A/N: This chapter is pretty much all fluff and filler, but there were some things I wanted to take care of before Here Lies the Abyss. Credit for the bet idea goes to Anna241.

Disclaimer: Dragon Age is Bioware's.

Chapter 21: Atoms, snack pouches, and patronuses

I push through the doors to the rotunda, balancing a plate of food, a pitcher of water, and two cups. It's my lunch break so I figured I would visit Solas, considering he probably forgot to eat again. When I enter, he is bent over a book, deeply engrossed in the text.

"Hey, you," I set my things down on his desk and he glances up. "I come bearing sustenance," I announce somewhat dramatically.

Solas leans back in his chair, lips quirking upwards, "Ah, lovely. Just a moment, I want to finish this paragraph." He begins reading again and reaches absentmindedly for a cup sitting nearby, taking a sip and grimacing.

"Why do you insist on drinking that?" I ask, amused.

He continues to make a disgusted face at the beverage, "I think perhaps part of me hopes it will taste better the next time I try it."

I laugh and grab an apple from the tray, "You should try iced tea. It's much better."

He looks up at me in horror, "How is that better?"

"It just tastes better cold," I shrug, smirking at his reaction. "Especially if you make it nice and sweet, maybe add a bit of lemon." He still looks dubious and my smirk turns into a full grin, "Or not." I walk over to the couch and curl up against the arm, biting into my apple. "Is there any coffee here? You might like that. It's dark and bitter, just like you," I tease.

"Very clever," he deadpans, setting the cups on the tray and bringing both it and the pitcher over. He sits down close to me, places the tray on the cushion beside him, and pours us both a glass of water.

He hands me one. "'Ma serannas."

"Da'rahn," he replies as I take a sip and set it on the floor.

"Coffee can actually taste really good if it's made right," I continue, reaching across him and grabbing a hunk of bread. I break off a piece and pop it into my mouth. "God, I miss caramel macchiatos…" I stare longingly into the middle distance.

"What are those?" he asks, confusion wrinkling his brow.

"Coffee with steamed milk and caramel sauce," I close my eyes and hum in remembrance of the delicious taste. "I used to be such a caramel whore."

He splutters into his drink a little, "Pardon?"

"I really love caramel."

"Ah…" he shakes his head and grabs some food of his own. It's quiet for a moment as we both eat. "Hawke and the Warden, Alistair, have returned," he comments, leaning back and munching on fruit.

"Yeah, I know, and Varric still hasn't introduced me to Hawke," I mutter bitterly and take another bite of my apple.

"I take it you've read the dwarf's book," he drapes an arm across the couch behind me.

I swallow and shake my head. "No, there's another book on Earth about the Champion," I correct.

Solas tilts his head curiously, "Just how many of these books are there? Is the entirety of Thedas' history spelled out for the perusal of your world's citizens?"

"Basically," I shrug. "The first story is about the group that ended the most recent blight. The second one is about the happenings in Kirkwall and the beginning of the mage rebellion. And the third is, of course, about the Inquisition. There are also a few other books that cover history and lore and whatnot."

"You essentially know all there is to know about this world, then," he remarks, expression unreadable.

"I can't remember most of it," I admit and discreetly scoot closer to him.

"It is disconcerting to realize that people I have never met know so much about my life…" he tells me softly after a minute.

"I'd imagine so." I suddenly smile mischievously. "So I shouldn't tell you that there are millions of earthlings that lust after you?" I wiggle my eyebrows.

He mutters something I can't quite hear and covers his face with a hand. After a second, though, he glances at me out of the corner of his eye and smirks. "Do you count yourself among them, lethal'lan?"

Gulp. "Um…" I blush and shove the apple into my mouth to avoid answering. Solas gives a sultry chuckle and starts playing with a strand of my hair. I don't remember the last time someone did that. It feels really good. I close my eyes and focus on not making any noises.

"It truly is fascinating that the events of one world can be nothing but a series of books in another. How could that possibly be?" Solas muses aloud.

"I've been wondering that since I arrived," I chime in, eyes opening. "There's obviously a connection between my world and this one. Is it the only one, though? Does a story from here exist elsewhere? Are there other stories from Earth that are like that as well?" I pause and frown at my lap. "I'm not sure I like that thought…"

Solas runs a fingertip along the shell of my ear and a small shiver runs down my spine, "All valid questions that we couldn't begin to answer at this point in time, unfortunately." He looks thoughtful. "Do you know how it is that you pass between worlds?"

I chuckle and shake my head, "My specialty is biology, not quantum mechanics, but it feels as if I just phase through the barrier between dimensions. If that's what it is…" I shrug. Solas is looking more than a bit confused. "Are you looking at me like that because of 'quantum mechanics'?" His lips quirk and he nods. "Quantum mechanics is the study of how things work at the smallest level," I explain.

"Is this the component you spoke of before?" he asks.

I remember our discussion after that one lesson, "No, this is even smaller." His eyes widen in interest so I decide to go on. "Everything is made up of these tiny things called atoms. Each atom is comprised of a nucleus with electrons that orbit it." Solas blinks at me, not quite understanding, so I hop up from the couch and drag him over to the desk. I grab a spare bit of parchment and his quill and draw an atom. "This is the nucleus," I point. "It's made up of protons, which are positively charged, and neutrons, which are neutral, as the name implies." I move my finger to the small particles outside the nucleus. "These are electrons. They're negatively charged."

"Positive and negative… what do you mean by that?" he moves in close, studying my drawing.

I realize I'm going to have to explain how charges work. "Have a seat," I instruct, gesturing to his chair. "This may take a while."

I spend the next couple of hours teaching Solas about atoms. He catches on quickly, asking many questions and listening raptly to my answers. I've started going over the elements when I remember that I was supposed to return to work.

"Oh shit!" I exclaim, standing up from where I'd been perched on the arm of his chair. "I should've been back at the clinic a long time ago!"

"I'm sure all is well," Solas soothes. "There are plenty of other healers on duty."

"I know, but…" I shrug. "I guess I just got carried away," I smile self-deprecatingly.

"I enjoy your enthusiasm," he smirks. I laugh nervously and rub my forearm. "I suppose we will have to continue this some other time."

"Yeah, I suppose so," I smile. I start to leave but pause, taking a deep breath and turning back around. I place a hand on the back of his chair and another on his cheek and lean in. Touching my lips lightly to his, I breathe in his scent before deepening the kiss slightly. Solas wraps his arms around me as our mouths move languidly together.

"About time!" The shout startles us and I pull back a few inches. "Varric owes me fifty silver!" Dorian proclaims proudly.

"A bet? Seriously?" I ask dryly.

"It would seem so," Solas replies, eyebrow raised.

I straighten, looking up to where Dorian is leaning over the second story railing. One of my hands lingers on Solas' shoulder. "Mind your own damn business, Pavus!" I scold playfully.

"When you're kissing like that in view of the whole library, you can't seriously expect me to remain quiet!" he grins charmingly.

"Yes, I can. Go back to posing against the shelves or whatever it is you do up there," I flap a hand at him.

Dorian scoffs. "I'll have you know I am in the middle of some very important research. It's not my fault if I always look like I'm posing." I roll my eyes good-humoredly and he finally turns away from the railing.

I look back at Solas. The corners of his eyes and mouth are crinkled in amusement. "I'll see you later," I tell him and smile softly. He inclines his head and I slip out the door.

.

I clear my throat to announce my presence and Vivienne looks up from the book in her lap. She's perched on a fainting couch, dappled by the evening sun.

"Hi… I was just wondering if we could talk for a minute," I fidget nervously. Damn, she's intimidating.

Vivienne sets her book aside, "Of course, my dear. Have a seat." She looks like a queen about to hold court.

I sit in one of the chairs across from her, hands restless. "I'm not sure how to say this so I'll jump right in. Your Duke is dying, yes?"

Her masks slips for just a moment before becoming flawless once more. "Another fact from your book, I take it?" she remarks icily.

I ignore the question. "There's a potion you're trying to make, right? With… with… some kind of wyvern," I press two fingers to my temple, trying to remember.

"The heart of a snowy wyvern," she corrects.

"Yes," I nod. "It's not going to work. He's… going to die," I tell her softly.

She regards me for a moment. "What is your reason for telling me this?" she asks coldly.

"Is there…." I frown, "is there some way you could make it more potent or something…?" I twist my fingers together.

"Perhaps. I shall look into it," she turns her gaze to the windows and I know I'm dismissed.

.

Having been summoned to the war room, I'm walking through Josephine's office to get there. I push through the next door and freeze.

Oh my God that's Hawke! Okay, Rhynn, don't do anything embarrassing.

Varric spots me, "Hey, Torpin! Over here!" He waves me over. Varric, why?

I feel my eye twitch, but make my way over. "I shouldn't be surprised you found out what my last name is, but must you use it?"

"Well, you know me, always looking to get under someone's skin," he leans against the wall behind him.

"Too true," Hawke chimes in and turns to me. "You must be the time-travelling healer Varric's been telling me about," he grins roguishly.

"Don't let anyone hear you say that," I joke. "I don't think Varric is supposed to be going around telling other people that."

Hawke laughs, "That's never stopped him before. I'm Hawke, by the way." Yeah, I know.

"Rhynn," I nod. "It's… really good to finally meet you!" I color a little at my words. Oh, and can you sign my tits? Shit, girl, calm down.

Both Hawke and Varric grin, for different reasons I hope. "You, as well," Hawke replies. "We should probably get in there," he jerks a thumb over his shoulder at the war room door.

I curl my lip a little and sigh, "Are you ready to hear them argue for a few hours?"

"I brought snacks," Hawke whispers conspiratorially and I snort out a laugh. We enter the war room and I have another heart attack. Alistair is leaning over a map on the table, discussing something with the advisors. Holy shit, nobody should have the right to be that attractive. You can sign the other taddy.

The meeting is, as I predicted, long and drawn out. Alistair and Hawke give their findings to the Inquisitor and the advisors. Then the latter four spend a good chunk of time discussing things. When it becomes clear they don't plan on wrapping things up anytime soon, Hawke opens a little pouch on his belt and shares his snacks with me. It's weird and surreal and I keep getting the urge to laugh my head off.

Finally, they turn to me. "What do you know about this, Lady Rhynn?" Cullen asks.

"Well, I know that the Wardens, even Clarel, can be swayed to our side." They look encouraged by this.

"Wait, wait!" Alistair interrupts excitedly. "Can you see the future?!"

My lips twist in amusement, "Uh, something like that."

"That's awesome! Okay, tell me," he holds up a hand and pauses dramatically. "Will Talynnia say yes when I ask her to marry me?"

"It doesn't quite work like that," I grin and chuckle. His face falls just a little in disappointment. "But she'd be a fool to say no." Alistair smiles and blushes a bit.

"Can we please get back to the matter at hand?" Cullen interjects irritably.

"Apologies," Alistair mumbles.

"Um…" I continue, sifting through my memories, "Corypheus' dragon will show up at some point." They all frown in worry. "And then everyone will end up in the Fade somehow."

"In the Fade…? How do you mean?" Leliana questions.

"Physically," I reply and everyone starts talking at once.

"Hey, hey! Quiet!" Aila raises her voice over the din, then looks at me. "How does that happen?"

"I don't remember," I admit. "I'm sorry."

Aila sighs, "That's alright, Rhynn. Do you have any other advice?"

"Just… at least consider giving the Wardens a second chance. Their fears and desperation were used against them by Corypheus and his lackeys. It doesn't absolve them of all guilt, but…" I shrug. "If you speak reason, use evidence, they'll listen." Aila nods solemnly.

"One other thing, Lady Rhynn," Leliana speaks up. "We were wondering if you might lend us one of your weapons to study and possibly replicate."

My face goes expressionless and cold, "No."

"But – " she tries to argue.

"No," I growl. "And that's my final answer." I spin on my heel and march out of the war room, slamming the door behind me. I head back to the clinic and throw myself into the work in an attempt to calm down.

.

"I thought we might try a different technique this time," Solas informs me. We're in the Fade and I'm trying to manipulate my surroundings again… without much luck.

"I'm all ears," I reply, frustrated.

"Perhaps if you think of a very powerful memory and try to project that instead, we may see results," he explains. A memory of Remus Lupin teaching Harry Potter how to cast a Patronus pops into my head and I fight not to laugh.

Alright, Girl-Who-Lived, what's your happiest memory? I close my eyes and think back, to Earth, to my childhood. It's a beautiful day at the beach, pleasantly warm with a slight breeze. I can hear the crashing of waves, the rustling of dune grass, the calling of sea birds. There are towels spread out under a huge umbrella, held down at the corners with miscellanea. An olive-skinned man with dark hair lounges on one of them, smiling fondly at the children playing a few feet away. Both of them are brown from the summer sun, smattered with freckles, but the boy has a slightly darker complexion. It contrasts with his light brown hair and piercing blue eyes. The girl, a few years older than the boy, has a wild black mane, tangled with sand and salt water and wind. They're building a sandcastle together, ruddy-faced from running to the ocean for water.

I slowly open my eyes… and it's all still there, right in front of me. I gasp, staring with wide eyes.

Solas is watching the scene raptly. "Well done, lethal'lan," he says softly.

I don't have the wherewithal to respond. My heart is beating against my ribcage and my lungs feel like they can't get enough air. I stagger closer to the children and fall to my knees. I'm shaking but I can't make it stop. "Mycah," I breathe, reaching out to the boy's face, but not touching for fear it will all disappear.

"Rhynn?" Solas sounds slightly concerned.

I can't answer, not yet. I look at the dark-haired man sitting nearby and the tears slip free, making crooked tracks down my cheeks, "Daddy..." I can hear Solas suck in a breath behind me. "Just… just give me a minute," I tell him.

"Of course."

I let the tears fall freely but remain quiet and don't turn around. I don't want Solas to see me like this. Eventually, there's nothing left to shed and I take a few deep breaths to regain my composure, scrubbing at my eyes and face. I stand and beckon him over and he moves to my side.

I point to the boy. "That's my little brother, Mycah. He'd be about seven years old here. Those looks of his made him quite popular with the ladies when he got older," I remark fondly, with gentle humor. "That's me, of course," I gesture to the older girl.

"Yes, I can see the resemblance now," Solas comments with a small smile, wrapping a comforting arm around my waist.

I turn and nod towards the man on the towel, "And that's my dad." I give a sad laugh when I notice his facial hair, "Oh God, I forgot he had that ridiculous goatee." Oh Dad…

"And your mother…?" he asks softly, hesitantly, as if unsure whether he should be bringing her up at all.

"She died when I was five," I explain.

"Ir abelas."

I shrug, "It's all right. I don't remember her much. Dad always talked about her, but yeah..." I look back at my family, studying their faces, rememorizing them. I give a genuine smile, "This is a happy memory, though. And it's good to see them again, even if this isn't truly them." Solas holds me to his side a bit tighter. "Thank you," I whisper to the spirits re-enacting this memory for me. They give no signs of recognition, but I hope they understand my gratitude nonetheless.

A/N: 'Ma serannas: My thanks

Da'rahn: or De da'rahn; da'rahn is more casual; meaning: it was nothing

Lethal'lan: female kin

Ir abelas: I'm sorry

(translations taken from FenxShiral's Project Elvhen)