The Ancient Stone Beings and The Sylvani – the Guardians and the Weavers
Atina led Ardyn to the island. Ardyn's eyes stayed on the mists of Aureas. She saw motion and sent her Song of Nature down into the mists. She sensed how ancient it was and the decay spreading through it like fine cracks through a broken glass.
Within the mists were creatures, and her Song of Nature caused them to rise and surface. They were antelope-like creatures, and they calmly nibbled on the roots extending down into the mists.
She sensed how these creatures brought balance to Serenia—eating the roots and redistributing the magics of the islands into the mists. These creatures seemed to look for the source of the magic, ate a bit, and then descended back into the depths of Aureas.
Atina placed Ardyn against the trunk of a wide tree; its dense brown bark smelled of frankincense and myrrh. Atina set camp, and Ardyn—still extremely weary—drifted off.
She walked onto the soul plain she shared with Varric, and he stood—with a broad smile and open arms—waiting for her. She smiled warmly, if a bit drowsily, and walked into his waiting arms. She sighed into his chest, and she felt her rejuvenating magic flowing through them, pushed by Varric.
"Why are you so depleted, love? Are you okay? Do you need me to come to you?"
Ardyn smiled as Varric spoke quickly—not waiting for a reply—and ran his scaled hand up and down her back in a soothing motion. She closed her eyes and leaned deeper into his embrace.
He felt this and tightened his hold on her. His sweet, hot breath enringed them and felt like home.
"I am okay, love. I promise. I just didn't realize how much energy would be needed to cross to Serenia."
She felt him nod.
"Do you know Serenia? Have you ever been there?"
"Yes. When I was very young. Reaching the top of the great twining redwoods was a test of power and ability when I was young. It was a beautiful place." He paused. "You crossed the Shattering Abyss?"
"Is that what it is? I suppose we did."
Varric scoffed warmly. "You truly are powerful, Ardyn. The Shattering Abyss consumes all magic around it. If it weren't for the twining redwoods and Aureas, Serenia would never be able to exist."
They fell into each other, their souls intertwining and their beings combining in a way more intimate than any words could explain. Her energy was instantly restored, and they dove deeper into each other.
Varric completed her, and she him. It was a dance of breath, emotion, and thought. When they emerged again, they lay side by side on their joined soul plain.
Varric kissed her shoulder, and Ardyn trembled at the caress.
"And you are okay?"
Varric's deep, melodious voice was husky with passion and longing. Ardyn smiled at the sound, her love swelling up within her.
"Be careful, my love. The Galians—the creatures that swim the mists—are docile, and they may help. The Sylvani are good people, but they have grown to mistrust others.
"Your connection to Sidus Serpens will help you. And call me, Ardyn. Call me if you need me."
He pressed closer to her, their love sparking between them. She soaked it all in, suddenly not wanting to leave him but sensing that it was time to go. He kissed her softly, and her eyes popped open.
Atina looked at her and nodded. Ardyn stood and stretched languidly. As she did, she heard Varric speak into her soul.
'Wear the robes of the Sylvani while you are there. As you are now, you could be one of their priestesses. These robes are an extension of my love for you. They will both protect you and guide you.
'Trust what they bring.'
Ardyn's black battle robes shimmered and began to fade, just as a silver plume of smoke surrounded her. When the smoke cleared, she was dressed in billowing, layered silver robes with sky-blue runic patterns moving along their lengths.
She felt Varric surrounding her like he was a second layer of skin. She smiled and then looked to the mist. It began to stir, and she knew it was the Galians moving through them.
A bright blue light shone before them, and as it faded, ten people stood before them. They were dressed in robes similar to Ardyn's—in plain hues of silver and blue without any runes.
Ardyn bowed deeply to them and then stood and waited. A tall man stepped forward and bowed to her.
"Priestess. We are of Lannal Island. We are here to bring you to the central weave."
Ardyn bowed. "Thank you, but I have to walk there on my own. I need to see the ailment to cure it. Moving directly there will tell me nothing."
"It is as you wish. We will await you." He looked out to the stone guards circling the twin redwoods. "The Cheys have barred us from the Trees of Aureas for centuries." His gaze returned to Ardyn. "We trust you to open the way for us, Priestess."