Chapter 3

Valla sat in Skyhold's garden with Asha in her arms, softly humming an old Dalish lullaby. The fresh air and the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees were as soothing as Valla's song. The smell of freshly dug earth mingling with the herbs growing in the garden seemed to put everyone at ease. Solas and Cole stood nearby watching as Asha's eyes slowly began to close as she drifted off to sleep.

"She is so small." Cole said, "Are all babies that small?"

"I think you will find they grow rather quickly." Solas laughed.

Valla smiled at them both. While the rest of the Inquisition had reacted to Solas' return with distrust, Cole had welcomed him back eagerly. The two of them had always had a unique connection. They could always speak to each other about matters the other companions could not, or didn't wish to understand.

Their conversation was interrupted by a guard who approached Valla. "My apologies, my lady." the guard said, "I know you said you didn't want visitors, but I couldn't say no to-"

"I assumed you could make an exception for a friend." they heard a familiar voice say. A woman dressed in armor emblazoned with the symbol of the Seekers entered the garden.

"Divine Victoria!" Valla looked surprised, "I certainly wasn't expecting a visit from you."

"Please," she said, "When we are in regular company, just call me Cassandra. I did not come here as the Divine, but simply as a friend."

"Of course, most holy." Valla teased, "What brings you so far from Orlais?"

Cassandra chose to ignore Valla's joke and sat next to her, "It isn't every day a dear friend brings a child into the world. I wanted to extend my congratulations personally." she looked at Asha sleeping in her mother's arms. "She is beautiful." Cassandra smiled, "Truly a symbol of hope for the future."

Valla nodded in agreement as she looked lovingly at her daughter. Amidst the fighting and chaos in the world, Asha was a reminder of what Valla was fighting for, a better world for the next generation.

Cassandra glanced at Solas who had silently been watching them from across the garden. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at his presence, "Solas," Cassandra said curtly, "I am surprised you have been allowed to set foot on the castle grounds. Only by the Inquisitor's order, I expect."

Solas tried his best to be civil, "Perhaps," he replied, "But I wouldn't trade my presence here for anything."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, "From what I have been told, it would appear your presence here, or anywhere for that matter, is owed to the good graces of the Inquisitor. If it were up to me you would be in chains, I hope you remember that."

Solas glared at her, "I will keep that in mind, your Worship."

Valla couldn't help but be amused by their bickering. It reminded her of when they first joined together to fight against the Breach, when she used to watch them argue about tactics and the true nature of the Fade. It felt like another lifetime ago, but it was comforting to know despite everything that had happened to each of them, some things never changed.

Cassandra turned to Valla, "May I have a word with you in private, Inquisitor?"

Valla nodded as Solas came over to take Asha and the two of them headed into the empty great hall. Cassandra sat down at the end of one of the long tables and heaved a long sigh. Valla remained standing, leaning against the cold stone wall. She watched Cassandra as looked around the hall with a smile.

"Memories of a simpler time." she said wistfully, "Sometimes I wish I could come back here and fight demons instead of mediating the fate of nations."

Valla frowned, "What is this about, Cassandra? I thought this was just a social visit."

Cassandra sighed again, this time not with longing, but with reluctance, "I'm afraid that is not entirely so, but I will get to that in a moment." she glanced worriedly back at the door leading to the garden, "Are you certain he can be trusted?"

Valla knew immediately who she was talking about, as she had to put everyone's minds at ease countless times already. "I am certain Solas means no harm." she said. She had grown tired of answering that question.

"You know I trust your judgment, but you must certainly understand my concern." Cassandra said, "After everything that has happened, after everything he has done-"

"The situation had changed, Cassandra." Valla interrupted. "It wasn't the power of the Inquisition that stopped Solas in Tevinter, and it certainly wasn't my skills as a mage. It was...something else." Valla found herself trailing off. Even now she had difficulty discussing their relationship.

"It was his love for you." Cassandra finished her thought.

Valla could feel herself blush, "Perhaps. Regardless of what it was, my point is Solas had a change of heart. He is looking for better ways to help our people."

"You are trying to appeal to the romantic in me." Cassandra smirked.

Valla looked flustered, "Solas wants to be here for Asha and I, he is her father after all. I see no reason why he should be deemed as a threat."

Cassandra nodded, looking rather amused by Valla's discomfort. "Very well, if you truly believe he means no harm."

"I do." Valla said firmly, trying to put an end to the matter.

Cassandra continued to smile. "You are fortunate few people outside of the Inquisition know who he truly is. It would certainly complicate matters otherwise."

"We will do everything in our power to keep it that way." Valla was starting to wish she had stayed in the garden.

The two of them were silent for a long moment. While they had always had their differences, the Divine and the Inquisitor had always held a deep respect for each other. With the Inquisition now acting as the Divine's personal honor guard as well as agents of the Sunburst Throne, it was important now more than ever that they held a mutual understanding.

Cassandra stretched her arms across the table, folding her hands neatly in front of her, "I suppose that brings me to the true reason as to why I came here. I know you have been preoccupied as of late, but there is a matter I need to bring to your attention."

Valla held her breath. She had a feeling there had been more to Cassandra's visit than to just offer her congratulations.

"I have received disturbing reports coming out of the Dales." she continued, "From the information that has been gathered, it seems that a strange group of unknown elves have been attacking Dalish clans."

The news took Valla by surprise. She had received no such news. "Elves attacking other elves? It is uncommon, but not unheard of."

"It is the manner of the attacks that is disturbing." Cassandra replied, "Aravels are being burned, some of the Dalish elves are being captured while the rest are killed or forced to flee. Why they are being captured is unknown. As well, the attackers always ensure that the clan's Keeper does not survive."

Valla's surprise quickly turned to worry, "This is very troubling." she replied, "Do we know anything about the elves carrying out these attacks?"

"We know very little, I'm afraid." Cassandra said, "The few survivors we have managed to speak to all say the same thing about the attackers. They are elven, and they all bear the facial markings of your people, but in brilliant red."

"Elves wearing red vallaslin?" Valla continued to be surprised by the news, "I have never heard of such a thing."

"And here I was hoping you would have some answers for me." Cassandra said dryly. "There are some in Orlais who believe the Inquisition should come to their aid, but I have learned it is better to not interfere in the affairs of elves unless it is absolutely necessary. I told the interested parties that I would defer to the Inquisitor on this matter." She looked at Valla expectantly.

Valla furrowed her brow in thought, "Unless one of the clans ask for help directly, it would be unwise to offer aid. Even though one of their own leads the Inquisition, they still view it as a human organization. It would be viewed as a sign of weakness among many."

"I was afraid you would say that." Cassandra sighed, "I must ask you, have you heard any news from Clan Lavellan? I know some have stayed in Wycome as members of the council, but many have chosen to return to traveling the wilds. Perhaps they would see the benefit of our aid?"

"I am afraid I have not heard from my clan in some time." Valla said sadly, "I admit I do not write to them as much as I should." After hearing Cassandra's grim news, she began to worry for their safety. "I will ask Solas if he knows anything about these strange elves," she continued, "This seems to fall under his area of expertise."

"A sound idea," Cassandra agreed, "Perhaps he still has some use after all."

At the day's end, Valla found herself having to practically carry herself to her chambers. Her conversation with Cassandra had left her with much on her mind. The thought of the Dalish and her clan being in danger worried her greatly. The fact she knew so little about what threatened them only troubled her more. If the Dalish did not openly ask for the Inquisition's help, she was afraid there was little she could do for them. She hoped she would soon receive reassuring news from Clan Lavellan to help put her mind at ease. Valla opened the chamber door and was greeted by the familiar sight of her room. The balcony overlooking the castle courtyard, the rows of shelves packed with books accumulated over the years, the fireplace casting a merry glow around the room as the sun's last light faded behind the mountains. It was one of the few places in Skyhold she felt the world's troubles could not reach her. She saw Solas sitting at her desk, reading from an ancient looking tome. He rose to greet her as she entered.

"I am afraid you missed putting Asha to bed." he said pleasantly, "I must admit she is a rather agreeable child. She rarely cries and when she does it is easy to find a way to calm her."

"Perhaps you simply have a way with her." Valla smiled.

Solas chuckled warmly as he took Valla in his arms. As she rested her head on his shoulder, she could feel the tenseness in her body fade away. After being apart for so long, it still felt unreal at times to finally be together. She inhaled deeply and let out a weary sigh, "Ar lath ma, vhenan." she said, happily closing her eyes.

Solas looked down at her curiously, "I wasn't aware I did something to warrant that expression."

"I am just happy you're here." Valla replied.

"I am happy to be here, ma'arlath." he said as they shared a few moments of blissful silence, locked in their embrace. For a few moments nothing else in the world mattered. It was these rare moments Valla had learned to never take for granted. In a life dedicated to the service of others, she never knew when she would get her next moment of peace.

"I am eager to hear of your conversation with Cassandra." Solas said, "It must have been eventful to say the least."

"It was." Valla said. She walked across the room to the fireplace and collapsed into a leather bound chair. Staring into the flames she lost herself in thought again, unaware that Solas was waiting for her to continue. He followed her and stood in front of the fire, watching her with concern.

"Clearly something is troubling you." he said, noticing the weariness in her eyes.

"There is a matter we may need to look into." Valla said grimly as she stared into the fire. She told Solas of the attacks on Dalish clans, how their Keepers were being killed while others were captured and their homes burned. "The only thing we know about the attackers is they are elves with red vallaslin." Looking up at Solas, she noticed his expression had darkened.

"Red vallaslin." he repeated, "Are you certain?"

Valla was taken off guard by the sternness in his voice. "It seemed to be the only thing Cassandra was certain of." she said worriedly, "What's wrong? Do you know something of these elves?"

"They are cultists." Solas growled, "Fanatics reminiscent of ancient Arlathan. They wear red vallaslin to distinguish themselves from the rest of elven culture. Their markings represent their veneration of the Forgotten Ones."

"The Forgotten Ones?" Valla was astonished. She had only heard them mentioned in stories told by her clan. They were the antagonists of the Evanuris, malevolent deities the presided over the darker aspects of life. "I have heard a few of their legends," she said, "I was not aware there were still elves who worshiped them."

"There have always been those who have sought out their power." Solas said, "Their reasons are varied, but the most common reason elves devote themselves to the Forgotten Ones is for revenge. Revenge against humans for their past affronts against the elven people."

"But these cultists are attacking other elves." Valla pointed out, "What would make them do this?"

Solas let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't know, but they are a dangerous adversary. They are not above using blood magic to twist people to their own ends, and have been known to sacrifice their victims in honor of their gods. Their devotion to those monsters is repulsive."

Valla realized that Solas must have known the Forgotten Ones long ago, before the creation of the Veil and the fall of Arlathan. She vaguely remembered stories of Fen'Harel tricking the dark gods as he tricked the Evanuris. She hesitated to mention it as Solas clearly had strong feelings on the matter.

"Regardless of their reasons, there is little we can do unless one of the clans ask for our aid." Valla said.

"I'm afraid you're right." Solas began to sound as weary as Valla, "The Dalish are proud, and asking for any help outside of their own people will not be easy for them."

Hearing Solas agree with her only confirmed Valla's own worries, and his reaction to these cultists only left her with more questions. For now all Valla could do was hope that one among the Dalish would come to her for aid and hope more about this strange cult, and the Forgotten Ones would be revealed.