Disclaimer: We do not own the Elder scrolls and Dragon Age Series
Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23
Tribute: The voice actor of the teacher to the Dragonborn, Arngeir, actor Christopher Plummer has passed away. Let us never forget his contribution and decorated talents he gave us all.
"Sky above, voice within."
Tower of nightmares
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Warmth radiated off the afternoon sun, giving a glow to crystal blue waters of Lake Calenhad. A sharp whistle escaped Faren's lips; "Now that's a tower."
At the base of the hill towards Kinloch Hold sat most of the group on horseback with Sofie at the reigns of Bodahn's wagon. In the back were Sereda and Faren with Gin and Morrigan, who kept a close eye on Zevran. Leliana had taken a seat at the Nordic woman's side. Marcus, Brianna, and Alistair all rode Fereldan Forder mounts around the wagon while Miara sat on her precious Shadowmare. Both Serana and Oryrn rode on summoned Frost mares, with Neria had surprisingly road along on the Tamriel's Templar's. Around them roamed Bran and Loke who sniffed the grass of the new area.
Emotion bore on said elven mage's eyes leaning from the dunmer's side from behind him to gaze at the tower; "I never thought I'd be back here again." Her voice full of affection.
However her feelings were not shared with her fellow Circle mage. Bri's eyes who glared with utter cold disdain; "Still in one piece I suppose."
"Dwarven structures don't fall easy," Sereda commented getting out of the wagon with the others.
Recognition bloomed on Alistair's face; "That's right, the Avvar had the help with Dwarves making this place."
"So your head isn't an empty void I see," He glared towards an amused Morrigan who delighted in tormenting him.
Getting off his mount Marcus gave a look to the witch who raised her hands placating. "We have work to do." He turned his eyes to the Circle tower.
Oryrn got off his mare first to assist Neria down, "I thought that would be chilly to sit on."
"Only when you touch its skin," The Dunmer stated casually patting the mare's neck.
The elven mage adjusted her hair back into a ponytail as they approached the small hamlet on the lake's shore, all the while she kept looking at the tower. Sometimes it felt like she left it a lifetime ago, it was hard to abandon that life, all the people she knew, part of her didn't believe she'd ever come back.
Neria had no doubt Bri never wanted to come back at least.
So while her gaze shone with nostalgia and sadness, she couldn't help but feel a sense of... foreboding as she looked at her former home.
Apparently she wasn't the only one, as Brianna looked up at the tower with her blue eyes narrowing sharply, and it wasn't out of disdain for once. "Is it just me or... something feels off?"
Sofie closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, "There is magic in the air. It's wild"
Neria didn't bother questioning how one could 'smell' that. But there was not denying it, there was a noticeable source of wild ambient mana coming from the tower.
"Isn't that normal? This is the Circle after all" Marcus asked, showing once more his inexperience regarding magical matters but his usual disposition to learn.
"Not like this" Morrigan shook her head, "This magic is not controlled. At this distance it's faint, but I wager the closer we get the more erratic it'll feel to us"
Rubbing his chin Zevran smirked; "Should prove interesting sí?" Dry glares turned towards him from nearly everyone; "Solo hice una pregunta," the crow muttered with an annoyed huff.
Saying the air had been a little tense the past few days traveling was a mild understatement with their new companion. While Zevran had been behaving on their way to the tower, a wary eye was kept on him by the group. "As much as I'd like to learn Antivan, please keep your language in the common tongue," Miara quipped as they took the horses to the stables.
Zevran gave the dunmer a theatrical bow; "Of course my goddess."
Amusement only danced in Serana's eyes witnessing the exasperated expression on her lover's face. It grew more pronounced upon seeing her vampire partner's gaze; "Shut up."
"I didn't say a thing." Serana playfully reproached.
Rubbing the back of his neck Faren gazed at the tower; "Hopefully it's just some sodder who blew himself up or something."
Going down the hill Oryrn took a gaze over at the buildings; "Quite a bit a business around here."
"The Spoiled Princess is a rest stop for many traveling the roads," Marcus commented; "But there are also a few shops if people need supplies."
"Quaint," Morrigan quipped; "A trade hub close by a prison of indoctrinated mages."
That seemed to have gotten Neria's ire as she sharply turned towards the witch; "We are not indoctrinated." Her voice stern.
However it only amused the raven haired woman who smirked; "So says the goodie two shoes puppet." Her brow cocked as soon as Brianna turned her way with a glare.
"Don't insult my friend," An edge grew in her tone.
"Morrigan," Said woman glanced over to Miara who gave a stony glare; "enough."
The witch shrugged before walking ahead.
The tall muscular nord surveyed the area, "This is where Sten's party was ambushed, his sword must be laying around here somewhere..."
"We can do some clairvoyance rituals to find it" Serana assured their eldest, "But it'll have to be after we're done here, sweetie. We have our hands full for the moment"
The large warrior merely nodded back at her mother.
As the group kept advancing, the Circle mages noticed another thing that was amiss. "Bri, look" She pointed to the dock. "The ferryman isn't here"
And indeed, their party could see a man in heavy plates and long fabrics standing guard over the lake, a short haired Templar.
"Oh great" Brianna recognized him, "It's one of the dumb ones"
"Bri don't be mean, you know how prolonged lyrium use addles the mind" The dark skinned elf admonished, to which Brianna merely snorted.
They approached the man, who dutifully stood his ground despite the presence of a large armored party. "That's far enough, the Tower is closed" the fact he had no reaction towards Miara's and her son's appearance also spoke volumes.
Neria and Brianna walked to the front of the group, "Closed? Why, what's happening?"
"I don't have to tell you anything" He shushed them with a wave of his hand. "Now move away"
"Look, I remember you, Carrie right?" Brianna said.
"Carroll" He corrected with a soft growl.
"Whatever" The human mage said uncaringly. "We're Surana and Amell, here with the Gray Wardens to recruit more mages to fight the Blight"
"Yeah, nice one" The Templar, Carroll, snorted in reply. "You're not going to fool me"
"...Are you serious?" Brianna slowly drawled irritation and impatience building up. "We were recruited by the Warden-Commander after that big scandal! Surely you know about that!"
"All I know is that I have my orders, so unless you have proof you're not getting inside"
"We. Are wearing. The armor!" The mage seethed.
"And if I put on a gown and a dress and prance around does that make me the queen of Antiva?"
"Not much of an improvement from the current one I'll say" Zevran mused out loud.
"Hey don't question royalty!"
"Oh Kyne help me, I've had it" Sofie stepped forward, at her wit's end from being stopped in front of the buffoon. Once more she displayed her supernatural strength by grabbing the man from the small opening in the armor's collar, and lifting him up in the air without any real effort on her part. "Unless you let us pass, I will break you like a TWIG"
"Seen her do it" Miara quipped. "The spine makes a horrible sound, bet it feels as bad as it looks"
The complexion of Carroll went ghostly white now having been lifted in the air by a towering muscular three times bigger than he was. Her sapphire orbs stared deep into his chestnut ones; "You can go in..." He squeaked out in slight terror.
Putting the man down Sofie and company passed the trembling man. Thankfully there was more than one boat as they could not fit everyone in just one or risk sinking. "That's my girl," Miara smirked beside her oldest who took the oar to row.
"Remind never to get you angry," Alistair quipped.
Neria however kept her gaze on the tower, the closer there were, and the more everything felt off. To her side Brianna felt it too as both glanced at one another. A low whine escaped Bran's maw.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Greagoir knelt beside a group of wounded men and women out of their Templar armor. Some had wounds that were minor, others severe. The Knight-Commander knew some would likely not survive the day without a means to heal them. Around were a dozen or so of his Templars either pacing about or standing guard at the giant doors leading inside the tower proper.
He cursed his own laxed guard for allowing something like this to happen. Absently he wondered if the Qunari had the right idea in dealing with mages before he and his Templars took notice of the front gate doors opening. "I told Carroll that no one was allowed to the tower," he admonished, getting to his feet marching towards the doors. "Whoever you are go back!" He declared as he saw several people entering the tower. His brow rose at the sight of two elves with… gray skin? However his mood soon turned sourer at the sight of two people stepping ahead of the group; "Of course you two would show up now. As if the Maker wasn't punishing me enough as it is."
"We missed you too Knight-Commander Greagoir," Brianna's sarcasm dripped heavily with her hands on hips. "Let me take a wild guess, you found Anders and he had a temper tantrum?"
"Is this a joke to you, Amell?!" The Knight-Commander roared in outrage, "Look at all this!" He wildly waved his hand at a corner of the room, where the mage's hearts dropped at the sight. Huddled up against a corner were bodies, Templars and mages both. Some looked like they had been struck by elemental forces; others had been violently attack as if mauled by a wild animal.
"What happened?" Neria managed to mutter.
The Templar leader managed to reign in his frustration with the elven mage, "The Tower has fallen to the influence of maleficarum" He gravely said, "It happened out of nowhere, blood mages began summoning demons and attacking indiscriminately. We were caught completely off guard" His head dipped, shaking. "It was a massacre"
"This complicates matters" Marcus softly spoke up as he walked to the front of the group. "We need the aid of the mages to stop the Blight"
"You will find none here, the Tower is lost" Greagoir firmly said. "I have sent word to Denerim for permission to invoke the Right of Annulment"
The mages, along with Alistair, all gasped horrified. "The Annulment? But that's as a last resort!" The senior Warden said.
"Did you not hear me lad?" Greagoir pointed to the closed barred doors; "Every mage behind there is either dead, a blood mage, or an abomination! This place must be purge at once!"
"How the hell are you that damn sure?" Sereda yelled back in anger.
Greagoir however refused to budge; "We open that door and not only all of us will killed, but Ferelden itself will be in danger."
"And condemning innocent people who are likely hiding because you trapped them!" Gin's temper igniting as he recalled the alienage being sealed off at times due to 'illnesses' or 'plague'.
"They're mages, none of them are innocent!" A Templar yelled back in fury.
At that fury bore in Oryrn's eyes walking passed the others; "You dare call yourself a Templar!"
Miara however ignored the shouting, activating a detect life spell. Her glowing eyes sharply turned seeing multiple signatures further in the tower; "There is at least a dozen people huddled in a room ahead." An edge grew in her voice; "Some are children..." Turning off her spell she marched towards Greagoir; "You are opening those doors." the very air grew cold as her words brokered no argument.
"I will not," The knight-commander seethed.
"YOU!" A Templar yelled pointing at Oryrn; "That's the bastard who let that Apostate escape!"
"And Adalora is a hell of a lot more safe than here with you cowards," Sofie reproached.
The Templar went for his sword, only to be stopped by Greagoir. "Enough!" The Knight-Commander shouted, "This is not the time!" He leveled a firm look at the Wardens and their allies, "What makes you think you can survive the horrors that await you in the upper levels?"
"We're far more capable and talented than any of your excuses for knights" Brianna said with a scathing tone.
"Do not push your luck Amell, I would-"
"Do what? I'm no longer a mage of the Circle, I'm a Warden, and you have no authority over me. I can simply barge through the doors myself. Even if I have to get through you first"
Neria noted how the Templars seemed to tense at her antagonistic words, almost like they were readying for a fight.
"Is that right? Kill us all and then expect the Chantry to not label you criminals?"
"When has it mattered to me what the Chantry thinks?"
"Stop goading him, Brianna" Marcus ordered firmly, "We need their cooperation if we want to rescue the mages"
"Cooperation? He's the one who doesn't want to let us help them!" Blue eyes glared full of rage at the older Templar. "I bet you wanted to do this for so long, you were just waiting for any excuse!"
The situation was deteriorating fast, so Neria acted on impulse and got between the two. "That's enough out of you!" She scolded her friend. "For a Maker-blessed second, just shut up!" The Amell looked taken aback by her friend standing up to her like that. Neria shook her head in disappointment before turning to Knight-Commander, "Greagoir, I know you have no reason to believe the tower is salvageable, but what do you have to lose by sending us in?"
The Templar seemed to mull over her words, his gaze shifting.
"If Irving is still alive, or enough of the Enchanters, and the main demonic threat removed, will you call down the Annulment?"
"...Fine" He breathed out through clenched teeth. "It's your lives on the line, Surana" He walked away to instruct his soldiers to unbar the gate.
Neria let out a long sigh of relief, pinching the bridge of her nose as Brianna stood next to her. "Well, didn't think the bucket-head would actually listen"
"No thanks to you..."
Brianna blinked, "Excuse me?"
"What is wrong with you, Bri?" Neria demanded, "You nearly made everything worse for us"
"He was the one being stubborn"
"And you were the one who wanted to confront him" The elven mage said, Brianna almost budged over the judgmental glace in her eyes. "Look, it is over. But next time think before you act"
Amell was not even given a chance to speak back as her friend marched for the gate with Bran following. "She had more spine than I thought," Morrigan muttered absently following.
A sigh escaped Alistair's lips; "Well least we avoided a fight."
"You sure about that?" The young man glanced to Serana who nodded over to her lover. A pronounced chill ran down his spine taking a look at Miara's eyes. "Think it's best we ensure the mages are safe. Because even I can't stop her if one child is dead beyond those gates." Not that she would given in how these men have acted thus far.
The Dragonborn's eyes radiated with a pure unbridled and murderous fury glaring solely at the Templars. Alistair took the warning to heart as he went up to Marcus's side whispering to the man. The Cousland was about to speak up to elf till he saw the woman's gaze before she walked passed them.
Gin shook his head walking beside Sereda and Faren; "Second time I've been here and this place goes nuts again."
"Cursed maybe?" The roguish dwarf offers his opinion.
"I'd rather it not be thank you." The former Dwarven princess deadpans at the two.
The group only waited a moment before the Templars opened the gate for them; "Good luck," the knight-commander offered; "You'll need it." As they entered into the tower proper the gates behind them closed.
Sofie glared back; "Milk drinkers."
"We should check for survivors," Leliana offered some words. "This place feels wrong."
They did have to go far reaching a massive opened room filled with beds and other furniture; "The dorm where all the apprentices sleep," Bri spoke with a numb tone.
Neria dashed inside with her faithful hound following. All around were mages huddled together, pacing around, or lying on their beds cupping their faces. Fear and terror gripped them all, others cried, mostly the children with some adults. A knot formed in Surana's chest before she spun on her heels to the other who walked in; "This is... barely half..." A shudder escaped her lips.
A few of the apprentices cried out at the sight of Miara and Oryrn; "Relax, they're elves it's alright," Sereda raised her voice in a placating manner.
Shock etched on a young elven man with short brown hair as he stared at the group; "Neria!"
"Eadric," She came over fast to her fellow elf; "Where is everyone?"
"I don't know... Senior Enchanter Wynne and Petra grabbed all of us they could once the demons appeared and attacked." His hands shook with fear; "Your old teacher is further ahead with a few others and Petra."
"We tried to get out but the Templars barred the gates," Another elf, Cera if Surana recalled her name right came over; "They don't think anyone beyond the doors is free of corruption…"
"Wynne is alive" Neria clutched at her chest as she felt a wave of immense relief wash over her. "Good, she'll most likely know what happened here. She can help us"
"She survived Ostagar?" Sofie said impressed, recalling a bit of what the Thedosian mages told her. "She sounds tough" The nord said in approval.
"Then joining her and the other mages is our first priority" Marcus said with authority. "Let's go"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Miles away in Redcliffe, two dunmer mages dedicated their time to study what ailed the arl, and how to properly cure him. Although their options were very limited, as Arl Eamon had been on death's doorstep, and only the timely intervention of Sarya's stasis was keeping him amongst the living, albeit frozen in time.
So the ways in which they could treat him were sadly constricted. They were forced to perform the smallest of tests, all without risking breaking the stasis. Just small samples of blood taken from small patches of his visible skin. Taking more required opening larger rifts in the stasis, shortening Eamon's already borrowed time.
"Sample 13 yields little results too" Sarya said as she looked away from the magnifying glass, a medical construct made from dwemer designs. The younger dunmer huffed slightly, "I see hints of the toxin in his blood, but I am not familiar with its type"
"It is a local blend after all" Her teacher, Alfe, commented as her kept writing the findings in her journal. "We are not familiar with the type of flora Thedas holds"
Another hamper on their research. They could try to halt the poison with Cure Poison antidotes, but the substance would freeze the moment it entered his body, as it too would fall under the stasis power. And there was no certainty that it would act in time. His condition was simply in the worst possible scenario.
Sarya grumbled running a hand through her hair; "If I had a week or two to study down all the known poisons and how they are made we could do something."
"As brilliant as you are my darling student, we would need much longer than that." The Dunmeri Magister sharply glanced to her student upon hearing her faintly growl; "Calm your anger, anger clouds the mind and leaves you unfocused."
Closing her eyes Sarya followed her teacher's advice taking in a large deep breath before exhaling; "Calm mind," the younger elf repeated much like a mantra.
After taking a moment to ease her frustrations, Sarya looked back at her teacher. "We've run all the tests we could. Eamon is not just on the brink of death, he was already falling to the abyss, I just kept him from hitting the ground but that's not enough to pull him" Her lips pursed, "It will take nothing short of a miracle to bring him back"
"Then perhaps there divine intervention is necessary" Alfe airily said, "Those Ashes from their prophet may be a powerful catalyst, if they do in fact exist"
It might seem outlandish, but these sorts of things were more common than people often thought. Long lost relics with powers that surpassed most of what modern day magic could do. But still it was a great gamble to put all their hopes in an object of legend.
Not that they had any other choice.
"I'll talk to the bann" The youngest daughter of the Dragonborn sighed, "Tell him to go ahead with the arlessa's idea" Sarya groaned popping her back; "Maybe I should bring Baba here to lighten the mood." She spoke as she started to leave the room.
"Your great grandmother Melari's idea of 'lightening the mood' would involve multiple acts of copulation and wine."
Pausing at the door the young Telvanni cocked her head before deadpanning; "Yeah I guess people aren't really in the mood for that right now."
Alfe only snorted with a shake of her head as her student left. "Even that courtesan has more tact than my student." This spoke volumes for a worshiper of Sanguine.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Mourning shone in the eyes of Neria seeing so many mages and Templars corpses throughout the library. Despite whatever Bri and some mages believed, she knew not every person of the order was malicious and vile. Many cared deeply for the lives of mages and would give their lives to protect them. The young elf was just disheartened it had to come to just such a thing.
A whimper came from Bran at her side while a comforting hand patted her shoulder; "We can hope there are others alive further up," the reassuring voice of her old mentor eased her mind.
Upon leaving the dorms the wardens and company encountered Wynne with Petra facing down a rage demon for which the elderly mage handled quite effectively. After a quick introduction and rundown of the situation, the senior enchanter offered her aid to help find Irving and the others. As well stop the blood mages and demons throughout the tower.
She was beyond relieved to see Wynne not only having survived the massacre at Ostagar, but also the horror that the Circle had fallen into, as shown when upon seeing her teacher she immediately hugged her. She felt much better with Wynne at their side.
Although she couldn't let go of Petra's words from her mind. About how Wynne had taken a serious blow that had seemingly killed the woman, but here she was now, with only some exhaustion to show in her face from this harrowing ordeal.
"So, this Uldred is responsible for this?" Marcus asked the white haired mage.
"When we arrived from Ostagar he began proclaiming now was the time to free ourselves from the Chantry and Templars. I could tell something was... off about him, and the followers he's amassed"
"Uldred was always a rather radical libertarian" Brianna slowly said, trying to wrap her head around this. "But this..."
"There is no doubt in my mind he's the one who leads the blood mages who conjured so many demons" Wynne said resolute, "He was with Irving and the other Senior Enchanters in the Harrowing chamber when I felt the surge of foul magic from the there"
"If that is the case then we can't expect the First Enchanter to be alive" Alistair said, knowing he had to look at things logically. Even though his words visibly affected Neria.
"Irving is a mage of considerable experience and talent, he and the other Enchanters are more useful to him alive" Wynne replied, "That's why I am certain they are still alive. But they risk being under the thrall of blood magic, which is why we need the Litany of Adralla in the main library"
"A litany?" Leliana questioned, "How would that help us?"
It was Brianna who answered, "The Litany of Adralla is a text that has counter-spells enchanted into it, meant to disrupt the effect of mind-altering magics on a nearby area. By reading it out loud you can invoke its power"
"Sounds to me that's a perfect tool to protect the blood magic the Templars and Chantry fear so much" Serana pointed out. "How come things like it are not in more use?"
"A number of reasons really" Wynne explained, "Adralla of Vyrantium was a mage from Tevinter that alone makes the item controversial. She created it after years of study on Blood Magic, that is, she needed to perform the spells from the cursed school itself to device the counter-spells. Further research to create more anti-mind control magics require experimentation on a field that the Chantry forbids completely"
The driest of looks formed on Miara's face; "Morally I understand, but they could have tried to even look for less controversial means to make tools in defense of blood magic." Never mind the list of many other helpful items the Chantry flat out refused to use that could have made lives easier for Thedas. At least they weren't as bad as Alessian Order, but to be honest, the ancient fanatics had set a very high bar…
"Are you really that surprised?" Morrigan remarked beside her.
A grunt came from the elf as they inspected the large room thoroughly. Gin knelt down beside the body of a Templar woman. Parts of her armor was cut open by large claws and her throat looked like someone or something had chewed on it; "This... nobody should die like this." Fear was the last visage on the poor woman's bloodied face.
Both Bran and Loke stopped sniffing around before their ears shot upwards and begun to growl. The group was fast to arm themselves with weapons or a spell as they heard loud guttural snarls ahead of them in the next room.
And it was getting closer...
Horror and disgust soon etched in the eyes of nearly everyone as two figures shambled in. Their bodies a grotesque macabre no longer looking human or elven. Their skin a mangled, churned with veins and bones stick out in places, their robes torn and tattered barely covering both. The faces of these poor souls no longer resembled a person the Circle mages might have known. The only way you could tell they were male and female was one being the size of a normal human woman with her feminine figure partly remaining. The other was much more hulking with elongated arms and fingers.
"Abominations..." Wynne muttered reigning in her emotions.
"We SeE yOu!" One of the creatures gurgled out from no visible mouth.
They struck with spells of great potency, streams of fire that look one notch away from being a dragon's breath. The mages of the party however were more numerous and very talented, barriers were erected to shield their comrades swiftly.
Through combined efforts they pushed back against the jets of flame with a push of their barriers, throwing the creatures back, knocking the female one on its back, as the flames that were thrown back to them licked at their malformed flesh.
Sofie charged, pulling out the two axed from her waist, as this place was not exactly the best to be swinging a great sword. One axe buried itself at the side of the creature's bulbous neck, or what remained of one. It shrieked horribly and thrashed, trying to swipe at her with sharp claws, only stopping when the other axe descending upon the middle of its twisted face, and its limbs fell limply at its sides.
Serana's form became a red mist, soaring through the air and reforming before the other Abomination before this one could stand up again, impaling it with her katana on the head.
The small bout was over as soon it began.
"So, these are the 'Abominations' I heard so much about" Serana commented, looking down at the twisted thing. "They look like someone made Flesh Atronachs..."
Neria was unable to hide the grief in her eyes kneeling down at the former circle mages; "I can't tell if I knew them." The horrific transformation made it utterly impossible to know who these two once were. The elven mage could not stop the tears from the forming; "Did they... accept becoming these monsters or were they forced?" Both thoughts were beyond disturbing to think about.
A hand rested on her shoulders; "Best not to think about it," Alistair was at her side with small words of comfort.
"We better press on," Marcus declared with everyone nodding in agreement.
Leliana offered a quick prayer before all ascended up a stairway to another section of the library; "By the Stone this place could rival the Shaperate," Sereda muttered looking around.
"I heard you dwarves use gems to store information," Zevran questioned.
"Memory crystals," the former princess clarified; "The hold the most important aspect of my people's culture. But we still also have books and scrolls, not everyone knows how to use those things."
"At least this place doesn't look like it suffered too much damage" Neria took a small comfort in the fact that this knowledge wouldn't be lost.
The swamp witch however was quick to make her opinion heard.
"As if there were something worth preserving here"
The Circle mages stopped and glared at Morrigan.
The dark mage was unaffected by the anger in their gazes, she continued to look at the whole Tower with open disdain and disgust. "I thought that perhaps seeing this place for myself would illuminate me on you Circle mages, and it has, now I fully how much undeserving of freedom you all are"
"Morrigan..." Marcus started with a warning tone.
The shaft in Brianna's hand threatened to burn.
"The Templars could be so easily fought off, and yet you choose to remain caged like sheep, while they have proven they are quick to bring you to slaughter" The golden eyed woman sneered. "I don't know whatever the Warden saw of worth in you"
As Neria felt the unfamiliar level of anger swell up in her chest, furious at how callous Morrigan would just disregard the pain of others so quickly, the Amell was ready to throw herself at the witch. Eager to wipe off that arrogant smirk of hers, show her she was taking all of the Tamriels' lessons to heart.
"Enough!" Miara shouted, her red eyes glaring at Morrigan. "You go on ahead; I'll have a 'talk' with our companion here"
None objected as the group went on ahead, the swamp witch only glared defiantly at the dragonborn; "Am I to be scolded Overlord?" she spoke the dunmer's dragon title with scathing respect.
"Hi dreh med aan kiir"
Indignation bore on Morrigan's face pointing to herself; "Oh I act like a child? Explain to me why we should stick our necks outs for fools too weak to defend themselves with the current scenario playing around us? These mages are too fearful of their own power because of the Chantry's prattle. And let's not forget their lyrium addicted Templars who are useless buffoons when it really matters. This cage and its people within it are not worth our time."
This girl definitely was her mother's daughter. Her dovah blood ran strongly in her veins and it showed in her overall attitude besides Flemeth's parentage. But the thur was having none of it; "Because this group cannot take on the Archdemon and the entire Darkspawn horde alone. And none of these people deserved to be stuck in this hell, which yes could have been prevented but wasn't. And the duty of those with Mulaag is to stop this madness."
"That is your ideology, not mine."
"Listen here, child" She mixed in her voice both the tone she used when ordering her troops, and longs years of raising children. "You have been testing everyone's patience with your antagonism. So you can either fall in line, or you can leave. Trust me when I say the loss of your skills won't affect our team, we have far more knowledgeable mages"
The swamp witch's eyes narrowed in defiance at the insult. "And yet, you've kept me around because you do not want to let me out of your sight"
Miara merely gave her a look that said she was right.
"We are both aware you know my mother sent me here to spy on you. And it is grating on my nerves to go through so much drivel in your quest" The witch crossed her arms, growing less sure. "Although... being turned away and returning to my mother, task incomplete, would not be in my interest"
"I imagine Flemeth's parenting skills came with many punishments over perceived mistake"
"Not the kind I'd like to face now as an adult" Morrigan said, her gaze shifting, Miara could see the gears spinning behind her eyes. "I suppose... I could keep most of my views on this 'civilized' world to myself, were I have the incentive to do so?"
"You seek to negotiate when I have so little to gain compared to you?"
"Yes"
"...I forget you are part dragon. Very well, what do you want?"
"My mother has written all manner of arcane grimoires during the ages. Some have fallen into the hands of the Chantry and Templars. I believe one such tome might be here, in this tower"
Crossing her arms under her bust the dunmer paced in thought, Morrigan's amber eyes keenly observed her face. She could see the Dragonborn thinking before stopping a foot away from her with an even stare; "If such a tome is here we will find it. But its knowledge will be shared with the group."
"Wha-"
"This is non-negotiable." Miara leaned in glaring; "Every spell will be known to us from that book. And whatever knowledge you also have I want to know, you will share the crafts you know with the rest here."
Annoyance shone on the young woman's face; "I suppose that would be a fair trade. Though doubt Neria would even bother to try using half of those spells." She huffed; "Are we in accord then?"
"Yes, dearest niece."
The witch just sputters, "I'm not your niece!"
"Well I certainly didn't want your mother as one of my sisters; you can blame your Grandfather for that"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
"I must say it's... an unconventional proposal"
"You do not need to mince your words, I know many of your knights would refuse on principle"
Out of the Wardens Teagan had been in talks with, the dalish warrior Theron was one who had kept his fair distance from any knights and nobility whenever he could. Not that the bann could blame him; to say dalish and human nobles had a checkered history would be a monumental understatement.
So it came to a surprise to him when Theron marched into his office, uncaring about any sort of decorum usually expected (like making an appointment) when dealing with someone of his station, and requested to speak of him regarding the arming of elves for Redcliffe militia.
"You understand this puts me in a precarious situation with the Chantry law"
"You had no problems accepting the aid of Warden Mages" The dalish pointed out impassively.
"Well, they ARE Warden mages as you said. They're the exception"
"Then what about our allies, the ones who are 'unsanctioned' by your Chantry. Do not tell me their aid didn't make a difference. I heard no complaints from you when Odahviing rained fire upon the undead"
That... was true. But regardless; "It's not that simple"
"The losses at Ostagar were staggering. You need every available hand to replenish your numbers that includes elves. Trained or not, we have a keen eyesight and hearing, we learn how to use bows quickly" The dalish crossed his arms, and Teagan was once more remained that for an elf, Theron was noticeably more muscular than most of his kind. "After the losses you took from the undead, Redcliffe's holdings lay critically open. Bandits will not hesitate to stalk like carrion on a wounded deer. And that is not counting the Darkspawn when the horde finally arrives"
"The Chantry will likely be quite vocal over this." Teagan ran his hand over his beard in thought leaning against his chair; "But in times like these I suppose we can't be picky."
There was no slander in the man's tone as Theron paid close attention to the Arl's words and body language. Teagan wasn't a racist, but still a product of an environment that was heavily racist towards non-humans. And while the elven warrior would rather not speak to the shem, he had to try to help his brothers and sister in these lands. All that he saw in Denerim and his long talk with Elder Valendrian was an eye opening experience.
The Arl rose to stand; "I will see to it that any elf who wishes to fight be given a weapon and taught in combat."
"I will see to their training as well," Theron gave a nod.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Dawnbreaker sliced between the warped flesh, igniting blue and golden flames from the tip. The monstrosity before her had sprouted multiple giant eyeballs from its back, they quivered and shined with foul magic as they tried to inflict horror and despair with its power. The creature shrieked violently as Miara cut it down.
An arcane horror conjured lances of ice and fired them at great velocity, but Serana had warped into mist and danced right through, her blade cutting the creature's hands, before tearing out its throat with her clawed gloves.
"Mages are the future!" A hooded man shouted, veins darkening under his skin as the eyes under his hood blazed a fierce red, a mark of the blood magic in use. "All shall bow before us!"
Brianna did not spare him any sympathy, not after the slaughter they had carried out. She struck relentlessly with streams of fire manifesting from a sigil in front of her. The blood mage, empowered by his own lifeforce and that of his victims, met the attack head on, simply vanishing the fire before it could reach him.
Upon leaving the library the group going upward they reached what Wynne explained was the tower's class rooms. There they had encountered several blood mages in service to Uldred, as well as summoned demons and abominations. Battle soon ignited as the two sides clashed fiercely. Having taken cover from the onslaught of magic being flung around Leliana fired as many Mithril arrows as she could from her ebony bow. Beside her was Zevran frantically sorting through his leather pouch. "You could be helping the others you know!" the beautiful redhead reproached.
"What do think I'm doing my lovely friend?" Zevran pulled out a round glass object with liquid inside; "This should liven things up!" In a flash he spun around on his heels tossing the bottle. Leliana notice a faint spark at its tip.
"Fire in the hole!" Her voice rang out catching the ears of the others battle directly.
Upon seeing what was in the air Marcus gave the order to take cover. In happened in moments before their enemies could react as the bottle hit the ground and cracked, exploding out in a blast of fire. Several blood mages were knocked to the ground covered in flames. Their demons howled as the fire licked their bodies. The smarter among them formed magical shield just in time from the blast.
"Could we not blow up the tower please!" Neria bellowed shaking off the ringing in her ears.
One of the blood mages who had managed to escape the worse of the blast, struggled to her feet and glared at them with blazing hate. "You- You will just put us all in cages again!" She directed an accusing finger at the elven mage, "You are just a puppet, Surana! You were always just a puppet!"
She raised her staff and ruthlessly slaughtered her wounded and dying brethren to empower herself. Magic gathering filling her, so much power driving her mad. Bloodlust and a desire for vengeance ruled her. She sought to tear the veil and summon even more monstrosities to aid her.
"I'm never letting them trap us again!" She cried out, tears of rage streaming down her glowing red eyes. "I'll kill all the Templars, bring this tower to the ground! We'll all be free, or die try-!"
Her words, and her casting, were cut off when Alistair dispelled the magic in the area. The magic around her fizzled out like a candle blown out by the wind.
Tears stricken her eyes that could only watch helplessly as the redhead archer knocked another arrow, before this one buried itself between her eyes.
Small tears dropped from Neria's eyes as she watched the mage fall to the ground; "I'm sorry Iris... that you believed it had to come to this."
Thanks in part of Zevran's bomb and Alistair's Templar arts their group quickly brought down the mages and demons. Oryrn huffed turning to his family and companions; "Everyone alright?" Bran and Loke panted heavily beside him.
"Was that bomb loud enough?" Faren grumbled wiggling a finger in his ear.
Coming out from their cover with Leliana, Zevran shrugged; "Was a brew made from an old friend of mine. She has a thing for explosions."
"Think I lost bit of my hearing," Gin shook his head before looking down at the fallen enemies; "You three know these guys?" He glanced towards the mage ladies of their group.
Wynne nodded mournfully; "Yes, I never thought they do something like this."
"What happens when you rip people away from their families," Brianna muttered glaring down at the fallen; "But what they doing are barbaric."
"This is precisely why the Circle is needed" The Enchanter defended, "To prevent mages from falling to the guiles of demons"
The glare from the Amell was particularly smoldering, "The Circle locking them up was what caused this in the first place"
Before another long tirade of two vastly different points of views could start, they were silenced by Neria's meek pained voice. "Please... not now"
She still knelt by Iris' body, her gaze saddened.
Her fellow Warden mage and her teacher saw this, and decided this was neither the place nor time for their arguments.
Miara 'Shouted' the Aura Whisper to see the signatures of all entities nearby. She didn't want any of the creatures to get a drop on them. At first she ignored the pulsating differently colored auras of her companions, Serana's dark red, Sofie's azure-green, Marcus' royal blue and so on.
But she had to pause and look straight at Wynne with confusion, which was thankfully unaware of the look the dunmer was giving her.
Her aura it was... shifting, shimmering, a soft yellow glow mixing in with a bright white and green that was most definitely NOT hers. It was not a mortal's aura, that's for sure.
She vaguely recalled Neria commenting that one of her fellow mages told her they saw Wynne falling after a seemingly deadly blow from a demon, only for the woman to later stand back up. Even though the attack she received should not have let her recover at all.
There was more going on, but Wynne seemed to be a decent person, so she did not bring it up. If something else happened then it was her business to tell them.
Continuing her surveillance of the area, she spotted a handful of auras in one of the corners of the tower. They were all quivering, shrinking with fear.
"You have some people hiding in that barred up room over there," Miara spoke up.
Turning their heads to the elven woman who soon pointed to the room question, Wynne and Brianna were quick to near the door; "Hello, its Wynne."
The voice of a woman yelled back; "Sure you are, and I'm the queen of Orlais."
"Senior Enchanter Leorah?" Amell spoke up; "It's me, Bri. I'm with Neria and the Gray Wardens, we're here to help."
Silence became pregnant for a full minute till someone else spoke; "Is that really you Brianna?" This time it was a man.
"Yes Finn," the brunette spoke with sincerity.
Both Wynne and Bri heard debating behind the door before the sounds of heavy objects being moved. Their group came close as the doors opened revealing a middle-aged elven woman in velvet robes and Finn looking at both women in shock. Behind them as Amell could see the rest of the children, Owain, a few mages she had seen around the tower. And one lone Templar, badly wounded with his armor half torn to shreds.
Quickly leaving Iris's corpse Neria's tears almost renewed at the sight; "Oh thank the Maker you're all alright!"
Finn thumbed to the Templar being helped up by Owain and another mage; "Thank Hadley, the Knight-Captain risked his life along with Senior Enchanter Sweeney to get us here." mourning glowed on the young man's face; "Sweeney didn't make it."
Wynne closed her eyes holding back her own grief; "Damn you Uldred..." she muttered under her breath.
The Senior Enchanter and her apprentice quickly walked up to the wounded Knight-Captain, and immediately called upon the lesser benevolent spirits to aid in their healing. His wounds were closed within seconds, allowing the man breath more easily.
His shaggy hair was messier than usual, locks stuck to his forehead with blood and sweat. "Surana?" He muttered as his eyesight adjusted, "Enchanter Wynne, oh thank the Maker" He looked over the group, barely even pausing at the sight of the grey skinned elves. "It seems we are not doomed yet"
"You were brave, holding out as you did" The white haired mage said with gratefulness for the Templar who helped protect them.
"For all the good it did" He was slowly set on a chair. "It was a slaughter, Uldred and his blood mages stormed from the very top. They came without warning, we barely had time to form a defense when my men began dying or were taken captured."
"We figured holding up here was much safer than trying to get away" Finn said, looking worn down and harried from the experience.
"What about the battlemages?" Brianna asked as she stepped forth. "They could have helped a great deal"
"When Uldred lured Irving and most of the Enchanters, he had most of the remaining battlemages brought along" Hadley explained through a pained grunt. "I don't know what type of ritual he's conducting, but it's clear he intend to subvert all of them under his will"
Leorah shook her head, "We simply don't have the manpower, the means, or the opportunity to fight back. That your group has managed to get so far is nothing short of outstanding"
"Our company is composed of highly skilled and experienced individuals" Oryrn replied, "It is not boasting to say there has yet to be a challenge we cannot tackle"
Hadley gave the strange grey elven man a long hard look. No arrogance showed in either his face or red eyes. "I'll take your word on that young man."
"The way down from here is clear of demons and mages," Marcus expressed his opinion. "Petra is looking after the others down at the first floor."
"Knight-Commander Greagoir?" Hadley questioned
Miara grumbled; "Barred the gates behind us. Won't open them until we clear the tower and find Irving."
Worry shone on Leliana's gaze; "He... He wants to purge this place."
The elven Senior Enchanter felt her heart drop along with the others. The Knight-Captain only shook his head; "Had a feeling it'd come to this, but if your team can handle this, Amell, we'll all survive."
Brianna was not so petty that she wanted to hate all Templars regardless of their disposition. But even then Hadley's fair and good mannered nature only served to stoke her anger at the unfairness of it all. That there were so many few Templars that actually cared for the mages, and even if they did, many of them didn't even consider speaking out against some of the injustices committed in a Circle.
It'd be too easy, to see Hadley as another enemy. She thought herself better than that, but even then her anger was enough to see him as part of the problem.
She was not petty, she was better than them, and then any of them could ever claim to be. And she'd prove it.
"Come on" Brianna said, "The Tower won't save itself"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
There was a soft humming coming from the blonde braided elven maid as she carried a stack of fresh clothes for the arl's room. The knights guarding the other ends of the hall barely paid her any mind, she was merely another servant doing her job.
All the better to keep up her facade.
Her masters had ordered the shem's death, and she was happy to deliver.
When she entered the room, there she saw him, frozen to the point even in the wrinkles in his clothes would not move. So helpless, it brought joy to see him like this.
Setting down the clothing at the edge of the bed, she slowly reached inside her sleeve...
"What are you doing?"
The strong and accented voice made her jump and let out a soft gasp, sitting on the other side of the wall was an elf, a dalish. Dark skin, long dark locks arranged in braids, noticeably tall and muscular for an elf. On his hands was a small piece of wood which he carved with a knife into a small totem.
His green eyes were piercing, narrowing at her.
"Bringing fresh clothes for the Arl, master dalish," the woman spoke casually offering a smile.
Theron lowly grunted; "I'm no one's master, especially to one of our own. But the human won't need those, he's... frozen in time."
"Really?" she gave a look to the arl and back to the Dalish warrior; "Weird mage magic?"
"Basically." Something felt... off about this girl, he couldn't quite place it. But his senses were nagging at him not to trust her; "You've always been a servant here?"
The elven girl gave a nod; "I'm friends with Valena, one of the nicer shems around here."
Annoyance glowed on the elven warrior's face upon hearing a coming of a whistling tune made by the most insufferable woman he has ever met. Strolling through the hall Sarya passed by the knight offering a kindly wave and a wink before nearing the Arls bed chamber. "Hello~ Theron!" She stopped inside the room eyeing him and a elven servant who stared keenly at her. "How's guard duty?"
"...Not as monotonous now" Though it seemed a comment meant to the dunmer, it was anything but.
"Fun!" She said, before looking at the maid. "Who is this?"
"Don't know, I'm thinking a spy, please ward the door"
The elven young woman sputtered indignantly while Sarya tilted her head curiously. "I beg your pardon?! Why would you even say such a thing?!"
"Well for one, you brought clothes to the arl"
"So? I'm just doing my job!"
"Nobody could have ordered you to do that" He merely replied, eyes still focused on his carving
"And how would you know?"
"Because all the people who would task you with it are aware the arl is in no need of new clothes"
The maid fell silent.
"Also" His green eyes narrowed, "You look awfully more fed for a city elf. Trained too, you came in here barely making any noise in your footsteps"
"Fenedhis lasa!" the elven woman cursed dropping the clothes revealing an ornate golden hilt of a single edged dagger. "Fen'Harel ma halam!" In a flash Theron dropped his carving as the assassin charged with expert speed at Sarya who ducked as the elven woman came for her. "Era'harel!" Her movements were fast and strong as the dalish warrior pushed the Telvanni mage away to duck and weave from her attacks.
Quickly regain her footing Sarya sprung a ward on the door so the assassin wouldn't escape. Her eyes paid close attention to the woman's weapon. "Where did you get that dagger!?" That design and shape, there is no way anyone in Thedas could have that!
"Ask questions after taking her down!" Theron growled dodging a slash.
"Lady Redoran! Warden Theron!" The knights from the hall having overhead the commotion ran for the chamber.
The assassin swiftly waged her choices; even if she were to be captured she'd at least fulfil her mission. With that, she lunged towards the frozen form of the arl... only for her body to tilt over and fall stiffly over the wooden floor. Her eyes darted desperately, unable to see anything other than the bedframe before her. Her keen ears picked up the sounds of the heavy boots approaching, along with the other elves talking to each other.
"You could have paralyzed her all along?"
"Yep"
"Well why didn't you? She was about to-"
"Oh the arl was never in any danger, the stasis makes sure of it. A mage of sufficient talent would have to dispel it first. Besides I know you could have taken her easily. I just needed to see her fight for a bit"
The dalish once more showed his confusion, "But why?"
"You can learn a lot by seeing an assassin's fighting skills, helps you tell the simple hitmen from actually professionally trained killers. And this girl here? She had some serious training"
Dispelling the ward over the door the knight was greeted by the sight of the elven assassin being lifted into the air by the dunmer mage. Kneeling down Sarya grabbed the dagger the woman had and held it up as she un-paralyzed the assassin's head. "You boys might want to go get some irons for our friend here," the Telvanni glanced to the knight before looking back; "So... I've got questions."
"Masal din'an!" the assassin spat in the Dunmer's woman's face. "I'll tell you nothing demon spawn."
Sarya wiped the spit off her before pointing to the dagger; "This weapon does not come from Thedas. Care to explain how you have a Tamriel elven dagger?" She rolled her eyes as the woman kept spouting in Thedosian elven; "I do know the dialect and I've been called a lot worse by more honorable people. And I only slept around half as much as my dunmeri mother and Baba thank you."
"You will answer her," Theron approached in a threatening manner.
However the woman was hardly intimidated but remained silent instead of choosing to glare at Sarya. Eventually, they got their answer. Answers that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand.
And Sarya dreaded having to tell her mothers...
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Their journey towards the tower's peak for the Litany continued to be plagued by obstacles. Be it demons or blood mages. But nothing the group could not handle with relative swiftness.
Miara also rescued a member of the Mages' Collective who had been hiding in a closet. Apparently the Collective and the Thieves' Guild were in a sort of a trading partnership, so recovering this contact in the Circle of Magi would help further her reputation with the Guild, and open other resources and information she could receive from them.
The dunmer looked at her companions, the shaken but still resolute Neria, who kept proving she was growing up as a fighter. Her dutiful son Oryrn advising her on other uses of for the Aedric spear. Marcus who kept a clear head in this situation and merely whipped the blood of his sword, even when faced with enemies beyond his expertise, and he continued to prove his reliance as a tactician and company leader.
The group made a stop in Irving's office to check for any signs of foes and looking for the litany. Neria's fingers brushed over her mentor's desk, holding a tight grip to her chest with the other. "We'll save him," Oryrn's words gave some comfort as he patted her shoulder. "We will save this place."
Kneeling down under a table Alistair looked through several crates; "Can't be so simple can it?" he grumbled.
"You would prefer simple," Morrigan jested beside Miara going over a large shelf. Though looking for the litany her yellow eyes stayed sharp for the object she wanted most. Her gaze shifted observing the thur who seem to find a switch behind the books opening a compartment at their feet. Immediately both felt a strong aura as they knelt down to find a medium large black hardbound leather tome. No words were on the front of it but both could feel the familiar power of Flemeth etched in this book.
The elf chewed the inner part of her gums; "Would you know your mother's dovah name?" Morrigan only snorted; "Figured as much."
"I think we can both agree mother is neither that foolish nor idiotic. While she was forthcoming enough on telling me about the shores of Tamriel, Akavir, portions of my draconian heritage, I did not believe it till you showed up. She has been silent on many other topics, including who she might really be." the young woman was quiet; "but not even she can hide completely the bitterness she holds in her heart."
Nor the immeasurable rage, Miara remembered vividly seeing it in her fellow dovah's eyes.
Morrigan shook her head grabbing the tome; "T'is not stealing when it belongs to your family." She tucked it safely within her leather satchel.
Shifting through some papers Gin scratched his head; "Don't think that litany thing is here"
"Then it remains in the upper floors" Wynne deduced, "Far closer to Uldred"
"You don't think he attempted to take it?" Sereda pointed out, it seemed like it'd be a logical move on his part to remove an item that could potentially foil his plans.
"I sincerely doubt Uldred had the foresight to actually consider it" The Senior Enchanter sniffed, "The man is a bullheaded ingrate, his actions against the tower prove it. Even if sought to make the Tower fall, it would only be a matter of time before the Templars or the Darkspawn killed him"
"So we're dealing with a fool who has delusions of grandeur" Miara summed, "Good, those always leave themselves critically open"
"No time to waste" Marcus commanded, "Onwards"
Their journey continued on, the stench of dark magic only becoming even stronger the closer they got to the tower's summit. Clouding the area like a thick fog, or a miasma, something tainted and foul, feeding on pain and the most extreme of emotions.
Brianna's hand and staff glowed with magic; "The Veil has been badly torn here."
"This place reeks of death," Serana walked close by her lover and children. "Likely a lot more demons further up we go."
Both Bran and Loke whimpered looking around; "Think our furry friends here can't help sniff out anything either," Faren commented patting their heads.
"Stay on your guard," Marcus spoke with his swords at the ready as they kept walking.
A small prayer came from Leliana as they saw grotesque bloody veins latched onto the walls and floor. "Voy a tener pesadillas por dias," Zevran muttered in Western Antivan gazing around at the horrors.
Sereda held her shield and sword close controlling her breathing beside her human friend. Her eyes take in the multiple rooms with closed doors. All were locked or sealed by strong magics. Going through a corridor her eyes stopped at the one door that was partly open. Nudging Marcus her looked to his longtime friend who pointed her sword towards the open door. He glanced to the others who quickly followed his lead and prepared for anything that awaited them.
Drawing closer the former noble gently opened the door further that led into a large open room. Inside the room were a slew of bodies and one lone abomination that turned to them; "AHHH! NeRiA, bRiAnNa... WeLcOmE HoMe..." it spoke in a guttural masculine voice.
Though horror glowed in both former Circle mages faces, they faintly recognized the voice; "Rolin..." The elven mage's voice cracked a little.
The creature that was once Rolin nodded happily; "YeS i WaS rOlIn, nOw FrEe."
Brianna felt tears glisten her eyes shaking her head; "No, this is not freedom Rolin."
"We have no time for sympathy, they sold their souls" Serana gravely intoned, arcs of lightning dancing around her fingers.
"AhHhHhHhHh, No NeEd FoR vIoLeNcE" The deep guttural voice replied, the twisted smile on its face never wavering, it need not move its mouth to speak. "YoU hAvE tRaVeLlEd FaR. wOuLdN't It Be bEtTeR tO JuSt... LaY dOwN aNd ReSt?"
A brow was raised in Miara's gaze, the forms and shapes around her becoming blurry. Flares of green flames ignited around the room, lines of arcane energy shined over the floor as they formed intricate patterns. Sigils written in an arcane tongue, the words carrying immense power behind them.
"T-Trap-!" She tried to Shout, but only the hints of a yawn escaped her mouth as her body grew heavy. She fell to a knee, using her sword as not to fall to the ground completely.
"R-Resist" Wynne grunted, her palms on the floor as her arms struggled to hoist up her body. Their companions in heavy armor fell faster, like their hear had increased in weight exponentially.
Not the experienced mages of their party, not even the iron willed individuals, could resist the mighty spell that drained all strength from their bodies and spirits, leaving them at the mercy of a deep slumber.
"ShHhHhHhHhH..." The demon held up a bony finger over its mouth. "SlEeEeEp"
Then, darkness.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
"Wind, guide you..."