Cullen stood outside, the night wasn't kind to him after Anara left. He spent his night almost sleepless, his body and mind anxious to get the mission ahead of them finished. Cullen felt his fingers tremble as they touched his lips, remembering the feel of her's against his. He closed his eyes, stilling his body, trying to keep himself in check with the mission ahead of them.
His eyes passed over the groups of mages that stood in the distance as the warriors stood behind him, prepared to take their stand at the breach. He watched as Anara walked through the crowd, reassuring the mages, seeing the leader that she was, come through in her actions.
His eyes met with hers as he stared into brown depths, he watched as a smug smile spread across her lips as she turned away, Solas quickly in tow.
Maker he was jealous of the elf, even though he knew that Solas would kindly step aside. But it seemed that this was where he would stand, on the side, waiting until the mission ended, and he could finally give into their demands and his needs.
The sun rose high in the sky, the snow still fresh and the wind bitter cold. Cullen could feel his cheeks and nose turn rosy to the cold, prepared for the long march ahead.
The gates to Haven swung open, letting the small army pass through, their numbers winding through the mountains, to finally close The Breach.
Anara stood there in front, her staff digging into the snow, Solas and Cassandra following quickly in tow as Varric rounded the back of the group. His feet stumbling for grip as he cursed out against the snow, hoping his words would cause it to shrink away from him.
Solas looked up into the bright sky, the faded green barely visible from the sun. His eyes rested upon the areas that they both held dear in memory, but wouldn't speak of in company.
But as they approached the temple the sky seemed to darken at their presence, as if the fade itself knew their intentions. Anara looked up, staring at the spires that rose into the sky with glowing cracks, towering like a living behemoth.
They looked as the broken statue of Andraste hovered, forever caught in the web of the magic that destroyed this place.
She stared at her hand, feeling the mark within surge to life, it's power reflecting in the rocks that surrounded them, pulsing like a heart.
Cassandra looked to her in concern as she stared at the magic within her, knowing well the destruction that it can cause. She remembered burning the life from Alexius, leaving him a ashen reminder of his mistake.
Solas turned his head as well, his eyes looking upon the mark in her hand. His gaze left an inquisitive thought within her mind, wondering what it was that he was thinking in this moment. Even though his mind was connected with hers, he was not completely open to her anymore. It had been as such since they returned from Redcliffe. When she had spoken to him of demon armies and an elder one. How she had feared for him and had felt him die.
That in their hushed moments of ecstasy she had spoke through tears, and made him promise to never let her go. To never be apart from her again, like he had in death.
She felt that, that was asking for too much. That there was more underneath Solas's surface than what he lead on. He burned with a passion that rivaled any other, but only within the private eyes of a few. But she had learned well, if there was something Solas didn't want you to know, you would never know. So he had to trust him, and be certain in his abilities like he had so many times before for her.
She turned from the group, watching as Cullen gathered the troops, prepared for a battle with demons, and abominations, just in case.
She walked closer to The Breach, looking up into it's light. It reminded her of the incense that was burned at The Chantry in Ostwick, how it's smoke fluttered in the light, free to it's own will. She could feel her hand twitch in response to the world around her as Solas began to speak,
"Focus past the Herald. Let her will draw from you. " She looked into The Breach, her body pushing forward as she struggled through it, as if fighting a raging snowstorm, or the winds and rains that swept through Ostwick. Her hand braced against it, the mark easing her through slowly.
She could feel it's magic surge through her, like lightning at her fingertips as she ducked her head behind the blinding light emanating from her mark. Solas looked between her and the mages, his heart feeling like it would seize within his chest as he watched her struggle.
" You can do it Vhenan.." He turned back towards the mages as the braced themselves into the ground, their power and will drawing forward into Anara.
She felt a shock ring through her as her hand shook, the mark felt as if it was no longer within her control as her hand rose up, out of her command, but instead pulling towards The Breach.
She gritted her teeth as she tried to gain control again, feeling her fingers move to her will, and with a long shout she felt the magic flow through her into The Breach. It's darkened tendrils threatening to grasp and tear apart those within it's reach.
Solas looked up into the sky, watching as light began to brighten around them, the magic pouring into the fractured world, sealing it shut forever. Leaving the past memories of horror and the destruction of the Conclave behind them all.
Solas looked towards Cassandra, seeing a look of amazement and happiness cross her face for the first time. His head jerked as as her heard a loud crash coming through, following around them, like glass was breaking all around them, as if it was shattering the world. Anara felt her knees buckle as she braced herself against the light that shot forth, sending her back against the ground.
Solas looked for Anara for the briefest moment, the light blinding and strong as him and Cassandra to be taken aback by the blast, with the mages soon to follow suit.
Cullen watched as everyone fell like a stack of cards, he felt a panic rise through him as he couldn't find Anara. He felt his hand gripping his sword as he moved into the fray, looking for their leader.
Cassandra pushed herself up from the ground, Solas soon finding his way as well. They both looked at the mages around them, knowing little harm had happened in the aftermath.
They looked through the settling dust as the light began to fade and they all spotted the body of Anara struggling to pull herself up with her staff, the dirt and dust on her face smudged on her tan skin. The dirt mixing with the sun freckles upon her nose as she let out heavy breaths, her body trembling as she stood herself up.
"You did it.." Cassandra spoke, while walking towards her, elation almost present in her voice.
Cullen came to a halt next to the mages and warrior, his heart slowing down finally after his feet took off, and worry took a hold of his mind.
"By The Maker, you did it!" Cullen spoke, an exhausted smile crossed his lips as they all looked at Anara, smiles finally spreading in the midst of all the darkness that surrounded them.
They all turned to look at the groups that followed them into the mountains without reservations. Without complaint and with only hope on their side they crossed into the temple, into this empty reminder and finally sealed The Breach.
At first there was a dull cheer, almost as if they were still fearful that The Breach would return. After a few moments as the sky began to clear and the clouds began to fade the dull cheer became louder. Like a sea of chants and joy as the accomplishment overcame them. As they looked into the sky and found no demons, no green haze, no nightmares of what once was.
As swords and staves were raised to them Anara held her arms up, cheering alongside as well. This was a triumph beyond anything they could've ever imagined. Looking towards Cullen she gave her first honest smile outside of smugness, or with temptation.
" You did it!" Someone shouted from the distance as people began to come in, their hands touching her shoulders, "The Herald did it!"
"Nay!" She laughed as she shouted, looking across the people that followed her, "WE did it!" She held up her staff in the air as the cheers grew in intensity, the group gathering around them, holding them all on pedestal.
Cullen knew from this moment that this would be a long night. But he would get his time, she was a hero, they were all hero's now.
With joy and cheer the group began their descent down the mountain, the elation heard from their lips as song came from around, filling the air for the first time with hope.
Haven as filled with life once again as they entered the gates. People were cheering as they entered, it had seemed the good news was visible, even from there.
Glasses were raised and songs were sung as Haven regained the life that it so recently was missing. Anara watched as people began to dance, as she looked off into the sunset, the reminder of The Breach barely visible now, but will forever be a scar upon the world.
Even in this most joyous mood she felt a sense of seriousness come over her as she looked around. She was happy that there was hope again, and joy again in this world. But she began to wonder what the consequences of her actions would become in the long run.
She pulled up a soft smile to those that clapped her on the shoulder and called her friend. Even those too deep in their cups to know any different.
She watched as Sera moved about the camps, stealing honeyed wine and bits of food. She looked at Varric as he began to regale followers with tales about Hawke, and if they listened closely Fenris as well.
She had met a few others, a few though that she had never gotten to know properly. She looked at the stoic figure of Blackwall, his back pressed against the wall as his eyes stared into the fire. Perhaps remembering the days as a Grey Warden, fighting darkspawn somewhere, or maybe his mind was elsewhere.
She looked upon the figure of a towering Qunari as he drank himself and his group to a stupor. Taking several casks to themselves as they chanted and bull horned each other. She looked around the camp, her eyes sweeping over the life, and love that was around them and it finally began to settle within her mind. Then there was Solas, lost in his thoughts as he stared into The Breach, as if still searching for something within it.
" My lady.." She turned quickly to see Cullen standing next to her.
"Commander.." She nodded her head gently as she looked at him, "It seems the world is back in order.."
Cullen smiled, a gentle laugh coming from his lips, "I must admit that it is not the world that I'm concerned about.." She cocked an eyebrow, her finger turning towards herself,
"Me? Oh dear Commander, whatever do you mean?" She played her words sly as to not attract the attention of the overly observant dwarf.
Cullen stepped in between her and Varrics line of sight, his appearance towering over her as he looked into her eyes, "You know what I mean." His fingers reached out under her chin, lifting her eyes up, to look into his.
A grin spread across her lips, no longer able to hide her intentions anymore. "Ah of course Commander...Where were we?"
He let a smug smile spread across his lips as he looked at her, "I think my lady we were in the war room making a mess out of Orlais.."
She tilted her head, looking Cullen in the eyes, "Well then, it's best not to let Orlais gain footing once again.."
They shared a smirk at each other as the wind began to pick up. In the distance there was a sound like a soft thunder rolling towards them. Anara turned her head, looking into the distance, seeing flickering lights in the distance coming down the mountain.
"Cullen.." Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked into the distance, the jovial nature of the world around them now coming back to the harsh reality.
They heard the bells toll as the thunder turned into a march. Cullen turned to look towards the gate, seeing the same lights coming towards them, "Forces approaching!"
The touches and glances that they had were now lost in the moment as Cullen pulled away, running towards the palisade. "To arms!" Their forces gathered, to Cullen, blades and shields in hand awaiting orders.
Anara looked on as Solas stood in the distance, his eyes unmoved from The Breach. His mind no longer with them in this moment. "Solas.." She whispered, knowing his mind was lost within the fade now.
Her feet moved through the snow, people pulling away from the fires as they fled. Doors shut and people hiding in fear. She felt something come over her as she closed in on Solas. Her hand touching his shoulder, fear. It had been so long since she felt so much of it around her. She had drowned in her sorrows and self doubt. She had been lost in lust and consumed by rage that she had forgotten what fear had felt like.
It clung to her, and all those around her like a cloak. Weighing them down as they heard the masses approach. "Solas!" She shouted, trying to break through to him, but he remained unflinching. "Vhenan!" She shouted, hoping the words would reach through, but he remained a statue.
She hissed in anger as she pulled off her gloves, her fingers resting upon his temple as she closed her eyes, her magic trying to pull Solas back from his trip. In her pull she felt something, saw through his eyes like she had with Ellandra.
The land was darkened in his approach, the remains of ancient spires and dusty floors remained as she lived through him. She looked around and saw what looked to be mirrors, without a reflection. As he approached one, there she stood in the glass where he would show. There was a audible gasp as she was seen.
With that the connection dropped, Solas's hands grabbed her wrists, pulling them down from his temple as he looked at her, " Vhenan.." He whispered softly looking at her, "What is it you seek?"
Anara looked at him, confusion in her eyes, what did she see? What part of The Fade was that? Her mouth opened in silent question, but unable to find the words she looked at him, "Solas...We're under attack.."
The bells rang louder as Cassandra moved towards them, " We must get to the gates!" She shouted, pulling her sword from it's sheath, haste within her steps.
"We must Solas." Anara turned, her staff in hand as she made her way past the camps and fires. The celebration cut short.
She raced with Cassandra, as they headed towards the gates that Cullen protected with his men. He turned to look towards Anara and Cassandra, his eyes looking past the gate, " It's a massive force the bulk over the mountain."
"Under what banner?" Josephine chimed in, her voice still tactical and suave.
"None.." Cullen responded solemnly.
"None?" She questioned as Anara moved towards the gate, staff in hand, braced against attack. Light flashed under the door, like fire waiting to burn them all.
She heard a voice behind the door, but she felt it's presence in turn. " I can't come in unless you open." The voice sounded desperate and weak. Cullen looked at her as she approached the door, this person felt different than those around her, like Solas...But...Different.
She shook her head as the door opened, her staff ready in case. But was instead met with the sight of a young man before her, his blades sharp and deadly with accuracy.
Cullen followed, his concern for her showing openly for all those to see.
"I'm Cole, I came to warn you.." He approached Anara, his hand reaching out, "To help, people are coming to hurt you. You probably already know.."
"What is this? What's going on?" She spoke as her eyes looked back into the snow. Waiting for an attack from any direction.
" The Templar's come to kill you.." Cullen pushed forward, anger coming through to his face as he bared his blade.
" Templar's!? Is this the orders response to our talks with the mages? Attacking blindly?" He had stepped between Anara and Cole, putting himself in harms way, Her hand touched his arm as he looked to her, the anger in his face softening to her touch.
" The Red Templar's went to The Elder One. You know him, he knows you, you took his mages.." Cole stepped back as he pointed to the mountainside to the figures that stood there overlooking them. The army marched forward, their bodies marred by the red lyrium that surrounded them, consumed them. "He's very angry that you took his mages.." Cole spoke as he stared up the mountain, his eyes settled on the figure.
Anara turned to Cullen, panic sounding through her voice, "Cullen give me a plan, Anything!"
Cullen shook his head, looking around at the chaos that threatened to consume them, "Haven is no fortress. If we are to withstand this monster we must control the battle." Her eyes looked back up to the mountain, both figures that stood were deformed in their own way. But her eyes hovered over the lanky creature whose magic she could feel from the distance.
It's power was invasive like Alexius, poking and prodding it's way seeking out hidden answers to questions it never asked. She could feel the mark within her throb in pain as she looked upon the creature. Cullen looked at her, almost sensing the fear and discomfort that she felt as she looked upon the mountain. He brandished his sword, walking towards the troops.
" Mages, you have sanction to engage them. That is Samson, he will not make it easy. Inquisition, with the Herald! For your lives, for all of us." He raised his sword towards the battle, Anara looked to him, his words piercing through to her, tearing away at the fear and doubt that lingered inside of her.
She heard the chants and cheers of the troops, how they had such confidence and trust in the Commander. She wondered if her actions garnered such loyalty, but she could see why people would follow him into battle.
Cullen turned towards Anara, as a sly smirk played across his lips, the sight comforting in it's own way as he turned towards the battle, with mages and men in tow. The gates opened as they looked out across the field of ice and snow, watching as Templar's began to shuffle out of the forest, the red lyrium of their bodies glinting in the nights light. Like crimsons scars bore across their chest and face, such pride, and in your heart shall burn.
She watched as her companions ran out with Cullen, leading the charge against the Templar's. Fire with fire, steel with steel, and blood with blood.
Anara turned quickly to the trebuchet, her hand reaching out for the crank as her companions fought in the distance. She dropped her staff to the ground as her hands began to turn, watching the hand pull down. " Come on...Come on!" She muttered to herself as she turned her head, watching as a Templar moved towards her. His blade swung as he charged towards her.
Anara backed away from the blade, her body hitting the ground as her hand came up against him. She watched as he swung towards her as his body began to freeze in place, his arm stuck in mid swing as he was frozen like a statue.
Anara looked up, looking at Solas standing there, his hand up as he looked at her worry coming over his face. His body moving towards her as his hand reached out to her, pulling her up from the ground. "Vhenan.." He pulled her close, his temple resting against hers as he closed his eyes.
"Solas.." She whispered under breath as her eyes looked over his shoulder, looking as Cullen swung his sword against the Templar's. "We have to stop them." She pulled away, looking Solas in the eyes, "We have to bring the mountain down." Solas nodded, turning back towards the battle, as her hands turned the crank, watching as the arm lowered down, fully prepped for release.
She turned back towards her companions, a warm breath escaping her lips into the cold air. Her hand moved towards the lever, his eyes searching the crowds, finding her companions as she pulled the lever.
The stone flew from the trebuchet, as the fire burned on it, hurtling towards the mountainside. Leaving a flaming streak through the air as it made it's way into the snow, a loud crash heard in the distance.
She watched as the mountain began to fall towards the army massing towards them. Like a waking sea it washed over the hills and trees, bringing those who marched against them to their knees.
They watched as the torches that once lit the way to them died out within the snow that consumed them. The snow continuing into the valley, dying out like a drawing breath before them.
Solas moved towards her, exhaustion on his face as he braced his staff. His face was red from the cold and the touch of the snow upon his cheeks. His breath was ragged and hard as he tried to stable himself. Behind them were the cheers of the troops, convinced that this battle was won.
She felt a smile play upon her lips, and watched as the same came to Solas, who through exhaustion wasn't able to hold up his quiet reserve. Her eyes looked out across the field, her friends and allies looking towards her in silent cheer.
She saw Cullen wipe his blade as he silently nodded to her, as she did the same back to him. It was his idea, but she executed it. They would both share in the victory it seemed.
They heard a howl in the distance, not the sound of Mabari that always howled from the mountains. But instead of something bigger. They heard flaps within the night, a hidden figure within the darkness it seemed. The only giveaway was the flame that shot from it, consuming the trebuchet within her reach, sending her back into the ground.
She felt the wind escape her as he hit the ground, the hard dirt and cold snow mixed, leaving it's presence upon her skin and robes. Leaving her a cold and dreary mess.
Solas and Cullen came to aid, both grabbing her by an arm pulling her up from the dirt. " Vhenan, Are you alright?" He spoke, his hand pulling her face up towards him, keeping her eyes from hiding her apparent pain.
"Everyone…" She tried to shout, but her voice was lost as her breath tried to return to her. "To the gates." She began to hobble forward, Solas holding her close, supporting her weight as Cullen managed to gather the soldiers, ensuring that they were all protected. She looked towards Cassandra, her shield was up and her blade was bared prepared for attack.
They watched as the creature flew over the town of Haven, it's darkened wings flapping in the night. She could feel the fear again within her, within all those in Haven. She could feel it in the air, clinging so heavily around them, they must leave..
Cullen ran ahead, his hands holding the gate open as he ushered the group in, Anara still struggling as she moved forward, Solas still supporting her.
" Move it...Come on, move it" He shouted as the final soldiers moved through the gates, watching as the solid doors closed behind them. Anara slipped, her body hitting the ground once again as she looked up at the doors. Praying, for the first time to The Maker that, that was enough to hold them back, even if temporarily. Cullen's face was hard and serious as he looked at the death toll around him, they had their moment of victory, but it seemed this creature would spell their doom.
" We need everyone back to the Chantry. It's the only building that might hold against that...Beast. At this point.." His hands grasped in anger as she sensed that he was gritting his teeth. " At this point, just make them work for it.."
Anara looked at Solas as Cullen walked away, the Commander lost in his duty once again. She pulled herself up from the ground, regaining the strength that she had as she looked around the town, watching as fire began to consume it.
"The villagers will need help if they are to survive this.." Solas spoke, his eyes gazing into the fires around them. Watching as the Red Templar's moved from the cracks around the town and it's walls. Taking advantage of every opportunity to attack the already stricken people.
Anara ran through the town, their blades and magic striking down opposing forces. She looked towards Solas's hut, watching the fire consume the town around them. She heard a shout in the distance and ran towards it without hesitation. Solas followed as Cassandra and Varric split off racing towards Thresh near the training yard, "We'll meet you in The Chantry." Anara looked at Cassandra as she nodded,
"Maker guide you." Cassandra spoke, her words few now in the situation. She trusted the mages now, after all they've been through, she knew they were in this together now.
She moved towards the rubble, still hearing a voice nearby. "Herald!" she heard a shout from under the wagon. A voice so familiar in her early days within Haven.
"Adan?" She questioned as she moved closer, looking at the herbalist stuck under the wagons rubble.
"Help me Herald.." He spoke, his words falling short as he began to lose breath. Anara held out her hand, feeling the weight of the wagon within her grasp. She watched as it tilted backwards, just enough for Solas to grab him, pulling him out from the death trap.
The weight was unbearable as her hand gave way, letting the cart fall to the ground, shattering upon impact.
They looked towards the Chantry, watching as Cassandra and Varric ran behind Thresh. "Quick Adan, to The Chantry. It's the only way.."
They supported his weight between them as they moved towards The Chantry, feeling the flames caress their cheeks as near misses grazed them, obliterating the small houses.
She looked at the bodies as they moved. Looked at the hope that was in those faces only mere hours ago. Now lying cold and fearful in the snow and dirt of their home. She felt her feet drag as she raised her doubt within herself. This was all her doing, all her fault. If she had died, if the fade had taken her, if she hadn't grabbed the hand of Andraste then this, would be worse.
She gritted her teeth, knowing the self doubt within herself to be a lie as she dug her heel into the snow, moving the three of them closer to The Chantry doors.
She watched as the doors opened, as Roderick walked forward, his words for the first time encouraging, and bracing towards the storm outside. His hand was upon a wound, his vestments crimson with blood. Cole carried him off, knowing well their situation becoming more and more dire as the time went on.
"Herald.." Cullen ran towards her his formalities as Commander showing through. " Our position is not good. That dragon stole back any time you might have earned us..It's cut a path for that army, They'll kill everyone in Haven."
Cole looked up, his eyes empty and cold as he looked at Anara, "The Elder one doesn't care about the village. He only wants The Herald."
Anara looked down at her arm, her mark felt like it was creeping in it's presence, like a slow burn from a dying bonfire. " If it will save these people. He can have me." She looked over the wounded, their cries filling the air within The Chantry.
"It won't...He wants to kill you. " Cullen looked as if he was at the end of his rope with the stranger. He threw his arms up in exasperation as he looked at the boy in front of him. Anara looked at Cullen, her arm gently brushing against his as he turned towards her.
"Herald there are no tactics to make this survivable. The only thing that slowed them was the avalanche. We can turn the remaining trebuchets, cause one last slide."
Anara looked at Cullen, her face wrought with confusion. " To hit the enemy we'd bury Haven."
"We're dying, but we can decide how." She felt his hand grip hers, looking into her eyes, " Many don't get that choice.." She shook her head slowly to Cullen as Roderick began to speak.
"There is a path, you wouldn't know it, unless you've made the summer pilgrimage as I have. The people can escape.." Roderick slowly rose up from the chair, his hand still covering the wound.
She turned towards Cullen, her eyes seeking an answer from him, " What about it Cullen? Will it work?"
" If he shows us the path...What of your escape?" Anara turned away from the sight of the Commander. Her mind and heart resigning on the sacrifice that she may give. Cullen looked at her in silence, concern overcoming him as he tried to hold himself back. "Perhaps you will surprise it. Find a way.." She could feel a chill run down her spine as Cullen moved off, his hand retreating as it wished to reach for her. To pull her close, to run into battle together. But it was his duty to protect the people, and the Herald told him to.
"Inquisition, follow Chancellor Roderick through The Chantry, move!" Roderick was carried by Cole into the distance as Anara stood there by the door, the shouts and chants of those that awaited outside drawing closer.
Cullen looked towards her, watching as a few soldiers followed Anara, "If we are to have a chance, if you are to have a chance. Let that thing hear you.." With that Cullen pulled himself away, tearing himself from her side feeling the pain as he looked over at Solas, his eyes to the floor as he helped Adan to his feet, behind Roderick. "Maker, watch over her.." Cullen whispered under breath as he looked at Anara's back, her once braided hair a mess in the wind as the doors began to open once again, leading them into the unknown.
Cullen turned his back on the door as it closed behind them. Hearing them get barred behind him. His mind had wandered into The Chants, wishing only for light in these darkest times.
Anara's hands gripped the crank on the trebuchet, listening closely for the sound of the beast within the sky. She pulled, and turned the crank as it aimed behind the town, into the mountains behind them, threatening to pull the mountain down upon them.
With the final motion she heard a loud screech and wings on the night moving closer. She pulled away, watching as the men loaded the weapon their backs to the beast. "Move!" She shouted watching as it's wings dove down towards them. It's cries echoing deeper, drawing something forward. "Move now!"
Her feet moved as she felt the scaring embrace of flames around her, the pitch aflame sending her backwards into the ground. She felt her body roll into the mud as she looked for the soldiers, their bodies limp and cold on the ground. She cursed under breath as she looked at the flames. So close, but she can do it, even if she died alone. Cullen and them had to make it.
She looked towards the flames, a strange flicker within it's mass as a body moved forward. She pulled herself up, her hand braced in case it was a Red Templar. What came out of the flames though was the same figure that stood atop the mountain staring them down.
He approached, red lyrium protruding from his face. His body deformed, like that of an arcane horror...She had heard tales of Dark Spawn. Perhaps this one was like the other that fought Ellandra? But he was different then a demon, or a horror. She could feel the slow burn within her hand surge as he approached. His cold and calculated eyes staring her down.
"Pretender!" he shouted, his voice ringing familiar within her memory as she looked upon the creature that spoke to her, " You toy with forces beyond your ken no more."
She gritted her teeth, "What are you? Why are you doing this?" She felt the magic within the mark surge within his distance, as if he was a walking rift to be closed.
" Know me.." He spoke, his arms grasping through the air, " know what you have pretended to be." His eyes seemed dead in the light, only consumed by anger and destruction. " Exalt, The Elder One. The will that is Corypheus."