The Danger
Ardyn's posture took on a form both rigid and fluid as her mind began to become one with her soul. The merge was odd at first—her senses understanding things never before detected, her knowledge no longer overwhelming. She cast herself out like a fishing line in a gently moving stream, catching glimpses of things both mundane and extraordinary at once.
The layers separated before her mind's eye. She saw galaxies, myriad oases, and landscapes that would defy the logic of any human mind. But she refused to move. She didn't know what was safe, or who was friend or foe. Instead, she narrowed her new senses to a pinpoint accuracy she had never known before.
Again, the scene before her changed, and she felt closer to a state of peace.
'Very good, Little One. You are close to the truth of it. You can almost see the true layers of Planar. Remember that chaos is my natural form; I am not conforming to you, but rather bringing you into my chaos.'
The harmoniously chaotic voice paused. When it spoke again, a chill ran down Ardyn's spine.
'It is up to you to continue to exist—once you enter into my folds. You have to decide not to become part of the chaos that is Planar.'
Ardyn was chilled, but she was also determined. Nothing and no one would stop her from attaining the full Life Way. She would exist how she desired, and she would walk beside Varric—not in his shadow. A new form of determination rose within her, and all stilled for the briefest of moments.
Then, breath exited her lungs as if it were no longer a necessity. She sat in a profound stillness—a stillness cut off from everything known and unknown.
Here, she didn't need to breathe. Her heart didn't need to beat. She no longer needed to swallow. None of this terrified her; for her, it was all part of the journey, a test to find her own unique perfection.
What terrified her was the fact that she could no longer sense Varric.
His presence was no longer a deep shadow of protection looming just beyond her perceptions—quiet, caring, and protective. She suddenly felt incomplete. A sense of panic threatened to destroy her carefully orchestrated calm as she searched for what seemed to be her most essential parts.
Then, a soft, reassuring voice rippled through her. It centered her instantly. She felt the rainbow gem pendant rise and center itself in front of her silver and red talisman. Varric's voice looped between her heart and soul and back again, helping her maintain her hold.
'I am here, Ardyn. I am always here.'
Those words whispered through her like a protective mantra, resonating in both her heart and soul. But even as she calmed, she did not turn away. She continued forward, seeking the fold she needed - forever greatful for Varric's love and protection.
Meanwhile, on the large plateau, everything had calmed around Ardyn's body and Atina.
Atina narrowed her eyes as she felt her connection with her mistress become enveloped in a magic she couldn't penetrate. Her panic subsided as she sensed both Elsa and Varric reach for their tethers. She allowed them to see what she saw, and the three began a frantic conversation.
'Atina! What has happened?! I can no longer—'
'Calm down, Varric, and use Atina's eyes,' Elsa interjected. 'That soul pendant you created has activated. It is protecting and calming her.'
There was a silence - and shortly there after - relief as Varric took it in the scene for himself. But still, he was not calm.
'Look around, Atina. Let me see what is going on.' Atina did as Elsa commanded - Varric, never taking his senses from Ardyn continued his own line of questioning.
'What is that chaos around her? It feels like Ardyn.'
'It is my Mistress, my Lord. She combined her song magics and spread them out chaotically to achieve the effect.'
She felt Varric's pride and approval, just as Elsa interjected once more.
'Planar has accepted her. She needs to learn how to accept them.'
'I cannot even do that yet!' Varric admitted.
'When was the last time you tried?' Elsa challenged. 'Admit it—you have turned your back on many Sidus Serpens traditions. It is probably why Ardyn was sent to you in the first place.'
Atina shivered as his rage surged, but Elsa merely laughed. 'Calm down, Varric. I will stay and watch over her.'
'She is my Queen, I should—'
'Your Empress. Sidus Serpens chose her long before you did. Now, I will stay because I can enter the layers. Can you?'
A trickle of nervousness ran along Atina's spine as these two higher beings stood on the verge of warring across her soul.
Varric finally backed down. 'Please protect her, Teacher.' And he was gone.
Elsa sighed and pulled on her tether with Atina once more. In the next instant, she was by her side. The magic of the plateau licked at her—threatening to go wild—but calmed instantly as it recognized the ancient tortoise. Elsa sat down just behind Ardyn and closed her eyes.
'You really are stepping into deep waters, Little One. Make sure you come out of them alive.'