A/N: Hey all! Hope everyone's week has started out well – mine certainly has! I made a funny SolasxLavellan edit on Tumblr, and it's gotten 57 notes so far! I am officially famous. Best day. Anyway, this chapter is going to cover more Elven Lore, so get ready!

The title of this chapter means mirror, as we all know, or "looking glass", or whatever. It'll make sense, I swear. Enjoy!


Chapter Twelve:

Eluvian

Neriah's heart felt like it was sitting in her mouth. All her senses were heightened, and her throat felt dry, but she didn't care. Her excitement was building to the point of bubbling over, as she and Solas raced up the stairs, back into the Main Hall, and out the door into the gardens to find Morrigan. She couldn't believe she hadn't seen it before. She had been so preoccupied with her heart ruling her emotions at the time that she had failed to really register what Cole had been saying to Solas at the time. But now… Now they had a lead. If she was right, if Solas was right, then maybe this wasn't going to be as hard as they thought it would be.

Morrigan was nowhere to be found when they entered the garden, Neriah skidding to a stop, and Solas nearly running right into her back. She craned her neck, searching for the black-haired witch, but saw no sign of her. She did, however, see her son, Kieran, playing nearby. He was seated by the gazebo where she had once played chess with Cullen, playing with what looked like some small, wooden toys, no doubt made my Blackwall. The warrior had taken a shine to the boy since the defeat of Corypheus, and peace had set in for a while. He'd started making small toys for the child, who had been exceptionally grateful, and Morrigan had seemed happy to have someone else to help her entertain her son, as she could become very busy working on magical studies and researching elven artifactswith Neriah most days.

The two elves hurried up to Kieran, who looked up at them with his large, amber eyes. He really did have King Alistair's eyes, Neriah mused, as she looked down at the boy. The only way Lyna and Alistair had survived the Fifth Blight and defeated the Archdemon without succumbing to the taint the creature unleashed upon death, was because Morrigan had performed a dark ritual, which had involved conceiving a child with a Grey Warden, that Warden having been Alistair. She had promptly left Ferelden to Orlais with her unborn son and, ten years later, Neriah had met her. Now, Morrigan and her son lived in Skyhold, as permanent members of the Inquisition. If Morrigan had ever wanted to leave, Neriah doubted she'd have been able to. Despite his quiet nature, her companions quite liked Kieran, his innocent demeanor giving them a sense of calmness amongst the constant presence of war within the fortress.

"Inquisitor," Kieran's voice was soft, as he looked up at her and Solas. His large eyes wandered to Solas, "You came back." He said simply, putting down one of his toys. "Mother said you came back; I think it makes the Inquisitor happy." He smiled up at them both, and Neriah felt an involuntary smile pass along her face. It was difficult not to smile when the boy did, we was quite adorable, if a little odd.

Solas broke in between the two, in order to keep things moving as expeditiously as possible. "It is actually your mother we are seeking, Kieran. Have you seen her?"

The child tilted his head, looking up at Solas, his eyes wandering over his face. "She was in her study earlier, looking at that big mirror again. I don't know why she keeps looking at it." His brow furrowed, and he looked down at his toys, clearly wanting to get back to playing.

Neriah smiled fondly down at him. "Thank you Kieran, that is exactly where we were hoping to find her. We'll let you get back to your game." She ruffled his hair, and he smiled up at her, before returning to his toys as though Neriah and Solas had never been there at all.

The elves exchanged looks, before hurrying to the room where Morrigan kept her Eluvian. Neriah knocked once, hoping that Morrigan hadn't entered the mirror again, so that they'd be able to speak with her. To her luck her heard a soft, "You may enter," from inside, and she slowly opened the door.

Morrigan was seated in a large chair by the Eluvian, which glowed softly in the dim, gold light of the room. The huge mirror towered above then, and Neriah took a moment to appreciate the vastness of the elven artifact. It was at least fifteen feet high, and eight feet wide, and the glass swirled and glowed, though she knew it was currently inactive, as it was not humming. It usually hummed whenever Morrigan activated its power, and entered into the Crossroads.

Morrigan looked up at Neriah and Solas walked in, promptly closing the book she had been reading, and stood to greet them. For a human, she was quite tall, at least a few inches taller than Neriah, but not quite as tall as Solas, who was taller than the average elven male. She wasn't wearing her usual garb, which consisted of a rather revealing red cowl, and black leather skirt. Instead, she wore a simply, black dress, though the neckline was a little low for Neriah's liking. Her black hair was done up in a loose bun, and her bangs fell across her face in their usual sweeping fashion. Her golden eyes were warm upon seeing them. While some were intimidated by Morrigan upon first meeting her (Creators knew Neriah had been), Neriah knew that the witch had a kind heart, and would do anything she could to protect those she loved, as Neriah had seen when Kieran had gone missing and they had found him with her mother and his grandmother, Flemeth, who housed the spirit of Mythal in her physical body.

"If it isn't the Inquisitor, to what do I owe the pleasure, my friend?" Morrigan asked, inclining her head to Neriah, before glancing at Solas. "And Solas, as well? 'Tis a surprise, I must admit, to see you here again." Her eyes were knowing, but she kept her tone even. She turned back to Neriah, "Did you need something, Inquisitor?" The Eluvian glowed softly beside them, and Neriah glanced at it. Morrigan noticed her eyes, and smiled. "The Eluvian is quiet, Inquisitor; it has been for some time."

Solas stepped passed Neriah, "It is because of the Eluvian that we are here, Morrigan."

The witch raised a dark brow, "Oh? And why is that?"

Neriah saw Solas falter, and she knew what he was thinking. Morrigan was Flemeth's daughter, and despite all that the woman had been put through by the famed "Witch of the Wilds", she still cared for her, Neriah could see that. She knew Solas was probably worried about how much he should tell Morrigan, as it was because of him that Flemeth now lay possibly petrified, or possibly dead, deep within the Arbor Wilds. Neriah herself didn't know how Morrigan would react if Solas told her everything, but she also knew they had little choice at this point. Of everyone who inhabited Skyhold, Neriah truly felt that Morrigan was perhaps the only person who would both believe them, and perhaps not judge too harshly. After all, she herself had learned that her own mother had been planning to take over her body ten years ago, hence why she had fled to Orlais with the just-conceived Kieran after the Blight had ended. Lucky for her, Flemeth had admitted that she would be unable to possess an unwilling host, should it have come to that, and since returning Kieran to Morrigan willingly, she had let her bed.

Solas looked tense, and Neriah could tell that Morrigan was beginning to pick up on it, since her eyebrow was still raised, and a small smirk was pulling at the corners of her mouth. Neriah gently reached out and touched Solas's hand, and for an instant he jerked away, appearing burned. But when he looked down at Neriah, and saw how earnest her face was, he seemed to relax. She nodded to him once, and he returned it slowly, understanding what they must do. He looked back at Morrigan, his face calm, and his posture firm.

"We have –" he paused and corrected himself, "I have come to ask a favor of you, Morrigan. Might we go somewhere more private to discuss?"

Morrigan fixed Solas with a questioning, albeit slightly amused look. "'Tis no better place than here, Solas. None bother me while my doors are closed." She seated herself back in her chair, looking up at them both, her eyes moving between them. "Something troubles you, Solas; and you, Neriah." Her eyes fell on Neriah, who tried her best not to look guilty. "Come, sit; tell me what you wish of me." She gestured to the other chairs within the room, and the two elves exchanged a look, before seating themselves. Neriah watched as Solas took a breath, his eyes observing Morrigan carefully, as he chose the proper words.

Finally, he spoke with a sigh, "Where to begin…"


Morrigan sat back in her chair, her face calm, reserved. Her posture was perfect, yet the hands in her lap gripped each other in a while knuckle grasp. Her body was ridged, and Neriah was worried the woman would turn to stone at a moment's notice. Solas had finished telling Morrigan everything, and now the witch was merely sitting there, her normally pale face whiter than usual, and her golden eyes darkened to a deep honey, her lips pursed. Neriah had no idea what she was thinking, and it was beginning to worry her.

Finally, after what felt like an age, she spoke. "Is she dead." It wasn't a question.

It had taken Neriah leaping between the two to stop Morrigan from turning Solas to ash when he had first told her what had happened to Flemeth. Neriah had never seen Morrigan so angry before. Now, however, she was eerily calm, and Neriah didn't know which she disliked more.

Solas spoke carefully, choosing his words wisely. "No; at least, not that I know of. Her body is petrified, and as such, if I desire, her powers and soul can be returned, and she will live as she did before."

Morrigan exhaled slowly, her body still tense, but her hands no longer desperately gripping one another. "So, this was Mother's plan all along: to give Mythal and her soul to Fen'Harel, should he fail." Her expression was thoughtful, before a light, bitter, laugh escaped her. "I should have known; she would have never merely taken Urthemiel's soul from Kieran without having a reason." She looked back at Solas and Neriah, her eyes sad, but for the most part understanding. "And you believe that the Elven Gods are trapped within the Eluvians?"

"Not the Eluvians themselves, no." Solas's voice was barely above a whisper, and Neriah had to strain her ears to hear him. "They are trapped in the Eternal City, and ours," he paused, smiling slightly at Neriah, "Well, Neriah's, thought is that there is a way to enter the Fade through the Crossroads, as Corypheus was attempting to do. By doing this, he wanted to enter the Fade physically, as we did."

"And you wish me to aid you in accomplishing this," Morrigan said slowly, her eyes narrowed. "Do you not feel this may be a both futile and dangerous endeavor, Solas?"

Solas sat up straighter, and Neriah noted how proud his posture and face were as he spoke. "I know the risks, Morrigan, do not worry. I now possess, within a single form, the souls of two Elven Gods, and the famed "Witch of the Wilds", lest you forget. I am far better prepared now than I ever was when I allowed Corypheus to taken the orb." Neriah mentally noted how Solas switched back and forth from saying "I" and "Fen'Harel". Was the Dread Wolf more prominent in Solas's mind and body than she had realized?

Neriah spoke now, having been silent the entire time. "Morrigan," she addressed her friend, who turned her steely gaze from Solas to her, and it warmed slightly. "We would not ask for your help if we did not absolutely have no other options. I know the last thing you probably want to do is get involved with all this."

Morrigan's face changed from anger and bitterness to a small smile. "On the contrary, Neriah, I find this all fascinating, if a little surprising, and somewhat disconcerting. The idea of being able to find out how the ancient elves moved from Eluvian to Eluvian is something I have wished to learn for a time now. 'Tis an exciting thing to know I may now have the opportunity to do such a thing. However," her voice went cold again, and she turned her gaze to Solas, "to aid the one who now has my own mother's soul and very essence, and who aided Corypheus, whether accidental or not, to begin that Blight, does not bode well." She turned to look back at Neriah again, "I wish to help you, Inquisitor, and offer what knowledge I can, however given the circumstance…" Her voice trailed off.

Neriah didn't miss a beat. "Take some time to think Morrigan; take all the time you need. I understand how hard this must be for you to take in. I'm sorry, but there was no gentler way of telling you. Trust me, I know how it feels." She could feel Solas shoot her a glare, but ignored him. "When you have come to a decision, please feel free to seek either myself or Solas out." She smiled at her friend, who gave her a grateful smile.

"'Tis most generous of you, Inquisitor." Morrigan turned her attention to Solas again. "Know that I am not angry with you, Solas, more so than I am in mild shock. I know my mother most definitely had this planed from the start, as she had plans for me from when I was but a little girl living in the Korcari Wilds. I know now that we cannot escape the plans that Flemeth has for us." She looked down, and then back up at them both. "I know what you say is true. After all, I bathed in the waters in the Temple of Mythal, and I feel her here, now. I know it comes from you, Solas." She sighed, shaking her head slightly, before speaking again, "Please, allow me time to process this, and I will seek out at your earliest convenience."

Before Solas could retort, Neriah grabbed him by his hand, and dragged him to the door, despite his grunt of protest. "Thank you, Morrigan, we will let you be now. Thank you for taking time to speak with us." Neriah called over her should as she shoved Solas out into the hall, waving to Morrigan, who looked slightly perplexed. Just as they were nearly out the door, Solas turned and spoke to Morrigan over Neriah's flailing limbs to try and get him out without any further interruptions.

"I neglected to mention one more thing that your mother told me, Morrigan." Solas's voice was even, despite his attempts to swat Neriah away as she tried to shove him out the door. "She said, after this is all over, that she wishes to pass along her God-hood onto you, her only, and capable, daughter." With one final shove, Neriah had him out in the hallway, and the door swung shut behind them.


"Why did you push me out of there?" Solas rounded on Neriah as soon as they were alone in her chambers. She'd felt it best to return there, rather than to the rotunda, as the probability of Dorian eavesdropping again was quite likely. He looked actually angry with her, something she hadn't seen since she'd allowed Morrigan to bathe in the waters at the Temple of Mythal. He had been none too impressed then, and this moment was reminiscent of that.

Neriah stood her ground, her shoulder squared. She was having none of the elf grim and fatalistic antics today. "Because if we pestered her more, or forced her to help us, she would not have done so willingly. We need her help, Solas, and pushing her to help us isn't the answer. Remember what Flemeth said? You cannot possess an unwilling host, just as you cannot force one to help you." Her gaze softened, and she looked at him imploringly. "Morrigan will see reason, hahren, you'll see. She wants to help us, I can tell, but she must come to that on her own accord." She gently placed her hands on his shoulders, and the wolfish look on his face seemed to ebb away. "You've waited this long, what is a few more days?"

Solas exhaled slowly, before regarding her with a look of praise and affection. A smile crept along his face. "You never cease to amaze me, Neriah. You have a rare and marvelous spirit, you know. I am truly lucky to know you; your skills with our friends are much better than mine at times; sometimes I allow what drives me to cloud my judgement. I am sorry; it will not happen again."

Neriah gently drew him to her and placed a soft kiss on his nose. "No harm done, ma vhenan." She grinned up at him, "That wolfy side to you has been coming out a little more each day, you know."

Solas raised an eyebrow. "Wolfy?" He repeated, and wrinkled his nose. "Fenedhis, vhenan, you sound like Sera."

She laughed, squeezing his shoulders. "I don't know, I like it; the wolfishness, I mean. You're allowing yourself to act more like a man, ironically. It's given you more…" She winked, "personality."

Now it was Solas's turn to laugh, "Does it now? I did not expect that reaction from you, vhenan. I often struggled with keeping that side of me at bay; perhaps I will have to worry less about that in the future." There was a glint in his eye, and Neriah felt her heart flutter.

She gave him her most innocent smile. "You are correct, hahren. Perhaps you should let the wolf side of you out more often. I can think of a few places where it might work…" Her voice trailed away, and she glanced pointedly at her bed. Solas noticed her gaze, and looked back at her, his expression exasperated.

"Is now really the best time, lethallan?" He asked, though his tone was one of amusement.

Neriah shrugged casually. "Well we have some time to kill while Morrigan thinks over our offer. I'd say now is as good a time as any." She winked at him, "Besides, I believe you started something against your door the other day that we have yet to finish." She actually waggled her eyebrows at him, and Solas's face cracked into a smile.

"A rare and wonderful spirit," he whispered again, taking her into his arms, and kissing her deeply. Neriah took a moment to mentally praise herself; she'd had no idea if her pathetic attempts at seduction would work on Solas. But, apparently, all it took was mocking his dog-like tendencies as of late, and tease him about molesting her. She wasn't complaining, of course, as he pushed her back against her bed, and her knees buckled, taking them tumbling down onto the sheets.

As Solas began to kiss along her neck and collar bone, she accidentally whispered, "Dread Wolf take me," in a moment of pleasure. Upon saying this, she realized what she'd done, and turned bright red, craning her neck to look down at Solas, who was looking up at her, his eyes wide. After a moment of silence, they both burst out laughing. As the laughter died, Solas slowly lowered his mouth to her throat again, and she felt his teeth scrape along her skin as he whispered.

"He already has, ma vhenan."


The sun rose cold and grey the next morning. After much pestering, Solas had agreed to spend the night with Neriah in her chambers again. Both of them had been too sore to really move much, but the elven apostate had begun to insist he return to his own room, and Neriah had insisted otherwise; and by insist, she had threatened to light his clothes on fire if he tried to leave, and force him to do a walk of shame, similar to what Cullen had had to do so long ago after losing Wicked Grace to Josephine the first time.

Now, as the sun was beginning to rise, Neriah lay curled against Solas's chest, listening to the quiet sound of his heart beating. She wondered vaguely if it truly was only Solas's heart she heard, and not the hearts of the three other souls residing within him. She gently ran her finger along his chest, and the low purr that rumbled in his throat brought a smile to her face. She glanced up, and saw him looking down at her, a sleepy smile on his face.

"You were correct, vhenan, there was no better time than that." He kissed the top of her silver head, and she grinned up at him.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, ma sa'lath." She said happily, before rolling away from him, and getting out of bed. She stretched, and threw on some clothes, grabbing her brush, and running it over her head. "I should probably go downstairs and do my quick rounds through Skyhold. You're welcome to join me, if you like." Solas smiled at her, and nodded, before getting out of bed himself. He put his clothes back on, pressed a light kiss to her forehead, and they descended the stairs from her room to the Main Hall.

The sun had nearly fully risen when they entered into the Main Hall, and the whole area was filled with bright, golden light from the windows. Neriah took a moment to marvel at the beauty again, before gently taking Solas's hand, and leading him from the hall, and out into the courtyard. She did her usual rounds, checking on the barracks, the blacksmiths, the tavern, the healers, and the prisoners. Then came the stables, the merchants, and finally the kitchens. After that, she left Solas to return to his rotunda so that she could go to the War Room to meet with Cullen, Josephine, and Leliana, to exchange information, and get the details on any news. After she had finished with them, she returned to Solas's chambers, hoping to drag him to Herald's Rest for some breakfast.

When she entered his chambers, however, she found that he was not alone. Solas stood by his desk, and Morrigan next to him. Upon seeing Neriah, it was clear that the two had been waiting for her. She looked from one to other, her expression curious.

"Morrigan," she greeted the witch. "Is everything alright?"

The black haired woman looked tired, as though she hadn't slept, but when she spoke, there was a tired smile on her face. "Yes, Inquisitor, everything is fine." She turned so that she faced them both now. "I wished to wait until you arrived before I spoke." Her voice was slightly hoarse.

Neriah watched her friend in concern. "Morrigan, have you slept?"

She waved her hand, brushing off Neriah's concerns. "'Tis not an issue, Inquisitor." She gave Neriah her best reassuring smile, though the elf was vaguely reminded of a raven watching its prey. "I was awake half the night pondering your request from yesterday, Solas." She addressed the elf directly, who was watching her with calm resolve. "If what you say is true, and that Mother wishes to pass along her powers to me once this is all over, than I am inclined to help you."

Neriah couldn't help but snort a little, causing Solas and Morrigan to stare at her. She felt her cheeks heat up, and she cleared her throat loudly before speaking. "Sorry; that is very generous of you, Morrigan." She couldn't help but allow the amusement into her voice as she spoke.

Morrigan noticed this, and a smile passed along her tired face. "'T'would be an interesting experience, being able to obtain my mother's abilities after aiding you with this. I am aware that it sounds somewhat selfish of me to say, but I feel you would both benefit more from honesty than none."

"Ma serannas, Morrigan," Solas thanked her in elven, and the witch nodded to him in response.

"I myself would see the elven people restored," she admitted, "despite the dangers we could face from freeing the Elven Pantheon, the elven people deserve to know the truth, as I did." She looked between the two. "I will lend you all the aid I can with this, and," she added, her golden eyes glinting in the candlelight, "I will speak of this to no one; I understand the necessary discretion."

Neriah felt her hopes rise; she was going to help them! "So, you'll take us into the Eluvian, then? To the Crossroads?"

Morrigan nodded once, her face tense. "'Tis a risky venture, but yes, I will take you into the Eluvian, and into the Crossroads, if you wish."

Solas spoke now, and Neriah could see all the souls within him shining through. He was positively glowing with power, pride, and righteousness. "Let us go then, Morrigan. We have precious little time left."


A/N: Woohoo! Another chapter down! I enjoyed writing Morrigan's character, she's got a very interesting way of talking. Learning more about her son, and Flemeth, was fun too. It never says in-game where exactly Solas left Flemeth's body, but judging by the scenery, it looked like the Arbor Wilds, and since I loved how beautiful that area was in game, I really want to be able to write about it later. Yay for lore and fluff! Sorry for no kink this chapter, that'll come later, I promise.

AND I'M SORRY BUT THAT MOMENT WHERE NERIAH SAID "Dread Wolf, take me," AND SOLAS WAS JUST, "He already has,". How perfect was that? I'm terrible. Send help.

The Elven used here is the same I've used before, with the exception of "ma sa'lath", which means "my one love" – so cute. I might opt out "vhenan" for everything, and get into some other cute elven pet names in future chapters. Hope you all enjoyed! R&R, please!