A/N: I'm just gonna keep rewriting this until I get up the motivation to write more chapters. Will this be the final version? Will a new chapter finally be created? The world may never know!

Skyhold was a horribly frigid place. Lana hated the place on the very principle that elves should not remain in cold environments. They were barefoot for the majority of the time and bare feet did not do well in snow. Add in the fact that most had very little body mass to keep warm and pointy ears that were exposed to the wind, it was miserable. She was faring better than most due to being taller than the average elf, having more muscle mass from fighting, and from the sneaky usage of magic. Still, even with all those advantages, she was barely keeping from freezing. Lana was actually beginning to miss Kirkwall due to this savage weather. Kirkwall was at least warm. Kirkwall was also in shambles at the moment, but the weather was lovely. The smell of piss and booze not so much, but the weather was always pleasant.

Lana was more than a little surprised to find herself missing the free city. She had spent the last nine years there and in that time she had never viewed it fondly. When she had first arrived there, she had been newly woken up. Only a year or so into the waking world with little experience in it. If there was one thing Kirkwall was good for, it was learning how to lie, cheat, and play dirty in very little time. She would've left after being there for more than 5 minutes, but she owed the spirits. She owed them for her knowledge, for their favors, and for her very life. And the spirits had wanted her there. A whispered request upon waking and dreams that led her right to the free city. Despite her feelings on Kirkwall, she had remained for all those years for that reason only. She dealt with power-hungry and ignorant templars who hounded her every step. Learned how to bargain and deal with thieves and criminals until she had enough of a standing to survive the rat race alone. Hell, she had even dealt with the frickin' Qunari in order to repay the spirits. That was not a fun time. Now, she was traveling to the middle of nowhere to join the bloody Inquisition for them. Well, not nowhere, but nowhere she would want to be.

The Inquisition. A place she wanted to be even less than Kirkwall. An organization based off of finding out the truth with a religious fervour. Or converting and murdering their way across Thedas and making false promises to elves. Not the kind of place that an elf with no past and an entirely made up identity would want to be. Even if the group was proclaimed to be mage and elf friendly. Add in the fact that the Inquisition had been making friends in high places and she was in trouble. The only bright side was that vocal support of mage and elven rights was helping reduce the amount of work for her. Her groups and organizations were getting their wheels greased every time word came around of the Elven Inquisitor's good magical deeds. Lana only hoped that the organization practiced what they preached and weren't just using the Inquisitor as a convenient figurehead.

On top of this, the journey there itself was particularly rough. It was only supposed to take two weeks. Two weeks quickly turned into two months due to the stops she had to make along the way. After hearing a particularly harrowing story about how their Spymaster handled threats, she made several detours in order to build herself a backstory. Sure, Lana had the nine years in Kirkwall, but any Spymaster worth their salt would dig farther back than that. So, she had to trade favors, money, and information in order to build a history for herself. It was a fairly simple history, but common enough that it wouldn't seem odd. A history involving a traveling Dalish clan and clashing beliefs resulting in exile. It would have been easier to say she was from an alienage, but that choice was already made when she walked into Kirkwall with slave brandings on her face. It stung her pride harshly, considering she fought against all forms of slavery, but there was no other option. Lana knew she was far too knowledgeable and prideful to be a city elf, despite toning it down already. Add in her height and her skill with fighting, reading, and writing and no one would've bought her story. Now it was too late to change it now considering the amount of people in Kirkwall who knew her as Dalish. And as a magicless rogue. People who would trade information for coin at the drop of a hat. She was banking on the fact that Dalish clans were historically hard to get in touch with. Especially when communicating with human organizations. It should keep anyone from protesting her story.

Now that she has finally arrived at Skyhold, there was a new set of problems. She could see the bridge and the giant fortress from where she was camped. The view made her feel nostalgic and the familiar feel of magic on her skin made her loss seem keener. This was his place and his magic was ingrained in the very land. Tarasyl'an Te'las, the place where the sky was held back. Tarasyl'an Te'las, the place where Fen'Harel erected the Fade and where he held his forces. Home. Now it was merely Skyhold, the headquarters for the Inquisition. A downgrade if she's ever seen one. The guards on the bridge, checking credentials, were the main problem. Lana had no clue if someone was told she was coming. She was supposed to help one of the Inquisitor's companions, a man named Cole. The spirits declined to tell her what she needed to help with or any details about the situation. Lana truly loved spirits, having the title of Elgar Falon, Friend of Spirits, but they were very vague and rarely gave out any clear details or tasks. However, her supplies were scant and she couldn't stay outside of Skyhold for any longer. There was no choice, but to hope that she could talk her way in and track down this 'Cole'. Hopefully, he would at least know she was coming, but even the odds of that weren't high.

Lana quickly disassembled her camp and packed what was left of her supplies. She started to make her way to the bridge while thinking up a strategy. Her clothes were filthy and tattered, so she could pull off refugee fairly easily. Just needed to keep her weapons hidden and she would pass for one. But, it was a lie. A lie easily saw once she found Cole and started 'helping' without whatever task the spirits deemed her worthy of. There was no reason to seem untrustworthy if she didn't have to. The more she lied now, the more her past would be scrutinized later.

She was quickly approaching the guards, both of which were looking at her in disdain. Better off just going with the truth and hoping for the best.

"Hello, good Ser." She greeted the one she was in front of. He had a clipboard in hand and a scowl on his face.

"State your purpose and business, Elf." Was the gruff reply she received. At least he refrained from saying 'knife-ear'. Still, her pride stung. She stood to her full height, taking pleasure in the surprise that the guard showed at her height. Humans were always so shocked that an elf, especially a female elf, was eye level with them. It was a quick way to get them off balance while providing much entertainment.

"My presence was requested by one of the companions of the Inquisitor. I've spent many months traveling and I don't appreciate the lack of respect." Lana responded pompously. She thought she was doing a marvelous impression of an Orlesian noble. Apparently, so did the guard judging by how pale he looked. Hopefully he wouldn't think to hard about the fact an elf was behaving like a noble, but then again, guards weren't really known for deep thought.

"N-no one has informed me of your arrival." The guard stuttered out.

"Clearly." Lana responded with disdain and dipped slightly into an Orlesian accent.

"I can't just let you in here." The guard glanced nervously at his fellows, but they steadfastly ignored him.

"Oh really?" Lana paused for a moment. "I wonder what our dear Inquisitor will think of you blocking my entrance into Skyhold? No doubt a human would have already been allowed through. Is it because I'm an elf? Because that is the only reason I can think of that you would continue to impede the request of one of the Inquisitor's companions. What would the Inquisitor, who is also a Dalish elf, think of this little incident?" Lana wondered for a second if she was being too heavy handed with her blackmail, but the guard's face paled dramatically when her threat sank in.

"I'm sure the Inquisitor doesn't need to hear about this." He fidgeted with his clipboard and Lana smiled kindly at him.

"I'm sure she doesn't and she won't have to if you would simply allow me in to attend to her companion." She raised an eyebrow and the guard nodded.

"Of course! I just need to get your name for the record and off you can trot." The guard spoke with false politeness, but as long as she got through it didn't matter.

"Lana." She answered and he recorded it before waving her into the fortress. As she walked pass, she saw him glance at her suspiciously out of the corner of her eye. Lana was sure that he would be telling his superior about her, but hopefully by then it would be a non-issue.

Skyhold still looked like she remembered. The paint was gone, along with many of the smaller buildings, but the overall appearance was the same. It seemed as if the Inquisition had gone a long way in repairing it. She looked around a bit before the scent of food reached her. Her stomach growled in response and she debated following the scent. It wasn't like this Cole was going to disappear anytime soon and she had some money left over from her travels. Lana shrugged to herself and started to track down the scent.

The scent led to a large tavern called the Herald's Rest. Not the most creative of names. Lana quickly opened the door and entered the building. Warmth immediately hit her and she took a moment to enjoy it the reprieve from the winter's chill. There were several groups of people on the main floor, drinking and eating. She spied some on the second floor as well. It was surprisingly cheery inside considering its occupants were either soldiers or refugees. There was a bard singing about some girl named Sera and some barmaids walking around. Lana started to make her way towards the bartender, a very grim looking dwarf. She sat down on one of the stools at the bar with a groan. Her body was aching and tired. A bath. A bath was desperately needed. Times like these really made her miss the ability to cast a quick healing spell on her body to reduce the aches.

"What do you have for food around here?" Lana asked the bartender and he inspected her. She must have looked as ragged as she felt because a mug of mead was set down in front of her immediately. Apparently, he thought she needed it. She took a deep drink from the mug and the burn down her throat was happily received. Another added heat to slowly draw the chill out of her bones.

"We've got a bit bread and gruel left from lunch." He answered her grumpily. Ugh. Not the best of food, but she couldn't be picky. Lana nodded and the bartender disappeared. God, she loved taverns. No excess communication needed or any unwanted questions. Better establishments had better fare, but the customers and workers were far too nosey for her taste. A bowl of chunky gruel was set in front of her with a slice of sour bread. She dug in with vigor. It was tasteless, but it was warm and filling. After cleaning the bowl and the only bread left was crumbs, she paid the bartender. Lana sat with her mead in one hand as she pondered over how she was supposed to find this Cole. A noise to right next her had her jerking in surprise and choking on her mead.

A young blonde haired boy sat next to and her watched her silently as she was bent over coughing. He had a shabby looking patchwork hat on his head with limp blonde hair in front of his eyes. Large bags were under his eyes and his face was gaunt. It looked as if he hadn't eaten for months. His clothes were ragged and patched with tears in the worn fabric much like his hat. She narrowed her eyes at him. She didn't hear him even come near her, let alone sit down next to her. The bartender had also mysteriously disappeared from behind the bar.

"Tired. Weary. Body heavy with worry and exhaustion. Only wants to help. Needs to help. So many failures that I need to make up for. Lost so much time, needs to help. Is here to help." The boy spoke and Lana frowned.

"What?" She asked in confusion and the young man matched her expression.

"Looking for Cole. Unsure if he knows. Hoping he knows. Asked to help. Needs to repay them. The tired looking boy looks strange. Wants to find him better clothes. Wants to help him. Needs to help him. Cole." He spoke again and comprehension dawned on her.

"Cole. You're Cole." Lana stated and the boy, Cole, nodded. She took a moment and truly took in his appearance and what he was saying. A suspicion grew in her mind. Along with a heaping dose of curiosity.

"Knew his kind. Knew what he began as. Helping, healing those in need. Rare, but a welcome sight. Friend. Elgar Falon." A happy smile appeared on his face before he grabbed her in a hug. His pattern of speech rang a bell in her head and she tried to suss out who exactly she was talking with or rather what he began as. Spirit was obviously what came first, but what is he now? A Cole. Having a body and a human name were not typical spirit traits, but they were the traits of a transformation. A change from fade to body, of emotion to physical. She had only seen it a few times in her lifetime, but even before her slumber it was rare. Lana would've figured it impossible with the rising of the veil.

"Who were you friend?" Lana asked and Cole frowned.

"Helping, healing, mending hurts. So much pain, so much suffering. Wants to help, like you! Needs to help. Used to be easier to help, but now I feel much more! Easier to understand, but harder to help." He had a complicated expression on his face, as if he couldn't decide if the understanding was worth the helping.

"Compassion?" She asked and he nodded his head with a smile. Knowing what he once was would make knowing who he now is much easier. A former spirit of compassion or rather only partly compassion. So, this was who they sent her to help. Perhaps with his transforming? Easing the way? However, with current events it was doubtful that they would send her into the Inquisition's clutches for only that. She had been in Kirkwall, the place where the mage and templar war started with vigor, to help a spirit of justice. Now she was in the Skyhold, helping a spirit of compassion. Helping Justice seemed like a much smaller picture when in Kirkwall, but it became so much more. It wouldn't be surprising if her helping of Compassion, Cole, would take the same turn. Especially considering the former breach in the sky.

Cole, released her from the embrace that she had forgotten she was in and stepped back from her. "Do you know what I'm supposed to help with?" Lana inquired. She was really hoping to get some sort of idea of why she was here. Or at least know that the spirit knew why.

"Can't tell you yet. Too important." Lana resisted letting out a sigh. Well, at least Cole had an idea of what she was supposed to do, even if she didn't. It wouldn't be the first time when the spirits asked for help only to find out that they had no clue what she was supposed to help with. Cole grabbed her hand and pulled her off of the stool. She hastily sat down her mug as he pulled her away from the bar and into the cold. Lana let him lead without explanation since spirits weren't known for explaining what was happening. Yet, she felt the need to try to get some information from him. If only to better her footing in her rocky surroundings.

"Where are we going, Cole?" She asked as he led her into the main building of Skyhold.

"So many decisions, so many casualties. Do we sacrifice these men to save the mission, or do we abandon the mission? Will the Nightingale kill another to save the cause or will the Antivan play her games. Maybe, the Lion will roar instead. So many hours, so many thoughts. They wait for us. Want to know who you are, want to know what you are? Why would Cole ask somebody for help? How does Cole know this person? Can Cole's judgment be trusted?" He explained and she got the gist of it. He was taking her to the advisors who were most likely in some sort of war room. She took a moment to mourn the fact she was going to meet important people while being able to pass as a refugee. She couldn't even remember the last time she was dirt free with hair brushed. Lana just accepted this as they reach a giant set of doors. God, she hated those doors. Why Fen'Harel felt the need to make his doors ridiculously large, she had no clue.

Cole tugged open one of the ridiculously large doors and dragged her into the room. There was a large table in the center of the room with a large map of Thedas on it. Several daggers were stabbed in it and she felt a brief stab of remorse for the poor map. It must have taken a long time to make. There were three people standing by the table, arguing and pointing at the map. Lana took the opportunity to study them while they were preoccupied. One of them was a redheaded woman with fair skin and an Orlesian accent. An OrlesIan woman with red hair in a war room. Judging by the rumors, this must be the feared and admired Nightingale. Spymaster to the Inquisition, former Left Hand of the Divine. The other women had beautiful caramel skin with a very elegant beauty mark. Her accent was Antivan, so she assumed this was the Antivian Ambassador that Cole had mentioned. Then her attention fell to the last advisor and a sneer grew on her face. He had better hair now and his appearance had the marks of exhaustion, but she still recognized him. Damn.

"I was really hoping that you weren't the Commander," Lana commented casually after hiding her sneer. At the moment she was very tempted to get her hidden daggers from her pack, but it was decidedly a very bad idea. She had heard the rumors that he was leading the Inquisition's army, but she had hoped that they were just that, rumors. A bloody templar leading an entire army. The Inquisition's preaching of mage rights suddenly became much less believable. The advisors' attention latched onto her immediately and she could see the exact moment Cullen realized who she was.

"Lana?" He asked in disbelief and what could almost be horror. She was mildly impressed that he recognized her under months of travel grime, but she supposed that if anyone could it would be Cullen.

"The one and only." She responded and Cullen's brow furrowed in confusion.

"What are you doing here?" and "Who are you?" were asked at the same time. One of the askers sounding much more put out than the other. Cullen's tone showed just how happy he was to see her while the Spymaster just seemed confused at why she was in the war room. Not that Lana could blame her. She doubted filthy elves were welcomed into there often.

"She's the one I spoke of. The one who can help." Cole answered for me and Cullen's eyebrows rose.

"She's the one you've been telling us about? The one who can help Solas?" Nightingale asked and Cole nodded. "And she seems to know the Commander." Her voice had faint tones of suspicion and curiosity. A sly eyebrow was shot at Cullen and Lana resisted a shiver of disgust at even the suggestion of her and Cullen together in any way besides a fight. Luckily, Cullen stepped in before the redheaded Spymaster got any more repugnant ideas into her head.

"Lana resided in Kirkwall while I was a Templar there. There were numerous… altercations… between us. She was there when the Chanty blew up and helped rally and incense the mages before it. They called her 'The Savior of the Shackled' for her efforts with the mages and alienage within the city." He said the title with a contempt that she could understand. She didn't want the title either. She wasn't some 'Savior', she was merely trying to fix her own mistakes. Lana also didn't enjoy the implication she had anything to do with the Chantry exploding.

"I do believe that Templar Cullen," She enjoyed the flinch that came from Cullen at his former title, "is misrepresenting our time together." She resisted smirking when she saw his face pale. "You see, he would routinely harass and arrest me for the most minor offences during my time in Kirkwall."

Cullen's face reddened with offense and shame. "You were harboring apostates!" He defended himself and Lana raised a brow in contempt.

"And what evidence did you ever have of that?" Cullen pulled in a breath to retort when the Spymaster stepped in.

"As entertaining as this is, I believe we should get to the point of this matter. But, before that, I believe introductions are in order." She gave a pointed glance at Cullen. "We wouldn't want to be rude, would we?"

"Certainly not!" The Ambassador stepped in. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, we've heard much about you from Cole. I'm the Inquisition's Ambassador, Josephine. If you need anything while you are with us, feel free to come to me!" It was a very friendly and warm introduction. She also seemed surprisingly sincere. Impressive.

Nightingale gave Lana a very sharp smile. "And I am Leliana. I handle more of the information gathering and recruiting aspect of our organization." Such an Orlesian way to say Spy Master. "And you already seem to know our Commander, Cullen Rutherford."

"It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintances," With the exception that she wasn't at all happy to meet them and was really missing Kirkwall. "I'm Lana." She introduced herself, despite the fact that Cullen already revealed her identity. Lana felt slight relief that she didn't try to come up with a brand new identity before coming here. Cullen would have certainly recognized her with his Templar nose and created a heap of issues.

"Not to get done to business so soon, but we are running short on time. Has Cole explained what your duties will be here?" Josephine asked kindly and Lana frowned in confusion. Duties? She had only come to help Cole, not the Inquisition. But, considering the company, she figured she would play along.

"Unfortunately, he hasn't had the time yet," Lana answered diplomatically, trying to hide her ignorance. Plus, she needed to leave a better impression than angry dirty elf that likes to argue with commanders of entire armies. Though, to be fair, she did have a habit of doing so.

"We have need of an assistant to one our Inner Circle members. An apostate elf by the name of Solas. He is an expert in matters of the Fade and spirits." Josephine explained and Lana was interested to meet whoever had claimed to be an 'expert' in the Fade and spirits. Those subjects were incredibly complex with much knowledge destroyed or forgotten with the creation of the Veil. Even she couldn't claim to be a expert in either and she probably has the most accurate Elvhen knowledge of the subjects. "However, with the Inquisitor taking him with her on missions, much of his research has been halted. We were hoping to find a mage with similar credentials to help him shoulder the burden. Cole mentioned that he had a friend that fit the bill, which must be you!" Josephine sounded sincerely happy over that fact and she hated to pop her bubble. But there was an issue.

"You do realize that I'm not a mage." Lana stated and Josephine's face fell. Leliana's brow was creased in either annoyance or confusion, so she elaborated. "I am a rogue, as Commander Cullen is aware of due to his numerous attempts to smite me," And another flinch from Cullen, though the experience wasn't great to remember on her end either. Only due to her lack of magic use during that time and help from the spirits did she manage to make it through those attempts without blowing her cover. "However, I do have an extensive knowledge of the Fade due to my upbringing in my clan. There may not be much I contribute in terms of enchantments or spells, but I could certainly help out with other aspects of the research." She paused, realizing that they may not accept her help now. Not that it mattered to her, but this seemed like the easiest way to find out what she actually needs to help with. She doubted the spirits sent her for a simple research job, but this worked as a nice cover. And a way to get regular pay. "If you will have me, that is." She amended.

Leliana looked over her with consideration before turning to Cullen. "Is this true?"

"I never saw her perform any magic. Despite, her rather loud support of mages." He looked like he was trying to break his own teeth without how hard his jaw was clenching. It was always a joy to frustrate and anger Cullen. He had been the most magic hating and obsessive templar she had ever meant. It was only due to pure determination and luck that she hadn't ended up on the pointy end of his sword, secret mage status or not. And now she was going to be practically living under his roof along with dozens of templars and templar trained soldiers. Joy.

"Well, that certainly puts a damper on things," Leliana remarked. "Solas should be back with the Inquisitor in the next few days. He should be able to direct us further in this situation." The other advisors nodded in agreement. So, she may or may not get the job. Huh.

Josephine stepped forwards. "Unfortunately, we can't employ you until they arrive back. We can, however, provide you with accommodations in the meantime." She resisted letting out a sigh of relief. She was grateful she wasn't going to have to continue camping with her limited supplies. A glimmer of hope filled her that she may even get a bath.

"I appreciate your hospitality." Lana thanked Josephine and made a short bow. It rubbed her pride wrongly, but it was necessary. Josephine beamed at her and then made a gestured to Cole who was standing behind her. He had been so quiet for the whole meeting that she had thought he had left.

"I'm sure Cole can help you find your way around." Josephine assessed her clothing and a small hint of a grimace pulled at her lips. "I'll have someone bring you some clothes as well." Lana was too grateful to be offended. Her clothes were in a horrible state at the moment.

Cole reached forward and grabbed Lana by the arm. He pulled her out of the war room before she even had the chance to make proper farewells. She hoped they would understand, she really didn't need to alienate them this early on. Even despite her verbal brawls with Cullen. She couldn't afford to get on Nightingale's or Josephine's bad side. Lana debated asking where Cole was taking her, but didn't even bother. She just kept quiet as he tugged her around Skyhold. He brought her through a series of buildings and rooms until they came to a tower. He tugged her into the tower and her breath caught in her chest.

There were beautiful murals painted on the stone walls. They were bright and colorful, featuring wolves and the sign of the Inquisition. Judging by the wear on them, they had been recently painted. She walked closer to one of them and examined it closer. There was something prickling at the back of her mind. The style and brushwork of the art were tugging at her memories. Lana waited a few minutes, hoping that a memory would come to the surface. They seemed so familiar and just looking at them made her heart hurt. When nothing surfaced from her mind, she continued her observation of the room. There was a desk in the center of the room with papers and glowing objects scattered on it.

"Searching. Searching for more answers. Searching for a way to stop the chaos. A way to bring the people back together again. Trying to save his friend. Wishing for more answers. Wishing for a different fate. He wants to give up, but his duty stops him. He only wants what is best." Cole spoke to himself while staring at the desk. Lana tried to glean meaning from his words, but there wasn't enough context for her to succeed. The chaos might be the whole Breach situation, but it seemed more personal given what Cole was saying. She was used to vague spirits, but it seemed like Compassion was worse than most. At least Justice had been straightforward, an asshole, but definitely straightforward. "You'll help him. Help him help them. She'll help him find his way and save those who had been lost." She was assuming the man was Solas and this was his work area. At least, that was her best guess with her lack of information. And apparently, he was the person she was supposed to help. Not just for the Inquisition, but it seemed like the spirits also wanted her assistance in the matter.

Cole grabbed her arm again and led her through another door. There was a hallway with two more doors, one on the left and one on the right. He opened the one of the left and lightly pushed me in. The room obviously was previously used for storage, but there were a cot and a chest in it. A small table was also beside the bed with a candle sat on it. Lana turned towards Cole with an eyebrow raised.

"Tired, sore. Just wanted to sleep for a bit. Didn't want to dream, but was too tired to stay awake. Muscles screaming and head foggy. Wanting a bed for so long." He nodded at her and then left the room. Alright, she thought, guess she was meant to rest.

She stared at the bed and wished she would have taken a bath before this. It was desperately needed, but dealing with Cullen and the other advisors left her too exhausted to search for one. Shrugging, she started to unwrap her foot bindings. They were filthy with dirt and snow. Lana threw them into the corner of the room before moving on to her leggings. Sweat, dirt, and blood covered them. Her jacket and shirt were the next to go. Torn, patched, and battered. Then she was just left in her small clothes. There was a small debate on whether or not to keep them on, but she ended throwing them into the pile of dirty clothes. Naked and cold, she crawled into the cot and pulled a thin blanket over herself. There was a small window and she noticed that the sun was going down. Her eyes closed and she left out a deep breath. It only took a few minutes before Lana was lost to the dreams in the Fade. She only hoped that her dreams wouldn't be affected by her familiar surroundings.