Chapter 3
"Commander!" The soldiers saluted as we walked through the small camp that was stationed not far from the rift I was to test out my mark on. The soldiers created a path to the front gate. Looking around the small camp I saw injured soldiers with bandages wrapped heavily around their extremities. So many wounded or dead lying on the snowy ground. Their bright red blood contrasting horridly with the pale white of the snow beneath them. There were cries of men dying men, pleading Andraste for mercy. Healers running about mixing remedies and nursing the wounded. Death was nothing new to me, but this…this was much different. I'd only seen something like this in Dumonde. Mages and Templars lying in the streets soaked in their own blood. The very stench of death coating the air like a thick smoke. Shaking myself from the memory I kept my face tight trying to feign indifference as we passed one of the troops that had his head bandaged and was reaching out towards me. We kept on through the small camp as the Commander looked over the scene with a look that was too complex to decipher.
"HELP ME! PLEASE!" My head snapped up towards the cry for help tearing my attention away from the Commander. There in the entrance to the camp stood a man covered in what I assume was his own blood. Without thinking I burst forward to the man who was gripping the stones of the archway for dear life as his eyes started to flutter closed. I heard someone shout to me, but I didn't stop. I reached for him as his knees buckled and collapse. Just as I was about to grab him a blinding white and green light flashed in front of me. The force of the light tossed me backwards like a ragdoll through the cold air. I hit the ground hard, the air zapped from my lungs. I gasped trying to catch my breath but I couldn't. Tears stung my eyes and I opened them unwisely. The world was swirling above me making my stomach flop as the acidic taste of vomit rose in the back of my throat. I wheezed turning myself unsteadily onto my hands and knees. There was barely any sound coming through my ears except for this incessant ringing in my ears. High pitched and buzzing like an angry insect caught in my eardrum. The ringing was still there, but new distorted noises prickled around my ears. Suddenly all sound came back and I winced as I heaved air into my lungs trying to compose myself.
"Quinn!" I heard the same male voice call to me and hoist me to my feet. My knees buckled as a faint throbbing basically everywhere in my body sprung up and I groaned. I didn't want to open my eyes again fearing that I'd actually vomit. The person holding me shook me again and I swore quietly at them. I slumped against the person holding me once again and I grabbed hold of the armor trying to keep myself standing. The person grabbed hold of me around my waist and dragged me up against them once again. "QUINN!" The voice basically yelled as a hand grabbed the side of my neck unsuccessfully trying to stop my head from lobbing to the side. I frowned and my hand rose to my forehead as I looked up to the Commander who was staring at me his worry painted in his lovely honey eyes. I groaned at the sore parts of my body that would surely be bruising. "Maker's Breath say something!" I felt my head flop against his breastplate lazily as I caught my breath again. I hate getting the wind knocked out of me. Finding words I spoke,
"You're bad luck, you know that?" I asked breathlessly and I felt him exhale a little before chuckling. I pulled my head back and looked up at him and his white teeth flashed at me in a smile. I let out a short laugh afraid of laughing too much. Suddenly I was too aware of the distance between us, or lack thereof it and moved woozily away from his embrace. His arm shot out to stabilize me, but I held my hand out to show him that I had it. He dropped his arm, but watched me as I gathered my bearings.
"I am the one with bad luck?" He inquired with mirth and I felt my lips tip into a smile.
"Well it certainly isn't me. I'm always lucky to have around." I commented jokingly and he rumbled with a laugh before looking over towards the rift. I gave a short nod to him and started towards the rift. My hand started to flare up as we moved closer to it. I grimaced at the pricks of pain stabbing at me from the middle of my palm to my elbow. I shook my hand hoping to ease some of the pain, but it didn't cease.
"Does it hurt?" His deep voice rang out beside me and I grimaced as I looked down at my palm. Deciding it'd be better not to tell him all of it, I spoke back with fake confidence.
"Nothing that I can't take." I said evenly and praised the Maker that my voice didn't deceive me. He however didn't look convinced, but didn't ask anything further. We walked right up on the rift and I noticed it was much smaller than the rift that the man had fallen out of, and much higher in the air. I groaned, how in the Maker's name was I supposed to do this? "Do you have any idea how I'm going to test this bugger out?" I asked as I stared at the damned thing elevated maybe 10 feet above me.
"I'm not sure…Maybe-"He didn't have time to finish as I felt my arm snap up towards the rift against my will and an intense pain shot through me. I felt as if I were being torn in two by the pain that gripped at my heart. I screamed in agony and fell to my knees. The beam that was extended from my hand and into the rift intensified and if it were even possible it hurt even more. The beam pulsed again and I failed miserably and holding in the scream that threatened to burst from my lips again. The damned mark was killing me! Unexpectedly the beam that was going into the rift shot back towards me and into my hand. A sound like a thunderclap crackled through the air upon impact and I collapsed without the pull of the rift. My whole body felt like it was on fire. The air felt poisonous in my lungs as I gasped on the ground pulling my arm underneath me. The snow on the ground was cold under my skin, but it soothed my feverish skin. The ground crunched under the weight of someone approaching me and I felt myself being lifted up and cradled gently. My eyes focused and I caught the sight of liquid gold eyes as they watched me with confusion and fear.
"Ow." I hissed and he moved his hand over my face to brush the hair out of the way but pulled his hand away ever so slightly before looked me over.
"You're hot…" His eye brows knit together in confusion and I sucked in a deep breath trying to stop the laugh.
"Thanks, you're not bad yourself." I muttered breathily trying to not move too much. His face lit up momentarily with a smile albeit a worried one.
"What just happened?" He sounded genuinely worried when he asked, but I felt my body seize up as another wave of pain bubble up from my hand.
"I-I don't know." I muttered in exhaustion, but felt tears threaten to sting my eyes as I saw the rift still open. "I didn't even close it!" I pushed myself away from him anger boiling in my chest. Looking down at my hand I ground out, "I'm Useless." Bracing my hands against the ground I pulled my tired body up and stared at the disgusting sight before me. All that pain and nothing. It didn't even get smaller. Standing tall I moved in front of the rift. I had to try again. What if the prisoner couldn't close the rift? What if he was in as much pain as I am whenever I touch these things? That Golden Woman wanted me to protect him…so I should do this. Protect him from pain. I held my hand out, but saw a gloved hand whip out and grasp my wrist tightly. My head snapped to the Commander as he pulled my arm back down. "What are you doing? I need to try again!" I objected, what was he doing? He shook his head at me and held my wrist tighter when I tried to pry it from him.
"That thing sounded like it was killing you! Don't try it again, just wait until the Prisoner gets here! He can try!" I looked down at his hand holding my wrist and felt a surge of electricity course through me. He must've realized he was still holding me, and he released my wrist embarrassedly murmuring, "Forgive me." I looked away a blush threatening to spill onto my face as I took my hand back from him. A crackling sound emitted from the Fade grabbing my attention. Out of the rift spilled Wraiths, Shades, and Terror demons with long sharp claws and beady red eyes. I ground my teeth together and slipped my daggers from the belt as The Commander beside me barked orders to soldiers. The Demon in front of me lunged and I twisted to the side. Raising my blades to block the attack I then spun, my braid whipping around me as I drove the dagger into the side of the demon. It flailed its gruesome claws and I barely missed the attack before ripping my dagger out viciously. My other blade catching the opposite claw just in time as it thrashed in pain. It sunk into the ground only to be replaced with another two. I gnashed my teeth together and slashed through them trying to ignore the burning sensation in my hand. My movements were quicker now, the adrenaline and excitement pushing me into a familiar frenzy. My blood sung through my veins, my heart pounded in my chest as I drove my dagger through more demons that came through the rift. My mind was sharp as I caught every movement of the demons around me. Slashing and slicing through them happened and I grinned to myself as they evaporated into little pieces around me and back into the Fade. Looking around for more I caught sight of the Commander fighting off a horde of the monstrous beings that came at him. I was lost in the way his body was moving. A snarl placed on his lips as he drove his sword through a lanky demon. I almost forgot my surrounding I was so caught up how magnificent he looked. But, something else caught my attention. His movements were very familiar, the way he held himself and weapons. I mentally slapped myself for not realizing it earlier. He's a Templar. Suddenly, I snapped back to the fight as a demon nearly decapitated me with its claws. Ducking beneath the blow, I felt its claws catch my hair and I gasped as it yanked. Yelping as my hair was ripped from its braid. I rolled on the snow to miss the next attack and quickly pushed my hair out of my face. I drove my blade into its long leg and heard it scream as it reared back. Bolting to my feet I drove my dagger into its chest with a cry. It disintegrated into a million pieces before my eyes just like the others. Skillfully I moved across the battlefield towards two demons which were attacking a soldier who was nursing a bleeding arm, but still fighting valiantly. I rushed up to the attackers and sunk my left dagger into the side of its ugly head sending the Demon to the Fade with a growl. The soldier nodded a thanks his grey eyes watching me in awe as I shot away towards the Commander. My arms seemed to move at their own volition as fragments of the horrific beings that got in my way were sucked away by the rift. I flipped into the ring of creatures that had surrounded the Commander and bumped into his back lightly. His head twisted to me his sword ready to strike. I gave him a quick smile and he nodded to me before turning back around and driving his sword through a Shade demon.
"You know, you're pretty impressive!" I called to him with a grin on my face before quickly dispensing another Shade Demon into the Fade as I twisted around the Commanders body.
"As are you!" He called back with a grunt as he swung his mighty blade once again down upon a rather disgusting looking demon. I grinned, and looked around me. We danced around each other taking down the Demons around us. My twin knives sunk into the same Demon that Cullen impaled with his sword and we stared at each other in shock for a moment before it dissolved into the Fade. We both spun on our heels and looked to the rift. Two large demons were left in front of us and the remaining recruits were taking out two more, but there were no others after that. My smirk grew wider as I got ready for the two Pride Demons that moved towards the Commander and me.
"I got the ugly one!" I teased and bolted forward sliding to one knee as I drug my dagger across its vicious looking leg and as it screamed I sunk a blade into its chest. It flailed its arm and drove its claw forward. Twisting out of the way I heard it scream in protest as I drove another dagger into its chest, but it never met as its large clawed hand grabbed my arm making my eyes widen as it pulled me up. It held its blade like claws at the ready to kill me as a gurgle of ichor bubble in its throat. Quickly I flipped above it freeing my hand from its claws and hooked my legs around its neck yanking towards the ground. It flopped involuntarily and I drove my knife deep into its chest and yanked it out as it evaporated into the Fade. I looked up and saw the Commander swing his sword high and chop the head off the Demons body. I grinned while panting with exertion. Maker I hate demons so much. We eyed each other for injuries, but we were both unscathed for the most part.
"Maker, woman you-that was-"He swore at me and I felt an eye brow raise involuntarily and gave a lopsided smile. "Reckless. Very Reckless." His reprimand caused me to roll my eyes and shift my weight. He sighed and brought a hand to the back of his neck and I couldn't help but stare in awe at how utterly adorable that was. "Effective, but still reckless!" I nodded to him as he walked up to my side a small smirk playing at his lips. I turned to the wounded recruits who were being helped out by healers and unharmed recruits. Suddenly the exhaustion came back like a harsh memory and I winced. "Where did you learn to fight like that?" He continued his body fully turned to me. I pulled at my hair that was now cascading around me in waves. I grinned to myself and wondered if I should tell him what my occupation was. Deciding it wasn't really the time for that I faced him with a simple smile.
"Oh, here and there…Templar." I teased wagging my finger at him, "I'm pretty ashamed I didn't see it before, you've got the posture and everyth-"I stopped talking when I noticed him stiffen and pale a little. Confusion consumed me as I stared at the man in front of me, but I decided against questioning him further. Clapping my hands together in front of me awkwardly I nodded understandingly. "Oh…touchy subject, huh? Sorry. New Topic?" He nodded gratefully and gave me a very quick flash of a smile,
"Yes, that'd be much appreciated." He nodded I looked back up at him as he assessed the situation with his arms crossed over his chest. His feathered coat swaying slightly in the wind. Quickly looking him over I noticed how stern he was. Like a statue, a very good looking statue. Suddenly jaggedly cut fabric and a stain of bright red caught my attention. I rocked back on my heels and pulled at the fabric to take a peek at the ripped skin. His eyes flicked to me and then down to his arm looking genuinely surprised. I bit back a laugh as I sliced off a piece of the bottom of my shirt, folding it and then placing it on his wounded arm applying pressure. He hissed quietly before a little sprinkle of pink settled over his cheeks. "Uh, thank you. I didn't even realize I…uh…" I nodded and pulled away the cloth giving him a smile as I ignored the aching in my back.
"Anytime." I said quickly, "So what happens now?" I added with a smile as I motioned around. He turned his gaze back on the soldiers bustling around helping out each other. He didn't answer instead he stared ahead and straightened his back. Following his line of sight I saw the soldier I had helped earlier marching up to us.
"Commander!" He saluted tiredly, but dutifully and the Commander nodded for him to be at ease, "Sir, no fatalities, 3 wounded, and all Demons dead." He said in an authoritative tone and then he turned to me and I was a bit shocked at the awe that was still in his eyes. "I-I wanted to thank you, ma'am. You saved my life…you were amazing. I've never seen someone fight like you…Just…Thank you! Thank you so much." I felt a twinge of pink tickle at my cheeks as he shot me a goofy smile.
"It was my pleasure…" I searched for his name and he seemed to catch the cue and nodded with another salute to me this time.
"Lieutenant Rylen!" I smiled and gave him a mock salute back and grinned at him.
"Quinn, Quinn Thedran." I pulled the salute away copying him with a nod. He nodded as well before straightening and turning to the Commander.
"Sir!" Who, in turn, nodded shortly.
"You are dismissed, Lieutenant." I smirked to myself as he turned and rushed off to the camp that was now busy with healers and bloodied soldiers. "Well, it appears you have won the approval of our Lieutenant." The Commander teased and I crossed my arms and looked up at him with a smirk. A chuckle rumbled from his chest as I dramatically flitted my hand,
"What can I say, I'm lovable." I teased back and his eyes locked with mine as he laughed.
"Yes, he certainly seems to think so." He commented distantly as if lost in his own thoughts somewhere else. His eyes dancing in the green light of the Fade and I smiled when he looked at me briefly. I felt the smile fade as I noticed how tense the Commander was. His eyes never wavered from the Fade rift after that, every muscle in his body seemed coiled up tight and ready to strike. I frowned at that, but quickly replaced it with a smirk.
"Maker, I pegged you well. I knew you'd be the silent guardian type. Stoic and stiff with a scowl constantly besmirching your handsome features." I confessed in a sing song way and his lips tipped upwards making stomach flip.
"I rather like being the silent guardian type." He muttered, setting his chin and puffing out his chest. I grinned at that,
"Well it does suit you." He looked at me for a moment before a grin split his lovely lips. That same scar twitching up deliciously. We stood in silence and I came to the revelation that I didn't know his name, but he knew mine and that wasn't fair. "What's your name?" I asked without thinking about how to phrase it and he turned his head towards me with confusion. I suddenly felt very stupid for asking, and tried to explain myself. "I….You know my name, but I do not know yours. And honestly it's a bit bothersome to keep calling you Commander." He looked a little hesitant so I continued still feeling very awkward. "Aw, Come on it can't be that bad. As long as it's not Francis or Rupert or-"I stopped when he started chuckling at me and my eyes widened as he smiled to me.
"Cullen. My name is Cullen. Dear Maker…Francis? Really?" I shrugged as a laugh erupted from my lips. I thought of his name after I stopped laughing and decided to test it out.
"Cullen…" I said slowly drawing out each syllable with a smile. He stilled when I spoke and I looked towards him from under my eye lashes. "Huh, Commander Cullen…" He nodded a smirk finding its way onto his face. "Certainly does have a nice ring, doesn't it?" My grin only grew wider when I saw a faint pink line stretch across his cheeks and nose.
"Yes, I suppose it does." He mused with a smile. Turning to the Rift again I dropped my arm to my hip as I shifted my weight. Sweet Andraste I need a nap, a really, really long nap. Suddenly my hand sparked up and I gripped my wrist tightly, biting my lip to keep from crying out.
"Balls." I muttered through clenched teeth. A hand grabbed at my shoulder and I bit into my lip a bit harder as the pain started to ease off. Sucking in a sharp breath I looked up to see Cullen looking back towards the camp. I hadn't noted Cassandra and her merry band waltzing up next to us. Cullen dropped his hand quickly as he spoke to Cassandra.
"Lady Cassandra." Cullen addressed her and she nodded back to him. I watched them converse for a moment but, my attention was pulled away by the Prisoner. I watched the he moved past us with haste and lifted his hand towards the rift. I winced at my hand which started to burn as a beam shot from his. The rift snapped shot and he shook his hand roughly before turning back to us. Everyone seemed to find this completely normal, but I couldn't help but stare at him in confusion. He seemed perfectly fine. Like he didn't feel any pain at all.
"Are you in pain?" I questioned as I gestured to his hand. He titled his head to me his shaggy brown hair falling into his face as he shook his head,
"No…I mean it does sting a little, but nothing really." I nodded slowly regarding my own hand, the memory of the pain sending shivers up my spine.
"Lucky." I muttered as I continued to stare at the mark on my hand. Releasing a breath I hadn't realized I was holding I looked up only to come face to face with a bald, green eyed elf. Leaning back slightly I looked him over with wide eyes. Noticing the first the staff that stuck out just over his shoulder. He is a mage. He was inspecting me too close for my comfort being mere inches from me. "Uh…hello…" He nodded as he looked down at my hand and I placed it in his as he turned it over to look at the mark. His eyes scanned over it for a few moments and then up at me. His wise green eyes watching me calmly.
"Hello, my name is Solas." I gave him a small smile and twisted the hand to shake his. His smile barely tipping up his lips.
"Quinn…can you help me with my hand?" He nodded, a serious frown now placed on his lips.
"Does it hurt?" I gave him a short nod, looking down at the mark.
"Earlier, when I tried to seal the rift it rejected it. It…hurt." His eye brows scrunched together and he regarded me silently before looking back at the prisoner, then back at me.
"You seem to have the same mark, but the fact that the rift rejected your mark instead of his…that baffles me." He muttered absentmindedly and I groaned,
"Damn, well…okay." The elf stepped aside and a sigh fell from my lips. The Prisoner walked up to me offering me a small smile. "Hey…you. Nice to see you up and walking." He grinned and inclined his head towards me,
"Yes…it is nice to be on my feet." He joked with a smile, "I've been told you were the one to find me. You also survived the blast at the Conclave." I nodded affirmatively as he held out his hand. "Liam Trevelyan, and you are?" I shook the outstretched hand with a smile about to introduce myself when a familiar voice interrupted us,
"Andraste's Ass, Quinn Thedran is that you?" I jerked my head towards the familiar voice and grinned madly when I saw who it was.
"Varric!? What the Void are you doing outside of Kirkwall?" I squealed excitedly as I ran up and hugged the dwarf.
"Decided to play hero for a bit, maybe get some new ideas for my book." He said nonchalantly and then turned his head to grin at someone. "And, Cassandra hates that I'm here, so naturally I have to stay." I bit back a laugh, but failed horribly at it as I turned with him. He grinned up at me and we looked towards the group as they all stared at us in confusion.
"So…you know each other?" Cullen said with a raised eye brow, confusion ebbed in his voice.
"Oh yeah, me and Angel go way back." I shot him a grin, but my attention was pulled back to Cullen who looked somewhat unsatisfied with Varric's words. I prayed silently Varric wouldn't divulge too far.
"Angel?" Cullen's confusion made me smile, and he looked to me questioningly.
"Angel of Dumonde. Take a bow Quinn." He drawled out dramatically, causing me to roll my eyes as a blush staining my cheeks. I whacked him on the back of the head with my open palm and he jolted forward with a chuckle. I grumbled under my breath quietly cursing him. I hated being the subject of Varric's showboat antics.
"Yes, well introductions are done. We need to move to the Breach." Cassandra cut in with a curt tone. I nodded looking at Trevelyan who sent me a grave look. I squinted at him as he looked down and then towards the Breach. A look of resolve and fearlessness crossing his features. I stared at him as he started to walk away and I caught up with him.
"Trevelyan, are you alright?" He stopped momentarily and gave me thin lipped smile.
"Quinn…have they told you about the Breach?" I nodded and he dropped his head as we continued to march on. "Have they told you there is a great chance I-we might die trying to close the Breach." His tone was so helpless, and so final. Like he was prepared for his own death. I thought back to what Leliana had told me and I grimaced and grabbed his bicep and gave him a cheery smile.
"Don't you worry Trevelyan, I'll make sure you live through this." His eyes sparkled with hope for a moment and his lips twitched into another smile. "Just think, you close that thing and you'll be a hero, and that'll be pretty cool." He chuckled and patted the hand that was still on his arm. His eyes never wavering from the Breach.
"And what if I'm not able to close it? What if we fail?" I nodded watching it too,
"Well just try, and if we can't close it, we'll figure out another way, you, me and this merry band of makeshift heroes." I joked as I motioned to the group around us walking towards the Conclave. He laughed and grinned at me,
"Thank you, Quinn." I nodded and hummed back to him and we walked in silence towards and came upon the remnants of the Divine's Conclave. It was a far scarier than it had been when I was deliriously stamping through not a day before. Bodies still glistening with embers stationary and horrifying. My eyes were glued to them, their mouths gaping open as they stared in horror ahead of them. I held my head to look straight ahead of me trying not to look at them anymore. Straightening my back I walked forward and my heart dropped into my stomach when I saw before me two boulders that looked very familiar. The spot where I woke up after the explosion. Faintly behind me I heard Cassandra speaking to Trevelyan,
"This is where you fell out of the Fade. Where we found you and Quinn." Her voice sounded so distant and so sad. I never thought to ask her how she was doing. We weren't close by any means, but the Divine meant as much to her as she did to me. If Cassandra was feeling anything that I was-"
"Are you alright?" A deep voice jarred me from my thoughts and I turned my head. Cullen was standing tall, his head turned partially towards me. His eyes flat and serious and his chin set.
"That's a silly question, Cullen." I muttered to him and he grimaced and looked away.
"Right, forgive me. No one would be alright going through all this, and-" I gave him a smile as he stammered through his sentence. He looked at me and his words stopped. His ears turned bright red and felt a giggle burst from my lips.
"Don't apologize Cullen. I…It's just I'm not alright, but I'll make it." He nodded and his eyes flicked to mine, a sympathetic smile curved his lips. I pulled my eyes away from him and looked to the Breach. "I have to." I murmured to myself, but stiffened when his gloved hand brushed my shoulder. My heart started to beat very fast in my chest and my throat closed up. A reassuring squeeze from him and my knees started to shake. Maker I need help. He suddenly looked very shy and pulled his hand away tucking it tight against his side. Looking away from him once again we walked through what was left of the entrance to the main room. Everyone was around us now and I looked at the Breach and then down at the large rift below it. Its crystalline structure sparking with eerie green life. We walked onto a balcony that over looked the area below the rift and I felt my heart sink. How in the Maker's name were we going to close that thing if it was so far up?
"The Breach is a long way up." Varric voiced all our thoughts and I nodded, staring up at the large green hole in the sky. My hand started to spark like it was calling out to the Fade. Trevelyan's sparked as well and we looked to each other, then back at the rift.
"You're here, Thank the Maker!" I heard Leliana call out as she came rushing towards us with a large number of troops behind her. She looked worn out, though she'd never admit it. This was taking a tax on her just being in here…this reminder of a travesty that rocked her to her very core.
"Leliana have your men take up positions around the Temple." Cullen commanded as he moved with the troops to the base of the rift. I watched him go his feather lined coat swaying gently as he moved, the bright green light shining through his golden locks. Cassandra stepped into my line of sight breaking my view of the Commanders form.
"This is your chance to end this. Are you both ready?" She looked from me to Trevelyan.
"Well I'm not sure, but I think I'll need a boost." I joked and she lifted an eyebrow at me probably wondering how I could have a sense of humor at a time like this.
"Yes, how exactly are we going to get to the Breach?" Trevelyan questioned as his grey eyes stared quizzically at Cassandra.
"You will not have to, this rift is the first and it is the Key to closing the Breach. Seal it and perhaps we seal the Breach." Solas spoke up from behind us and I looked to him before looking back at Cassandra as she spoke,
"Then let's find a way down, and be careful." I nodded affirmatively and ran off with Trevelyan who was inspecting the ground and my eyes flew wide as I saw a red crystal jutting out from the ground.
"Varric…tell me that isn't…" I couldn't finish there is no way that that would be here.
"Red Lyrium…" I sighed in disgust, "But what is it doing here?" I shook my head as I dropped down to the ground. Trevelyan dropped next to me and we moved towards the rift. Suddenly it was as if all sound and air had been sucked from around me. All I could hear was a deep, emotionless voice.
"Keep the sacrifice still." My heart jolted in my chest ramming painfully against my ribs. That voice…. "Someone help me!" Another voice cried out, the Divine. I'd know her voice anywhere. Except instead of her usual serene voice, panic was all I heard. "What's going on here!?" A voice cried out and I looked to Trevelyan who was wide eyed. That was his voice. Suddenly the rift erupted and a scene played around us. Trevelyan ran out as the Divine squirmed in a red magic that trapped her. A large dark figure with red eyes stared at Trevelyan with disgust. "Run while you can, warn them!" She cried out to him and I held my breath. What was I seeing? A memory? The Red eyed monster turned to us like it could see us right now and pointed "We have an intruder. Kill him!" It said and suddenly a figure that looked like me bolted from the shadows and launched at the monstrous figure. "NO!" I heard myself scream and I stared as the memory closed in front of us.
"You were there! Who attacked? And the Divine is she-was this vision true!? What are we seeing?" I heard Cassandra demand as she approached us. I felt my heart ache, I was there. I could've saved the Divine, and I didn't. What had happened that day that prevented it? Who was this monster? Did he create the Breach? Was he the cause of the explosion? What did he mean by sacrifice? I balled my hands into tight fists and clenched my teeth at Cassandra's words. Anger, confusion, and frustration biting at my nerves and the worst thing is, is that I knew I was there but I couldn't remember anything about it! Gritting my teeth together as she got in my face. "Answer me Thedran!" I growled at her,
"I don't remember, Cassandra!" She snarled back and I saw Trevelyan walk up next to me,
"You LIE!" I squared my shoulders at her just in case she decided to attack me. Such an emotional and brash woman.
"She's telling the truth, Lady Seeker. I don't remember any of this either." Cassandra looked between us and then backed away grunting angrily. I understood her anger, but it was starting to get very annoying how it was consistently being pointed towards me. I looked over at Trevelyan with a nod of thanks before looking to Solas who was speaking as he walked towards the rift. An enchanted look in his eyes as he watched the Breach in awe.
"Echoes of what happened here. The Fade bleeds into this place. The rift is not sealed, but it is closed…albeit temporarily. I believe that with the mark the rift can be opened and then sealed properly and safely. However, opening the rift will likely attract attention from the other side." His calm voice rang out in my ears and I grimaced. Damn it more demons. But, I guess it would end here. One final battle and all this demon shit would be over.
"That means demons! Stand ready!" I rolled my eyes at her, Demons? Who would've thought. I mused in my head as she looked around seriously to all the troops and that's when I realized it was for their benefits. I looked to Trevelyan and him to me as we walked towards the rift and he held up his hand and I followed suit. I couldn't close rifts, but maybe I'd be proficient at opening them? The beam shot from my hand and this time there was barely any pain. It almost felt natural the pull that was on the mark in my hand. If it weren't for the slight burning I'd barely notice what I was doing. Trevelyan on the other hand was sweating immeasurably and he bit back the pained cries. The rift opened with a clap and immediately a demon shot from the rift. Trevelyan stumbled and I grabbed hold of him to stop him from falling. A horrible laugh resonated through the Temple as Trevelyan and I stared up at the massive demon in front of us. It brought down its large clawed hand towards us and I dove out of the way pulling Trevelyan with me and we rolled to the side. I flipped and stood pulling my daggers out and ready. Battle cries exploded around me as I slashed at the large beast. The battle raged and I burst forward towards the smaller demons that spilled from the rift. Gripping my daggers tight in my hands I sunk them into demons one after the other. Their black ichor splashing against my armor making my stomach lurch in disgust. I paused when I saw Cullen fighting off a pride demon. With a snarl he ripped his blade through the demon mercilessly and turned. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the large demon raise its hand and point it towards one of the soldiers. My heart pounded in my chest as I started to run, the bolt missed the soldier, but was on another course straight for Cullen. In that moment everything seemed to slow down. He was unaware of the danger as he drove his sword through another demon dispatching it into the Fade. A bolt that size would kill him! I shot towards him his name tearing a path through my throat. He wheeled around to me, his eyes connecting with mine before looking over. The look of surprise and horror on his face as he saw his dead coming towards him. Already bolting towards him my marked hand reached out to him flaring up brightly. I was too far away, I wasn't going to make it to him!
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