Time to close the Breach! We'll be saying goodbye to Haven in this chapter plus lots of tension between our Herald and Commander.
Hope you're all enjoying so far! :)
Please leave a review if you are x
—-
Chapter 8:
It was time. The Breach was posing a threat more and more as time passed. The mages were trained and ready. Lara was equipped with the necessary staff and amulets needed for the job. Dorian saw that the mages were equipped with the correct clothing, staffs, potions, and amulets. She had never been more suited up as she had been now. For once, she was calm. It was time to end this, to get rid of the Breach. This Elder One was going to fail, Lara would make sure of that.
She made her way towards the gate. Cassandra, Solas, and Dorian were waiting for her, ready for battle. The mages were already on their way up to the Breach.
They walked up in a comfortable silence. Not even Solas or Dorian exchanged jabs with each other. Once the Breach was closed, what would happen? Would her mark disappear? Would it leave a scar? Would the damage it did to her body be erased? Surely, the Elder One would appear once there wasn't a hole in the sky anymore. So many questions but Lara didn't have time to give it much thought. What mattered was closing the Breach, everything else she would figure out after.
Her mind replayed Cullen's last words. Before she left to her cabin to get ready, Cullen pulled her aside in the Chantry building. His hand on her arm burning her skin, leaving her aching for more.
"Herald. Please be careful. We don't know what will happen to you after you close the Breach," He said, his head hung low.
"Please come back to us," It was a plea. A desperate one that reflected in his expression.
Lara could only nod her head and she took off, leaving him standing there. She didn't know how to respond and didn't want to know the meaning behind his request.
—-
She was face to face with the Breach again. Her hand glowed a bright green, electricity surging through it connecting with the magic in the Breach. It was now or never. Lara took a deep breath, not knowing if she would come out of this alive. If it meant saving the world, then it was worth it.
"Focus past the Herald! Let her will draw from you!" She heard Solas guiding the mages behind her.
She took her footsteps towards the green hue. She heard the staffs tapping the ground behind her, taking their positions.
Get this over with. Stop stalling.
She walked into the Breach, standing in the middle of the magical storm. Her hand glowing brighter, tingling from the pull of the magic. She could feel the magic from the surrounding mages. This time, magic was being used for good. It was being used to save the world.
NOW!
Letting out a cry, she lifted her hand and shot her anchor towards it. The pull intensified on her arm, the magic strong thanks to the other mages contributing. She focused all their energy towards sealing it, she couldn't afford to waste any mana on anything else. This was the only thing that mattered. Her mana was slowly depleting the more focus and energy she used. She couldn't have done this without the mages. The surge was building, getting stronger and stronger till she heard a pop and everything turned white. The disconnect was sudden from her arm and she felt the impact as her arm went numb. Her body was thrown backwards onto the ground.
Suddenly, the white light faded and the world was back. She heard footsteps rushing to her and soon saw Cassandra by her side, assessing her.
"You did it! You survived!" She exclaimed, a proud yet surprised smile on her face.
Lara soon heard an eruption of cheering behind her. The Breach was sealed.
—-
They returned to Haven, music already in flow and the village people dancing under the moonlight. Drinks were already served and spirits were the highest Lara ever saw them in Haven. She quickly unloaded her armor and possessions in her cabin and made her way to the tavern where she was greeted by her party.
"The heavens are scarred but they are calm. It has been sealed, thanks to you," Solas confirmed.
"Solas. The mages wouldn't have been ready without you. I can't take all the credit. You've been incredible," Lara replied, after taking a swig.
Solas gave her a smile and nodded.
"Is that a smile I see, Chuckles? Here, have a drink. Maybe we might actually get a chuckle out of you," Varric approached handing Solas a drink.
"No, thank you. I prefer to have a clear mind," The elf responded.
"And we're back to the serious shit," Varric shook his head.
Lara let out a giggle. She was already tipsy two glasses in but she was on a high right now. The tavern was buzzing with music, laughter, and dancing. Some couples were in the corner getting quite handsy but no one cared. It was a night of pure celebration.
"Might I request a dance, my darling Herald?" Dorian rushed over to her, grabbing her hand.
Lara laughed and emptied her glass. She let Dorian guide her to the middle of the tavern and lead the way in the dance. The music coursed through her and she felt so free. She didn't care how she looked dancing. A responsibility had been lifted from her. She saved the world. She stopped the future from happening. For once, she had a purpose in her life.
"Oh my! Is that our Ambassador in the arms of a Grey Warden?" Dorian caught her attention.
She looked over to indeed find Blackwall dancing with Josephine. She covered her mouth, hiding her shocked expression. Those were the last two she expected to find together. Josephine soon caught her gaze and immediately broke out into a blush, looking away. Blackwall looked happy with himself.
"We are definitely asking her about that tomorrow morning!" Lara exclaimed and Dorian nodded in agreement.
Dorian twirled her around and continued their dance. She looked around the tavern. Sera was sitting on a wooden beam, leaning down talking to Bull who kept handing her drinks. Lara was sure after enough drinks she would fall from there. She held onto Dorian almost in an embrace as a way to let him know how grateful she was for him and grateful he decided to stay. He easily became her closest companion. For a moment, Dorian let her go and they danced around each other. She spun around and saw a blur of him and stopped in her tracks.
"Herald," He spoke.
"Commander," She whispered but wasn't sure he heard.
Rylen stood behind him looking from her to him. She wondered if he told Cullen to speak to her.
"I-I was wondering…" His hand reached behind his neck again. "Uh-would you care to dance?"
Before Lara could say no and walk away, Dorian spoke.
"She would be delighted to!" He pushed her towards him.
Too close! Damnit Dorian…
Rylen and Dorian soon left, leaving them standing close to each other. Cullen slowly reached for her, his hand intertwining with hers while the other gently cupping her hip, and began to move her. His touch burning her, causing her heart to race and her body wanting more. Her breathing shallow, painfully aware of his touch on her. His movements were not as graceful as Dorian's either due to his armor or lack of practice.
"Are Templars not trained to dance?" She asked, cutting the silence.
He let out a low chuckle that shot straight to her core.
"Is it that obvious? No, I'm afraid dancing was not a high priority for Templars. I figured everyone here is too drunk to notice," He answered, looking around at the townspeople.
She braved a look and took in his features. This was the longest she had been so close to him and it was clouding her mind. His smell intoxicating her. She was grateful for the armor he wore, giving her a barrier from what she knew lay underneath. Images of her intimate dream with him sprung to the surface. Lara swallowed hard, almost as if that would make it disappear. She looked around while Cullen swayed her and found Dorian having a rather engaged conversation with Bull. He wasn't going to get off the receiving end that fast, not even Bull could save him.
"You came back," He spoke directly to her.
Lara looked at him, their eyes locked. Her heart skipped a few beats.
"Much to your dismay," Lara replied. She needed to bring that distance back between them.
"I believe it was I who requested you to come back," He replied, brows furrowed.
"So you did," She looked away from him, trying to focus on something else other than him.
They moved together in silence, holding onto each other. Their bodies having a different conversation than the one they exchanged in words. Lara looked anywhere but in those honey hues that had too much effect on her. For 26 years, she had avoided intimacy with a man save one incident and swore it would never happen again. Here she was, going against that, with her Commander no less. Her body betraying her even though her mind was screaming for that control again. The music soon came to a stop, and loud clapping erupted. Lara stepped back from his embrace, already missing his warmth. She was tipsy with wine and his scent.
"Commander," She bowed her head, not allowing him a chance for a second dance.
"Herald," He bowed back, hiding any emotion.
Lara turned and made her way back to Dorian who had a glass of wine ready for her.
"You getting me a drink isn't going to save your ass," She glared, taking the glass from him.
"You two make a cute couple," Bull commented.
"Oooo, Herald thingy and Cully Wully," Sera added from the beam, laughing.
Lara bit back her laugh.
"You'll be thanking me later when you end up in his bed. It's painful to watch you two going back and forth with each other," Dorian smirked and took a sip from his glass.
She nearly spat out her drink.
"I belong in no one's bed but my own, thank you!" She yelled, the music starting up again.
"Really? Then tell me why our dashing Commander still has his eyes on you from across the room?"
Lara was not going to entertain that. She willed herself not to turn back and meet his gaze.
Lara shrugged. "That sounds like his problem. Not mine."
Dorian let out a sigh, "My dear, I admire you greatly but you are infuriating."
Good.
—-
The night continued on with dancing, music, and drinks. Lara danced more with Dorian and stayed close with Bull, Varric, Sera, and Solas. Blackwall was enjoying Josephine's company. Cullen and Rylen no longer seemed to be in the tavern. Cassandra and Leliana stayed together, both deep in conversation. Lara wondered what they were discussing for so long but decided she could wait till tomorrow in the War Room. Tonight was not the night for work, but for celebrating. For just being Lara. She wasn't the Herald for tonight.
Or so she thought.
Screams could be heard from outside followed by the sound of a bell ringing. A call. A cry for help. The tavern fell silent as more became aware of the noise. Lara ran to the window but could only see the townspeople running in fear. She gave one look at Dorian who was behind her. He gave out a sigh as did Varric.
"Well, shit. Here we go," The dwarf exclaimed, getting Bianca at the ready.
The three exited the tavern with Solas, Bull, and Sera behind them. Outside was chaos of screams, people gathering their belongings and families, and trying to hide. Lara was confused as to what was going on.
"Forces approaching! Men, to arms!" She heard Cullen's voice shout from somewhere. A response of swords and shields being gathered filled her ears.
She looked around and saw lights on the mountain side, moving downwards. She ran towards it to get a better view. Was the Elder One here already? It couldn't be.
"Herald!" A familiar hold was on her arm. She turned and saw Cullen.
"With me! That's an order," His tone was serious, authoritative, but Lara could see there was a bit of panic behind it. His time as a Templar was here with him now, a survival instinct.
She obeyed. She didn't fight and let him lead her to safety. Her party behind her, weapons at the ready in case of an attack. He led her to the gates, Cassandra and Josephine waiting for them.
"Under what banner?" Josephine asked Cullen as they approached.
"None," He deadpanned.
"None?" Josephine asked in disbelief.
A banging on the door caught Lara's attention. Followed by a voice.
"I can't come in unless you open!"
Lara immediately went to the gates, Cullen regretfully let go of her arm but followed right behind her, hand on sword. She opened the gates to find a Templar being stabbed. A poorly dressed boy with an oversized hat stood behind the Templar that fell.
"I'm Cole. I came to warn you. To help. People are coming to hurt you."
"Who is? What's going on?" Lara asked, panic rising in her body. Haven wasn't ready for this.
"The Templars come to kill you," The boy said seriously.
"Templars?! Is this the Order's response for our allegiance with the mages?" Cullen shouted, sword in hand.
I hope it is. Maybe he'll realize his Templar buddies aren't as good as he thinks they are.
"The Red Templars went to the Elder One. You know him, he knows you. You took his mages," Cole answered.
Cole pointed to the mountain and Lara soon saw a disfigured outline standing, glaring right at Haven. Her stomach lurched, feeling the wine threatening to spew out. This must be the Elder One. He was no ordinary man, considering his disfigurement and height.
"Tell me you have a plan…" She spoke to Cullen, her eyes still on the Elder One.
"Haven is no fortress. If we are to withstand this monster, our only hope is to control the battle. Use everything we can starting with the trebuchets," He responded.
Fuck…not even our Commander has a plan.
He was right. The numbers climbing down the mountain would easily overtake Haven. Cullen started directing orders to his men and to the mages who now stood behind them. To Lara's surprise, Cullen granted the mages permission to engage with the templars using magic. She was sure he only did it because these were desperate times and they needed to survive.
—-
Solas and Dorian fought alongside the mages. Lara, Blackwall, and Bull started loading up the trebuchet. Varric was by their side, Bianca ready to attack anyone who interfered.
"Let's show those bastards who's in charge around here," Bull said once it was ready.
"Agreed. On my count," answered Blackwall.
The trebuchet was launched and flew towards the mountain side. Lara hoped they aimed it well so they could get rid of a portion of that army. Thankfully, rocks and snow started to roll down covering parts of the army. She heard cheers behind her, Varric tapped her arm in reassurance. Lara smiled, feeling like maybe they could do this.
Or not.
The cheering halted when the cries of a dragon sounded from above.
You have got to be fucking kidding me! He brought a dragon to this fight?!
Fire soon erupted from the dragon, setting fire to the town including one of the trebuchets, destroying a chance they had at removing more of the army.
Fuck!
Lara soon heard Cullen's cries for everyone to move back and run to the Chantry building for cover. Cullen and some of his men were gathering the townspeople and ensuring everyone was brought to safety. She ran towards the town to make sure everyone was out while Blackwall and Bull defended the last of the trebuchets and launched them.
"You're going to get yourself killed! You're kind of important to our cause, you know!" Dorian shouted after her.
"Help me! We have to save them!" Lara shouted back, hearing voices inside a cabin that was on fire.
Dorian sighed but helped her rescue Seggrit and assisted Harritt. They fought alongside Lysette and helped her kill the approaching Red Templars as she was surrounded. Once it was clear, Lara ordered her to go to the Chantry building for safety. She soon heard shouts from the tavern, Red Templars surrounding it while it was ablaze. Varric joined their side, while Lara snuck in to get Flissa out who was trapped inside. She let out a heaving cough, the fire tickling her throat and burning her eyes.
"Please tell me that's all of them," Dorian exclaimed after the last of the templars were killed.
"The fire is approaching the pots!" A shout came from behind them.
Lara's eyes widened. "Adan!" She yelled and ran towards the apothecary. Minaeve was with him.
"I'll get Adan, you get Minaeve!" She shouted to Dorian.
They rescued them and just a few steps outside the apothecary, the inside exploded, knocking them all on the ground. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
—-
They made their way into the Chantry building, but not before saving Threnn who was surrounded by Templars and couldn't get to safety. The townspeople were inside alongside with her advisors who were checking in on everyone. Bull and Blackwall were there too, much to Lara's relief. They were safe, for now. She caught sight of Cole helping Chancellor Roderick who looked gravely injured. She made her way over to them.
"He tried to stop a Templar. The blade went deep. He will die," Cole said.
"What a charming boy," Roderick gasped out. Speaking was hurting his injury.
"Herald. The situation isn't good. That dragon took away any time you earned," Cullen approached her.
"I've seen an archdemon. I was in the Fade. It looked like that," Cole continued.
"I don't care what it looks like. They will kill everyone in Haven!" Cullen argued.
"The Elder One doesn't care about the village. He only wants her," Cole looked at her.
"Fine. He can have me. No point in playing these games," Lara spat out. Innocent people didn't need to die because of her.
"No! I won't allow it," Cullen exclaimed, catching her off-guard.
"Surely there is a way out of here that doesn't involve sacrificing," Dorian joined in.
"Chancellor Roderick wants to help. He wants to say it before he dies," Cole spoke.
All eyes turned to Roderick, who clearly didn't have much time left. The wound was seeping through his hand.
"There is a path. I used it when I made my summer pilgrimage. You can escape. Andraste must've shown me…so I can tell you. If this simple memory can save us, this could be more than a mere accident. You could be more," He spoke, still wheezing through words.
Lara looked to Cullen. "Follow Roderick. Get everyone out."
Lara and her party gathered everyone and advised them to follow Roderick and Cole to the path. Lara ensured the townspeople were safe to walk and none needed serious medical attention. Some of the mages were healing any wounds in the meantime while others guided the townspeople. Lara felt proud of her decision in allying with them. This was a chance to show the world that mages were good and could do good in the world. She knew there was one last trebuchet that could make all the difference. It was risky and she didn't know how she would make it out but it needed to be done to get the Elder One off their trail.
"I see you have a plan. I fear it's not a good one," Dorian approached her.
"I have to set off the last trebuchet. It's a bit far from here but they haven't destroyed it. I have to get him off our trail so that we escape safely," She answered, staff at the ready.
Dorian sighed, "My dear. When are you going to learn that there is no I, only we? Where you go, we go, got it?"
"Get Blackwall and Bull. We're going to need their strength," Lara nodded. Dorian set off.
Once they were ready by the door, Lara headed towards them. She had no idea how they were getting out of this, and even worse, she was dragging her team into something risky. There was no way of knowing how they would escape or if they would survive.
"Where are you going?" Cullen was following her. Lara stopped.
"The trebuchet. Where do you think?" She responded sarcastically, turning towards him.
"It's not safe. We have to leave now, you included. Our men can handle that," He stood in front of her, holding her arm as if to pull her to him.
"I'm aware. I need to get him off our trail otherwise he will follow us," She responded.
"You could die!" His voice was desperate.
"Good, then that's one less mage in the world you need to kill!" The words were out before she could stop them.
Hurt flashed on his face as his eyes widened. A bitter taste immediately filled her mouth but it was too late. She couldn't take it back. He let go of her arm, his expression changed into nothing. No emotion showed now.
"Very well. Maker watch over you," He whispered and departed, not taking a final look at her.
Lara turned to walk over to her party and found Dorian not far behind her. A disappointed look on his face.
"I hope you're pleased with yourself. If you die, those are the last words you spoke to him," He said, his eyes where Cullen left with the others.
A sharp pain cut across her chest.
I fucked up again…
—-
The fight was tiresome. Red Templars at every turn as they loaded up the trebuchet, getting it ready for the right moment. They stalled any progress they made which wasted more time. Finally, it was ready and loaded. The cry of the dragon caught their attention as it flew overhead.
"Move! Now! Run!" Lara cried as it roared fire onto the ground. She could feel electricity coursing through it, her mark tingling. The impact threw Lara off her feet.
As she lay on the ground, she could hear footsteps running away. That meant her party was cleared but another footstep caught her attention. Turning her head over to the side, the Elder One was walking towards her. She could see his disfigurement up close. He had skin, but was also bone. Traces of red lyrium were on his face. What happened to him? What magic was he capable of? The sound of the dragon landing had Lara scrambling to her feet immediately.
"Enough! You toy with forces beyond your ken. No more," He spoke, his voice echoing that of his future she experienced sending a shiver down her spine.
"What even are you? Why cause all this destruction?" She answered back, not wanting him to see her fear although she feared that he could sense it.
"Mortals beg for truth they cannot have. It is beyond what you are. What I was. Exalt the Elder One. The will that is Corypheus. You will kneel!"
"Go to hell. You're forcing this fight for no good reason!" Lara yelled.
"You resist. You will always resist. It matters not," He replied, lifting his hand with claw-like fingers clasped around what appeared to be an orb.
"I am here for the Anchor. The process of removing it begins now," The orb now shone with a red hue, followed by a red hue from his other hand.
Lara felt an instant connection in her left arm, and the pulling sensation returned heavily. She grabbed her left arm with her right to hold it close to her, letting out a cry at the pain. Red hue now mixed with green.
"It is your fault, 'Herald'. You interrupted a ritual years in the planning. You stole its purpose. I do not know how you survived, but what marks you as touched, you flail at the rifts whereas I crafted it to assault the heavens…"
The pull intensified bringing Lara to her knees, her eyes shut closed as if to stop the pain.
"...And you used the anchor to undo my work! The gall!"
"Fuck you!" She screamed. She didn't hear the footsteps and in a second she was lifted up, his hand around her arm which throbbed painfully, her feet dangling beneath her.
"I once breached the Fade in the name of another. To serve the Old Gods of the Empire in person. I found only chaos and corruption. For a thousand years, I was confused. No more. I return under my own name, to champion withered Tevinter and correct this blighted world," He spat out, not breaking eye contact with her.
Before she could respond, he threw her aside and she collided with the trebuchet. Another cry escaped her as black spots clouded her vision from the impact.
"The anchor is permanent. You have spoiled it with your stumbling. So be it. I will find another way to give this world the God it requires. And you. You must die," He finished, watching her as she slowly stood up.
"Over my dead body! You will face us again. But when WE CHOOSE!" She shouted and kicked the trebuchet into action. It was risky causing an avalanche over them but it was the only way for him to flee from here. She prayed that Dorian, Bull, and Blackwall made it to Roderick's trail by now. The mountain started rumbling, rocks and snow tumbling down at full speed.
Lara ran as fast as her injured body could allow her to. The dragon screeched behind her flapping its wings, indicating his departure. It was coming down too fast, faster than she could escape it. She heard the rumbling getting closer until it threw her body, knocking her into wooden planks.
She felt her body fall and fall and then darkness.