Disclaimer: We do not own Elder Scrolls or Dragon Age series
Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23
Dregs of the past
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
With Miara off to her latest pursuit, Serana kept herself busy by helping with the last renovations around the keep. She rather not barge in to Avernus' chamber every time she wanted to tinker with potions so instead she set up her own private alchemy and enchanting rooms for her and Miara to use. All it took was summoning Butler to bring their throes of resources to properly set up the equipment with all the ingredients and reagents they could need.
That did not mean she did not go over to see what the (relatively) old human was doing with Alfe. The two were apparently discussing ways to further purify the Joining ritual to reduce its mortality rate, and she caught hints of a sort of 'Second Joining' that Avernus had been working on for a long while. It did not particularly interest or concern the vampire so she had left them be, deciding it was time to see how their companions were doing.
Speaking of one such companion, she caught Morrigan hurriedly making her way to the transport room in the keep, barely looking over where she was going and instead reading over some notes placed upon the tome she had gotten from the tower. She looked harried, nervous, outright disturbed even. Serena didn't think there was much that could get this reaction out of the swamp witch.
"Found something that piqued your interest?" She snidely asked as she picked up the pace to walk next to the witch.
"I found far more than I was ever supposed to know" She replied cryptically with wariness. "I need to talk to Sarya, now"
"Alright" Serana said slowly, this really was serious. "Do you want to tell me what's about?"
"I... no, not yet. I am more comfortable talking to your daughter"
Morrigan always kept herself so distant from the group, not that the others made any effort to talk to her. But she couldn't blame them, Morrigan was unpleasant on a good day, always trying to demean and insult the others, what they believed or stood for. It did not surprise Serana she had no friends. Though as far apart as she kept her own tent from the others in camp, it did not escape the vampire how sometimes she would watch other the main campfire as the others talked and laughed, as if she found the displays of camaraderie curious but had no idea how to take part of them.
Sarya was the closest thing the witch had to a friend, so it was of no surprise to Serana that whatever it was Morrigan found, she only wanted to talk about it with Sarya.
Serana turned her gaze back to the fast travel system cocking a brow; "Looks like everyone is back at Redcliffe anyways." Without another word both vanished in a flash of light.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Brianna sighed sitting at a table in main hall going over a map of Ferelden before feeling a pulse of magic. Peering over her side Serana and Morrigan appeared in the room; "Miara's not with you?" she paid no mind of the swamp witch darting out of the room in a quick pace.
"Miara has gone back to Tamriel to work on that star metal. And to clear her head after what happened in the Fade," the vampire omitted with a shrug; "Likely be gone for a day or two."
An incredulous brow rose from the beautiful buxom brunette; "Only a day or two to forg-" she stopped mid-sentence before remembering; "Right, Goddess and all that."
Serana faintly smirked; "You can't tell me you forgot?"
"No, more along the lines of still wrapping my head around the fact Gods do exist."
Of that Serana had no doubt everyone was coming to terms with that monumental revelation. "Has Theron and the others been told?"
"Sofie explained it might be better if Miara tell them. Cause they likely won't believe it, our Qunari friend especially."
The Nordic vampire conceded with a nod, was probably be best. It was then she noticed the strong tension in her young human friend; "Is something wrong?"
At the question Bri stiffened with hesitation in her sapphire orbs; "Umm. We do have some important news that happened in Redcliffe that you need to know." The brunette heaved a large sigh; "Sarya and Theron apprehended an assassin who was after arl Eamon. She was caught and interrogated, and it turned out she works for a group you know very well… the Thalmor." She spoke as delicately as possible.
In a mere instant she swore the entire room became bone terrifyingly freezing. Serana's face became completely unreadable, but Bri noticed the woman's irises were slit. "Say," Amell felt a chill run up her spine in how low and menacing the woman begun to speak; "That. Again." Gradually Serana leaned down to where her face was inches from the mage.
Brianna quickly briefed her in everything that happened in their absence. Their conclusions about the Thalmor having been in Thedas for decades. Their negotiation with Nihlus. Their next course of action regarding the elven supremacists and the sudden information about Ostagar regarding King Cailan.
The vampire was taking long breaths to calm her, her chest heaving as if about to burst from the swelling rage.
All that time fighting, all their efforts, the blood shed to wipe those bastards from the face of Nirn, and here they were all over again.
Serana's fingers dug into the stone from a nearby wall, and with a raging cry she left a long series of deep gashes as her arm lashed out, her sharp nails leaving a trail not dissimilar to a bear's claw mark.
Brianna looked on with wide eyes, taking a step back from the vampire. "Are... Are you calm now?" She found it safer to ask.
"...I'll work on it" Serana promised, anger still lacing her tone. "You did the right thing, contacting Nihlus like you did" She rubbed her eyes; "If the Thalmor are here then the empire must deal with it. I do not want to imagine what those degenerates have been up with thirty years of uninterrupted plotting"
"And about Miara...?"
"Much as I hate to keep things from her, it's wiser to keep this between us until she calms down" The vampire said sympathetically at the mage. "As she is now, I do not what to imagine the wreck she'd leave on her wake just to get them"
Brianna sighed with relief; "So now we plan what to do about Ostagar and Storm Coast."
"Right, go tell Marcus I'm back. I'll be out in the courtyard... calming down;" Serana begun marching off.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Amell wandered through the castle's grand hall in search for their group's leader. Giving passing nods to guards along the way. Briefly she had seen lady Isolde with the finally awakened Connor roaming about. She was glad the boy was alright and more so after Sarya had dealt with the Desire demon that possessed him. Though she also knew the boy would never have a normal life after what happened in Redcliffe, and eventually he'd be sent to Kinloch Hold.
And she hated the fact that there were no other alternatives for the boy instead of being taken away from his family.
Shaking off the thoughts she continued through the castle till finding the Cousland speaking with Ser Perth and Ser Donall. Her eyes noticed the envelopes given to their leader before the knights walked away. Strolling up to Marcus she patted his shoulder to garner his attention; "Yes Bri?"
"Serana is back, I filled her in on what is going on. Said she would be in the courtyard." The brunette glanced down to the letters; "What are those?"
"Oh," Marcus held the letters close; "Messages from my mother and Iona. Bann Alfstanna and Mother Mallol was able to send them to me."
There was a light in the man's eyes Bri couldn't help but notice; "I'm glad you're able to speak with them."
"..." Marcus paused; "Wish I could go see them. Least for a little while." His mother's comfort would do him a world of good after all they had been through. And Iona, to hold her in his arms again. He shook his head; "But duty comes first."
Amell could not help but really admire Marcus. He was good decent man, amazing leader, and open minded to much. She almost felt a little jealous that this Iona woman claimed his heart first. But she was happy just to be his comrade; "Sarya should be here soon with some mages from the Circle. No doubt convincing them teleportation magic does work first;" she snorted.
As if invoked by her words, a magical circle full of arcane lettering manifested in the middle of the great hall. Marcus barely paid attention to it, either a testament to how much he had gotten used to such mystical happenings around him, or more engrossed by his family's letter.
Five shimmering figures coalesced from solid life, giving shape to Sarya and four other mages from the Circle Tower. The Circle magi had a mix of fascination and fright, along with a bit of nausea, as they underwent what they previously thought could only be a magical miracle.
"And here we are!" Sarya cheered with a smile.
"...I'm gonna throw up" One of the mages had to gather himself, seeking refuge by holding for dear life to a wall.
"That was... quite the experience" Wynne said warily.
Brianna had to do a double take to confirm that, indeed, Wynne was present amongst the Circle mages. Oh joy, now she could spend the next hour or so being reprimanded by whatever thing she did wrong that day. Maybe the unhealthy breakfast of sweets she had...
The Telvanni spun on her heels to smile back at the mages with her hands on her hips; "Now boys and girls I do believe that I have proven that Tamrielic magic is far more advanced than Thedosian magic yes?"
A female mage held her stomach swaying a little; "We will take your word for it Miss Redoran."
"Still, magic should not be used so casually," Bri could not stop the eye roll from Wynne's reproach.
"I never take my magic casually," Sarya quipped back seriously much to Marcus's surprise; "Magic in and of itself is dangerous to everyone who wields it. From a full master to a novice, magic is to taken with utter seriousness or can be dire consequences for you and those around you. My mothers and teachers taught me that."
One of the circle mages gave her an even look; "From the magisters you mean."
"Not the same as Tevinter," The dunmeri woman huffed in exasperation.
Wynne raised a placating hand; "We know child. It is just that title carries a strong stigma in our lands." Her wizened eyes took notice of Marcus and Brianna strolling towards them; "Ah, young Cousland. Brianna, it is good to see you."
"We feel the same," the former noble nodded formally. "We're glad you were able to send a few mages to help look after the Arl and see to young Connor."
"Speaking of, could you please take my companions to where the Arl is resting lady Sarya?" The elder human mage asked the dunmer.
The Telvanni nodded curtly, "Of course, right this way" And guided the three Circle mages with her out of the great hall.
Brianna frowned confused, "You're not going with them?"
"In a moment, there's something I need to ask of you" Wynne straightened herself and folded her hands together. "After giving it some thought, I wanted to ask for your permission to join you in your quest" She said to Marcus.
The Cousland stared back in surprise along with the Amell. "Are you sure?"
Oh gods, no. Brianna was already dreading the prospect. The fact she was specifically asking Marcus and not her was already a tell sign she did not believe her, the freaking Warden, to have more authority than Marcus in this matter. Sure he was their company leader, but this still a clear sign of how little Wynne still thought of her.
"We already have plenty of powerful and talented mages" Brianna tried to play it off logically to dissuade her of the idea.
"I am inclined to agree" Marcus mused, "Your services could be put to better use elsewhere" Brianna internally celebrated her victory.
Of course, stubborn Wynne would not let things be. "I do not disagree, but your cause will determine the fate of the land, I want to be there to fight for Ferelden as well" Her lips purses as her gaze became a bit distant. "And... there are some personal reasons as well. What I saw in the Fade, what I learnt... I cannot forget such things. I feel the need to find more answers"
Seeing the determination glowing in the elderly woman's eyes, and passion in her voice Marcus conceded; "Very senior enchanter," Brianna repressed a groan; "if you wish to join us then we have much to fill you in."
"Outside of a woman in your group who possesses enough power that many could be considered god-like;" Wynne humored.
Brianna deadpans; "Not even going to try to call Miara a god are you?"
The wizened mage gave an even glance; "While your elven friend's abilities are irrefutably extraordinary. But to outright believing she is an actual divine being is pushing the boundaries of sense."
"While normally I would agree with you," Marcus omitted scratching his head; "there is just so much Miara has done and can do that just defies all logic."
At that Wynne patted the young man's arm; "I'm sure we will find out the truth eventually."
Or have some actual damn faith in the woman who's been their absolute benefactor since this whole mess started. Brianna held her tongue instead of voicing her opinion on that topic.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Neria stood in the middle of the castles battlements with her faithful mabari sleeping close by as she concentrated her arcane energies. At her side stood Oryrn in a jerkin with shirt underneath and pants observing her while the sun glowed above them. "Aedric arts are what many consider the purest form of magics. And quite powerful when fully mastering it." The Tamriel Templar addressed in an instructional tone.
"The Aedric spear Sarya taught me proved that when using it in my Harrowing," the elven girl murmured while staying focused.
The Dunmer man grunted; "My sister has an assertive approach to many things." And forgetting or simply not caring about the consequences.
Right now Neria was focusing on molding the holy magic in more than just the spear of light, more than just the spell that had been engraved in her mind. She needed to broaden her understanding of the magic instead of constantly using the same spell over and over. That's where Oryrn came in, his understanding of aedric magics was vastly superior, and was proving a valuable instructor in this matter.
She weaved the energies between her hands, concentrating the light into a sphere, circulating the mana in a steady flow.
"Light manifests in a myriad of ways. It can take the shape of lightning and fire, two sources of light" The Templar said, "You can burn your enemies with holy fire, or smite them with blessed lightning. But the most base form of aedric magic is to solidify the light energies into something you can grasp, or to unleash them as you would elemental magics" He walked around her. "Feel the orb, the magic, how it behaves. Take that light, and try to mold it as you would fire"
Neria's brow creased, his words made sense but it felt like taking matter and change it to another state. The light was constant, it flowed more like water, and she could 'freeze' that water and make it solid. But fire was erratic, constantly moving and shifting much more chaotically, it felt contradictory to the nature of this magic.
She gasped as the magic in hands dispersed in a small burst. Oryrn patted her back gently; "It's okay. This will take time to learn, rest yourself. You've been at this for an hour and a half."
Neria did not dispute his words as sweat did drip from her brow; "And do this so close to the sun?" she let her arms drop to her side.
"When Akatosh's eye is at the peak in the sky Aedric magic can be at its strongest."
"Your... grandfather's eye."
Oryrn gave her a sideways glance; "I don't blame you or the rest to be skeptical of my family's lineage. Only a small group of our close friends are even aware of it. Others would simply try to exploit or trying kill us."
Neria peered over towards him; "The Thalmor discovered it?"
"No, they just know our elven mother is Dragonborn."
"But the Dragonborn is a dragon in mortal form" Neria recalled from Miara's own words and all the texts she read. "And dragons are the children of Akatosh. In a way, everyone already knew she was a demigod"
"Indeed. But not everyone fully understands that fact, something she is special in the sense she can shout like the dragons. Dragonborns are not exactly common, common folk rarely delve into the deeper meaning behind it" Oryrn said as he crossed his arms, "The Thalmor understood. They hated the fact a daughter of Auri-El would be a 'filthy dunmer' but they tried to use her for their own ends."
"Through you and your siblings"
"They did not get far" Was all he said.
Neria let out a soft breath, finding this was a good time to just take a small moment to rest. "How does it... work? To be descended from divinity?"
"I'm not fully divine in that sense. I have a strong blood in my veins, but my body despite being stronger is as mortal as yours. Mother was born part mortal after all, the body she takes here on Nirn is mortal. A shell that allows her to walk among us"
Neria slowly nodded, "Miara always spoke of the dragon, the divine side of her, being like something she has to keep under control. Does it happen to you?"
"Not really. Though Ada are beings of extremes, me and my siblings struck a sort of balance by our mothers' upbringing here in the mortal world. But I believe we all inherited an aspect from our mother Miara. Sofie drank her blood so she inherited her fire, Sarya leans more towards the chaotic side, and as for me, I always felt more comfortable with the power of order" He looked at the sun, cupping a small hand under it as if he could hold it on his palm. "Every day I feel Grandfather's rays upon me, his light is comforting, caring, guiding. And I feel... a part of his glory" His tone drifted, becoming more emotional than Neria has heard before. "Sometimes I wonder what I'd be like, to be so grossly incandescent"
Neria stared at the man, taking in his features; "Does it bother you?"
"I'd be lying if said no. But that was when I younger and didn't understand like I do now. My family will always shoulder great responsibilities that will be our path. And we accepted it for what it is;" He spoke with firm resolution.
How he spoke with utter resolve and no uncertainty. How Oryrn carried himself with such honor and dignity while being utterly humble. He really was the order as he described himself amongst all the craziness in his family. She had never met a man quite like him... "You really are a good man Oryrn."
"I try to be," the dunmeri man grunted rubbing the back of his neck.
"I think you do more than try" The brown skinned elf said, "You helped Adalora; you accompanied made friends with our dwarven companions in their time of need. In the brief time I've known you, I've never seen you do anything other than help people"
"It's the standards I hold myself to, nothing else" He said as though it was a simple thing. "Our mothers set a high example on how we should wield our strength. My strength is more than ample enough to be given to others, so I find it my own actions to be less praiseworthy because they shouldn't be exceptional"
"That's called humility, Oryrn" She commented, "Perhaps you're a touch too humble"
"I rather keep myself humble then, it is easy for people like myself to become foolhardy" He sighed, "Already happened once, and the mistakes were too high"
Ah. She knew just what she was talking about, that memory in the Fade, his childhood friend.
"Do you really blame yourself after so long?" She asked as delicately as she could.
"...He pushed me out of the monster's way" His tone was distant, lost. "And all I could do was freeze as Wyndus was torn apart"
Neria rested her hands on the man's biceps; "You were a child. There was nothing you could do," she spoke gently staring into his eyes; "And even you if tried anything, you have likely shared Wyndus's fate."
His crimsons orbs stared back with a calm but emotional gaze; "Maybe..."
"...How were you saved?"
"A Skaal hunting party was in the area." confusion was written all over the elven girl's face; "An eccentric tribe of Nords that live secluded on Solstheim. They were led by an old friend of my mothers. They killed the werebear and brought me and Wyndus's remains back to Raven Rock. I can still remember Wyndus's parents and sister crying." Oryrn's head dipped; "His family left for Blacklight not long after. Blamed me for what happened."
Indignation grew of the elven mage's face; "How could they blame a child for a freak accident?"
Oryrn shook his head; "It was their grief consuming them. A few years ago Wyndus's sister Rannila sent a letter apologizing for how she and her parents acted." He grunted, "How many parents have gone through what they did? How many siblings or friends? I swore that if I had the strength to do something about it, I would dedicate my all to be righteous"
"That is commendable" The Warden said with respect.
"It was not just my sense of responsibility that guided me; my mother's tales inspired me to follow this path. She always wanted us to be better than she ever was" He let out a soft smile, "The ebony armor I wear was actually in homage to someone, who you could say left an impression regardless how brief our meeting was"
"Who was it?" Neria asked curiously.
At that, Oryrn chuckled and smiled at her cryptically. "Let's just say that's a long story. Now come, I do believe we have more training to do"
She smiled eagerly and nodded. "Do you think that maybe I should learn to fight in melee with my staff?"
"Well, let's see what we can do about that"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
The mages from Kinloch Hold stared in wonderment gathered around the bedridden Arl of Redcliffe who was frozen in time. "Impossible," one of them muttered. "We could never harness time into a form a magic."
"Nothing is impossible," Sarya countered smirking before frowning; "Sadly if I remove this he will die."
A female circle mage narrowed her eyes; "Taking samples will be hard then if we want to figure out what he was poisoned with."
"I know," the Telvanni nodded back with a sigh; "But at the very least you might figure out what was used on him since I'm not fully familiar with your nation's poisons."
"We can damn well try," another mage declared.
Sarya was barely over explaining the Arl's condition and the stasis he was in to the mages when Morrigan found her and pulled her out of the room with barely a word spoken. Honestly she wasn't that hopeful of the mages actually being able to do anything else than keep the Arl safe from magical threats, and leaving instructions on how to contact her in case anything happened so she wasn't too annoyed by the witch's conduct.
"Can you please tell me what's this about?" Her wrist was starting to hurt from how tightly Morrigan was pulling her.
They stopped near the end of a hall, a small secluded corner in some dusty area of the castle that looked empty and bereft of any sort of activity. The swamp witch still looked from one end of the hall to the other, and gave Sarya such a worried look that it honestly disturbed the elf.
"I've been studying my mother's grimoire, and I discovered something critical" The amber eyed woman said, keeping her voice low. "I've discovered how my mother extends her life"
"Wait, wait, wait. Stop for a second" Sarya rose and shook her hands quickly, trying to grasp her head around the witch's word. "Your mother is a dragon, a true dragon, ageless and immortal. Why would she need a way to extend her life?"
"Flemeth's nature is more complicated than that" Morrigan said, "If you believe the tales, there truly was once a Flemeth, a mortal woman. But she's since long ago became something different, she has not only become part of the dragon soul, but also part of something that very dragon soul incorporated long ago"
"Okay, I follow you so far" Sarya slowly said. "So you're saying that in spite of this, she needs a way to extend her life then?"
"I believe it's because of her nature that she does. The different natures, whatever it is my mother has become, it is not the most stable of existences. The spirits that fused into Flemeth's body and soul put a heavy burden on it, so she needs to transfer her soul into a new host body, healthy and strong, until this one eventually ages under the pressure of her own power"
It all then fell into place for the Telvanni mage. Why Morrigan looked so frightened. "It's you isn't it? Flemeth intends to use you as a host. A child born of her, bearing her potent blood and wielding great magic"
"This is why she sent me with you" It was such an odd sight, to see Morrigan so frantic. "So I could learn and grow stronger, become a much more suitable host!"
"Calm down" Sarya tried to ease her discomfort. "I'm not letting that happen" The witch looked back at her with her mouth slightly open. "I'll protect you, I promise"
Morrigan paused for a moment, like she didn't know how to react that someone would care for her life without the promise of anything in return. "I... well, good. Yes I was not thinking of letting my mother do as she pleases either way"
"Does that mean you've started working on a plan?"
"'Plan' might not be the right word, it is too direct for that" Morrigan said. "I need your mother, Miara needs to kill her"
"Alright..." The dunmer mage slowly replied. "Let me just unpack things a bit. First, I understand why; she can absorb a dragon soul and stopping them from coming back. But there is more than the dragon soul inside Flemeth; we don't know how it might affect my mother"
The witch remained silent. She either had not considered that, or she had but weighted risking Miara in some fashion was the better alternative for her.
"Second... that's still your mother, Morrigan" Sarya added with softness in her voice.
"The same mother who slapped me whenever I disobeyed. Who taught me how to be strong by making my life be filled with trials and tribulations" The witch countered acidly.
"But you're proud of how that made you who you are" Sarya said in confusion.
"Doesn't change the fact that my mother is someone I will not weep for"
...Okay so there were a more than a few strong issues with Morrigan and her mother.
Sarya scratched the back of her head; "Alright... We can talk with Marcus and extend our trip back to Ostagar. When mother gets back we can discuss everything with her alright?"
Hesitantly the swamp witch conceded with a nod; "Very well. Thank you..."
"See, it is nice making friends isn't it?" Morrigan deadpans resulting in an eye roll from the dunmer; "Oh don't give me that look. You would have never come to me if you didn't have some measure of trust with me."
A huff escaped the witch's lips crossing her arms looking away; "You have proven... more accommodating than the others." She groaned as Sarya hugged her.
"See! I knew you liked us!"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Sofie knew she would find Leliana here, where the scent of incense was thick and statues and paintings of her sacred lady filled the walls. The rows of pews were empty, leaving the redhead to kneel in front of a statue by herself. Arms spread open as if to welcome the faithful in an embrace, yet she chooses to kneel.
"Long was his silence, 'fore it was broken.
'For you, song-weaver, once more I will try.
To My children venture, carrying wisdom,
If they but listen, I shall return.'"
The nord remembered that was one of her favorite chants, about Andraste and her dialogue with the Maker. The promise the world would not be forgotten, that the darkness could be cleansed and the light thrives once more. She believed it spoke to Leliana on a personal level that she could take refuge from the darkness of her past by paving a new path, one illuminated by faith and compassion.
"...Have we not listened enough?" The bard asked of the statue, which only gave her a silent stony stare. "What am I supposed to believe? How... How am I supposed to trust this?"
Sofie's gaze softened, she sounded so lost.
"She can't be a god, she can't. Because... then what does that mean for us? What does that mean about you?"
For someone who is as religious as Leliana, especially as said faith saved her, would be rattled immensely over the truths brought out by the incident within the Fade. Including the truth of said realm being a place of Oblivion, that went over about as one would expect. For a true devout of the Chantry like Leli, it had to be complete sacrilege to all she believed in.
And since leaving the tower the former bard had been distant with everyone. Not cold, but rather aloof and reserved was the best way Sofie could describe it.
A faint shiver came from the redhead's hands; "If she is a god. Then why wasn't it you that came to us in our time of need?" Tears glistened her eyes; "To save your people, deliver us from this madness and evil..." Her voice cracked in the tiniest of ways. She paused before sharply turning her head, wide eyed at the sight of Sofie staring back with concern. Quickly she turned her head back raising her hand to rub her eyes before shifting her whole body around and stood. "Hello."
"Hello..." Sofie spoke gently; "are you okay?"
Immediately Leli nodded; "Yes, I am quite fine."
That was the biggest lie the nord woman ever heard in her life.
The muscular nord took a deep breath, "Look I'm not going to beat around the bush. You've been distant ever since the Fade"
The corners of Leliana's mouth twitched, as if she was fighting down a grimace.
"And I get it. I get why you've been like this" Sofie ran a hand over her brown locks. "Learning about what my mom is, it's not every day you meet a god. And considering Thedas' background on the matter-"
"How do you believe it?"
The question caught Sofie by surprise. "Believe it?"
"Believe she's a god" Leliana further clarified. "I know you've known her all your life, that she's your mother but... how do you come to believe that a real god walks among you? I mean..." She stopped and sighed, looking very frustrated with herself. "I don't even know what I mean. I don't... I don't know what I want to ask, what I want to know..."
Sofie pressed her lips, "In Tamriel, theology ponders on the nature of the gods. What they represent, what they do and what they want. But I guess we never questioned their existence. That's just... not something one doubts, at all. We see the power of the gods every day. Some people talk to them, some meet them. Usually the daedra, the aedra are more distant in their approach" She paused. "I'm sorry I can't give you the answers you seek, Leli. How our lands treat the spiritual is vastly different of how it's treated here"
"...Have you met gods?"
"Far more than most mortals. My grandmother is Azura, the goddess of twilight after all" Leliana saw a smile form on the Nord's lip in remembrance; "About a week before mother adopted me I kept having this dream. Over and over I saw myself running around in the most beautiful garden, I never felt so happy. Then, I was running towards this beautiful Dunmeri woman. She looked exactly like mother but with differences. She knelt down with her arms open and hugged me; it felt so warm and loving. And she kept whispering something to me; 'welcome home.'"
"I thought Daedric Princes were beings of chaos."
A grunt came from Sofie rubbing the back of her neck; "Grandmother is complicated. VERY complicated, and cryptic as all hell. But given that her Authority and sphere of influence is fate itself, it is just who she is. However we all know she loves all of us. Even helps us in small ways."
That drew Leli's attention; "How?"
"That star metal that came down near Soldier's Keep. That was a gift from her."
"Oh" A true sign from the heavens. But... she did say Azura communicated to her through a dream. Sofie had long since told her that was one of the gods' preferred ways to talk to their followers. She had to remember her own vision, the one that gave her hope in such a dark time, that it was a sign the Maker had not forgotten his people. Her faith did not need to be shaken; she could take the revelations around her as proof that it could very well be rewarded in the end. Not as personal gain, but as assurance that the Maker would return to them one day.
"So... are you okay?" Sofie asked tenderly, stepping closer to the bard.
"I will be" Leliana smiled at her. "Thank you"
"I just didn't want things to still be awkward around us" The large woman rubbed her hands. "Considering we kinda promised to travel together. And, well, you and I um, you know. What with us being... what we are"
Leliana felt heat rushing to her cheeks. "Ah, yes" They paused. "And what are we exactly?"
The nord looked taken off guard. "Ahhhhh... I don't know actually. Are we courting, Leli?" She quickly rose her hands, "I-If that's what you want, of course!"
"Umm..." the redhead couldn't stop her heart from pounding so hard she feared Sofie would hear it; "I-I..."
"W-W-We..." the Nord woman stammered; "After everything you've learned we can just be friends if you're-"
"NO!" Leliana covered her mouth upon realizing she yelled back. She released a breath letting her hands drop to her sides; "I don't want us to be just friends..." she whispered back with her head bowed; "But learning all that I have... I... I need time..."
A nod of understanding came from the taller woman; "T-Take your time. Sort it all out as long as you need. I'll be here waiting."
The bard couldn't help but smile gently at those words spoken. "Thank you..."
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Teagan ran his hand over his beard as he sat at his brother's desk going over several papers. Though his mind wandered from the events of the other day. To willing open borders for a foreign power to enter their lands since Orlais's occupation of Ferelden. Though he believed himself a good judge of character. His heart still griped with a hint of turmoil, despite knowing better. And upon speaking with the Tamriel rulers he knew both were honorable people. He knew many in Ferelden would be outraged by the action.
His thoughts were soon interrupted by a knock on the door. His eyes shot upwards; "master Theron."
The Dalish warrior stiffened at that but nodded; "May I speak with you, bann?"
"Of course" He joined his fingers over his desk. "What might you need?"
"I went to the militia to help with their training, only to find no elves take part of them. What's more, your soldiers told me that the elves have been forbidden from joining" It took all the willpower he had to make sure he wasn't raging at the noble. "Why is that?"
"Well, because of the recent events" The bann said like it was the most obvious thing. "An assassin posing as a maid commanded by elven supremacists. It stands to reason we should limit the avenues they might take to infiltrate"
"And how does forbidding elves from defending themselves helps that?" Theron demanded.
"Master Theron, you must be able to see that these Thalmor could easily place their agents in the militia. It's a very possible risk"
Gods he didn't even realize what he was doing wrong.
Theron spoke through clenched teeth. "They already infiltrated you. Are you going to throw away every single elven worker as well?"
The bann was taken aback, "What? No I..."
"Then why go back on your word? Arming elves is not giving these Thalmor any more opportunities than they already had"
"Master Theron please, I think you do not understand the situation. I have more important things to worry about than the elves..," Teagan froze. How easily those words escaped his mouth, as if it was the most natural thing to say. When in truth it was the absolute worst thing to have been spoken.
A horrified realization struck the man while Theron observed with cold anger; "At least you recognized it." He leaned in; "Now whether or not you're a good man is up for debate. But you were raised in a society that is discriminatory against my people. Look at the Alienages, banning all elves to carry weapons. Unable to defend themselves from those who would want to kill, torture, or rape an elf. And even if we try to defend ourselves. Alienages purged without a second thought."
Teagan shook his head; "The guards pro-"
"Half of your guards sneer at the mere presence of an elf. The few servants here, me, Neria, Gin, and even our Tamriel cousins. It does not matter to them in what we've done or accomplished. We're all just filthy knife-ears..."
"Theron" The bann stood up from his seat, remorse clear in his face. "I did not act out of despise for your people"
"But you did not consider how this would affect them either" The dalish shot back. "In the middle of a Blight, where the only way they could defend themselves is by relying on others. We elves are like that in human lands it seems, sometimes barely worth a second thought"
"I..."
The elven warrior gave him no chance to retort, instead choosing to storm out of the room. Leaving a flabbergasted Teagan alone to ponder on his actions.
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The sounds of the hammer against metal echoed in the frosty winds, strong enough to even make a presence against the mountain's breath, creating a deep cacophony at the Throat of the World.
Paarthurnax rumbled as he felt the very essence of a star be molded into shape, such as he had only seen eons ago, in a time where the majesty and mysticism of the world would make the current age pale by comparison.
From Miara's forehead rolled a bead of sweat, it wasn't physical exhaustion what she felt even after shaping this heavenly material for what felt like an eternity, but the sheer dedication and mental fortitude that molding this star metal required, and the weight of the act and what it meant for her.
The hammer struck again, the weapon did not shine a blazing white-red with heat, but instead an ethereal blue, the same color of the stars in the night sky. One final clash and she stopped, looking intensely at the weapon in her hand; she let the hammer down, and with magic gathered the frosty snow of the great mountain to cool the metal.
Several dovah who had remained to observe the Thur's work gazed with awe. As a divine being, it was Miara's will giving the blade its form. For a joor they would require all manner of tools for this kind of work that would take weeks, months. But for a god, their mind was the entire tool they only required when focused on the task. Her mind imposing her will to create every detail; from the grooves to the edge.
And for two days the Dragonborn had poured her entire concentration onto this blade. Resting her body only when she had to absolutely required it.
The sword's form came to her from an ancient schematic she had seen once that dated back from the second era. This had been a lost design that had been long forgotten by those in Tamriel.
Royal regalia it was called once...
"Morokei" several dovah murmured in reverence.
Miara had felt her power becoming a part of the blade itself. Conforming to more than just a sword, but a full extension of her very being. Much like with Sten and his Asala, but to an immensely grander scale.
This blade was an extension of herself, an artifact she had poured a piece of her very own essence, her soul. She felt connected to it in a way she never had with any other weapon she had ever crafted before.
The handle was lengthy enough for a longsword like this one, a dark blue material akin to velvety wraps. The guard was made of silver with golden accents carved in intricate patterns, with two pieces protruding from the sides and curving downwards like flower petals. The blade had a small curved indentation on the sides near the base, before continuing in upwards in straight lines that would meet in a sharp tip.
Blue lines which shined with arcane energy adorned its whole length, giving the sword an otherworldly aura. A testament to the material used to craft this great weapon. The patterns were curved and graceful, like a tapestry weaved from magicka itself. In her hand she held a blade which contained the essence of the heavens. Her own dragon fang made out of a star.
"My Starfang..." Miara muttered reverently.
She held the handle with both and moved, slashing the air with great dexterity. Faint arcs of magic trailing behind her weapon like mist, each swing of her blade making a musical sound akin to a gentle instrument rather than metal clashing against the wind.
Approving rumbles came from the throats of the dov around her. "Zun do aan rah," a blood dragon remarked with awe.
"Indeed," Paarthurnax agreed with glowing praise; "Your vahzah zun, true weapon has come at last thur."
Miara faintly nodded as she stared at her new sword; "Geh... Ahst laat..." raising Starfang over her head the blade radiated with a blue ethereal glow. She let out a roar which was followed by her kin as their combined thu'um shook the mountain's peak.
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Hope you enjoy!