After traveling as fast as my legs would allow me through thick trees and snow, I finally found the trail leading out from Haven to the Temple of Sacred Ashes. With the sun slowly beginning to rise, shedding light down and through the darkness of night, I was able to take in Haven from a distance. It is much larger than it was in the game back home. Though I suppose it should be. Even in its much larger state, it still would not do well for long to hold an army and hundreds of refugees that will no doubt flock to its gates in no time. The thought of the impending events of destruction and horrors brings dread back into the pits of my stomach.
Panic begins to burn within my chest, my stomach turns so quickly it causing my stomach to convulse, bringing forth a dry gag through my throat. Clenching my fists, I close my eyes and inhale deeply. I will not let panic over rule my body, not when I have to do this. I must do this, I must fight my body's trigger into panic. I open my eyes when I hear a bell ring off in the distance. Locking my eyes in the direction of the sound, I see the wooden gates of Haven open, allowing a large group of soldiers to come through. Following the soldiers is a rather large group of individuals, all clad in different attires of nobility. I lift my gaze to take in the sun in the sky, dawn has come. They are heading to the temple as well. The Conclave will begin soon.
I quickly turn on my heel and begin moving my way up the trail. The group trailing not too far behind me, but not close enough to notice my presence. As I trek through the dirt road, my mind shifts back to Garrett. He must be awake now. Grief fills my body when his smirking face swims in my mind, causing my bones to shudder and an aching in my chest. What would he think when he awoke to find me gone? Will he just continue on to Haven? Will he look for me? My panic rises within my stomach and chest, causing me to halt in my steps. If he comes to look for me, would that bring him too close to the Conclave? Would he die? So, many worries, so many thoughts feeding into my panic and fear. It's too late to go back to him, I would never be able to find him in time. I cover my hands with my face and feel a tear trickle down my cheek. I fucked up. How could I miss that important detail?! How could I never even consider the fact that he might look for me? No, this is Garrett. He WOULD look for me!
Tears begin to fall more heavily down my cheeks as my breathing becomes uneven within trembling lips. I am forced from my thoughts and my own dread when I hear the clanking of armor not too far behind me. I wipe my tears away with the back of my hand and force my feet to quickly move forward. Keeping my focus entirely on the Temple.
It didn't take long for the Temple of Sacred Ashes to come into view. It was truly beautiful. Large stone walls used to hold it up. It looked like a beautiful stone sanctuary. Grey snow clouds covered the sky, while no snow currently fell, it was very likely clouds would break their hold and cover the ground with the white powder they held within them. The sky and the old snow made the Temple look bright, warm even, and welcoming. Like the Temple itself had been blessed. But, there was a strange darkness to it, hidden beneath all the depths of that blessing. Hidden so deeply that if one didn't know to look, they would never find it. This feeling made the Temple almost feel alive. Like it knew, it knew the beauty it held, the meaning, the depth within it. But, also like it new the terror, the horrors that waited to unleash themselves within each and every stone that held the walls. This revelation changed the view of the Temple. No longer could I see the warmth, the bright welcoming light shining down upon it. Only darkness, as if the sky grew darker around it, blanketing the Temple in a dark shadow. My weary eyes shift around the entrance of the temple, taking in the thick trees covered in white snow that have grown tall and surround the area. I inhale deeply and lock my eyes on the tallest tree that stands close enough to a large window upon the temple to still be able to see and hear the Conclave. I push my legs to move me as fast as possible toward the tree, quickly lifting myself in a leap and crashing one foot along the base of the tree to bounce me up to the lowest branch. Swinging my body up and around to bring myself upward on the branch, I continue leaping and swinging higher along each tree branch, swiftly and quietly, until I reach high enough to see inside the temple.
Making sure my position in the tree is well hidden, I settle into my spot and peer into the window. The inside dwellings are dark, too dark to even make out any significant features. I sigh and resolve to watch along the road for the Divine and all others who will be attending, shaking my leg in anticipation as I wait. A part of me deeply wants to give up this suicidal escapade, but a more and much deeper part of me just wants to take any chance to return home. My mind kept racing back and forth between leaving and staying, causing my entire body to freeze in my anxiety. Which I guess, that means my body made my mind up for me. Garrett keeps coming back to my head, causing my stomach to drop and tears begin again to swell up within my eyes. I just pray, silently in my head, that he does not follow, that I don't see him here, and that he will be safe.
It does not take long for the group to catch up with me. I can see the divine walking with her entourage of Chantry higher ups and sisters, taking the front. She was clad in her white robes, laced with gold. The Chantry symbol placed on the chest of her robes, creating a rather intricate bright orange sun. Her tall hat matching with white and gold laced into it, which covers her head in full, leaving only her aged face to show. A few Templars walk within the group, by her side, with heavy silver armor. They carry shields of the Templars and long swords sheathed at their sides. The Templar sword symbol etched into their chest plates and shields. Then, a few obvious circle mages, walking off to the side of the Templars. Donning their thick chantry robes, most of deep blues and greens. Staves attached to their backs. The group together makes at least 30 people. All here for one purpose. To, hopefully, provide peace between the Mages and Templars. Bringing the war to an end.
Everything seems to go well and peaceful as the group enters the temple. Each one completely aloof to the doom that lies ahead. My anxiety is reaching its peak as anticipation sets in. I have no idea how I will be able to handle this, nor how I will be able to sit in my tree and watch. Watch everything unfold before me and await the end. Even if I do make it back home, will I remember this event? How will I be able to live with myself, knowing this was going to happen and did nothing to help prevent it?
I hear the large doors close, then everything goes silent. Too silent. I glance around the temple from my tree, searching for trouble. Searching for him, the one who will bring forth terrible damnation to these people. But, I see nothing. The wind is calm, the trees are quiet and the snow lay still on the ground, untouched, save for the footprints from the group. I inhale a trembling breath and bring my eyes to the sky. The darkness seems to lay heavier on the temple now. I may not be able to see or hear any danger, but I know it is coming. I have to warn them before it is too late. Panic begins to rise from the depths of my stomach, burning in my chest and my hands as I quickly climb back down the tree. I push my legs to run as quickly as they can through the snow and to the temple. I can't do this! I can't just sit here and watch! Tears falling freely down my cheek, causing an icy crystal like feeling along the water marks of my face.
Reaching the large doors of the temple, I stop in my quick movements. Bringing my red and puffy eyes to size up the large entrance. My lips begin to tremble, as do my legs. I feel as if my body is going to collapse, but I push through it all. I have to do something, even it proves to be futile. I place my hand on the door, ready to push my body through. Opening it slightly, then stopping all movement when I see through the crack of the door. My eyes go wide when I see the backs of armored men, standing behind each Mage, Templar, and the Chantry followers that were previously with the Divine. All in a large circle, with the Divine standing horrified in the middle. Each armored person holding a blade to their throats. All I can do is watch in horror, as my body forbids me to move. Divine Justinia moves in a circle, taking in each person encircling her. Her face in utter disbelief and horror.
"Grey Wardens! Please I beg you, in the name of the Andraste and the Maker, don't do this!" Justinia speaks to them, begging them, her voice old and terrified. I shut my eyes, unwilling to watch the next pieces unfold. I here gasps and a loud blood curdling scream that hits my ears hard, shattering any hope I previously had. The sound of bodies thumping on the ground vibrates throughout my body, shaking my bones and my soul to the core. Tears fall from my face when I hear another scream.
"Stop, Please! Someone PLEASE, HELP ME!" She screams and cries again. I open my eyes, bodies littering the floor surrounding the Divine. The Grey Wardens line up on each side of the walls after killing the entire group in unison. They bend down to one knee, swords drawn out and placed firmly on the ground, their hand resting on the pommel. Heads drawn down to a bow. A large figure approaches in the darkness, levitating as he comes towards the Divine, stopping a couple of feet before her and remaining covered by the darkness. She falls to her knees, sobbing in her cries, begging and pleading before the figure to stop.
"Now is the hour of our victory. Bring forth the sacrifice." The shadowed figure speaks, his voice booms throughout the entire temple. A deep and dark voice, causing goosebumps to form along my entire body. Two Grey Wardens step forward, grabbing the Divine by either arm. Forcing her up, just barely allowing the tips of her toes to touch the stone floor beneath her as they drag her closer to the darkness.
"No!" She cries, her voice now trembling. "Please, I beg you. Help me! Don't do this! PLEASE!" She begs again, sobbing as she tries to get the words out. The Gray Wardens all ignore her. Not one in doubt, not one even second guessing their actions. I stand there by the door, unable to move from the fear wracking throughout my entire body. I watch as they bring the Divine closer to the shadowed figure, the side of her body towards me, moving past the stilled and bowed down Grey Wardens. From the shadows, the figure lifts his long and slender arm from the darkness, towards the divine. His arm is blackened, with red veins pulsating throughout. His hand, resembling closer to claws, holds an orb that pulsates with bright green magic. It thrums as he raises it higher. The vibrations and thrumming pulsate through the temple, along the stone floor and stone walls, within the air. I can feel the vile and tainted magic pulsate under my palm that is still placed along the door, it seeps through my skin like poison. Flowing, vibrating, pulsating through my hand, my blood, and within my bones. The energy of the orb feels twisted and defiled, turned from its purpose into something almost sadistic. The magic in the air feels conflicted, desperately clinging within its holders intentions but only because it can find no other direction of purity. This turn against the will of the orb brings a fowl stench in the air and within my mouth. I can feel it desperately seeking to obey the will of its unintended master, while also desperately seeking to break free, searching and feeling frantically for the light within the darkness.
The magic tingles against my soul, my aura, attempting to coerce it out from within the depths that I keep it. Pushing and pulling at me, the magic calling to my aura, the only energy that brings awareness to my presence. I fight to keep my aura tucked within, keep it safe and hidden from the clutches of the orb. Fear and anxiety lace within my body, mixing together to bring forth an animalistic need of survival. I push back hard against the magic, refusing its desired collision with my aura. In a quick moment, the magic and thrumming snaps back within the orb, then is pushed back out against Justinia. Her screams and cries echo throughout the temple, disturbing and desperate, cracking her voice as she pushes the cries hard and deep within her very core as her body begins lifting from the ground, free from the clutches of the Wardens but tied immediately within the clutches of the orbs power. Thrashing and screaming as her body is violently forced from the ground and levitated high within the air. My mind goes blank as rage and adrenaline course throughout my blood. I felt the darkness attempt to reach my soul, and now watching as it tears her soul apart brings forth a new feeling of benevolence. No longer does my body and soul desire to flee, but resolves to help her. I have to help her! I cannot allow her cries for help to be in vain as I stand by and watch the horrors unfold before me. I free my aura, flames tickling along my palms and I use the force of the wind to slam the doors open against stone walls. I push my body through, fire dances in rage along my palms, moving up to my arms. I can feel the air shifting around me, causing my hair to sway within the rage of my energy. The Gray Wardens remain bowed to their master, never even flinching a muscle to my presence as I storm past them and into the fray. Justinia shifts her head quickly in my direction, her eyes go wide.
"RUN! While you can! Warn them!" She pleads to me, begging me as hard and loud as she can with her broken voice. I lock eyes on her for a moment, then shift my gaze to the figure hiding within the shadows.
"No. This fucker has to die!" Is all I can respond to her, through gritted teeth. I clench my jaw and force my entire aura out of my body and thrust my arms in the air, releasing smoldering fire, large as a dragons breath, towards the shadowed figured. My attack proves futile as a gush of wind crashes against my body, throwing me to the ground. Knocking the wind out of me. I attempt to gasp for air, once, twice, a third time finally granting me breath. I grit my teeth, eyes slammed shut with my face grimacing from the pain of the forceful blow to my chest. Slowly I begin to pull myself back to my feet, legs trembling and my heart beating hard against my chest. A dark grumble of a laugh booms throughout the temple, vibrating within my ears, causing me to quickly cover them. I open my eyes and force my gaze in the direction of the sound of laughter. The figure hiding within the shadows slowly emerges, allowing light to fall upon his form. My eyes go wide at the sight and my hands fall to my side. A twisted and turned man levitates within the air, his form would stand of at least seven feet tall. Corypheus. But this is nothing like what I saw in the game of him. He is more tainted now, more ruthless, more corrupted. His body holds more of a ghoulish look, I can see his ribs, no longer covered by flesh and muscle. The skin that does remain, has been tarnished, blackened almost with pulsating red veins. His face is scarred, as if half of the skin on his face was removed and pieced back together. A cleft in the side of his lip lays even more prominent as he snarls at me. Red crystals, tainted lyrium, comes out of his flesh, where is stomach is, and upon the deformed side of his head. His robes are ancient and tattered. Deep red color, as if stained by old blood, covering the lower part of his body. He is a creature not even the darkest of nightmares could form. His entire presence and body has been warped, no longer human.
"Holy fuck." I speak in a state of shock and fear. My entire body is frozen, no longer the feeling of bravery or benevolence. No longer adrenaline and rage. Only fear and fear alone warps within my body and soul. My legs still trembling and my lips quiver, I feel as if I am but a small rabbit being cornered by a large wolf. His voice booms and startles my body further.
"We have an intruder. Slay the elf."
The Grey Wardens move then, almost robotically as if their entire bodies are mindless, possessed creatures. No longer capable of thoughts and emotions. They act as if they are tranquil, but they are not mages. They are controlled, mind, body, and soul. They move in formation, stomping their metal boots on the stone floor as they move towards me. I stumble back, almost losing my balance.
"NO!" I hear a deep voice shout in anger, but I do not see them, my vision is tunneled, only seeing dead ahead. Until I see the orb, flying over the Grey Wardens and smacking hard on the ground, rolling towards my feet. It thrums, vibrating the ground below me. I glance back up when I hear metal clashing, the Grey Wardens being forced violently apart, Corypheus levitating quickly towards me, his arms reached out. His faced formed in desperation and rage. I gasp and my knees buckle beneath me, forcing my body on the hard and cold stone below me. The power of the orb pulls at me harder then, desperate. I reach my arms out, grab the orb and cradle it to my body. Glancing up only once to see Corypheus inches away from me, clawed hands coming to my face. I shut my eyes tightly, waiting for the pain of his violent touch. The orb pulsates throughout my body, flowing through my arms, my chest, down my legs, then to my head. Behind closed eyes, green light shines brightly through. Ringing sounds reach my ears, the magic crashes within my aura, beyond my control. I scream and thrash as a terrible and deep burning sensation moves in thin lines, forming intricate designs along the inside of my left hand. Then, as the pain reaches its peak, everything goes silent and dark.
Everything felt light then, my body, and the air. Everything. My eyes remained shut, but my body felt as if I were floating, through space and time. No light shined through my closed eyelids, no noise flowed through my ears to vibrate off my eardrums. Nothing at all. Just silence, stillness, and darkness. I remained there, floating in the nothingness for what seemed like hours. But it was so calm and so peaceful. Then I felt something. It brushed lightly across my skin, all over my body, it tingled. It was an odd sensation that sent goosebumps down my spine and brought a chill to the back of my neck. I felt something slowly push against the bottom of my feet. It was solid, then it grounded me. My body no longer floating, but standing now. I slowly peaked my eyes open, then fully widened them at the sight that lay before me.
Everything was dark, wet, and unreal. The sky seemed to go on forever covered in a mask of dark green. Old and ancient structures lay all around me, no sign of life, no plants, nothing. Nothing but old and broken structures that lay partially buried and partially held together by wet stone. Everything looked wet, but the air was thick and did not smell of rain. It smelled almost of sulfur mixed with something cold and sweet, it was an odd mixture to the senses. The energy around me was light, so light I felt like I could float again effortlessly. I felt as if my body and my magic had no limitations here. An endless pool of energy and mana just sitting there, waiting for me or anyone to use it. I turn my body around slowly, taking in everything through sight, smell, feeling, and hearing. Using every one of my senses. I had never felt a place like this before, nor have I seen one. My eyes stopped roaming the area when I caught a flash of light from the corner of my eye. I turned quickly in the same direction of the light, but saw nothing ahead of me. Another flash out of the corner of my eye, causing me to turn as fast as I could manage towards it. Gone again. I attempted to take a step, but halted my movements when I sensed eyes upon my back. I am no longer alone. The smell of sulfur burned stronger within my senses, causing more shivers and goosebumps to flow throughout my body. I can't bring my body to turn around, nothing but pure apprehension courses through my bones, keeping my feet planted in place. I shut my eyes again and force my voice to work, force my trembling lips to open.
"Who—who are you? What are you?" Silence remains around me, save for my ragged breathing. All I can hear around me is my breath and my heartbeat pounding hard and rapid against my chest. Then I shudder when I feel a sigh of warm breath brush along my ear. I trembled at the feeling and whipped my body around quickly. Coming to face a tall and dark creature. His body was warped and twisted, much like Corypheus' was. But, no red lyrium. Not a single trace. He wore old, almost ancient looking tattered leather armor, blackened to match his skin. Every single open area of skin showed sunken in, skin formed tightly around muscle, bones, and veins. He looked as if he lived a life of starvation. Withered and hungry. His face only showed his mouth and cheeks, all sunken in within each and every crevice where fat and muscle tissue should lay. He looked more skeletal than human. He wore a red delicate mask laced with gold to hide his black eyes, which shaped up around his head. Upon his head looked to be a tattered, tall, and black hat, traced with ancient symbols and glyphs. His hat appeared to have merged within his skull, no longer separate, but one. A part of him and his skin. Everything about him was dark, twisted, mutilated, and ancient. He reeked of sulfur as he stood tall and strong, staring down at me with eyes as black as the abyss. There was also something familiar to him, something I couldn't quite place, but I feel as if I have seen this creature before. I took a trembling step back from him, my fear still coursing through my body.
"You—why do you look so familiar?" I asked him.
He blinked once, but said nothing to me in return. I searched my brain, thinking heavily and as quickly as possible about everything I knew about Thedas and Dragon Age. Everything about the inquisitor, the champion, and then everything I knew of the Hero of Ferelden. I wracked my brain for information, images and speech flashing quickly through my mind. Then Awakening and the books of Thedas were the last. It hit me then, causing me to gasp and stumble back further. No. It can't be him, he's….dead….right? The hero killed him.
"You—you're dead? This can't be real, I have to be dreaming…No, this can't be right." I stumble out my words with trembling lips and wide eyes. Shaking my head trying to erase him from my mind. It all makes sense now. I looked around me, to the dark green sky, the old and decrepit buildings, the wet and darkness of it all. The way the air felt, the tingling against my skin.
"This—this is the fade, isn't it? Did I die?" I ask hesitantly.
He smiles then, vile and sinister while looking down upon my trembling form. "So close." He says to me, deep and dark, almost too soft and knowing. I shake my head again.
"You—you are the Architect aren't you? No, this is the Fade. You are dead. You—you're supposed to be dead! The hero killed you!" I shout at him now. I am too confused, too angry, and too frightened.
He takes a small step towards me, to which I back up again in return. Then he cocks his head and produces a sinister smirk.
"You are not dead Hallie, nor am I. Not completely. You have done well my child. You are a clever girl, very astute. You will succeed beyond comprehension in your purpose here. I have chosen well." He says, slow and deep. His voice sending shivers down my spine.
"You have chosen well?" I pause for a moment, reflecting on his words. Clenching my hands into fists so tightly when recognition to his words seeps into my mind. "You brought me here?! Why?!...Tell me why?!" I shout through snarled lips, I am fucking pissed.
He smiles again, then slowly shakes his head. "Such justifications will reveal themselves to you in due time. For I alone could not bring you here, nor could I alone send you back. You will never return until your purpose here is fulfilled. Until your purpose to me is fulfilled."
"MY purpose to you!? I will never do anything for you! Who helped you bring me here?! You took me from my home! You took me from my life!" I spat my words at him, almost savagely. Rage fueling my body, pushing through my core, to my chest, and throughout my entire body.
He laughs then, loud, deep, and sadistic. His mirth echoes within the air around us. I can see the flashing lights from the corner of my eyes again, more than before. But I keep my eyes locked on him. My lips are snarled, brows furrowed as I glare at him fiercely.
"We shall see." He says to me, voice full of mirth. Which only fuels my anger further. I clench my hands tighter, my nails digging into my palms. I can feel the fire tickling against my skin. Rage fueling my magic, itching and scratching at the edges of my composure to be released. A bright green light begins framing me, my vision turns green, slowly fading his form away. The light is too bright, it's blinding me. I blink hard, trying to clear my vision to no avail. Familiar thrumming and vibrations pulse along my skin, throughout my body. Then an intense pain in my left palm strikes me, so hard it pushes my body to the ground. I scream in my agony, twisting my body to lie on my back, left hand pulled into my stomach. The green vision fades and then is replaced by a bright golden light that surrounds me. A familiar voice calls through the light.
"You must get up! You must run while you can!" Justinia's voice rings through my ears, soft, motherly, and calming. The light fades from my vision and I can see clear now. Surrounding me is nothing but the flashing lights, all around me now. Terror fills my body, only the need for survival pushes me to stand. The moment I do, the flashing lights form into giant spiders, charging towards me. My eyes go wide, these are fearlings! If I am in the fade, then they will consume my soul. I need to get out now! I turn my body and see the golden light shining by a hill in the distance, a swirling green vortex sits just atop of the hill. I run towards it, towards the golden light. My only hope. I push my legs to run as hard as I could, gasping for air. I can hear the quick steps and shrieks of the fearlings close behind me. As I move closer to the hill, the golden light floats upon it and forms into a silhouette of divine Justinia. I push my legs harder and leap into the hill, frantically clawing and crawling my way up. I glance behind me and see the fearlings mere inches from my feet. I scream and turn to move quicker towards Justinia. She reaches her hand to me and I grab it firmly as she pulls me up. Our hands remain locked as I run to the green vortex. I make one step in and then get yanked back. I turn around quickly as Justinia screams. My eyes go wide and I grab her wrist with both my hands, pulling as hard as my body could manage. She looks at me and smiles. "NO! You're coming with me! Please!" I plead to her. Tears running down my cheeks, I can't leave her here!
"It will be okay Hallie." She says to me in a soft, comforting voice. Then she lets go of my wrist, the fearlings that are attached to her yank her body back into nothing but darkness. I scream and sob as I watch the golden light fade away into nothing. Something pulls at my left hand then, I turn and nothing but green surrounds me. Pushing and pulling at me, then tossing me hard. My body is forced back out of the green light causing me to land rough and hard on my knees. I fall to my hands, then allow my body to sink slowly down to the ground. A heavy weight pushes on my body firmly, causing my head to spin and my eyes to roll to the back of my head. I hear muffled footsteps and voices running towards me before everything goes dark again.