Hello, everyone, sorry for taking such a long time to update this, but as it stands, it's quite a niche work of mine, and it will take a while to update it again. (No, that long anymore! I am inspired, thanks to Veilguard. Well, sort of...!) Now, the next updates are coming up as usual!
-Original Work!
-Harriet Potter: The Demon Empress
-Overlord: The Demon Who Lived? (Smut fanfiction)
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Chapter 4
9:35 Dragon
Kirkwall found itself engulfed in utter chaos as tension permeated every street corner, corridor, tavern, and household. The Qunari's formidable presence and the Arishok's unspoken demands grew more pronounced with each passing day. Remarkably, it seemed that a single individual and her siblings stood as the sole barrier preventing Kirkwall from plunging into the depths of the sea. And it was a young woman with fiery red hair who seemed quite tired of it all.
Marian's head landed on the table, and everyone only looked at her with weary smiles.
"If you keep hitting your head on the table, you'll bring the Templar's attention's sister," Garret whispered, a bit nervous.
"I didn't know your head could make that type of sound," Leah added.
Years had not been kind to the Hawke family, not in the slightest. Unforeseen tragedies had befallen them, leaving them shattered. It all started with their ill-fated expedition into the treacherous deep roads, where Carter contracted the Blight and had no choice but to become a Grey Warden for his survival. Then, the templars caught their sister, Bethany, condemning her to life within the Circle of Magi. Marian, by some stroke of luck and privilege, managed to escape the same fate, but this privilege only brought her immense anguish and suffering.
And if it was not enough, their mother was murdered by a psychopath in the most brutal way possible. And that was all Marian needed to break down. Years of being the one leading the rest of the siblings took a toll on her. She blamed herself for everything, to the point that one time, she drank herself into a stupor, and it took an entire day for the rest of her family and companions to find her. Marian was on the beach, lost in all senses. But thankfully, she was not alone anymore, and the years, while hard, have given them friends and even lovers.
"There, drink this," Isabella spoke firmly as she gave Marian, her girlfriend, for all intents and purposes, a cold drink of ale. "And you are going to sleep after this, understood?"
The pairing of Isabela and Marian was undeniably strange, incredibly so. Marian, with her regal nature, honesty, and pure-heartedness, stood in stark contrast to Isabela. However, somehow, they managed to fill each other's hearts. Isabela proved to be Marian's unwavering support, while Marian unexpectedly became Isabela's moral compass. This dynamic extended to the rest of the Hawke siblings as well. Garret found himself deeply enamoured with Merrill, a young Dalish girl. Fenris and Leah, in their shared pain, formed a deep connection, often communicating in hushed whispers.
Their lovers and friends hold them together in one and keep them going, for good or bad.
That's why Marian smiled as she looked at Isabela. "Only if you keep me warm at night," she replied, making Isabela chuckle softly.
"Of course," Isabela said, smiling brightly.
"Well, I understand that hammering reaction from Hawke," Varric stated with a smile as Maria rolled her eyes at her friend's intended puns. "The Qunari have been quite… tense lately, haven't you noticed?"
"They are in more places now. I have seen them move craters of weapons into the compound. They are preparing for something big, and I don't like it," Garret added with anxiousness in his voice.
"They aren't that desperate to try anything, right?" Leah asked as Fenris scoffed.
"They are Qunari, even their tolerance run dry, and whatever they are looking for is important enough for them to… do whatever it takes to take it back," Fenris stated, and the group did not notice the nervous look on Isabela's face, as she quickly hides it behind the mug of beer.
"But they would not attack so carelessly that could bring war to the entirety of the Free Marches," Anders added. "Would they?"
"The chantry would be forced to answer," Sebastian said. "And things are already bad with the templars and mages at each other's throat."
"Kirkwall could be in the centre of something really big. Horribly big. And we may be victims of it or the ones causing it," Varric added with a hint of bitterness in his voice, but of course, for Marian, that comment was not all that good.
"Hey, don't look at me like this; after all, the Arishock seems to like you," Varric added with a smile, as the rest only chuckled slightly. Of course, Marian only ignored the comment.
"Hopefully, nothing of that will happen, not if I can do something about it. We may still have a chance. It's not too late," Marian replied, trying to showcase her positivity to everyone, but, of course, it came off a bit lacking. She took a sip of her jar and smiled at them.
"Tomorrow, we'll meet with the Arishock with Aveline. Whatever he wants, or whatever he is looking for, I may help as long as we can avoid bloodshed."
Maria said, and her voice conveyed a sort of determination that was easy to catch.
However, the next day would put that positivity to the test when the Arishock chooses to completely disregard her pleas for peace. Yet, Kirkwall would not remain at the centre of the narrative, but rather, it would soon shift towards the depths of the South and a long plan coming to fruition finally.
The Sea of Ash stretched out as a vast, desolate wasteland, consumed by relentless flames and scorched earth. Rivers of sulphurous liquid flowed through the land while towering mountains of molten lava dominated the horizon. Life found no solace in this inhospitable realm, as every aspect of its surroundings rejected the possibility of sustenance or habitation. Yet, madness has also flooded this place, as a large city emerged victorious in such a place.
There was a dry place, near the largest volcano, where the land was sturdy enough to be able to hold on such a structure.
This city emitted a chilling vibe, its dark and menacing atmosphere reminiscent of a scene from a horror novel. And that was precisely the desired outcome. This city was constructed with the explicit purpose of being a living nightmare. It was meant to be the Avernus, the innermost circle of Satan's domain. However, in reality, the entire city, including the colossal and almost comically wicked palace, was designed to resemble something beyond imagination—a closer representation of, well, Mordor, or as the Demon Empress would say.
"Mordor but fancy."
Galadriel poured immense effort into constructing this city and her palace to the point where she almost forgot she existed in a different world altogether. The city had to be grand not only in size but also in its splendour. It had to embody the essence of a place that had endured for centuries while still exuding a strange sense of comfort. Perhaps this notion would compromise the city's "evil" persona, but Galadriel yearned for it to appear as a livable heaven. After all, their intention was for people to inhabit it in the future.
Galadriel desired to dub it a "comfortable hell." However, only the denizens of Nazarick could reside in this city without encountering significant issues. Unfortunately, this was not the case for other living beings, as the air was saturated with lethal sulphur. Galadriel took it upon herself to procure a few essential items that would provide breathable air and clean water within the city's confines. It was as if a protective bubble encompassed the entire city. Moreover, Galadriel tasked Solution and Mare with crafting a grand park within the city, an oasis of lush greenery and delightful wonders. From the outside, the city may have appeared sinister, but within its walls, it possessed an undeniable beauty.
And the palace was connected right next to the biggest sleeping volcano, and it was there, inside of the volcano, where Galadriel was currently enjoying a bath, and it was not one made with water.
"Ah! This sensation is absolutely divine!" Galadriel exclaimed, her moans echoing throughout her secluded chamber nestled deep within the volcano as she reclined on her personal pool of magma. She was so happy that Demiurge and Albedo gave her this gift, and she was also surprised to enjoy such a thing in the first place. But it appears that, as a Demon Empress, taking baths deep inside a volcano was quite comfortable.
And it was, indeed, it was. "My skin feels amazing!" Galadriel laughed, reclining on the enormous pool crafted from black stone. "Is this magma, or is it lava? Magma is when it's still inside the Earth, and lava is when it's outside... but considering I'm inside a volcano, it's still... magma?" Galadriel pondered with a deep hum.
Galadriel's mind then began to think on all she has done, outside of building this city and making this wasteland her home.
She has explored Thedas in the last few years, and she has learned quite a lot, but more importantly, she has become a sort of folklore legend. Gali, the dark sword, as they called her. It's not the most creative name around, but it's one that has slowly built up over time. No matter the work, the quest, or the mission given to her. She'll succeed no matter what.
"It's still not enough," Galadriel muttered, her fingers toying with the molten magma. It had a texture akin to muddy sludge. "In this world, there are no adventurers or heroes or anything of that sort. It's all about mercenary work. I mean, I may be a renowned mercenary... but it just doesn't have the same allure."
Galadriel was aware that she needed to push her Gali persona to its limits. In order to gain a reputation, she realised she had to place herself in challenging situations. Pondering her options, she mused, "Hmm, I recall hearing that Kirkwall has become rather perilous. Perhaps I should consider intervening somehow? Or maybe I should wait and observe the unfolding events?"
Galadriel had many thoughts about it. Thankfully, she had some people that could help her brainstorm some ideas.
Galadriel's attention was caught by the sound of approaching footsteps. Tilting her head, a smile formed on her face as she laid eyes on Demiurge and Albedo, who were walking towards her with no regard for the intense heat radiating from the magma pool.
"Demiurge, Albedo, care to join me?" Galadriel teased, and while Albedo would love nothing more than to jump in with her beloved lady. They were rather busy with preparations that would change Thedas and the world.
"I would love nothing more, my love. However, sadly, we have come here to announce that we are ready to make our nation known throughout Thedas," Albedo replied, flashing a smile.
Galadriel hummed loudly as she leaned back, realising that by doing that, they would make a big target on them by the zealots that were the Chantry and all who believed demons were evil, which was true, technically speaking. Still, it was quite rude, in Galadriel's opinion, for them to think of them in such a fashion.
"I see, now that we control the Viridis, Amaranth, and Voshai. Thedas is the only continent left without any clue of who we are and what we can do."
Galadriel casually splashed some magma on her face, treating it as if it were just ordinary water. She turned to Demiurge and pondered, "I wonder, how much easier will it be to conquer Thedas compared to the other nations we have already taken over?"
"In comparisons? Taking over Thedas would be less messy. The last continents were anything but chaos brought to life. They had been ravaged by cataclysmic events that had endured for centuries, adding to countless wars and civil unrest. Our task was to somehow clean up the aftermath," Demiurge responded with a somewhat disappointed yet annoyed tone of voice. "The inhabitants of these nations were willing to surrender control and even their lives just to have peace."
"They must have been quite desperate to welcome the devil with open arms," Galadriel added, a bit understanding of their plea for peace. "Or mad."
"Good for us," Demiurge grinned and then turned around, giving his lady the opportunity to rise from the fiery bath and clothe herself. "But Thedas appeared to be more civilised than those nations."
"Once we reveal ourselves, it will bring them together. The demons and their perception of the Fade will convince them that we are somehow alike, instilling fear in their hearts," Albedo added with amusement in her voice, causing Galadriel to snort loudly.
"Yeah, that's bound to happen. I've witnessed firsthand how they react when a mage could potentially be possessed by a demon. Their fear of that concept is truly overwhelming," Galadriel remarked, reminiscing about her numerous encounters with mages and templars. The extent to which they dreaded demon possession was almost comical. "Still, we can use that to our advantage. Mages in this part of the world are forced to live in fear for themselves. We can offer something that no other nation in Thedas can: freedom."
"The city is now in livable conditions to have humans inside it," Albedo replied. "But I suspect the other nations would not be so thrilled to have their mages run away, or to have a nation controlled by demons. Cocytus has been quite excited to get some fighting."
Galadriel chuckled at that. "Yes, and so is Shalltear. In anycase, let us introduce ourselves as civilised demons, yes? I am not going to allow them to reduce us to mere simple demons of the Fade. We are far more powerful than that."
"Of course," Albedo replied with a smile. "But what if they wish to fight us?"
"Then we make sure to let them know our power... but not too fast... I wish to enjoy it this time around," Galadriel chuckled.
"Also, Demiurge, have you discovered a way to enter the Fade?" Galadriel asked.
"Sadly, no. But somehow, this… Fade is aware of us, or more likely, the demons inside the Fade are aware of us, and so are spirits. We need to find a way to get on the other side."
Galadriel nodded, determined. "We must find another way. Using a World Item to gain entry is not what I desire. There must be some way for us to accomplish this without relying on such means. The mages of this world were able to do it, and there is no reason why we cannot do the same."
"I am on the case, my lady. And I have a few ideas already based on what we have found in Tevinter. I'll need Mare for this," Demiurge said with a bright, mysterious smile.
"Mare? Mm, I have heard he has been reading quite a lot of what we found there," Galadriel replied.
"Mare is the most powerful of us in terms of raw magic. It should be easy for him to open a gate for us. Thankfully, it appears that some of the demons in there wish to meet us."
Galadriel remembered the stories she had heard about magic wielders who could enter the Fade within their dreams. Intrigued, they tried to recreate this ability, but their attempts were unsuccessful. It seemed that either they were not truly dreaming or they lacked the ability to enter the Fade like other mages in Thedas and beyond. However, to their surprise, demons or spirits seemed to sense their presence and were now attempting to make contact with them.
Why? Galadriel doesn't know, but she was quite thrilled about it.
"Please keep me updated on it. I'm genuinely interested in learning more about this Fade and what lies beyond," Galadriel remarked. "And Albedo, it's important for you to look presentable. Remember, Orlais places great emphasis on maintaining one's image."
Albedo smiled. "Of course, my love. I shall represent the Nazarick Empire's status to Thedas in the best way possible."
Val Royeaux was said to be beautiful during this time of year, or so the Orlesians would claim. Their pride in their capital city was undeniable, and it would be dishonest to say that it wasn't justified. Val Royeaux truly was a stunning city. However, the tranquillity of the day was about to be disrupted, for within the walls of the imperial palace, Empress Celene found herself once again entangled in a web of schemes and plots.
Nothing she wasn't used to dealing with.
Still, Celene could not help but feel as if there was something strange happening around her. Something she could not quite understand, nor her court, for that matter.
"Celene, is there something troubling you?" Briala inquired, her gaze fixed on Celene. The two women found solace in the confines of their private room, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the world. Celene nodded softly as she stared out the window, watching the blue sky above her.
"There's been things going inside my head lately. I cannot get rid of them," Celene replied.
"Is about Gaspard? Should I keep an eye on him more?" Briala asked with concern in her voice.
"No, it's not about Gaspard…"
"You know what the court is whispering lately, ever since he pushed Nevarra back…."
"I know what they say, Briala. I have ears, too, but I doubt Gaspard would do anything yet. Only the Chevalier supports him, but that's nothing," Celene replied before exhaling. "It's something else, something that's been bothering me lately."
"What is it?" Briala asked, confused now.
"Is it about what's happening in the West? Have you heard the rumours?" Celene whispered as Briala looked at her with concern on her face.
"On the west? Are you saying after what happens in Mont-de-glace? And the supposed fire and smoke coming from the Tirashan? Celene, it could be anything, darkspawn for all we know."
Briala was aware of the events occurring in the Far West, just like everyone else. It had been a silent rumour for years. Scout parties were going missing on the Tirashan, and strange things were happening in the Western Approach. Briala couldn't deny that she was concerned. However, it had been years since the last Blight, so maybe it was just the darkspawn causing trouble before retreating to their hideouts. However, Celene seemed to have a different perspective on the matter.
"After losing contact with Mont-de-glace… I grew suspicious about it being more than just a bandits attack, or pirates, or whatever everyone was telling me to believe… I know something bigger is going on there, Briala. I know it!"
"Celene, maybe is nothing, perhaps, what happened in Mont-de-glance was a simple natural disaster. We don't know…"
"Exactly! We don't know!" Celene snapped. "I am Empress of Orlais! The most influential nation in Thedas, and with hundreds of spies at my disposal, how could it be that none of them could tell me what happened there? Not even you can tell me what happened there."
Briala looked at Celene, quite surprised by her sudden outburst. Celene wasn't one to lose her cool in such a fashion.
"Celene, my love, have you been having nightmares?" Briala asked gently as Celene nodded stiffly.
"It's… sometimes, it feels so real," Celene whispered.
"Come back to bed. I'll be by your side all night," Briala replied softly, but inside her mind, she was going to speak with the first enchanter just to make sure it wasn't a demon trying to poke holes into Celene's mind.
Celene smiled, her anticipation building as she took a deep breath, preparing herself to climb into bed. But just as she was about to enter, the room was jolted by a violent earthquake that seemed to have struck Val Royeaux. It was violent and powerful. For long minutes, the entire capital of Orlais was shaken to its core. But that wasn't the worst of it all.
Suddenly, a large black cloud covered the capital of Orlais.
The entire city became aware that something big was happening, and soon enough, outside the city, it came from a portal. A carriage appeared, followed by a party of demonic entities, each one proving a living nightmare for the Orlesian's soldiers watching it all happen.
The carriage, crafted entirely from pure gold, revealed a woman of unparalleled beauty as she gracefully stepped out.
The woman looked at the gates of Val Royeaux and smiled brightly. "Such an ugly city…"