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________________________________________________ They set off once more, the weight of the day's discoveries heavy on their shoulders. The red lyrium, the dead dwarf, the apostate's fate—it all spoke of a deeper sickness spreading through the land. But for now, they had supplies to deliver and a war to fight.
The path back to the Crossroads was anything but peaceful.
They had barely rounded the bend when the sounds of battle reached them—steel clashing, spells detonating, and the unmistakable screams of the wounded. Ahead, a chaotic skirmish raged between rogue templars and rebel mages, their conflict spilling across the road in a tangle of violence.
Cassandra didn't hesitate. "Inquisition! Form up!"
There was no time for diplomacy. Both sides were too far gone—templars with lyrium-crazed eyes, mages with hands wreathed in unstable magic. They fought like rabid animals, and when the Inquisition's party entered the fray, neither faction stopped to ask questions.
A templar charged Daniel, his greatsword raised high. Daniel barely managed to throw up a barrier before the blade came crashing down, the impact rattling his teeth. He countered with a blast of fire, sending the man stumbling back—right into Varric's line of sight. Bianca sang, and the templar went down with a bolt through his visor.
Nearby, Cassandra carved through the battlefield like a force of nature, her Enhanced Whirlwind Ring amplifying every strike. A mage hurled a bolt of lightning at her, only for Solas to intercept it with a flick of his staff, the spell dissipating harmlessly against his barrier.
The fight was brutal but brief. The rogue factions were already weakened from fighting each other, and the Inquisition's coordinated assault broke what little resistance remained.
When the last enemy fell, silence settled over the bloodied road.
Daniel's interface flickered:
[75 EXP Gained]
[5 Enemies Defeated]
Varric exhaled sharply, reloading Bianca. "Well, that was a mess."
Cassandra wiped her blade clean, her expression grim. "This is what happens when order collapses. Everyone turns on everyone else."
Solas's gaze lingered on the fallen mages. "And yet, not all who fled the Circle did so for violence."
Daniel didn't answer. His eyes were drawn to a narrow path branching off from the main road, winding upward into the hills. Something about it tugged at him—whether instinct or his perception skills, he couldn't say.
"We should check that path," he said, nodding toward it.
Cassandra frowned but didn't argue. "Quickly, then. The Crossroads is close."
The climb was steep, the dirt path giving way to rough stone steps carved into the hillside. At the summit stood a weathered statue—a towering figure of a woman, her features worn by time but still proud. An axe rested in her hands, its blade pointing defiantly toward the sky.
Varric let out a low whistle. "Well, that's not something you see every day."
Solas studied the statue with quiet recognition. "Saga of Tyrdda Bright-Axe. An Avvar legend—their Mother of Mountains."
Cassandra arched a brow. "You know of her?"
The elf's lips quirked. "The Avvar have long memories. And so do I."
Before anyone could press further, Daniel's attention was drawn to the base of the statue. A body lay there—a mage, his robes tattered, his skin pale in death. Unlike the others they'd encountered, this one didn't bear the marks of battle. He looked... peaceful.
Daniel crouched beside him, carefully searching his belongings. His fingers closed around two things—a small iron key and a folded letter, the parchment brittle but intact.
He opened it and read aloud:
---
Brother,
I have fled the Circle, but I want no part of this mad rebellion. The templars and my brethren have both gone mad, and their war has torn apart the very sky. Some of the other Isolationists suggested fleeing, and I shall follow their example.
It has been too long since I saw you, and it cannot be safe in Haven. If you can make it past the bandits and demons, join me at grandmother's old home northwest of the Crossroads. With your blade and my staff, we can get through this together.
---
Silence followed his words.
Varric rubbed his chin. "Isolationists, huh? So not every mage was on board with the whole 'burn the world' plan."
Cassandra's expression softened slightly. "There were always those who sought peace."
Solas's gaze was distant. "And yet, peace was never an option for them."
Daniel pocketed the key and the letter. "We should find this place. Northwest of the Crossroads."
Cassandra hesitated. "Our priority is delivering these supplies."
"I know," Daniel said. "But if there are others like him—mages who don't want to fight—they could be in danger. Or they could help us."
Varric shrugged. "Worth a look, at least."
Solas said nothing, but his silence was agreement enough.
Cassandra exhaled sharply but nodded. "After we secure the Crossroads."
As they descended the hill, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of violet and gold. The Crossroads loomed ahead, its flickering torches a beacon in the gathering dark.
The path wound higher, the dirt track giving way to rocky outcroppings as they skirted the base of the looming Winterwatch Tower. The sun had dipped below the horizon now, painting the sky in deep purples and oranges, the first stars beginning to prick through the twilight. The air carried the crisp bite of approaching night, and the weariness in Daniel's bones mirrored the exhaustion he saw in the soldiers' faces.
Then the ruins came into view—a crumbling tower, its stones weathered by time, standing sentinel over a broad, flat expanse of land. The space was clear of debris, sheltered on three sides by the natural slope of the terrain, and offered an unobstructed view of the surrounding area.
Daniel stopped, studying the site. "This would make a good outpost."
Cassandra followed his gaze, her sharp eyes assessing the terrain. "Defensible. Good sightlines." She nodded approvingly. "The Inquisition could use this."
Varric stretched his arms, groaning as his shoulders popped. "And more importantly, it looks like a great place to *not* walk anymore today."
Daniel glanced at the darkening sky, then at the soldiers—their faces drawn, their movements sluggish after the day's relentless battles. He made his decision.
"We'll camp here tonight."
Cassandra turned to him, her brow furrowing. "And the potion for Hyndel's mother? His father is waiting at the Crossroads."
Daniel nodded. "Send a small group of soldiers ahead. They can deliver the potion and stay there overnight. The rest of us need rest—tomorrow will be just as long."
For a moment, it looked like Cassandra might argue. Then she exhaled sharply, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "You're right. We're no use to anyone if we're dead on our feet."
The soldiers moved with practiced efficiency, unpacking bedrolls and setting up a perimeter. A fire was lit in the center of the clearing, its warm glow pushing back against the encroaching dark. The scent of burning wood and simmering stew soon filled the air, a comforting contrast to the day's blood and battle.
Daniel watched as Cassandra selected five of the freshest-looking soldiers. "Ride hard for the Crossroads," she instructed. "Deliver the potion directly to Hyndel's father—do not stop for anything. Once it's done, remain there until we arrive tomorrow."
The soldiers saluted, their expressions grim but determined. Within minutes, they were mounted and disappearing down the path, their torches bobbing like fireflies in the gathering dark.
Solas had wandered to the edge of the ruins, his staff glowing faintly as he traced the ancient stones. "This was once an Avvar watchtower," he murmured when Daniel approached. "Long before the cultists claimed Winterwatch."
Daniel studied the crumbling masonry. "Think there's anything left worth finding?"
The elf's smile was enigmatic. "There are always secrets, if one knows where to look."
Varric, meanwhile, had claimed a spot near the fire and was already rummaging through his pack. "Alright, which one of you brave souls wants to hear the real story of how I got Bianca?"
One of the younger soldiers perked up. "You mean the crossbow?"
Varric waggled his eyebrows. "I mean the woman."
Cassandra groaned. "Andraste preserve us."
As the camp settled into the rhythms of night—sentries taking their posts, others huddling near the fire for warmth—Daniel found himself staring into the flames, his thoughts churning. The day had been a blur of violence and discovery: the rogue templars, the red lyrium, the dead mage and his letter.
And the Breach still loomed above them all.
Cassandra joined him, her plate armor removed for the night, leaving her in a padded gambeson. She looked younger without it, the firelight softening her sharp features. "You're thinking about the Isolationists."
It wasn't a question.
Daniel nodded. "If there are more mages like that one—ones who just want out of this war—we could help them. Or they could help us."
Cassandra's gaze was steady. "Assuming they trust the Inquisition enough to listen."
Daniel poked at the campfire with a stick, sending a cascade of sparks spiraling into the night. The flames reflected in his tired eyes as he considered Cassandra's words.
"That's why," he said slowly, "after we finish what we need to do here in the Hinterlands, we'll go to Val Royeaux."
Cassandra's eyebrows rose. "Val Royeaux? To what end?"
"To meet with the Chantry. And then," he continued, meeting her gaze squarely, "we find the leaders of the Templars and the rebel mages. We make them see reason."
Varric, who had been half-listening while cleaning Bianca, let out a low whistle. "Well, that's ambitious. You planning to just walk up to the Lord Seeker and Grand Enchanter Fiona and ask nicely?"
Daniel's mouth quirked. "If that's what it takes."
Solas, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke. "And if they refuse to listen? The war between them has festered for years. Pride and vengeance are not easily set aside."
"Then we make them listen," Daniel said, his voice firm. He gestured upward, where the Breach pulsed ominously in the sky, its green light staining the stars. "They can keep killing each other, or they can look at that and realize there's a bigger threat. One that doesn't care about their feud."
Cassandra's expression was thoughtful. "You believe they will unite against a common enemy."
"I believe they *have* to. Or we all lose."
Silence settled over the campfire, the crackling flames the only sound for a long moment. Even Varric had stopped his tinkering, his usual smirk replaced by something more serious.
Cassandra exhaled, rubbing her temples. "The Chantry will not welcome us. Not after the Divine's death. They blame the Inquisition—blame you."
Daniel's jaw tightened. "I know."
"And the Templars have withdrawn entirely. The Lord Seeker has gone silent. No one even knows where he is."
"Then we find him."
Varric leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "And the mages? Last I heard, Fiona was holed up in Redcliffe, treating with Tevinter, of all people."
Daniel's stomach turned at the mention of Tevinter. "Then we go to Redcliffe too. One way or another, we need their help to close the Breach. Neither side can do it alone."
Solas studied Daniel with an unreadable expression. "You speak as if this is a simple matter of convincing them. These are people who have spent years drowning in blood and betrayal. Trust will not come easily."
"I don't expect it to." Daniel tossed the stick into the fire, watching it blacken and curl. "But if we don't try, then what's the point? We're not just fighting rifts and demons. We're fighting the *chaos* they've left in their wake. And that means ending this war."
Cassandra was silent for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the flames. Then, finally, she nodded. "Very well. Once we've secured the Crossroads and dealt with the Isolationists, we make for Val Royeaux."
Varric grinned. "Ah, the Grand Cathedral. Nothing like a warm welcome from a bunch of angry clerics."
Daniel smirked. "Think you can handle it?"
"Please. I've been thrown out of fancier places."
Solas, however, did not share their amusement. His eyes lingered on the Breach, his voice quiet. "Time is not our ally. Every moment we spend negotiating is another moment the Breach grows. Another moment the Veil weakens."
Daniel followed his gaze, the green light casting eerie shadows across his face. "Then we move fast."
The fire burned low, the conversation fading into comfortable silence. Around them, the soldiers had begun to turn in for the night, their quiet murmurs blending with the rustle of the wind through the ruins.
________________________________________________
Name : Daniel Carter
Race: Elf
Level 3 : 1027/1500 EXP
Professions: Mage
Gold Coins: 1146 Coins
Weapon: Staff of the Dragon
Armor: Light Armor of the Dragon and Templar Scribe Scowl
Accessories: Lifeward Amulet
Inventory: Acolyte Ice Staff, Morning Star, Stiletto, Hunting Longbow, Fire Resistance Cowl, Mercenary Coat, Acolyte Fire Staff, Disciple Lighting Staff, Sigil of the Gamordan Stromrider, Apprentice Armor, Qunari Battleaxe, Amulet of Magic, Raider Hatchet, Disciple Fire Staff, Amulet of Willpower, Apprentice Mail, Qunari Buckler, and Medium Adventure Armor
Crafting Materials: 27 Elfroot, 44 Iron, 2 Blue Vitriol, 1 Dawn Lotus, 11 Silk, 4 Lambswool, 1 Royal Elfroot, 10 Ram Leather, 23 Drakestone, 3 Fire Essence, 3 Blue Vitriol, 3 Canine Leather, and 4 Plaidewaive
Valuables: 2 Aquamarine, Silver Bracelet, 2 Figurine of Maferath the Betrayer, 2 Shadow Essence,
Gurn Gallstone Charm, Braid of Rank, Glass Halla, 1 Weapon Fragment, 1 Silver Necklace, 1 Ram Horn, 1 Bride's Blood Vial, 1 Silk Handerchief, 1 Glass Fox, 1 Silver Earring, and 1 Dreamer Rag
Potions: Lesser Health Potions x8, Lesser Regeneration Potions x5, and x5 Lyrium Potion
Skills: Chain Lighting, Flashfire, Barrier, and Winter's Grasp
Armor Schematics: Shokra-taar Schematic, Antaam-saar Schematic, Avvar Armor Schematics Acquired, Stone-Bear Armor Schematics, Vanguard Coat Schematic,
Weapon Schematics: Curved Dagger Schematic
Potion Recipe: Lesser Regeneration Potion recipe and Lyrium Potion Recipe
Bottles of Thedas: Vint-9 Rowan's Rose