A/N: I thought this up a bit ago but I wanted to get it just right. I owe the idea of "darkness" to Islenthatur who wrote a story Going Dark on the Strange Magic movie. It gave me an idea for this one, hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own (though I wish I did) Dragon Age Inquisition or it's characters.

She slowly opened her eyes, the sun gave off a now burnt orange as it danced its way down the wall. She turned her face to the left, closing her eyes as the last few rays of sun fell on her face, she tried to feel the warmth it would give off but nothing
came. Openingher eyes again and slid out of bed, her feet hitting the cold stone. It was amusing to her how she never felt the warmth anymore, it didn't matter how often she tried, the warmth was gone from her. Now everything was as cold and
dark as her heart.

She made her way to the vanity, drapped over the chair was her cloak. It was the only thing she didn't wear when she slept, her armour stayed on, no matter where she was. The blackened dragon hyde gave her an odd sense of security. Clasping the cloak
around her chest, she caught her reflection in the mirror. Very rare that she would look in the mirror, she knew what she looked like, why other elves were afraid of her, and why others had avoided her, not knowing why.

Her skin was once a soft glow from the days she spent out on adventures in the sun, now it was almost fully grey. Her eyes that once shone like sparkling emeralds, were now dull, dark and lifeless. Her lips that were always a soft pink, now lay a dark
grey against her, even her freckles had seemed to darkened, not being the brown they used to be. Her once short hair, now hung just below her breasts. It used to be a bright white, as though it was the finest silk, now it was like there was ash in
her hair. She looked down at the vanity desk, there sat the pin she kept with her since she was a child. It was the last thing she had of her mother. At first glance, it looked like an average hair pin, but looking closer you could see the small slit
that made around it. Pulling it apart it revealed an intricate blade, no bigger than her fore finger. The entire pin was a crimson colour, as though it was drenched in blood. There was a dragon designed into it, as though protecting the small blade
inside. In a swift motion she pinned her hair in a bun. Pitting her hood and mask, which covered her face up to her eyes, she grabbed her bow. It hummed in her hands and glowed a soft blue before going back to its dark metal color. On either side
of the grip were dragons engraved, one was almost entirely black, the other almost entirely white, she had named the bow Lin Ghi'la Elgara I Evune, it was a long name, she knew, but she rarely called it by it's name, their heads were close to the
grip, looking out as though they would watch her arrows fly, the tails entwined all the way down to the tips. Both dragons had red gems for eyes that stood out against the darkened metal. She rested it on her back, grabbing the matching daggers, Elgara
and Evune, sheathing them on either side of her thighs.

She looked out the window, the sun was barely keeping the streets lit, watching below as the few remaining people made their way through the streets. With her hood and mask securely in place, she leaped from the window, making her way from the rooftops
down to the streets below. She never liked to stay in one place for long. Since the Inquisition disbanded, there wasn't a place she could call home, so she moved, from town to village, to just camping in the woods.

She didn't remember exactly when she turned dark. From what she could come up with, it was around the last time she saw Solas in the ruins. When he gave her no choice, and decided she couldn't share the burden, or even help him. When she had returned
to Skyhold, it wasn't long after that did she see the changes. The laughing and smiling died, and killing became easier, no matter the target. Even Iron Bull had his worries. Many times they tried to talk to her, explain that things would be easier
in time. She only watched them, the sadness and pity they held when they looked at her. That was 3 years ago.

She reached the small, makeshift gate at the edge of the village and gave a soft whistle. Her ears twitched and her head tilted, listening for the soft footsteps. Emerging from the forest was an all black Halla, it approached her, lowering it's head in
a bow. She ran her hand softly over the head, reaching the base of its antlers. It give a soft rock of it's head in approval.

"Hello, Ma Da'assan." She mounted her. "Ghilani ma Falon." Da'assan rose to her hind legs then began to run, she kept her body close to the halla, the steps were barley audible. She watched as the tree's flew by, she never knew where Da'assan was going
to take her, but she had trusted her, she was probably the only thing she trusted these days.

It had been 2 years since she found Da'assan. The young halla at the time was being chased by elvhen hunters, she watched as they laughed atthe poor thing being poked and stabbed with the sharpened poles. Something in her snapped as she approached
them. One caught her eyes, fear spread throughout him as he called out to the others. Her name was barely a whisper upon their lips as they dropped to their knees.

"Esha'Lin…." Their heads were now touching the ground, they were begging for forgiveness.

She unsheathed Evune, the almost white metal hummed in her hand, she watched them carefully.

"Who's in charge?" Her voice dripped heavy with disdain. Her eyes settled on a elven woman who kept sneaking a glance up at her. Kneeling she let the tip of her dagger lift the woman's head so their eyes met, she saw the woman shuddered under her gaze.
"Speak."

"We-we r-really didn't m-mean to…."

"To what? Harm an animal our culture holds sacred and protects? To kill because YOU believe it is fun?" The woman's eyes down casted, she let the dagger dig in a little deeper, drawing blood, the woman's eyes shot up again.

"I-it was already injured! I swear!"

"Instead of helping, you hunt? Ma'lin I Elgar Mya Elgara I Evune." In a swift motion, she withdrew Elgara. The woman was about to say something but her blades moved to fast at the woman's throat. The woman now laid at her feet as blood poured around her
body. Standing she turned to the three others. They stared at their fallen companion. "Is the message clear?" They all shook their heads, none meeting her gaze. "Josa." In an instant they all took off, never once looking back. She stepped over the
woman and made her way to the halla, sheathing her blades, she knelt down, seeing an arrow sticking out in its hind leg. She looked into the Hallas eyes. "Elvar'nas no din." The halla dipped its head, giving her permission. She took out the arrow
and began patching it, but in seconds the wound started to heal on its own. In minutes the Halla was standing. It bowed its head to her, turning its head toward its back. Understanding, she climbed on, giving a soft pat on the side, she suddenly felt
herself whisper. "Ma'dassan." As if it approved it suddenly lurched forward and began running.

She snapped herself out of her thoughts, looking around she realized where they were headed, she looked down at her friend, drawing her brows together. As if knowing she was looking down, she shook her head, not giving a reason as to why they were heading
where they were. They reached the edge of the forest. The large rocky road led to a cliff that was surround by water and more mountains off in the distance. The only thing that stood out more was the large building at the cliffs edge, she watched
as the large tower in the center suddenly lit up, glowing a vibrant red. Suddenly Ma'dassan lurched forward. It was the first time she felt nervous as the large building came closer.

Tevinter Imporium.

Translations:

Lin Ghi'la Elgara I Evune - Blood guide the sun and moon

Ma'Dassan - Little Arrow

Ghilani ma Falon - Guide me my friend

Esha'Lin - Blood child

Ma'lin I Elgar Mya Elgara I Evune - My blood and spirit follow the sun and moon

Josa - Run

Elvar'nas no din - I mean no death (harm)

If I missed any I apologize, please let me know what you think and any opinions. Thanks! The next chapter will be a flashback of sorts.