Here Lies the Abyss.
We have a little Cullen and Rylen POV here after the Inquisitor opens a rift. I'm trying to incorporate a little of Cullen's POV going forward in some chapters.
Let me know if you do want more Cullen POVs. And any reviews are appreciated if you're enjoying so far :)
—-
Chapter 18:
A loud eruption of cheers met Lara's ears as the trebuchets hit their target on Adamant's walls. Cullen stood there looking proud in front of his men. These trebuchets gifted to them from Orlais were far more advanced than the ones they had in Haven. More were set off, followed by the men advancing further. Lara walked on with her party. Dorian, Solas, and Blackwall stood by her side as they walked on, following their men. Sera was there but stood with the archers, shooting arrows with fire. Bull was also there alongside his Chargers but they were going to fight with Cullen's men. Knowing Bull would be by Cullen's side gave her some comfort.
Ladders flew up to Adamant's walls, Inquisition soldiers climbing up preparing to fight. Soldiers down below were pushing the very intricate yet solid battering ram that was also gifted to them to break the door open. Once the door was open, cheering erupted and Lara and her party got their weapons at the ready. They climbed through and made their way through the doors only to be greeted by Wardens. Lara was grateful for the armor that was crafted for them.
"All right Inquisitor. You have your way in. We'll keep the main host of demons occupied for as long as we can," Cullen approached her once it was clear. He was in Templar mode, survival mode.
"I'll be fine. Just keep your men safe. Keep yourself safe. Please," She said, worried.
"We'll do what we have to Inquisitor," Cullen replied. "Hawke is with our soldiers on the battlements. She's assisting until you arrive."
Suddenly a demon screeching caught her attention causing the pull on her left arm to strengthen. The demons were triggering her Anchor which meant her arm was going to be in pain by the end of tonight. The dull pain was familiar to her now, but she was in for it tonight.
"There's too much resistance on the walls. Our men on the ladders can't get through," Cullen continued.
"We'll clear it," Blackwall responded.
Cullen nodded and returned to his men. Lara looked at Solas who gave her a nod. She closed her eyes and conjured the Fade Shield Solas had taught her to protect him and the soldiers. The shield would be strengthened by attacks which were plenty tonight.
—-
"NOW!" Lara shouted from up top once the first point was clear. Cullen waved at his men to go upward to where they now had clearance. Inquisition soldiers climbed up top from the ladders.
"Clear the other points, Inquisitor. We'll take over from here," One of the soldiers said to her.
Lara nodded and pressed on to the next point to give clearance. She checked that her barrier was still in place. She wasn't sure if Cullen had noticed he was protected. He no longer had lyrium running through him so perhaps his detection for magic was weak.
When they cleared out the second point, Inquisition soldiers were already climbing up. She nodded at them while holding her arm, the tug intensifying with all the demons surrounding them. She hadn't expected her arm would pull this much and it was causing a lot of discomfort but she needed to push on. This bloodshed was only just the demons, they hadn't reached the Wardens yet.
"CLEAR!" Lara shouted as the last demon had been removed from the checkpoint. All three points were clear now, giving their men an advantage. Cullen waved the next wave of soldiers through and they were soon ascending the ladders.
They continued on and unease settled in Lara's stomach as this was the last chance that she could see Cullen. She hoped the barrier would be enough and that the demons wouldn't affect him. That they wouldn't sense his vulnerability. More demons awaited them as they found Inquisition soldiers battling them. Lara and her team got to action, destroying the demons to avoid more bloodshed. To Lara's surprise, Hawke and Stroud joined them in the fight. Hawke smirked at Lara as she joined. She smiled at her, happy to see her fighting by their side.
"Has it crossed anyone's mind that these demons we're killing could actually be Wardens that have been bound?" Dorian said once the fight was over.
All eyes turned to him in disbelief.
"Clearly it hasn't crossed your mind that there is a Warden among us who may not have wanted to hear that," Solas spoke, annoyed.
"Dorian, some thoughts are inside thoughts. That was one of them," Lara rolled her eyes.
"Okay, so maybe not my finest moment…" Dorian started.
"Not your finest?... Fenedhis!" Solas muttered to himself.
"It's okay. I rather kill them as demons and put them out of their misery. It's easier to kill them this way," Blackwall responded.
"Happy with yourself?" Lara glared at Dorian who shrugged.
Chants could be heard throughout the battlements which sent a wave of nausea through Lara. Whatever it was, it wasn't going to be good. If these demons truly were Wardens then that must mean the rituals have already started and they may have been too late. There was still enough time to stop it so further bloodshed could be avoided. They ventured off to where the chants were coming from and there they found Clarel speaking with the Wardens. Lara stopped in her tracks at the scene.
A green sickly hue resembling the shade of her Anchor shone throughout the area. The pull on her arm intensified, causing her to let out a soft groan at the sudden feeling. Solas cast her a look at the noise, noticing how she held her arm. The binding indeed had begun.
"Wardens, we are betrayed by the very world we swore to protect," She started but was interrupted by Erimond and were now in a heated conversation with each other.
A female elf approached Clarel and before Lara could realize what was happening, the elf's throat was slit, blood splattering everywhere.
"No!" Lara shouted, causing all eyes to turn on them.
"Stop them! We must complete the ritual!" Erimond shouted.
The Wardens turned, ready to fight. Lara approached them.
"Clarel, if you complete that ritual, you're doing exactly what he wants you to do. You're just a means to an end to him," Lara spoke loud and clear to ensure she heard her.
"Oh, fighting the Blight? Keeping the world safe from darkspawn? Who doesn't want that?" Erimond argued.
"Yes, the ritual requires blood sacrifice. Hate me for that if you must, but do not hate them for doing their duty," He continued.
"We make the sacrifices no one else will. Our warriors die proudly for a world that will never thank them," Clarel added but something in her voice gave away that she wasn't sure.
"And then he binds your mages to Corypheus! You clearly don't get it or he hasn't been very forthcoming to you," Dorian now stood by Lara's side.
"Corypheus? No, it can't be. He is dead," Clarel was shocked.
"Don't listen to them! They're just trying to shake your confidence," Erimond turned on her.
Clarel was silent, her hand covering her face. Lara hoped they were able to convince her to stop this madness. That she would put a stop to this. Luck wasn't on her side.
"Bring it through," Clarel stated. Erimond smiled nastily.
Asshole!
With a large crackling noise, a rift appeared in the center, the wisps of green light connecting with it. Another pull on Lara's arm meant another groan of pain escaped her. What in the Maker's name were they summoning? The Wardens were stepping closer to them. This meant they would have to fight them. Her heart sank for Blackwall knowing he would have to attack his own men.
"Be ready with the ritual, Clarel. This demon is truly worthy of your strength," Erimond stated.
Demon?
"Blackwall, can you talk some sense into them? Maybe they'll listen to you," Lara turned to him.
He stepped forward. "You don't know me, but you may have heard my name. Like you, I've given my life to the Grey Wardens. The first time I put on this armor, I felt like I belonged. Like I was a part of something honorable. Something with a purpose. I know how good that feels. How safe. But fighting and dying here today won't stop the Blight. If you want to stop it, kill that bastard up there! His Master is the living embodiment of its corruption!"
Lara stared at him in shock, moved by how passionate his speech was. How from the heart it was. Blackwall wasn't a man who said much but this was something else. It seemed to have worked. Clarel was hesitant and was backing down. Some of the Wardens lowered their weapons and turned to where Erimond and Clarel stood. Lara had hope but that was soon gone as Erimond grew angry.
"My Master thought you might come here, Inquisitor! He sent me this to welcome you!" He shouted while tapping his staff, red sparks flying from it with each tap.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean…" Lara started as she took a few steps back.
Her question was soon answered by the screech of the dragon. The same one that attacked Haven.
"Move!" She shouted as red sparks flew from the dragon's mouth and onto the ground. The dragon landed on a tower above them, roaring loudly. A spell was cast and Lara turned to see that Clarel had attacked Erimond. Bravely, she then attacked the dragon who blew out more red sparks her way. Erimond fled and the next words were a relief to Lara.
"Help the Inquisitor!" She shouted to the Wardens.
The rift still posed a problem as demons emerged from it. Lara got her staff at the ready, feeling more confident with the Wardens by their side helping them fight the demons. Lara disrupted the rift as much as she could, the pain numbing her arm but she tried to fight through it. They needed to get through this. The pride demon being the worst of them, they managed to fight through the demons.
"Now is not the time to be stubborn, lethallan. Your mana is decreasing," Solas confronted her.
Lara swallowed any sarcastic comment and took a potion instead. If she was to keep her barrier up and get through to Clarel, she was going to need her mana. They continued on up the stairs in search of Clarel. They needed to save her before Erimond found her. More demons greeted them and Lara let out an annoyed groan. Just how many fucking demons did they summon here? Maybe she should have brought Vivienne here, she would've had a blast killing all these abominations just to make a point to Lara.
Once the demons were destroyed, they continued down a narrow corridor and heard a shout.
"The Wardens have turned against the demons!" Red sparks flew their way. Lara leapt behind a column, her party following suit to avoid being hit. Once it was clear, they fought their way up, Lara keeping a close eye on where Clarel was escaping. They continued upwards until they reached a bridge where Clarel stood, in a fight with Erimond. Angry spells and heated words exchanged between them. In a flash, a surge of electricity was shot towards Erimond as his body flew towards them.
In a swift second, the dragon swooped down, grabbing Clarel in its mouth, blood splashing around them. Lara let out a gasp in shock as she moved back watching the dragon fly with Clarel in its mouth. As the dragon landed above them, it shook Clarel out of its mouth and she lay on the ground before them. She was still alive. Lara could feel her body going into shock. Soon the dragon descended. They took a few steps back, Lara turned and realized at the end of this bridge was a drop.
Shit, shit, shit!
They weren't safe if the dragon attacked. Clarel was muttering before her and one last forceful shot of electricity left her body and covered the dragon. The dragon flew towards them. Lara and her party moved out of the way to avoid being hit by the dragon, the end of the bridge falling with the dragon's weight. The dragon screeched as it fell down below but a sudden rumble brought Lara to her feet. The bridge was beginning to fall piece by piece, damaged by the weight of the dragon.
"RUN!" Lara shouted, her party running with her but no matter how fast they ran they couldn't manage. The bridge was falling too fast. Lara reached out holding Dorian's hand who was struggling to run. She caught hold of Solas's arm to her right. Blackwall, Hawke, and Stroud running in front of them. In a second, the floor from underneath her fell. A swift drop in her stomach took hold and she lost hold of Dorian and Solas. She could hear screams around her but Lara couldn't scream. She lost control of her body and felt herself falling into the abyss. She welcomed the fall, welcomed death. This was it. He had won. She had fallen.
You can now open rifts. The Anchor would allow him to walk freely into the Fade. Now that you've taken that from him, he's had to find an alternative method.
Solas's words rang in her head. Maybe she didn't have to die. She focused her arm and welcomed the painful sting in her arm as she opened a rift causing them to all fall through it rather than to their deaths.
—-
"Aye, Cullen's gonna be pissed…" Rylen said as he carefully stood on the edge of where the Inquisitor and her party had fallen.
Rylen took off his helmet and let out a large sigh. He would have to break the news to Cullen somehow knowing he wasn't going to like this. In secret, he was the only one who knew how much Cullen cared for her. Now he had to tell him his love interest opened a fucking rift that swallowed them whole. Rylen didn't fully understand how this worked. Where would the rift take them?
The other soldiers tip-toed around him, sensing he was on edge. He had some time before Cullen came through but try as he may, he had no way of preparing this. Cullen had finally gone on a date with her and now she was gone. There were a number of casualties throughout Adamant so he would be occupied. He just hoped none of the soldiers ran to tell Cullen so he could have some time. Instead, a soldier ran his way.
"Sir Rylen, we've sent word to the Commander regarding the Inquisitor. He's on his way."
"Oi! You did what? On whose bloody orders?" Rylen shouted annoyed, causing a few other soldiers to look their way.
"None, sir? We thought the Commander would want to know," The soldier now looked nervous.
"For fuck's sake…go!" He muttered angrily, kicking the wall beside him. The soldiers left him alone.
Much to his dismay, the Commander came running through with some soldiers behind him, assessing the scene in front of them. His eyes were wide, he looked frightful. Rylen dreaded what they told him. Cullen slowly made his way over, looking around him. Most likely looking for her. His stomach wrenched even more.
"Where is she?" He whispered to him. Rylen was grateful they stood alone.
"I dunno lad," He answered. It was the truth. He had no idea.
"What do you mean you don't know?" His voice was now filled with fear.
Rylen ran a hand over his face, pulling at his jaw and chin annoyed.
"We saw the dragon fall. The bridge collapsed under its weight. They couldn't get to safety, they ran and then they fell. We thought surely that was it. Fuckin'…and then a flash of green. She opened a bloody fuckin' rift, Cullen."
Cullen froze, his eyes even wider. Rylen immediately hated that he was the one to give him this news. The Inquisitor with that fucking mark just had to open a rift. The alternative wasn't any better though. They would have fallen to their deaths with no chance of survival.
"Does that mean they're in the Fade?" Cullen finally asked.
"Dunno. The bloody elf is with her, isn't he? He would've been able to tell us," Rylen answered.
Cullen slowly made his way to the edge looking below as if he would find her there. As if he could see where she was. The sight made Rylen's stomach wrench again. There was nothing he could do to help or make this better. Cullen looked distraught as he walked back over.
"What if she doesn't come back…" He whispered and Rylen let out a sigh, that question hurting him more than he thought.
"I knew something happened before the soldiers told me," Cullen continued, not looking at him.
"The flash of green?" Rylen asked.
"No. She put a barrier of some sort to protect us. Or more to protect me. I told her not to worry about me but Maker, she's stubborn. My senses to magic have dulled since quitting lyrium, but I could still sense her barrier. As stubborn as she is, I have to admit it helped us," Cullen let out a sad smile.
"Suddenly, I felt it disappear. I felt her disappear. I knew something had happened. That's when the soldiers came to tell me she was gone," Cullen finished, looking back behind him into the abyss.
Rylen let out another sigh. He didn't realize how deep their connection was. He could tell Cullen was tormented not knowing what had happened to her and he had no way to make it better. As he turned, there stood Iron Bull and his Chargers. Bull was approaching them.
"Now's not the time, big guy," Rylen spoke as he approached.
Bull let out a laugh. "Wondering what happened to the Boss?" He asked.
Cullen turned towards him in disbelief that Bull out of all people would have the answer to their questions.
"Don't tell me you know?" Rylen asked, also in disbelief.
"If she opened up a rift, that means they went into the Fade. Better them than me. I'm not getting dragged through the ass end of demon town. I don't get paid enough for that," Bull spoke.
"Can they get out?" Cullen asked.
"My understanding is they would need to travel into the Fade and find a way out. Something tells me they're going to be there awhile so you might want to get comfortable. Just be glad she has Solas. He hangs out there for fun," Bull chuckled.
"And how do you know this?" Rylen asked.
"Eh, I know a guy," Bull gave what looked like a wink and walked off.
Rylen and Cullen looked at each other but neither one argued with it. If anything, Rylen hoped Cullen would take some reassurance from it.
"You go tend to the men. I'm going to wait here," Cullen said finally, holding a coin in his hand, staring at it. Rylen didn't quite understand what the coin meant.
"Aye. I know this isn't helpful, but stress isn't going to help your symptoms. Have faith she'll come back. She always does," Rylen rested a hand on Cullen's shoulder. Cullen nodded.
Rylen walked off but first stopped by a trusted soldier.
"Lad, keep an eye on him. Any symptoms or distress, come get me right away," Rylen said sternly.
"Yes, Sir Rylen," The soldier saluted him.
—-
Lara felt the world twist on its axis as she hung upside down. Before she could catch sight of where she was, she hit the ground, groaning on the impact. A sudden wave of nausea hit her and she turned onto her side and wretched. She heaved as she wretched and she realized her vomiting wasn't normal. She pushed herself up trying to take in her surroundings. A voice startled her as she looked up to see Hawke standing upside down.
"If this is the afterlife, the Chantry owes me one huge apology. This looks nothing like the Maker's bosom," She said angrily.
"Is this what that is? The afterlife?" Stroud asked.
"No. This is the Fade," Solas spoke beside her, a smile on his lips. "The Inquisitor opened a rift. We fell through and survived. I never thought I would find myself here physically…"
"Oh, is that where we are?" Dorian asked behind them, looking around. "The first time I entered the Fade, it looked like a lovely castle filled with gold and silks. I met a marvelous desire demon, as I recall. We chatted and ate grapes before he attempted to possess me," He continued.
Lara snorted and started laughing uncontrollably. Solas let out an annoyed sigh next to her.
"In our world, the rift the demons came through was in the Main Hall. Can we escape the same way?" Stroud asked.
"I don't know. But it's better than waiting around here," Lara answered.
They gathered and started making their way through. Lara could sense an intense presence in this place, one that wasn't welcoming. It's energy was coursing through her negatively.
"Solas, can you sense the energy in this place? This isn't normally what it's like when we visit it together," Lara asked him.
"No, it is not. The demon that controls this area is extremely powerful. Some variety of fear, is my guess," He answered, taking in the sights before him.
"Any advice on how to get through it?"
"The Fade is shaped by intent and emotion. Remain focused lethallan, and it will lead you where you wish to go," Solas gave her a comforting smile.
Solas was right about it being some variety of fear. Letters were scattered from people, all describing their fears. Whatever demon was controlling this area was feeding off of fears, which meant they were all in for a trying experience. Once this demon noticed their presence, it would feed from them next. This meant a vulnerable time for everyone. As they made their way upstairs, the sight before her took her by surprise. She stopped in her tracks. Divine Justinia stood there, looking at her as if waiting for her to appear.
"That can't be…" Stroud said.
"I greet you, Warden. And you, Champion," She spoke.
"Back at Haven, I saw…I thought I saw…How can you be here?" Lara spoke, shock overtaking her. This wasn't a dream as the others could see her. Must be a demon's work.
"Careful, things in the Fade have a tendency to show up looking like people you know. Demons, mostly," Stroud continued.
"You think my survival impossible, yet here you stand alive in the Fade," She answered. "In truth, proving my existence would require time that we do not have."
"Really? How hard is it to answer one question? I'm a human and you are…." Hawke asked, her hands on her hips.
"I am here to help you," She replied, causing Hawke to scoff.
"You do not remember what happened at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, Inquisitor."
Lara swallowed hard. "No, I don't."
"The memories you have lost were taken by the demon that serves Corypheus. It is the nightmare you forget upon waking. It feeds off memories of fear and darkness," She said.
Lara looked around at the nightmare they were in. This was his doing, of course. She remembered the nightmares she used to have; the Elder One's future, her family, Cullen. All of it lay here, feeding his demon.
"The false calling that terrified the Wardens into making such grave mistakes? Its work."
"I'd like to have a few words with this nightmare about that," Blackwall grunted.
"You will have your chance. This darkness is its lair."
"Corypheus seems to have a lot of demons at his disposal. How is that even possible?" Lara asked, confused.
"I know not. His power may come from the Blight. But the nightmare serves willingly, for Corypheus has brought much terror to this world. He was one of the Magisters who unleashed the First Blight, was he not? The nightmare has fed well," Justinia replied.
"Wait, is this the same demon that Erimond was trying to bring through?" Lara now realized.
"Yes."
"It's nearby, isn't it?" Lara was now on edge.
"Yes."
"Well, shit," Lara sighed.
"When you entered the Fade at Haven, the demon took a part of you. You must recover it. These are your memories, Inquisitor," Justinia continued.
Golden orbs flew around each containing a memory. Fear welled up inside her. She didn't want to touch them with a ten foot pole. She was quite happy living in ignorance, not wanting to face the reality. What if Corypheus was right? What if she was just an intruder, a mistake? It would just tell her what she already knew, but having it confirmed in front of everyone was too much to bear.
Lara walked forward, her Anchor glowing as she closed the distance between her and the floating orbs. She held her breath, not knowing why she was doing this but if it was part of the way out then she had no choice. She collected the memories hearing faint voices. When the final memory was collected, it took hold of her. She closed her eyes, falling to her knees and she was suddenly transported to where it all happened. Justinia floated in the air surrounded by wisps of red. The same red from Erimond's staff. She cried, pleading for help. She was the sacrifice. Corypheus approached, the orb in hand glowing green connecting it with her. Suddenly, she saw herself bursting through the doors.
"What's going on here?" She shouted in disbelief.
In that moment with Corypheus distracted, Justinia pushed the orb out of hand and it rolled to where Lara stood. Instantly she picked it up, the green attacking her arm, intertwining with it, forming itself onto her. She was unable to control it as it took hold, Corypheus running after her to try and salvage it and then, the explosion. This was how the Temple of Sacred Ashes exploded with her as the only survivor.
With that explosion, Lara awoke with a gasp finding herself back in the Fade.
"So that mark on your hand…it wasn't sent by Andraste. It came from his orb," Stroud said.
Great…they all fucking saw it…
Lara felt ashamed. That same feeling of unworthiness seeping itself back into her being just when she thought she had slowly overcome it. She wasn't a Herald, a Chosen One, or a hero. She was just an interference.
"He intended to rip open the Veil, use the Anchor to enter the Fade, and throw open the doors of the Black City. Not for the Old Gods but for himself. When you disrupted his plan, the orb bestowed the Anchor upon you instead," Justinia spoke.
"I tried to say from the beginning it wasn't the Maker. Or Andraste. Or whatever you want to call it. I did it myself. My own actions," She may as well own it.
"And now you have your proof. You cannot escape the lair of the nightmare until you regain all that it took from you. It knows you are here. I will prepare the way ahead."
She was gone. Just like that. Lara would have to face the rest of her fears, which is not what she was prepared for. Would it just feed on hers? Or everyone else's?
"Do we really believe that was the Divine?" Blackwall spoke as they marched on.
"We survived in the Fade physically. Perhaps she did as well. Or if it is a spirit that identifies strongly with Justinia that it believes it is her, how can we say it is not?" Solas replied.
"And the nightmare? From what she said, I don't look forward to meeting it," Blackwall continued.
"Neither do I," Lara said through gritted teeth, annoyed at this whole situation. Annoyed at herself for even opening the rift.
She tried not to let her fears take over. What else would it show her? Her fear of rejection, her fear of being unloved, the unwanted child. The fear of the Elder One's future where all her friends turned to corpses used for mining red lyrium till it grows out of their bodies. The nightmares that took hold of her. The memory of Cullen with lyrium growing out of him. The fear of him getting too close, taking her guard down with him.
Great, that's what she needed; everyone knowing what her Commander meant to her. This nightmare demon better expose everyone else's fears because she wasn't going down alone. That's the last time she fucking experiments with opening a rift.
