mages. She had caught him burning the midnight oil in the library multiple times, while she was exploring Skyhold during sleepless nights. The man cared, as much as he tried to hide it for some reason.
"Have you found anything new?"
"Unfortunately, no. Skyhold's library is deplorably limited – which is no surprise. Leliana and Josephine have promised a delivery of materials within the next few days."
Cassandra sighed, crossing her arms. "Even so, should you not be doing something useful? I do not see how reading inane stories would help."
"Actually," Dorian clarified. "I am testing a theory of mine." He placed a marker between the pages and closed the book, rising to his feet. "Have you not noticed how differently Kathryn acts from other red lyrium addicts?" At a twitch of the Seeker's eye, he continued. "Compare her anger to the red templars and mage cultists we have seen so far. Does she seem much more…fiery than all of them? Manic, even. I've seen her fight the templars who dared enter her cell. It was as though she does not have control over herself… She was positively primal."
"Is that not a side effect of red lyrium? Insanity eventually takes over its long-term users…" Then it clicked. Partly.
Dorian saw her brows rise and smiled. "That's right. Long-term users. Three days should not be enough time for the lyrium itself to affect her cognitive abilities to that extent. So that leads us to the quantity that she was subjected to." He fidgeted with his moustache with a finger, pacing with a far-off look in his eyes. "I do not believe that she was given an extensive amount of red lyrium. No human body would be able to withstand that sort of exposure or ingestion. Even if they survived, I do not believe they would behave this peacefully at any time." He nodded at Kathryn, who had huddled into herself once again. "So we arrive at trauma. It may be the shock of whatever has been done to her, the exposure to lyrium." His voice dropped to a hush. "But…"
"Yes?"
The mage glanced at her briefly before plunging on. "Well, she was captured by a mage cult. And if they were planning to use Kathryn for their own plans, they should have known she wouldn't submit. Not willingly. So blood magic seems to be the next logical conclusion."
"You suspect they tried to control her?"
Dorian nodded. "And we did rip her away from the cultists. They could have been trying to change her, dominate her will or even suppress her personality. But we interrupted mid-way. I am not very sure of it though." He folded his arms. "It is difficult to tell whether she was under their control – whether she still is under their control." He kept silent for a while, eyes fixed on Kathryn.
"Do you have the cell's key?" Dorian asked suddenly.
"No," Cassandra replied, casting a glance at the prison warden. "Why do you want it?"
"I want to go in."
"It is dangerous."
"Maybe. But I want to try something." Dorian held his hand out towards the warden.
The warden looked unsure, his hand straying to the key at his side, glancing at the Seeker as though seeking her approval. She nodded, and he quickly dropped the key onto Dorian's palm. The mage twirled the key between his fingers before slipping it into the lock. As he opened the door, Cassandra placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Do you need backup?"
"No," Dorian said, shrugging her hand off and opening the metal door. "I perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
He took cautious steps towards the Inquisitor, who had her eyes closed. The short walk was uneventful, and Dorian kneeled down beside Kathryn. The mage stirred at her visitor's presence. He reached out for her, only to have his wrist caught in a fierce grip. Kathryn's eyes snapped open to see who was trying to touch her.
"Good afternoon, Lady Trevelyan," Dorian greeted, his tone light. "Had a good nap?"
Kathryn stared at him longer, before her lips parted, "Dorian…" Her voice was dry, and cracked at the end. She coughed and let go of Dorian.
"Do you need water?"
"Yes."
The Tevinter mage promptly rose to his feet, striding over to the door and motioned for the water jug sitting on the warden's table. The warden jumped into action, pouring the jug's contents into a mug and handing it to the mage. Dorian went back to Kathryn's side, handing the mug over to the woman, who took it eagerly. Her hands trembled as she held onto the mug, though, so Dorian held onto it to steady her as she took quick sips. A soft, satisfied sigh left her lips when she was done, and her grip on the mug loosened. Dorian placed it on the floor beside him.
"How are you feeling?"
"I don't know," Kathryn uttered. She leaned forward, hand cradling her forehead. "I'm so…" She let out a shaky breath.
"Do you remember what happened, Kathryn?" Dorian prompted after letting Kathryn think a few moments.
"I don't know. I…can't remember. Just–just pain…and blood and lyrium. No, I–I don't know!" Her voice rose in frustration. The traces of red on her skin started glowing more intensely.
"It's alright. You don't have to remember now. Just relax and–"
"It's so noisy. He won't stop talking. Get him to stop!"
"Who? Who won't stop talking?"
"Stop!" Kathryn clapped her hands over her ears, starting to rock back and forth. "Dorian. Help. I can't…"
Cassandra could not take it anymore. She took a step forward, and Kathryn's head whipped up in her direction. Her eyes were wide as they stared at the Seeker, panic and confusion reminiscent of their exchange the previous day. Dorian turned, frantically motioning for her to step away. Before Cassandra could react, Kathryn lunged viciously in her direction. But she did not get far, as Dorian grabbed her around the abdomen to keep her in place.
"She will kill us, Dorian!" The Inquisitor hands were starting to crackle with energy. "She will gather her comrades and slaughter all of us like cattle. They have to be stopped! Killed before they kill us!" Her voice reached a fevered pitch as the gathered magic intensified. She struggled in Dorian's unyielding hold, arms flailing past the man's head, as though trying to claw at Cassandra from where she was.
Cassandra prepared a spell purge in anticipation. But it was thankfully not needed as Dorian shoved Kathryn back. Shock marred her features as she hit the wall, and her surprise grew as Dorian placed his hands on either side of her head.
"No!" Kathryn scrabbled against the Tevinter mage's hands, which emitted a calming green radiance. "We have to–stop…" Her struggle gradually lost steam, hands sliding from Dorian's arms onto the floor. Her voice faded away as she slumped forward, drifting into magically induced sleep.
Cassandra strode into the cell, helping Dorian lay the Inquisitor back onto her bedroll. She swept Kathryn's disheveled hair from her face as Dorian shook his hands, hissing.
"We could give her a nail trim while she sleeps," he suggested, examining the red scratches on his dark skin.
"What was the point of that exercise?" Cassandra demanded, pulling the thin cover over Kathryn.
"It wasn't obvious?" Dorian replied, raising his brow at her. "She did not try to scratch my eyes out the moment she saw me. It is rather safe to say that she hates you. Or, people like you. Templars and Seekers alike."
"And this is because of what the cultists did to her?"
"I believe so." He rubbed at his chin, eyes glazing over. "A 'Saviour'. Saviour of mages… Interesting."
"I hear him."
The pair turned to face the waifish blond standing right behind them. He stared at the slumbering Inquisitor, head tilted, with a crinkle between his brows.
"It is faint, but I can hear him. He speaks through the Fade."
"Can you make out what 'he' is saying?"
"No. I cannot catch the words."
"Is this some form of mind control?" Cassandra asked Dorian.
"It does seem like it. But this is not a method I am familiar with. I know of mind control through blood magic, but through the Fade? Hm. Is it because of distance?" Dorian mused. "I will need more time to think this over."
"You can speak to her," Cole said.
"Pardon?" Dorian looked at the boy curiously.
"In the Fade. Kathryn is in the Fade. Still fighting. You can speak to her, help her. Help her resist his call."
Cassandra glanced at Dorian, feeling a little lost.
"But to speak with her in the Fade, we would have to dream first. And we do not have control over what or where we dream. Unless we have a dreamer mage or…" He snapped his fingers as the idea hit him. "Solas. Of course. Well," Dorian jumped to his feet, looking excited. "Time to ask the Fadewalker's help."
"It can be done, yes. I am able to send you into Kathryn's dream – she will need to be asleep, of course."
"Done," Dorian answered. "I just sent her to sleep."
"Very well." Solas uncrossed his arms. "Who shall make the trip?"
Cassandra and Dorian exchanged glances, then looked to Cole.
"You are a spirit, Cole," Cassandra said. "You should be rather adept at walking through the Fade."
"I am. But I will not go," Cole said, to the surprise of his companions. "Cassandra should."
"What?" the Seeker said incredulously. "She tries to attack me whenever I am in sight, and now you want me to go look for her in the Fade?"
The blond nodded. "She will not hurt you in the Fade. She is still herself. You can help her hurt less. Give her Faith."
"I… but I am probably the least qualified to do this," Cassandra protested weakly. "I am not as well-acquainted with the Fade as the rest of you."
"That is no problem, Seeker," Solas assured her. "This journey through the Fade will not be much different from what you have experienced in your own dreams. The only difference is that you will be fully aware of your actions. Should you be in danger, I will bring you back before you are harmed. Do not worry."
The Seeker sighed, rubbing her temple. "Very well. I will do it.
It was odd. Thoroughly odd. Cassandra stood in place, taking stock of her surroundings. At first glance, it seemed she was in a forest just like any other. But if she looked in the distance, things started to blur, with a faint tinge of red all over. The sky, trees, grass, everything. And…the voice. When she concentrated enough, she could hear the faint murmurs of a man. She could not make out any words, like she was eavesdropping on a conversation not meant for her ears. Maybe this was what Kathryn mentioned while she was awake.
Kathryn. Right. The Seeker shook herself mentally, fighting past her disorientation to focus on her goal. She ignored the way the trees shimmered and faded subtly about the edges and started walking, casting her eyes all over in search of her quarry. After half an hour's trek, Cassandra could not help but suspect that she was lost. Was Kathryn's dream truly so vast that it was possible to lose her way? She tried some tracking techniques she had picked up, looking for signs that others had passed through, but made no headway. Everything was so unnaturally clean and proper. Just when frustration set in, she stumbled upon a narrow forest trail. She followed the path, still keeping among the trees – just in case – and eventually reached a clearing. It was mostly empty except for a small campsite near the edge, sheltered under the shade of a large tree. There was a tent set up, and tending to the campfire was none other than–
"Kathryn!" Cassandra called, throwing caution to the wind and bursting out of the trees. As she grew close, she noticed that Kathryn looked well – there was no sign of red lyrium anywhere on her body. Her demeanour seemed as carefree as it was before her abduction. Except for the tense, guarded expression that hardened her countenance the moment she saw Cassandra. The mage immediately grabbed her staff and held it at ready, shifting into the battle stance Cassandra had seen a hundred times before.
"Stay where you are," Kathryn commanded. She stepped cautiously over to where Cassandra had halted. The crystal at the tip of her staff started to shimmer with a budding spell. "What are you?"
"'What' am I?" Cassandra asked. "Kathryn, it's me. Cassandra."
"Right…it's you. What kind of spirit are you? Or," she raised her staff higher, the crystal taking on a more dangerous hue. "Are you a demon, sent by Erwen to fuck with me again?"
"What are you talking about?" Cassandra asked again. She took a step forward, but stopped when the mage thrust out her staff threateningly.
"Do not play coy with me. It is an insult to–"
"What is going on?"
A new male voice entered confrontation. Cassandra took her eyes off Kathryn to examine the newcomer. A mage, judging from his robes and the staff strapped to his back. Blonde hair meticulously combed back with not a single strand out of place. His strong jaw was held high. Dark brown eyes fixed upon Cassandra, examining her with lukewarm interest. He showed none of the distrust that Kathryn harboured.
"What is she, Marcus?" Kathryn directed the question towards her companion. Not once did relax her defensive posture.
"She is human, Kathryn. Just like you. This is no spirit."
"Are–are you sure?" The Inquisitor finally took her eyes off Cassandra to glance back at Marcus. "But how could she have reached here? Even if she is just dreaming, it can't be this much of a coincidence…"
Marcus remained silent for a while. His eyes roved over Cassandra and around the clearing. "Ah. I see. Magic. A mage sent you here."
The Seeker nodded.
"That means… Solas?" Kathryn's staff was lowered now, much to Cassandra's relief.
"Yes," Cassandra replied. "He sent me here so I could speak to you. Actually, Cole was the one who insisted. He said you needed help here?"
Kathryn stared at her mutely. Her staff fell to the grass with a soft thump. The next thing Cassandra knew, Kathryn had launched herself in the Seeker's direction, wrapping her arms tightly around Cassandra's shoulders. Cassandra forced herself to relax in the hold – Kathryn had tried to attack her twice, after all – and circled her arms around the mage's waist, pulling her impossibly closer. Maker, it felt as if an age had passed since she held Kathryn, who was not trembling or too weak to stand. Who could return an embrace with every fiber of her being. Who would smile and nuzzle into her neck, sighing in satisfaction. It had been too long.
"Oh Maker, I've missed you," Kathryn declared as they broke apart. A smile grew on her lips as she gazed at the Seeker. The admiration lasted a second before the smile started to fade. "And I am so sorry. I'm so sorry for attacking you. I tried to stop myself, but I couldn't. Did I hurt you?"
"No, it is not your fault," Cassandra reassured her. "I am fine. But I cannot say the same for you."
"I do hate to interrupt a touching moment such as this, but," Marcus interjected, clearing his throat lightly. "I believe introductions are in order?"
The Inquisitor rolled her eyes in amusement, pulling herself away. "Come on, Marcus. You don't recognise her? Cassandra Pentaghast, Seeker, Right Hand of the Divine. And Cassandra, this is Lord Marcus Renold," she gave a mock bow to the man. "Of the Circle of Ostwick. There. Happy?"
"A pleasure," Marcus bowed his head.
"Likewise."
The man cocked a brow. "Such composure in the presence of a dead man. Very impressive."
"We've been to the Fade before. I told you, didn't I?" Kathryn gave him a light shove on the shoulder. He clicked his tongue disapprovingly in response.
"Ah yes. Where you met the late Divine. Or rather, the spirit posing as the Divine." Marcus waved his hand nonchalantly. The Seeker started to get the impression he did not much care for her, despite the pleasantries.
"You are a spirit, aren't you?" Cassandra asked.
"Of course. Something that you are rather familiar with, as I am told…and can see." He looked the Seeker over from top to bottom. "Faith's touch is upon you. Nothing but true devotion could have summoned forth such a spirit." Marcus crossed his arms and turned his gaze towards at the sky, searching. "But I believe idle chit-chat can wait. Your sleep cycle is about to end, Seeker. And I can feel Erwen's filthy influence crawling towards us again."
"Erwen? Kathryn mentioned this name as well. Who is this?"
"The bastard who tortured and experimented on me," Kathryn growled. Loathing dripped from every word. "The leader of the mage cult. He wanted to turn me into some sort of weapon, to destroy the templars and 'reign over those god-fearing cowards', as he puts it. I never really paid him much attention. I could not, not even if I wanted to. I was in so much pain, so occupied with fighting his influence…" She pinched the bridge of her nose hard, her free hand straying towards Cassandra, who took it immediately.
"Do you remember what he did to you? How he carried out his experiments?"
Kathryn frowned, keeping silent as she sifted through her memories. Then she shook her head in defeat. "Not exactly, no. All I remember is…he tortured me in the beginning. Tried to persuade me to join his cause, to 'free the mages'. But when he realised I wouldn't budge, he used blood magic. He forced a phial of red lyrium down my throat first. It–I was not prepared for it. I couldn't think straight. All I was aware of was fire burning all the way down to my stomach and in my veins. Then there is this horrible, incessant singing."
The mage squeezed her eyes shut as she recounted the memory. Her fingers gripped onto Cassandra's hand until it started to hurt. As she spoke, Cassandra realised their surroundings started to grow darker. Shadows appeared on the edges of the clearing first, and started creeping outwards. The sky became overcast. Then a subdued red shade started bleeding into the darkness, just as a discordant singing rose in volume. Cassandra recognised it: the quiet hum she heard whenever they came close to a red lyrium cluster, but it was clearer this time. Like a demonic choir singing its own twisted hymn in the distance.
Alarmed, Cassandra grabbed Kathryn by the shoulder and shook her, trying to break her out of…whatever this was.
"Kathryn, stop! Open your eyes!"
But she gave no indication of having heard Cassandra. Her breathing started to grow heavy, and her hand started to tremble even in Cassandra's firm hold. Panic took over the Seeker, but reprieve came when Marcus shoved her to the side and held the mage's face in both hands, which started to glow a bright blue. To Cassandra's surprise, the shadow's progress was immediately halted.
"Come back, Kathryn," Marcus said slowly and clearly. "Follow the sound of my voice."
He repeated the words again and again, always in the same patient tone. Kathryn grabbed onto his arm as though it were an anchor. Gradually, light broke through the skies again, and the shadows retreated from where they came almost grudgingly. The horrible chorus of song returned to its muted hum. The deep furrows between Kathryn's brows grew lighter, and her breathing more even. The hand Cassandra still held onto had loosened its vise clamp. Finally, the Inquisitor opened her eyes, and the glow from Marcus's hands died away.
"Thanks," Kathryn said gratefully as the man stepped back. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"What was that?" Cassandra asked.
"Nothing. Just a memory lapse." The mage ran a hand down her face, looking a little exhausted. "If I let myself get too consumed, this cosy little sphere in the Fade," she waved her hands at the forest surrounding them, "starts to get eaten up by the red lyrium in my body. Madness will follow. And Erwen gets a pretty little puppet to parade around as a 'Saviour'."
"Then, you've been keeping this up for a long time?"
Kathryn nodded. "Ever since I tasted red lyrium. This is the only way I could retain my sanity, my sense of self, between the lyrium and Erwen's blood magic." She scratched at the corner of her lip idly. "He tried to dominate my mind. Still trying to, but so far he's not been successful. Obviously. Marcus has been a great help." She gestured at the man, who merely cocked a brow at the acknowledgement. "Would you mind, Marcus? I'd like to have a word with Cassandra."
Marcus shrugged. Any trace of the concern in his demeanour during Kathryn's lapse was gone. "As you wish, my lady." With that, he walked into the forest.
"That spirit is too damned accurate in portraying Marcus," Kathryn muttered. "Could use a less snooty companion here."
"But you cherish him, don't you? The spirit would not have assumed his form otherwise."
"Doesn't mean I don't feel like kicking his ass sometimes," the mage sounded wistful despite her words. "But he was always there for me. Rather fitting that he's here as well." A sigh. "Let us get down to business first, shall we? Marcus did say we have little time left. So, where was I? Ah yes, the lyrium. Erwen weakened my defenses with it, and he used blood magic to try to control me. That was when I created this safe space in the Fade, to preserve myself and resist his influence. Ever since then, my connection with reality has been few and far between. Even when I am awake, I cannot truly tell what is happening. Everything is a haze. Even when Dorian managed to speak to me before, I could just barely recognise him. It is as though I am trapped in the someone else's body, with a mind of its own, and I cannot control its impulses. Especially when there are extreme surges of emotions. Like when I go crazy and try to snuff the life from you."
Kathryn shot her an apologetic glance. "All I know is this: he tried to control me, and has not given up. Even now he sends suggestions through the Fade, somehow. As for the red lyrium… I remember being 'given' it a few times, but I couldn't keep track, you understand. Speaking of which…" She turned to Cassandra, looking worried. "How is my body doing? Is it…still functioning properly?"
"Yes, you still look fine. The only signs of your consumption are the red veins on your skin."
"Right. That is good to know. I guess." She sighed again.
"We have the best mages and healers working on a cure, an antidote, whatever that will help to bring you back. You will recover, Kathryn. Do not worry."
The mage gazed at her through hooded eyes. Her lips parted, but no words came. She settled instead for patting Cassandra's shoulder, giving an unconvincing nod and smile.
"I won't. If they have you breathing down their necks, I have no doubt they will think of something soon."
"Good to see you haven't lost your sense of humour."
"It helps to keep me sane." Kathryn crossed her arms, kicking at the soft grass lightly. "How's your progress with the cultists?"
"We've captured his second-in-command. But the man would not cooperate, so he will executed within the next day."
"What about the Erwen?"
"Still tracking him down. They left very little trace in their stronghold. Somehow the mages managed to remove anything that was important even though we launched a surprise attack. Until now, I had no idea of even their leader's name."
"That's…worrying. But understandable. Just keep at it. If you manage to stick a sword through his gut, all the better. I'm getting sick of hearing his voice all the time." Kathryn turned to face Cassandra again, and her eyes widened.
"Something the matter?" Cassandra asked as Kathryn strode hurriedly towards her. The mage grabbed her hands and held it between them, and Cassandra saw the source of her agitation.
Her hands – her arms, in fact – were starting to fade. The edges of her vision started to blur, and as she looked around, the forest started dissolve. The clearing was becoming smaller by the minute. Half of Kathryn's camp had faded into nothing.
"Cassandra. You're waking up soon."
"But I–"
"Shush. There's no stopping it. Just promise you'll take care of yourself, alright? You and the others. And…if you're able to come back, please do." Kathryn tightened her hands over Cassandra's, but the Seeker found that she could barely feel the other woman's touch. "I love you." The mage leaned forward. Cassandra felt the faint but familiar brush of their noses against each other–
Then she awoke, the ghost of Kathryn's lips still upon hers.