If Only They Truly Understood
Ardyn lay wrapped up within Varric. Their souls, minds, and magics intertwined on levels that transcended thought and imagination. Being with him felt spiritual and cosmic—even though such concepts were beginning to lose their meaning to her. Still, his love for her was profound and—although she was beginning to see things completely differently—her senses understood and embraced this.
Their time on the soul plane was like lying amongst stars. There was a vibrant breathlessness about it—a wonder that was delicate and unspoken. Like poetry dwelling within the heart but never clearly understood, simply accepted.
His senses stirred beside her, and she was brought out of her reverie.
"What is it, my love?"
It took him a long time to respond, and when he did, she felt his hold tighten around her. "You are nearing Planar, and I am a bit worried. The Thesolans are a warring people, and their realm is forever veiled in chaos."
She contemplated briefly and then smiled. "Thank you for the warning. I will tell Atina; she will enjoy a good fight." She became serious. "I have to go there. I am being pulled in this direction. If there is not another piece to The Life Way there, it will lead to one." She snuggled into him.
"Believe in me, as I believe in you."
She felt an ancient, hidden emotion rise quickly within him, only to disappear just as fast. "You are right. Besides, Elsa and I still watch over you, no matter how untethered you feel."
As a distant star began to rise on the horizon, Ardyn awoke with a smile on her face and peace in her heart.
A stray thought slipped through her mind—Do you truly watch over me, teacher?
Her lilac soul hibiscus bloomed on its own in response, and she instinctively knew it was Elsa—her teacher—saying yes.
Atina was at her side as the nature-shadow dwellings dissipated into nothing behind them. "Lord Varric has told me that the next realm is full of chaos and warring peoples."
She felt Atina's body stiffen beside her as excitement radiated from her. Ardyn smiled. "The quest leads us this way, so be prepared, big sister."
"Mistress, I am with you, and I am always prepared to help and protect."
They came to a wide sea of black, frothing waters. Both of them felt an oddness around this. It was not a barrier; it was like a delineation—a line between two completely opposite worlds. Ardyn placed her hand on the barrier, and the closest waters churned even harder. She looked up as she sensed sentience nearing at a rapid pace.
Atina sensed it as well and readied herself. Twenty humanoid beings appeared on the other side of the barrier, about twenty feet from them. They were scarred with jagged lines in blue and purple hues, and their black eyes were wild. Their skin was so scarred it was hard to tell if the marks were from injury or a natural state. Their forms continually and randomly shifted in the minutest ways, as if they were never really sure what their true appearance should be.
They looked at the pair with utter madness and small hints of curiosity. One, a tall, hulking form whose scars crisscrossed in an odd check pattern across his entire face, opened his mouth. A horrid, unharmonious sound struck the air like thunder. The barrier shook, and Atina took several steps back.
Ardyn erected a sound barrier around Atina that hugged her like a second skin. "I am sorry, Atina. I did not know." The Shadow Viper simply bowed in gratitude as she shook the noise from her being.
Ardyn looked back to the being and smiled. She opened her mouth and her Songs of Breath, War, and Wrath streamed forth—forming an intricate ribbon of dense sound and meaning. Several of the beings bowed to her instantly, while others smiled, looking excited for a formidable opponent.
Ardyn looked to the barrier as she spoke to Atina. "These are the Thesolans. They say enter if we can—stay if we dare. I have accepted the invitation. Are you ready? When I open the barrier, the chaos will be unleashed."
Atina wrapped herself in her strongest shadow barrier. "I am ready, Mistress."
Ardyn nodded and reinforced Atina's barrier. She raised her hand and touched the barrier before them again. It wavered—like a ripple moving across a calm pool—then it opened.
Sound, pressure, heat, cold, thought, and magic came flooding out in a disorganized torrent. It hit them both full blast. The air around them boiled like water, and the sky began to crack. Ardyn quickly pulled Atina through and closed the barrier. The world they just left slowly began to repair itself, and the chaos of Planar intensified.
Ardyn used Song of Calm around herself and Atina, and everything quieted. The Thesolans looked on in surprise.
Ardyn radiated power and calm. She smiled as her eyes narrowed, taking in Planar, its chaos, and its intent.
It was time to find the next piece to The Life Way. Time to get closer to her true completion.