A.N: I would like to thank all whom have read, reviewed, or both! Finally coming to conclusion of the Highever arc! Please let me know if there are any issues.
P.S: I do not own Dragon Age, Skyrim, or any of the character.
Chapter 14
Elena's mother stepped out into the hallway, her small pack resting securely on her back, leaving her hands free to wield her weapon. She shot Elena a knowing glance, a mix of urgency and determination etched across her features.
"Come, let's find your father," she said, her voice low but fierce. "And we need to stop at the armory on the way. If we lose this castle, I am not letting Howe get his murderous hands on the family blade." The venom in her words was directed more at the enemy than anything else, a fierce promise to protect their legacy.
Elena nodded, the gravity of the situation settling heavily in her chest. "Let's hurry," she replied, her resolve hardening as they moved forward.
They hurried through the dimly lit corridor, the sounds of distant clashing metal echoing ominously. Each step felt heavier, the weight of their family's history resting on their shoulders.
s they moved toward the armory, the tension in the air thickened, and suddenly, a group of soldiers emerged from the shadows. Their armor glinted ominously in the dim light, and Elena felt her instincts kick in.
"Shade, with me!" she commanded, drawing her twin long swords and taking a defensive stance. The Mabari hound responded with a low growl, his muscles taut and ready to spring into action.
Elena charged forward, weaving through the soldiers with a dancer's grace. She slashed at the nearest enemy, her dragonbone blades cutting through the air with precision. Shade lunged beside her, his powerful jaws snapping at the ankles of one soldier, bringing him down with a pained yelp.
Her mother, a skilled archer, positioned herself slightly behind, drawing arrows from her quiver with practiced ease. She released them with deadly accuracy, each arrow finding its mark. "Keep moving, Elena! We can't let them surround us!" she shouted, her focus unwavering.
Orianna, holding onto little Oren, remained in the back, eyes wide as she watched the fierce clash unfold. "Stay back, Oren!" she urged, keeping him close to her side, her heart pounding in her chest.
Elena dodged another strike from a soldier, countering with a swift cut that sent him staggering. Shade circled around to flank another enemy, his growls echoing in the hallway. Together, they fought fiercely, Elena's every move calculated and sharp, while her mother provided cover, her arrows raining down like swift justice.
"Keep them at bay!" her mother yelled, her voice steady amidst the chaos. With every fallen soldier, Elena felt a surge of confidence; they could hold their ground. But she knew this was just the beginning, and they had to reach the armory to secure their family's future.
It felt like an eternity as they fought through the onslaught, the sounds of battle echoing off the stone walls, mingling with the acrid smell of smoke that curled through the air. Something was burning in the castle, and with each passing moment, the urgency of their situation intensified. Finally, they reached the small armory, the heavy door standing as a last bastion of hope.
Elena pushed open the door, her heart sinking at the grim sight that greeted them. Two of the Highever guards lay sprawled on the floor, lifeless, their faces frozen in expressions of shock. A deck of bloodstained cards lay abandoned on the table, remnants of a game that had turned deadly in an instant.
"They must have been caught unawares while they were playing cards," Elena thought grimly, a surge of anger welling up inside her. This wasn't just a fight for survival; it was a fight for their dignity, for the memory of those who had fallen.
"Mother, do you have the key?" Elena asked, positioning herself protectively between the door and her family. She could feel the tension coiling in the air, the imminent threat of enemy soldiers still looming.
Her mother nodded, her expression determined as she reached into one of her pouches. With a swift motion, she pulled out a small silver key, its surface gleaming even in the dim light of the armory. Without hesitation, she rushed to the door and quickly inserted the key into the lock, turning it with a decisive click.
"I'll get the blade," she stated firmly, a flash of resolve in her eyes, before darting into the poorly lit room beyond.
Elena turned to Orianna and Oren, ensuring they were tucked safely behind her. "Stay close," she instructed, her voice low but steady. She could hear her mother moving quickly inside, the faint sounds of rummaging echoing from within the room.
"Do you think they'll come after us?" Orianna whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she held Oren tightly.
Elena glanced back at them, her heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty. "If they do, we'll be ready. We won't let them take anything else from us," she replied, trying to instill a sense of bravery in her sister.
Moments passed like hours, the tension palpable. Elena's mind raced with possibilities, each one more dangerous than the last. She could hear muffled sounds coming from the room, and her heart pounded in her chest as she remained alert, eyes fixed on the door.
As the arrow struck Elena, she was glad that for once she had little to no feeling in her back, due to the damage, and felt no more than a dull pressure as the arrow struck. However, the realization that the archer had aimed at Orianna and Oren ignited a primal rage within her—a hatred so fierce that she had never known it existed.
With her silver eyes flashing dangerously, Elena spun toward the two guards, a low growl building in her throat as her warrior instincts surged to the forefront. "How dare you target a child!" she roared, her voice echoing through the corridor, laced with the intensity of her fury.
"YOL TOOR SHUL!" The ancient words slipped from her lips, powerful and resonant. As soon as they left her mouth, a stream of fire erupted from her, engulfing the two guards in flames. The inferno illuminated the hallway, casting flickering shadows as the heat seared the air around them.
The guards screamed in terror, their faces contorted in shock and horror as the flames consumed them. The acrid smell of burning flesh filled the corridor, mingling with the smoke that had already begun to seep through the castle.
Elena stood her ground, breathing heavily, a mix of adrenaline and fury coursing through her. Shade barked fiercely beside her, ready to pounce if the guards managed to escape the fire.
"Are you two okay?" she shouted over her shoulder, her focus still on the inferno she had unleashed, ensuring no further threats approached Orianna and Oren.
Orianna and Oren stared at Elena in disbelief, their wide eyes reflecting the flickering remnants of flames as they processed the shocking sight of their sister breathing fire like a dragon. The moment hung heavy in the air, their hearts racing with a mix of awe and terror at the raw power she had just unleashed. For a heartbeat, the world around them faded, the chaos and danger momentarily forgotten.
But their mother swiftly brushed aside the astonishment, her focus narrowing on the more pressing concern. "Are we alright?! You're the one with an arrow in your back! Are you okay?" she practically shouted, urgency lacing her voice as she rushed over to inspect the damage. The love and worry etched across her features were palpable, a mother's instinct kicking in despite the overwhelming circumstances.
Elena nodded as her mother approached, the fury dulling but not leaving entirely. "I am fine, I cannot feel much in my back any more." She insisted, dismissing it.
Her mothers hands were steady but firm as she examined the arrow lodged in her back, her expression shifting from shock to fierce concern. "This is nothing to ignore. We need to get it out and you need to stay still." Her voice was sharp, filled with a blend of maternal protectiveness and frustration.
"Can we take care of it later?" Elena interjected, her tone steady despite the throbbing pain. "If we remove it now, it will bleed more than it is. Continuous bleeding can impose more of a problem. Just break the shaft and leave the metal in." She spoke quickly, aware that time was slipping through their fingers like sand.
Her mother hesitated, visibly torn between her instinct to tend to Elena's wounds and the reality of their perilous situation. "But—"
"No buts!" Elena snapped, her voice sharper than she intended, the urgency of their circumstances cutting through the concern. "I can't risk getting dizzy in the midst of combat. If you do this now, I won't be able to fight, and we need every person on our side."
Orianna, still clutching Oren tightly, watched the exchange, her eyes flickering between her mother and sister, sensing the tension but unable to fully grasp the weight of it. "Elena, are you sure?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with concern.
Elena nodded, forcing a small, reassuring smile, though it felt strained. "I'm sure. I'll be alright. Just focus on staying close to me, okay?"
With a resigned sigh, her mother finally relented, a mixture of fear and respect for her daughter's determination in her eyes. "Alright," she said slowly, her voice steadying. "But if things get too bad, we'll stop. Understand?"
"Understood," Elena replied, relief washing over her, though she could still feel the pressure of the arrow in her back. "Now let's move before more soldiers come."
As they prepared to push forward, her mother carefully broke the shaft of the arrow, the sound sharp and jarring in the silence. Elena bit her lip against the feeling..not pain but still disconcerting, but she remained focused, determined to lead her family through the dangers ahead.
With their resolve renewed, Elena, her mother, Orianna, and Oren pressed forward through the smoke-filled corridors, moving swiftly yet cautiously. The remnants of the battle echoed in the distance, the sounds of clashing swords and shouting soldiers filling the air. Shade padded quietly beside Elena, ever vigilant and ready to spring into action.
As they navigated the winding hallways, they encountered a few more of Howe's soldiers. The skirmishes were brutal but swift; Elena fought with fierce determination, her twin swords slicing through the chaos while Shade lunged at their enemies, his powerful growls adding to the turmoil.
"Keep moving!" Elena shouted to her family, her voice carrying over the clamor. They ducked into a side corridor, avoiding a group of soldiers who seemed to be searching for them.
Finally, they reached the entrance to the great hall, the heavy door standing ajar, revealing a glimpse of the chaos within. Just inside, Ser Gilmore was battling to hold back a group of attackers, his sword flashing as he fought valiantly to protect the threshold.
"Elena!" he called, relief flooding his expression as he spotted her. "Get inside! We can't hold them off for long!"
Elena rushed forward, her heart pounding with urgency. "Ser Gilmore! Do you know where my father is?" she shouted, ducking under a wild swing from a soldier before retaliating with a swift slash of her blade.
Gilmore grunted as he parried an incoming attack. "I saw him heading to the larder! He's trying to gather the remaining guards!" he replied, his voice strained but focused.
s they advanced toward the larder, Elena glanced back at Ser Gilmore, his face a mask of concentration as he fought off the encroaching soldiers. The great hall was a battleground, and he stood resolute, determined to hold the line.
"Go! I'll keep them here!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Find your father! We can't let them get past us!"
Elena felt a surge of gratitude for the knight's bravery, but a wave of dread washed over her. "Ser Gilmore, you can't hold them alone!" she protested, torn between the urgency of their mission and the fear of losing him.
"Just go!" he urged again, his sword flashing as he deflected an attack. "I'll do my duty. You have to do yours. Your family needs you!"
With a heavy heart, Elena nodded, knowing there was no time to argue. "Stay safe!" she called back, her voice filled with a mix of admiration and worry as she turned to her family. "We have to move!"
Elena led her mother, Orianna, and Oren through the doorway to the larder, the heavy wooden door creaking as they pushed it open. The room was dimly lit, filled with the scents of preserved meats and grains, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with supplies, but the fear of what lay beyond propelled them forward.
"Stay close!" Elena instructed, her voice steady despite the rising tension in her chest. "We need to find Father."
As they moved deeper into the larder, the sound of clashing metal and shouting grew muffled, the thick stone walls providing a brief respite from the horrors of the great hall. They pushed past barrels and crates, the shadows deepening as they searched for any sign of her father.
"Where could he be?" Orianna whispered, her eyes darting around anxiously. Oren clutched his mother's hand, his small frame trembling with fear.
As they were searching around a sudden noise caught her attention—a faint groan echoed from a shadowed corner near the secret exit hidden behind a stack of barrels.
"Father?" she called, her voice laced with anxiety as she rushed toward the sound. The dim light barely illuminated the figure slumped against the wall, and as she drew closer, dread gripped her heart.
Her father was there, his face pale and slick with sweat, blood soaking through the fabric of his tunic. "Elena…" he rasped, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with pain and fatigue.
"Father!" Elena exclaimed, panic surging through her as she dropped to her knees beside him. "What happened? Are you alright?" She reached out, her hands trembling as she assessed his injuries, but the sight of the blood pooling around him made her stomach turn.
"I… I was with Howe when he turned on me" he admitted, his voice weak, but his eyes burned with a fierce resolve. "I tried to fight back and managed to nick him with the dagger you cave me but I could—" He faltered, a pained grimace crossing his features. "I'm so sorry, Elena."
"No! Don't say that!" She felt a lump form in her throat, choking her words. "You need to hold on. I can help you!"
Elena frantically looked around for anything that could be used to staunch the bleeding, her mind racing with fear. But as she reached for a cloth, she could see the severity of his injuries. The wound on his side was deep, and no amount of bandaging would stop the blood from flowing.
Just then, the door to the larder swung open, and Duncan stepped inside, his silver armor stained and dirty, bearing the marks of battle. His brown eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight before him—Elena, her family gathered close, the air thick with tension and grief.
"I am glad you made it all the way here," he stated, relief washing over his features as he assessed the situation. But the moment his gaze landed on Elena's father, the weight of realization settled heavily in the air.
Eleanor looked over at the older man. "Bryce is badly injured. Is there anything you can do for him?" She asked, pleaded.
Duncan's expression shifted as he knelt beside Elena's father, concern etching deeper lines on his face. "I helped him get to the larder the first time," he said, pain echoing in his voice as he assessed the severity of the wound. "I didn't realize it was this bad."
As Duncan knelt beside Bryce, his silver armor streaked with dirt and blood, he could see the toll the battle had taken on the man he respected deeply. "Bryce, stay with me," he urged, his voice low but filled with an urgency that belied the gravity of the situation.
"Duncan…" Bryce gasped, pain evident in his eyes as he struggled to speak. "You need to get my family away from here. Take them to Ostagar. They'll be safe there." His voice was strained, each word a struggle, yet filled with a father's fierce love and an unwavering desire to protect his family.
"I will," Duncan promised, his tone resolute. "But I came here for a purpose. I need a Warden recruit."
Elena's heart skipped a beat at his words, a cold realization washing over her like a wave. He was talking about her. "No," she interjected, shaking her head vigorously, her voice rising. "I can't. I need to protect my family!"
"Elena," Duncan said, looking up at her with a mix of empathy and determination. "Your father needs you to be strong, and this is what you must do. The Grey Wardens need warriors like you. This is the only way to ensure the survival of your family and our lands."
Her heart raced, and she could feel the weight of their situation pressing down on her. "I won't abandon them!" she demanded, anger starting to cling to her words. "There has to be another way!"
Bryce, despite his condition, shifted his gaze between Elena and Duncan, his expression a blend of pride and deep sorrow. "Elena, you have to listen," he urged, his voice barely a whisper. "The world is changing. You're destined for more than just this castle, more than merely protecting our home. You have a chance to fight back against this darkness."
Duncan nodded in agreement, his voice unwavering and steady. "I invoke the right of conscription. You are a recruit now, whether you wish it or not." The authority in his voice was clear, and the finality of his words sent a chill through Elena, reverberating in her bones
As Duncan invoked the right of conscription, a heavy silence fell over the larder. Elena's mother, still reeling from the revelation, looked from her husband to Duncan, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "I can't leave him! Bryce needs me here!"
"Eleanor," Bryce gasped, his voice strained but firm, "you need to go. It's not safe here. You have to protect Elena and the children." His gaze held a mixture of love and urgency, pushing her to consider their family's survival.
"I won't abandon you, Bryce! I can't!" she protested, her voice breaking as she moved closer to her husband, unwilling to accept the inevitability of the situation.
Elena felt a surge of determination. She could see the pain in her mother's eyes, but they were running out of time. They couldn't risk staying here any longer. Making a choice for her mother, she stepped forward with swift resolve. "Mother, I'm sorry."
Before her mother could react, Elena delivered a precise strike to the back of her neck, sending her mother to the ground, unconscious but safe.
"Eleanor!" Bryce exclaimed, a mix of shock and concern flashing across his face.
Duncan quickly moved to catch Elena's mother, ensuring she didn't hit her head against the ground as she fell. "What are you doing?" he asked, surprise evident in his voice.
"There's no time! Take her and the kids and get to the secret exit," Elena urged, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. "Hide in the trees nearby. I have one last thing to do, and then I'll follow."
"Are you sure?" Duncan asked, concern etched across his features as he glanced between Elena and Bryce. She shot him a look that had him, almost, flinching .
Duncan nodded, his expression resolute as he moved swiftly with Elena's family through the secret exit. Once they were safely out, the weight of the moment pressed down heavily on Elena. She stood there for a heartbeat, the sound of distant clashes and shouts echoing in the background, before she turned back to her father.
Kneeling beside Bryce's still form, she felt the pain of loss crashing over her like waves. His face was pale, the blood still pooling around him, but she could see the strength of the man he had always been. With trembling hands, she pulled out a small vial filled with a light purple liquid, its surface glimmering ominously in the dim light of the larder.
"This is a special poison I have developed for myself, in case I was ever going to be captured," she said softly, her voice breaking slightly. She held the vial delicately, as if it were a precious treasure. "It will end your life painlessly and quickly. I do not want you to suffer under Howe's blade."
Bryce's eyes flickered open, a spark of awareness shining through the haze of pain. "Elena… no," he murmured, a mixture of confusion and sadness crossing his features. "I can't… I can't let you do this."
"It's better this way, Father," she insisted, tears brimming in her eyes. "I can't let them take you. I won't let you suffer. You've always protected us, and now it's my turn to protect you." Her heart ached as she spoke, the weight of her decision pressing heavily upon her.
"But… you're my daughter," he replied, anguish and love intermingling in his voice. "You should be fighting for your life, not ending mine."
Elena took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing herself to hold his gaze. "You taught me to be strong, to fight for what I believe in. This is what I believe in now. I can't let you be tortured or used against us. I want you to have peace, even if it means I have to carry this burden."
Bryce's expression softened, and he reached out with trembling fingers to touch her cheek. "You've grown into such a fierce warrior, Elena. I am so proud of you." His voice cracked with emotion, the weight of his love palpable in the air.
Tears streamed down her face as she opened the vial, the liquid swirling gently inside. "Please, Father. Let me do this for you."
With a heavy heart, she brought the vial to his lips, and Bryce nodded slowly, resignation in his eyes. "If this is what you want, my warrior… I trust you."
Elena poured the liquid gently into his mouth, watching as he swallowed it down. "I love you, Father," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she felt her heart shatter in that moment.
"I love you too, my brave girl," he replied, his voice softening as he felt the effects of the poison take hold. His body relaxed, and for a brief moment, the pain faded from his features.
Elena knelt beside him, holding his hand tightly, feeling the warmth of his grip slowly fade. She whispered memories of their time together, of lessons learned and laughter shared, hoping to ease his transition into peace.
As his breathing slowed and his eyes began to close, a serene expression settled on his face, as if he were finally free from the burdens of battle.
With a final breath, he whispered, "Fight for our family, Elena. Make us proud."
And just like that, he was gone.
Elena felt a mixture of grief and resolve surge within her, a powerful reminder of her father's legacy. She sat there for a moment longer, allowing herself to mourn, her heart heavy with loss but ignited by purpose.
A.N: Thank you for reading!