Oh, man, December is really the busiest month in the year. Everything has to be finished and 384 people want to do something fun because it's the Christmas season. My head was spinning so I got not much writing done. Luckily now with all the holidays and special occasions behind us, I managed to finish another chapter.

Thank you for all the support! Enjoy!

I wish you all a happy, colourful and cosy 2017.


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Chapter 7

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"Solas, have you always lived alone? Out in the wilderness, as an apostate?" Solas looked up from his book. The party had made camp in the Hinterlands before they would travel to Redcliffe. It was lively this evening. Sera's cussing could be heard clearly while she was practising her combat moves with Skinner, a rogue of the Bull's Chargers. Ryan talked excitedly with Blackwall, a Grey Warden who had just joined them. Varric's arms made big gestures as he told a story to Eirlana and Iron Bull. Bull roared in laughter slapping his knee. Eirlana covered her mouth while she giggled. A smile formed on his lips as he watched her before he gave Cassandra his full attention. "That is correct Seeker. Though, I had occasional contact, mostly small villages. Away from the presence of the ever-vigilant templars."

"That would be a trying and lonely existence."

"People can be trying, mankind most of all. I grew accustomed doing things on my own. One can call it a lonely existence, but you can stand in a crowd and still be alone. It is true that it has been some time since I have travelled with such a diverse group. The days ahead will be... interesting. "

"I agree that our companions are colourful. I must confess. Solas, I'm surprised you decided to stay."

"Why? The Breach remains a threat to us all."

"Just the same, I know being surrounded by Chantry forces is hardly comfortable. I wondered if you might leave, now that we have a plan to seal it."

"Ah, because I am an apostate. I might flee before I am thrown in chains? I take my commitments seriously, Seeker. Come what may, I shall see this through. My skills and knowledge are needed here."

"As you wish, though I cannot guarantee what will happen in the days to come."

"There are no guarantees. We have been set on a path from which no one can foresee the outcome. I hope we will succeed in the end."

"That is also my hope. I am grateful you and Eirlana decided to stay. Your help is appreciated."

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"No freaking way I go there." Sera sat down in protest as they prepared to leave the following day.

Solas agreed with her for once. It wouldn't help their cause if they showed up with such large a number. He approached Ryan. "It may be wiser to meet the First Enchanter with a smaller number of people."

"I don't know. There is no telling what we will face. The village is occupied by mages after all. There could be abominations or demons running rampant."

Solas thought the notion ridicules. "We have been invited by the First Enchanter." he argued calmly. "Meeting them with a small army might be seen as hostile. It wouldn't work in our favour."

"I don't trust them."

"They don't have to know that."

"All right. Cassandra, Blackwall, Solas and Eirlana come with me. The rest stays here. If we are not back in a couple of hours, there has gone something wrong. Take actions according and sent a message to Haven."

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Something did go wrong, but sooner than Ryan thought it would. It began with a rift that appeared in front of the gates of Redcliffe. Fields of distorted time appeared in its wake making the combat dangerously chaotic and unpredictable.

"What? What was that?" Ryan panted. He looked confused around after he had closed the rift.

Cassandra sheeted her sword. "We don't know what these rifts are capable of."

Solas' skin crawled, this was wrong. It shouldn't be possible to alter the Veil in such a way. It had twisted and weakened in a way he had never seen before. This couldn't have been caused by the mages.

It was worse as he entered Redcliffe.

From the look of the town, you couldn't tell something was amiss or that a war was raging through these lands. The town lay silent at the calm shores of Lake Calenhad. The townsfolk and mages alike were chatting peacefully on this sunny day.

Solas couldn't believe his eyes. The mages, why weren't they worried or nervous about the state of the Veil? This showed how incompetent they were. How little they understand about the world and their gift. Solas stopped as the others walked further. He felt as if he was standing alone in this distorted world. How could these people stand it? How could they live such ignorant lives? He felt as if he was the only one awake in the world. The others asleep, not conscious of its potential, its wonders. They were like tranquil, through his actions he had made them all tranquil.

"Solas?" Eirlana had halted her step next to him. He felt her squeeze his arm a little hesitant. "The Veil, this feels wrong. How has this happened?" He could feel her tension through her touch. A wave of affinity washed over him, his eyes softened as he looked at her. "I felt it lethallan. I have never encountered anything like it. As for how this has occurred, I have no idea. Maybe the First Enchanter will have answers for us."

"I am surprised there is no open use of magic." Cassandra stated as they caught up with the others.

Solas found it ironic, coming from the one person who was always armed. "Magic is a tool. It can be used and overused as any other. Most mages just want to live like any other."

"Tell that to the refugees at the Crossroads." Ryan grunted. "Come to the inn, let's get this over with."

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The peacefulness of the village ended as they entered the inn. That the mages had pledged themselves to Tevinter came as a shock. Eirlana couldn't believe it as the leader of the mages Fiona told them she had no other choice than to form an alliance with Tevinter. There was always a choice, she thought. As the new leader, Alexius appeared, a chill ran through her body. He had the same calculating, cruel look like her old master. His greedy, cold eyes set on the world to better himself by any means. Unknowingly she shuffled closer to Solas and grabbed his arm again. Her grip tightened as the magister came closer.

Solas sensed her fear. He could understand that this would awaken unpleasant memories. Gently he placed his hand over hers.

Ryan's stance made clear he wasn't pleased with the situation either.

"Welcome, my friends. I apolo..." Alexius began before Ryan interrupted him.

"I am no friend of yours Tevinter, and you are a long way from home."

"Let me introduce myself I am Magister Gerion Alexius, and this is my son Felix. The southern mages are under my command. I would be honoured to offer help with the Breach. There is no telling what the effects will be."

"I have nothing with you to discuss." Ryan walked towards the door when Felix bumped into him. "Forgive me." Felix mumbled before he almost fainted. Alexius panicked when his son seemed ill. Eirlana hesitated a moment then started to move towards him, Solas grabbed her hand firm and shook his head slightly. Something was off in this whole situation. He could understand the attitude of the mages. They grew up in isolation, feared and hated by the people. Taken away forcefully from their families, being locked away. They knew nothing of the real world and were only allowed into the outside world if their control and views of magic met the Chantries demands. Like with Enchanter Vivienne. Exceptions were made whenever there was a war or blight. When their powers were tools to be used. The appearance of some Tevinter magister now was too convenient for the mages, maybe he had some connection with what had gone wrong at the conclave. Until now, his people hadn't found any leads as to what had occurred during the destruction of the Temple of Sacred Ashes. It was time to contact his agents again to redirect their efforts.

Eirlana studied Solas closely as he stared at Alexius. As so often before, she wondered what was going on in his mind.

Alexius departed "Please friends. I will send you a message to continue this conversation another time."

Ryan stepped outside the inn. "I doubt there will be another time." He grumbled and read a note in his hand. "Apparently we are in danger. Someone wants to meet us in the Chantry. Let's go, but be on your guard. There is no telling what else we will find here."

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"Fascinating. How does that work, exactly? You don't even know, do you? You just wiggle your fingers and boom! Rift closes."

Ryan had just helped a mage closing a rift in the Chantry. He was flamboyant, well-groomed and confident. Solas had to smirk. Why was it that an outsider asked the right questions. Whereas the rest more and more accepted it to be Andraste's blessing that bestowed Ryan the mark. A gift to stand against this evil. No questions asked as to how it worked.

"Who are you?" Ryan narrowed his eyes, not sheathing his sword.

"Ah. Getting ahead of myself again. I see. Dorian of House Pavus, most recently of Minrathous. How do you do?"

Dorian told them that Alexius had allied himself with a Tevinter group called the Venatori. Alexius had altered time itself to be here before the Inquisition. They seemed obsessed with Ryan. Ryan reacted sceptically not trusting the mage.
Time magic? That a human had accomplished this. Solas was also sceptical, if altering time was just as easy, he wouldn't be in this predicament. It, however, would explain the current state of the Veil here. Toying with the foundations of the world was extremely dangerous and came with great costs. He doubted the human had spent much thought on the consequences of his actions as most of his kind do. The Fools!

"The rift you closed here? You saw how it twisted time around itself, sped some things up and slowed others down. Soon there will be more like it. The magic Alexius is using is wildly unstable, and it's unravelling the world." Dorian explained further.

The frown on Ryan's face had only deepened. "Why should I believe any of this?"

Because we personally have witnessed the unstable state of the Veil Solas thought.

Dorian also appeared agitated by Ryan's apparent distrust. "I know what I'm talking about. I helped develop this magic. When I was still his apprentice, it was pure theory. Alexius could never get it to work. Now he has used it under orders of the Venatori. What their goals are I am not sure of yet, but it most certain involves you. You are one of their targets. Maybe it has something to do with that mark. I will contact you if I have more information, I can't stay here for long. Alexius doesn't know I'm here and I want to keep it that way. I'll be in touch. And whenever you want to deal with him, I will be there." With that, Dorian walked away.

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"I knew coming here was a mistake!" Ryan ranted as they exited the Chantry. "Now we have some cult working against us. Who knows? Maybe they even have something to do with that hole in the sky."

"This doesn't look good." Blackwall agreed.

"It was not a waste. Now we know of this alliance and can warn Denerim. We better check the village for any more surprises or clues about the agenda of these Venatori." Cassandra suggested.

They found a grim surprise indeed. They already had stumbled upon several skulls in the Hinterlands and at the coast. In a small hut, they found dozens more of them. Apparently, the Venatori made these oculara and were using them to search for those strange shards they had found.

Solas eyes scanned a book he found in the hut.

"Who were they?" Eirlana asked, her face had turned pale after seeing the shelves with dozens of skulls on the walls.

"Who knows." Ryan commented.

"Apparently each occularum is made from the skull of a tranquil. It is written here in this crude journal."

Cassandra's face hardened. "I wondered where they went. I should have looked harder for them."

"Poor bastards." Blackwall mumbled.

"Wait! All these, all these skulls and those we found were tranquil?" Eirlana stared at them. She had seen only one tranquil in her life. An elven woman with the Inquisition. Her blank stares and demeanour were unsettling. She shuddered. "How many tranquil are there? How can so many skulls exist?"

"The right of Tranquillity is an act of mercy. An act of kindness for those who are not strong enough or can't pass the harrowing." Cassandra explained.

"Kindness?" Eirlana felt sick to her stomach. "How is it a kindness to strip the soul of someone? How is it a kindness to strip someone of their magic? Of their emotions, their will."

"It is a necessary precaution." Ryan argued.

"This?" She pointed at the shelves. "This is barbaric! If you teach fear, you will reap fear!"

Solas lowered his eyes. He could understand she was upset. When he first witnessed the rite and its consequences in the Fade he felt outraged by this injustice, by this insane ritual. "What a tragic waste."

Eirlana stared at them. Tears welled up in her eyes. How can anyone find this normal? Her voice was like a whisper. "I don't know what is worse slavery or this." Abruptly she turned around and left them.

Ryan, Cassandra and Blackwall stared after her. Stunned by her outburst. Solas was slightly amused at the effect she had on them.

Cassandra cleared her throat. "Let's return to Haven, we have spent enough time here. Solas?"

Solas turned back around. "We will catch up with you after she has calmed down." Outside he spotted her at the far end of the docks, looking out over the lake.

Solas sat down silently beside her and followed her eyes out over the lake. Seagulls were flying over several fisher boats drifting on the shallow waves.
"I am sorry I walked away." Eirlana said after a while.

"You were right to be upset lethallan."

"I wasn't surprised about the butchery. I learned in Tevinter that people will go to any lengths to archive their goals. I have seen and survived enough to know what they are capable of. Not everyone kills their slaves, but they are tools nonetheless, to be used until you are spent. "

Solas listened intensively, she hadn't spoken much of her time she spent as a slave.

"This mutilation of mages, I have heard of the practice but to see all these skulls... Solas. If we ever are put in a Circle what would happen to us?"

Solas thought for a moment. "Chances are high that we would undergo the same fate as many others who weren't understood, who were different. I think I would be made tranquil. If they knew what you are capable of, you would also not be spared."

"I always thought to be cut off from my magic was horrific, but to also be stripped of my free will, my soul." She shuddered. Both lost in their thoughts they fell silent for a while.

"I don't understand this fear of magic. I always thought it to be a gift, not a burden."

"Don't forget most people grow up with fear of magic. You were correct that when you preach fear, you reap it. Imagine if you suddenly are capable of doing things you have always been told to fear. The fear has already taken root. That fear attracts the wrong kind of attention in the Fade."

"Is that how it was for you? Did you grow up with knowing that fear?"

Solas was prepared for questions like these, but he somehow felt reluctant to tell her his lies. "I was fortunate my parents didn't believe strongly in the teachings of the Chantry. So no I didn't grow up with fear being preached. Looking how young mages are removed forcefully from their families I was fortunate."

"Where are your parents now?"

"They have passed away for some time."

"Oh, I am sorry."

"Don't be, they had a good life. I am grateful they don't need to witness what has become of this world." Solas stood up the sun was already sinking. "Shall we depart and return?"

Eirlana hesitated. What would they think of her after she had yelled at them?

Solas offered his hand to help her up. "Come lethallan. Otherwise, I have to suffer through Varric's lecture if I return without your company." he joked.

She accepted his hand smiling at his comment.

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The sun sent her last rays of light over the mountain peaks as night was falling. Haven settled in its evening routine. People were sharing stories around fires, playing cards in the tavern, visited the Chantry or did other relaxing activities. Eirlana sat at the table in the small cottage, bowed over a paper. She traced a quill carefully across it, writing the letters and words Solas had written for her. She looked at her work, her letters were more crooked than his beautiful curly writing.

"How does your writing fare lethallan?" Solas lay down his book and walked over to her.

"Better I think." she showed him her work. The paper was a little blotted with ink where she had hesitated. But her letters were curly and well readable.

"Considering the limited time we have you are making great progress." He tried to suppress his snigger. "You have done well."

She could see the corners of his mouth twitch "Is something funny? Did I make a mistake?"

"I am sorry, you have ink on your face."

"Where?" Eirlana rubbed on her cheeks smearing more ink on her face from her fingers.

Solas burst out in laughter at her action. He tried to compose himself again and covered his mouth with his hand.

"You are making fun of me." She punched him on his arm, then walked towards the water basin and started to wash her face and hands.

He was still laughing, he couldn't help himself. He found it incredibly amusing.

"Is it gone?" she dried her face with a towel.

"Not quite." he took the towel from her and brushed away a stain on her forehead. He had stopped laughing. He wondered why it felt so natural for her to be around him. When was the last time he had laughed so freely? He felt something stir deep within him.

His intense stare was making Eirlana nervous. "Does it not come off?" Solas blinked a few times.

"No. It is all gone." He quickly stepped away from her, turning his back.

The silence he emitted felt heavy in the small room. Wondering what had happened in this short moment, she tried to break the atmosphere. "They are going to reach out to the templars. Won't they?"

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "After the mages alliance, I have no doubt. Ryan already mistrusted them, and now they have pledged themselves to Tevinter. It was a hasty and foolish move on their part."

"Who do you think they should choose?"

Solas turned back towards her. "We need help to close the Breach. Either party could provide this. We should support whatever decision they are going to make. My personal opinion is insignificant against the bigger matters we face."

Gone was that awkward silent moment. He was back to his old reserved, thoughtful, confident self. His eyes rested on her. She felt small and unnoticeable in comparison. A shyness spread through her, she looked down at her feet. "You are always so thoughtful and confident. I wish I was more like you."

"Don't sell yourself short." he lifted her chin so their eyes would meet. "You are as valuable as any other." If not more, he added silently. "You have more strength in you than you are aware of. Don't doubt yourself."

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There was a knock on the door and Varric entered. "Chuckles, Snowflake we are a few hands short at Wicked Grace." Seeing them close together he grinned. "Oh sorry, am I interrupting?"

Solas stepped away from Eirlana. "No, you are not. I am sorry Varric I have to pass. Another time perhaps."

"Wicked Grace. That is that card game you play a lot, isn't it?"

"Correct Snowflake. You probably have never had the chance to play it."

She shook her head.

"You go, I have some more reading to finish." Solas put a small purse in her hands.

"But I..."

Solas placed her cloak on her shoulders. "Go. Enjoy yourself." She hesitated for a moment before she joined Varric. He closed the door behind them and turned back to his book. This was good, she should socialise more. He wouldn't be around anymore when the Breach was closed.

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"Come Snowflake. I arranged one of the huts for tonight. The boys sleeping there are on patrol. And it is less crowded than the tavern."

Eirlana was grateful she didn't need to sit in the crowded tavern. "Wicked Grace is it difficult to learn?"

"No worries you will learn in no time. What do you drink by the way?"

"Tea mostly why?"

Varric had to laugh. "I meant something stronger sweetness, like ale, wine, whisky. Drinking is a requirement when playing."

"Wine I think. I have never tasted the others."

"Wine it is. Wait here for a second." He dove into the tavern to pick up a bottle for her. A short while later he returned, bottle in hand. "Come on. Before the others start without us."

They entered one of the smaller cottages. A warm fire was blazing in the fireplace, candles had been lit, beds pushed to the side, and a table dragged into the centre of the room. Iron Bull and Krem, his lieutenant, were arm wrestling on it.
Cullen watched them both with interest. He still couldn't believe Varric had set him up. Earlier that day Varric had started bragging about the Bull's Chargers. How their members were in excellent shape. That his men had it easier now they had capable men to watch their backs. Before Cullen knew it, he was talked into a sparring match between his recruits and the Bull's men. Bull had trained his men to be adaptable, they worked excellently as a team. His men had lost, and he had lost the bet Varric had talked him into. As a result, he had to join Varric and Bull that evening to play Wicked Grace. He had no time for this, duties were waiting for him, there was so much to do.

"Look who I found!" Varric announced himself.

Cullen looked up and abruptly rose up when he saw Eirlana. His chair fell over behind him. With a flushed face, he picked it up. "Good evening Eirlana."

Varric and Bull didn't miss a beat. Their eyes glinted as a grin formed on their faces, this would be fun.

Varric pulled a chair across from Cullen for her. "Here Snowflake, take a seat."

Wondering what the evening would bring she sat down. "Hello."

"Good to see you. So are we gonna play or not?" Bull asked filling everyone's mugs.

"We are, but let's start easy we have two greenhorns at the table." Varric grinned at Cullen.

"I have played it before!" he sputtered.

"Did I touch a nerve Curly?"

"I knew this was a mistake."

"First mistake was betting with a dwarf." Varric took a drink. "So Snowflake the game rules are simple. You have to try to get as many pairs or more from the same kind, the higher the cards, the better. There are serpents, songs, angels and knights, serpents are the most points, knights the least. We play until the angel of death turns up, we bet each round, you go with the bet or quit. The rest you will pick up as we go. Oh, and cheating is allowed unless you get caught."

"Cheating?"

"You will see, you will learn it quickly. Tiny you're okay with only one eye?" Varric winked at him as he dealt the cards.

"Hmmpf just wait and see." Iron Bull grunted.

Krem laughed loud. "Finally someone who can talk some hair on your pillowy man-bosoms."

Many hours later Eirlana returned. Solas was already fast asleep on his bed a book still in his hand. A smile formed on her lips as she saw his relaxed sleeping face. It was rare to see him so at peace. Carefully she removed the book and tucked up his blankets. She hesitated and then in a bold move caressed his cheek softly. At that moment Solas turned, and his lips lightly brushed her hand. Quickly she pulled her hand away, a strange new feeling ran through her body. Unsure what it was she went to sleep.

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As they had predicted, the Inquisition had chosen to contact the templars. Therinfal Redoubt, their stronghold, lay in the lush green countryside of the Southern Hills. As they rode through the hills, they could see the golden and copper roofs of their Chantry glittering in the sun from afar. Templar banners hung proudly from its walls and poles. Eirlana expected it would look more ominous, but the peaceful landscape suggested nothing was amiss. Ryan was excited the templars had finally agreed to a meeting. He talked a lot during their journey here how he always wished to join the order. Sadly his family affairs had kept him from truly join their ranks. Cassandra pointed out it was luck he hadn't joined, judging recent events.

Solas had little personal experience with the order. Though what he had witnessed was its rise to power in his centuries of observing the mortal world. He found the order cruel and barbaric, full of superstition and judgement, their beliefs and views seen as righteous and truthful. In his eyes they were an organisation long gone drunk by wealth and power, their motives deformed and mutated into a system ripe with abuse. Yet he couldn't deny the choice the Herald made. The Breach needed to be closed and the logic the templars could use their abilities to weaken it was solid. The order, however, what it represented and stood for he despised. With their 'righteous crusade' against magic, a force so old and pure that was a part of the world. A part of the People, that they didn't understand and didn't want to understand out of fear. Fear of things beyond their limited minds.

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Many horses and carriages stood along the road leading up to the fortress. Servants and guards of the nobles that had arrived in alliance with the Inquisition rested and waited for their masters to return. Solas dismounted, and one of the inquisition soldiers took his reins. He observed as several nobles already talked with the flustered templars. They were clearly out of their element.

"Solas, lethallin?"

He turned towards Eirlana. She was visibly nervous. He was relieved she would stay behind with the others in case something would go wrong. She didn't need another traumatic encounter with a templar.

"Yes, lethallan?"

"Be careful."

"I will. Don't worry too much." Solas joined Ryan, Cassandra and Vivienne towards the fortress. As he observed the templars, he found them strangely aimlessly. Judging from their conduct, these were young recruits, the normal soldiers. No one seemed in charge. Something was wrong here, there was tension in the air. The Veil felt surprisingly thin here. With the templars presence, it was unexpected. Normally only strong magic or events could alter the Veil. This had been the templars place of teaching for centuries, the Veil should be stable here. Maybe the templars had an influence on the Veil he wasn't aware of. With Ryan doing the talking Solas waited patiently for the secrets to unfold themselves.

He didn't have to wait long, after their initial greeting they were let to a flag ritual. Ryan had to participate in it to show what he values the most. There was a symbol of the templars, Andraste and the people. Solas wasn't surprised when Ryan hoisted Andraste's flag first. He wondered how many of the templars who chose the order first had climbed up to higher ranks in the order. An order said to be the sword of Andraste. How many crimes had been committed in her name? Belief can be a foundation for unity, but it also brought many dangers. It was evident throughout the countries in their treatment of magic, mages, elves and people who believed differently. If you are not with us, you are against us. It reminded him the things he had to watch out for if he succeeded in his plans. He didn't want to create another injustice for a second time.

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Solas felt alarmed as the Knight-Captain appeared. He and his men felt wrong somehow, something was not right. He was ready when the Knight-Captain declared they had to be purged. Before the first arrow flew, he had erected his barriers to protect his companions. Quickly they counter-attacked as they heard fighting break out all over the fortress. The Knight-Captain and his men seemed disfigured and fought with unusual strength. Solas found it difficult for his magic to 'stick', as if they were more immune to the magical effects.

"Quickly we need to get to the Lord Seeker and put a stop to whatever is going on here." Ryan panted and turned to Sir Barris who had aided them.

Solas knelt beside one of the fallen archers. Removing his helm he uncovered a sickly pale yellow skin, dark veins run over the face, his hollow eyes glowed with red sparks. "They have been infected."

"What is it Solas?" Cassandra strode towards him.

"They have been consuming red lyrium. Judging by the marks for some time now."

"This is monstrous." Cassandra exclaimed.

"Maker! How could this happen? Let's go!" Ryan led the way.

They had to fight many red templars on their way to the Lord Seeker. Every one of them corrupted, deformed and vicious. Their battles were hard fought. They encountered several uncorrupted templars fighting for their lives. Slowly they gathered a small troupe, fighting side by side with them.

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"You are better at Wicked Grace than I thought." Varric waited with Bull and Eirlana at the small bridge leading to the fortress.

"You could have stripped the Commander out of his clothes." Iron Bull laughed.

"I… I couldn't do that." Eirlana cheeks flushed at the idea, she didn't understand half of the events from that evening.

"See that's why you win." Iron Bull took a bite of some dried meat. "That sweet face of yours has them fooled. Too bad you didn't go for it. The guys would have loved to see Cullen in his birthday suit. On the other hand, I would have trouble to find a girl for the night if he decided to show off those muscles."

"Aren't they taking long?" Eirlana was eyeing the gates nervously.

"Relax Snowflake they need to talk politics, that can take the whole day."

"I don't know. All those templars don't know what's going on. Hmph, something is off." Iron Bull narrowed his eye.

Suddenly they heard screams and swords clashing.

"Oh looks like the talks are over. Time to work!" Bull took his giant battle axe and stormed towards the gates. Eirlana stood frozen as nobles rushed in panic over the bridge. Fear ran through her body. Solas was inside.

"Come on Snowflake let's make sure Tiny hits the right target." Varric let loose a barrage of arrows in a templar attacking a noblewoman. Red crystals seemed to grow out of his helmet. "Shit! Why is this stuff following me wherever I go."

The others had almost reached the Chantry on the higher levels of the fortress. Solas glanced down at the courtyard. The gates were blocked, and several templars were protecting the nobles from the red templars.

They were outnumbered, and he and the others were too far away to help. He closed his eyes and turned away when with a loud explosion the gates shuddered. Iron Bull and his men stormed into the courtyard with the Inquisition troops close behind. He caught sight of Eirlana moving fluently through the turmoil. Her magic lashing out at any red templar who was unfortunate to come to close. Suddenly she looked up, directly at him.

How is she doing that? Solas wondered it wasn't the first time she had spotted him right away.

With most of the templars dealt with Varric followed Eirlana's eyes and spotted Solas. "Looks like they are alright. Good, let's clean up this mess down here."

The Lord Seeker turned out to be replaced by an envy demon. It surprised Solas that Ryan was able to repel him. Envy is a powerful emotion, capable of many terrible things. Its manifestation was just as tricky and powerful, not easily beaten. The remaining templars watched in shock at the transformation of their leader. The betrayal of the order was written on their faces, they had lost hope.

Ryan stepped forward in the Chantry. "That thing was not your leader. It was an envy demon lusting for power and destruction. Andraste has shielded me and given me the strength to stand against it. You are templars, Andraste's soldiers. Andraste has sent me to you to remind you of your pledge to defend the people against corrupt magic. We need to work together to beat this monster. Andraste's chosen soldiers need to work together, combine your strengths. TOGETHER we will bring down the beast!"

The templars roared with new vigour.

Yes, faith was a powerful tool Solas thought. A dangerous, powerful tool he had to watch out for.

.

They uncovered further corruption as they engaged the red templars further. There was enough evidence the leaders of the order had willingly infected their fellow templars. Ignoring the consequences to their men, all for the goal to strengthen the order to a new powerful, domineering organisation. Reports read that many of the knights that had taken red lyrium revelled in the strength they gained from it. They even found evidence they were plotting an assassination attempt on the Empress of Orlais. Ryan kept complaining loudly in disbelief about the betrayal of the order and its men. How could they let this happen?

"They are templars." Solas stated calmly, he had enough of his complaining.

"It figures you look down upon them. You being an apostate." Ryan sneered.

Solas continued in his calm voice. "It is not looking down upon them, to recognise what they are. Some have strong beliefs like yourself. Thoughtful soldiers doing what they believe is right. The rest? Younger sons, petty criminals, thugs, bullies, orphans... The order makes use of them. They are already accustomed to a life without choices. Here they are drilled to follow even the worst orders. Their addiction to lyrium making it worse. Many learn to seek an outlet in the joy of causing pain, to leap at any chance to swing a sword harder."

Ryan was getting even more agitated. "You judge them too harsh, they are protecting the people."

"I only see templars confused at what they should do. They leapt at your feet when you started to give out o get to the Lord Seeker and put a stop to whatever is going on here." Ryan panted and turned to Sir Barris who had aided them.
Solas knelt beside one of the fallen archers. Removing his helm he uncovered a sickly pale yellow skin, dark veins run over the face, his hollow eyes glowed with red sparks. "They have been infected."

"What is it Solas?" Cassandra strode towards him.

"They have been consuming red lyrium. Judging by the marks for some time now."

"This is monstrous." Cassandra exclaimed.

"Maker! How could this happen? Let's go!" Ryan led the way.

They had to fight many red templars on their way to the Lord Seeker. Every one of them corrupted, deformed and vicious. Their battles were hard fought. They encountered several uncorrupted templars fighting for their lives. Slowly they gathered a small troupe, fighting side by side with them.

.

"You are better at Wicked Grace than I thought." Varric waited with Bull and Eirlana at the small bridge leading to the fortress.

"You could have stripped the Commander out of his clothes." Iron Bull laughed.

"I... I couldn't do that." Eirlana cheeks flushed at the idea, she didn't understand half of the events from that evening.

"See that's why you win." Iron Bull took a bite of some dried meat. "That sweet face of yours has them fooled. Too bad you didn't go for it. The guys would have loved to see Cullen in his birthday suit. On the other hand, I would have trouble to find a girl for the night if he decided to show off those muscles."

"Aren't they taking long?" Eirlana was eyeing the gates nervously.

"Relax Snowflake they need to talk politics, that can take the whole day."

"I don't know. All those templars don't know what's going on. Hmph, something is off." Iron Bull narrowed his eye.

Suddenly they heard screams and swords clashing.

"Oh looks like the talks are over. Time to work!" Bull took his giant battle axe and stormed towards the gates. Eirlana stood frozen as nobles rushed in panic over the bridge. Fear ran through her body. Solas was inside.

"Come on Snowflake let's make sure Tiny hits the right target." Varric let loose a barrage of arrows in a templar attacking a noblewoman. Red crystals seemed to grow out of his helmet. "Shit! Why is this stuff following me wherever I go."

.

The others had almost reached the Chantry on the higher levels of the fortress. Solas glanced down at the courtyard. The gates were blocked, and several templars were protecting the nobles from the red templars . They were outnumbered, and he and the others were too far away to help. He closed his eyes and turned away when with a loud explosion the gates shuddered. Iron Bull and his men stormed into the courtyard with the Inquisition troops close behind. He caught sight of Eirlana moving fluently through the turmoil. Her magic lashing out at any red templar who was unfortunate to come to close. Suddenly she looked up, directly at him.

How is she doing that? Solas wondered it wasn't the first time she had spotted him right away.

With most of the templars dealt with Varric followed Eirlana's eyes and spotted Solas. "Looks like they are alright. Good, let's clean up this mess down here."

.

The Lord Seeker turned out to be replaced by an envy demon. It surprised Solas that Ryan was able to repel him. Envy is a powerful emotion, capable of many terrible things. Its manifestation was just as tricky and powerful, not easily beaten. The remaining templars watched in shock at the transformation of their leader. The betrayal of the order was written on their faces, they had lost hope.

Ryan stepped forward in the Chantry. "That thing was not your leader. It was an envy demon lusting for power and destruction. Andraste has shielded me and given me the strength to stand against it. You are templars, Andraste's soldiers. Andraste has sent me to you to remind you of your pledge to defend the people against corrupt magic. We need to work together to beat this monster. Andraste's chosen soldiers need to work together, combine your strengths. TOGETHER we will bring down the beast!"

The templars roared with new vigour.

Yes, faith was a powerful tool Solas thought. A dangerous, powerful tool he had to watch out for.

.

They uncovered further corruption as they engaged the red templars further. There was enough evidence the leaders of the order had willingly infected their fellow templars. Ignoring the consequences to their men, all for the goal to strengthen the order to a new powerful, domineering organisation. Reports read that many of the knights that had taken red lyrium revelled in the strength they gained from it. They even found evidence they were plotting an assassination attempt on the Empress of Orlais. Ryan kept complaining loudly in disbelief about the betrayal of the order and its men. How could they let this happen?

"They are templars." Solas stated calmly, he had enough of his complaining.

"It figures you look down upon them. You being an apostate." Ryan sneered.

Solas continued in his calm voice. "It is not looking down upon them, to recognise what they are. Some have strong beliefs like yourself. Thoughtful soldiers doing what they believe is right. The rest? Younger sons, petty criminals, thugs, bullies, orphans... The order makes use of them. They are already accustomed to a life without choices. Here they are drilled to follow even the worst orders. Their addiction to lyrium making it worse. Many learn to seek an outlet in the joy of causing pain, to leap at any chance to swing a sword harder."

Ryan was getting even more agitated. "You judge them too harsh, they are protecting the people."

"I only see templars confused at what they should do. They leapt at your feet when you started to give out orders."

"Darlings, that is quite enough." Vivienne interrupted. "We have a demon to catch. I don't think it will be polite and wait for you two to finish."

.
Eirlana was relieved when she saw Solas and the others come out of the fortress. Several templars followed them. Her smile disappeared when she saw the look on Solas face. While the others planned their journey back to Haven. Solas pulled Eirlana with him away from the camp.

"Solas what is wrong?"

He let go of her and began to pace while moving his arms in frustration. "He offered them an alliance! After all, we have found. The corruption, the reckless use of red lyrium, the mindlessness of the order. He comes and declares himself Andraste's champion sent to guide them again on their righteous path. The obvious corruption and lyrium abuse are some accident the poor templars have suffered. I didn't expect much from the order. But to see their lust for power and rigid way of thinking first hand is..." he looked at her. "I am sorry lethallan. The whole experience was unsettling."

Eirlana stepped closer. "You needed to talk. I understand."

He sighed. "And now they are given a free pass, to join without consequences. Nothing has been learned here. According to Ryan, the templars are needed to protect. To rage war against evil magic."

"Evil? It may be misused, but evil?"

"Exactly magic is magic. In its pure form, it is raw power waiting to be shaped by the right mind. The intention of the mind shaping it can be evil, but the essence itself is neither good nor evil." His voice sounded relieved. "I knew you would understand lethallan." His expression turned more serious. "It will be harder to move freely with our new 'allies'." He stroked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Will you be alright?" His hand lingered on her face.

Eirlana restrained herself of backing away. His eyes gleamed with concern for her. The same shiver she couldn't place earlier ran through her body. "I will, not that there is much choice in the matter. I... thank you."

They were silent for a while. Solas began to walk back to the others, Eirlana followed him.

"Solas. With the red lyrium here. Is there a connection between what happened here and the explosion at Haven?"

"We haven't found any evidence the templars had anything to do with the events at Haven yet. What we found is that someone unknown to us delivered the red lyrium here. The source of the lyrium may be connected to the explosion."

"Hopefully we will find out after we close the Breach."

"That is also my hope." he lied. When the Breach was closed, he would leave to collect what was rightfully his.


There is no great surprise that Ryan chose to side with the templars.

:'( I really regret to play through DAI without Cole, but in no way, my Inquisitor would accept a knife-wielding spirit. Or as he would call it a demon. I love Cole and I think he would enjoy spending time with Solas and Eirlana.