Disclaimer: We do not own the Elder Scrolls or Dragon Age Series.
Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23
Pride Falls
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Time is a fickle thing. Even the greatest sorcerers and arcanists in existence would spend their entire lifetimes trying to comprehend it, and yet no matter how much their knowledge would stretch, how much they would master it. Time always slipped from their grasps like sand.
It was an often used metaphor, to call it 'the sands of time'. Representing the hourglass clock, each grain of sand falling, representing the inevitability of time.
But a sand hourglass was not the best way to represent time. It was more like a river, which spreads and branches into many different directions, each current moving at different speeds. The waves of time would ripple; with it affecting both what was, is, will and could be.
Truly, few could understand time.
But time was not beyond the gaze of greater beings, the gods. They would pluck at the strings of fate, and see the destiny of all that lived and died. Even the fate of worlds.
It was two of these gods who noticed the course of this timeline, its final destination, who paused and stared at it with no small amount of worry, and heart-wrenched disappointment.
All things are meant to end, but it is always a tragedy when they are cut far too young. This, Akatosh the Golden Dragon of Time, and Azura, the Prince of Dawn and Dusk, knew and mourned.
Alduin, the Dragon of the End-Time, Firstborn of Akatosh, his spark of time which represented its destructive aspects, the finality of time, would rise to consume the world. And the fated Last Dragonborn would rise to oppose him, giving the world another chance to continue.
But Fate and Prophesy too were fickle things like time, rippling, changing. It would not be the World Eater that would bring about the end, no, it'd be delivered by the greedy hands of mortals.
The great pillars of the world, the Towers, shut down. The planet reduced to a primordial state of matter and arcane power. Absolute chaos where the laws of reality were naught but dust in the wind.
A despairing end for a world that held so much promise, Akatosh and Azura lamented.
Akatosh had long since sworn to protect his world, by any means necessary. And Azura, who would always accept the inevitability of fate, still found herself saddened by the fate of her followers. They still had so much more learn and grow, Red Mountain had been a challenge, a test, and she had yet to see if her children had learnt.
Beyond what mortal minds can understand, the gazes of those who watch over time and fate met by chance, but not in a way a normal person could understand. Their ability to see beyond let the other know of their intentions, so an unspoken agreement was formed.
A Dragonborn to stop Alduin. A champion who would bring low those who would undo the world.
One and the same. Chaos and Order, Stasis and Change, like the spirits of old before them all became different.
Something different, new.
Something that could perhaps make sure this river could change its course from certain doom.
Allow Nirn to grow, for its people to prosper, to learn, to become more.
It would not be a gentle river. It would be violent, rapid, and hard to navigate.
...But it'd have a chance.
A chance was all it needed.
Azura conceived that chance with her blood, joined from the union of her most beloved Champion. And when Akatosh sent a drop of his blood, containing with it a soul, Azura welcomed it.
And so, that chance for something new was born into the mortal world
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Miara breathed out a long sigh. It had felt like an eternity, trying to explain her origins to the others. It had not been the first time she told others this, she herself had trouble grasping it at first, but as time went one she became better at understanding it. It was something she only told the people closest to her life, always on her own terms. Currently however, given the outrageous circumstances beyond even her control, she gave the full complete truth to Marcus and the rest of their Thedosian comrades. Her draconian gaze showed empathy for her mortal friends as the enormity of her revelation was anything BUT easy to comprehend.
"This is... so… fucking crazy," Gin breathlessly reproached running his shaking hand through his messy hair. The poor boy looked to be near hysterical with pure shock and distress. "I should have just let Kylon take my damn head in Denerim." That would have been infinitely easier than dealing with this crap.
He wasn't the only one who looked like they either wanted to go insane or run away sheer in terror.
Leliana was ghostly white, still as a statue, her eyes impossibly wide; "Impossible..."
Serana, who had returned to her old form during her lover's explanation gave a cocked brow; "We're stuck in some dream world fill with thought constructs. But learning Gods exist is impossible? Don't you already believe your god is real?"
"Rationalizing such truths will be difficult for them," Valor spoke up garnering Miara's attention; "Forgive my manners;" He gave a slight bow; "I am Valor, and I owe you a debt of gratitude for my new form. Whatever it is;" He looked back to himself.
"You are Daedra now. And I am sorry that your new form was not given to you by choice."
Valor waved it off; "No apologizes needed. I feel... complete now, as if this was always meant to be who I am."
"Can we focus please?" Alistair nearly all but screamed in a panic; "You're... You're..."
"Yes Alistair, she is a god," Morrigan abolished. "I know it's a struggle for a primitive mind like yours, but do try to keep up"
Brianna slowly peered towards the witch; "Did you know?"
"Oh please, do you think me privy to every secret?"
"But Flemeth knows doesn't she?" Miara questioned glancing over.
Frustration glowed in Morrigan's eyes grunting; "Mother stated you were not just Dovahkiin, but much more. Naturally she withheld those details." Her immense annoyance evident in her tone.
"I... I'm going to need a moment" The elder mage amongst the humans said slowly, sounding very lost. "We are raised believing only in the existence of the Maker. I am... not so ready to believe what you say is fully true. But your power, that is very real. You are far from a simple mortal, Miara"
"I am not a mortal" The dragonoid woman said, in a somewhat melancholic tone. "I have not been for a very long time" She said those words as though it pained her.
The bard was muttering a part of the chant under her breath, "As there is but one world, one life, one death, there is but one god, and He is our Maker."
"I can tell you all those things are wrong, Leliana" Serana spoke back, though not unkindly. "There are many worlds, reincarnation is a thing, and gods, well, sometimes there are far too many in my opinion"
The redhead only clutched to the silver sword hanging from her neck tightly. They could only imagine what sort of turmoil was going behind those shaken blue eyes. Sofie placed a hand on her shoulder, and though she didn't show much reaction to it, Leliana's posture had relaxed, if only slightly.
"Gods, not-gods, spirits, demons" Sereda said, an exasperated tone present in her features. "I have no idea why you surfacers like to make so much trouble for yourself. This is why we dwarves revere the Stone, it's much simpler to worship an embodiment of the earth than a deity"
"Believe it or not, there are many faiths that are like yours" Oryrn brought up.
"Well, maybe not all surfacers are crazy"
The young Cousland just let out a long sigh, and Miara had to give it to him, he was looking far more composed now than before. Rather than the still shaken stupor a lot of their companions still had, he now carried an air of frustration, like he seen enough and no longer had the patience to even argue with any of this crazy shit anymore.
"So... god huh?" Marcus deadpanned, his blue eyes managing to show a bit of humor, most likely to cope with it all. "Should we start bowing?"
Miara was quick to hold up her sharp hands. "Please don't, I'm not ready for that" What she meant was that she loved the idea. Far too much for her to keep the dragon in her under reigns. "My dragon name is Dovahkiin, Born Hunter of Dragon kind. My godly name is Ysmir, Dragon of the North. But to friends and family, I am just Miara. I prefer to be only Miara around you"
"Um," everyone turned to Zevran who seemed surprising composed all things considering; "Wouldn't gods..." He spoke slowly as to trying not to lose said composure; "don't you guys live in a divine realms away from us lowly mortals? Why are you here?"
"I'll explain all of that later when we're not pressed for time."
Neria, who was still visibly shaken held her staff close for comfort; "I feel so... Lost. Like I'm caught up in a storm I have no control in." Honestly it felt like since Ostagar. "Can things ever make sense again..." Her voice cracked. She squeaked with one of Miara's large claw-like hands came down and gently held her in the most maternal manner Neria ever felt. Kneeling down to her.
"I felt exactly like you do thirty years ago," Ysmir's voice full of tenderness and complete understanding; "Learning about of this. I was terrified, but it is these moments that shape us. And I failed that," She looked at Neria and then to everyone; "You all saw my failure. But I can make damn sure none of you fall like I did." Her turned back to the young elven mage; "and become better."
It was as Oryrn said...
Sorrow glowed in Neria orbs before the dovahkiin sharply turned her gaze towards a large alien statue; "Whoever is hiding I know you're there." The whole group sharply shifted around with weapons at the ready, only to stop and sigh with Niall slowly peeking his head out. His expression was gob smacked for obvious reasons as he stared at the sight of the divine being who cocked her head; "And you are?"
Brianna sighed with a huff; "This is Niall, a victim of the abomination that brought us here." She quickly came over to her fellow mage; "Take it you heard everything?"
The man had physically willed himself stop staring at the towering entity that knelt beside Neria and gawk at Amell; "The entire Fade trembled because of... of... her" His was heavily shaken pointing to Miara; "I came quickly as I could because I thought you might needed help. Then I saw... I saw..."
"Yeah," Bri murmured with equal emotion; "She is on our side. All that matters."
Niall sluggishly nodded before turning his eyes back to Miara who now stood once more. "I have so many questions... But you're needed back at the tower."
"You're not coming?" the Dragonborn inquired.
"Niall was trapped in the Fade too long," Neria mourned; "His body is dead."
"Hmm" Miara grew pensive. "So many lives lost pointlessly here... maybe at least I can save just one soul" She walked towards the deceased mage, taking long strides with her long legs. Niall cowered slightly under her form, and Miara could not blame him, given what she's seen.
She ignored the little voice in her the back of her mind, telling her this was the natural course of things, eventually mortals would not be able to stand in her presence without awe or terror.
Miara took a good look at him, seeing more than what mere mortal eyes could see. In her form as Ysmir, beyond the mortal world where all the limitations were placed on her, she could grasp the nature of people's souls. Saw them in colors as though she was using her Aura Whisper. There was pain, some pessimism brought on by his upbringing in the Circle, but the man had never lashed out unfairly at those who didn't deserve it, never struck in anger, never cheated or deceived friends or colleagues for his own benefit. He just went on with his head bowed, hoping it wouldn't bring him much trouble.
But love had touched his soul as well, maternal love perhaps that was enough to qualify...
"You shall go to the realms of Aetherius, to one of Mara's kingdoms, the Mother Goddess of Love" She said regally. "Find the gatekeeper and tell them; 'By right of honor, Ysmir deems me worthy'. My word should be enough for the Great Mother"
Niall looked lost, growing pensive by his words. "...What will I find there?"
"Peace" Miara said gently. "Certainly something better looking than this place"
Raising her hand a faint glow came from her palm; close to Niall a portal opened glowing a brilliant white. Niall stared in awe before looking back; "You would grant me this?"
"I would," Miara grinned with warmth.
The mage breathed out a long sigh gazing to Wynne, Brianna, and Neria; "I suppose this is farewell."
Leliana shook her head but said nothing holding her necklace tightly.
The elderly mage came over to her fellow mage's side. She stared at the open portal before looking back; "Are you certain you wish to go through? Who knows where you may go?"
"I can promise you," Oryrn spoke up with reverence; "Lady Mara's realm is a place of peace, warmth, and love. You will find no safer place than in the great mother's arms."
At that the faintest of smiled bloomed on Niall's lips; "That doesn't sound so bad." He looked back to Wynne who showed concern; "I think I'll be alright."
Though hesitant the older woman gave a nod as they observed the man take step for the portal. Stopping at the threshold Niall swore he could feel the warmth of sunlight. Gazing back to Miara he gave a small bow that she returned, releasing a sigh the man stepped through and the portal vanished.
"No," Leli whispered; "that was wrong..." One was suppose walk through Fade and leave it to find the Maker's light.
Miara peered towards the redhead overhearing her whisper. "Such righteous benevolence!" An unnerved deadpan bore on her face at hearing her own voice. Turning to the opposite side she saw the being adorned in HER ebony armor with helmet included; "You are truly an amazing goddess worth revering."
Said goddess stared at the newly born Daedra; "Who are you? Why are wearing my armor? And why do you sound like me?" Her voice growing more unnerved just asking such questions.
"Oh right" At least this Neria felt more comfortable dealing with. "This is a spirit of Adventure. She saw your journeys and became rather enamored with them, so choose to emulate you"
"For what greater Adventures has anyone had than Miara Dragon Slayer! Vanquisher of Alduin and Bane of the Thalmor!" The armored spirit said, once more, in her own voice.
Okay, no.
"If I see my own face behind that helmet, I will be very upset" Miara warned.
"...Your concerns have been noted!" The spirit cheerfully said, the voice warping with an echo so it no longer resembled her own. "I do hope you will not mind my manifesting this armor. T'is truly the armaments of a legendary champion!"
"It was a good armor..." Miara acknowledged with nostalgia. Her first time forging ebony, and she poured her heart and soul into it. That armor had accompanied her through many adventures.
"We should really go back to the waking world" Was it sad that Marcus didn't think this was weird anymore? Probably. "How do we do that?"
"Oh should be simple for us to wake you all up, now that there isn't anything tethering you" Brianna brightly explained, happy to leave this horrible nightmare behind.
"We'll... still have to deal with Rolin," Neria voiced in a hushed tone.
Serana spoke back; "Miara and I can handle that."
With that Miara turned to Valor and Adventure; "As for you two. I can send you to my mother's realm of Moonshadow. From there you can learn and understand what you've become."
"If it is all the same, I wish to remain here for a time," Valor requested surprising the goddess; "I know enough that I am eternal now, but aware Guilt and his minions are the same."
"What?!" Alistair exclaimed; "But we killed them all. Miara turned the rest to ash."
"Death holds no sway to daedra," Sofie addressed; "Eventually they will all return from the waters of Oblivion."
"Well, shit..." Faren slumped with a groan.
"And there is also the fact my presence has likely altered more beings into daedra around this place," Miara omitted; "And not friendly ones like these two." there was also the fact with how malleable this realm is, it is likely been altered to some degree.
"Indeed," Adventure proclaimed; "And Valor and myself can watch over the Fade, possibly finding more daedric allies. Or enemies to bring down against our might!"
Crossing her arms Miara thought for a moment before nodding; "Good idea, but still." Raising one hand sigils soon appeared on the respected armors of Valor and Adventure; "In the most dire of emergencies that can take you both to Moonshadow. And any allies that you might find here."
"T'is a good plan, my lady" Valor said, "We do not know what repercussions these... events will have on the Fade. This area will remain forever marked I fear. And so, we must do our best to make sure this evil spreads not"
"Well shall remain vigilant!" Adventure proudly said, like she was a bad actor doing her best to chew the scenery.
"Good" Miara nodded before turning to their mage companions. "We must return"
The Thedosian mages nodded, and through their craft they weaved the Fade's magic, casting them away from the dream land.
XxX - xx - XxX
Miara's red eyes snapped open, she groaned as she slowly stood up. She would have thought it impossible before, but the sight of the Circle walls were a welcoming. Around her, the Wardens' company soon regained their bearings; all of them looked like Oblivion had run them over. But they were still alive, and more than a few wanted retribution for being held through that torturous ordeal.
"YuO... yUo EsCaPeD?!" The gurgling voice of the Rolin abomination said in shock, looking at them with fear in its twisted features. "WhAt We FeLt... WhAt ArE yOu?!"
A deep growl escaped from Miara's throat, which soon emerged as a shout. "Wuld Nah Kest!"
She was in front of it in an instant, Dawnbreaker buried deep into its grotesque body, on what had to pass for its chest. The Abomination gurgled, trying to pull the blade away, but the sacred sword's flames burned its unnatural hands, and burned it from the inside.
Then in a wave of red mist, Serana was upon it, burying her katana deep through its skull.
Only a lone groaned whimper escaped it's twisted visage before both ladies pulled out their blades and the creature fell engulfed by Dawnbreaker's fire. Heartbreak shone in the eyes of Neria and Brianna watching Rolin's grotesque form burn to ashes. "Goodbye," Neria murmured wiping away some stray tears. Bran let out a whimper at her side while Loke sniffed the ashes.
Released a disgruntled grunt Faren rubbed his neck; "Don't want to do that ever again." He turned an eye toward Miara who was back in elven form; "Can you use all that 'godly might' to take care of everything else in this damn tower? Or hell I think you could win the war for us."
"That 'godly might' is quite limited in the mortal world," the Dragonborn reproached dryly; "In places like Aetherius or Oblivion it's no trouble going all out." Never mind most of her dragon shouts were indiscriminate when used. Causing equal harm on both friend and foe. And that knowledge she got from the Black Books only helped so much, she had to be actively aware of where her friends and foes where.
Sofie glanced over to Leliana who had been remaining silent; "Are you okay?" The redhead gave no response as she gazed at the ground.
Peering around at the bodies Wynne stopped as she saw Niall's lifeless form. She bit back her grief as she knelt down and retrieved the litany; "Rest easy old friend. We will handle the rest"
"So this scroll can help us free Irving and the others from Uldred's control?" Sofie asked. The redhead at her side walked over to the elderly Wynne, reading over her shoulder.
"Indeed" Neria nodded, "Casting the magic of the Litany requires someone reading its content aloud, and that's the only way to activate it. Then, its magic will dispel any type of demonic spells, mind control, or the like"
"Which means someone will have to stay back and read it while the rest fight" Marcus commented.
"My abilities lay more on support roles" Wynne offered, "I can stay at the side and read the Litany, I have some experience with it, and so some of the lines should come more easily for-"
"Done" Leliana suddenly cut off, drawing everyone's attention. "I just memorized it; the Litany can work by anyone reciting it without holding it right?"
"I... yes?" The elder human mage said, looking as taken aback as the rest were. "Did you really learn it from memory after reading it once?"
"Oh that was nothing, once I had to memorize an entire play in an afternoon." The redheaded bard smiled sweetly, making Sofie wonder if this was an attempt to ignore recent events that had shaken her. "And that one included a musical number"
"You have a colorful past" Sereda remarked with a raised brow.
"You have no idea."
Marcus grunted gazing around at the bodies before turning back to Neria and Brianna; "We should start moving again."
"I can't help but agree," Morrigan voiced her own opinion idly looking at her staff; "The sooner we save your Irving, the sooner we stop the Templars and save this... Tower." She held back her biting words to say 'cage'.
Wynne gave a nod; "She is right, let us get this nightmare over with."
No more words needed spoken the group left the area to finally resume their ascent of Kinloch Hold.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Gin's hands held his crossbow tightly, his eyes surveying shelves filled with countless strange materials that he swore were parts of beasts. "The hell is this room?"
"The alchemical research and storage room," Wynne explained shifting her eyes all around.
Faren blinked at the sight of enormous tooth on the floor; "You dusters have an entire floor for this crap?"
"Alchemy is an important field of study," Serana declared rather proudly; "I could spend all day in this room."
"You can indulge your hobby later" Miara said. "Right now, I want to get this over with"
The closer they got to the top of the tower, the more they could feel the great mass of foul magic permeating the air. Almost thick like sludge. The source of all the dark rituals in this place was near. And with some fortune, a way to end it all at last.
"Be ready" Wynne warned, "We may yet find more opposition as we reach Uldred"
The area that leads to the last flight of stairs did not, in fact, hold more resistance from blood mages or demons. Just a very wary and clearly shaken young Templar trapped inside a magical barrier. His armored had several dents and burns, his face looked like it had been roughed up, with cuts and bruises. Obviously he had been tortured. He now knelt in prayer, shakily holding his hands together and he recited the Chant, over and over, in an attempt to give him strength and comfort.
Faren was his usual self, "If this is their last line of defense, I think they need to rethink their strategy"
"I know him..." Neria muttered. "That's Cullen, one of the youngest Templars" She took a step closer, stopping right before the bubble. "Cullen, can you hear me?"
He looked up, eyes wide and frantic. He quickly stood on his legs and backed away, until his back made contact with the barrier. "Be gone! Be gone I said, you monsters!"
"Cullen, it's okay" Wynne said comfortingly, "We're here to he-"
"Shut up!" He screamed his voice cracking. He put his hands on his ears as he shut his eyes tightly. "You won't take me; I won't believe your lies!"
Concern glowed in Sofie's eyes; "They broke the poor lad."
"You can use her illusion again and again but I will not be deceived!"
"Who is he talking about?" Neria inquired in worry.
However a dry deadpan bore on Brianna's face turning her gaze towards her friend; "He means you, you nitwit."
"...huh," was the only response that came from the elven mage who stared back with her ears twitching.
"Maker were you that oblivious!?" Amell pointed to the tortured and half crazed Templar; "Cullen has had a crush on you since he was assigned to the damn tower!"
Neria's expression was still before slowly going agape with a blush; "What!?"
"As illuminating as this is, we need to help him," Marcus addressed slowly.
Miara strolled towards the barrier as Cullen gasped opening his eyes. "Demon!" He tried to go for his sword but it was not on his belt.
"It might be better to leave him be. Right now his mind is too broken, and he will likely attack us in his state." The Dragonborn remarked gently.
"At least calm him first" Sofie said, feeling sorry for the poor man.
"On it" Serana dispelled the barrier around him with a wave of her hand.
Bereft of both his prison and his protection, Cullen went for a sword, only to grasp the air as he realized he was not armed. "Get back! I'll-"
A wave of magic washed over him, his eyes rolled to the back of his head as he slumped forward. Serana's supernatural speed and reflexes were fast enough to catch him before he fell over; she easily held his armored weight and gently set him down on the floor. "Sleep, forget about all this for a moment"
Neria looked down at the Templar with a confused frown, "He liked me? I... don't think anyone ever liked me like that"
"With a pretty face like yours?" Zevran teased with a grin. "Ohh only the blind would fail to grasp your beauty"
"Okay, back away from her you" Brianna said protectively as she half-heartedly pushed the assassin away. "I don't want her to catch whatever blazes you have" The tattooed elf huffed and crossed his arms indignantly.
Marcus walked forth to the last great set of doors; he noticed they were much more ornate than others they have walk through before. "So, this is it?"
"The Harrowing chamber, on the top of the Tower" Wynne affirmed, "Uldred lies beyond this place. Be warned though, I have no doubt in my mind he must be in league with a powerful demon"
"After the things we faced in the Fade, one more dream-sprite does not scare me" Taking out his family blade, Marcus motioned the others to prepare.
Arrows and bolts were readied, blades were unsheathed, magic stood at the ready to be unleashed, and a protective barrier was cast upon their group. He felt Neria's spells strengthen him, granting him further fortitude and resilience, with a nod gratitude to her, Marcus lifted his foot and kicked the gates open.
Rushing inside a horrified gasp had escaped Neria's lips. Dozens of dismembered bodies of Templars and mages lay scattered throughout the Harrowing chamber's floor. Blood and visceral soaked the stone as one sole figure stood in the chamber's center. But what stood and slowly turned to greet the group made the blood within their veins turn cold. The hairs on their faithful mabari stood as they bared their fangs.
The black and red robes were unmistakable, but from the chest up was not the bald head of Uldred. But the horned visage of a pride demon, with its eight glowing eyes glaring in crimson. Portion of his shoulders as well as his forearms and hands resemble the powerful demon. "Well this is rather unexpected," Though it had no mouth, Uldred's voice, distorted and deepened spoke. "Finally come to join me Wynne? And you brought Neria and Brianna with you." It's eyes brightened seeing the others; "Ahh, and more to become my thralls."
Utter horror glowed on the face of the elderly enchanter who brought a shaken hand over her mouth; "Uldred... You didn't."
"Oh he did," The twisted being nodded; "believed himself strong enough to control me after he unshackled my bindings by your blasted rituals." It's voiced changed, to a voice that Neria thought she would never hear again; "Unlike you Surana, his 'pride' consumed him." it chuckled with pure malice. "All those long years of confinement by your blasted tower. I returned the hospitality in kind."
"…Mouse…" Neria shuddered.
"In the flesh, finally. Though admittedly I would have preferred you. This old lump of meat is barely a spark compared to you." A loud gasp caught the attention of the group, behind the abomination laid a badly injured Irving along with senior enchanter Torrin who was equally wounded. "Ah yes, so they are still breathing." Uldred/Mouse glanced back; "Impressive wills for these old cods. The others barely lasted a day."
They were laid inside an arcane symbol painted with pungent red liquid. No doubt the blood of Uldred's victims; this was a ceremony to bind them to his will.
"They've proven... resistant. Defying my attempts to forcefully possess them in the Fade, but once my binding is complete, they shall be the perfect puppets" The Abomination said with horrid glee.
Leliana discretely nudged Wynne; the elder mage nodded as she stood behind one of their companions and pulled out the Litany. The bard cleared her throat and prepared to chant.
"I must thank you, young heroes" Uldred/Mouse said, his multiple eyes shifting. "You've brought me such great hosts to be my slaves! Ahhh yes, I felt your struggles in the Fade, your determination, your power... You" He pointed a clawed finger at Miara. "I've never felt something so great before... I shall leave this vessel, and take your body instead, and then the legends of the Black City shall be replaced by the terror of Pride! I shall be-!"
"FUS RO DAH!"
Force, sheer force, not wind, pushed against him. Not even a telekinetic push of magic. It was like space itself had solidified and becoming a solid substance hit him with the strength of a giant. Sending him flying against a corner of the room, colliding painfully with the wall.
"Read the damn thing!" Miara shouted, her voice momentarily hoarse.
Leliana wasted no time, and began repeating the Litany's words from perfect memory as Wynne held the scroll open. The ink on its fabric began shining, releasing a pulse of golden magic that began disrupting Uldred/Mouse's ritual.
The abomination's mouth finally appeared and opened, spitting blood and rage. "NO!" And shoved a hand towards the circle's direction, trying to keep his ritual from being torn asunder.
He had not spent years as the mage's pet only to be brought low like this! His form began shining, fully intending to ascend in his full glorious demonic form. But was stopped by a multitude of lightning bolts and waves of sharp frost slamming into him, the vampire unleashed her full fury in her magic, making sure he had not a moment of respite.
"Wuld Nah Kest!"
Then, a sacred sword of holy flames buried itself in his skull.
The abomination's body was set ablaze like a raging pyre of gold and blue. Pulling out her blade Mouse/Uldred slide down onto his knees, its form slowly burning up. The divine flames burning away both the man and demon, it's corrupted form a slight upon life itself.
And judged by the unrelenting fury of Dawnbreaker's wrath.
Eight half vacant eyes peer up to the radiant crimson orbs that sneer back. "Return to Oblivion;" the elf turned on her heels sheathing her blade as the abomination's body collapsed forward and became ash.
Like the wind Neria and Wynne came to side of Irving and Torrin, within a heartbeat both waved their strongest healing magics from their palms. The elven mage fought the grief at the sight of the countless wounds upon her old teacher and focused on mending them. A groan escaped the First Enchanter's old lips as they parted, his vision blurry as he opened his eyes. Focusing, he at first thought it was an illusion upon gazing at the form of his former apprentice kneeling beside him.
But he felt no manipulation to his mind, or the constant torture inflicted by the abomination that was once Uldred; "N-Neria..." his voice was horse, pained as he spoke. "Is... Is this a trick?"
The elf shook her head, unable to stop her tears as she smiled; "It's me, teacher."
"Wynne," the braided hair Torrin groaned; "I felt the Litany's power..."
"You and Irving are safe old friend."
"There are other survivors?"
"We've suffered losses" Wynne mournfully informed him, "But we saved as many as we could"
The number of those who saved would never be big enough.
"First Enchanter Irving" Marcus stepped forth, "I am Marcus Cousland, leader of this company, we came here to once more recruit Kinloch Hold's aid in the war effort against the Darkspawn"
"Knight-Commander Greagoir had requested the Right of Annulment" Neria added with severity. "He said only seeing you would convince him the tower could be saved"
"The Right-?!" He gasped, the gesture causing him pain. He still had yet to heal properly, even with the healing spells casted upon him. "Yes, I can see why Greagoir would think no other choice was left, the atrocities Uldred and his conspirators did, the foul powers he invoked..."
"Yes" Alistair grimly said, "We saw it ourselves"
"Are you in any condition to meet with him?" Marcus asked.
"If the Circle is at stake, my condition matters not" He stood with Neria and Wynne's held, as Alistair and Gin marched over to Torrin to help him walk as well. "Come, we must not delay" He sighed, "Curse whoever thought the Circle had to be in a tall tower..."
"Marcus" Miara called out to the noble. "Serana and I will perform a fast sweep of the tower" Her Aura Whisper was of great help in moments like this. "Once we hear the Tower is safe from purging, we'll retire to Soldier's Peak" Her brow furrowed, a myriads of strong emotions flashing in her eyes. "I've had enough of this place..."
Understanding shone in the former Nobleman's eyes as he nodded back; "Alright. Though I think more questions will fallow if teleporting within the tower. But that's just a suggestion," He neither had the gall nor the arrogance to believe he could order a god what to do.
The dunmeri woman picked on how he phrased his words before chuckling; "You have no need to be restraint with me because you know what I am now. I stand beside you, not 'above' you."
"It will take a while to process it all. Meet back at the Spoiled Princess in the morning?"
"Be sure to have Oryrn engrave a rune close by so we can get back," Serana explained as they begun to leave.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Petra let out a cry of relief along with many other mages and a bandaged Hadley at the sight of Neria and her group appearing with First Enchanter Irving and Senior Enchanter Torrin. "Thank the Maker, or whoever is out there," Senior Enchanter Leorah expressed with worry.
"The whole tower shook! What was that?!" A mage questioned out loud.
"My stomach," Alistair bemused with a wiry grin.
There was exasperation shared by the mages at the deflection, but they put it aside. Irving was here, which meant the Templars no longer had reason to call for the Right. "Do not mistake my hurry for unkindness, Irving, but you need to get to the knights quickly" Leorah said with urgency. "Talk Greagoir down"
"We're on our way" Marcus assured. "Alistair, Wynne, you're with me. The rest of you, stay here and rest"
His orders found little resistance, for the exception of Neria. "I'd like to go too when we talk to Greagoir"
"Unless he grovels about how we had done his job for him, then it's a waste of time Neria" Brianna said snidely. "You know he'll only talk to Irving"
"But we are the Wardens who need the Circle's aid" Neria called out as Irving need less of her help walking. All the while Gin and Alistair set Torrin down gently in one of the beds to be cared for by the other mages. The Warden patted the elf on the back and went to join Marcus.
Brianna let out a sigh through her nose as she crossed her arms.
"Good, our business is done here" Morrigan said, channeling the power of the port-key in her jewelry. "About time"
And vanished in a flash of light, much to the shock and amazement of the other mages.
"You know, if the Templars saw that I bet they'd go crazy" Faren commented.
"What, being able to leave with a thought?" Gin whispered discretely to him. "Oh yeah"
As soon as Neria and the others had gone through the door and vanished from sight, it took her all two seconds to ponder on her next course of action. Barely sparing another glance at the damn walls of the Tower before following after Morrigan.
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Reaching the massive steel doors bared to the tower entrance, Alistair spoke up declaring; "We have the First Enchanter!"
"You expect us to believe that?" A Templar off handily quipped.
"Yes," Irving reproached garnering silence from the other side. "The First Enchanter is here, so kindly open the doors and get fetch Greagoir please."
Commotion could be heard behind the door before the sound of the metal bar keeping the door seal was moved. Gradually the doors opened revealing every Templar armed and ready for battle with the Knight-Commander at their lead. However Greagoir laxed at the sight of Irving; "You are alive." relief rushed through his being.
"How can you be sure sir," A wounded Templar called out in question.
"I know full well if this would be a trick or not," the older man paused before peering back to mage leader; "It is you isn't it?"
At that the elderly mage chuckled; "Don't tell me your eyes are fading on you now Greagoir?"
Yeah, this was Irving. "Sheath your weapons Templars!"
Thought hesitant, the Templars obeyed their commander; "Now kindly stop the Right of Annulment," Marcus addressed evenly.
"It will not be sent now that I see Irving. And take it the Tower is finally clear?" The knight-commander's eyes peered to the sight of the grey elven woman from earlier and the tall Avvar woman in leathers walking passed them and out of the tower. Neither spared a glance to the Templars as they opened the doors and left.
Wynne breathed out a sigh; "It's clear, but many lives were lost. Likely more if not for Hadley."
"Hadley!? He's alive?" A Templar voiced up.
"He holed up in the upper levels with more survivors" Neria said, "Besides some wounds which we've helped treat, they are alright. We passed them on the way, to tell them the Tower is secure. They decided to help scour it for other survivors or remaining blood mages"
"And the source of all this?" Greagoir asked warily.
"Uldred" Irving responded tiredly.
A look of anger and disgust crossed his face, "Of course he was" He almost snarled. "Is he dead?"
"Very much so" Marcus replied, Miara's holy sword certainly made sure of that. "It appears he had been possessed by a Pride demon"
"A Pride?" Horror was evident in Greagoir and the other templars whose faces could be seen. A mage of Uldred's talent possessed by a Pride Demon could create a creature of unbelievable power.
"Not any Pride, I'm afraid" Wynne said, "It was Mouse"
"M-Mouse?!" He bellowed, "The demon we keep bound for the Harrowing?!"
"He must have found a weak point, a loophole, through his binding. Something that allowed Uldred to make a deal and free him" Neria theorized.
The Knight-Commander paced angrily, "I knew keeping such a powerful demon for the rite was too dangerous! The clerics should have listened my warnings!"
"There was much we could have done to have prevented this nightmare," Wynne lamented.
"We can toss blame another day" Irving said placating. "Right now, we have a Circle to rebuild. One that remains standing thanks to the Wardens and their allies" The First Enchanter turned to the young heroes. "I do believe you said you need aid against the Blight"
Marcus nodded; "We do, but there is also an emergency at Redcliffe that needs your mages' expertise." A cocked brow came from the elderly man; "Arl Eamon was poisoned."
"Poisoned!" many shared the shock and startlement with the knight-commander of the news.
"By... 'Regent' Loghain Mac Tir," Alistair restrained his seething in his tone.
Disappointment glowed from Wynne who swayed her head; "By the Maker has the man lost his senses?"
"I can't answer that," Marcus murmured with a shrug; "But civil war is threatening to tear Ferelden apart between his loyalists and the rest of Bannorn."
"All while ignoring the Darkspawn rising in from the south," Irving was agape in pure disbelief. "It's like the whole of Thedas has gone mad."
"One way to put it," Alistair quipped dryly.
"I know you suffered loses, first Ostagar, now this" The Cousland said with sympathy to the mages. "But Ferelden is in dire need of aid. We need might of your spells, to drive back the horde, to help the wounded and fight. Or this land shall be consumed"
Irving did not even have to stop to think about it. "We may have been wounded, but we mages are sturdy and stubborn folk" He smiled, his wizened features crinkling even further. The gesture was shared by Wynne and Neria, taking pride in his confidence despite all that happened. "You will have our magic at your side"
"I'll make sure the Chantry doesn't stonewall the efforts to coordinate with the Circle" Greagoir promised, much to Neria's surprise. "The Blight threatens us all, they can complain after they're saved"
"And here I expected you to grumble after this" The First Enchanter said with humor in his voice.
"Oh I'm sure we'll be right back at each other's throat after this is over" Greagoir smiled in kind. "But for now, it's good to see you again"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
The moment Miara and Serana got word the tower was safe from the Annulment, they teleported to Soldier's Peak immediately. Paying little to no attention to the small number of people there, and just retreated to their room in silence.
There, Miara grabbed the swords from her belt and unceremoniously threw them at the side of the room. Removing cloak, bracers, shoulder pads, and all the different plates that covered her reinforced leather.
Serana, as she too removed with the armored parts of her outfit, could only stare pityingly at her lover. She didn't need to say anything to express the sheer turmoil on her.
Her bare feet touched the cool floor, but Miara didn't care, she just kicked her boots away and removed the last parts of her accoutrements, wearing only a loose linen shirt and her underclothes. And sat heavily upon the bed, her arms resting on her knees as she leaned forward with a heavy frown on her features.
Serana slowly sat next to her, making contact by leaving no distance between them.
Miara joined her hands together, fingers locked. They shook from the pressure. Her brow twitched, anger, rage and frustration mixing in with the swelling sadness evident in her wet eyes.
A lifetime of regrets, a lifetime of guilt born from her sins. Her own failures and the nature of her divine essence brought to bear in such a display as though it was a play for all to see...
Guilt directed the perfect performance for her.
Serana placed a hand on hers, and with a gentle look of her eyes told her it was all going to be okay.
Miara just leaned in, burying her face in her lover's shoulder, wishing to forget this day.
She knew she wouldn't, it was another reminder of her remorse, and that one would haunt her forever.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX