Hello everyone. Sorry for taking a while. I was busy with some other business in my life, but don't worry about it. All is Gucci! Now, as it stands, I'll focus on my other works while keeping this one open, so if you're a fan of Dragon Age, just like myself, please don't be sad! I'll come back to this fanfic sooner than you expect!
Now, the next updates are as follows!
-The White Lion of the Red Keep (One Chapter)
-One Shot (Fanfic)
-Overlord: The Demon Empress (One Chapter)
See you all later!
-Also, if you wish to follow me on Tumblr! You will see the next updates, Artwork, or ask me anything about my works or what you'll like to see in the future, and get more news! As well as how to support me directly!
( paulythide . tumblr . com )
Chapter 1
Morrigan recoiled at the pungent odour emanating from the wet fur of the Mabari. She could only watch with a mixture of disgust and confusion as Elia, the young mage, and Catherine, the noblewoman, cooed over the beast. The Mabari lay on its back, its belly exposed as the two women rubbed and scratched it with delight. Morrigan couldn't understand their fascination with the creature. Still, she retrospectively realised it was a prime example of Ferelden's culture. They truly loved their Mabari's dogs above all else.
"Pesky mongrel, licking my face," Morrigan muttered as Catharine smiled at her.
"Please, Morrigan, don't be that overdramatic. He was just showing how much he appreciated you giving him some treats."
"I didn't give him anything! He snuck into my camp and ate a bunch of my herbs!"
"And he loves you for it!" Catharine coed as she began to kiss the Mabari's face, earning a disgusting groan from Morrigan.
"This is maddening!" Morrigan exclaimed, utterly in despair. "Maddening, I tell you!"
"So the Witch of the Wilds is afraid of a Mabari?" Kalian teased, earning a hateful glare from Morrigan.
"Fear? Me?" Morrigan hissed. "Of a dog?!"
Elia smiled as she stared at Morrigan. "It's not that bad, Miss Morrigan. It's a Mabari. Surely, y-you like them?"
"I do not. Those dogs are a disaster in four legs."
Elia's expression contorted slightly into a playful frown as she tenderly stroked the furry head of the canine, resting contentedly at her feet. "You're not a disaster. You're a good boy! Aren't you?" Elia rumoured, earning a few licks from the dog, who wiggled his tail in joy.
"Could you two stop it?" Lyna, the Dalish Elf, sighed softly as she nestled on a sturdy tree branch overlooking the tranquil river below. Her body was weary from the long and arduous journey she had embarked on and the endless fighting against small Darkspawn groups and assassins. Still, the serene surroundings provided a much-needed respite. "I want to sleep. Keep it down."
"I-I apologise, Miss Lyna!" Elia exclaimed nervously as Lyna just scoffed.
"Don't call me Miss Lyna," the Dalish replied softly. "What am I? A Shemlen? And those dogs are disgusting. I don't know what we bother to bring him with us."
Despite her desire to express her thoughts, Elia opted to remain silent so as not to disturb the Dalish elf. The group was clearly fatigued, and some residual tension lingered among certain members. Therefore, she decided to exercise caution and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. One only had to take a look at them and think the worst.
The Grey Wardens who survived Ostagar and the unusual members that had joined in the last month or so could be called a band of misfits by many. Perhaps they, indeed, were one. Since where could one find a Qunari, an Antivan crown, an apostate and an Orlesian Bard in one group? Only the Maker knows who else would join them in the future. And as they travelled to the Circle Tower to seek help and assistance from the Mages and, if possible, the Templars. The members of the party have begun to get to know each other.
"What's wrong?" Alistair said as he cooed like the other two girls. "He is a cute Mabari, aren't you?"
The Mabari barked happily as he rolled on the ground while Catherine and Elia simply chuckled. "I'm glad we could help him before the battle of Ostagar. Still, I am surprised he found us so fast," Catherine stated, slowly standing up and watching the unusual group she was now travelling with. "Having a Mabari on our side is beneficial for us."
"Pff, whatever," Lyna muttered. "Just don't let him come closer to me. I hate them."
"Why? Mabari dogs are known for their loyalty and incredible scent. And he is adorable. Not like the dogs back in Antiva," Zevran, a former assassin who joined their group after failing to complete his mission, spoke with a surprisingly positive tone. Despite the fact that he had attempted to kill them just a few days prior, the rest of the party seemed to have forgiven and forgotten about that little detail.
"I don't want him licking my boots, and he chewed over a few of my arrows!"
"He thought it was a stick!" Elia called, defending the Mabari's playfulness.
"I don't care. Put that thing on chains or something!"
"His name is Biscuits! And we are not putting him in chains!" Elia spoke firmly, earning a few amused glares as the young girl suddenly froze and became even smaller as she hid her face behind her hands.
"You named a Mabari war hound, Biscuits?" Morrigan asked, utterly bewildered.
"Y-yeah," Elia spoke quietly, feeling embarrassed by the count of stares of people.
"That's not the name a Mabari should have," Sten stated with his unusually frivolous voice. However, even the Qunari seemed to look at Elia with a stunned look on his face. "He is a killing machine. They should not have such a... unthreatening name. Who will fear a Mabari, whose name is referred to that human treat?"
"I just think it is cute," Elia whispered with a slight blush on her face. "And he likes it."
"I agree," Catherine added, gently smiling at Elia. "I also like the name."
"I agree too," Leliana followed, with her usual Orlesian accent. "Who said a Mabari had to have a fierce name? Look at him. He is a ball of fluffiness!"
The Mabari dog, named Biscuits, barked joyfully as some only groaned at the current amusing scene. Still, before long, the night began to fall on the Grey Warden's campsite. Soon enough, the usual routine began, dictating who shall do night duty first—an easy thing to follow. Still among them was the young mage, Elia, who couldn't sleep, thanks to those eerie sensations of being watched she had felt before and were still hazing her mind. So she decided to go and see if Morrigan was awake. Slowly, Elia exited her tent and could only hear the eerie silence of the night and the bonfire. Elia then looked up to the tree beside the river and saw Lyna leaning a branch high above the ground.
"Melava inan enansal ir su aravel tu elvaral", Lyna hummed softly to herself before noticing Elia watching her from below.
"Did I woke you up?" Lyna asked, with a relatively soft tone of voice, almost a whisper, to which Elia simply shook her head.
"No, I just couldn't fall asleep," In a show of acknowledgement, Lyna gave a subtle nod to Elia's response. Her watchful eyes remained fixated on the roads that lay ahead, keenly observing for any potential hazards or threats that may arise. However, Elia still stared at the Dalish elf.
"Was that a song?" Elia asked as Lyna gazed upon the young mage, trying to find a hidden reason for that question. But found only genuine curiosity. Elia was just too easy to see through.
"Yes, it is called Suledin, or struggle in the common tongue," Lyna muttered, slowly tracing her Mythal's Vallaslin. "It is a mournful tune, speaking of the pain of losing our heritage and way of life, among other things. Yet it also speaks to our ability to endure. Even though we may feel like we are mere remnants of a forgotten time, we persist, holding on to what little we have left."
Elia could see a mournful expression on Lyna's face and couldn't help but feel utterly sad for her.
"I'm sorry," Elia muttered as Lyna stared at her with a confused stare.
"Why are you apologising?" Lyna asked the young mage.
"I-I don't know," Elia felt uneasy and uncomfortable, knowing that the Dalish's gaze was fixed on her. Despite her apprehension, Lyna showed an unusual tenderness and let out a gentle chuckle.
"I doubt you were alive during the fall of the Dales or Arlathan," Lyna teased playfully.
"Ah, well, I wasn't... I just, you sounded... I'm sorry," Elia again apologised, earning an amusing sigh from Lyna.
"Dar in Atish'an, Da'len. There is nothing to forgive," Lyna's words were gentle and carried a sort of deep and mysterious sorrow. Elia wondered if Lyna had younger siblings. But she decided not to dig into the private life of the Dalish Elf. Elia thinks that this little interaction has served them both in a way that would help them get along better now. Elia just waved at the elf before walking towards Morrigan's tent, and to her surprise, or perhaps not. Morrigan was fully awake outside of her tent, seemingly annoyed by something.
"All my herbs are gone. I'll have to get more," Morrigan whispered before noticing the young mage approaching her. "I'll not transform your little pet into a frog. I gave you my word. But if he tries to eat my clothes, all bets are off!"
Elia froze before quickly nodding. "I shall tell, Biscuits not to do anything of sorts. I promise."
Morrigan acknowledged Elia before asking, "What brings you here?" Elia seemed troubled initially but soon realised that Morrigan was the only other mage present. Elia also remembered that Morrigan had experienced a similar sensation before. Therefore, she hoped that Morrigan could offer some much-needed peace to her mind.
"I-um, I wanted to... ah," Elia appeared to be in a state of distress, and Morrigan let out a heavy sigh as she gazed upon the youthful mage. Morrigan was quick to acknowledge that Elia, despite her youth and naivety, possessed a remarkable aptitude for magic. Elia was, in fact, a prodigy in the field, displaying a natural talent to absorb everything she was taught at quite an alarming rate, Morrigan may add, yet, while that was true. Morrigan could also see a child thrown into the Grey Warden's life because she tried to help a friend, who ended up betraying her in the worst manner possible. Elia was left to face the consequences of that friend's decisions. It was joining the order or becoming tranquil.
And now that Morrigan knew a bit more of the young mage's backstory, she could see little fault in the girl's decision to make such a decision.
"Go on, child. Keep us from wasting more time. There is a Blight to stop," Morrigan nudged Elia softly.
"I just wanted to know if you have been having nightmares," Elia muttered. "Since that day..."
"Nightmares?" Morrigan tilted her head as she hummed, putting the pieces together. "Are you still concerned about that strange foreign pull? About that... strange sensation of a month ago?"
Elia nodded in agreement quickly, moving her head up and down frantically. Morrigan, who empathised with the young mage's lingering emotions, couldn't forget the incident either, primarily because her mother had also been concerned about it. And if there was something in the world that brought uneasiness to Flemeth. It was something that Morrigan should be weary too. There was obviously something significant behind it all, a cause for such a continental reaction, causing Morrigan to ponder deeply about it.
"Recently, I haven't been feeling overly anxious due to the current events taking my mind away from that particular occasion. However, it's important to understand that as mages, the Fade communicates with us. It's crucial that we remain vigilant about any potential threats that may arise. Demons may try to take advantage of our vulnerability and instil fear in us. So, it's essential to stay alert and not let our guard down, especially if you're a young mage," Morrigan spoke, looking at how Elia simply stared at her with those big green eyes of hers as if she were lecturing the young mage about a new topic for her to learn.
"Cautious, yes, I get it," Elia whispered while taking mental notes. But soon, Elia frowned deeply, deep in her mind, as she then glanced at Morrigan. "Wait..."
Morrigan tilted her head, Elia's sudden reaction. "Mm, what is it, girl?"
Elia began to mutter quickly, incredibly fast, before she made an incredibly serious face—a stern face as if her mind were having multiple conversations with itself.
"Do you have something in mind?" Morrigan asked, as the girl simply sighed deeply.
"No, nothing... just random thoughts," In a hushed tone, Elia uttered her words. As time passed, her countenance started to betray her weariness, causing her to let out a loud yawn.
Morrigan just shook her head. "Now, girl, you should go and rest. We should arrive at the Circle by the morning. How wonderful..."
Elia chuckled, and as she walked away. The young girl stopped before glancing back, and in a reddish tone, she asked. "Could I... bring my tent and sleep next to you?"
Morrigan tumbled on her feet as she heard the request. Typically, she would respond with a biting, sarcastic remark and perhaps even poke fun at the girl's apparent inability to sleep without company. However, the way Elia's stared at her, like a cute fluffy bunny or a wounded Mabari, made it difficult for Morrigan to refuse. The apostate couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards the girl at that moment.
I can't believe this... Morrigan groaned, staring at the girl. "Alright... but that Mabari will stay away from my tent!"
Elia's eyes shined, and her lips curved into a big smile. "Thank you!"
Morrigan rolled her eyes, wondering how much this little quest would change her. Maybe, she'll find out soon enough.
Leah Hawke stood up from bed with sweat over her face. Her body ached. The muscles were burning from the previous night of work. Slowly she walked towards the small water bowl and began to wash her face. Her blue eyes stared at the dirty and broken mirror before her. Leah's house, or well, their family house, was utterly horrible. Dirty, stinky, and a representation of everything wrong.
Leah was not surprised at all when they found out that their mother's family was all but gone, leaving one uncle who clearly wasted what was left of Leah's mother's estate. Now, Leah and her siblings were forced to do "work" for a year in order to get a chance to live in the beautiful city of Kirkwall.
"Wonderfull," Leah muttered, putting on her ugly leather armour and ensuring her daggers were still usable. It was still early in the morning, and Leah strolled out of the room, making no sound, so the rest of her family could continue sleeping.
"All pack together, like a herd of sheep," Leah emitted a faint hissing sound, hating to see her family being reduced to this. Soon causing, Leah realised that her older sister, Marian, was already awake. Marian was seated at the table, her hands cradling her head as if she were experiencing some discomfort.
"Hey," Leah called, and soon Marian seemed to have snapped from whatever thought she was lingering.
"Oh, Leah, good morning," Marian forced a smile, and Leah could see those huge bags around her eyes. "Do you want some breakfast? I was able to barge some eggs and onions."
Maria's gentle voice was always soothing to Leah. Usually, she would sit and enjoy whatever her sister made, but that was before.
"No," Leah replied. "Saved them for Mother."
"Alright," Maria smiled sadly at her sister before Leah sat before her. A few minutes passed, and both sisters simply stared at each other. Leah hated that silence. They weren't like that before. Leah knew that while she had quite the temper, Marian and she were close, just like the other siblings. But ever since they arrived at Kirkwall. Leah felt as if there was a sort of wall between them. Why? Leah couldn't say.
"Marian-"
"Leah-"
Both sisters stopped themselves, as it was clear both were thinking the same thing, making them chuckle slightly.
"You first, Leah," Marian smiled as the youngest of the triplets nervously bit her lips.
"Have you... sleep well?" Leah asked, watching Marian's paled and exhausted face.
"I would lie if I said I have."
"You're a horrible liar," Leah drawled stoically, making Marian laugh nervously.
"Yeah, I am quite easy to read," Marian replied, embarrassed. "But, it's that, we are in Kirkwall. There are a lot of Templars here. We've been successful in evading them since they truly don't seem to bother to come to this part of the city. But... one mistake and Bethany and I..."
Marian's heart raced with anxiety as she contemplated the potential consequences of a misstep. The mere thought of being caught and facing the wrath of the Templars caused her lip to quiver in fear. It was this very fear that compelled her to take up the dangerous job of smuggling, as it afforded her and her sister, Bethany, a chance to escape the city and evade the watchful gaze of the Templar, even if it was just a few days. However, even with their precautions, they could never be too careful in the face of the Templars' unyielding scrutiny.
"But also, we need money. I don't want Mother nor either of you to be hungry. I'll... find a way. I am getting good at this smuggling thing. So, more jobs for me, eh?" Marian's voice broke slightly. The red-haired mage was trying hard not to break in front of her little sister and force those tears back. "I would be happy to grab some milk, as well as perhaps some tomatoes and fruit. I remember seeing a great deal on the market yesterday! I know how much you enjoy oranges, so I'll be sure to pick some up for you!"
Upon witnessing the burdened gaze in Marian's eyes, Leah came to a realisation as to why her sister had been unable to rest. The weight of her entire family, and the responsibility to ensure their well-being, seemed to be reflected in those tired eyes. While it was not strictly necessary for Marian to take on such a role, being the eldest Hawke sister seemed to have instilled a sense of duty within her to do so.
"Marian, you don't have to..."
Marian's lips curved upwards into a gentle smile before the peaceful silence was abruptly interrupted by a deep yawn and the sound of footsteps retreating. It was Garret, accompanied by Carver and Bethany, all of them groaning in unison. They were well aware that a long and challenging day lay ahead of them.
"Good morning," Garrett yawned.
"Morning..." Carver expressed his dissatisfaction through a mutter, while Bethany appeared to be extremely fatigued and motionless. Or maybe it was that she was just not a morning person.
"What's for breakfast?" Garrett asked as Marian jumped out of her chair.
"I'll make some breakfast!" Marian smiled. "Bethany want to help me?"
"Alright..." Bethany yawned, still half-sleep.
"C'mon, sister, wake up!" Garrett exclaimed as he messed Bethany's hair, earning a low grown.
"Garrett, stop it!" Bethany hissed angrily.
"Hey, no magic. We don't want the Templars to know where you are, right?" Garrett teased, earning a scowl from Bethany.
"I can still hit you with the staff," Bethany responded with a sigh, attempting to fix her messy hair.
"You still look quite tired. I know what to do!"
"Garrett, don't you are...!"
Bethany saw Garrett's mischievous grin on his face as he employed his hidden ability and playfully tickled his younger sister Bethany. The attack was ruthless, as the squeals and laughing were so loud that they awoke their mother, and Mabari called Lady. She couldn't stop laughing and ended up on the ground, breathless from all the giggling, as Garrett continued his aggression.
"Ha!" Garrett smiled. "Tell me, who is the most beautiful sibling of all?!"
"Garrett...! Please! Help! Leah! Marian! Carver!" Bethany laughed without stopping as the rest of the siblings simply ignored her pleas.
"You can do it, Bethany! I believe in you," Carve chuckled.
"I am going to die!" Bethany was in tears from laughing so hard, her dramatic outburst filling the room with contagious joy.
"And you shall be missed," Leah couldn't help but let a smile grace her lips at the sight of Bethany being so dramatic.
"Oh, Garrett, stop tormenting your sister," Leandra sighed deeply. Still, in her eyes, a sight of joy could be seen as the mother watched her children behaving like they used to back in Lothering.
Garrett stopped as Bethany brought her staff and began to attack her older brother, who in return began to hide behind his mother while giggling.
"Breakfast," Marian smiled as she began to serve the food.
The Hawke family just began eating breakfast like a typical family would. However, Leah, inside her mind, couldn't stop thinking about what Marian spoke about not too long ago. The worries, the anxieties, all of that that troubled her sister. Made Leah realise that something could happen to her family sooner or later if they were not careful. Leah didn't want to think about the possibility of something like that.
No, Leah couldn't allow it. She would rather die than lose anyone of them.
No one will hurt my family. And If those Templars dared to take my sisters away. I'll kill every single one of them. I swear it.
Leah thought as she silently ate her breakfast.
Lying motionless on her bed in the depths of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Galadriel Melkor, the supreme leader and current new inhabitant of Thedas, couldn't help but feel anxious and nervous. The realisation that she was no longer in a game but rather trapped inside her Yggdrasil's character in a completely new world weighed heavily on her mind. She tossed and turned, unable to shake off the unsettling feeling that had taken hold of her. However, while fearful and disorganised, Galadriel still felt alive.
In Yggdrasil, players such as Galadriel still maintained a sense of awareness of their external surroundings, despite the immersive virtual reality experience. Players could still discern that their physical bodies were not fully present in the game world. The game's advanced virtual realism may trick the brain but not the body.
And as Galadriel found herself thrown into this new world, she was struck with a familiar sense of reality. Every breath she took, every bite of food she ate, and every touch of her surroundings reminded her that she was truly alive and present in this unfamiliar place. The realisation that she was no longer simply playing a game hit Galadriel hard. Still, it also filled her with a sense of excitement and anticipation. This was a fresh start, an opportunity to explore and experience something entirely new. The possibilities were endless, and Galadriel was eager to see where this new journey would take her.
With that in mind, Galadriel stood up from her luxurious bed and shook her head.
"Alright, I can do this," Galadriel breathed deeply. "I am Galadriel Melkor. A level 100 Player. A World Champion. A Demon with the Highest title in the race, a Demon Empress. I am also the leader of Ainz Ooal Gown. The guardians and everyone else expect me to lead them!"
With a sense of pride and determination, Galadriel made it clear to herself that she could not allow her fears and insecurities to get in the way of the trust that had been placed upon her by the inhabitants of Nazarick. Galadriel knew that it was her responsibility to uphold the guardians' loyalty, not only to her but to the guild her friends built. And Galadriel was willing to do whatever it took to make sure that she fulfilled that duty with poise and grace.
"Alright, let's do this!"
Galadriel gracefully exited the room and was greeted by a welcoming party of Homunculus maids headed by none other than Narberal and Lupusregina. How long have they been outside my room?! Galadriel thought in shock, watching the group there.
Accompanying them were a group of formidable demon bodyguards, standing at attention and ready to protect their mistress at a moment's notice. Not that it would happen inside Nazarick. Yet, their expressions remained stoic, and their presence exuded an aura of strength and loyalty. Nonetheless, Galadriel returned their smiles with a gentle nod of gratitude.
"My lady," they bowed to her in perfect sync, making Galadriel nervous already. But soon, she again shook her head and decided to keep using her "Regal and Royal-like" personality.
"Mm, follow me," Galadriel only hummed. "I'll go to my armoury. There's something I must see."
Narberal, Lupusregina and the rest of the Homunculus maids simply nodded with shining eyes and followed Galadriel as if they were the white-haired demon's shadow. And while Galadriel had a regal expression on her face, fitting of an empress, inside her. Galadriel was cringing at the maids simply looking at her with those glowing eyes. But kept her face up and walked without stopping. Soon enough, Galadriel arrived at her armoury, where a big chunk of her armour, items and weapons were being held—most of them.
Galadriel's Divine Class Items and, most importantly, the guilds World Items she has collected, the most important items to watch for, were kept in Nazarick's treasury with the rest of her dear friends' objects. Only a few people were allowed down there. Mostly, Galadriel, Pandora's Actor and CZ, who knows the traps lying there. Still, the things she kept in her armoury were quite powerful and unique from her perspective, from Legendary tier to Low-Class Items. Galadriel had a large chunk of items. Although some of her friends called her a hoarding maniac, she saw herself as a collector.
Galadriel looked around and sighed. "What a mess. I don't remember it being this disorganised. Please clean it out."
Galadriel called, and soon the maids quickly cleaned up her armoury. Nevertheless, she looked at her armour and hummed. Galadriel knew she needed to go out of Nazarick and explore the world by herself if she wanted to learn more about the world's magic and this thing called the Fade. But how she'll do it was the question.
Maybe, as a noble? Galadriel thought deeply before looking at the black armour. No, Solution is already doing that. Could I take the role of an adventurer? Does this world have something like that?
Galadriel frowned deeply, just pondering about what she could do in order to get some first-hand experience about the capabilities of this world. Galadriel also knew that sooner or later, her desire of her to conquer, to rule, would be too much to bear. She wasn't a Demon Empress for nothing. Galadriel craved an empire for a nation to herself. But before that, Galadriel must do some oversight.
"No one knows about us yet. And I want to keep it like that. I need more information, more knowledge," Galadriel whispered as she stared at her armour. She knew exactly what she must do.
Soon, Galadriel equipped herself with the black armour and inspected herself. "This should be enough," Galadriel looked at herself, convinced that a Relic Class Armour would be enough for experimentation, at least for now, before leaving and exploring the world. Galadriel must first discuss it with Albedo and the rest.
Ugh, Albedo is not going to like it. Galadriel groaned internally.
"Still... a new world waiting to be explored... I am very excited about it."
Galadriel smiled as she pulled out the map of Thedas. "A new world, just for me."
Authors note!
-So, I'll try not to waste much time during the Blight period since all of it will take part in the background of the history, sort of. There would be Nazarick kind of intervention, but secondary. You'll see what I mean by this.
-Also, I want to be more open with the characters; most of them are, well, kind of my Dragon Age characters, y'know? So, I want to give them justice while still making Nazarick the forces we love and know!
-Again, if I am taking ideas for the One-Shot. If you have one, please tell me. I may choose it. Still, the end decision is mine. I want to do a one-shot that I like.
That's all! See you all later!