You're on your own in a world you've grown...
Solas studied the lithe elf as she shadow boxed in the wooded area near Haven.
A hunter of the Lavellan Clan in the wilds of the Free Marches was all the information he had gathered about her as he overheard Leliana speaking to Seeker Pentaghast. Just a hunter and yet she was now in the thick of a battle for Thedas and the Fade. The rifts were abundant around Thedas that spewed creatures of the Fade.
And yet she, Arihris Lavellan was the only one to stop the breach that poisoned the sky and Thedas.
This petite Elven woman held their salvation.
Solas chuckled when he saw the woman fall back into the snow from exhaustion. The Seeker ordered him to watch over her health and the anchor. He was surprised that he was ordered to do such a thing, perhaps the Seeker trusted him more than she let on. He settled to keep his distance but keep a watchful eye on her.
Arihris raised her hand to the sky and began to study it. Solas noted that it was the hand that held the Anchor.
"Melavainanenansal,irsuaravaltuelvaral,"
Solas' ears picked up on her soft voice, she had begun to recite an Elven poem. A surprise to him, he figured she was just like other Elves that had forgotten their old language.
"Keeping an eye on her Chuckles?"
"By the orders of Seeker Pentaghast," Solas replied coolly as his mind began to wander about what else the lazing elf knew.
"Of course. Put the mage in charge of the one who doesn't know how to use magic. Got it," Varric chuckled.
"A hunter of the Lavellan Clan of the Free Marches...wonder what was she doing out of the Free Marches," Varric question.
"I can only assume that the Keeper of the clan wanted to be informed of a monumental event," Solas replied.
"Spying. Lovely," Varric chuckled.
"But now she has the whole world's future on her hands. She's in for trouble," Varric commented as he headed towards the gates of Haven.
"She has no choice but to endure it," Solas replied quietly as he listened to her finish an elven song that he knew well.
"Enasalirsalethalin,"
She dropped her hand to her side and quickly stood. She looked over her shoulder at the entrance of Haven to see only Commander Cullen and his men practicing.
So be the girl you loved, Be the girl you loved
"That is amazing," Arihris replied as her normal halcyon golden eyes sparkled with excitement.
During a brief respite, Arihris approached Solas with questions about the Fade. They had just returned from the Fallow Mire partially still wet from the constant downpour, the marshes and then finally the storm they had encountered on their way back to Haven.
Varric, Cassandra, and Arihris had thanked Solas for his magic and keeping them from catching frostbite. On the ride back Solas had noticed that Arihris occasionally stared at him and quickly turned away when he had caught her, there was something on her mind.
She nipped at her bottom lip, unconsciously twirled her loose braid of her ebony hair as she continued forward.
The act of her nipping at her bottom lip, twirling her hair and then bouncing with excitement as they spoke about the Fade and the magic that resided in the Fallow Mire.
"There are many secrets that the Fade holds close to it's breast. Few have dared to even explore it," Solas began.
"But you...Solas have seen many of those secrets right?" Arihris asked.
"A few," Solas replied.
"That sounds exhilarating. I've tried a few times to explore that Fade while I slept back with my clan," Arihris sighed.
"As a child I would sneak away to read tomes of the mages or if I was quick enough to get a few glances at my Keeper's tomes...I've always wanted to be able to use magic or even history books. I would spend hours reading them," Arihris sighed.
"You're more interested in the history of the humans than your own kin?" Solas asked.
The Elven people of this age were losing more and more of their culture, their language suffered at the oppression that was pressed upon them. From the Elves that Solas had observed they were just a mere shadow of what the Elven people really were.
Solas wondered if he had foolishly given her a pass, she was just like the other Elves that conformed to the ways of the Humans.
"No. Not just the humans but the Qunari, Dwarves and especially the Dalish. Our history and culture is the most fascinating in all of Thedas," Arihris replied a slight sparkle in her eye.
"I see. So you are an aspiring scholar," Solas replied, second guessing his quick critique of her.
"Yes. Would you believe a hunter like myself being a scholar of history," Arihris commented as she looked up at Solas, her golden eyes locking with his.
She was a tiny woman. A tiny interesting woman.
"Of course," Solas replied.
"Of course, you would. You're a free roaming hedge mage as you call yourself," Arihris huffed.
"That is what I am," Solas replied.
"You've seen so much...I envy your treks in the Fade and your magic," Arihris smiled softly as she looked down at her left hand.
"It is a gift and a curse in this age in Thedas, I am fortunate to have the Seeker's protection otherwise I would have been hunted," Solas replied.
"I understand. I won't take up any more of your time. Thank you for talking to me about the Fade Solas," Arihris began as she stepped back.
"You are welcome," Solas replied as he noticed the death grip of her right hand on her left wrist.
The anchor was hurting her and yet she held her composure while speaking to him. He made a mental note to check on her health per Seeker Pentaghast orders and to satisfy his own curiosity.
Arihris Lavellan, an elven woman interested in history, desired to wield magic and traverse the Fade. Perhaps he would have someone else to speak to more often.
So show me why you're strong, Ignore everybody else, we're alone now...I'll wait.
Solas surveyed Haven as joyous laughter and merriment filled the encampment. There were more bodies about due to the increase of young men wanting to fight for Thedas plus the addition of the mages of Redcliff that made Haven their new home from them mishap the Magister Alexius working for the Elder One.
Corypheus called himself the Elder one, and would be a problem. Solas was able to steal a glance of Arihris looking down at all of the joyous people that called her the Herald of Andraste a title she cared less about.
Her loose ebony locks flowed behind her, her obsidian clothing made her stand out against the snow of Haven. He felt himself wanting to approach her but quelled the thought as he saw Cassandra had approached her.
A massive magical energy pulled his attention away from the two women and towards the mountains. Something was coming, filled with rage. Moments later the watchmen's bells rang alerting everyone in Haven, quickly Solas glanced back to where the two women stood to see they were already gone and at the front gate, Solas began towards the gate to face whatever approached them.
Solas calmly approached the gate as he watched Arihris and Cullen open the gate to come face to face with a young man that spoke of Red Templars coming to hurt her because she had taken his mages. Solas' eyes darted to Arihris as she consulted with her officers. As quickly as it started, a decision was made and he, Cassandra and Vivienne geared up for a battle for the safety of Haven and its people.
So show me why you're strong, Ignore everybody else, we're alone now
She had told them to run before Corypheus' dragon landed and blocked their exit. Solas' mind mulled over the different outcomes that could have happened. Maybe things would have been different if he would have stayed longer, but knew that he wasn't strong enough to help.
Wolves howled in the distance pulling Solas from his thoughts. Perhaps she wasn't what he thought she was.
All in the encampment expected the worst, there was no sign of the woman for hours. Cullen and a few men of the Inquisition had created small search parties after they had made it to a safe distance but was quickly and abruptly interrupted by the sudden blizzard blew through the mountains.
Perhaps she had perished with Haven, Solas banished the delirious thought from his mind as the wolves continued to howl. As if being summoned, Solas exited his tent and stood in front of the closest fire. Moments later, excitement broke out in the makeshift camp.
She was alive.
He had watched Cullen carry the limp body of the Inquisitor with Leliana, Josephine, Cassandra, and Mother Giselle behind him.
She had survived, but Solas knew it was only the beginning
Moments after she had awakened she had regained control of the shaken and infant inquisition and was able to bring everyone together and restore hope to everyone.
"A word," Solas whispered as he walked behind the Arihris leading her from the group. Arihris followed him silently towards a mound that overlooked the foreboding frozen mountains. Solas waved his hand over the torch, instantly a blue flame illuminated the small area.
"How are you feeling?" Solas asked as he turned to Arihris.
"I feel a little exhausted and relieved that I was able to regroup with everyone. The wolves made me a little worried," Arihris replied.
"I'm sure you would have been fine," Solas replied as he placed his hands behind his back
"You think so? I could have frozen to death," Arihris replied and copied Solas' movements.
"I know you just didn't pull me away to talk about my health Solas...there's something more important isn't there?" Arihris asked.
"You are correct," Solas began.
"The humans have not raised one of our people so high for ages beyond counting. Her faith is hard-won, Lethallin. Worthy of pride...save for one detail,"
Arihris silently nodded in agreement and waited for Solas to continue.
"The threat that Corypheus wields...the orb he carried. It is ours. Corypheus used the orb to open the breach. Unlocking it must have caused the explosion that destroyed the conclave. We must find out how he survived...and must prepare for their reaction when they learn it is of our people," Solas stated solemnly
"So then what is it, I can only assume it is of some type of Elven God magic with the amount of power it has," Arihris commented.
"You are correct. What Corypheus held were called Foci, said to channel power from our gods. Some were dedicated to specific members of our pantheon. All that remains are references in ruins and faint visions of memory in the fade, echoes of a dead empire," Solas started.
"But however Corypheus came to it, the orb is Elven, and with it, he threatens the heart of human faith,"
Solas gave her a warning and hoped that she would keep that in mind as she continued on her path of the Herald of Andraste and whatever was to come. He wanted her to be mindful of the effect that she and the orb that Corypheus had over the outcome of Thedas.
Suddenly I'm hit, it's the starkness of the dawn
It had been a month or so since they had settled into Skyhold, even with her busy schedule she made time to visit Solas in his new residence, a large round chamber with no roof, bare walls, and the view of the sky and library above. Solas chuckled to himself as he became lost in thought.
"Solas,"
Solas' icy blue eyes focused on the young elven woman in front him.
"Herald," Solas greeted her.
A quick grin crossed her lips,
"You don't have to be so formal…Arihris is fine," she said.
"If that is what you would like," Solas replied.
"I wanted to tell you about my recent journey to Crestwood…but I'm actually more interested in you…," Arihris began
"Oh?" Solas asked hiding his surprise.
'I'm interested in what you told me about yourself and your studies of the Fade. If you have time I'd like to hear more," Arihris said as she bounced on the balls of her feet.
"You continue to surprise me. All right let us talk…preferably somewhere more interesting than this,"
Within moments, Solas and Arihris were walking on familiar ground, Haven and was headed towards a building she faintly remembered.
"Why here?" Arihris asked as Solas continued walking.
"Haven is familiar. It will always be important to you," Solas replied as he looked over his shoulder.
"We talked about that already," Arihris sighed as she continued after him.
Moments later they stopped in front of a holding cell, the same cell that she was held in.
"I sat beside you while you slept, studying the anchor," Solas began as he looked around the room.
"How long can it take to look at my hand?" Arihris asked as she placed a hand on her hip.
Solas turned to look at the woman and tilted his head slightly, there was a faint smirk on her lips.
"A magical mark of unknown origin, tied to a unique breach in the veil? Longer than you think," Solas replied as he looked at her hand. Arihris followed his line of sight and lifted her hand.
"I ran every test I could imagine, searched the fade, yet found nothing. Cassandra suspected duplicity and threatened to have me executed as an apostate if I didn't produced results," Solas continued.
"Well we all know that with everyone," Arihris chuckled, Solas chuckled in response.
"Yes. That she is," Solas said as he began to leave the chamber, beckoning Arihris to follow.
"You were never going to wake up. How could you? A mortal sent physically through the fade. I was frustrated, frightened and the spirits I may have consulted with had been driven away by the Breach…" Solas trailed off as he stopped a top of the ledge that Arihris had stood on before Corypheus attacked Haven.
"Although I wished to help, I had no faith in Cassandra…or she in me. I was ready to flee,"
"The Breach threatened the whole world. Where did you plan to run off to?" Arihris asked, Solas chuckled again.
"Someplace far away where I might research a way to repair the breach before it's effect reached me. I never said it was a good plan," Solas replied as he turned towards the Breach.
"I told myself: One more attempt to seal the rifts. I tried and failed. No ordinary magic would affect them…and I watched as the rifts expand and grow, I resigned myself to flee, and then," Solas said as he turned to face Arihris standing patiently behind him.
"It seems that you hold the key to our salvation…you had sealed with a gesture and right there I felt the whole world change," Solas said as he mimicked hand gesture when she sealed the rifts.
"Felt the whole world change?" Arihris asked.
"A figure of speech of course," Solas replied.
"I am aware of the metaphor. I'm more interested in the felt part," Arihris said as she slowly took a step forward until she stopped in front of Solas.
Solas looked down at the smaller woman, her golden eyes looking back at his icy blue eyes. Her ebony hair cascaded over her shoulder, the faint pale color of her vallasilin sparkled.
"You change…everything…" Solas said in almost a whisper as he continued to look into her eyes.
"You are quite the sweet talker Solas," Arihris said while blushing. Solas rubbed the back of his head nervously as he looked away.
Suddenly Arihris grabbed Solas' face and pushed her lips against his. As quickly as she had kissed him she quickly ended it not giving Solas the change to react. Just as she had turned to walk away, Solas caught her by the wrist and pulled her back into another quick, passionate kiss.
Slowly they pulled back from each other, panting. Solas leaned in and gave her a final quick kiss.
"We shouldn't. It isn't right. Not even here," Solas began
"What do you mean even here?" Arihris questioned as he heart thundered in her chest.
"Where do you think we are?" Solas asked as a small smile appeared on his lips.
Arihris looked around as she placed a pieces of hair behind her ear and realized where they were.
"This…isn't real," Arihris stated as she looked back at Solas.
"That's a matter of debate…probably best discussed after you wake up,"
I'll wait. So show me why you're strong ignore everybody else. We're alone now, I'll wait.
Arihris leaned on the banister of the balcony that faced toward the majestic mountains of Skyhold. Solas watched as the cool breeze blow the woman's loosely tied ebony hair.
"What were you like before the anchor? Has it affected you? Changed you in any way? Your mind, your morals, your…spirit?" Solas asked.
Arihris looked at her hand and cocked her head to the side.
"No. I do not think so. I'm pretty sure I'm still me," she replied.
Solas sighed in almost relief.
"Why do you ask?"
"You show a wisdom I have not seen since…since my deepest journeys into the ancient memories of the fade," Solas began.
"You are not what I expected,"
"I suppose I apologize for the disappointment?" Arihris replied with a slight grin on her lips.
"It's not a disappointment…" Solas sighed.
"It's just that most people are predictable. You have shown subtlety in your actions and words, a wisdom that goes against everything I expected. If the Dalish could raise someone with a spirit like yours…have I misjudged them?" Solas asked.
"It is hard to say. I don't hold the Dalish as perfect, but I know that we do have something worth honoring. We have our memories of the ancient ways that we hope to retain and pass on to others," Arihris replied.
"Perhaps that is it. I suppose it must be. Most people act with so little understanding of the world…but not…you," Solas trailed off.
"What are you trying to tell me Solas? I know that I am usual good at reading people and the deeper meaning behind their words but," Arihris started.
"It means I have not forgotten the kiss," Solas replied bluntly.
A small grin tugged at her lips as she looked at Solas, she could see one ghosting across his lips but knew that he hid it well.
"Good," she replied.
We're alone now, We're alone now, I'll wait, We're alone now
"Solas…I need to talk to you," Arihris said as she approached Solas in his chamber.
"Of course," Solas said as he saw the woman approaching him with confidence.
"This way," Arihris said as she continued pass him and through the chamber door, Solas followed after her silently.
He already knew that he had broken her heart, but knew he needed to be there for the fight against Corypheus. Her speaking to him so quickly after their final moment together surprised him, but knew her strong confident strides and appearance was just a farce. He had fallen for her hard and ending what they had together hurt him as much as it hurt her.
Minutes later the approached a small secluded forested area near Skyhold, a wolf howled in the distance as they finally came to a stop.
"Solas…was I…a fool to fall in love with you?" Arihris asked.
"No. No you weren't"
"I bet the entity of Skyhold knows about us and how foolish I was…I am quite certain they will put this in the history books along with me stopping Corypheus and helping our people," Arihris sighed.
"Our people? Oh you mean the elves."
"Who do you have much in common with? Who are your people?" Arihris asked.
"A good question," Solas replied avoiding the question
He seemed determine to give vague answers and maintain his frustratingly guarded self. Arihris turned to face him as she attempted to keep her annoyance hidden beneath her facade.
"Our people scattered across Thedas have not lost everything. They need us. They need you. They can learn so much from all of the knowledge that you have from the Fade.
"You are talking about the ones that wear the Vallasilin…the ones that hide in the forest? They are not my people," Solas replied coolly.
"Is there a problem with MY people?" Arihris asked as she stilled kept her cool.
"They are children acting out stories they have misheard and repeated wrongly a thousand times over…omitting the details," Solas replied.
"But you know the truth right? You knew the meaning behind the Vallasilin, and you were able to remove it with one of your unfamiliar spells right?" Arihris asked.
"They should not cling to memories of a better past, but seek to restore power back to it,"
Arihris looked Solas from head to toe as she felt a growing sense of uncertainty as she looked at her former lover.
"You mean…Restore Elvhenan?" Arihris asked.
Arihris saw the man stiffen but maintained his cool.
"Why not? It would be the most efficient way for YOUR people to regain greatness. I've seen Elvhenan in my travels of the fade, how the ancient Elvhenan walked the land as if they were gods. Their beautiful magic, how they weaved and wielded their magic puts the Grand Enchanters to disgrace. But the people you speak of are the ones that hide in the shadows and watch so when the humans do something they are able to move to safety of some sort. Perhaps there is hope for them," Solas replied.
"Restoring Elvhenan is impossible…why would you even remind a people of something that was held to the highest and we were helpless to keep from losing it," Arihris said as she clenched her fist.
Solas' icy blue eyes cut into her as if she had one of Sera's arrows fly through her chest.
"Please. Do not talk like them. You are different…a different spirit…a spirit of those that have been lost. You are NOT like them," Solas gritted bitterly.
"Solas," Arihris replied.
Solas' blue eyes locked with Arihris' golden eyes, she took a step forward.
"Just…who are you? You are elven…but you don't consider yourself a part of the Dalish…you act arrogant and pompous when it comes to the Dalish and yet you try to help them. Are we children to you?" Arihris asked as she took a step forward.
"I did say that did I not? Children that need to be helped in order to survive," Solas replied.
"Children that are oppressed you mean?" Arihris corrected as she took another step forward.
"Children that are oppressed and have no options," Solas corrected.
"And you…the man that has traversed the deepest parts of the Fade has no idea on how to help them?" Arihris asked.
"Not unless we collapse the Veil and bring the Fade here so I can attempt to reshape reality. No," Solas replied casually.
"…You've thought about that haven't you?" Arihris asked,
"I would see no need to. It seems like the easiest logical answer is it not?" Solas asked.
"That is not something one would come up with easily," Arihris replied.
"Perhaps. But I am not like other mages," Solas replied.
"You're right, and I want to know who you are exactly. I want the truth," Arihris began.
"And what truth is that?" Solas asked.
"I know that you are not one to give direct answers, so I need you to come out with the truth,"
"Truth is not the end, but a beginning," Solas replied.
"I already know that you are not who you say you are Solas…," Arihris trailed off as she looked at Solas.
Arihris still stood a few feet from Solas when she felt a strange heaviness in the air, she knew something was wrong and yet her curiosity was getting the better of her. She saw Solas smile and tilt his head slightly as he looked at her.
"Was that even a smile?" Arihris asked herself silently as she never took her eyes from the man.
"And who might I be?" Solas asked.
Arihris gulped before answering.
"You have features that are akin to an Elf, but you are not Dalish. You are not a City Elf. You are not a Slave, and you are not a circle mage," Arihris began.
"I've spent more of my life alone wondering the wilderness, teaching myself how to master my magical abilities," Solas replied
"You have an uncanny ability of lucid dreaming that I've never seen before. You know of knowledge of the Fade that outmatches those of the Keepers, Grand Enchanters, and scholars. You can manipulate the rifts in the veil in ways unheard of," Arihris continued.
"I prefer to spend my time dreaming in ancient ruins and learning all there is to learn about what dwells beyond the veil. That has granted my unique knowledge and abilities,"
"You are considered a Hedge Mage, but the magic you possess…is old…very old similar to Vir'Abelasan,"
Another heavy silence followed, cold and dangerous. Arihris took a step back as her eyes locked with Solas' icy blue orbs.
"I visit the Fade regularly…perhaps you are sensing traces of it,"
"No…it is different…as you are. You are taller than any elf I've seen…your accent is unrecognizable from any of the Dalish I've met…and you speak Elvhen, an almost extinct language, as if you created it yourself," Arihris continued and took a confident step forward.
Solas had a suddenly unnatural quality of utter stillness that made her weary of him. His hands were hidden, and he leaned casually against a tree. Her senses were flipped on when one leg had shifted. Arihris gulped again when Solas kicked himself off the tree, slow and nonchalantly he approached her. She had never felt unsettled or nervous around him before and yet her mind and heart raced as he continued to approach her, flight or Fight crossed her mind as he drew closer.
On instinct Arihris stepped back, steadily being observed by sharp blue eyes that watched her like a hawk. Solas cocked his head at her retreat, his eyes piercing into her. Arihris gulped again and froze as Solas began to walk in slow circles around her, as if she was prey.
"Continue," Solas demanded quietly.
"You have knowledge of ancient Elvhen culture and magic…," Arihris trailed off, her resolve was weakening as Solas continued to slowly make circles around her. She turned so that she could keep her eyes on the man, uncertain to what he would do.
"Sometimes…you speak as if you have lived in the ancient times of Elvhenan," Arihris said as she turned in place, keeping her eyes on Solas as he continued to circle her like a wild predator.
"How you spoke to Abelas…and how he understood and reacted to you…seemed as if he knew something it seemed as if he knew you. You appear more akin to Abelas…what would that make you? An Ancient?" Arihris continued.
"If I am this ancient as you believe me to be, how could I live for so long?" He questioned in a hushed tone.
"Uthenara," Arihris replied.
Solas came to an abrupt stop right in front of her. Arihris felt as if her heart had jumped from her chest as she looked at the man in front of her. She couldn't read his expression nor dared to, the air felt primed for a lightning strike.
Flight or Fight crossed her mind once again as Solas took one step and stood in front of her.
"…who are you really Solas?" Arihris asked.
Solas leaned close, until his face was mere inches from hers, his icy blue eyes boring into to her golden ones.
"Do you really want to know the answer?" Solas asked dangerously. Arihris opened her mouth to respond, but no words came as her heart pounded in her chest and ears.
"I will not hurt you vhenan," Solas said quietly.
"S-Solas…why can't you answer me?" Arihris asked, her voice barely audible.
"Unfortunately discretion is necessary," Solas replied his voice low.
"But why? I have nothing but love for you Solas…just…who are you…really …," Arihris started
"Your curious nature is one that I've always admired…but I cannot appease your curiosity this time," Solas replied as he held her gaze.
"Don't shut me out," Arihris spoke up.
"I—I wish I could look at you and feel nothing…things that were once simple have become complicated…you…you," Solas trailed off.
"What?" Arihris demanded.
"You were not what I expected…because of you everything has changed," Solas said.
"Solas…" Arihris started
"Vhenan—"
Arihris pushed her lips on to his, one more kiss, one more touch, Solas allowed her that before she broke away tears threatening to spill from her eyes. He found himself reaching to wipe them away only to find that she had fled from him.
Emptiness.
Suddenly, I'm hit. It's the starkness of the dawn, And your friends are gone, And your friends won't come. So show me where you fit…So show me where you fit…
She stumbled over to him as pain racked through her body, he knew the anchor was killing her and only had a limited amount of time before she would perish. Everything that had happened in the Winter Palace was for her, to bring her to him.
For what?
For him to at least try to save her and warn her of what was to come. He stood over her and soothed the pain in her arm giving them both time to talk.
She knew that he was Fen'Harel and yet still loved him. She vowed to stop him even as pain shot through her. He wanted to stop her pain, to stop her suffering, to have her at his side, but knew that the path he chose for the Dalish people was his duty to correct. His needs and wants does not matter.
His love for her was different. He wanted to cherish it as much as possible, even if it hurt him.
"S-Solas…Ar lath ma," Arihris whimpered in agony as pain coursed through her body.
"Ma'arlath…Ir abelas," Solas started his voice cracking in agony as he felt his heart shattering.
Solas embraced her and took her lips with passion before pulling himself from her, knowing that he would break if he stayed longer.
"I will never forget you…Arihris…ma vhenan…," Solas said as he turned from her and approached the large Eluvian.
He had left his heart with her.
" Ar lath ma…"