Prologue

Two beats…my heart and one other.

How long has it been?

How long have I endured this constant pain?

Has the world outside changed?...Irrelevant…my world already has.

Darkness, all I see is darkness. That beat is my only comfort…my comfort and my pain for it is a constant reminder of this reality I am now living. My own heartbeat is drowned out by it most of the time.

'My own heartbeat'?

I cannot rightly say that anymore. The Hero of Ferelden is a distant memory. Adryenn's heart no longer beats in this breast. Only a façade which takes on its appearance.

Perpetual darkness!

I still have her memories…but will that even last?

If the Maker blesses me at all with his grace. The last piece of Adryenn's essence will be drained from this body and be at peace. After all I…she…has cheated death many times. I wonder which blade it should have been. She would have died like her parents by the hand of Arl Howe. Or worse be kept alive to do his sick bidding until he tired of her. Her corpse could have been littering the cold stones at Ostagar, resting in the waters of Lake Callenhad after the siege of Redcliffe, broken and cursed like the mages at the Circle thanks to Uldred. Or fallen as history bodes a Grey Warden should fall; taking the Archdemon with her and her soul resting at the Maker's side.

But no…no such mercy.

Maybe this is Karma…punishment…retribution for the sin I committed. Of course what else could it be? I was selfish, void of all that was right. I saved the king and myself. I was weak, stupid! It was no fault but my own. Temptation of my life and Alistair's was too much to ignore. Although I thought punishment would be enough that I saw my lover walk away and bed another woman. Or when he decided to end our passionate relationship for the good of Ferelden. Regardless of the fact no longer being able to call him mine…I couldn't watch him die. And I myself, did not want to leave this world.

The siren's song of a Grey Warden's "Calling" should have been my final legacy after alluding death's reach numerous times. Going out a hero and my ashes spread amongst the Deep Road's many passages. Ironic that's where I ended up. I think that's where I still am. Adryenn is! I don't know. I cannot even be defined.

I feel so…so…weak!

Consciousness is fading!

Is this death beckoning?

If it is you!

Come!

Engulf me!

I'm' Ready!