The snow falls softly, landing in my palm. I clench my fingers and the snow flake melts, disappearing against my skin.
The mages and Inquisition troops are lined up in groups, headed for the mountain. Cullen yells an order and they straighten, beginning their ascent up to the temple.
The rest of us stand around, waiting for the all clear.
Turning around, I see Sera counting her arrows, "Ready?"
"You bet," she says, watching the mages as they march out of Haven. "So many robes. I bet all of Fereldan lost their curtains."
I snort, "They do like their robes, don't they?"
"I'll just stay behind them. Away from them."
I look at her, "You don't like the mages?"
"Mages are fine, my problem is magic. If mages sat on their hands, everything would be fine."
I nod, "Magic is unpredictable. It's dangerous. But only as dangerous as the person who wields it. I mean, swords could do a whole lot more damage, yet you're not scared of them. A madman could be wielding that sword, but you'd be more frightened of a mage."
Sera turns to me, standing and slinging her bow over her back, "You make my brain hurt."
"Sorry." I smile at her, "We haven't really gotten to know each other, Sera. Tell me about yourself."
"What about me?" she asks.
I shrug, "Where are you from?"
"Fereldan?"
"Is that a question? Where in Fereldan?"
"All over?"
"Still a question."
"OK, fine. Denerim for a bit. South, north. Wherever I want."
"I lived in North everywhere," I say. "And on the street, and/or tavern."
"Oh, har-dee-har. All funny you."
I grin.
"Look, it's complicated. I don't like complicated. Let's leave it at that. Maybe."
"Maybe? Are you teasing me?"
"Pfft. No."
"Maybe later then," I say.
She tilts her head, "After we close the Breach and coin starts flowin' again. A drink at the tavern and then I might tell ya."
I nod, "I'll hold you to that."
Sera nods, as Cassandra comes to stand beside us. Her hair is wild, the crowned braid seemingly the only thing she styled. Her weary eyes have dark bags under them.
I frown, but decide not to push the Seeker.
"You are free to begin your ascent," says Cullen. "The mages and Inquisition troops are already on their way."
I nod, sudden nervousness sweeping through me.
"You'll be fine," he assures.
"I…I know," my throat is dry.
He smiles and it makes my cursed heart flutter.
"Let's go," say Cassandra.
And so we trek up the Frostback Mountains, all of us too eager—or nervous to speak. The snow continues to fall as we make out way along the familiar paths Cassandra and I took when I woke up. It feels weird to be back, and there are no demons so far, which is a good sign.
I walk with Iron Bull, Varric and Dorian, while the others are scattered around. Everyone wanted to see how I would close to Breach and to be honest it's kind of putting me off. I don't want every eye on me when I mess up. Maybe I am just a mistake, like Alexius said.
Bull pats me on the back, "You bet there will be drinks once your close this."
"Well, I'm excited. I think I'd deserve a free drink if I close it."
Bull grumbles, "Fine, I'll pay."
"What about me?" asks Varric. "I want a free drink too, Tiny."
"Do you have a mark on you hand that can close Rifts? Are you a beautiful woman who can kick ass?"
Varric purses his lips, "My chest hair is beautiful."
"Oh Maker," I laugh.
"Ew. Chest hair," says Sera.
"My dear Varric, it certainly wouldn't hurt to cover up that chest of yours," says Vivienne. "Not many nobles find that forest of hair attractive."
"You know where else he has a forest of hair?" grins Bull. I let out a laugh.
Vivienne just sighs and fastens her pace.
I hear an "Ugh," from Cassandra in front of us.
The temple is just as creepy as I remember it. Pieces of statues hover in the air, pulled by the Breach's force.
The red Lyrium still glows from the walls of the ruined temple. But the Breach is certainly the most awe-inspiring sight. Even if it does threaten to tear the world apart, it still is strangely beautiful. The mages are standing perfectly still around the perimeter of the clearing, on the stone balconies away from the Breach.
My hand glows green and Cassandra watches me. I glance at her then step forward, taking my place below the Breach.
"Mages," yells Cassandra.
Solas hold up his staff, "Focus past the Herald. Let her will draw from you."
I hold my hand up and green light shoots down from the Breach. I have to push through the force of the light as it pushes back against my mark. Green lightning seems to crackle from my palm.
I hear the mages slam their staffs to the ground, but I can't see them. The light is too blinding.
I thrust my palm into the air, sending a tendril of light up into the Breach. A tornado of light surrounds me, threatening to swallow me up. Pain shoots through my palm, for the first time since we closed the Rift here. The Breach is powerful, I can feel it tugging against my mark, trying to stop me.
More powerful than any Rift I've closed before.
A yell escapes my mouth, but from pain or fear, I can't quite remember.
Then the Breach explodes.
I fly back and hit the ground, the air rushing from my lungs. The sky spins, my vison is blurry and I feel the urge to throw up.
The temple grows silent, but as the dust settles, I hear groans as the others shift to their feet.
I roll up my stomach, managing to keep my breakfast down. Concentrating on focusing my vision, the blurriness begins to fade.
I heave myself to one knee, head bent so I don't suddenly throw up. With the Commander watching, it would be a pretty bad sight.
Someone walks towards me: It's Cassandra, relief flooding over her features. But whether she's relieved because I'm alive or the Breach is closed, I don't know.
Her hand grips my shoulder and she helps me up, "You did it."
And cheers erupt from all around us.
I breathe a sigh of relief, grinning at Cassandra, who's smiling herself.
"Well done boss," roars Bull, picking me up and hauling me onto his shoulders.
I laugh, honestly basking in the praise. Josephine squeals and hugs a surprised Leliana. Sera and Scout Harding dance around Iron Bull and Cassandra even lets out a laugh. Vivienne is clapping softly, and I'm sure that's her way of congratulating me.
It feels as though the whole weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. I feel normal again—not a prisoner, not someone being used just because of this mark, and certainly not a mistake.
+++
And so the rest of the day is met with celebrations. A feast was prepared, thanks to the quick organization of Josephine, for lunch. Following the feast was a small tourney, held by the Inquisition troops to see who the top recruit was. They were judged by Blackwall and Cullen. Iron Bull suggested Cassandra enter, but she shrugged him off.
The cloudy sky is still scared with the remnants of the Breach, as the sun begins to set over the mountains.
And somehow I've managed to only have two drinks, compared to Iron Bull who's had plenty. Yet, he somehow manages to act somber—I guess Qunari's can hold their liquor better. Varric, Bull, Krem and I sit around a table, an ale in my hand, giving me much needed strength after closing the Breach.
For dinner tonight, the troops have provided a bon fire, to roast pigs on a spitfire. Logs have been placed around the fire, to keep warm as the night chill begins to descend on Haven. Other troops dance to the music swirling partners around the snowy ground in a cheery routine.
"Alright Tiny," says Varric. "How about that one?" The dwarf points to an elf dancing around the fire.
The Qunari considers the girl, "Too petite. I'd hurt her."
"Oh come on, I'm sure you could be gentle," says Varric.
Iron Bull gives him a look, "The Iron Bull does not go gentle in bed, Varric."
Varric holds his hand up in defense and chuckles, "OK, fine. That's why you never get laid."
I smile, "I'm sure Bull gets laid more than you, Varric."
Iron Bull tries to hide his laugh, "She's right you know."
Varric just takes a gulp of his mead.
"My turn," says Bull. He scans the many faces, "How about that one, Varric?" The Qunari tilts his head, to a figure sitting beside Josephine. Her hand is resting on her cheek as she listens to Josephine talk.
"Cassandra?" splutters Varric, nearly spilling his drink.
Iron Bull nods and gives me a look. I nod back, "Great choice Bull."
"I know."
"No way. She's too big."
A snort escapes my nose, "How exactly is she too big?"
"I'm gentle, you see. She's a warrior… she'd like it… Maker's tits, I'm digging myself into a hole here. She's too tall."
"Well, I'm sure there are plenty of ways to get around that factor," comes a voice. Dorian sits down in a chair beside me. "You know, height differences are usually more rewarding."
"Oh really?" asks Iron Bull, his eyes roaming across Dorian's muscular frame.
"I'm not having this discussion," snaps Varric.
"Krem," rumbles Iron Bull. "You've been quiet. You're turn."
"Alright Chief. Pick someone good…"
"Trust us." Bull scans the crowd again and his eyes settle on the tavern maid, not much older than me. "Her, the tavern maid." She's pretty, I'll give her that. Brown hair that stops at the small of her back, glowing blue eyes, and a small waist.
Krem follows Bull's eyes, "Chief, you've outdone yourself."
But then someone catches my eye and I clear my throat, "I have someone much better."
Iron Bull's eye twinkles, "Go on boss."
I tilt my head to the scout sitting on one of the logs near the fire. She watches the others dancing, while chatting to a fellow scout.
Krem's eyes seem to light up and he can't take them off her, "Scout Harding?"
"She's cute, she's got class, yet she'll stab you in the ass." I blink, "That was beautiful."
"You should be a bard," says Varric. "Or a writer."
"I think I'll leave the writing to you," I say, standing up. "And I'll leave Cassandra with you too."
Walking away, I don't hear Varric's reaction, but I do see Krem, still watching Harding.
I give myself a smile. After all, it's not everyday I close the Breach, have a few drinks with a Qunari and find out that Krem is smitten for Harding.
I push my way through the crowd, wanting to find some peace and quiet. A small snowy ridge, looking over the celebrations seems like the perfect spot and I stand on top of a flat rock, watching the festivities below. A little cold, I shift my armour, pulling the orange scarf tighter over my throat. The wind tugs at my hair and I shiver. The sun has gone behind the mountains now, night truly setting in.
"I… I must apologise," comes a voice.
I whip around, and my feet slip from the rock. I let out a squeal, just as I'm caught.
I look straight into Cullen's brown eyes and nearly piss myself. My eyes run over his shoulders, the furry mane of his armour warm against my cold skin.
"I'm so sorry." My voice is haggard, my heart racing.
We stare at each other for a little longer before Cullen clears his throat and sets me down. I snap from my daze.
I brush my hands over my armour to get some of the snow off.
"Apologise… I've come to apologise," says Cullen. "About, the mages. I was too harsh."
I shake my head, "I understand Cullen. You're an ex Templar—you just wanted them to help us." I look at the Breach, "And maybe I did choose wrong. What if the mages turn into abominations?"
Cullen sighs, "We'll just have to deal with them if the time comes."
I look at the snow caked on my boots, "My brother is a mage."
Cullen tilts his head.
"I couldn't let the mages be controlled by the Imperium. They… they could have all been taken there and I couldn't… I couldn't allow that…" my voice trails off and I close my eyes. A tear escapes, cold against my cheek.
"I understand," says Cullen. "You care for your brother. Anyone would do the same for their loved ones."
I look at Cullen and he smiles at me. I return it, "I wish we could ally with the Templars as well. Then the Inquisition would be a formidable force."
The Commander gives a small laugh, "If only it was that simple. Now we can't even contact the Templars."
I frown, "What do you mean?"
"We've sent ravens—it's only curtesy to tell them the Breach is closed. But Leliana's ravens return to us with the notes still attached to their legs. We don't know why they're not replying."
"I'll make sure we look into their silence tomorrow," I say with a nod.
Cullen bows slightly, "Thank you. It would put my worries to ease if we got to the bottom of it."
"I'm sure Leliana will have agents able to find them."
Cullen opens his mouth but stops when Cassandra comes to stand next to me. She nods, "Sorry to disturb you, I can come back."
"No, I was just leaving," says Cullen. He smiles at you, "I'll… um, I'll see you around."
"See you later," I say as he walks off towards Leliana and Josephine. I turn to Cassandra, "Anything I can help you with, Seeker?"
She sits on the rock I had stood on before I majestically slipped off it. She sighs, "Lydia, there is something I need to ask."
"Go ahead."
Her eyes meet mine, hard and dark, "What exactly happened to us in the future?"
I swallow, "Apart from being exposed to red Lyrium?"
She nods.
I sit down beside her, hands resting on my legs, "You and Varric… were… you were tortured."
She closes her eyes but doesn't say anything.
I continue, "Both of you never went into detail, but you seemed distant. You were ready to die—just to get away from it all."
"And Varric?"
"He was… cheery, for a dead man."
She sighs, "I've been having nightmares. Since that day. Only scraps, but it certainly feels real."
I blink, "What did you see in your dreams?" I'm actually surprised she's confiding in me.
"Torture. Like you said. Varric is there too," she shudders. Then blinks, seeming to snap back into her harsh reality, "Do not tell anyone I told you about this. I don't want them to know." Her voice is harsh—like steel.
I nod, "Hey, you've got my word."
She bows her head, "Thank you."
Laughter erupts from the crowd as Iron Bull and Varric hold their mugs high in the air.
"Solas has confirmed the heavens are scarred but calm, the Breach is sealed." The change in subject is abrupt. "We've reports of lingering Rifts and many questions remain, but this was a victory."
I smile, "It's about time. After all that's happened."
Cassandra's eyes glaze over, like she's thinking of something… or someone. She blinks and looks at me, "Word of your heroism has spread."
I laugh, "Oh come on. I wasn't the only one who closed the Breach. I mean, without you, I would probably be dead. Without the mages, I wouldn't have had enough power. And without Iron Bull, I never would have known Krem likes Harding."
"What?"
"Nothing," I say with a wave of my hand. "Look, we all played a part in this. Luck decided to put me at the centre."
Cassandra nods, "A strange kind of luck. I'm not sure if we need more or less. But you're right, this was a victory of alliance, one of the few in recent memory. With the Breach closed, the alliance will need a new focus."
The clang of armour and footsteps echoes through the valley and I look up to see tiny spots of spotlight spread through the mountain pass. I frown and a bell starts to chime.
Scouts below us snap into focus, grabbing weapons and armour.
Cullen rushes towards the gates, "Forces approaching! To arms."
Refugees back away in alarm, not suited for battle. Children cry against their mother's legs, while scouts hurry to defend Haven.
Cassandra glares at the approaching force, "What the…? We must get to the gates." She snaps into action, drawing her sword and shield. I look at her and something in my face makes her expression go soft, "We must fight them, it will be alright."
She runs and I follow behind her, drawing my own two swords. A knot rises in my throat and stays there like something pushing down on my windpipe. I struggle to breath. Maker… why are they attacking? Who are they?
Sera rushes to my side, bow in hand, "What's going on?"
"We're under attack," I say, gripping my swords tighter.
Dorian follows us, staff in hand.
Running towards the gates, we meet Cullen there, surrounded by Inquisition scouts and soliders. Harding is gripping her bow, eyes staring at the gates.
"Cullen?" asks Cassandra.
"One watch guard reporting. It's a massive force, the bulk over the mountain."
"Under what banner?" asks Josephine.
"None."
"None?" she repeats.
I can't see the army, but I can definitely hear them walking through the mountains.
There is a flash of light behind the gates and the jolt from the force. I startle, stepping backwards.
"I can't come in unless you open!" comes a boy's voice. He knocks.
Without even a second glance, I rush towards the gates, not thinking of the consequences of opening it to an enemy.