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Dawn of Beginning	By : EunjiMinJeon Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 2459 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age world nor characters.

Chapter List
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Early morning, Sirena was standing around the table with everyone as Morrigan explained how an Eluvian worked, which had already been done once before. It kind of annoyed her. Quietly, the outlander listened to everyone bicker in what should happen when time was of the essence. Having a discussion about something that was talked about before was a waste of time and quite unnecessary.
“Before we march, we should gather our allies.” The Ambassador suggested.
“Can we wait for them? We should send out our spies ahead to the Arbor Wilds.” From what she saw, Cullen looked appalled by the suggestion. Already, she was able to tell they won’t make a decision on their own.
“You’d lose half of them without the support of the troops!”
“Then what should we do?” The young American pinched the bridge of her of her nose due to the lack of concession. It was obvious what they should do. How hard was it to make the agreement that needed to be made?
“You work together as a team. For instance… Josephine, have our allies send their scouts to meet us at the location. Leliana, your fastest spies will join them. That should be enough to slow Corypheus’ army until Cullen’s soldiers arrive. Wham bam, thank you ma’am.” Sirena then heard Morrigan laugh at her plan. That woman did get under skin sometimes.
“Such confidence by one so small, but the Arbor Wilds are not so kind to visitors. Ancient Elven magic lingers in those woods.” As the Ambassador asked for the witch’s expertise, the American rolled her eyes. She didn’t understand why she was so grumpy. Then she heard it; the arrogance! Her eyes closed as she took deep calming breaths. While calming down, the outlander didn’t hear the long-winded speech.
It had taken days to get to the Arbor Wilds! Everyone had done their part to make the mission possible. Josphine sent her messengers. Leliana sent her scouts out to burn red templar tents. And the Commander, had sent his troops out for battle as he leads them at the front. All around them was beautiful green foliage and clear water. It was the cleanest place Sirena had ever seen.
Sadly, the battle had already begun. The young American pulled out her katana and made her way through the wilds. There were onesies and twosomes of enemies, but, the other party members dispatched them fairly quickly. When they had gotten to some of their agents who were in trouble, Sirena immediately ran up to a crystalized templar monster and started maneuvering herself where she was slashing and avoiding one but didn’t see the other had come. It caught her by surprise when she got hit and knocked down. Finally, some of the other party members showed up as she rolled away from getting stomped on. The American woman stood back up and got back into the fight. While focusing on the monster, she hacked and slashed at it while also dodge rolling every now and again to avoid getting hit any further. After what felt like forever, the red templar fell in defeat. Her blue-green eyes looked and noticed that the other was still up. While some were bent over, she took the opportunity to get a running start and jumped on their backs before swinging her blade through the templar’s neck.
Once the battle was done, she continued up the path along with the Inquisitor. It was vital they get to the Eluvian first. As she ran, Sirena caught sight of the passage way as she sheathed her sword. When they entered the stone passage, everyone had slowed down to a walk. As the American got closer to the opening, there were some noises that could be heard from the near distance.
There they were, Corypheus and some of his army. Silently, the outlander and the other two crept up to hear the conversation better. With her own eyes, she saw Calpernia standing beside the magister. When she heard the Well of Sorrows got brought up, her eyes glanced over at Morrigan. The witch’s eyes met hers and they both nodded to each other in a silent agreement. In silence, she watched as Corypheus tried to cross the Elven bridge. From where the American was hiding, it looked like he was melting until a flash of blue light obliterated everyone but the group. As she made her way down with the Inquisitor, Sirena made sure to avoid stepping on the corpses. Slowly, the outlander followed Evelyn and Morrigan over the bridge. Ahead of everyone was the enemy heading into what seemed to be a temple. Word gurgling sounds as well as bones cracking were heard from behind them. The American girl turned around facing the sound to see a Grey Warden who was dead already, slowly dissolved.
“Cross the bridge! Now!” Morrigan yelled before her and the Inquisitor ran across the bridge. Sirena saw a hand that looked like Corypheus’ reaching out from the dead body. Her eyes widened and immediately ran away from the corpse. He was resurrecting! How? To make it through the closing door in time, she jumped and somersaulted just before the door closed and a golden light sealed it. Once everyone was settled for the time being, Morrigan admitted that she didn’t really know what the magister was after which meant everyone had become frustrated. Even the American was a bit angry, but there was nothing anyone could really do. Sirena stepped forward between the two older women. “I was wrong, okay?”
“That is enough! She’s not completely wrong. He wants the well; I believe it’s sort of like a well of knowledge. It holds dead elves’ memories.” She looked over at Morrigan and gave her a little nod. It’s clear that everyone was used to her random knowledge that she had. They had to get used to it. “While we can, let’s get to that well before he does.” There was no room for argument in her tone as she pushed her way through the two. Instead of Evelyn leading the way, it ended up being Sirena. Knowing the elves were tricky, she was careful not to set off any booby traps. They were protecting the well from outsiders who did not mean well. The temple felt like it was taking forever to get through. Finally, the outlander led them to a door that had a blue glow.
Immediately, Sirena and the party ran through the door. Up ahead, the American saw Calpernia and her few men army. As soon as the mage girl gave an order, more soldiers made themselves known as she and a few others jumped down a hole in the ground. At this point, everyone had enchantments on their weapons and armor. Once the enemy advanced, Sirena slashed at a Grey Warden who was getting too close to her and watched how a bead of blood soon became a stream. Sadly, he was still advancing when she finally swung her sword at his neck. Her blue-green eyes looked around to find another enemy to defeat. Up ahead and sneaking up behind Evelyn was a rogue Grey Warden. Immediately, the American ran up to the light armored man then slid on the lush green grass while swinging her sword deep into his side. The soldier stopped moving with a stunned expression before looking down to see his wound. She watched as he fell down on his knees then on his face.
As she took a look around, her eyes caught sight that there wasn’t a lot to battle with. Most probably went down the hole that was created. Where it led to, she had no idea. The battle didn’t take long at all. It seemed like they have over powered runes in their weapons. In a way, it was nice that their fights did not take that long anymore. Everyone then followed Sirena and Morrigan to a rather large door. It’s clear they were not going to chase after the enemy. The witch motioned for Evelyn to follow her along with the outlander.
“There is… a danger to the natural order like there are in many things. Ledends had once walked in Thedas; things of might and wonder. Due to their passing, it has left us to be lesser than we should be. Corypheus would squander the ancient power of the well. I want it restored.” The American would not have taken her for a romantic.
“I was not expecting your answer to be quite so romantic.” Evelyn admitted with surprise.
“Trust me, your surprise is only matched by my own.” The witch’s smile faded fairly quickly with her thoughts. “Mankind blunders through the vast world; destroys what it doesn’t understand: elves, dragons, magic… The list is endless. The tide must be stemmed or we will be left with nothing but the mundane. This is what I know to be true. I read more than I revealed in the first chamber. It said there is a great boon given to those who use the well of sorrows but there is a great price.” Morrigan continued to inform them.
“What exactly did the alter say about the Well of Sorrows?”
“It was more than likely vague.” Sirena answered instead of the witch of the wilds. “The elves like to keep their secrets.”
“There was a term I had deciphered as “Halam’Shivanas” – “The sweet sacrifice of duty”. It implies the loss of something personal for duty’s sake. Yet, for those who served at its temple, it’s a worthwhile trade.”
“Did you not trust me enough to tell me about this price when you read it? The Inquisitor sounded offended when she wasn’t told the information sooner. If Sirena was in her place, she’d feel the same. At the same time, she’d like to believe that she would understand the other person.
“I was hoping to find more information. If I was intending on cheating you, I would have feigned ignorance entirely. My priority is your cause. But if the opportunity does arise to save the well; I am willing to pay that said price.”
“And what will you gain?”
“That is something we must discover.” After the two had finished talking, Sirena motioned for the rest of the group to follow. It was time to walk through the blue glowing door. The room they walked into was fairly large like it was made for an audience. But still it had an eerie feeling to it. She even caught the witch say something about it. All of a sudden there were elves pointing their arrows at them.
“Venavis.” Sirena looked up to see an elf with his arms crossed. He did not seem pleased they were there. “You… Are unlike the other invaders. You stumble down our paths alongside Elven, or at least those having our feature. You bear the mark of magic which is… familiar. How has this come to pass?” The elven man was speaking in old speech, but in the common tongue. “What is your connection to those who first disturbed our slumber?” She had no idea what he was talking about since she was not used to that sort of speech pattern.
“They are my enemies as well as yours.” The Inquisitor answered with much conviction. Though, the elf seemed to be quite thoughtful, he may not see them as harmless. If only they were able to bypass all of the elves that may be threats.
“I am Abelus. We are sentinels, tasked to stand against those who trespass on sacred ground. We are awakened to fight. To preserve this temple. Our numbers diminish with each invasion. I know what you seek, like all those who have come before you. You wish to drink from the Vir’abelasan.” It’s clear that Morrigan knew what he was speaking about as she mumbled to Evelyn. “It’s not for you. It is not for any of you.”
“We did not come here to fight you or steal from your temple.”
“I believe you.” Relief filled the American girl hoping the elves would lower their weapons. “Trespassers, you are, but you have followed the rites of petition. You have shown respect to Mythal. If these others are enemies of yours, we will aid you in destroying them. When this is done, you shall be permitted to depart… And never return.” To her, it sounded like a fair deal. Its clear Sera was not keen on it.
“Consider this carefully. You must stop Corypheus, yes, but you may also need the well for your own.” Sirena looked over at Morrigan and shook her head. That would surely offend the ancient elves. It was a relief when Evelyn accepted the offer.
“You will be guided to those you seek. As for the vir’abelasan… It shall not be despoiled, even if I must destroy it myself.” Hearing the witch scream “no” and turned into a black raven made the American be filled with disappointment. There was no time to think about the selfish woman. The group followed their guide past a door. Through the first door, there were battle sounds and without hesitation everyone barged in. The outlander didn’t see the point of her joining the fight since it was going to be over very soon.
Just as she expected, the fight ended quickly. She soon followed their guide through many rooms with the companions. Finally, they were led to a door. When the elven door opened, there were trees and grass everywhere. With the Inquisitor, Sirena made her way past the gore and carnage. Up ahead, they spotted Calpernia who was so loyal to her master that she had no idea he was planning on using her.
“The lust of power you have, Calpernia, has blinded you. Corypheus is using you.”
“Think of your own folly before inventing more. You serve your people. You have one last chance to save them. The Well of Sorrows overflows with knowledge. Power abandoned by those the Elves worshipped as gods. To walk the fade without the anchor that is what the Well of Sorrows will give Corypheus.” The mage girl looked so satisfied and prideful. If only she knew what Corypheus was really up to.
“If that was the case, why isn’t Corypheus clawing at the well?”
“I will carry it, like a jug brimming for his use. Can you not, see?” What Sirena saw was a woman who was foolish to believe in false promises. In a way, she felt bad for her. At the same time, Calpernia was bringing onto herself. “I knew you would take the well for yourself; to ransack its wisdom to try and defeat Corypheus. But you’d still be just a child playing with a sword. Corypheus will wield it as a master.”
“He plans on binding you. Once you’ve drunk from the well, Corypheus will use a ritual on you. You will become a mindless tool whom will be enslaved to his will.”
“That… Where I come from idle tales must be proven.” It was clear to see that the seed of doubt had been planted. Still, the woman chose to trust the magister blindly. Even Evelyn was tired of it and threw a scroll at Calpernia’s feet.
“Here. The page with his binding ritual. He tried it on your master, Erasthenes.” As she read the scroll, the mage still wanted to believe the one who mislead her.
“How could you know? These runes… No one has written in these since…” It was then Sirena saw the realization on her face. The truth was a hard pill to swallow sometimes. “He made so many promises… And every single one was a lie! Venhedis leaffan vas!” She watched as the scroll burned up as Calpernia is filled with anger, disappointment, and betrayal. “He was supposed to give Tevinter a true leader! If Corypheus was to misuse me, he’d do the same to them too! I was blind!”.
“Perhaps Tevinter could still use a strong leader. Be that woman, while you can.” The Inquisitor spoke, talking sense into the other woman.
“You mock me Inquisitor. As if you’d let me walk away.” The American felt some pity for the mage. She was ready to fight for her freedom when really, she was going to be let go.
“You’re being shown mercy, Calpernia. Don’t waste this chance.” Sirena jumped in also wanting her to have some sense that they were not her real enemy.
“If Corypheus triumphs… Listen, if only power can challenge him… That power is in the well.” Finally, it seemed they had gotten through to her. A small miracle, but the dark magister lost an ally. “Maybe the price is too high. But if you can take it, humble him. Vitae benefaria, Inquisitor. Do not follow us.” Her soldiers started walking away. “I will buy you some time. I am going to confront my master. Then I will return to Tevinter… If there is anything left of me.” It’s clear to all what she meant, Corypheus was not merciful at all.
Once Calpernia walked away to her doom, there was a cry from a flying bird and a glowing blue light with an elf chasing the raven to the well. Everyone ran over to catch up only to see the winged creature transform back into Morrigan. It looked like she was protecting the well from Abalas who looked about ready to destroy the damned thing. With the way the witch spoke to Evelyn, it was quite clear there was a stand off and Morrigan was trying to get the Inquisitor to side with her when there was a deal already between Abalas and the older woman. Eventually the dark-haired woman got the ancient elf to speak about the well more in depth about where the knowledge came from. It seemed there would be no fight with the elf and he’d let them have access to the most sought-after water.
Morrigan, Evelyn, and Sirena stepped next to the pool that the others have called a well. In the close distance was an eluvian, a mirror of sorts. The outlander already knew what it was meant to do. Hearing the power’s pull on the witch was quite concerning since she was having a hard time resisting. She was still insisting on being the one who drinks from the well. Evelyn got everyone’s opinions and looked over at the American girl.
“Let Morrigan have the bloody well. You already have enough on your plate and you don’t really know what all that pool of water entails.” She answered, giving her opinion on the matter. It was evident that the decision had been made. Morrigan was going to be the one to drink from the water. Her eyes glanced over at the woman to see there was no hesitation from her. Immediately the witch turned towards the pool of water and walked into it. There was a smile on her face as she submerged herself into the water. The well then magically emptied, leaving Morrigan lying on the floor of the pool where water once occupied.
As the witch of the wilds was talking, she stopped mid-sentence while looking over in a direction. Sirena’s own gaze followed hers only to see Corypheus standing at the balcony. His reaction was not a pleasant one. In fact, he looked very angry and floated over towards the group. The outlander looked back at the eluvian and Morrigan ran in first to lead the way. Knowing from their past encounter, the magister thought the blonde American had the anchor so she waved Evelyn through. During the last second, she saw the magister was getting closer to her making her heart thump hard and fast in her chest. Just as he got too close, he was blocked by some force that took a form of a humanoid and she stepped through the eluvian herself. It was a close call.
All around there were many eluvians but only one was glowing blue. Morrigan led everyone through the glowing mirror. When it was the American’s turn, she ran through and immediately recognized her surroundings. They were back in Skyhold! The witch turned back to the eluvian and somehow turned it off. It was a relief that they made it back to the stronghold.
“We should inform the others.” Evelyn said still being in the Inquisitor role. This was an important discussion to have with the council members. Sirena and Morrigan walked behind the leader to the room where they had meetings. Quietly, she stood at her usual spot around the table. It took a few minutes for everyone to arrive. Of course, Josephine was first, then Leliana and Cullen afterwards. Once everyone was in their respective spots, the Commander spoke up first.
“We are pleased to report, we won the battle, Inquisitor. When you went through that mirror, Corypheus and his arch demon fled the field. Not sure why though…” He glanced over at the woman with much interest. There was a full discussion and what the magister should do. Even Sirena knew the magister was not going to wait idly by. At least not for very long. He was angry and the man was out for blood. What the witch said gave everyone great hope to find out the dragon was not an arch demon. Morrigan made it clear she wanted to talk to Evelyn alone when she had the time. When Cullen also announced that he would see to Skyhold’s defenses, it filled the young outlander with disappointment but she also understood. Corypheus could strike at any moment.
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Dawn of Beginning