SLAM! CRACK!
The sound of fists slamming against the table makes the whole room tremble, and a crack nearly splits the table in half.
Calpernia and Samson both have their heads lowered as they endure the wrath of their soon-to-be-god in absolute terror, taking care to not show any sign of struggle as their master's magic practically chokes out any air in the room. Not so much as being directly punished, but rather it is the Elder One venting. After all, something truly incomprehensible has occurred. That being...
The famous Herald of Andraste was actually able to call a cease-fire between the Mages Rebellion and the Templar Order. So much of their time and effort. So much careful planning. So many sacrifices. It was all rendered null and void. The two groups they had set up to fall into the Elder One's hand and bolster their forces into something truly unstoppable are now steering into a new direction, one that set their sights on a common goal despite the killings done on both sides.
"...I honestly shouldn't be so surprised."
The Elder One finally speaks in an eerily calm tone.
"Arturia has a way of winning people over. Despite her inhumanity, it was always her strongest trait."
"B-But... To even have the Mages and the Templars ally with each other... All within a year...!" It is the very thing they tried to prevent from happening, that's what the death of Divine Justinia was supposed to do! Calpernia just couldn't fathom it. Just where in the world did this girl come from to be able to pull off this impossibility?!
"We have to kill her," Samson immediately states, keeping his head lowered until the Elder One calls for his attention. "Surely after her meetings with both groups, she and her allies must be exhausted - all her troops must be. We should take this opportunity to attack her camp."
"Yes..." The Elder One informs, retreating their hands from the table. "However, even if that's the case, you should not assume her to be easy to kill. So long as that wretched sword remains with her, she will be impossible to approach." But to part that sword away from Arturia would be an impossible feat for one completely unfamiliar with the holy sword... a category that they did not belong in, "Luckily, I already have more than a few ideas that will take care of that little problem."
They're not known for their divine use of magic for nothing, after all. And after countless years studying, experimenting, and wielding its properties and various shapes no mortal could even conceive of being possible, they've more than have enough tools in their arsenal to get such a tremendous task done.
In fact, one special little spell shall prove the trick in de-fanging the lioness once and for all...
"The timing is also not yet right. For us to make our move and retaliate, we must act when they least expect it. Gather your men, Samson," The Elder One ordered while turning to face their commander of the Red Templars, making sure to tower over him as they nearly boomed out the following directions. "This knight has interfered with our plans long enough. It is only right for us to respond to her meddling in kind."
"You mean...?"
"Yes." The Elder One grinned, a truly unholy sight to behold. "It may be too late to stop her at this stage, but that does not mean this is the end. If anything, her utilizing all of her power to close my great work will be when she is at her weakest. When the inevitable occurs, and the Breach is sealed, we shall hit them where it hurts. When that time comes... we will take Haven by force and lay waste to all who inhabit it."
A glorious triumph that the old world will never forget
Fiona wanders through the fortress of Haven, gazing at the camps below through the windows. She sees her mages settling in well enough, assisted by kind strangers - both who apart of the Inquisition and not - and those who managed to separate themselves from her group, finding each other once again, while others who want nothing to do with their cause were tense at first, and now starting to gradually accept them into the fold.
Seeing her followers walk freely even at the thought of Templars being somewhere near Haven, Fiona isn't sure whether to feel relieved that none of them are currently instigating any conflict or uneasy for the same reason, as if they are just biding their time. However, the fact that Arturia has thus far not gone against her word and has been treating her and her mages with as much hospitable grace as possible, she feels grateful if anything.
Before meeting Arturia, things have not gone what Fiona was hoping for, and it's mostly to do with that manipulative bastard Alexius and his mindless cronies, whom of which she hopes to attend their judgement personally, so to see that what was done to her rebellion would be answered justly. She even heard the terrible things that happened at Therinfal Redoubt, and whether Alexius has had a personal hand to it or not, he had been working with someone who did, perhaps the same who orchestrated the situation at Redcliffe.
As much as Fiona wants to hold accountability to the Templars for what happened, it is difficult to overlook that both hers and that group have been blindsided and manipulated. Now, so much of the world practically hates them. There's no reasoning with the affiliated, not after all the harm that was done to the innocents, and she can't predict what the future holds anymore.
'Such terrifying times to live in.'
Taking a deep sigh, she continues her walk through the fort, hoping to ease her mind of many things. She turns the corner at the end of the hall and-
"Ah-!"
At the surprised gasp, she nearly avoids headbutting into a plate of armor, an armor she instantly recognizes, having seen them in battle countless times now, usually stained in the blood of her comrades.
The dark-skinned man stands upright at the appearance of Fiona. There is no immediate response. They simply regard one another, equally wary, equally unsure. Fiona supposes it was only a matter of time she would meet with at least one of the Templars, she just wishes that it could have been done later rather than now, at least until the the reality of her situation has properly passed.
Barris clears his throat, adjusting his posture a bit before giving a nod. "...Grand Enchanter Fiona."
Fiona carefully assesses the templar, seeing the rank insignia on his armor plate. "Formerly such, so just Fiona shall be more appropriate for now. I presume you're one of the new Knight-Captains?"
"I am. Sir Delrin Barris," He places a hand over his chest in greeting. It is honestly the most courtesy Fiona has ever seen in a Templar since the war. "I was in attendance during the incident at Therinfal Redoubt."
"Ah. So you were there when the..."
"When the false Lord Seeker had us gathered and planned to throw us into the slaughterhouse, until the Herald put a stop to it," Delrin finishes, his expression tenses upon discussing what was clearly an awful event to recall. "I... ahem... I hope the Inquisition has been treating you and your group fairly."
"They have," Fiona answers curtly, "Which is more than I could say from our previous 'handlers', certainly."
Delrin reads the indication of her statement, not simply referring to Alexius. He only nods. "You have my sympathies, although, I'm sure you'd prefer not to hear it from me. I just know how it is, to be betrayed by someone you thought you could trust. It... is unpleasant."
"That goes without saying," Fiona agrees with an understanding nod of her own, taking in Delrin's words. Right. Despite being from opposite sides, they were both deceived by those within their own groups. For Fiona, it was other mages, for Delrin, it was his own officers. It is honestly a little funny how similar their circumstances have been. "It seems we have more in common than we realize."
"Yes... Perhaps, that should have been seen sooner, to prevent so much tragedy from occurring in the first place," Delrin states somberly, holding Fiona's gaze with eyes full of regret and personal pain. "I cannot undo what's been done by our Templars, in the Circle and the war. But we do have every intention to change."
"Actions speak louder than words, Sir Barris," Fiona lectures bluntly before spotting a nearby bench and began leading toward it. "However, this might be the best time to discuss it anyway, now that we are here."
Understanding Fiona's implication and invitation, Delrin gives it some thought, and then nods, following after Fiona.
There, members of two different groups formerly at war with each other- one who saw the other as cruel jailers blinded by their bias, while the other viewing their counterpart as walking time bombs needing to be watched at all times - setting aside their weapons. After all the efforts prior to the Conclave's destruction, where agents were sent in their leaders' stead to negotiate, here they are finally meeting face to face, in a semi-dusty hallway on a creaky wooden bench. It isn't one would imagine a setting for a historical moment such as this, but when discussing the fate of their worlds and Thedas, such detail was but a trifling matter.
"I'm aware that the Herald intends to set up a proper meeting for us to negotiate after the Breach is closed," Fiona informs Sir Barris, starting the conversation after the silence between them nearly became too much to bear. "For now, I only wish to know what sort of man you are, and if you are willing to listen."
"I understand," Delrin assures. "I know that the Lord-Seeker - excuse me, the Envy Demon has put up a bad face for us. And yet, he was only one out of the many problems of our Order. I know its faults, and our commanders willingness to grow deaf on any issues that isn't to promote themselves further. I want to alleviate the damage that has done however I can. I don't want our Order to simply be about containing wild magic, or fighting, but to look after all of Thedas, and all its people."
"Would that include my people, Knight-Captain?"
"Absolutely. Templars should know when they're needed most, and that includes acknowledging all of your plights. I wish for us to find a common ground, and end this bloodshed. Our leaders were reckless, greedy for power, and delusional to think it would be better this way. It never should have gotten this far, and I am sorry that it did."
"You are more willing to listen and apologize than those who were in charge before you..." It is an honest surprise, and Fiona finds herself relaxing under Delrin's calm yet clearly hopeful composure, seeing the man behind the armor - something she stopped viewing years ago. She sighs as she leans against the stone wall. "Truthfully, I am tired of all this fighting. Perhaps I shouldn't say this so openly, but I can hardly keep up with it anymore. I've led my people down a path that which further ostracized us by others instead of convincing them why we deserve better. Why we should be given a chance. I believe that's the same position you are in, Sir Barris."
"Yes... My greatest regret is that I stood by for too long. My eyes should have opened fully the moment that imposter punched a Chantry cleric in the face. Even when I pressed and questioned, even when I spoke up, all my concerns were muffled and dismissed. It drove me to the point where I even reached out to Commander Cullen, but I couldn't leave my Order and let it go to shambles. Despite all that its done, I still held onto hope that it could be better. My only mistake was that I thought I could do it alone, or that eventually, our superiors would see the error of their ways. I was too naive to see just how truly corrupt it has been, and yet, I want to salvage it regardless. I don't know if it's simply the naive dream of a boy who saw Templars as Thedas' greatest protectors, next to the Grey Wardens, or even the silver-armored knights in fairytales."
The image of Arturia comes to Fiona's mind, and Delrin resumes talking. "But I figured if someone like the Herald could accomplish as much as she has done, all while staying true to her values, then perhaps we can do the same."
"An inspiring dream, no doubt instilled by her," Fiona says softly as she stares up at the ceiling, a certain memory comes to the forefront in her mind. "I was at my lowest, and she was there to help me gather myself again. I've made many mistakes, trusted the wrong people, and in the end, it was the Inquisition who pulled us out of the mud. Pulled both of us out. Perhaps... There is still hope for us, just as there is still hope for Thedas."
A sense of understanding blossoms between Fiona and Delrin, and they sat for a moment in silent content. It is the first time Fiona has let herself be this at peace since the war. The first time in years that she is able to see eye to eye with a Templar as a person, rather than a prison guard.
"You have my word, Lady Fiona. I only desire to help your people. Not enslave them," Delrin declares.
Fiona nods in thankfulness. "I understand. You also have my word that I only wish to seek peace with your people, now that I know good men like you are leading it."
"Then tomorrow, once the Breach is closed..." Delrin looks down at his hand and extends towards Fiona, "Let us do our best to seek a compromise, and end this war properly."
Fiona regards the hand for a moment, and in a steady motion, she grasps his palm, and the Mage shook hands with the Templar. "It's a promise then."
Although nothing is made official yet, it is this gesture alone that deemed everything their future will transpire, and just like that, the Mage-Templar War is finally over.
Arturia gazes at her reflection in the mirror, working her hair into a ponytail, rather than her signature regal, braided bun. Having been embracing this style again as of late, the King of Knights couldn't help but feel nostalgic, realizing that she hadn't had it like this ever since she was a normal farm girl, it was like getting back to her roots honestly, back before she pulled Caliburn from her stone.
Tomorrow is the day, the Breach will finally be closed by Arturia's hand and her hand alone. Yet it is the efforts of everyone all around her who managed to get them here this far. With the Templars and the Mages setting aside their differences at last, sparing the land of Thedas anymore of their battles, leaving only the demons to worry about.
'We will be heading back where it all began,' Arturia thinks to herself. 'I still do not know what brought me here. If it was Irisviel's doing. Alaya. Or some other magic that pulled me into this world.'
She finishes tying her hair with her signature blue bow. 'If my purpose for being summoned here was to seal the Breach, and end all the turmoil that plagued this land... Would that mean I've fulfilled my contract?' Bringing her hands in front of her, she looks down at her palm where the Mark lies. 'Would putting an end to all of this, once and for all, mean that my time here is done?'
Would she end up returning to her world? The moment she seals the Breach, and she would be forced to return to the Hill of Camlann. Is that the fate that awaits her?
Cassandra. Leliana. Solas. Varric. Cullen. Josephine. Harding. Blackwall. Sera. Vivienne. Iron Bull. Cole. Dorian. Everyone she has come to know so well in her time in this world Everyone she has warmed her heart up to. Everyone whom she has allowed her mask to slip off and fall, never to be picked up again. So many companions she has made. So many memories. Hardships endured, and the support garnered.
'Will I be forced to leave everyone?' Her eyes softened sadly.
"-Not if you do not want to." In the reflection, Arturia spots that familiar pointy hat, and she turns around to face the visitor.
"Cole!" The knight is quick to check the windows for anybody who might come in out of nowhere. "You shouldn't be here. There are mages and templars close by, they could detect you and slay you."
"Helping hurts here and there. I want to do my part, make sure things don't get worse," Cole explains in a way that only he truly understands. Arturia can only imagine what sort of methods Cole is using to achieve that, though she knows he only means well.
"Even so, you must leave for your own safety," Arturia insists. "I'll be filled with remorse if something happens to you. Next time you wish to speak with me, leave a note and we'll meet somewhere outside of Haven. I believe I'm getting Cassandra to ease off chaperoning me these days, so it shouldn't be too difficult for me."
Cole fiddles with his fingers. "You were feeling... sad. I wanted to know. To check up on you."
Ah. So he caught that.
"You don't have to leave, if you don't want to," Cole begans, his tone like that of a child shyly asking their parent to get something for them at a store. "I... wouldn't want you to leave. Lot of people wouldn't. You should stay! The memories... There's sadness in your world."
He is referring to the memory of her standing on the hill of Camlann. Alone, and surrounded by corpses.
Arturia gently smiles at the spirit, her eyes lowering. "By all means... I don't wish to leave either. While that I am not from this world, I'm beginning to see this place as my new home now. I am just unsure if the decision falls entirely on me."
"You'd be alive here..." Cole presses on gently, the thought of the knight leaving genuinely causing him distress. "You are alive here. Maybe the rules have changed? Maybe... You don't need to keep your promise?"
Arturia frowns as she looks back at Cole, her expression taking a more hardened edge. "...How much do you know about me? Where I come from?"
"Not very many. Only see through window, sometimes foggy. Sometimes, the house just appears. I know enough though, from up here," Cole points at his head, indicating Arturia's. He sits down at the edge of the bed. "You made a deal with The World, a part of her. One side of the coin. The one who likes humans. You stayed alive, fought in a war, so that you could wish to undo what's been done. When that's done, everything changes. It'll be like what that magister tried to do."
"I rather not be compared to Alexius, though, I find it hard to argue otherwise," Arturia replies with a sigh. "You are right about me making a deal though. I wanted a chance to avert my kingdom's fate, and so I made a pact with the World to change that."
"It doesn't always work out. You might end up repeating. Take different routes. Neverending."
"Perhaps, but it was something I was willing to suffer through. Regardless of any bad ends I may endure."
"Bad ends exist, but here, it's a new start," Cole assures. "Maybe something snapped the tether? Maybe... You don't have to be alone again. Start all over."
He sounds so sad as he lowers his head, hiding his face with the rims of his hat. Arturia's expression softens and she approaches Cole, sitting next to him. "If ever I'm pulled away from this world, I'll forever treasure all the memories I made here. If it can be helped though... I would rather choose to stay here, and continue to live in this pleasant dream."
"You will! I promise. You will. I'll-! I'll make sure of it! I want you to stay." Cole is desperate to plea his case, as if he would approach Alaya herself to convince her. There is a hint of mirth in Arturia's smile. Her interactions with Cole may be few and between, and yet it was like talking to a little brother to her. Letting her fondness take over, she reaches over and pulls Cole into a shoulder hug.
"I pray that will be the case."
Cole is clearly unfamiliar with the contact, given the way he stiffens the moment they touch, but he allows it anyway. It feels strangely familiar, and instantly, his mind brings up a memory. The warm hold of a mother saying her good wishes to her son. He places his hand over Arturia's. "Will you be okay? The Breach... It's scary. Like a whirlpool of agony and fire. Screaming between realities. Lots of screaming. I... don't want you to get hurt by it."
"I won't," Arturia assures, her eyes sharpening as she makes this promise. "Many things have tried to kill me since I've set foot into Thedas, but I am still here, though not due to my efforts alone. The people I surround myself in are rather reliable like that."
"I'll be around too. Covering my ears, but I'll be around,"
"Thank you Cole," Arturia says sincerely, and as if this could be their last talk ever, she gently squeezes his shoulder a bit tighter. "Thank you for everything."
In her heart of hearts, she extends her thanks to the rest of her companions in this world.
The Inquisition stands in the ruins of the Conclave. Arturia stares up underneath the ever massive Breach, a one final look at its existence. It feels so, so long since she's set foot here, where the Pride Demon fell under her blade. Where her new life began.
Her hand glows prodigiously at her close presence to the Breach, power channeling through her system. The pain she has long since accustomed to, now feeling only power surging through her fingers.
"Are you ready, Arturia?"
Arturia looks back at Cassandra who regards her with a subtle show of worry. But the knight puts her at ease with a simple nod.
"I am." She has made her peace with everyone before coming here, and while she did not explicitly say it, she made sure there would be no regrets when the ritual is completed.
Suspecting nothing of Arturia's thoughts, Cassandra looks to Solas by their side, and they turn for the army that stood in a line, surrounding the pillar that points up to the vortex.
"Mages! Templars!" Cassandra calls to the awaiting supporters.
"Focus past the Herald! Let her will draw from you!" Solas instructs as he points to the Breach.
The Templars and Mages stand side by side, holding to their respective swords and staffs. Before, they wouldn't have hesitated to kill each other. Now, they share only a common goal. Their weapons raised for their land and people.
Solas and Cassandra turn back to the knight in waiting, and the elf mage raises his staff. Magic fuels its tip, and Arturia raises her marked hand, clenching the magic staff from the past.
A sudden stream of green energy erupts into existence, but Arturia stands her ground. She unflinchingly keeps her hand and staff raised as she connects to the stream. Behind her, the mages and templars join forces, jabbing the ends of their weapons into the ground, and grant their magical energy assistance to Arturia's efforts. Past enemies now allies, forging the future they wish to preserve.
Everyone watches as the stream of energy touches the Breach overhead. Arturia then raise her Excalibur, and joins its blessed blade with her staff. Power envelops the energy stream, and it grew stronger, and stronger, and stronger.
'Even if I do not remain...'
Arturia's heart and strength is unwavering as the Breach begins to flare up in a bright, golden aura.
'...Let these people have their peace.'
There is an explosion of light, and it is heard all throughout Thedas.
Arturia and the others are blown away by the force, and a cloud of dust overcomes the area.
When the dust settles, everyone begins to rise. Cassandra pulls herself up and immediately looks for the girl before the Breach. She makes her way through the crowd, hurrying for where Arturia once stood.
...And there she is. Kneeling before the ruins in exhaustion. Sweat pours from the knight's face as her arm lay limp due to exertion. Cassandra hurries to Arturia's side, and as she did so, she looks up.
Arturia gasps in and out as all the energy in her body seems to have disappeared, having used everything to do her task, and she feels Cassandra's hand on her shoulder.
"...You did it."
Hearing her amazement and disbelief, Arturia looks up, and they are met with the sight of the beautiful blue sky. As if decades have gone by since they've laid their eyes on the sun.
The crowd around her erupts into cheering. No more is the Breach and its ever looming threat. No more are the demons who invaded their land from it. No more is it the end of the world. The bright blue sky was given back to Thedas once more.
"-Herald! Herald! Herald! Herald!"
"They call for your name, my king."
She hears the voice of her Excalibur as she is helped back up to her feet by Cassandra and Solas. Arturia looks back down at her hand, now quiet and seemingly without any magic. She looks to her companions, and to the rest of the people. Her people.
Before, she would shy away, even reject the chanting of her name. Now... there was only thundering pride in her chest.
"You did it Turi! Whoohoo!" Sera shouts through the crowd up on the railing.
"Now this is a happy ending if I've ever seen one," Varric states eagerly, putting a period at the end of his sentence in a journal.
"You've done well, Arturia!" Blackwell applauds, giving his cheer along with the mages and templars. "Hahaha! You've really saved the damn world!"
"Not bad, kid! Not bad at all!" Iron Bill shouts with a hand to his mouth, amplifying his commending to the knight below.
Vivienne and Dorian are spotted through the crowd, and upon setting their eyes on Arturia, Dorian gives a merry thumbs up while Vivienne gives a respectful yet clearly relieved nod.
Arturia gazes upon her comrades almost in a daze, as the people of the Inquisition celebrates and chants her title. Her eyes then picks up further, and spots Cole hidden behind the wall of a ruin.
"They are right. You understand this, do you not?"
Arturia turns to look at Solas, a proud smile on his face. "You really did save everyone today."
He grasps her right shoulder as Cassandra grasps her left. The knight shars a look with the Seeker, and the woman beside her nods, pride and joy visable on her normally stoic expression.
"Thank you. For all that you've done," Cassandra whispers, the depths of her gratitude unable to be expressed through just words. "I'm really glad to have found you when we did."
The knight in blue is no longer lost. Arturia stares back down at her hand. It is no longer the Mark she is gazing at, but rather her physical form. She holds no magic, and yet, she is still here.
She is truly alive on this new world. She is no longer apart of her old one. This... This is her new home, for as long as she lives.
A great relief washes over her, and Arturia smiles.
'So here, I stay.'
Author's Note: I want to take this time to thank everyone for reading this story. Honestly, I'm not that invested in it, but you guys help me keep posting even if they do take months. And months... and months...
So thanks for sticking around! I'll see you guys next chapter!