Hello, everyone. I do hope all of you are having a great time! Sorry for taking so long to update, but I was incredibly busy. If you follow me on Tumblr, you'll know why.
In anycase, hopefully, you are having a great day.

Now, I am rushing the history first Blight because I don't want to spend more time than I need there. I am not going to spend too much time with the Hawkes, just one or two chapters, before starting Inquisition.

So, in the next chapter, I am going to spend some time in Kirkwall, a few years after Blight. Then we are going to hear more of Nazarick slowly expanding and bringing the attention of Thedas, of the strange nation rising from the far West.
Also, the mysterious dark knight has become quite popular in the last years across Thedas.
All to lead it to the Templar vs. War mage. So, that's the plan. Hopefully, it won't take me long to update next.

Now, the next update is as follows.
The White Wolf of the Red Keep (One Chapter)
Harry Potter: The Demon Who Lived? (One Chapter of erotic fanfiction)

-Also, if you wish to follow me on Tumblr! You will see the next updates and artwork, or ask me anything about my works or what you'd like to see in the future, and get more news! As well as how to support me directly!

( paulythide . tumblr . com )

Please check out my original history on Royal Road, by the name of The Demon Empress. ) I will appreciate it immensely! Thank you all for the support.

Chapter 3

Seeing the Darkspawn army advance deeper into Ferelden with their maniacal roars and the corruption of the land around them gave the impression that the tainted creatures would succeed in their goal of covering all of Ferelden in pandemonium. The Archdemon flew over his host, roaring loudly and commanding them not to stop at anything. What could be the end goal? The objectives? Many have asked themselves that through the years. The first Blight lasted over a hundred years and brought so much death and destruction that the ramifications of that event were still felt in some parts of Thedas almost a thousand years later. But no one knew what the Darkspawn could be searching for.

It was plausible that the Darkspawn and the Archdemon did not have a specific objective in mind, a goal, or a mission. It is conceivable that their only concern was to spread destruction and cause death. Did that make it better? Of course not. Yet, ultimately, it matters little for the people of Thedas. The Blight has to be stopped.

But while the Blight continued to ravage the land of Ferelden, a strange group of individuals watched from not so far away at the host and its master with a particularly amused look on their faces.

"Objective detected," CZ said, aiming her gun at the Archdemon flying over a burning forest. "He is alone."

"It's a pretty small dragon, especially for being an Archdemon," Lupusregina added, as she looked entirely uninterested in the flying monster near them. In fact, Lupusregina was somewhat annoyed at the smell her nose picked up. "Those Darkspawns truly smell horrible!"

CZ ignored her sister as she focused on the Archdemon. "Objective seems unaware of our presence. Note that it doesn't have the ability to penetrate our skills."

CZ stared at the Archdemon flying away, writing down every important detail she could see from the dragon. Meanwhile, Lupusregina simply looked bored and unimpressed at the monster far away.

They had been following the Archdemon for the last few months, watching him and analysing him at every turn. But it was clear that the job itself was becoming quite dull.

"And here I thought it would be stronger, but if he can't even notice us, then he must be a fragile dragon," Lupusregina muttered, now getting a bit annoyed at the fact that such a creature dared to share some similarities with a demon. Lupusregina didn't even want to call it an Archdemon at all. Demons were powerful beings capable of destructive wonders, just like Demiurge or Albedo. And on top of all the demons was Lupusregina's dear lady, Galadriel Melkor.

She felt sort of disgusted at the worm who dared to take such a title and give the order. Lupusregina would go and kill it. But those weren't their orders.

"We must keep an eye on it and its horde," CZ replied. "Lord Demiurges would like all the information we can provide."

Lupusregina sighed deeply. "Should I get a few more of those Darkspawn?"

"No. Lord Demiurge has already captured a large batch of those creatures in the Deeproads. We must simply make sure to see what sort of abilities the Archdemon can muster."

"But he hasn't done anything... spectacular!" Lupusregina muttered, annoyed. "He is just flying around and nothing more, perhaps throwing a few fireballs here and there."

CZ found herself nodding in agreement with her sister's assessment of the situation. Thus far, the Archdemon has not displayed any particularly impressive feats. Still, it was difficult to determine his true strength without facing him head-on. The fact that the dragon had been unable to sense their presence also raised doubts about the Archdemon's power. CZ couldn't help but wonder if he was truly as formidable as he had been made out to be.

Lupusreging whined softly. "I wanted to go with our lady," she moaned. "Lucky Narberal, she has our lady for herself!"

Lupusregina began to hiss, filled with jealousy. It wasn't a secret how much Galadriel indulged herself with the beautiful women of Nazarick. Not that anyone would dare say no to a night with the Supreme Being. But Albedo and Shalltear had to make sure to keep things under control by having a list of times and turns. Galadriel didn't know such a thing existed, and they wanted to keep it that way.

And obviously, Lupusregina wanted to have the opportunity to spend more time with her. "I wanted to give my lady some massages! Ah~! To feel her skin on my hands~!"

CZ, the stoic Automaton, almost rolled her eyes at Lupusregina's moaning. But she kept her face straight as she pulled out a bottle of water and began to spray it on Lupusregina, who let out a slight squeal.

"Bad dog. Bad," CZ stated with a monotonous voice as she sprayed Lupusregina with water.

"Eiii!" Lupusregina whined loudly. "Shizu! Why are you so mean?!"

"We are here for work."

"Tch! You didn't have to be so mean! Look, you've got me all wet~! I didn't know you liked it like that.~"

CZ began to spray more water on Lupusregina, who now began to feel more insulted than before. "Alright! Alright, I get it!"

CZ let out a small and cute scoff before noticing a familiar humming feeling. "{Yes, CZ here.}"

"{Demiurge here.}"

"{What can I do for you, Lord Demiurge?"

Where is the Archdemon currently heading?}"

As CZ surveyed the map, her eyes followed the Archdemon as it soared off into the distance. With her advanced knowledge of automated navigation, it wouldn't be long before the Automaton could expertly predict where the Darkspawn horde was going.

"{It's heading towards the capital of Ferelden, Danerim.}

Demiurge could be heard humming deeply on the other side of the [Message] "{Mm, so I have time. How long until it reaches the capital?}"

"{Hard to say, Lord Demiurge. The horde itself is slow. I believe the Archdemon would wait until his forces are all near Dragon's Peak before launching his attack at the capital. It could take months at this pace.}"

CZ gave it a few months more before the Darkspanw covered all of Ferelden. That was, of course, if the so-called Grey Wardens could stop it before it was too late.

"{Great. Now, what type of information do you have about these Grey Wardens?}" Demiurge asked, carrying an intrigued tone of voice.

"{Large party. Fourteen individuals, including a dog named Biscuits, Mabari. Cute.}"

CZ replied quickly, emphasising the Mabari more than the rest.

"{I see. Nevertheless, keep an eye out for those Grey Wardens. They may be able to succeed in their quest to destroy the Archdemon.}"

"{Should we kill them?}" CZ asked quickly before Demiurge chuckled.

"{No at all. Our lady wants the Grey Wardens to continue their mission; let the focus be on the Blight rather than ourselves for now. The Archdemon's survival is not our concern. Besides, we have found something far more fascinating.}"

CZ couldn't help but wonder what it could be. But she trusted in the wisdom of her lady.

"{Keep me informed if something happens.}"

"{Understood, Lord Demiurge.}"

With a faint smile on his lips, Demiurge finished [Message] and then turned his focus to the curious, petrified, and forsaken creature standing before him. It appeared to be a statue, dragon-like in form, but it was not an ordinary dragon. Instead, it was an ancient deity and a commanding demon, a being that had long been lost to the annals of time. An Old God, but not tainted by the Darkspawn yet. Deep down, on the roads long forgotten by all.

"Lord Demiurge, we have cleaned this section of the Deeproads from the Darkspawns," one of Demiurge's bodyguards, the Evil Lord of Wrath, spoke as more demonic minions were behind him. All have been marching down every corner of the forgotten dwarves' roads, killing all the Darkspawns they could find. Not a hard job to do. They could do it without much trouble. But since there were so many of those creatures. It became quite a nuisance.

Still, there was a reason for it. The Great Tomb of Nazarick doesn't need them. Of course, Demiurge has been experimenting with them and has found them quite interesting and useful to a degree. Yet, Nazarick's personnel were just better overall, more powerful, and better coordinated. Still, Demiurge was looking for a form to control them, but that would be for later. Right now, Demiurge wanted to get his hands on an Old god—an untainted Old God.

"Good. Keep the entrance block open, and if you see a broodmother, bring her to me."

"Understood, Lord Demiurge."

The Evil Lord of Wrath said this before leaving Demiurge behind as he stared at the living, frozen figure before him.

"Very, very interesting," Demiurge smirked. "I wonder how much we will learn from you."

It remains a mystery to the denizens of Thedas as to what exactly was transpiring deep down where the sun never shines. However, the veil of ignorance will soon be lifted, and Thedas will be forced to face a threat like they have never seen before.

The Dales, a stunning stretch of forested land way south of Thedas, held a poignant reminder of what it used to be for a particular race in Thedas. The elves remembered the Dales. They recalled the beauty of Halamshiral and the promise of a better future for their people. Yes, the elves of today couldn't compare to those who lived during the golden age of the Elvhenan people, the days of Arlathan, and their immortality. But so much has been lost to them that the Dales bear the closest resemblance to their ancestral home.

That's all they had now—those ruins in a forgotten forest lost to the world. Dreams and songs, and histories of past folklore that even they don't know if they were real.

The elves were a slowly fading race, or that's what the Dalish, the last ones who proudly call themselves true elves, would like to say. Yet, they themselves already faced uncertainty in the world.

"Our culture is fading as it is; what we know is passed down from keeper to keep, from child to child. It may look like a foreign concept to you, Shemlen, but we must hold on to our culture. No matter how small it could be."

Bram Kenric nodded excitedly as he wrote in his tiny little book everything Keeper Deshanna told him—every single detail.

"It must be hard to keep all the history of your people from withering," Kenric stated, and the Dalish keeper couldn't help but scoff slightly. Not in a rude manner, almost amusingly.

"I have repeated the histories and rites of our people since I was a child. That's a type of knowledge one remembers, even then. It's something the rest of the clan won't forget as easily."

"But then, what about other clans? Do Dalish clans share their knowledge with each other? Do you meet other Dalish at all?"

The old keeper chuckled. "Arlathvhen, we called it. But I won't say more, Shemlen."

Kenric smiled politely at the elder elf woman. It was clear that she was wise enough to understand how easily it could be for humans to track them down if she were to speak more of whatever Arlathvhen was.

"Still, thank you for receiving me," Kenric replied. "I know we humans are not on the best track with the elves."

A few scoffs and snorts were heard coming from the Dalish surrounding the campfire, all of whom were simply watching his every move. Kenric would admit that it was an intimidating sight. But he was confident that nothing would happen to him. After all, he was lucky to have one of the greatest bodyguards around.

"You're funny, Shemlen," the old keeper replied with a raspy chuckle. "You kept on following us all the way here just to ask for an interview."

"I am a historian. I want to know everything I can from the Dalish and the elves."

"You and I both," a tiny Dalish elf, a young girl or twelve, muttered angrily as some of the Dalish tried to hush her. But the young girl hissed at them angrily, earning a stern glare from the keeper.

"Da'len, please," the keeper said as the young girl mumbled something. "In any case, while curious to see a human, I am so interested in our history and culture. You must have realised how dangerous it was to seek us this far deep in Arbor Wilds."

Kenric chuckled. "Yes, I know there is another Dalish clan running around. But I doubt they are... as friendly as you."

"The Lavellan Clan is more open-minded to the outside world than other Dalish clans. We were here to seek help from a fellow Dalish clan regarding some... minor inconveniences with some members. But we normally spend our time north, in the Free Marches."

"I see, I see. It must have been something very important," Kenric hummed deeply. "It's quite the voyage."

"Indeed, it is," the keeper replied before her gaze fell on the duo of individuals who came along with the Shemlen. One of the women was unquestionably stunning, with her long dark hair, black eyes, and pale skin. She didn't seem like someone who would be out in the wilderness wielding a sword and seeking adventure. Instead, she looked like she belonged in a kingdom, living as a luxurious princess.

On the other hand, the woman standing next to her wore dark armour that exuded an aura of power and strength. Her long red coat hung from her shoulder, swaying with every step. What drew the keeper's eyes the most was the long black sword she carried, which seemed to swallow even the light around it. The keeper couldn't see the woman's face, hidden behind a helmet. However, she could see two shining golden eyes glaring from underneath the helmet, making her shiver every time she glanced at her.

There was something odd about both of them. The keeper couldn't quite explain it in words. But those two were different from an average human.

Maybe it is my own paranoia. The keeper mumbled to herself.

"Could I ask something?"

Soon, the voice of the woman wearing black armour was heard.

The keeper tilted her head. "Of course," she replied, unsure.

"You spoke about how the elves were once immortal and that the arrival of men caused them to age. How did that come to pass exactly?" Galadriel spoke, needing to ask more about the world's history. She has learned a lot about the Dalish so far. But simultaneously, she couldn't take their knowledge at face value because not even the elves knew much about their own past and culture. Perhaps Galadriel knows more than them. She has, after all, captured living ancient elves, thanks to Aura and Mare.

However, Galadriel was interested in the elves' past, especially the supposed immortality and those elven gods.

I don't recognise their names at all. So, I doubt they are players at all.

Galadriel thought while wondering just how powerful the elves of old could've been.

"That question is quite hard to answer," the keeper replied with mournful honesty. "We don't know exactly. But our tales tell us how Fen' harel tricked our gods into sealing themselves away in the Beyond, hence ripping the Elves of their immortality. That's the only truth we know."

Galadriel nodded slightly, wondering just how accurate that tale was.

"I see," Galadriel replied, giving Naberal a brief glance.

I see, so the Dalish don't know that their gods were actually... tyrants. Galadriel felt quite sad about the Dalish. It seemed that even their history and culture, which they proudly claim as their own, were nothing but fiction based on lies.

"If I could ask something else. Have the Dalish thought of uniting once again?"

The keeper sighed deeply as she noticed the many troubled expressions from the rest of the clan.

"It's not something we haven't given a thought, but the possibility of it happening again is... almost cero. We're hunted in some places. Our beliefs and culture cannot be tolerated as long as Chantry demands it."

Galadriel nodded slowly.

I see that this Chantry has control over this world. What could I do about it?

Galadriel knew it would be a matter of time before her empire became a reality. And when it does, the Chantry will undoubtedly be the leading force uniting Thedas.

That's something they would need to deal with. But the institution was more than just buildings. Thedas followed the Chant of Light, even if she were to destroy Orlais and erase the entire Chantry. That religion would continue, in some manner, because that's what religions do, like toxic cockroaches.

Religions are genuinely annoying. Even after the nuclear war, people still prayed to God and Jesus Christ, even after everything that happened.

Galadriel couldn't help but mumble, annoyed.

But then, a sudden idea came to her mind quickly. A plan that, while over the edge, made sense to Galadriel to try it out. Galadriel knows that religion will always be part of mortal life. Even in Nazarick, they view her as a deity.

And with that in mind, Galadriel wondered if instead of destroying the Chantry, which would entail killing not hundreds or thousands but millions of people. Instead, she could make the Chantry her church, hijack the religion itself, and change it from the inside. She was already playing the role of the mysterious knight. Galadriel could add some things to make herself the centre of attention for the Chantry.

What was her name...? Oh, yes, Andraste. Mm, yes, I wonder...

Galadriel couldn't help but smile internally about the man slowly building up inside her mind.

A Demon Empress rises from above, slowly eating the world and turning people away from the Maker. But then a sudden figure appears. One with no recollection of her past. Strangely powerful and resembling Andraste.

Galadriel could already feel quite excited at the possibility of playing Thedas entirely. But before that, Galadriel must make sure to increase her name.

Also, the Elven Gods are somewhere, if what those ancient elves we captured said is true. Yeah... we can do something. I'll have to speak with Albedo, Demiurge, and Pandora's Actor. We can make something out of this.

And Galadriel would make sure to do just that. After all, the alternative was killing millions of people across the world. And she wasn't genuinely inclined to go completely genocidal. At least not now.

Many months later, in the capital city of Ferelden, the battle against the Archdemon came to its final moments. The last battle for the Grey Wardens has finally arrived.

"This is it," Kalian, the Alienage elf, whispered as they stared at the entrance of Fort Drakon, where they could see the Archdemon flying above. It was up there when they would fight him and hopefully slay him. "He seems to be waiting for us."

"I sure hope so," Lofrag stated, glaring with fierce determination at the fort in front of him.

"I think Duncan would've been proud of us for each other at this moment," Catherine stated, briefly glancing at Alistair, with whom she has bonded deeply in the last months together.

"Yes, but we are not here to please him," Alistair replied as every one of the companions they had gathered in half a year stared at him. "We are here to do our duty. To end the Blight and kill the Archdemon, no matter what. Not even if it cost our lives."

A Dalish elf scoffed loudly, but no anger was behind her expression. Not anymore, just one of pure amusement.

"You're horrible at speeches, Alistair. You could've said something that could lift the morale, not this... we all are going to die thing," Lyna stated, earning a few chuckles from the rest.

"I sort of like the part where we kill the Archdemon. More thematic, yes? Don't you, dear?" Zevran teased his lover, who scoffed at him, still not believing she had fallen in love with him of all people.

"Killing and dying sounds fun," Oghren yelled from the back. Sten simply kept staring at the Archdemon on top of them.

"Everything is fun to you," Kalian muttered as he glanced at Morrigan, who softened her expression for a brief period. "Morrigan, is everything going to be fine?"

Morrigan held the smile down. She couldn't smile at him after telling him that their relationship, something that she couldn't have predicted, was something that she cherished with all her heart. But after the battle, she would leave him behind. Morrigan had to do it. Her mother would come back one day. And Morrigan had to be ready for it. Morrigan thought she could handle the great pain it was causing her. But it was proving to be more difficult than she thought.

"Yes, everything... will be alright."

Among them was the youngest of the group. Elia looked at the group before her. All those individuals whom she called now friends. Hearing Oghren's uncensored thoughts and drunken funny ramblings while Wynne desperately tried to keep him quiet. Sten and Lograg were stoic yet strangely gentle towards everyone around them. Shale and Zevran had such utterly hilarious interactions that even someone like Lyna couldn't help but fall down laughing. Morrigan groans every time Alistair tries to tell a joke, and Catherine simply embraces her merrily while she's drunk.

And Leliana, to Elia, was the person she adored the most. It was clear to everyone that the Orlesian's bard and the young Mage Circle had some deeper connection. Still, Leliana did not pursue it, knowing how young Elia was. Elia was hurt at first but understood why.

They had time, hopefully, once the Blight was over. Both would make sure to take their time.

Soon, the Grey Wardens and their allies heard the loud roar of the Archdemon, almost daring them to attack him, and he had no need to do that. Since all of them only stared at each other, knowing that the journey's climax was soon upon them.

And victory would be theirs.

However, while the Grey Wardens were on their final quest, close enough, on top of a large mountain with a clear view of Danerim, a group of Nazarick individuals looked down with mild interest.

"Oh, so they will finally fight the big baddie?" Lupusregina sighed in a bored tone as she stared at the group reaching the top floor, where the Archdemon awaited them.

"It appears so," CZ replied, aiming her rifle at them. "Oh. Mabari. Big. Cute."

Lupusregina lay on the floor, bored and yawning loudly. "Mm, I hope this ends soon. Our lady is waiting for the Archdemon to die."

CZ had to agree. The last few months were utterly uneventful and simply dull in her mind.

But it would all end soon.

"Finally, they are fighting it," Lupusregina noted lazily, watching the battle begin on top of the Fort Dracon's roof. "I hope someone dies."

CZ and Lupusregina continued their job until the dull end when the Grey Warden fought and defeated the Archdemon—an expected ending if the Pleiades Maids could say so. Still, the only good side of this was how, soon, things would get more interesting for all of them.

After all, their lady was preparing for a big surprise.