A/N: Yes. It's been a while. I have plenty of excuses that I'm not going to go into in an Author's Note because it would take too long and I'd probably start crying. But here we go anyway.

Disclaiming with a side of French fries

Faolan?

The young elf blinked at the hesitant prod in his mind. I'm sorry I…

I understand. It must be hard to accept.

…How can I be dead? I have not been corrupted by the Quickening. Do I die in a battle? Am I murdered? How-

I don't know, Faolan. We didn't really…Well it was hard to talk to you.

What do you mean?

Faolan felt her grow evasive and attempt to hide a thought from him. She abruptly began reciting a nursery rhyme in an attempt to distract herself. He was surprised she could actually keep it from him.

What are you hiding from me?

Nothing.

Tell me.

Her tone changed, becoming solemn and serious.

You don't want to know. You weren't the same person you are now…You don't want to see what that was like.

Faolan could sense the haunted feeling in her, and after a moment of deliberation, decided to let it go.

Very well. I suppose we should return to what we were doing…I never asked your name.

Oh? You're right. My name is Ashlyn.

"Ashlyn," Faolan said aloud. He liked the way it sounded. May I call you Ash?

…I suppose.

If you'd rather I didn't –

It's not that, Ashlyn interrupted him, an amused and wistful feeling emanating from her. It's just that my mother is the only one who ever called me that.

Oh. I see.

Hmm…Well, that was a long time ago. You had questions for me?

Yes, I –

Faolan was interrupted by the sound of a knock on the side of the doorway, and he looked up to see Aodhan standing there with a grin.

"What's got you spacing out like that?"

Who's that?

An old friend, Faolan replied quickly, not wanting to stay silent for too long and confuse the other elf. "Aodhan," he greeted with a smile. "What brings you here?"

Aodhan gave his friend a once over in confusion at his distraction but let it go with a smile. "Caera mentioned wanting to see you. And she is quite miffed with me for not inviting her to our archery match yesterday, so I thought we could have another, if you are willing."

Faolan grinned, instinctively rising to the challenge in his friend's voice. "Are you sure you have recovered enough?"

Aodhan frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well, after I humiliated you so completely yesterday, I thought your delicate sensibilities might need more time to heal."

The young elf playfully glared as Faolan's grin just widened. "Meet us by the field as soon as you have finished primping. We all know what a snit you get into if a hair is out of place, so I suppose we will expect you around…sundown?"

Faolan chuckled and lightly chucked a book at him as Aodhan quickly ducked out of the room.

Are you finished now?

Faolan frowned at the exasperated tone in Ashlyn's "voice," and the slight worry running through her. I suppose…What's wrong Ash?

Aren't your forgetting something?

What?

Me?

The elf stilled, then smacked his own forehead. He was supposed to be helping her get out of his body! Oh Creators. Ashlyn I apologize. I just slipped into habit I suppose.

The mage gave the equivalent of a sigh and said It's okay. I understand. I guess. But do you think we could get back to this when you've finished trying to show up your friend?

He could tell she honestly felt she should let it go, but was still peeved with him. She couldn't hide the feeling, and didn't have time to filter her words into something kinder. He smiled at her effort though. Of course. The moment I return.

Good.

With that, Faolan rose from his seat and donned his boots before walking towards the exit of his house. There was a long mirror in the hallway, and despite the teasing he knew he would receive from Aodhan, did take a moment or two to fix his hair.

He couldn't help taking some pride in his appearance. He wasn't exactly bad looking, and he was in the prime of his life. Faolan was tall for an elf, and had the build of a warrior, even though he was more attuned to magic. He had always been sure to exercise properly too, not wanting to be restricted to one style of fighting. He was more experienced with a sword than an arrow or daggers, and delighted in the fact that he could still best his friend in those areas anyway. The elf straightened out a lock of his black hair and took a quick glance at his green eyes when he noticed Ashlyn abruptly singing nursery rhymes again.

What is it now?

Nothing…

The tone of her mental voice was different now, flustered…embarrassed? He furrowed his brow. Did I do something wrong?

No! Not at all.

She didn't exactly say it, but he got the distinct feeling she was thinking it was exactly the opposite of wrong. Suddenly it dawned on him and his gaze refocused on the mirror with a grin.

Oooh. I see.

She didn't reply, but he was pretty sure she'd be blushing if she could.

Find me attractive do you?

Now he felt some anger rise up in her, which only amused him further.

Stop being so damn smug! She exclaimed, irritated. It's just a natural reaction.

Not to everyone, he replied with a chuckle.

Oh…just go you girl, she responded, referring to his "primping."

Chuckling again, Faolan ducked out the door smiling to himself as he walked towards Hamashiral. After a few minutes she relaxed and he had a thought.

Out of curiosity, what do you look like?

I would think that would be obvious. I look like you.

I meant before this. I know you cannot show me per say, but do you suppose a memory would be okay? If you are comfortable with that. You do not have to show me anything you do not wish to, Faolan caught himself as he realized he was rambling. The request just seemed…odd. He felt her amusement run through him.

Sure, Faolan. I don't mind. But thank you for asking.

After a few moments he saw an image of a woman slightly shorter than him with a long fiery red braid and hazel colored eyes. He noticed something odd though. Certain parts of the memory were focused. Like her height. It was the first thing he noticed, and a sense of disapproval came with it. And more disappointment in other things – her skin, the size of her nose, the shape of her eyes…He frowned.

All you notice are the bad things.

There was sadness in her voice. That's because there are a million of them.

No, he abruptly responded. He took the memory and managed to manipulate it, taking away her opinions on it, and leaving nothing but the picture for him to admire. You are a beautiful woman. Do not think of yourself that way. He felt her surprise as he shoved the new memory at her, and made her examine herself in a new light. And especially surprise at his honesty. Yes. I mean it.

I…

All was silent as he neared the archery field, and it stretched for so long he began to think she wouldn't respond at all. But then, she said in the back of his mind, very quietly:

…Thank you.

A/N: Again, sorry it took so long. Dorky ending yes. You get to meet Caera next time. After the next two chapters there will probably be some time jumping. Just so you know. Reviews make the world go round! And I'll give you a cookie!