First of all I gotta say I'm ecstatic with the replies from the last chapter! You all certainly made your choice loud and clear! So a big thank you to all of you who reviewed!

Thank you: Grief, ARavingLoony, HunnyHoney, Apollo Wings, Archonei, Legionary Prime, Inquisitor1994, ethereal-23, and zezia333. I hope to hear more from you all in the future! I love hearing what you all think! Its great motivation!

I also apologize for the wait for this chapter. It was pretty much done nearly a week ago, but life has been so hectic I haven't been able to really sit down and finish it until lately. Also, unfortunately, this will be the last update until after the Holidays. I might be able to sneak one more chapter in between Christmas and New Years…but it'll be tight.

Also a big thank you to all of you who've added this story to your favorites or altered to it!

Lastly a quick warning, this chapter is a little faster pace than normal, but I wanted to cover a bit of ground. Also this chapter does have a slightly adult part to it, but I tried to keep it tasteful. Please let me know what y'all think of it!

Well, I hope that you all enjoy this chapter! And please leave a review if I was able to strike a cord with this chapter!

Chapter 7

Sitting next to the low burning fire at night Mahanon was feeling better than he had since…well…since the last Arlathvehn less than a year ago. His reason for his joyous mood wasn't the fact that the human horse master had sent more horses with them, with an agreement to personally join the inquisition once watch towers had been built. And it certainly didn't have anything to do with the fact that he was now being forced to travel with a Mother from the Chanty. No, the reason for his joyous mood was the small elven woman that was currently sitting next to him and leaning up against him.

But while Mahanon couldn't have been happier with the arrival of Mihris, the shem's he was traveling with didn't appear to have the same sentiment. Cassandra, Giselle, the shem's amongst the scouting part, Creator's even Solas was shooting her weary glances. The only person who seemed even the slightest bit accepting of Mihris presence was Varric. Although that acceptance might've been because of just how attentive an audience she was to the durgen'len's stories.

"-and then the two just march right up to Hawke's bedroom, ignoring Orana all the while, and throw open the door. Aveline got one word out before turning redder than her hair and turning heel. And Isabella…all she does is say 'we'll talk later'. Right after she yells 'ride 'em like a halla kitten!'."

Mihris started laughing against his side, which made Mahanon laugh. Creator's mercy, how he'd missed the sound of her laughter.

"So tell us Mihris, how is that you've come so far alone without your clan?"

Feeling Mihris tense in reaction to Cassandra's question, Mahanon sent a glare towards the Seeker. Even though he wanted to know that as well…he figured it was a sensitive subject and that she would talk about it when she was ready.

"My…my clan is gone." Mihris stated ending all conversation in the camp.

"What?" Mahanon couldn't believe it. Mihris clan wasn't the largest dalish clan out there, but it was still fairly large. To lose that many of the people…someone would pay. "How?"

Feeling Mihris pressed herself harder against him, Mahanon reciprocated by tightening his hold on her. "The Templars." With that single word Mahanon shot another withering glare across the fire. Cassandra looked non-repulsed, but at least the Chantry Mother had the decency to look slightly ashamed. "We stayed in one place for too long. The Templar's found us. Only this time they made no demands of our clan…they simply attacked. And they didn't care who stood in their way. The Keeper he…he…he summoned a demon to try and fight against them. Well it worked only, once the Templar's were dead, the demon turned on the few of us who remained."

No one said anything as Mihris broke down into silent tears. What was there to say? Both sides of the current conflict were at fault for her suffering. The Templar's for attacking and her Keeper for retaliating with a demon. There was no right and wrong side in her story. Both were in the wrong. And it was her clan who suffered for it.

"Right, well if we're all done drudging up painful memories, I think I'm going try and get a few hours of shut eye." Varric announced theatrically stretching as he hefted Bianca over his shoulder and shooting the Seeker a meaningful glare. "Someone wake me when it's my turn for watch."

"I believe Varric has the right idea of it." Mother Giselle announce standing. "It has been a long day, for all of us. And we are all due for some much needed rest. Mihris, child, there is a tent for us ladies over here if you wish."

Mihris made no move to remove herself from his arms. "I – I think I'd like to say with Mahanon…for a little while."

The Mother didn't press the matter, merely nodded her acceptance. "As you wish child. Just know that there is a bed waiting for you whenever you wish to make use of it."

"I'll take first watch." Cassandra announced loudly, rising to her feet and throwing her shield onto her back. "If it means anything Mihris…I'm sorry for what happened to your clan."

Solas was the next to stand. "Ir abelas Mihris." The elder elf said bowing slightly, but instead of heading towards the tent he shared with Mahanon, the elf headed for the tree line around the camp. "I shall take my rest beneath the stars tonight."

Within minutes the entire camp had either gone to bed or left for watch leaving Mahanon and Mihris suddenly alone. For the first time in a long time, Mahanon felt anxious. He wasn't quite sure what to do with Mihris. Well, that wasn't entirely truthful. He knew what he wanted to do with her. But he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do.

"Can we go in your tent lethallin?" Mihris asked suddenly, disentangling herself from his arm and standing. "I…its quite cold out here."

Nodding he quickly got to his feet and took her hand in his. Holding open the tent flap for her, he cast once last look around the camp making sure there were no prying eyes before ducking in behind her.

The inside of the tent was pretty sparse, as the only items Mahanon and Solas bothered to gather before leaving Haven were their bed rolls, a few blankets, and their traveling packs. Mahanon coughed slightly as he noticed just how close Solas had set up the two mats. Apparently the elder elf wasn't quite as dense as Mahanon had originally thought.

"Is it alright if we sit a moment lethallin?" Mihris asked, not waiting for an answer before sitting down cross legged on his bed roll.

Picking up one of the blankets he carefully wrapped it around her slim shoulders before moving over to the candles and using a small amount of magic ignited both. Wrapping another blanket around his own shoulders he sat down next to her. For some time the two said nothing as they simply basked in each other's presence. "Are you going to be okay Mihris?" Mahanon asked taking her hand in his.

Mihris didn't answer, she merely stared ahead at the dancing flame on top of the candle. "Mahanon…do you remember…at the Arlathvehn when…"

Giving her hand a squeeze Mahanon couldn't help but smile slightly. He definitely remembered the last time they were together. They were only able to escape the watchful eyes of their respective Keepers for an hour, but they definitely made the most of the limited time. The images of her above him, below him, and beside him in the throes of pleasure were firmly engrained in his mind. "I could never forget Mihris. And I meant what I said back then. You are my home. Whether we are with our clans or not, as long as I am with you, I'm home."

Mihris gave him a weak smile, sniffled, and then started crying freely. "Mihris!" He cried, moving around so that he was now kneeling before her. "Mihris, what's wrong?"

His question just made her starting crying all the more. Creator's mercy, what did he say? "Mahanon…" she sniffed, palming away at her eyes. "I-I…I don't know if…if…I need to tell you I-I-"

"Shh," he cooed placing a finger against her lips. "Whatever's wrong Mihris, you don't need to tell me now. Whatever it is, whenever you're ready to talk I'll be here."

Mihris smiled, unshed tears making her eyes shine in the candle light. "Mahanon, can you…can you hold me?"

Moving forward he wrapped his arms around her petite shoulders holding her close to his chest and placing a light kiss next to her ear. "Always, ma vhenana."

Her breath hitched at the endearment. Pulling back from him slightly her eyes frantically searched his face. In that moment for the first time in his life Mahanon lowered all his defenses and let someone see him. Not the hardened shem hating elf or the First of Clan Lavellan. He let Mihris see him.

One of her lithe hands began gently tracing the vallaslin around his eyes before carefully tracing the thick scars on face making him shutter at the contact. Leaving the scar her hand traveled along his jaw and into his hair. Her fingers tightening just shy of painfully in his hair before pulling him forward the so their lips could meet. Her lips tasted like honey and flowers…exactly like he remembered.

He tried for a simple chaste kiss, he honestly did. But the moment he tried to move back her lithe arms wrapped around his neck forcing him back down. Creator's mercy…when did she become so strong? Soon all conscious thought was leaving him as their hands became a flurry of movement, tearing at one anthers clothes. In dying candle light Mahanon was treated to the sight of his love lying bare before him. Gently caressing her sides he lost himself in feeling that was her. "I love you, ma vhenan."

Her answered had no words and needed none.

Waking was an extremely slow process for Mahanon on even the best of days. But this morning, Mahanon fought harder than normal against the pull of consciousness. Images of the night prior, of Mihris gasping in pleasure as he worshiped every one of her curves, danced along the edge of his mind keeping him firmly in the grip of the Fade.

Still only semiconscious he reached out blindly for where he knew Mihris to be lying. Only to feel nothing. Blinking the last remnants of sleep from his eyes he felt around their bed roll, confused to find that he was its only occupant. The blankets next to him were still slightly warmed and had obviously been used. So last night hadn't been just a pleasant dream. But then…where was Mihris?

Quickly finding his clothes he dressed himself before hurrying out into the dim morning light. The only two others currently even awake were Varric and Solas, both of whom were sitting next to a low burning fire. "Hey scar," Varric said tossing him a larger piece of bread. "So, did your lady friend finish you off or bring you back to life?"

Ignoring the joking jab, Mahanon tore small bits of the bread off with his teeth all the while looking around the camp trying to find some trace of Mihris. 'Perhaps she went out hunting.' He reasoned not finding any trace of her. 'But she was never really all that eager to hunt. When we were da'lens I was the one who had to force her to go out. She must've gone to the woman's tent with Cassandra, Harding and Mother Giselle.'

For a second he contemplated sticking his head into said tent, but the thought of Cassandra stopped him in his tracks. That was definitely one shem woman he did not want to get on the wrong side of. At least no more so than he apparently already was.

Figuring he had nothing better to do than wait for the women to wake up, he took a seat next to Solas and Varric next to the fire. "You seem troubled Mahanon." Solas observed, gently placing another log on the fire. "Is something the matter?"

Mahanon wasn't sure what to tell him. Yes he was troubled. But the reasoning behind it was more than a little personal. He and Mihris spent the night together, but when he woke she was gone. How did one go about explaining that situation? To anyone. Let alone someone he'd only known for a whole two weeks at best.

He was saved from answering as an urgent and fearful cry echoed throughout the camp. His staff spinning into his hands Mahanon turned, ready to engage whatever it was, only to see Elgar standing at the edge of the camp. Once the stag saw that it had his attention it began crying loudly and pawing at the dirt.

"What's wrong Elgar?" Mahanon asked, raising his hands and cautiously approaching the frantic stag. He'd never seen Elgar this way before unless…oh no.

"Elgar…where's Mihris?"

At the sound of her name Elgar started prancing around widely before running a few paces out of camp, stopping, turning back towards him and letting out a long cry. Mahanon didn't need to be told twice. Ignoring the alarmed calls of Solas and Varric he bolted across the small intervening space, before using a slight push with his magic to vault him into the air and onto the stag's back. "Run falon'lin." He whispered into the stag's ear.

Giving off a loud cry and rising up onto his hind legs, Elgar bolted out of the shem camp faster than any horse could possibly follow.

Mahanon had set a demanding astride Elgar, but he knew that the stag could handle it. He'd raised him from a colt after all. The sun was had just barely reached midday when the two came upon a small outcropping in the mountains of the Hinterlands when Elgar whined loudly, rearing back on his rear legs and nearly causing Mahanon to fall off the back of the stag. "Easy falon'lin." Mahanon whispered petting the side of the stag's neck.

Looking around to see what had spooked his old friend so badly, he found himself staring right at a cave entrance that'd been nearly completely obscured by vines. If it hadn't been for Elgar leading him directly too its entrance, he would've never been able to find it. "Is this where she went Elgar?" Mahanon asked stroking his fur, to which Elgar answered by nodding its head several times.

Lifting his right leg over, Mahanon slid gracefully off of the stags back. Walking forward towards the cave entrance he placed a hand on Elgar's snot. "Stay here falon'lin. I'll bring her back."

Despite his urgency, he wasn't stupid. Taking his time he carefully moved about the entrance way looking for any sign of tampering or taps. Finding none he reached back to take his staff in hand. "Mahanon! Wait!"

Turning Mahanon was surprised by what sight greeted him. Behind him, riding two very exhausted horses, were Cassandra, Varric, Solas, and Harding. Varric and Harding, having been holding onto the waists of Solas and Cassandra respectfully, slid off the horses first. Truthfully Mahanon was surprised that they'd even managed to stay this close with him. Not many horses could keep up with Elgar, let alone carrying two passengers. Reaching behind him Mahanon stealthily gripped his staff. "Don't try and stop me. She's just in there."

Solas was the only one to approach him, the elder elf keeping his hands up in a nonthreatening manner. "We're not here to stop you Mahanon. But have you stopped to think about all of this? Or better still, have you stopped to feel this area?"

Frowning Mahanon reached out with his magic…and nearly gagged. This whole area felt coated in a heavy demonic aura. How could he have missed such a thing?

Lowering his hands, Solas took several tentative steps towards him. "You feel it, don't you Mahanon? You can feel the aura surrounding this place."

Not trusting himself to speak Mahanon merely nodded. This whole place felt wrong, heavy. Like a constant weight pressing against his chest. "We're not here to stop you scar." Varric added. "We're just here to make sure you and your lady friend make it back in one piece. Safety in numbers all and that shit right?"

"Fine." Mahanon said not wanting to waste any more time. "But stay behind me and don't do anything rash!"

The entrance to the cave was covered in a thick layer of dust and rubble. The only indication of life was a single set of tracks leading into the cave. Kneeling down he gently traced the tracks with a finger. They looked as if they belonged to someone of Mihris size. But…why was she running? There were not tracks behind her. And no sign of a struggle.

Spotting an unlit torch hanging on the wall Mahanon channeled a small amount of magic and set it aflame. Green flame erupted from tip of the torch, illuminating the darkness of the cave with a soft green glow.

"That's Veilfire." Solas announced, sounding more shocked than anything.

"And that means what baldy?" Varric asked looking around nervously. "Remember, not all of us are mages here."

"It means that these ruins do indeed belong to the elves of old." Solas answered. "Veilfire is unlike any other fire. As it is powered by magic it will never go out until the one who casts it ends the spell. Even if you were to place the torch underwater it would still burn brightly. Enasal."

Taking the torch out of its holder and holding the green light before him, Mahanon made his way down into the ruins. With each step they took into the ruins the demonic aura he'd felt outside grew. Something was wrong here…very wrong. As the aura was reaching the level of suffocation, the tunnel opened up into a wide cavern. And there, kneeling in the center of the large chamber was a single hooded figure. "Ah, Mahanon. So you've come."

Even though her voice was deeper than usual, there was no mistaking it. It was Mihris. But before he could take a step towards her, he found himself unable to move. Beside him Solas gave him an apologetic look as the glowing green light in his hand died. He'd used a stasis spell on him. "I'm sorry Mahanon." Solas said sadly. "But that is no longer the Mihris that you loved."

Cassandra, Varric, and Harding all came up alongside Solas, effectively forming a wall between him and Mihris.

A low deep rumbling laugh came from the kneeling figure before them stopping everyone in their tracks. "Aw, now why did you have to go and do that?" The figure with Mihris's voice asked standing and turning towards them. "I wanted to have some more fun with him."

As the hood covering the figure's face lowered Mahanon felt all his strength leave him. Had it not been for Solas's spell…he would've collapsed. It was Mihris…yet it wasn't. Her once elegant vallaslin that he loved had been corrupted. Instead of their normal dark brown coloring, the vallaslin around her face was a deep purple that flowed around like water. Her once delicate eyebrows were gone, replaced by purple stones that jutted out form her face. And her eyes, dear Creator's her eyes. No longer were they the sea green that could gaze into for hours on end. Now they were dark yellow and full of malice. She was no longer Mihris…she was an era'harel.

"What's the matter Mahanon?" The demon, he could not think of her as Mihris, taunted. "Don't you find me attractive anymore? Don't you want to lay with me again?"

"How?" Mahanon breathed, trying desperately to understand. "You – she wasn't like this last night! There was no demonic energy in her! She-she would've never made a deal with a demon in the first place!"

The demon laughed. "Oh, you would know what was in her last night wouldn't you?"

Mahanon tried in vain to fight against the spell that was holding him in place. "How len'alas?! How did you take her?"

"It doesn't matter Mahanon." Solas said stepping before him, his staff alight with magical energy. "All that matters now is that she is no longer the Mihris you once knew."

The demon narrowed her eyes at Solas. "Ah, the walker. I must say I am surprised, and disappointed, that you didn't discover my presence sooner. I was sure that as soon as you laid eyes upon this girl that you would spot me. I guess she did a better job sealing me away than even I thought possible."

In the next instant several things happened at once. Bianca snapped loudly as Varric fired a bolt, Cassandra and Harding both let out war cries as they charged with shields raised and Solas brought his staff forward letting lose a volley of ice towards the demon. The demon though seemed completely unfazed by the sudden onslaught and as he was still trapped in Solas's stasis spell, Mahanon was powerless to do anything but watch.

The demon lazily swatted away Varric's arrow before sending out a wave of fire melting Solas's ice. Harding was hit with a wave of magic energy sending her spiraling backwards right into Varric. The fireball that'd melted Solas's ice continued on towards the mage, forcing him to create a barrier. But the force of the attack was still enough to send him clear across the chamber. Cassandra at least made it to within arm's reach of the demon. But her blade never reached its flesh. After swatting her blade away with its bare hand, the demon lashed out and caught the Seeker by the throat.

"That wasn't very nice." The demon said, lifting Cassandra up off the floor. "I was trying to talk. So stay out!"

With a cry Cassandra flew out of the demon's hand and into the depths of the cave. From where he was trapped he couldn't see where she landed, but judging by the loud crashing of metal on stone the Seeker was going to need healing and soon.

Clapping the dust off her hands the demon turned its attention back on him. "Now then, lover. Where were we? Oh yes, you were wondering how I took control of your little bitch. Well you see, this little bitch embarrassed me some time ago."

Pausing, the demon waved her hand creating a throne like seat out of the rumble in the ruins before Mahanon. Taking her time the demon carefully rearranged her robes before taking a seat before him. "You see, we demons grow extremely bored in the Fade. And with how resilient most of your kind has become, it is rare for us to find one that we can use. But I found one. A perfect pathetic little man who dreamt of greatness. Well I gave him what he wanted. But before he could make good on his end of our bargain this little bitch comes along and kills him! Naturally I couldn't allow such a setback go unpunished. So I hounded this little bitch from the Fade trying to find her weakness. I even went as far as to approach her disguised as Valor, disgusting as it was, to try and gain her trust. Nothing worked! It was so infuriating!"

Pausing again the demon crossed her legs and placed her hands on her knees delicately. "And then came my break. Once the Templar's started slaughtering her clan she came to me on her hands and knees begging for Valor's help. So…I gave it to her."

Mahanon felt like he was going to be sick. "It…it wasn't her Keeper that summoned the demon…"

"No!" The demon laughed. "It was your love! Oh, she did try and fight me once she realized what I was. But by then it was too late. Oh, listening to her cries of agony and pleas for mercy as I cut down the members of her clan one after another…oh it was better than sex! But just as I was really starting to enjoy myself, the little bitch called upon some old magic and sealed me away within her! I was powerless to do anything as she told the rest of her clan to get away from her!"

Mahanon felt a pride swell within his chest at what his love had accomplished. She had bested a demon, and a powerful one at that, twice. "Hahahaha! She bested you twice!"

Mahanon felt red hot pain as the demon lashed out. Her hand shattering the stasis spell he was locked in as it connected with the side of his head. "Quiet you fool!" The demon hissed delivering a kick to his chest. "She did not best me! I allowed myself to be sealed within her to play with her."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night len'alas."

After delivering another kick to his chest the demon resumed her seat. While he was still trying to regain his breath, he felt something pull on him, forcing him back towards the demon. When the pulling stopped he felt the demon rest the bottoms of her feet on his back.

"Now, as I was saying. I allowed myself to be sealed to give her a false sense of victory. But instead of rejoicing, she began reading! It was sooo boring! But soon enough I figured out what she was trying to do. She was trying to figure out a way to get rid of me. Eventually she stumbled across some book that referenced these artifacts that measured the strength of the Veil. Her plan was to find a weak spot and force me back. Her plan changed however when she stumbled upon one of the Rifts. She decided that ejecting me would take too long, and decided instead to just…throw herself into the Rift. Oh, I must thank you by the way. Had it not been for your intervention, she would've succeed."

Mahanon felt a new pain, outside of the physical, swell within his chest. Mihris was…trying to kill herself?

Ignoring his pain, or perhaps because of it, the demon pressed on. "With her plan temporarily spoiled I sought a way to break through her seal. And as it so happened, it is thanks to you, the object of her desire, that I was able to do so. You see, during your coupling her concentration slipped. And I was able to worm my way out of her barrier and slowly erode it while she slept. Of course then she had to go and wake up before I was finished. But instead of waking you, the dumb bitch goes and runs off in a pathetic attempt at keeping you safe."

Using what little strength he had, Mahanon rolled out from under the demon's feet and sent a bolt of lightning at it. Moving far faster than anything he'd ever seen, the demon ducked out of the way of his spell, dove forward, grabbed him by the neck, and forced him onto his back with her straddling him.

"Umm, now this bring back memories." The demon cooed rolling its hips against his.

"Art u na'din!"

The demon's grip on his throat tightened in response to his threat, cutting off his air. "Now that wasn't very nice." Keeping a firm grip on his throat the demon got off of his lap, and lifted him up till his toes could no longer touch the ground. "You know…it's funny. You mortals spend so much time trying to find the best ways to inflict pain upon on one another and the answer is so simple. Physical pain can be endured…but watching the ones you love suffer is what truly brings you mortal's pain."

Mahanon tried fighting back, punching the demon's arm or trying to kick it, but he may as well have been fighting against a stone statue for all the good it was doing. "Enough of that." The demon sighed shaking him and tightening its grip on his throat. "So with that in mind, I'm going to…what's the human phrase? 'Kill two birds with one stone'? Yes that's it. You mocked me, which is reason enough for you to suffer, but while you flail around and scream, I'm going to make Mihris watch. And – oh…if you could hear her now…she is screaming in my mind. Lovely…but not enough. So do me a favor will you Mahanon? Scream for me."

As the demon's grip tightened even further cutting off his air completely and blackening his sight, he felt its foul magic begin to creep around the barriers of his mind. He fought, Creator's help him he fought against it. But with his vision rapidly darkening he was next to powerless against the demon. Just before he lost consciousness the demon struck. Every pain, ever fear, every nightmare, every negative thought or emotion within him assaulted him at once. Screaming in agony Mahanon's tried in vain to break the demons hold on him.

"That's right Mahanon." The demon cooed. "Scream. It makes her suffering all the more…euphoric."

Mahanon could feel himself slipping as his eyes darkened. This…this couldn't be the end. He had to…had to fight…had to help Mihris.

Without warning the demon's hand left his throat, leaving him in a heap on the floor as its spell died. "Ouch! You little half pint fuck! I'll kill you for that!"

Gasping desperately for air, Mahanon tried to focus his eyes. The demon was still standing above him, but now it had half a crossbow bolt sticking out from her chest. "You little dwarf shit!" The demon cursed reaching up and roughly ripping the arrow out, raining little droplets of blood onto Mahanon. "You'll pay for that!"

Lashing out with what little magic he could muster, Mahanon threw the demon away of him. "You fuck!" The demon yelled rolling across the ground and coming to a stop on all fours. "I will make you suff-"

Mahanon's instincts took over as he rolled over and reached towards the small of his back. By the time he even realized what he was doing it was too late as he tried desperately to catch the dagger that'd already left his fingertips. He was helpless to do anything but watch as the dagger sailed end over end before coming to a stop directly in the demons heart.

The demon blinked, looked down at the dagger sticking out from its chest, and then looked back up. "You…little elven shit." The demon cursed, blood falling from its lips. Reaching up to its chest the demon roughly yanked the dagger out. Blood began running freely down its front as the demon casually looked the dagger over before tossing it aside. "You may have ended this body…but in the end elf…I still win."

Time slowed as Mahanon watch as the demon possessing Mihris fell first to its knees and then onto its back. "Mihris!"

He took three steps, maybe four, before three pairs of arms wrapped around his middle tackling him to the ground. "Stop Lavellan!" Solas groaned as he, Varric, and Harding held him in place. "That isn't-"

"I don't care!" Mahanon yelled trying to fight them off.

After several more attempts to shake his handlers off, Mahanon dropped heavily to the ground. Whatever spell the demon had cast did its job. His body felt completely drained and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't get a handle on his magic.

Laying completely limp under the weight of his three companions he was powerless to do anything as he watched Cassandra limp into his vision. Her sword was drawn and her sight focused solely on the downed Mihris. "Don't…"Mahanon begged knowing what the Seeker had planned. "Please…dear Creator's just…don't…I'll do anything you want! I'll be your Herald, or whatever! Just please…don't…not like this…please…not like this."

Cassandra spared him a sympathetic glance, but didn't halt in her advance. Once she was standing directly over Mihris the Seeker raised her sword tip down…and stopped.

Mahanon watched, unwilling to look away, as Cassandra stood stock still above his love. "Solas…" She sighed, returning her sword to the sheath on her hip. "Let him go."

As soon as the weight against his back lessened he was off like an arrow, shooting across the dimly lit cavern and gathering Mihris up in his arms. His eyes were first drawn to the wound in her chest, the wound he caused, that was allowing her life to leave her. When he looked upon her face though his heart stopped. Her eyes were half lidded, but they were open all the same. The malice filled yellow eyes of the demon were gone. Replaced once more with Mihris sea green eyes. "Mihris…" He whispered, placing his hand over her chest in a futile attempt to stem the tide of blood. "Please Mihris…hold on. I – I can heal you an –"

Her soft fingers against his lips silenced him. "Y-you can't…ma vhenan. Th-the demon's gone. But I-I can fe-eel it on the e-dge of my-my mind. If you h-h-heal me…it will co-come back."

"She's right Mahanon." Solas said, ignoring the glare Mahanon sent his way. "If a demon is still in control when their host dies, they experience a pain far greater than we could possibly understand. To prevent this, a demon will abandon the body of a fatally wounded host. But if you heal her, the demon will come back to claim her."

'Damn it.' He cursed tightening his hold on Mihris. 'It can't end like this! I can't lose her now. Not after just getting her back. The Creators can't be this cruel!

"Leave us." Mahanon whispered just loud enough to be heard by all the occupants of the room.

"Mahanon," Cassandra said cautiously, limping towards him while holding onto her side. "We don't know if-"

"I said leave us!" He shouted, glaring up at the Seeker, daring her to second guess him once more.

Luckily, for her sake, Cassandra choose not to press the matter. "As you wish Herald. We will be outside should you have need of us."

Mahanon didn't watch as his companions left him and Mihris. Keeping his left arm under her shoulders, he began to gently run the fingers of his right hand through his hair. "I'm so sorry ma vhenan." He whispered brokenly.

Weak finger's grasped ahold of his hand, bringing it down to her lips. "It's no-not you're f-f-fault m-ma vhen…I…this is my…doing."

Mahanon felt himself breaking. This had to be a cruel joke. The Creator's wouldn't have brought her back into his life just to take her from him once more. They weren't that cruel. Were they? "Maha-cough -anon?"

"I'm here ma vhenan."

Mihris coughed once more staining her lips red. Pulling down the sleeve of his robe he carefully wiped away at her lips. "Y-you can't-can't let th-em w-w-win…ma…vhenan. Th-e demons…don't let them…win."

He didn't try and stop his tears as they fell down his face. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening. "And you're going to be right beside me as I do it." He whispered.

Smiling Mihris leaned her head into his chest. "Yes…I will…but…not as y-you think. I wi-ill always be…be with you. Mahanon…could y-you…could you s-s-sing for…me?"

Tightening his hold on her he clenched his eyes as more and more tears fell freely. All Keepers, Firsts, and Seconds were required to learn the songs of old. The songs that were sung at times of death. The same songs he never wanted to sing for her. "Yes."

Smiling up at him, Mihris brought her fingers up to her lips before pressing them against his own. "Tha-ank you...ma…vhenan."

Leaning down he gently brushed his lips against her forehead. He didn't want to sing. Not like this and not for her. But despite his heart battling him to stop, the words still left his lips barely louder than a whisper. "Hahren na melana sahlin. Emma ir abelas, souver'inan isala hamin. Vhenan him do'felas, in uthenera na revas. Vir sulahn'nehn, vir dirthera. Vir samahl la numi…vir lath…sa'vunin."

Cassandra was never one for waiting. Her mentor's had always berated her for being too quick, too reckless. They always pressed the need for patience with her and she always shrugged off their teachings. But with the sun now slowly setting behind her, and having paced back and forth in front of the cave so many times she'd lost count, Cassandra cursed the stupidity of her youth. She certainty could've used those lessons in patience's now.

It hadn't taken Solas long to heal the injuries she'd obtained during her brief bout with the demon. And after explaining the situation to Mother Giselle and the rest of scouting party upon their arrival she was left with nothing to do but wait.

Part of her, a large part, wanted to go in there and drag Mahanon out by his ear. Did he think he was alone in his suffering? She'd lost her mentor the Divine and her mage lo – friend…when the Breach was formed. But she didn't break down. She fought on. The only thing that was truly stopping her from marching in after the blasted elf was Leliana's and Josephine's words. They needed Mahanon if this Inquisition was to succeed. They needed his cooperation. And part of this little outing was to try and gain his trust. Any ground she'd gained in that respect would be lost the instant she marched in there. So pushing down her aggravation she waited…and waited…and waited.

"Stop pacing Seeker. You're going to wear a whole in the ground." Varric scoffed from his spot next to the low burning fire the scouting party had set up in preparation for the evening meal. "He'll come out when he's ready. He just lost the woman he loved. He's hurt and broken…not that'd you'd be able to understand."

Sighing loudly Cassandra rounded on the dwarf. "That is quite enough Varric. It is long past time for you to stop playing the wounded party with me!"

Varric snorted. "Ignoring the times you actually wounded me I suppose I could do that."

Cassandra's irritation with Varric, coupled with the insufferable waiting for Mahanon, was quickly driving her to the edge. "I did no such thing!" She nearly hissed advancing on the dwarf. To his credit Varric didn't seem the least bit intimidated by her. If anything he looked…amused. "I questioned you! And that was all!"

One of Varric's eyebrows rose as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Sure you questioned me. After your men trashed my bar, chained me, and dragged me through the streets like a criminal."

Cassandra was very close to wringing the dwarf's neck. Surely the Herald wouldn't miss his presence all that much. "I could've done much worse to you dwarf and with full justification. I took it easy on you."

"Yeah, thank you for not torturing me Seeker." Varric added snidely. "I feel so much better about everything now that you've explained it like that."

"Enough!" Mother Giselle single word while soft, stopped Cassandra quicker than a charging ogre.

Rising from her place on the other side of the fire the Mother stood between the two. "The past is the past. It cannot be changed. You two have a choice. You can either let old wounds fester until they rot away at your soul, or you can move past what happened."

"Fine." Varric grumbled, picking up his crossbow and slinging it over his shoulder. "Just don't be expecting any Feastday or saturnalia day gifts from me Seeker and…well I guess our waiting is over."

Turning heel Cassandra spun around towards the entrance of the cave. Standing just beyond the stone archway was Mahanon. His eyes were red and shining and his cheeks were stained with tears. In his arms he was carrying the limp form of Mihris. Maker's breath he looked so…broken.

Not sparing a single word or glance for anyone, he marched through the hastily erected camp, his arms curled tightly around Mihris body as if he were afraid someone would try and take her from him. Once through the camp he continued onward away from the rocky path and into a small grouping of trees.

Fairly confused as to what he was doing, Cassandra said nothing as he began digging into the ground with his foot. After a few minutes of that he seemed to find what he was looking for and knelt down, gently placing Mihris's body down, and began clawing at the soft soil with his bare hands.

"Harding." Cassandra said out of corner of her mouth. "Bring a spade and-"

"Peace child." Mother Giselle said laying a hand on her arm. "Times like these call for a more personal touch."

Without another word Mother Giselle left her side and proceeded over towards where Mahanon was crawling away. She paused only once, right as she drew up beside Mahanon, before kneeling down. Mahanon's hands stopped as his head turned towards the intruder. For the briefest of moments Cassandra feared that he might actually strike at the Mother but her surprise Mahanon merely nodded once and returned to digging. With Mother Giselle copying his actions a second later.

Mother Giselle's actions were quickly mimicked by Solas, then Varric, and then Harding. By the time Cassandra was finally able to shake herself out of her self-imposed stupor nearly all of the scouting party were kneeling next to Mahanon, helping him dig the grave.

Forcing down her feelings of irritation, Cassandra took the only spot left, which just happened to place her right next to Mahanon. His hands stilled as she knelt down next to him. As she began digging she could've sworn that she heard him mutter something along the lines of 'thanks'.

Losing herself in the methodic movements Cassandra allowed her mind to wander. In the frantic scramble that followed the destruction of the temple and the death of the Divine she hadn't allowed herself the chance to properly grieve. And now sitting here digging her mind's eye shifted her sight. She wasn't digging this grave for Mihris or Mahanon. She was digging this grave for herself…for the Divine and for…for Regalyan. Unbidden, memories of both began flashing through her mind as tears began forming in the corner of her eyes.

So far gone was she in her memories that she didn't even realize that they'd already dug to arms depth until Mahanon suddenly stood up beside her. Taking a cue from Mother Giselle Cassandra, and the rest of the scouting part, stood up and moved back a respectful distance.

Moving slowly, Mahanon lifted Mihris's body and gently placed it into the freshly dug grave. Grabbing a handful of dirt Mahanon began leaving a trail of soil starting at her head and moving down the length of her body. "Falon'Din Lethanavir…friend of the dead. Guide her feet, calm her soul…lead this child to her rest. Vir lath sa'vunin."

Fighting back her own tears, Cassandra and the rest of the scouting party stood by stoically as Mahanon proceeded to fill the grave. Before Mahanon could finish adding all the soil, Solas placed a hand on Mahanon's shoulder. In the elder elf's hand was a single acorn. Before she could wonder as to its purpose, Mahanon planted the acorn on top of the fresh grave. Once the acorn was completely covered Mahanon held his hand over it and began a soft chant. And as if he were forcibly pulling it from the ground, a small sapling started sprouting upwards using his hand as a guide. As the tree approached nearly waist high, Mahanon ended his chant, stopping the trees growth.

"From death shall life spring forth." Mother Giselle commented giving clarity to Cassandra and the others who didn't fully understand the significance of what'd just happened. "A beautiful sentiment…and one we can all learn from."

Mahanon didn't comment on what Mother Giselle had said. He merely gave caressed the freshly grown tree one time and then turned his back on it. Cassandra hadn't noticed until that moment, but Mahanon was now carrying two staff's. One was undoubtedly his and the other was carved in much the same manner but had different markings a glowing blue crystal on its end. "Let's go. I've seen more than enough of this land to last a lifetime." Mahanon said, and Cassandra wanted to wince. His voice was completely devoid of all life and emotion.

While the scouting party began setting about striking the camp so they could move out, Cassandra stayed rooted before the tree. "I'll take care of him." She said to the tree, and immediately felt incredibly stupid for doing so. It wasn't as if Mihris could hear her.

But as Cassandra turned her back on the small tree a gust of wind tickled her back and rustled her hair. And she could've sworn that she'd heard 'thank you' being whispered into her ear.