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Assistant: Title: The Tarnished Herald
        Author: Chasethedreamer Chasethedreamer 
        Chapter: 3/18 
        Summary: The Tarnished Eowyn realizes her journey to become Elden Lord is an unrelenting cycle. She breaks out of the Lands Between and finds herself in the strange world of Thedas as the Herald of Andraste.
        Contents: Chapter 3: The kindling maiden and the dream
    

    


  

  
  
    
    The journey back to the forward camp was a blur for Eowyn. She was accosted by her companions and soldiers alike, congratulating her prowess and their own survival. Most of the soldiers, like Eowyn, have never seen let alone fought a Pride demon before, though they have heard of them. Defeating such a mighty foe was cause for revelry, Eowyn supposed.It seemed demons took the shape of certain strong emotions in this realm. Eowyn dully pondered on a demon that took the shape of madness. Would it look similar to her at all? Or maybe the Three Fingers?The tarnished knight errant felt fatigued and her steps slowed as the company neared where they last saw Leliana and chancellor Roderick. Leliana was still there, talking amongst the scouts, though Eowyn spied soldiers picking up supplies and heading toward the large gate at the end of the bridge. They seemed to be relocating. Leliana saw Cassandra beside Eowyn and walked up to meet them.“It seems you stopped the Breach, Eowyn, tarnished warrior.” Leliana stated quietly. Her lips were raised upwards, but her eyes were sharp. She addressed Cassandra next. “My men are moving back to Haven. You’ve all earned a rest. I’m surprised to see you still standing in truth.”“The Breach is sealed, for now.” Cassandra relayed, then turned her eyes that burned with conviction to Eowyn. “The Maker provided us a champion in our darkest hour. Hail, the Herald of Andraste!” Cassandra shouted and gripped Eowyn’s left hand to raise it high.“Hail!” The soldiers repeated as one boom. Leliana did not shout, but her smile never faltered even as her eyes became calculating. Eowyn was too tired to truly comprehend her new title or its implications. Her mind was unfocused and prone to maunder. She wondered yet again if sites of Grace lingered in this world. But then that would mean Marika’s might extended even into realms beyond the Lands Between. Eowyn found that hard to believe after defeating her champion Radagon in single combat earlier that day.Realization hit Eowyn at that moment. She was no longer in the Lands Between. Not even a day ago Eowyn was fighting for her life against the Elden Beast, avatar of the Greater Will, and now she was here. This realm with its demons and suspicious clergy was not the world she knew. Yes, suspicious clergy and monsters were also prevalent in her realm, yet they seemed more visceral somehow. Less prone to parlay or even any conversation at all. Eowyn was never able to talk her way out of a fight in the Lands Between.No, this realm was different. Its histories, territories and peoples are completely dissimilar. This area, the Frostback mountains she heard it called, doesn’t exist on any maps of the Lands Between she had seen. She could possibly be on another continent entirely, but that wouldn’t explain why no one knew of tarnished. Tarnished warriors, scholars and rogues from all over the world travelled to the Lands Between to brandish the Elden Ring. If this was the same realm, someone would know of such events.No longer did Eowyn allow her displacement to bother her. After countless lifetimes in the Lands Between, this world was a welcome reprieve.“Come Herald, we make for Haven.” Cassandra guided the tarnished, resting her slender yet calloused hand on Eowyn’s back as they walked.-Haven was revealed to be a snow covered village with soldiers training outside the walls, and tents littering almost all open space within. Small huts with thatched roofs dotted the encampment, nestled in between military outposts such as smithies and a quartermaster counting supplies. There was even a quaint tavern with barrels of ale lining the outside. Yet the largest building was a church the villagers labelled the Chantry.Eowyn was ushered into one such hut. A small but inviting bed sat in the corner and Eowyn made a beeline for it. The servants that led her here were saying something, but Eowyn was already asleep.-
  Eowyn sat contented at a Site of Grace amongst grassy hills and tall evergreen trees. A Divine Tower loomed over the landscape nearby, and the Erdtree, unburned, stood colossal over all. Golden motes of light swayed in the wind, carrying a sweet aroma and a soft melody not unlike the song of lamentation sung by Chanting Winged Dames.

  The song was what made Eowyn realize she was dreaming. She looked around and took in the familiar view of Eastern Liurnia. But it was different in small ways. Just slightly wrong.

  When the tarnished looked back at the Grace, Melina’s face hovered closely in front of hers. Eowyn gasped but Melina didn’t move. Eowyn stared at her former Finger Maiden, loss burning a hole in her breast. The young looking woman was still in her traveling clothes, the hood of her cloak down baring her reddish hair.

  “Did I not tell you I would seek you as far as you may travel, Tarnished?” Melina said in her soft, smoky voice. Eowyn’s eyes widened in shock and alarm. Melina’s left eye opened, revealing a menacing eye of gloam. She reached out for Eowyn’s neck and gripped tightly. Eowyn struggled for naught, unable to wrest Melina off her. Her gauntleted hands gripped Melina’s arm. Black spots burst in her vision.

  “Melina! Unhand me!” Eowyn choked. “Melina!”

  “To deliver unto you, Destined Death.” Eowyn spotted a curved dagger in Melina’s other hand, poised to strike her heart. With all her might the tarnished fought for control, but to no avail. When Melina moved to stab Eowyn’s breast, Eowyn cried out.

  A wolf’s howl echoed through the plains, and Melina froze. Her grip slackened on Eowyn’s throat, granting her reprieve. Melina looked inexplicably afraid as she watched a great dark wolf lope into view. The wolf bared its teeth and growled in warning.

  Melina released Eowyn and shot up, wary of the large wolf. Eowyn watched, mystified as the kindling maiden’s body seized and morphed. Her form contorted nightmarishly, and just as it settled into the shape of a Fear Demon, the dream changed.
-
  Eowyn was lying on the ground near the Site of Grace north of Agheel Lake. The Waypoint ruins nearby were empty, and it was a clear night. The Erdtree cracked and burned in the twilight, sending ash and singed leaves across the wind. Eowyn dozed, gazing at the golden light of Grace through lidded eyes. Until a low voice called out.

  “Greetings traveller, from beyond the fog.”

  Eowyn’s eyes shot open and she rolled away from the Grace, her sharp eyes taking in Melina’s petite form as Melina’s one open eye surveyed Eowyn in turn. The maiden sat at the Grace, spreading her cloak as she did the first time they met.

  Time passed slowly as the tarnished and kindling maiden paused, wondering if the other would suddenly change into some monster. Eventually Melina relaxed minutely, prompting Eowyn to do the same.

  “Tarnished, where did you go?” Melina asked quietly after a moment. Eowyn said nothing, still wary of the woman across from her. “You spared me and burned the Erdtree in my stead, but the Elden throne stands empty.”

  “I hath embarked upon a strange journey. I find myself in a realm anew, perchance ne'er to return.” Eowyn replied. Melina looked down, an aura of deep sorrow cloaking her.

  “I see.” She said so quietly it was almost lost in the wind. The Erdtree made a loud, echoing crack as one of its massive burning branches broke apart and fell into the sea.

  Suddenly, Eowyn was sitting down near the Site of Grace and Melina was closer than she had ever been in their travels. Her scarred hand crossed over Eowyn’s and she leaned her head on Eowyn’s shoulder. An intense heat burned on the tarnished where she touched.

  “Come back to me, my tarnished. Return to my side.” Melina whispered, her voice filled with unbearable sadness and yen.

  “I know not the way.” Eowyn whispered back, turning her blue eyes to Melina’s golden. “Thou didst forsake me first, my fairest heart.” Eowyn saw Melina’s golden eye flicker with contrition.

  “I believed you to have gone mad.” Melina explained softly, but strong with emotion. “Your plan was beyond all reasoning. How could you use the Frenzied Flame? Why didn’t you harken my warnings?”

  “Verily, 'twas the sole path to ensure thy safety. And I hath cast it away once the deed was done.” The tarnished answered, her tone unregretful. There was silence for a long moment before Melina sighed quietly.

  “Thank you.” She whispered into the wind. Eowyn rested her forehead against Melina’s and wished for this dream never to end. They stared into each other's eyes for an eternity before Eowyn spoke again, this time in wonder.

  “Art thou truly mine fair Melina?” Her hand rose to cup her maiden’s face. Melina leaned into the touch and closed her golden eye, content.

  “We are linked forever, my Tarnished. Even if only in dreams.”

  The two basked in each other’s presence until the dream faded away, forgotten by the waking tarnished. Neither of the women noticed the dark wolf crouched in the brush, its many eyes watching them.
-When Eowyn awoke she half expected to be back in that damned graveyard in Limgrave, her dream mere vapors in her mind. When she saw the wooden beams above her head, heard voices muffled by a short distance and inhaled the smell of pine trees, a small smile stole her face. She was still in Haven, no longer bound by the cycle of the Elden Ring.She sat up and realized she slept in her armor and that her Veteran gauntlets were still unaccounted for. Eowyn took off her helmet just as a long eared woman walked in carrying something in her arms. When she saw Eowyn awake she dropped her burden in surprise.“I-I didn’t know you were awake, I swear!” The woman begged. Eowyn tilted her head in confusion.“Fear not, fair soul. Approach hither and impart unto me the cause of thine dread.” Eowyn proposed with a kind smile. The woman was struck frozen, her breathing quickening. Then she knelt on the ground, her head bowed and face hidden.“I ask for your forgiveness and your blessing. I am but a humble servant.” She prayed, stealing a glance at Eowyn’s alarmed face. The tarnished dropped down beside the smaller woman and made to touch her before she flinched back.“My dear, prithee, do not abase thyself before me.” Eowyn said softly, her right hand rose the woman’s face til they saw eye to eye. Eowyn could feel the woman’s rapid pulse building as a blush dominated her pale face.“Pray, thou wouldst share with me the tidings of the hour?” Eowyn murmured, her kindest smile in place. She guided the woman to stand, but her touch lingered on the woman’s arm.“They say you saved us. The Breach stopped growing just like the mark on your hand. It’s all anyone has talked about all day.” The servant woman told her in a shaky voice. Her eyes wouldn’t leave Eowyn’s yet were filled with a fervent devotion and quite a bit of fear.“Thou hast mine gratitude. Pray, dost thou knoweth whither fair Cassandra hath wandered?” The tarnished asked next. The woman’s eyes widened and she made for the door.“Lady Cassandra wanted to know when you woke up, at once! She’s in the Chantry with the lord Chancellor. ‘At once!’ She said!” The woman cried before running outside. Eowyn dropped her arm back to her side and huffed, disappointed by her first encounter with a servant.Eowyn looked around the hut’s interior and quickly spotted her prized gauntlets on the table opposite the bed. Eowyn put them on and ventured out into Haven.The tarnished champion was greeted by rows of soldiers and village folk lining up to see her. Every face turned to her as she left the hut, some with more interest than others. Whispers made a strange melody that followed her as she walked through the path.“The Herald of Andraste”“She closed the Breach”“Her armor looks so beautiful”“They say when she came out of the Fade, Andraste herself was watching over her”Eowyn smiled at every face she locked eyes with as she passed by them toward the Chantry. If these people wanted to worship her as their god’s Herald, why stop them? Eowyn wondered who Andraste was, and if she was a goddess, where could she be found? The Tarnished made her way to the church.“The Maker be with you” One woman in clergy robes demurred as she opened the Chantry doors for Eowyn. The tarnished pondered the Maker as well. Was the Maker another name for Andraste or another god entirely? Would Eowyn eventually need to vanquish these gods, as she did in her own realm?“Mine thanks, fair lady.” Eowyn replied to the woman of the cloth, smiling. As she approached the farthest door in the back of the Chantry, she heard familiar voices. Eowyn paused in her stride and listened.“The Herald will surely seal the Breach on her own time but she has nothing to do with selecting a new Divine or any other Chantry business!” Chancellor Roderick’s voice rang out.“We cannot select a new Most Holy before we are even able to mourn Divine Justinia!” Leliana’s low yet piercing voice answered.“The Breach is the main priority now.” Cassandra added, her thick accent muffled by the door.“The Herald closed the Breach in front of our very eyes!” Chancellor Roderick shot back loudly.“Why are you so quick to defend her, Chancellor?” Leliana pivoted. “After one conversation you have become such a staunch supporter.” It seemed to Eowyn that Leliana still harbored doubts of Eowyn’s truthfulness regarding blood magic and the chancellor.“Well, that is to say, I am merely stating that the Breach is less of a worry now. Finding who is responsible as well as a new Most Holy should take precedence.” He replied, then cleared his throat nervously.Eowyn heard enough. She opened the door and walked into the room. Leliana’s eyes narrowed but then she gave Eowyn a quick turn of her lips. In contrast, Chancellor Roderick’s whole face lit up before he mastered himself. Cassandra gave the tarnished a distracted nod. The Chancellor cleared his throat again and addressed Eowyn.“Herald, you should know that some in the Chantry want you in chains on the next ship to Val Royeaux for trial. They still suspect you caused the explosion that destroyed the Conclave.” He looked a bit contrite, like he didn’t agree but couldn’t do anything about it.“That will not be happening.” Cassandra asserted and waved away the soldiers that guarded the door. They saluted her and retreated. Eowyn looked between the three people left in the room.“I thank thee, fair Cassandra. I hath done what mine abilities allowed concerning the Breach.” Eowyn said with humble gratitude.“Someone was behind the explosion at the Conclave. Someone Most Holy did not expect.” Leliana proclaimed, looking into Eowyn’s eyes. “Perhaps they died with the others, or have allies who yet live.”“Verily, I remain perplexed as to the cause of yon explosion that didst occur from the start.” Eowyn wondered. “'tis surely that knave cloaked in shadow.”“Who are you talking about, Herald?” Chancellor Roderick asked impatiently. “You did say you would give us ‘tidings’, I believe it was.” Eowyn opened her mouth to explain but Cassandra spoke over her.“We saw parts of a vision in the ruins of the temple. The Divine called to her for help. A dark figure loomed over Most Holy.” Cassandra answered. Chancellor Roderick looked disbelieving at this.“So your survival and that thing on your hand is all a coincidence?” The Chancellor sounded like he didn’t want to believe his own words.“I believe it was providence. The Maker sent her to us when we needed it most.” Cassandra affirmed. Eowyn felt a surge of affection for the devout woman. It may not have been her Maker that sent Eowyn to this world, but the tarnished wanted to believe she was here for a reason.“Whate'er the cause, I stand before thee now, and we must seal the Breach for all eternity and vanquish the cur who wrought this curse upon mine hand.” Eowyn uttered sternly, her words firm.“The Chantry may not share your belief in the Herald, Seeker.” Chancellor Roderick countered.“Then we will make them believe.” Cassandra shot back. She then walked to a table behind them and picked up a massive book. Engraved on the front was an eye with sunburst around it. “This is a writ from the Divine, granting us the authority to act. From this moment I declare the Inquisition reborn. We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible and we will restore order. With or without their approval.”“I will try to get them to see reason.” Chancellor Roderick assured. He glanced longingly at Eowyn before leaving the room.“This is the Divine’s directive,” Leliana stated, tone deliberate. “Rebuild the Inquisition of old. Find those who will stand against the chaos.” then she faltered, and added in a lower voice, “We aren’t ready. We have no leader, no numbers and no real Chantry support.”“But we have no choice. We must act now, with you at our side.” Cassandra replied, turning toward Eowyn.“Pray, what dost thou mean by the Inquisition of old, I beseech thee?” Eowyn questioned, trepidation growing in her. This whole inquisition sounded like a holy war one of the demigods would wage. Eowyn did not want to be a tyrant causing harm to innocents under the guise of rooting out evil.“It preceded the Chantry. People who banded together to restore order in a world gone mad.” Leliana explained. Cassandra then took over.“After, they formed the Templar Order, but the Templars have lost their way. We need those who can do what must be done united under a single banner once more.”Eowyn felt like she was missing key information. The Inquisition appeared to be a military operation. Such a large undertaking is unneeded if the rifts were the only problem. Eowyn could close them all alone, she was sure. Why amass a whole army?“Doth not the Breach encompass all that is amiss? Pray, why dost we require the Inquisition if 'tis but to seal it?” Eowyn pressed. Cassandra scoffed and shook her head. Even Leliana smiled a little in disbelief. This realm has become much more complicated for the tarnished, it seems.“The Breach is just the latest catastrophe.” Cassandra complained, exhaustion and annoyance warring across her face. “The Mages of the Circle and the Templars are at war. The Conclave was made to bring them together for peace, but now it has made things much worse.”“Most Holy created the Conclave for peace talks between the factions.” Leliana stepped up to explain. “With this explosion killing not only Most Holy but all of the leaders of both Mages and Templars, tempers have raged beyond control. The Hinterlands are rife with their skirmishes across the land, and the Chantry is in a panic without its leaders.”So then, from what Eowyn understood, the Breach was just an effect, and the cause was this war between Templars and Mages. But that didn’t explain the man cloaked in shadow and his ritual in the Fade.“Verily, dost thou seek to gather thine host for this great conflict 'twixt the Mages and the Templars?” Eowyn queried, a thoughtful look on her face. She held her chin with one hand and her elbow with the other in a gesture of reflection.“That and many other reasons besides.” Leliana confirmed.“Then shall I lend thee mine aid. The shadowed knave must be defeated and the Breach sealed posthaste. Should we require more allies, lead me unto them forthwith.” Eowyn pledged after some thought. She never possessed this many allies at once before. The tarnished felt a little out of her depth concerning the religious and political issues she was facing, but it appeared she wouldn’t have to handle it alone.Cassandra held out her hand and Eowyn shook it firmly. Eowyn, the Herald of Andraste, agreed to aid the forming of the fledgling Inquisition.'
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