WE'RE BACK with Chapter 26! I'm also currently finishing up Chapter 27 as well in the next week or so, so be on the lookout! Things are starting to amp up and I am lowkey terrified at what I have planned for my poor MC! ;-; I love her I swear! Anyway! ENJOY!
Maker's breath Quinn, what have you done now?
In somewhat of a daze, I sat on a crate that I'd stuffed full of supplies. The events of what I'd just done replaying in my head nonstop. With my face in my hands, I tried to focus on anything else, tried to reassure myself that this was the best course of action. That I could protect them this way, that I didn't have another choice. Not that I had much of a choice to go back on it now. No…this was my choice. My choice and there was no coming back from it.
This sickly smell of death and lilacs in the air that choked me. Haziness from the smoke swallowed the ground leaving my vision blurry, my limbs feeling lethargic for a moment as he moved closer to me. Where had I smelt this scent before? It was…It was too familiar. He lifted an eyebrow up at me and smirked.
"The elusive Quinn Thedran wanting to make a deal with me?" The demon asked me with a grin on his lips, his tone mocking but intrigued. "You must be very desperate." I bit my tongue, whatever insult that was about to spew from my lips, silenced. With balled fists I looked up and into the full black eyes of the demon.
"I'm out of options." I said with a snarl on my lips. "And you need something from me." He tilted his head to me, his grin widening revealing sharp teeth beneath. I stood my ground although I was shaking. Either out of anger or fear or both; I couldn't be sure.
"Oh do I?" He asked with a wave of his hand at me. "And what makes you think that?" I sneered at his reply, shaking my head.
"Save the theatrics for someone who has time." He lifted an eyebrow at me. "Soon someone will be arriving to kill me and you'll lose your shot at getting what you want and so will I." Both eyebrows shot up and he folded his arms.
"What do you know of what I want?" He asked me, his voice suddenly all around me. "You say you know I want something, but I cannot imagine you know exactly what it is."
"What does it matter?" I asked. "As you said. I'm desperate. Whatever the deal, I'll make it as long as I get what I need from it." I responded, his form becoming thin as smoke in front of me.
"Yes, but even so I believe in complete transparency with my deals." He responded from just over my shoulder. "I want you to guess what I want." He felt…hungry. This sickly, malicious feeling thickening the air. He looked monstrous in Tayens form. His black eyes wide and sharp toothed smile winking back at me. I fought not to shy away from it, the form itself terrifying in its own right.
"If I'm to guess, I'd say you want my soul or my life. You did vow all those years ago to kill me." He smirked at me, shrugging.
"Well, kudos for you kid, you're not half wrong. Your Father always said you were smart. Although, I'm sure he'd be questioning that judgment right about now." His voice trailed off. "However, I guess in the long scheme of things they're one in the same, but it's more so…you in entirety is what I want. Your body and soul intact. A pact with me that gives me free reign to use your body as my own." I felt like I was being suffocated, my blood thrumming in my ears. "Second guessing your choices yet, love?" I turned to the demon, noticing how close it was. His hand moved to my hair, a smirk on his lips as he held a piece that had fallen in my face. "A steep price to pay for what? A couple more days?" My throat felt thick, like I was going to cry. I swallowed the feeling, setting my eyes to his.
"I want that family to be protected. The Rutherfords and their companions. I want them kept safe and given passage off this continent." His eyes widened and he dropped the strand in his shock.
"S-Say again?" He stuttered as he shook his head. "It almost sounded like-"
"In exchange for what you want, I want a boat for them to get out of Ferelden and a promise of their safety." He lifted an eyebrow, before smiling. Seemingly recovering from the shock.
"Pardon my confusion. I thought you'd put up more of a fight. I wouldn't have put on such bravado if I'd known you would just agree." I snarled.
"Do we have a deal or not?" His eyes flicked to mine and his wide, toothy smile was back.
"Name your terms."
I lifted my head, my hand wiping at my face as I looked up at the sky through the thick canopy of the morning. The sky was barely lit through the trees. Barely sunrise it would seem. It was still dark when Roland had brought Branson to the camp. Maker…Branson. I shook my head. One problem at a time, Quinn. I needed to go get them, they're probably finished packing by now. I heard something rustling in the bushes and noticed Red's eyes. He looked directly at me, and I noticed worry in those expressive orbs of his. I waved my hand at him as I stood, he moved forward looking at my hand and grabbing it gently. I hissed a bit as he touched my sliced palm.
"I tripped." I lied as I looked to the now brushed away pentagram. The bodies huddled together. He looked back down at my eyes before pulling a piece of cloth out and wrapping my hand. I gave him a small smile before nodding my thanks. "Hey, Red-" He tightened it gently, his eyes flicking from my now bandaged hand to my eyes as a twig snapped near us, cutting me off. He moved a bit in front of me, but heard Roland call out quietly to us.
"It's me. It was over an hour and we were growing concerned…but now I understand." He said as he eyed how close Red and I were. I rolled my eyes at the remark as Red backed away.
"Yeah all these crates took a while to compile. For soldiers these guys were unorganized." I chastised as I kicked the crate.
"The others are just beyond the camp. I'll go get them." I nodded to him and he dissapeared back into the woodline. I walked back to the tent that I'd found a map in and hummed to myself. According to where we were on this map, we were a little over a six hour walk from Gwaren. I sighed as I leant against the table heavily. If only I'd asked that damned demon to put a boat a little bit closer. I let out a deep sigh, shaking my head. Not that the bastard would have agreed to it in the first place. But is it really that hard to get a boat when you're a thousand year old demon? I shook my head in annoyance, but heard my companions make their way into the camp. I turned to them and gave them a short nod.
"We found some supplies that will help with the journey." I said offhandedly as I rolled up the map. "We're about a six hour walk from Gwaren now and I have some good news. These Templars had a boat that they left at the docks." I lied smoothly as I nodded to them, with a small smile. "It's not much to go off of, but-"
"A boat, and supplies…Maker it's too good to be true." I nodded at that, noticing the hopeful sparks in their eyes. Slow smiles became contagious, but they all refused to fully share their excitement. Almost like they were afraid if they did it'd all be swept from beneath them. I understood though, but I knew the truth. There would be a boat waiting for them and they'd be free.
"It all seems very convenient." Bransons spoke up. I lifted my eyes to his as he did the same to me. "Are we sure this isn't a trap?" I turned to him, onceing him over. The amount of skepticism that came off of him almost reminisce of Cullen when he questioned me about the lake in Haven.
"Are you trying to tell me something?" I asked him, noticing his eyes widen a bit, before glaring at me. "I do not think it would be, given that they did not know we were coming therefore why set a trap?" I said as I looked at them. "Besides, it's a lead. We have to take the chance and we are running out of options." Their heads bobbed in unison, Branson standing just behind them, looking away angrily. I pulled one of the packs over my back, filled with rations and supplies as they followed suit. Terrance and Branson grabbing the two crates as Roland slung another pack onto his back. Branson hung back close to the woodline watching as we passed.
"Well. I suppose we should get going then, shouldn't we?" Roland huffed as he started ahead. I took up the rear, following the group as we carried on down the beach.
Hours passed and from the looks of it we were nearly there. We'd had to stop for breaks, the sporadic rain showers slowing us, but we were pushing through. Roland's eyes continually shifting around us, but not finding a single enemy. True to his word. I frowned looking around myself. Not even so much as feeling the Fade's presence around me. That's a relief at least.
"If I go through with this, I'll need to know they're safe no matter what." He nodded as he folded his arms. "That includes up until the time when it happens. They need to get off this continent, find a life somewhere else. Somewhere safe. Well…safer than here." The demon frowned at that.
"For the sake of this deal you should know. There aren't many 'safe' places left. I can keep up my end of the deal, but the world is ending, dear, even my abilities cannot protect them from that." I frowned at that and looked away.
"I understand." I replied as I set my jaw. "But, I want to give them a fighting chance and they won't have that here." He seemed satisfied with that. "We've been constantly followed by demons and Red Templars, make sure they're not in our path." He lifted an eyebrow, but nodded and with a snap of his fingers he grinned.
"Done."
"-annnd done!" Rose grinned as she gently set a crown of flowers on Thaddeus's head, breaking my train of thought. He touched it, smiling happily and giggling. "Do you like it, Thaddy?" She grinned at him as she poked his nose. He nodded enthusiastically.
"Thaddeus, what do you say?" He grinned up at Rose.
"Thank you, Auntie Rose!" I couldn't help but smile at the trio. They continued on, their quiet chatting keeping my mind from wandering too far. The walk itself seemed to take forever, the hours feeling like days. I was almost thankful for it, honestly, these precious last couple hours with them… more than likely would be the last peaceful moments I had in this life.
"Quinn, you look pale. Is something wrong?" I looked up at Terrence who dropped back to fall in step with me.
"I…I'm alright. Just tired." He tilted his head at me.
"Well, perhaps we can fix up a spot on the boat to nap in for you. I heard sleeping on a boat is soothing. Like being rocked to sleep." I forced a smile onto my lips and nodded.
"Sounds great." He smiled at that and nodded.
"Thank you. For all of this." I tilted my head.
"We haven't even gotten to the boat yet, things could still-"
"You've gotten us this far. You gave them hope. Look at them." He smiled as we looked ahead seeing Mia and Rose chatting with Roland, giggling about something. "Regardless of how this all ends, I'm thankful for just a moment of happiness and we owe it to you." I closed my eyes and nodded.
"I'm not the one that got us here." I said with a small smile. "I may have helped, but you all fought to be here." He smiled down at me and patted my back.
"I…Maker…I still can't believe it." He said in awe as he stared out at the ocean. "I've never seen the ocean and I…I didn't expect to. Even when I heard of the plan, I didn't think I'd-" He paused as his eyes set on his family walking just in front of him. "I am glad that the Maker allowed me to see this." He said as Mia set Thaddeus down as they walked along the water. "Do you think…do you think we can survive?" He asked as he smiled at his boy who splashed in the water before running back to his mother. I didn't know how to answer. I knew they'd be protected. That what I was giving my life for wasn't just a chance. It was assured that they'd be safe.
"You'd better." I said with a smile. "Or I'll be terribly cross with you all." He chuckled and waved me off.
"We couldn't have that now could we?" He said with a smile on his lips.
"Papa! Papa look!" Thaddeus called as he ran back to Terrence.
"What do you have there? A shell?" He asked as Thaddeus jumped into his arms. Terrence let out a grunt and lifted him to his hip and looked at the object in his hands.
"It's pretty!" He said as he stared at it. Terrence chuckled and nodded.
"Very pretty." Terrence reassured as he looked at Mia. Mia smiled back at him. I couldn't help but smile at them as he walked forward to her and they started chatting as Thaddeus hung against his hip. The happiness I felt swelling in my chest seeing them happy and somewhat relaxed battling this hollow sadness knowing I'd never have that. Best chance I had was watching from a distance knowing I'd not missed my chance once but twice- I paused in my thoughts mentally berating myself for it. You barely knew him, Quinn. I shook the thoughts from my head, but heard Varric's teasing in my head. "You and Curly would be weird together anyway". I remember I was so annoyed at that for some reason. It was true though...but still…he was warm. Kind. I felt a sad smile pull at my lips. A kind, selfless idiot. I felt a chuckle pass my lips, but my thoughts went to Tayen and I felt it drop. It's been years since his death. For a moment I imagined what it would have been like if we'd run away together like he'd planned. I closed my eyes, a small smile on my lips as I imagined the small cabin we'd said we'd move. Somewhere secluded. Just the two of us, living peacefully away from all the death and horrors our former life brought. He'd promised to catch a bigger fish everyday even though he'd never fished a day in his life. I smiled lightly as the picture in my mind started coming to life. The small cottage, slightly overgrown, hidden away on the coast. A small garden outside, the doors slightly ajar. I imagined myself opening the door, expecting to see Tayen standing there as I had done so many times before. Imagining him still there, just waiting for me. Instead though a taller figure stood by the window. He turned to me and smiled back at me, just in normal clothing.
"Hello, love." My eyes flashed open in shock as I faltered in my steps nearly tripping. Maker what the fuck is wrong with me. I tried to shake the thought from my head, my heart aching from the thought of it. Of him. Suddenly a loud crack ripped through the sky. My head shooting upwards seeing the veins of the breach stretching and pulsing across the clouded sky. My eyes widened as my mark exploded with bursts of light and pain. I nearly collapsed feeling the Fade pulling against the mark. I choked out a gasp as I tumbled to the ground. My palm screaming at me, the magic crackling and popping as pain throbbed through my arm and up my shoulder. I bit my lip to keep the cry stifled, but it was too much. I felt someone grab onto me, whispers of concern around me, this loud thrumming in my ears. I could barely hold myself up. I turned over and saw the green veins pulse brighter, sending electricity through my veins. I felt another wave hit me, excruciating pain making my muscles seize. I tightened my hold on it trying to ease the pain, but nothing was working. I felt someone grab onto me and a silence pressed down heavily on me. Red came into view making my eyes widen. I gripped onto his shirt as he held me close, pressing the Silence down more. His eyes narrowed as if he was confused.
"I-I can't stop it-" I choked out, a cry slipping past my lips. His silence barely affected it, when suddenly it stopped. I felt air slam back into my lungs. Red was holding onto me gingerly, his eyes searching me as I heaved breaths. "I…I think it passed." I heard whispers and I looked over realizing Red was out in the open. Mia and Rose were glaring at him, a knife extended from Mia's hand, Terrence's sword at the ready. I shook my head and raised my hand out to them. "He-He's a friend-"
"Mama, wait, that's my friend!" Thaddeus said as he poked his head out from behind Mia, running up to us.
"Thaddeus! No. Get away from-"
"He's nice. He helped me!" I nodded as I tried to stand, but fell back into Red. He held onto me, my legs feeling useless.
"He's been protecting all of us." I said as I waved for them to put their weapons away. "He's the only reason all of us are still alive." They looked between us and nodded, a guarded look still in their eyes.
"He won't harm us. He's been keeping the demons at bay." Roland said as he touched Rose's shoulder who shakily put her knife back into the holster on her waist.
"You knew about this?" Mia asked in confusion as Rose stared up at him.
"I knew of him. He seemed as if he wanted to stay hidden and I saw no harm. Plus, she trusts him." I nodded as I tried to stand again, but my legs wouldn't budge. Thaddeus smiled as he looked up at me.
"You didn't break your promise." I gave Thaddeus a small smile.
"I never do." His eyes lit up as he nodded. Mia came close and pulled Thaddeus up into her arms looking at me.
"Is he…safe to be around? He looks-"
"He's safe." I replied quickly with a smile. "He looks scary, but he's just a big kitten." I heard Red huff behind me, but Mia looked between us looking confused.
"Why did you keep yourself hidden?" Terrence asked as he kept his hand on his sword. A question I've asked myself before. I looked up at Red as he looked between them, looking as if he were ready to run away. This must be hard for him. The thought stuck with me more than it should.
"I-he doesn't speak, sorry-but, I think he was a Templar. I think he was nervous that you'd think he was some kind of monster. I'm not proud of it, but that's how I reacted. I think he was worried you wouldn't let him help." They looked at each other and then back at Red and nodded. Everyone was quiet, but Rose walked up and smiled brightly at him, holding her hand out.
"Well, thank you for saving us, mister. I trust Quinn's judgment, even if those red eyes are a bit scary." She chuckled. "They're also kind of pretty though, like rubies!" I felt my heart melt. Maker damn that smile, it could make even the hardest of soldiers soften in moments. She looked at her hand. "My name's Rose, if there's to be introductions." She held out her hand and he looked at it and I felt this chill around me. His eyes looked both happy and sad at the same time. He took it and shook her hand gently.
"I don't know his actual name, but he seemed to like Red." I said with a smile noticing her smile brighten if it were even possible for it to get any brighter.
"That's a good name. Easy to remember." She moved aside and motioned to the group. "This is Terrence, Mia, Asa, Roland and Branson. I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you, if what Quinn said is true, we have you to thank for our safety as well." His eyes were a bit wide and he seemed slightly overwhelmed. Social awkwardness, poor lad. I nodded to them as their eyes shifted from Rose to Red and then to me.
"We should get moving again, I apologize for-" I felt my palm spark again and I seized up, nearly collapsing again. Red held onto me, pulling me up and over. I felt his silence around me as I laid against his back. "I can walk." I groaned out, slumped against him. He started walking, holding my piggy back style as I tried not to pass out. The pain was still there, but dull. "You don't have to do this." I said with a small sigh as I leant against him, relishing in his warmth. "I must be heavy." Thinking of my weight plus the pack on my back. I heard a quiet laugh come from his lips, before he shook his head. We carried on, for what felt like days. The sun got higher and higher in the sky as we traipsed along the woodline. Red had been carrying me nonstop even though I had insisted on walking some. I still felt weak though, something different about that spark versus what I'd felt before. Even now, my hand was sparking relentlessly, giving me little rest. I heard a gasp and I looked up from Red's back seeing the town just up ahead. Stone buildings peeking over a large reinforced fence. My blood pressure shot through the roof when I noticed smoke rising from the buildings.
"We have to check that town first. There shouldn't be anything in our path, but that smoke is troubling." He nodded and moved to set me down. I moved off of his back, my legs feeling like jelly. I frowned as I stabilized myself against a nearby stone. He moved towards me, but I held my hand out. "I'm okay. I…I just need a second." He looked to Roland who was walking back.
"You stay here. We will check out the town." I shook my head.
"I'll be fine. I need to-" I gasped out and nearly collapsed. Rose rushed to my side and held me up, pulling my arm around her shoulders.
"Quinn, they'll be alright." Rose reasoned with me as she held me up. I looked up at Red and Roland, sweat beading on my forehead.
"If you're not back soon or if I hear anything-." I said as my hand sparked and made me choke on my words. Red's eyes watched mine for a moment before he nodded.
"You know the signal. If anything happens, you'll know." Roland reassured me as Rose gently tried to set me down. I felt a pair of eyes on me and I tried to ignore it, seeing Branson out of the corner of my eye. "Branson. Come with us. I'd rather have one of my best swords with me if something happens." Roland's voice was clear as he nodded to him. I looked up at him, seeing him staring intently. Thank goodness. If he was foolish enough to come at me again with a dagger I don't know if I could completely protect myself as weak as I felt right now. And if Mia or Rose got in between…Maker I'd never forgive 's head snapped to Roland who gave him a smile, but it looked false.
"I would prefer to stay here. Should anything happen-"
"We will be alright, Brother." Rose spoke up, sneaking a look at Roland before smiling at Branson. "Go with them." He narrowed his eyes, but nodded. His eyes watched me as he passed, but went without any more complaint. They moved away and into the town as I fought to stay upright. "What happened, Quinn?" Rose asked me as Asa moved closer to me, her hand pulling my sleeve up and I'd almost wished she didn't. My eyes drifted down to the mark, but noticed it was now completely above my elbow, my veins looking sickly and green.
"Maker…" Asa breathed as she quickly pushed my collar aside and gasped.
"It-It's above your shoulder." I frowned as I tried not to flinch.
"I'll be alright." I said as I pulled at my shirt, it felt too tight against my skin. The cloth against my sensitive skin itched and burned. I thought about cutting the sleeve off, but I didn't want everyone to see how bad it was getting. Mia and Rose stood looking towards the town as a single whistle lifted into the air. We all waited with bated breath, not hearing another.
"That's the signal." Rose said as she let out a puff of air. "It's safe." I frowned. It'd barely been a couple minutes and that town wasn't that small. I held off.
"That was just a location. Give it a moment. He might have been calling for Red." They looked at me and nodded. Perhaps I was being overcautious, but as I was now I don't think I could protect them. A couple moments later of nothing and we nodded to one another.
"Alright. Let's go." They agreed quietly, Rose pulling my arm over her shoulder and holding onto my hip. We hobbled to the town seeing Roland leant up against the broken gate. He nodded to us and I felt a small frown come to my lips as I looked for Red.
"Did anything happen?" I asked. "Where's Red?" He nodded to me and jutted his thumb over his shoulder.
"The towns abandoned, looks like everyone's been gone a while. Your friends' doing another sweep seeing if there's anything we can use." He said as Mia moved forward a step.
"And the boat?" He smiled a bit wider.
"A big enough boat for all of us." I smiled, relief flooding my brain. I smiled and pulled away from Rose.
"I can walk." I reassured her as she tried to pull me back in. She nodded slowly, checking to make sure I wouldn't collapse again.
"The boat. I'll need it by the end of the day to make sure they get off this bloody continent." I said as I leveled my eyes with his. "I'll also need around 10 days." He lifted an eyebrow at me. "Oh and a horse."
"You are asking too much. I am limited in my abilities, little girl. I will not take this deal." He replied, sounding somewhat angry at me.
"It's their life for mine. Their safety-"
"I cannot ensure all of their safety. I will protect the four family members and them only." My eyes widened thinking of Red and Roland and Terrence.
"Our deal was-" He suddenly lunged forward grabbing my face, sneering at me. I stared at him and shook my head.
"You've played your cards. I know you need this deal as much as I do. Just to save some pathetic humans. The family. That is all. Four lives. The brother, the sisters and the child." I wanted to take the deal. "Do you really care about the others' lives?"
"I will not make this deal-"
"Then they will all die." I stilled as he laughed in my face and tossed me away. "You came to me, did you think there wouldn't be consequences? Come now, don't tell me you're that naive." He hissed at me as he lifted my face towards his.
"If you kill them you will never get what you want either." I hissed at him. He lifted his eyebrow and looked away. Thinking over it before nodding, glaring back towards me.
"The family. Four lives." He said as paced away from me. I glared back at him, but nodded. I didn't have a choice. I needed this deal. "Then it will be so." He said as the world around me shifted, his form turning more monstrous than before. "If one or all of the family members are to perish, you will have your body back." His words came out in a huff, but they were clear. "Alternatively, if you should do anything to try and deceive me in any way or break our deal, I will kill that family and make you watch." His tone turned flat, angry almost. "Your Father learned the hard way not to cross me. Hopefully you're not as foolish as he was." I felt my skin crawl, rage pumping through my veins. I tried to swallow my anger as I glared at the demon before me.
"I am not my Father." I replied angrily, noticing him straighten a bit before smiling.
"No, I suppose not." He said, before he paused and looked away. "Oh, the horse and those ten days, you will not be needing them. I will help you reach the Breach." My eyes widened. How did he know? "You're not a hard one to read, love." He chuckled.
"So you're going to help me?" I asked in utter confusion. What was his goal here?
"Oh I don't know about 'help', but I will get you there. Once we arrive though, I assure you, you will see things my way."
"You want me to open it." My eyes widened a bit. "I won't and if those are your conditions then-" "OH no-no-no-no. You misunderstand. I do want it open, yes, however, that isn't a condition. I will help you get there as I've said, but I am fairly certain that once you understand the circumstances you will want it open as well." I glared.
"I highly doubt that, demon." He smirked and shrugged at me.
"After the Breach is dealt with, it will be time to collect on your end. Understood?" I froze for a moment, dread pulling at my chest, but I nodded anyway.
"Yes."
"Then…a deal?" He said as he held out his hand to me. His smile widening even more as I looked at his hand and gripped it. This spike of energy rushed through me, like a bolt of lightning through my nerves. My hair stood on its end as his hand tightened. "Oh, this is going to be good."
Their excited whispers and laughs brought me back to reality as I felt a pang in my heart. We moved quickly through the town and I noticed as we passed a house I saw Red standing in the darkness, I suppose still not entirely comfortable with being around them yet. Thaddeus, however, stopped and looked at him and ran up grabbing his hand. I felt a small smile spread across my lips as he awkwardly nodded and joined the group as we moved to the docks. I heard Mia let out a relieved sigh as Rose laughed into her hands. Tears running down their faces. Everyone erupted into relieved and happy laughter as they moved to the boat, looking over it and inspecting it. A tear slid down my cheek as I smiled holding my arm.
"This…this was worth it." I whispered, my heart swelling at the sight. All thoughts of regret vanishing from my mind. With Terrence's voice in my head, I smiled a bit wider. A moment of happiness. Of hope. It was beautiful.
Everyone was celebrating, happily chattering with one another as they gathered around the boat. I smiled as I leant against a building. Roland nodded to me and moved towards the building I was leaning against.
"We don't have the tide. We'll have to wait till it comes in." I pulled myself upright, ignoring how tired my body was.
"What? How soon?" He shook his head.
"It looks like it's coming in now, my guess is a couple hours." I ran a hand through my hair, but nodded. Nothing could be done about it now.
"Fine. As soon as the tide is in, you are all gone. Understand?" I asked and noticed his eyes narrow. I stiffened a bit as he watched me.
"We." He stated, his eyes searching mine. I looked away, a humorless laugh punching from my lungs as I shot him a fake smile.
"Yeah, we. What did you think I said?" I lied, noticing his eyebrow twitch.
"You're keeping something from me." I tilted my head up to him with a frown on my lips.
"Why would I do that?" I asked, feigning ignorance.
"I'm not entirely sure, and yet here you are." I tilted my head. "This isn't meant to come off as a threat, but you should tell someone before it's too late. I know something happened at the encampment." I flinched, his words catching me off guard. "It has something to do with what that demon said, doesn't it? Calling you Fade something, right?"
"I-what?" I asked as I stared up at him. He lifted an eyebrow, and I knew I couldn't lie now.
"Ah. So, I was right." I frowned and looked away. He frowned at me before nodding.
"Yes…" I said with a frown. I nodded up towards the sky and shook my head. "You remember the Breach, right? They're trying to open it back up." I said with a frown on my lips. "I have to close it before they can." He looked between my hand and then the sky.
"So…you're going to try and close that? By yourself?" I nodded.
"I have to try." I replied as I looked back up at him.
"Will…will you make it out of this?" I let out a puff of air that sounded like a laugh.
"No. Probably not." He was very still, like he was trying to figure out what to say. He was a good person. Rose and him were a good match.
"We'll come help you. Hang the boat." I smiled and patted him on his arm.
"Don't mistake this for me being sorry for myself. I want this and I am the only one who can do this." He stared at me in utter confusion. "Choosing how I die…can't say many of my friends got that option." He shook his head.
"You'll make it through. I know you will." He replied sternly after a breath. "If anyone can, it's you." I nodded, but heard him being called by Rose.
"You'd better go. She'll think something's wrong." He nodded and moved away towards her. I smiled at the back of his head before I spoke up again. "Hey, Roland." He stopped and looked at me. "Thank you." I beamed. He stared at me in shock, a tiny smirk pulling at his lips as he waved me off.
"Well, better late than never." I chuckled at that as he walked away. I watched them, leaning up against the wall of the cabin. They all looked so happy. So full of life.
"You must really care for those humans." The demon hissed as he looked up in the direction of the camp.
"Yes." I replied, my mind working slowly. Taking it all in, I suppose.
"You know…this is very honorable. Unexpectedly so." I tilted my head to him in confusion.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's interesting watching you play the hero. I wonder if it's everything you thought it'd be." I glared at him. "Tell me, hero, is this what you wanted?" I didn't know how to respond. I didn't know what to say.
"No, but what I wanted doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is that they live." I huffed as I stared up in the direction of the camp as well.
I felt my heart sink in my chest for a second. This sickly feeling of fear coming over me. What would happen after? Would I just die? Would I be present, watching what was going on, but not able to do anything? Too many thoughts swirling in my mind. I tried to get them to stop, but so much uncertainty, so much fear was making it impossible. I heard someone call out to me, but it was muffled. Thaddeus was next to me pulling on my leg, but I couldn't move.
"Auntie Quinn, are you okay?" I shook the thoughts off and moved down to him.
"Y-yes, my apologies. Did you need something, love?" He smiled and handed me a cookie.
"Mama said you were feeling sick earlier. This is my last cookie so it should be the best one." I looked at the small cookie in his hands and I smiled.
"I can't take your last cookie." I said as I smiled. "Thank you though, it's a very sweet thought-" He broke the cookie in half and handed me one part.
"Mama told me cookies are best when they're shared." I smiled and bit into the cookie.
"Your mother is very wise." He nodded as he bit into his own part of the cookie.
"Have you ever been on a boat?" I nodded and smiled.
"A couple times. It's actually kind of fun. Makes me a bit sleepy." His eyes lit up.
"What kind of boat?"
"I was a stowaway on a ship full of pirates." I said with a broad smile at the boy. His eyes got even bigger and he smiled widely.
"Really!? Were they scary?" I shook my head.
"They were, but I'm scarier." I said as I booped him on the nose. He giggled and shook his head.
"Do you think we'll see any pirates?" I gave him a small smile and nodded.
"Probably not, love, but if you do I know you'll be just fine."
"Promise?" I smiled and nodded.
"Promise." I replied as I held out my pinky to him. He hooked his own smiling up at me, but his eyes wandered to my wrist and he tilted his head.
"What's that?" My bracelet dangled from my wrist and I smiled as I pulled back my sleeve a bit more.
"A bracelet from someone very dear to me." I said as I smiled down at the boy. "Do you like it?" He nodded as he inspected it. I untied it from my wrist and gently held it in my hand.
"Wait, but that's yours-" I gently tied the bracelet around his wrist and smiled.
"You shared your cookie with me, it seems only fair." His eyes widened as they drifted to the bracelet and then up at me. "You see, this is a magic bracelet." A sparkle lit his eyes and he leaned in.
"What's it do?"
"It's easy. You make a promise to it and it can never be broken as long as you have the bracelet." His eyes lit up even more and he nodded.
"Do I have to make one now?" I shook my head as I smiled a bit wider.
"You can make one whenever you want." I said as I looked at it and nodded. "I promise to protect you and your family till this world ceases to be." I said as I nodded to the boy.
"See? Easy." He beamed at me and nodded, staring at the bracelet.
"I promise to share my cookies." I chuckled at the boy and shook my head.
"That's a good promise." He giggled as well and nodded.
"Thaddeus, come eat, love." I looked at Mia past him as she smiled and waved him forward. He nodded and smiled.
"Coming mama!" I smiled at that. He turned to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek and hugged me. "I love you, Auntie Quinn." I nodded and patted his back. He skipped towards Mia who smiled at me and then to the boy as he showed her the bracelet and she smiled inspecting it, but paused for a moment. Her eyes flicking back up to mine, making me pause. Her eyes seemed sad as she gave me a weak smile and moved to the fire. I tilted my head as she moved out of sight. What was that look? I felt Red near me and I turned seeing him leant up against the same cabin I was at, his eyes holding a fondness that threw me off. I nodded to him, forcing the blush back down.
"Anything?" I asked. He shook his head in response. I bit my nail, thinking. There was no way of telling when Samson would be here. It'd be foolish to not assume he'd already figured out where we'd be headed. Anyone could piece together we'd be headed towards a port town given the information they already have. "We need to keep watch just in case. If Samson shows up I'm not confident I could beat him, and I'm not risking you or anyone else." He nodded to me and touched my shoulder. I sighed and dropped my head. "We're so close." I whispered. His hand squeezed a bit, making me lift my eyes to his. He gave me a stern nod and I nodded back. "You're right. Now is not the time, is it?" I patted his hand and looked down at myself in annoyance. "Can't lose my head now, not when things are finally going our way." He nodded again and took a step back as someone came forward.
"Quinn, there's food if you want some." Rose called as she turned the corner. She looked a bit startled when she saw Red, but regained her composure. "My apologies, I thought you were alone." I waved her off as Red looked away. "There's enough food for you too, if you'd like." I felt a smile come to my lips as Red's head twisted to her and he hesitantly nodded. His eyes held this look of indescribable fondness. She nodded back. "Well both of you better hurry." I smiled at that as she moved back to the camp and I chanced a look up at Red. You could almost imagine him smiling at her, this proud look in his eyes.
"Well, you heard the woman." We walked to the small fire as they handed us food. We ate quietly, but I kept feeling like someone was watching me. Red had grabbed some food and dissapeared, but I could still feel him around. My gaze fell to my hand, the green under my skin distracting me. It had been rather docile for the last hour, the dizziness going away as well. I still felt a bit weak, but I also remember the last time anything happened with the Breach last time I passed out for a day. I do remember that it was harder on the Herald though, maybe it's whatever Solas did to my palm? Maybe it made it more potent? Maker if that's what the Herald felt when he was closing it the first time… I shook my head. He was tougher than I thought. I frowned at that remembering how harsh I was to him. I regretted it and I'd apologized to him, but he hadn't deserved it. I should have been kinder. I should have-
"Quinn, are you alright?" I lifted my head to Mia and I nodded.
"Sorry, lost in thought. I'm alright." I said as I took a bite. "Is everyone ready for the voyage?" I asked to which they nodded.
"Everything is packed up except for what you see right now. Should only take a few minutes to gather everything though." I nodded and gave them a small smile. Everyone except Branson was at the fire, all eating quietly. It wasn't a tense silence, for once the air felt a bit clear. Their hope was restored, at least for the moment. I heard Roland speak up, breaking the silence.
"You know. I remember when I used to live in Denerim, I'd sit on the gates. If you sat at the top you could just barely see the ocean over the trees. Seems a bit surreal to be here now." He said as he stared out over the ocean. They nodded in unison as Rose leant against her palms.
"I understand, I've never been this close either." She hummed as she rocked side to side. "I wonder what it'll be like. I've never been out of Ferelden." She looked lost in thought as she tilted her head.
"Everywhere except Kirkwall was nice." I groaned, but frowned thinking of Hawke. My eyes drifting to the ocean, my heart dropping into my stomach. I'm not sure where she is right now, but wherever that may be I hope she's safe. I was dragged from my thoughts as I felt a chill roll down my spine and my hairs stand on end. Suddenly, eerily walking through the darkness, Branson appeared opposite of the fire to me. Mia jumped, looking up at him in shock.
"There you are Branson! Maker's breath I was looking all over for you earlier. Where'd you go?" He looked at me from across the fire like he wanted to say something. His eyebrows knitted together and he seemed a bit wobbly "Branson?" He tore his eyes from me and nodded to her.
"Needed to clear my head." I tilted my head to him, my eyes flicking to Roland who did the same to me. His hand twitched a bit, but he didn't make any moves towards his sword. Branson grabbed some food and sat down, his moving from me to Roland. A challenging gaze in his eyes before he looked into the fire.
"You know. There's something I've been wondering for a while." Terrence spoke up, breaking the tense silence. "How did you all meet?" He asked and looked to Mia and Rose who looked at one another and then at me. Rose's eyes wide and sparkling like she'd waited years to tell it. "I asked Mia, but she said she couldn't say anything." I chuckled at that.
"Well, anyone who would benefit from knowing your association with me is long gone now. I don't see the harm in it." I smiled, Rose practically bouncing out of her seated position.
"Well it was a dark, dreary night in the Tavern approximately five years ago." Rose started as she leant close to keep her voice hushed. Why does this sound practiced? I chuckled quietly at her as she grinned. I covered my face, shaking my head at her. "I was doing my rounds with the customers when I noticed a particularly lonely looking woman sitting in the corner. Now, my brothers had always taught me never to seek out the shady looking ones, but there was something different. So I went up and spoke to them. The stranger refused to tell me her name, but kept very cleverly getting me off track and talking me in circles. She seemed nice, but Mia was cranky about the trash so I left to help her-"
"I was not cranky-"
"She was cranky." Rose stated, her smile ever present. "Anyway. The woman came back every night for a week and would sit there and only drink one ale, but always tip a floren. A whole floren! For what exactly? We thought perhaps she was just a kind stranger, but…" I found myself falling into the memory, a soft smile on my lips.
There were men that would watch them every night. Templars from the looks of them, and skeezy ones at that. Eyeing their every move like hungry wolves would a pair of sheep. It was disgusting, and yet either the two girls knew and were just indifferent to their jeers and gazes or they were stupid. The first seemed to be more likely, but I also knew nothing about these people. I wasn't even sure why I kept coming back. I tried to reason that it was just the only Tavern in this city and it had been a hard year on the run from my Father and his assassins. I knew that was a lie though. I had this feeling that something bad was going to happen to these women and regardless of my rational mind telling me that getting involved would only attract attention to myself; I kept coming back and watching over them when they walked home. Which was a concerning distance to be walking in the dark for anyone, let alone two fairly pretty women. Then one day what I had been feeling came to fruition, one of the Templars I'd been watching grabbed at Rose's dress. Completely drunk, begging her to let him bed her. He refused to let her go and as I was about to intervene she slapped him across the face so hard his head twisted to the side. She was heaving breaths as Mia came to her and pulled her away from them. The one man's eyes were full of hate and lust as he watched her all the way to the backroom where she dissapeared from view.
"Come on, boys. Let's get out of this place. Food's shit anyway." He grumbled as he walked out and his Templar friends followed him. I waited for a bit as Rose walked back around and cleaned off a table near me.
"Sorry you had to see that." I looked over at her and lifted an eyebrow.
"Don't apologize. I think you should have hit him harder." I replied as I took a sip of my drink. "Broken something, maybe get a little creative-
"I thought I did hit him fairly hard though." She murmured as she started cleaning the table again. I smirked at that as I took another swig. "So...why are you always sitting here alone?" She asked after a long silence.
"I don't have anyone to sit with." I replied simply, but my answer made her frown.
"You're alone?" She asked and for a moment I felt my control slip, but it was a mere second before I regained it. Something about the sincerity in her voice. The naive sadness in her tone that rattled something inside me.
"I rather like being alone." I replied as I set my drink down, hoping she would get the hint. She bit her lip before moving into the seat in front of me and smiled.
"My Dad used to say that whenever I felt alone, I should just take my hand and I hold it and imagine it is someone I miss." I lifted an eyebrow at her, what a sad little thing she was.
"And who do you imagine?" I asked, my mouth moving faster than my brain. She smiled a bit wider as she held her hands and closed her eyes.
"Sometimes I imagine my parents." She replied with a sad smile on her lips, before opening them and sighing. "Or I think of my elder Brother. He's a Templar in Kirkwall right now." She noticed my face drop a bit and paused. "Yeah…not a great place to be right now." I nodded.
"I just came through there actually." Her eyes widened and she sat up.
"Truly? Maybe you saw him. I was told he is a fairly high rank! His name is-"
"Rose, can you come help me?" Her head spun back.
"Yeah one second!" I heard something fall and Rose huffed. "I'll be right back." She proclaimed as she rushed off into the kitchen. I reclined against the chair waiting for her to be out of view. Once she went through the kitchen door I placed a floren under my mug and swiftly left. Waiting up on the roof I tossed an apple up and down in my hand, grinning. I hope her brother wasn't that Knight Captain I punched in the face.
I was startled from my memory as Rose's excited voice broke me out of my thoughts.
"...There we were cornered. Scared. There were too many of those disgusting Templars surrounding us. Threatening that if we didn't comply they'd kill us. AND THEN WHOOSH! Quinn came out of the shadows and beat those Templars within an inch of their lives!" She cheered looking at me with bright eyes. "And then she grabs the main one, cuts off his hand and says, 'If I ever catch you looking at those women again, you'll have more problems than suddenly becoming left-handed.' Maker! How cool is that!? The men ran away terrified, their tails between their legs and we never saw them again!" I blushed as all eyes turned to me and I pulled up my hood. "And that's how we met. She stayed with us for about a month after because she was injured during the fight-"
"A scratch-"
"You were stabbed."
"Barely a knick." I quipped. Rose laughed and smacked at me from across the fire.
"You lie!" Mia laughed as well, shaking her head. Our laughter subsided and I relaxed a bit as they continued to chatter amongst themselves. Roland and I nodded to one another, Red tense at my back, somewhere close but out of sight. Branson who seemed to be barely there glancing at me from across the fire every once in a while. Everyone finished up eating, the tide rolling in as Mia and Rose started moving things around in the boat. Roland nodded as he walked over to me and handed me a bag and a knife. I stared at them before looking back up at him.
"I…I figured I'd have something ready for you. Since you're actually going through with this stupid plan of yours." I chuckled at that as I looked into the bag. "I had Asa make up some energy potions for you and some regular, because you're bound to hurt yourself. There's also some wrapped food. It'll help I hope." I smiled at the food that was in the bag and nodded.
"You didn't have to do this." He shrugged and looked away.
"Yeah well, I'm not a complete asshole. You're about the business of saving the world, I thought I might as well help out a little bit." I chuckled at that and nodded looking away.
"Well…thanks." He looked down at me and pushed me lightly.
"Yeah, yeah whatever." He offered me a smile and held out his hand. "It's been decent knowing you. I hope I never see you again." He joked. Laughing at him I gripped his hand and shook it.
"Yeah, you too." He grinned and snorted a laugh before turning from me. Looking past him though I noticed Mia and Rose watching me. Their eyes intent on the bag.
"You meant to do that." I huffed loud enough for him to hear and he nodded as he whistled.
"Gnark."
"Brat." My eye twitched as he walked away as Mia and Rose looked to him as he passed them. Rose grabbed his arm in confusion, but he just nodded to me and walked towards the boat, loading more supplies in. They looked so concerned and I wanted nothing more than to run away at this moment.
"Quinn? Is something going on?" They asked, looking at the bag as they moved closer to me. I let out a sigh and nodded.
"I…I won't be going with you." I said with a soft frown on my lips. "I have work here I need to do." I added noticing their eyes well up with tears. Instantly I felt regret pull at me. "I-I'm so sorry. Please don't cry. I…I-oh sweet Maker- I'll be alright." Rose moved forward and hugged me. Mia moved with her too and hugged me tightly.
"I can see your mind's made up, so I will not try to persuade you, but…thank you. Thank for everything." She whispered in my ear.
"We'll be okay, so don't worry about us." Mia said as she pulled away and ran a hand over my hair. "And please take care of yourself. We'll find each other again." I smiled at that and nodded.
"I certainly hope so."
"You're going to take care of her, right? Don't let anything happen to her. Okay?" I turned to see Red staring at me, his eyes flitting to Mia and Rose before coming back to me. He nodded mutely and crossed his arms, giving me a displeased look. They walked away sniffling, but trying to calm each other down. Murmuring to each other when I felt Red's eyes on me again and I peered up at him feeling the displeasure rolling off of him.
"I'm sorry." I said as I crossed my arms. "I…don't expect you to stay. I want you to go with them. Keep them safe." He grabbed my arms making me look at him. I could almost hear him asking me what about me? "You…you don't need to worry about me anymore." I said as I moved up and touched his cheek with my right hand. "I appreciate all you have done for us. Truly, but it's time for you to be free of this too. You're a good person, Red, you deserve a chance at seeing this through. Go with them. What happens after this…you'll want no part of it, and I don't want you near me." He looked angry. Angrier than I'd ever seen him get. His eyes burned a bright red. I could feel his hands flexing against my arms, but he didn't squeeze. I pulled away from his grip, giving him a sad smile. "Maybe in another life we can have more time together. I'd like that." I said as I fought not to tear up. He moved away from me angrily. His hands fisted as he made for the treeline. I frowned watching him go. Would he leave? Would that be safer for him? I shook my head. No he didn't seem the type to just run away. I leant against the tree, exhaustion pulling at me. I frowned and held my hands to my face. This was better than the alternative. I just had to keep telling myself that. I stared out over the ocean as I felt sleep pulling at me. Besides everything I felt a small smile pull at my lips. Times almost up Shinyboots. I hope you don't mind if I keep you waiting just a bit longer.
Thanks for reading everyone! You're amazing and I love you all 3 -BatCat