[Dragon Age: Ouroboros Codex - Precipice]
~
[Fen’Harel ⚔ Ouroboros]
The bad ending.
(codex text below cut)
“You are my dream. When you think yourself a nightmare, becoming or living one…remember that.”
He gripped her hand, heart lurching, “How would you stop it? If it exists within me?”
Her mouth twitched, briefly in to something forlorn, “Let our fortress protect you from it. You say I am a knight? Then you will have my sword and shield. Slip through the secret door and be free. I will follow, when I can.”
The simplicity of her answer stunned him into a silence of deep contemplation and he could only watch her walk away, returning to the camp alone. ‘A fortress to protect us from ourselves. Swords to cleave through the darkness. A secret door for the two of us.’
That night when he lay alone on his bedroll, Fen’Harel dreamed of a knight in the Fade that shattered a crumbling pillar holding the sky apart from the earth. As the heavens crashed into the land, through the chaos he witnessed the knight gather the pieces of the pillar heedless of the danger around them. Then, without looking back they secreted it away to a fortress built in a remote reach of the world. Far though the knight ran, they were pursued, for the pieces once holding apart the domains were highly sought after. He could not discern their hunters, whether they were armies mortal or mindless darkness, he knew only that they were intent on destroying their quarry in totality and finality.
Within the walls, the Knight prepared, shutting and barring all the doors and drawing up the bridges. Ghostly sentinels patrolled the battlements and he overheard talk of setting wicked traps and calling forth beasts from the Fade to guard the inside.
He felt a wrenching sorrow when at last the enemy arrived at their threshold and beat upon the walls with steel and magic. He did not know why, for any of it.
He found himself gripped by the dream as he watched the walls finally give way and the invaders flooded inside. He followed behind, through the ruined portcullis and into a wide courtyard, only to find that the shadowy invaders had come to a stop, emanating a perplexed air. He saw why.
There were no traps nor grotesque guardians. Of the sentinels there was no trace—perhaps an illusion all along.
Instead, they were greeted by frescoes adorning every surface, painted with pigments no mortal in present could possibly imagine. A thousand beautiful scenes that shifted and changed before his very eyes—mosaics made of gems and glass and stone glinting as though each piece contained its own soul. Gardens flourished all around that could only have been grown from dreams themselves.
The ache sank ever deeper, where no sword could reach as he watched the army disperse in search of the Knight and the Pillar. He seethed with anger, as they tore apart the sanctuary they had made. But he was powerless to stop them and he was filled with hate as desolation replaced beauty. Though he did not understand why they sought to capture the two, nor the enmity between the sides, he hoped the Knight and the Pillar would not be found.
After following what appeared to be the leader of the force, it seemed his hopes weren’t for naught.
They encountered a hidden door, overgrown by syl’sils. His throat constricted as the rare and fragile blooms were crushed and torn by hacking sword and clawing gauntlet.
When the door was finally revealed, only then did the hateful trespassers cease their assault.
For the secret door was already cracked open. They had escaped after all.
He treaded forward, not quite believing what he was seeing propped up against the wall, just to the side of the portal.
But before he could get a closer look, the cobblestones dropped under his next step and the dream collapsed around him.
When he woke, his cheeks were wet and he had no explanation why.
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Spoiling You With All My Might -- Comte Collection Story Translation
I've been meaning to post this one for a while, as it's honestly in my top ten Comte events of all time. For this Collection story event, it was basically all the suitors comforting MC when she's stressed/tired/overworked. And lbr, who doesn't need that in their life?
Enjoy everyone, and just a reminder that I'm no professional--I just translate these for my own enjoyment. Without further ado:
In the early afternoon, when the hands on the clock are pointing to 3pm--
I was alone drinking tea in a quiet kitchen.
(I’ve been busy lately…I think I’m a little burnt out.)
My cup of tea was already empty, but somehow I didn’t have the energy to stand up--
Comte: MC, are you taking a break?
Turning around revealed Comte standing in the middle of the doorway.
Okay but like. I gotta say just the thought of him peeking around the corner is killing me, he's the cutest man alive I swear
But also. Now I'm wondering if he's lowkey like IS IT MEOW MEOW TIME? MEOW MEOW T I M E!!!!!! pounces on the opportunity for quality time. Somehow that's even more adorable I'm going to explode from uwus
MC: Indeed I am. Would you like to have some tea, too?
Comte: That’s an attractive invitation, but if you don’t mind, would you spend some time with me for a little while after this?
MC: Go out with you…?
Comte: I’m thinking of going for a walk. Would you like to join me?
His hand was outstretched in a gentlemanly gesture that touched/eased my heart.
MC: Haha, I’d love to.
I laughed a little at this because I'm definitely the kind of person that's like "omg pls, you are not beating the silly goose allegations!!!" over him being all suave over a walk together but. At the same time. HEART EYES M-- King of romantics everywhere. Gentleman of my heart. Mellifluous seducer have MERCY
More under the cut!
Comte’s escort led me to a forest a short walking distance from the mansion.
As I walk alongside him, the sunbeams penetrate through the trees as they sway with the breeze.
Comte: The weather is lovely today, making it a perfect occasion for a walk.
MC: You’re right…the wind feels nice, too.
As I walked slowly listening to the rustling trees, I could feel the fatigue/tension draining out of me little by little.
(It feels like my heart is being cleansed. It’s so soothing…)
Comte: …
It was then that I noticed Comte gazing at me calmly.
As somebody who used to be plus ultra literally every minute of my life, this made me so softe inside. The way he cares so much about her ;-; he really said "I will die before I disrespect a girlboss, but also. I am here. For to help PLS. Also a crumb of attention...p l swleseskje...."
(Ah…by any chance)
MC: Comte
Comte: Yes?
MC: …You invited me out for a change of pace, didn’t you?
Comte smiled softly at my words.
Comte: I just wanted to take a walk with you like this.
I do love how, especially in recent events, MC notices his gestures more and more 🥺💛💛💛💛💛💛 I think it's really cute that he wants to be sneaky sweet and supportive, and whenever she realizes it he's like. C'est moi? You're not fooling anyone pretty boy!!! I know you have brain cells up there!!! But also the sincerity in that last line, of how he really does also just want to spend some time with her. How he's always saying the most wonderful thing she can give him is her time.
Just put my body out to sea I can't do this anymore--
I was enveloped in the sound of his voice, warming my heart, and my feet stopped involuntarily.
Comte: MC?
MC: Every time you treat me so kindly like this…I’m so happy I could cry
Jokingly, Comte turned around and spread his coat.
Comte: If you want to do so, that’s okay too
MC: Huh…
Comte: After all, there is no one here but us. If you want to cry, you can cry.
Comte wrapped me gently in his open coat and murmured in my ear.
Comte: Like this, there will be no trace of tears left behind.
MC: Oh…
(It’s okay to cry…that’s not something you hear very often when you’re fully grown.)
(Just hearing him say that in such a sweet voice makes my heart feel lighter…)
(Comte really is amazing)
Honestly this part just made me melt, I have no words--I'm down bad fellas. We love a man who encourages his partner that its safe to be vulnerable 😭🙏🏼
But also I feel the need to say. Comte don't offer this to me because from that point on I will live in your coat. It will no longer be 'Comte's nice coat,' but rather:
MC: Thank you. But…Aren’t you spoiling me too much?
When I looked up and asked him, he leaned over to drop a kiss to my forehead…
MC: Oh…
Comte: I see. I think I don’t spoil you enough.
Comte’s long fingers reached out to wipe my eyes gently.
Comte: MC, I love everything about you.
Comte: Your fatigue and your tears, don’t forget that it’s my privilege to soothe them with these hands.
He gazes deeply into my eyes, and I can’t help how my heart races in response.
So like. Do you ever just cry and die. Because.
I'm like somewhere between "WE GOT A 2319!!!!!!!!!" and inches from professing my eternal love and loyalty like some kind of lovelorn knight too afraid to even touch the radiance of their beloved. Comte how on earth am I supposed to look at you without being blinded. Sun that's too bright!!!!! That's too b r i g h t!
I just. "Your fatigue and your tears, don’t forget that it’s my privilege to soothe them with these hands." [muffled wailing noises] Did I ASK--
Mfer out here like 'oh the terrible fate of being tied to me for eternity' meanwhile every second of being with him is either dizzyingly passionate or like being wrapped up in the warmest, fluffiest blankie imaginable. I HAVE TO S T A N SIR--
MC: Ah, if you spoil me so much, I’m afraid I won’t be able to do anything on my own anymore.
Comte smiled a little as I laughed deceptively in the hopes of hiding how delighted I was.
Comte: That’s great. I’d love to see that, myself.
The fingers that had been stroking my eyes slipped down my cheek to touch my lips.
Comte: If you can’t manage to walk alone--I’ll be there to hold you up, and walk alongside you.
His sweet whisper ends when his lips gently cover mine.
MC: Mn…
In the midst of his enveloping kiss, I gently entrusted my body to the person dearest to me--
Can I just ?????? Say????? How much I love MC being teasing/catty with him as the events go on. I LOVE it here. I think I really like how she grows into her own strength, and how she feels comfortable expressing her shyness without ceding that integrity. One thing I've noticed that I love in relationships is this ability to air grievances in a playful way, where the stakes are low--but the person can still express their feelings and be comforted. I think I like how it's not about putting pressure on the person, but getting it out in the open and resolved all the same. It just fills me with warm fuzzies c:
Also. "If you can’t manage to walk alone--I’ll be there to hold you up, and walk alongside you." Like not to beat a dead horse, but wow. Pretty sure this metaphysically changed me as a person. Thanks, I will never be the same. True love exists, [unhinged barking noises], etc etc
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