A/N: I can't believe this story has so many followers! You guys are SO amazing! I love you all!

I dunno if this will get popular enough for it but…if I hit 25 reviews, the twenty-fifth reviewer will get a one-shot about anyone from Inquisition. Hope you guys are excited!

Haven

Books were scattered along the floor and his desk, various others were piled on the nightstand, and there was yet another in Solas' lap. He put the one he was currently reading down on top of the one on his legs and rand a hand over his face, sighing.

Nothing.

They had been back from Haven for two days, and Solas had searched every tome he could possibly find on the biology of alphas and omegas. Not a single one mentioned anything like this. The only thing that even came close was the descriptions of females in their first heats, and how their scent naturally attracted their counterparts, be it alphas or omegas. But Ellana was not in heat – Solas suppressed a shiver as he remembered that she may not have even gone through her first yet.

The first heat was always said to be the strongest. Solas was sure this was largely because at that point, the females had never gone through it, and the sensations were so overwhelming, the memories were scalded into their minds. It tended to become easier with subsequent heats. But the first…Solas had seen females unashamedly beg to be taken, lust clouding their judgment, and seemingly even robbing others of their sanity. He couldn't erase the image of Ellana on her knees before him, eyes hazy with desire, sliding her hands up his thighs and pleading with him to make her his mate. And he would. He'd lift her by her waist – she was such a tiny thing – and lie her face down on his bed. She'd mewl with delight and lift her hips for him, and he'd loom over her, and grab her wrists and –

Solas shook his head to rid himself of the sudden fantasy as he realized his predicament. Ellana was somewhere close and her scent had dragged him into a fog. If you could call unbridled lust that. As the aroma continued to strengthen, he concluded that she must be coming to see him. She had visited him during both days since their return, apparently considering him a friend. While he enjoyed her presence, and their conversations, being around her was…He couldn't kid himself. Part of him reveled in being near the source of that scent, regardless that the urge to claim her was nearly unbearable. Never in his life had he ever considered taking a mate, and now it seemed the conclusion was inevitable.

But he couldn't do that to her. Not when he would have no choice but to leave her.

He took a few moments to pick up some of the books that had fallen to the ground – well, he might have actually thrown two or three in frustration – just in time to hear her knock on the door. He opened it to see her with a pleasant smile on her face.

"Pack it up, we're heading to Val Royeaux."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "And the purpose for this venture is…?" he asked while moving to the side so she could enter.

"Well, I'm sure you've heard that the Chantry has declared the Inquisition heretical," she replied while stepping past him into the house. "And denounced me." An impish grin appeared. "I have to admit I'm kind of proud I made a bunch of stuck up priests huff and puff like that." He almost choked at the huff and puff reference but managed to disguise it with a chuckle at what she next said. "Oh no, the big bad elf is going to come and blow us all away with her scary Dalish customs, she'll steal our children and drink our blood and dance naked under the moonlight!"

That image…was not helping matters. After a few moments of inner battling with himself, he came back to reality and continued listening.

"…and she said it might be a good idea if I go speak to the clerics. Cullen didn't like it, and Leliana seemed…concerned I guess, but that's what's happening. Cassandra is getting ready as we speak, and Varric's practically at the gates, so we need to get moving." Ellana abruptly glanced around the room, as though seeing it for the first time. "So…been doing some light reading then?" she asked with a curious smile.

Solas chuckled. "You could say that," he replied nervously, and ushered her out of the shack before she could see any of the titles. She surely wouldn't know what he was looking for, but he didn't want to have to spin another lie should she ask. He wasn't sure what he would tell her. "Have you considered what you will say to them?"

"All I've come up with so far is 'Hey fuckers, get your heads out of your holy asses.'" She shot him an amused glance. "But somehow I don't think that's going to work."

He smiled at her. "I can't imagine it will, no."

Ellana shrugged. "I don't know, I think I might work best in the moment. I'll figure it out when I get there." She blew a dark curl out of her face, and the action seemed like something that she was forced to do often. Solas resisted telling her how adorable it was. "Anyway, meet us at the gate when you're ready. The horses should be ready and waiting for us. Be quick or I'll have Cassandra come and kick your door down." She sent him a wink before walking off to let him know she was kidding, but he had no doubt the alpha would do it if asked. Or just because.

With a grimace, Solas re-entered his home and began packing.

Val Royeaux

The trip to Val Royeaux was infinitely easier with the horses, if not terribly quicker. Nevertheless, they arrived to the city late in the morning, and Ellana had eased her dedicated pace. She seemed determined to end all the commotion as soon as possible, and Solas wondered if she intended to return to her clan when the Breach had been closed and the Divine's murderer found. That was more than likely, but the thought sent a jab to his heart. Walking into the city did not help. Grief and fear laid upon Val Royeaux like a blanket, heavy and stifling. A glance to his companions showed they all felt it too.

"They city still mourns," Cassandra pointed out. Ellana clenched her fists and then stretched her fingers wide a number of times. She was clearly nervous. It occurred to him her frantic march to the city may have been because of that. She just wanted to get it over with. Talking to humans – especially clerics who would no doubt demean her due to her heritage – couldn't have been easy for her.

After being informed that Templars were in the city, and apparently protecting the people – Solas did wonder what they thought the Inquisition planned on doing exactly – they marched straight toward a preaching Mother.

Within fifteen seconds the woman did in fact declare that an elf could not possibly speak for Andraste. While Solas was sure Ellana agreed, she remained calm, and informed the woman they only wanted to speak peacefully. Her voice was strong and sure, and Solas could feel that force coming from her again, the way it did when she was in battle. He was startled at the feeling of pride that washed over him at her willpower and resolve. He watched her stare down the woman without flinching, and something in his heart twinged unexpectedly. That…was worrisome.

Calm though she looked, he knew she was prepared for the worst, and would jump into action if necessary. His hand involuntarily twitched towards his staff when the Templars came forward. The situation was growing beyond 'tense.'

The punch to the back of the Cleric's head startled them all, and Cassandra actually grabbed the hilt of her sword briefly. The Grand Seeker's speech was even more shocking. Solas had never seen Cassandra look so…vulnerable. Confused. Like she'd just had the rug pulled out from under her. Granted he hadn't known her long, but he got the feeling she didn't feel that way often.

After the Templars left in a frankly overly dramatic manner, and an arrow landed not one foot in front of Ellana – this entire city had a flair for the dramatic apparently – they ran into Grand Enchanter Fiona. Her proposal that the Inquisition work with the mages appeared to intrigue Ellana, though Cassandra had a sour look afterwards.

Working with the mages was an interesting idea. It was possible they would be able to help increase the power in Ellana's mark further, which of course they were all hoping would help close the Breach.

Ellana mentioned they should get supplies while they could, so they each went their separate ways to visit a few merchants. They weren't exactly welcome, but they weren't refused either. Coin could make you forget earlier resentments that way. After browsing a few stalls, Solas entered a book shop, and smiled at the merchant, who was surprisingly friendly. Not everyone could believe they were out to destroy the world he supposed.

Solas walked among the shelves idly, recognizing many of the titles he saw. He was still looking for anything that might explain his strange reaction to Ellana. He'd read most of the books on alphas and omegas that this man had back in Haven…but one caught his eye.

'Life Mates: Myth or Reality?'

He paused beside the shelf, and pulled the book from it's place after a brief hesitation. He'd heard of Life Mates. Everyone had. Supposedly, everyone, human, elf, dwarf, or otherwise had a Life Mate somewhere in the world. The one person you were meant to spend your life with. It was said that when you met them, your soul would recognize them instantly, even if your conscious mind didn't. You would be inexplicably drawn to them, and they to you. It was a bond no one could break.

It was a ridiculous notion of course…but Solas couldn't help wondering anyway. The myth had to have come from somewhere, and even though Ellana couldn't possibly be his Life Mate – could a God even have one, if they were real? – it may be possible to trace where the legend had come from, and it may lead him to the answer he sought.

He turned the book over in his hands. It was clearly very old, but he did not see a date anywhere. He gently blew dust off of it, revealing a dark red cover. Carefully, he flipped through a few pages, not wanting to damage it. The pages were in surprisingly good shape, and Solas wondered how many people had read the tome. Evidently not many. The few sentences he read in his brief perusal were surprisingly scientific, and detailed how the body reacted when faced with what the author believed was their Life Mate. There were diagrams, and even a few theories on how such a thing may be possible.

Solas became so wrapped up in the book he didn't notice Ellana approaching until she was nearly at the door. He closed the cover once he scented her however, and moved to the front room to find her exchanging a smile and greeting with the merchant. The man was a beta and the only friendly person they'd met so far, so he lived.

Barely.

"Are you ready to go?" Ellana asked with a bright smile in his direction now. A silly part of him preened at having stolen her attention.

"In just a moment," he replied, and turned to pay the vendor for the book.

"More reading?" Ellana laughed behind him as he pulled out the necessary coin. "Don't your eyes hurt yet?"

He gave a noiseless chuckle and glanced at her. "I'm researching."

"Oh? What about?"

Having finished paying the man, they were now headed toward the door. He took a glance at her lovely face, full lips stretched in a smile, blue eyes dancing.

Life Mate…

Solas cleared his throat, feeling a little embarrassed, and responded. "I'll tell you another time perhaps. For now we should focus on the journey ahead. I'm not certain my studies will even yield any results."

She tilted her head curiously but didn't pry. "Be sure to let me know if you do – all this mystery is sexy, but I hate not knowing things."

She was out of reach by the time he registered what she'd said, and once again he had to stamp down the animalistic part of him that brightened in delight at their woman's approval and demanded he chase after her. Clearly she wanted him too.

He pinched the skin between his eyebrows. This was getting complicated.

…And just when had he started thinking of her as his woman?

Some alley in Val Royeaux

"Just say 'what.'"

"What is the meaning of – ahh!"

An arrow later the nobleman was dead, and about ten seconds later Solas was pretty sure he'd finally found someone he despised more than the Dalish. Quite a feat. And after fighting with men with no pants – but still their weapons – he was certain he despised her more. Who in their right mind would find a way into their enemies supplies and take their pants instead of their weapons, or even armor?

"But no breeches!"

This woman apparently.

Haven

Solas, Varric, and Sera were not permitted to attend the party that Ellana had been invited to, so the three of them left for Haven alone, while Cassandra stayed behind as the Herald's protection. Sera had taken an instant dislike to him as well, so thankfully her chatter was directed at Varric most of the way.

When they finally returned, Solas retreated immediately to his home, eager to delve into the tome he'd bought. Or more likely distract himself. He didn't like being so far away from Ellana. He felt…unsettled. Unfinished. Like he'd lost a limb.

He sighed and flopped gracelessly onto his bed, irritated with himself. There was no reason to feel this way. He hardly knew the girl, and yet he mooned over her like a lovesick boy. Reminded of his mission, he pulled the book from his pack, settling into a more comfortable position.

Most of the beginning was centered on what the author believed to be the common misconceptions about Life Mates. For instance, many believed that everyone eventually met their Life Mate, no matter what. According to him, if Life Mates were indeed real, it would instead be quite a rarity for two to actually meet. If your Mate could be born at any time, in any place in the entire world, the chances of the two of you crossing paths would be incredibly unlikely. Those who did meet were a select, and very lucky, few. This solidified Solas' belief that Ellana couldn't possibly be his Life Mate. But curiously, the thought also…hurt somehow. Just a bit.

Shaking off the feeling he kept reading, until he came across something that he thought might be useful. The author had been studying two volunteers who believed they were Life Mates, and he seemed to think so too.

'I asked them how it felt when they met, seeing as supposedly, you recognize your Life Mate instantly upon recognizing them. As I mentioned before, they have asked for their names to not be mentioned, so I will simply refer to them as the male and female subjects.

When I prompted the male with this question, he responded by saying the following: "It was her scent that really struck me. It still does really. It was like…like sunshine and honeysuckle. I know that doesn't sound particularly special, but for some reason it just drove me insane. I knew right then I would have her as my mate one day, even if I wasn't necessarily thinking 'Life Mate' at the time. But it was like my body already knew we were meant to be together.'

The female responded in a similar manner. 'He smells like mountains and dark forests to me. When I first caught his scent I knew I had to go to him, and I could tell he felt the same thing. I don't know if I could describe how bad the urge was; being away from him, not touching him, actually hurt. Physically. And just looking at him…I knew he was made for me. He made me his Mate as soon as my cycle came around, and we've been together ever since.

More studying will need to be done, but the both of them mentioning the other's scent is interesting. This may be the 'lightning bolt' that is often spoke of when discussing Life Mates. They did not necessarily know they were fated to be together – if that is indeed the case. However they were clearly drawn to one another biologically. More testing is necessary…'

Solas lowered the book, contemplating. This was nearly exactly what had happened to him, only…Ellana seemed unfazed by his presence, whereas he was having to fight to keep his hands from her.

He made me his Mate as soon as my cycle came around…

A thought occurred to him, and Solas flipped madly through the pages, searching, until he found a passage talking about cycles and the way they could affect Life Mates.

It is common knowledge that when a female goes through her first heat, she feels an intense urge to breed, and that she senses the differences between alphas, omegas, and betas more definitively afterwards. Simply nature's way of attempting to force us to procreate, and not to impregnate a female too soon, as that could cause the child and the mother harm. I believe however, that it may be impossible for a female who has not had her first heat to recognize her Life Mate, were she to meet them that soon. Females do not experience the need to reproduce until this time, and most do not even wish to engage in intercourse until its occurrence. The need merely does not exist in them yet.

Now Solas placed the book on his nightstand, mind racing. With the discovery of Ellana's age, and the possibility of her not having experienced her first heat…this changed even more. So much more. If…if the author was correct in his hypothesis, then it could mean Ellana would feel the same need he did after her heat was complete. It could mean that she was his…that they were…

Was it possible?

Could Ellana be his Life Mate?

A/N: UGH I fully admit, writing this chapter felt like trying to tunnel through a brick wall with a plastic spoon. There was so little fun stuff. I hope you guys enjoy it anyway!

Happy reading! :)