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Blood Promise	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4556 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 39
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Deep Desires

When Jordan and Aveline were done talking with Emeric, they returned to Bethany and Sacha. Their conversation continued with Jordan discussing her resent activities, and Bethany telling her about her life in the Gallows. She was doing quite well for herself, not only becoming a junior enchanter, but also a highly respected member within the Circle. Many of the mages who had lived in the Gallows nearly their whole lives were eager for her to tell them tales of her life outside of the Circle. Even if it was a life on the run, it was still a life free from templars. They were amazed she had been able to evade the templars for so long, and every time, Bethany would say it was thanks to her sister. Jordan was also asked a lot about. The name Hawke was infamous in Kirkwall, thanks to Jordan, and had even reached the mages in the Gallows.
Sacha's part in the Circle was something that interested Jordan. She was old enough to be a senior enchanter, and skilled enough, but instead had decided to stay a junior enchanter. She preferred working with the younger mages, feeling she could handle them better than the older ones. But even with her enchanter position, Sacha did have an unofficial one. She was an informant for First Enchanter Orsino, giving him information on the goings-on in the Gallows. Because of her sight loss, her other senses were heightened, especially her hearing. This allowed her to hear conversations that the contributors might think could not be heard. The talk of blood magic was a serious matter, and one Orsino took seriously. Sacha made sure he knew if she heard any whispers.
When they left the Gallows, Aveline insisted they head straight to the DuPuis mansion to deal with the situation in a timely manner. It took some persuasion, but eventually Jordan talked her out of it, saying it would be best to go speak with DuPuis at night, and with more numbers. Jordan wanted to sneak into his house and search without the noble around to interfere with her investigation. Something that more than likely happened when the guard raided his mansion. Aveline agreed, if reluctant, knowing it was probably just Jordan trying to stall. In truth, that was part of it, but there was something Jordan wanted to figure out first.
She and Aveline parted in Lowtown, the guard-captain heading towards the Hanged Man where Jordan would eventually join her. For now, Jordan was on her way to Hightown, and to Fenris's mansion. She wanted to see if he was home, to make sure he was all right. She hadn't heard from him since yesterday after he had killed Hadriana and stormed away from her. When Jordan entered his mansion, she found the place empty. There were no signs that he had even returned. After searching the entire home, and realizing he probably wasn't going to return any time soon, Jordan left disheartened. She made her way back to the Hanged Man, hoping she would find him there, playing cards with Varric. When she did arrive at the Hanged Man, she found the usual three playing cards in their corner table, but no Fenris.
Varric, Isabela, and Merrill were playing Wicked Grace, with Isabela winning. Jordan went over to join them. “Hey, has anyone seen Fenris lately?” she asked.
“Not since yesterday,” Isabela said as she dealt her in. “Is he not in his rundown mansion?”
“Nope. I was just there and it was empty. I was hoping he'd be here so I could make sure he was all right, but... I guess not.” Jordan looked around the tavern, but saw no sign of the white-haired elf. There was also something else she noticed. “Where's Aveline? I saw her come in here.”
“She was here,” said Varric. “And she was just about ready to sit down and play with us when one of her guards came over and asked for her help in a civil matter.”
“And she went? She's suppose to be on vacation.”
“Like that woman would ever take a vacation,” Varric chuckled.
Jordan shrugged. If Aveline was busy then that would keep her out of her hair. She settled into the game and they played several rounds, talking and laughing before they were interrupted.
“Hawke, I'm glad I found you.”
Jordan turned to find Sebastian standing behind her. She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Sebastian, was there something you needed?”
“Yes. I was wondering if you might wish to accompany me to the Harriman's now.”
“So soon? I thought you wanted to wait?”
Sebastian took a seat between her and Merrill. “I know, but after seeking guidance from the Maker, I feel this is something that I must do soon. It is a hard and unpleasant mission, but a vital one. I feel I must speak with them today, but I can't do it without your help.”
Jordan shifted her jaw. She had been hoping for a relaxing day in preparation for sneaking into DuPuis's mansion later that night. Yet with Sebastian's pleading face, she knew that wasn't going to happen now. “If you feel the need, then we can go,” she finally said.
“Thank you, Hawke,” Sebastian said relieved. “This is something I've been praying about, and I know with you by my side, we will see through this mission unharmed.”
***
Jordan knocked at the door, but there was no answer except for the door slowly swinging open. She peered into the dark house, seeing no servants, or any signs of life. The mansion appeared recently deserted, and there was a cold chill in the air.
“This is strange,” said Sebastian as he entered before Jordan. “Where's the posted guard? The butler who answers the door? This is not like the Harimanns I remember. Their house was never this dark, and was always warm.”
“I feel like there's something here,” said Merrill. “It's faint. And not friendly.”
“Just keep your guard up,” said Jordan as she looked around. “It appears things may have changed.”
The group, also including Varric and Isabela, carefully made their way into the mansion and searched for anything that might give them a clue to what was going on. Sebastian appeared worried, not understanding, thinking maybe the information he had received might have been wrong.
There was a crash, followed by a loud bang as one of the side doors in the main room burst open. It startled everyone as they all jumped and turned toward the door. Standing in the doorway was a noblewoman, swaying with her eyes cockeyed, hair in a jumble atop her head, and clothes loose and falling off her shoulders.
“More... wine!” she screamed. “You lazy son of a bitch! What's taking so long?”
“Uh, what?” said Jordan as she stared at the inebriated woman.
“Flora?” Sebastian went directly in front of her and peered in her eyes. “Flora? Are you all right?”
“Damn it, where did that fucking elf go?” Flora screamed. Her eyes went all about the room, skipping over everyone. “I want more! Why does no one in this house care what I want?”
“Flora!” Sebastian yelled at her, trying to get her attention. He turned to Jordan and the others. “I don't think she sees me.”
“There's something over her eyes,” said Merrill. “Like a veil of sorts. She can't see or hear or know of anything expect what the veil lets her.” Merrill suddenly shivered. “Yes, there is definitely something evil at work here.”
“Come on, let's leave her,” Jordan said to Sebastian who was still trying to get Flora to notice him. “We need to find out what's going on and I don't think she's going to help us.”
Sebastian nodded. “You're right, Hawke. Maybe if we can find out more information, then we can find a way to help her.” He took the lead, taking them up the stairs and down the hall.
“You act as if you know this place,” said Jordan.
“I do. I used to play with Flora and her two brothers when I was a child. The Harimann's home is like a second one to me. I have some really good memories here, which is why it's hard for me to think Lady Harimann—or any of them—could do what they did to my parents. I need to know the truth, and I need to know what this evil is that might have taken over this once hospitable home.” Sebastian went to a door and pushed it open, revealing a large sitting room. Inside were several people, most elves with one human noble standing in front of a large cooking pot. The pot had something boiling in it, and there was a large pile of gold coins at the noble's feet.
“More logs! It must be molten!” he cried. One of the elves brought more logs from across the room and placed them in the fire under the pot. “More coins!” the noble cried again. “I want every scrape of gold in this house!” A second elf ran from the room, presumably to gather more gold.
“What the...?” Varric said behind Jordan. Coming more into the room, Jordan saw a female elf standing rigid next to the pot. A third elf was standing beside her, holding a knife to her throat.
“Please, messere...” she begged, tears rolling down her face.
The human didn't seem to hear her pleas. “There's nothing to fear,” he said, his eyes mad. “You'll be beautiful! We'll all be beautiful!” He went over to the pot and looked inside. “Yes. Yes! It's done. Quick! Pour it over her!”
The elf who had been holding the knife to her throat stepped toward the pot. He picked it up and made to pour the hot contents down on her head.
“No, don't!” Sebastian yelled. “You'll kill her!” The female elf shrieked just as Sebastian punched the other elf in the face. He went down, spilling the contents of the pot all over the floor.
Not understanding what had just happened, the female quickly gathered herself and ran out the door, nearly knocking Isabela and Merrill over. She still didn't acknowledge they were there.
The human also didn't seem to notice that anything was amiss, even when the pot filled with his molten gold spilled all over his shoes. He stared at the pile of gold coins in deep thought. “Perhaps I should be the one...” he muttered.
“This madness needs to end,” said Sebastian. “This is not like Brett at all, just as that wasn't the Flora I used to know.”
“Don't worry, sweet thing,” said Isabela as she casually made her way over to the coin pile. “We'll have this all figured out real soon.”
“Isabela,” Jordan said stern. “Don't you dare touch any of those coins. Those aren't yours.”
“It's not like he's going to miss them,” the pirate smiled. “He was going to melt them down, I don't see why I can't save a few.” She reached down and took a few from the pile. Jordan rolled her eyes. Sebastian sighed, but it was more from his concern for Brett and Flora than what Isabela was doing. He stared at his old friend for a moment, trying to think.
“It doesn't make sense, but let's keep moving. Maybe if we go deeper in the house we'll be able to find an answer.” Again, Sebastian took the lead and out of the sitting room. They came to a hall and began opening and looking inside the rooms. Most rooms were bedrooms and empty with the occasional elven servant inside doing house work, and still oblivious to their presence.
“Hm, I'm beginning to believe we might have entered some type of dimension,” said Isabela. “We've unlocked a door with a key of imagination. Beyond it, we've found another dimension: a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of the mind. We're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. We've just crossed over into... the twilight zone.”
“Ooh, that's good Rivaini!” said Varric. “I think I might use that, if you don't mind.”
“Sure thing, Varric. That just came to me right on the spot.”
“This certainly is something...” Sebastian muttered. “And... oh my!” The next door he opened brought them into a bedroom already occupied with two people. A male human and a female elf completely nude.
“Oh yes, that way! That's it!” the man cried, his head going back while his eyes rolled in the back of his head. The elf had her legs wrapped around his waist while one arm was about his shoulders, and the other was busy attending to his manhood.
“What is she doing to him?” Merrill asked as she peered. “That doesn't look like any of the positions we talked about, Isabela. Is it?”
“No, that one's a little advanced,” Isabela explained. “It's called 'the panther.' A fun one, but can get a little exhausting after awhile.”
“I beg pardon, Hawke,” Sebastian said as he looked away from the couple. “I did not mean to expose you to such things.”
“No apologies necessary,” Isabela smiled.
“Wait, stop!” the man cried. The elf stopped what she was doing and put her feet to the floor. “Now... now let's try something else. Where's the feather?” The elf shook her head and smiled at him. She then grabbed him by the neck and threw him on the bed and went right on top and began doing her work.
“Yep, defiantly a professional,” Isabela said as she observed the elf twist the man in different positions.
“And... that one?” Merrill asked, her face slowly beginning to show disgust.
“That would be 'the triple lindy.' Good penetration, but it'll make your abdomen hurt like hell the next morning.”
“And... that?” The elven prostitute forced the man in another position, all the while his face showing a huge smile.
“'Carnal crisscross.' You need to be very flexible. And that right there...” Isabela explained as the elf changed positions yet again. “Oh wow, she's good. The 'head spinner.' Very difficult. I wouldn't recommend it, Kitten. But I think I might need to find out who this elf is and try her out. She's got some good moves.”
“Hmm, I didn't even think the 'head spinner' was possible,” said Varric. “I mean it defies logic, yet... there it is!”
“Yes, more!” the man moaned. “Do that! Where have you been all my life? Today, I am more than a man! Come! Felicitate me!”
“That's a great line!” said Isabela. “I should use that. Ooh, I could get it embroidered on my blouse!”
Sebastian looked sick from watching them. “Do they really have no idea we're here? I've known Ruxton my whole life. He's a complete prude!”
“That's my kind of prude.”
“As much fun as it is watching these two have sex, I think it best we move on,” said Jordan. “Sebastian's starting to turn green.”
“Oh all right,” Isabela pouted. “But I really do want to find out who this elf is. I want to know if she and I could do the 'overpass' together.”
“Can't that position break your back?”
“With a full grown man, yes. But with a petite elf like that... I'm pretty sure that's what it was made for.”
Jordan laughed at her. “You'll try anything once, won't you?”
“You know it, sweet thing,” Isabela winked.
Finally leaving the bedroom, Sebastian took several deep breaths to regain himself before turning to Jordan. “This is not how any of them act. I don't understand. What has gotten into them?”
“You're asking me?” said Jordan.
“It's that same veil,” said Merrill. “It's shrouded around all of them.”
“Then maybe I was wrong,” Sebastian said as he thought. “Maybe it's not the Harimann's doing. Maybe whatever this... evil is that seems to have them captured is only using them to hide the truth. I must find the answer, and I also must find Lady Harimann. She's the only one we haven't discovered yet.”
“Any other place we haven't looked yet?” Jordan asked.
“Yeah, the cellar. Follow me. The entrance is just down this way.”
***
The cellar was just as cold and dark as the rest of the house. It was stocked with wine, the bottles lining the walls. There were also bones on the floor with a few freshly dead bodies and blood flowing through the cracks in the stone.
“Maker guide these poor souls,” Sebastian prayed as he knelt beside the bodies. “Their deaths appeared gruesome.”
“I think it was some type of ritual,” said Merrill as she looked around. “One to call upon... demons.”
“Demons?” Jordan questioned. “Joy.”
“That would make sense, though,” said Sebastian. “Why else would Flora, Brett, and Ruxton be acting so different? It's because of a demon's influence. I wonder... wait, what's that?” Sebastian made his way over to the other end of the cellar. There he saw a hidden doorway, one obscured by shadow. “This is new. I've never seen this before.”
“Let's go explore it, then,” Jordan said, standing behind him as she too, peered through the dark doorway.
“I suppose...”
“No! You shall go no further!” They all turned to see Flora standing at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the entrance of the cellar. She stood with her eyes wide, staring off in to the distance with no life within them. No longer did she sway, but was rigid and fixed.
“Flora!” Sebastian yelled at her. “Snap out of this! Please tell me, what is going on?” He went to her, but she did not look at him or move any part of her body.
“There is nothing for you here,” she said in a monotone. “Leave.”
“I shall not until I have answers!”
“Then you will die.” Flora's eyes then rolled in the back of her head, her body went limp and she fell to the ground. The cellar then grew darker, and from shadows, demons emerged.
“Oh wonderful,” Jordan muttered to herself. “I was not prepared for this.”
The demons were shades, clawing their way out of the shadows and striking fast. Jordan rolled to the side, going next to Isabela. Varric immediately took out Bianca and shot one of the shades in the head. It went down, taking out another that was right behind it. Jordan and Isabela stood back to back, looking around as the shades began to surround them. They leaped at the same time, daggers hitting claws and ripping through rotting fabric. The shades screamed as they reached out their long arms to grasp the slippery rogues, but were not fast enough. Jordan sliced one shade across the throat with Fury, spun and jammed Edge into the back of another that was going after Isabela. The two rogues danced together, using each other for support and attacks.
A shade came after Isabela's right. It swung at her with its claw, only hitting air when she ducked. Jordan then rolled across her back, flinging Edge into the shade's cloak-covered face and ripping it to pieces. Isabela came up from her crouch and jammed one of her daggers in the throat of another shade. A third fell at her feet from several arrows in its back thanks to Sebastian.
Merrill was in the center of the cellar, vines surrounding her and stretching out as they entangled shades and ripped them apart. More still kept coming out of the shadows, a never ending swarm. Merrill knew this, and knew there was really only one way to stop them from coming. Exposing her wrist, she cut it and felt her blood flow. Calling upon the spell, she flung it throughout the entire room. Every shade it hit, collapsed and the shadows closed.
“Merrill!” Jordan shouted. She forced herself on her feet after having been knocked down my Merrill's spell. The Dalish mage was on the ground, barely conscious. “Come on, Merrill, wake up.” Jordan patted her face lightly.
“Oh...” Merrill moaned. “Did... Did it work?”
“I don't know what you did, but yeah, it worked.”
“It was the only way,” Merrill said as she sat herself up. “Otherwise they would have just kept coming.”
“You did what you had to, Daisy.” Varric helped Merrill to her feet while Isabela steadied her.
Jordan examined her friend, seeing Merrill was extremely pale. She must have used a lot of blood to close the portals the shades were coming out of. Jordan wasn't exactly sure what they were dealing with, but she hoped Merrill wouldn't have to do anything like that again. This time it nearly killed her. Next time, she probably won't be so lucky.
“Hawke.” Jordan looked over at Sebastian, seeing he wasn't very pleased, but she couldn't really tell from what. He had just witnessed another of her mage friends do something that was against Chantry law. Yet there was still also the strange activities going on in the Harimann mansion.
“You know what I'm going to say,” she said to him before he could speak.
“It's something to discuss later, perhaps. Right now, I would like to focus on the task at hand. Before Flora came down, I was about to say I've never seen that doorway before and it looks new. I have a feeling, if we go down there, then we'll find out the truth.”
“Then lead the way, Sebastian.”
He did, and everyone followed him into the doorway and down a very rickety set of wooden steps. When they reached the bottom, they found themselves in an underground cave. Torches lined the walls, giving them light as they walked. It was a strange place, for in many ways, it appeared as if the cave was some type of ruin.
“I don't remember any kind of ruin in Hightown,” said Sebastian.
“Well, the Harimann's house is built right next to the cliffside,” said Jordan. “Maybe it was built on top of something.”
“It does look like they were renovating,” Varric suggested as he examined the walls. “Perhaps trying to expand the cellar, and when they broke the wall open, they stumbled upon this ruin.”
“You actually know something about it, Varric?” Isabela questioned.
“Hey, I'm a dwarf. Even if it's not my thing, it still is. I can't help it.”
“Quiet you two,” Jordan shushed. “I think I hear something up ahead.” They all became quiet, even slowly moving their feet so they wouldn't make a noise. Distantly they could hear voices, and as they got closer, they could understand them.
“You must give me more!” a woman proclaimed. “Starkhaven will not submit.”
“That's Lady Harimann!” Sebastian whispered, surprised. “But who is she talking to?” They came to the end of the ruins and peered around a corner to find the noblewoman kneeling on the ground. In front of her stood a demon of desire. The demon's skin purple and scaly, horns protruded from its head, while its hair was dark fire. It had on barely any clothing, just a small loin clothe over its nether region, and a chain that connected to both its nipples and dangled down to its belly. The she-demon smiled down at Lady Harimann with a wicked grin.
“I put that idiot Goran Vael into the prince's seat,” Lady Harimann continued. “But the other families won't heed him. I must marry him to Flora and solidify our hold. But I need more power.”
“I've given you much,” the demon spoke, its voice sweet and sultry with a deepness to it that echoed evil. “Your desires run deep. You've already traded your husband and your children. What more can you offer?”
“If it comes to it, then you can have me! When everything is completed and how things should be, then I will be solely yours!”
The demon flicked her clawed hand. “You are already mine. You cannot bargain with what you have already given me.”
“Then what is it that you seek?” Lady Harimann pleaded. “I will give you anything! Just name it and you shall have it! Please! I need more power or all I've worked for is lost!”
“How about the last of the Vael family,” the demon said smoothly. “Bring me the last son and I shall give you want you seek.”
“I... I can't,” Lady Harimann said as she gawked at the demon. “He's dead. All of them are.”
“Are you so sure? Perhaps you should look behind me.”
Focusing her eyes past the demon, Lady Harimann spotted Sebastian as he came from behind the corner. “Sebastian?” she said surprised. “But... how?”
“How could you?” Sebastian said as he stared at Lady Harimann, horrified. “My mother was your friend! How could you murder her?”
“Such an ugly word,” the demon spoke to him. “I prefer 'removed the only obstacle between her and her dreams.'”
“So it was you, then, wasn't it?” Sebastian glared at the demon. “You put the idea in her head.”
The demon smiled sweetly at him. “I could create such desires if I wished. But it's far easier to nurture those that already exist. The desire for power is easy to find. You and your friends both possess it, do you not? You both wish to rise.”
“Oh no, no, no,” said Jordan. “Don't bring me into this.”
“But you already are,” the demon purred.
“You're wrong if you think I'd betray my friends and family just for power!”
“Do not go making promises you don't know if you can keep. I know your desires. I see them very clearly. Would you like for me to make them a reality?”
Jordan blinked as images began to flood her brain. She saw both her father and Carver, alive and happy. Bethany, outside of the Circle, dressed in the finest Orlesian silks, and accompanying her to all the noble gatherings. Then there was Anders and Fenris. She was between both of them, their naked bodies pressing against her own. She was kissing Anders sensually, her arms wrapped around his neck while Fenris was at her shoulder, going slowly around to the other side.
A sharp spark caused Jordan to lose the images. She let out a breath she was holding and stared at the demon with angry. In a quick flash, she grabbed Edge and pointed the blade at the demon. “Don't you dare put false images in my head and assume what I desire!” she yelled.
The demon sneered at her blade. “You are stronger than I thought. If I had a chance, it would have been nice to be apart of your destiny. It's so full of... pain.”
Jordan kept her glare, not daring to look away from the demon.
“Don't listen to her,” said Sebastian. “She is only trying to pull you in.”
“But what about you?” the demon spoke as her shining, onyx eyes cast their gaze onto Sebastian. “Your own desires run just as deep.”
“No... they don't.”
“Are you so sure? Your own ambitions aren't so different from my lady's.” The demon gestured to Lady Harimann, who hadn't moved from her place on the ground. “You yearn for the same lands, the same power...”
“But I am the rightful heir! She is a usurper and murderer!”
“You swear to put aside worldly goods and ambitions. But they couldn't stop you from wanting them...”
“No, I will not listen to you.” Sebastian shook his head, trying to rid himself of the images the demon was giving him. No longer was he the Chantry priest, but a respected monarch, one that could lead his city to greatness. “What you show me cannot be true. I would not be a good ruler. Not like that.”
“Don't sell yourself so short,” said Jordan. “I think you would be a great ruler, just don't become one this way.”
“I just want what's best for my people, and I know that's not me.”
“For the people who'll adore you,” the demon went on in her lustful voice. “All those smiles they used to save for your brother... Now you'll be the shining prince. All you have to do is kill anyone in your way...” The demon looked down at Lady Harimann, who stared up at the creature with horror.
“No...” she whimpered.
“Silence, temptress!” Sebastian shouted. “Your whispers led our allies astray. You're the only one I must kill.” He pulled out his bow, and in quick succession, notched an arrow and sent it hurtling toward the demon. She only swatted the arrow away like it was nothing, her eyes darkening.
“If that is what you wish, then so be it.” The demon leaped back into the air, a graceful movement that sent her floating gently to the ground. Lady Harimann then stood, taking her staff and cutting her wrists, blood and magic flying around her.
“Lady Harimann, no!” Sebastian cried, not wanting to fight her. Yet the lady of the house acted as if she couldn't even hear him. Her eyes were completely red, filled with hatred and power. She raised her hand and curled it. Sebastian screamed when he was caught in her spell. He fell to his knees and shook, holding himself as the pain went throughout his entire body.
“No!” Merrill cried. She ran over to Sebastian and stopped, taking her own staff and flung a spell. A vine snapped out from the ground and curled around Lady Harimann's throat. The lady choked, loosing her concentration, and Sebastian was free. Merrill summoned more vines as they latched onto Lady Harimann and pulled. Suddenly they were all snapped, the demon having sent lightning to destroy the vegetation. The result ending with Lady Harimann screaming from the electrocution, and falling to the ground.
“What of you, child of the Dales?” the demon asked, her sultry demeanor returning. “You've already seeked the aid of one of my kind before. Am I so different? I can still give you what you desire. Maybe even more.”
“N-No,” Merrill stuttered as she shook her head. “I don't need your help.”
“Oh but I think you do. I know how to fix the mirror. I know how to make it work.”
Merrill stared, frightened, confused, not able to move.
“Don't listen to her, Daisy!” Varric yelled. He pointed Bianca right at the demon's heart. “You should know better than to listen to a demon!”
“Do you believe your dwarven resistance will keep you safe?” the demon asked him. “I can see your desires just as clearly, and I can give to you just as easily as I could to any of the others.”
Varric faltered a little, Bianca shaking in his hands.
“You don't need to resist me,” the demon said smoothly. “I can give all of you what you desire most.”
“Stop trying to tempt my friends!” Jordan shouted. “None of them will listen to you!”
The demon half smiled at her. “Are you so sure they won't betray you?”
“I know they won't betray me. They're my friends. They have no reason to.”
“Don't believe what isn't fully true.” The demon then spun on her cloven heels, and slammed her fist into Isabela's abdomen as the rogue tried to stab the demon in the back. The demon then had to twist again, this time smacking Jordan in the face as she tried to do the same thing. Both rogues went flying in different directions, landing hard but getting right back up to go at the demon again.
She was ready for them, her arms outstretched as she summoned a cold mist. Jordan came right at her full front, while Isabela went left. The demon was fully focused on Jordan, but shot the cold spell at Isabela right before she could reach the creature. Isabela ducked it just in time, only the ends of her hair freezing. Jordan took the opportunity of the distracted demon to run faster and leap. She would've had Edge planted firmly in the demon's chest, yet the creature was able to grab her by the throat and fling her to the side. She then blocked Isabela's blows, the pirate moving fast, but not enough to get past the demon's own ability. Annoyed with the pirate, the demon pushed Isabela away with a spell, sending her flying across the room. Jordan came back at the demon, nearly slicing Fury across the demon's hide, but was stopped yet again by the demon's hand as it grasped her wrist. The demon squeezed, forcing her to drop the red blade. Then with a twist, broke Jordan's arm in several places. She screamed and brought Edge around, again almost sticking the demon, but stopped by the demon's other hand.
“This blade will not save you anymore,” the demon spoke. “Besides, it is incomplete.”
“Of course it's incomplete,” said Jordan. “I still have to find a perfect match for it!”
The demon chuckled at her. “Allow me to show you.” Small bolts of an electrical charge formed around both of her hands. Jordan could feel the current, the static as it began to form on her body. With a quick decision, she kicked her feet forward, hitting the demon in the chest, and rotated herself around. The demon lost her grip on Jordan's wrists, setting her free and away from the electrical discharge that went off from the demon. The pain in Jordan's left arm radiated through her chest, but she ignored it as she picked up Fury and rounded the demon.
In the corner of her eye, she saw Varric and Merrill still standing frozen where they had been. “Come on, you guys!” she yelled at them. “Snap out of it! I need you!”
Both of them shook their heads, clearing a little. Then together they attacked, Merrill sending a huge stone fist, with Varric sending three bolts simultaneously at the demon. Seeing the projectiles coming at her, the demon easily outmaneuvered the stone fist and the first two bolts, but the third nicked her in the face. She was then barely able to stop Isabela from sticking one dagger in her back, yet the pirate's second dagger was able to enter the demon's thigh. Furious, the demon smacked Isabela in the back, sending her face-first into the ground. The dark creature then screamed right as Jordan forced Edge into her spinal column. The demon's face was twisted in fear as she tried to get away, but Jordan cocked the blade forward, breaking the spine and killing the demon instantly.
“Is it... what... what happened?” Sebastian asked as he was slowly awoken by Merrill.
“The demon's dead,” said Jordan as she and Isabela came over to where he, Merrill, and Varric were. “And so is Lady Harimann.”
“She... no.” Sebastian stared stricken at the dead and charred corpse of Lady Harimann. “Why? Why did she do this?”
“Did you know she was a mage?”
“I had no idea. I don't think any of my family knew. She hid it well. But I guess... there's no more I can do here. I now know the answer to what happened to my family, yet I am still left with questions. Ones that may never be answered now.” Sebastian went over to Lady Harimann's corpse and prayed over it.
“Hey Merrill, do you think you could fix this?” Jordan asked as she presented the mage with her broken arm.
“Well, I'm not nearly as good as Anders or Bethany, but I can give it a try.” Merrill went about healing Jordan's arm the best she could, but struggled a little due to the multiple fractions. When she did the best she could do, she then tended to Isabela, and healed what she could of her injuries.
Jordan's arm was put back together, but it wasn't nearly as neat as Anders or Bethany would have done it. She could still feel some pain, but it was at least usable.
“I think it's time I returned to the chantry,” Sebastian said once he was done praying over Lady Harimann. “I must pray more for her soul. To seek the Maker''s forgiveness of her sins. And to also pray for my own.”
***
When they exited the ruins, making their way back into the cellar, they found Flora still there, but this time awake and back to her own mind. Seeing Sebastian, she broke into tears. “Oh, Sebastian! I am so, so sorry... No, that isn't a strong enough word to use. I... what my mother did, what we did...”
“It's all right, Flora,” Sebastian spoke softly. “Are you able to tell me anything about what happened? Do you remember anything?”
“It's all like a dream,” Flora spoke after she calmed a little. “I do remember some, but I'm not sure what's real and what isn't. We were renovating the house, starting with the cellar. When we had the wall knocked down, it revealed a hidden chamber, one we had no idea was even there. My mother and father investigated, but they never told us what they found inside. It upset my father, but I could tell Mother was obsessed with it. She was constantly down here, I barely saw her anymore. One day I followed her down, and found her in the strange ruins. Inside, I saw her talking with a demon, asking the creature to help her kill the... the Vaels.” Flora had to look away from Sebastian as fresh tears fell down her check.
“Did you know your mother was a mage?” Jordan asked her.
“I did,” Flora nodded. “We all did, and we kept it a secret. Mother thought she could handle it, and she had been up until then. It wasn't until after I saw her talking with the demon did the nightmares start. Did things start to not make sense anymore. When I wasn't sure if I was awake or if I was sleeping. I think my mother killed my father to appease the demon. Then she gave each of us to that foul creature so she could have more power. And now... she's dead... isn't she?” Flora slowly looked back up, this time at Jordan.
“I'm afraid so,” Jordan answered. “There was really no other way. She was fully possessed by the demon. We couldn't save her.”
“I understand. I just hope... you can forgive us, Sebastian.” Flora finally focused her attention back on him.
“But why?” he asked. “Our families were allies.”
“We were. We still can be. It's just... my mother was always jealous of your parents. The demon twisted that until it was all she could think of. She was determined to seize Starkhaven for herself.”
“I...” Sebastian shook his head, not sure he could believe her.
“I know it's hard to believe, Sebastian, but that is the truth. I'll also understand if you don't trust my family anymore, but if it takes every last coin my family owns, I will make reparations to everyone we're wronged. Starting with you, Sebastian. We weren't the only ones vying for Starkhaven. If you face more opposition, you have my support.”
“I appreciate that, Flora, it's just...” Sebastian stopped and looked away. “I need time to think about this. I know it's not fully your fault, or your brothers, but what we faced was a demon of desire. It can't tempt you with something you don't truly want.”
Flora nodded as she looked down at the floor again.
“I need to be getting back to the chantry now. I will speak to you again when I'm ready.” Leaving her in the cellar, Sebastian quickly made his way out of the house, not stopping until he was out in the streets of Hightown. Taking several deep breaths, he looked up at the bright sky. Jordan wasn't sure what to say to him. She didn't know him well enough, and wasn't sure if she did need to say anything.
“Thank you, Hawke,” he finally said. “I appreciate you helping me with this matter. I don't think I could have done it on my own.”
“No problem, Sebastian,” said Jordan. “But... are you okay? I mean, do you need to talk about anything?”
Sebastian hung his head. “I do, but my first talk needs to be with the Maker. Only He can guide me down this path. Thank you again, and feel free to visit or call on me anytime.” He nodded to Jordan and her companions before making his own way to the chantry.
“Well... that was one of our more interesting adventures,” said Varric. “Care to head back to the Hanged Man and finish our game?”
“You three go on ahead,” said Jordan solemnly. “I'm gonna head home first and check on my mother. I'll meet you there later.”
“Sure thing, Hawke.”
As the three of them began making their way just as Sebastian had, Isabela stopped to stare at Jordan before continuing. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, I'm fine,” Jordan shrugged. “Why?”
“You just look down, is all. Sure you don't want to come with us?”
“I said I'll meet you there, okay? I just want to check on my mother.”
Isabela looked Jordan up and down, knowing she wasn't telling the full truth. “Alright. I'll see you there.”
Jordan stood in front of the Harimann house for a moment before she too began to make her way down the street. It was true, she wasn't telling Isabela the full truth. She knew that her mother was in Lowtown right now, visiting Gamlen with Chance as her guard. What was really bothering Jordan were the images the demon had showed her. Even though she had denied them, they really were desires she craved. She wanted her family back, both her father and brother to be alive, and for Bethany to not be in the Circle. Then there was her desire to be with Anders. It wasn't a secret that she liked him, everyone basically knew, but what bothered her was that Fenris was also in the picture. Did she desire him as well? Jordan wasn't really sure herself. She knew she cared for him, and worried about why he hadn't shown himself since disappearing after killing Hadriana.
She found herself standing in front of Fenris's mansion again. Jordan wondered if she shouldn't go inside and look, but she thought better of it. She could already feel Fenris wasn't inside. If he was truly gone, then there was nothing she could do about it.
Jordan made her way back to her house. She decided that after a morning like the one she just had, resting would be a good idea. Jordan wasn't sure what she was going to run into tonight with DuPuis.
It wasn't until after she walked into her house and closed the door did Jordan became startled when she saw Fenris sitting and waiting for her.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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