Ancient Arlathan

The palace and temple of Andruil is heavily ornamented with gold, lyrium, and trophies of every type of creature. Parts of it seem as much a tomb as a gallery. All for the glory of Andruil and her obsession with worship.

Andruil's madness is getting more severe the longer it goes on. Though Mythal has already struck down a Titan in order to end the war - a war caused by Andruil's crawling in the abyss - she remains unhinged and dangerous. The war with the Titans has been a bloody and brutal one, and both sides have suffered terribly. There is an uneasy truce now. A truce achieved only by Mythal's wisdom and my own careful words of persuasion.

Even so I wonder how much longer this truce will last. The once-great heroes of the war have now become despots, believing themselves gods and abusing their people. All save Mythal. I am now her agent, her weapon, her wolf protector helping to limit the suffering with my cunning and persuasion. Having me serve Andruil is but a ploy for me to keep the mad woman in check.

I find myself tied to this creature, who lives but for the hunt and the sacrifices made to her. Whatever she was before, she has now become little else but a vessel for carnal desires. Blood spilled in her name and living creatures offered to serve her amusement have become a sexual ecstasy for her. It is so repulsive I can barely contain my rage. At night I wake to screams of people and animals killed, tortured or raped, some by Andruil's worshippers, others by Andruil herself. And yet I must endure. Only Mythal's anger holds her at bay, and I am the constant reminder that Mythal is watching. For all the happenings that sicken my very essence, far worse atrocities would occur if not for my presence.

An elaborate party fills the halls. Excellent food and drink, and wonderful entertainment, if you can look past the fact that most of them are slaves. I pass a golden wall fixture and see my golden vallaslin reflected on its surface. A servant dressed as a noble in my fine black, white and red clothing trimmed with golden embroidery. I am but a tool myself; more privileged and respected than those around me, but a slave nonetheless. Andruil's nobles treat them as possessions, created solely for their amusement and carnal desires. Three nobles stand around a young girl, barely clothed and with tears streaming down her face. She is very young - certainly young enough to still be untouched.

"That is enough. Find your amusement elsewhere." I keep my voice calm and friendly as I approach them.

"On whose authority?" One spits as he keeps assaulting the young girl.

Another turns to look at me and studies my vallaslin.

"Come, let us go find someone else," the other urges his friend.

The nobles look at me briefly before retreating, leaving the frightened young girl behind. Her green eyes are red from crying, her brown hair tousled, her clothes in disarray, and her pale skin blemished with bruises and cuts. She whimpers and sniffles as she sits on the floor trying desperately to cover herself with the rags those monsters have made of her clothes. I crouch down and she flinches when I reach for her chin. I take a gentle hold and make her look at me so that I might examine her. I heal her swollen cheek as I speak softly.

"I will not harm you."

She simply nods too frightened to speak.

"If you go up those stairs and go through the third door to the right you will reach my quarters. There is food and drink there, and you will be able to hide until these 'festivities' are over. You need not fear that any will harm you."

She looks at me and pushes up against the wall behind her. Like a frightened critter, a hare. One Andruil's favorite creatures to hunt. Something gentle, innocent, and agile. I close my eyes and summon a spirit. Wisdom appears next to me with a curious look until she sees the girl.

"I understand. Follow me young one. Solas would never harm you and neither will I."

I reach out to the girl, who, with a skittish movement, finally takes my hand as I help her to stand. As Wisdom leads her away, I take a moment to myself. Anything that can keep the rage I feel at bay. Unfortunately, I sense a presence behind me and feel a pair of arms drape over my shoulders. In the reflection of the wall fixture I see Andruil. Her catlike red eyes stare back at mine in the reflection, her mohawk dark at the bottom and the tips bright red as if soaked in the blood of the many sacrifices in her name. Her skin is sickly pale and a faint red glow echoes on her skin, a result of the curse cast upon her by the Titans; a taint that lingers in her blood and the red lyrium weapons she uses. For such a vile and brutal creature, the look in her eyes strikes me as almost tender.

"We are alike you and I," she purrs as the back of her hand strokes my cheek.

"Is that so?"

"We're both hunters. We see what we want, stalk it and skillfully execute a carefully laid strategy. Imagine what we could accomplish together. The hunter and her wolf."

With a smile, I grab her wrist and remove it from my face. As I turn, I look down at her, hiding my disgust behind a veil of amusement.

"I am many things, Andruil, but I am not, nor will I ever be, your pet."

She licks her teeth as her eyes darken with sexual hunger. "You know I enjoy a good hunt."

I lean in against her ear and whisper; "You are mistaken if you think it would be stalking prey. It is a fight for territory I will never relinquish."

I feel her shudder and I walk away from her. I know I have not offended her - merely riled her up. I need to remain on civil terms with her. Fortunately her infatuation with me has been of some benefit in keeping her in line. But I will never lay with her. Though I am disgusted with her, that I could overcome, but toying with someone's affection is a line I refuse to cross.

I walk outside and look into the distance as the sun is about to rise. Taking in the smell of grass and the first sounds of birds is soothing. It feels like an entirely different world compared to the party inside.

I smile, feeling a comforting presence. I turn to see a spirit in the form of a halla looking at the people inside.

"I do not understand you, Solas. Why do you care so for these creatures? They are selfish and so full of pride. Everything they see, they destroy." Its brows narrow as it shakes its head.

I give a rueful smile. "True, but they are also capable of creating. They shape the world, where we as spirits left the world unchanged. It is truly remarkable."

I reach for its cheek and gently stroke it. I will never cease to be amazed at how beautiful Devotion is. Its essence so pure and innocent if you never let it be twisted by pride.

"You sound like you actually enjoy your physical form."

"It is not entirely unpleasant. Yet, had Mythal not needed my aid, I would not have changed the nature of my existence."

"Hmm…" Devotion looks to the halla grazing in the dim light not far in the distance. "Animals are much more pure, and free of corruption. They do only what is in their nature. They know nothing of deceit, war, or cruelty. They take only what they need to survive."

"And you have created many fascinating creatures." I narrow my eyes with a bit of sadness. "Though some of them prey on the people. They are uncontrollable."

It tilts its head and turns to walk towards the meadow as I follow.

"The people are immortal and far more powerful than any creature. There needs to be balance. Wolves hunt the halla to ensure they never become too many and die from starvation. This is no different."

"Except your creatures are preying on the weak. Those the Evanuris have enslaved, rather than the powerful."

"It is no different among the animals." Devotion smiles at me and presses her nose affectionately against my cheek. "My sweet love, justice plays no part in nature. There is no use for it, as animals do not practice injustice."

"I am aware." I sigh as I sit down in the grass. "I helped the Evanuris fight the Titans. I brokered peace between them after. Now Anduril has betrayed the treaty and the Evanuris have gone mad with power. I feel as if it is all my doing."

"You are powerful, vhenan , but not even you can overcome nature." Devotion lays down in the grass next to me. "What of Mythal?"

"She cares for her people. Protects them. She is the only one of them worthy of worship."

"Is that why you wear her slave markings?" Devotion's eyes dart at me.

"It is for my protection. I have made many enemies fighting for Mythal. This reminds them that should they retaliate, they do so against her."

"If you say so… I still miss my wolf."

I feel her wet nose against my cheek and I smile as I transform into a black wolf. We lay side by side as the sun starts to rise.

Present

Walking through the great hall at Skyhold, I pass Josephine and Mona standing in the doorway of the ambassador's office. Mona's gaze is turned towards the floor with a frown, and her arms folded across her chest.

"Are you sure it's absolutely necessary? We are so close to the end with Corypheus now - I can feel it. I don't have time to go to Crestwood."

"It is at Bann Teagan's insistence, I am afraid. Besides, Lady Morrigan needs time to make sense of the abilities she has gained from the well, and is researching a way to defeat Corypheus." Josephine speaks softly, but it is clear that she is adamant about this.

"The key is killing that bloody dragon of his."

"I believe you are correct, but killing a tainted dragon is no small feat. And with the amount of wounded and soldiers still in the Arbor Wilds it will takes several weeks for them to return to Skyhold. We need Ferelden support if Corypheus decides to act against us. Master Tethras has also been quite insistent that we send a delegation there immediately. Something about a surprise and the influence on morale."

Mona sighs, but gives Josephine a small smile.

"Alright, I see the wisdom in your suggestion. I will leave before the day is over so we can replenish our numbers."

"Thank you, Inquisitor."

Josephine notices me and smiles in my direction before walking back towards her desk. Mona smiles at me as well, but there is a heaviness in her eyes that has me worried.

"I heard Morrigan's son went missing. Were you able to find him?" I ask.

I heard about it not an hour ago, but before I could offer my assistance in helping to retrieve the child Mona and the Herald had already gone searching for him. According to Lelianna they had gone through Morrigan's eluvian and Cullen wouldn't allow anyone to pursue until we knew more. A wise precaution, yet I had still been pacing the rotunda until I heard word of their return.

"We did and he is fine. He is such a sweet boy." She takes a step towards me and lowers her voice a little. "We should talk about what happened, but it will have to wait until I return from Crestwood."

"Or I could simply join you," I offer with a smile, but to my surprise Mona's face falters and she takes a step back.

"No, that's fine. It's just some diplomatic business. It's better if you stay here with the Herald and prepare for when Corypheus prepares to strike."

Her eyes evade mine and her shoulders tighten in an unfamiliar way. Had I not been concerned before I certainly would be now. This behaviour is so unlike her. I have seen her concerned, worried, and even afraid before, but this is a look of dread and pain I had never expected to see in her.

"I see… Do you have an inkling as to when he will attack?"

"None…" she admits with a sigh, the momentary dread leaving her again for a more familiar tired expression.

For a moment I consider doing as she asks, but Crestwood is only a day's swift ride away. Getting there and returning to Skyhold will not take but three days at most. A shorter period of time than it will take for Corypheus to gather his strength and return to Ferelden, dragon or no. I reach for my pocket and I feel the handkerchief I am keeping there. There is wisdom in her words, but I need to talk with her before the final battle with Corypheus. My plans going forward depend on it. I take a step forward and take her hand in mine.

"I believe there is time, and I would like to join you, if I may." I speak softly as my thumb strokes her knuckles and she looks at me seeming conflicted. With a sigh she holds my hand tighter.

"Of course. We have missed so much time already," she murmurs softly then gives a sad giggle. "Damn you for being so persuasive. Get your gear, we'll leave as soon as we are able."

"At once, Inquisitor." I bow with a smile as she walks past me shaking her head.

I look at her with a frown as she walks out the great hall. If only she would confide in me what is troubling her of late, perhaps I could make this easier for her. I take out the handkerchief. An old keepsake embroidered with elven writing. Last I used this, it was as wrapping when I gave Mona the framed drawing of her son. This time I will grant her another gift - the entire truth.

Arlathan

I stand with my arms behind my back looking out over the lands of Mythal. It is a pleasant respite from my time in Andruil's domain. Here people are treated well and protected. I have always been happy here. But it does not feel as it once did. Where I once found tranquility and happiness here, a part of me now lingers in pain and anger. All of the People should be treasured like this. It doesn't feel right to live here in comfort while so many struggle under the rule of tyrants who imagine themselves gods. Mythal appears beside me and looks down over the lands.

"Andruil is very displeased you left her service."

"I was never in her service… It was necessary for me to retreat. Had I not, I could not be held accountable for my actions." I turn to her, my calm failing. "She is a monster! What she does to her people is an atrocity."

"I know, old friend, but you need to steel yourself with patience. We will help the People yet." She reaches for my cheek with a gentle smile.

"You underestimate the Evanuris. They have gone mad with power. Are the crimes of Falon'din and Andruil not enough? They will doom us all if we do not stop them."

"We will always stop the others from going too far. Just as we always have. The Evanuris listen to my wisdom."

"And what happens the day they no longer do? What will we do when they decide that they will no longer be forced into line? They turn on each other like rabid beasts. What is to prevent them from turning on you?"

She gives a chuckle. "That would require them to be able to work together without my counsel and guidance. Not to mention Elgar'nan would have to allow it. That day may come, but it is not today. Or for many eons to come."

"But-"

"Hush now. I know you mean well, but that is not a pressing concern. This unfortunately is."

She hands me a document. A report from one of her sentinels. My blood chills as I read it.

"This makes no sense. Why would it ever do such a thing?"

"I was hoping you would find out."

I look at Mythal and nod in agreement as I rush towards my chamber to gather my things. Wisdom awaits me in my chambers and observes me as I turn them into a disaster in my haste.

"Solas, what has happened?"

"Someone appears to be killing many of the great creatures of this world, and somehow Devotion seems to be involved. It makes no sense. It loves creatures. It's is a gentle spirit." I shake my head in frustration as I gather my possessions in my pack.

"Unless it has somehow been corrupted. By jealousy and pride perhaps?" Wisdom's words are pain and my heart stops as I look at her. Andruil… how could I have made such an obvious mistake?

"I have to stop it, before it is perverted from its purpose. There might still be time."

"Solas, be careful. Devotion is too easy manipulated into Obsession. Especially, when the victim of wounded pride. I would not see you hurt," Wisdom cautions.

"I know it. It will listen to me."

"Because it loves you?"

"Yes." I look at her closely hearing the doubt in her voice. "Speak your mind."

"You will find only misery if you proceed on your current path. Perhaps this time not getting involved would be the wisest course of action."

I still for a moment, but do not look at Wisdom. I shake my head and put the satchel over my shoulder. I must protect the world of the People.

"I am nothing without my purpose. I must remain true to it, so I do not become pride alone."

"But a spirit of purpose is an ever changing one that adapts to its surroundings far more than any other spirit. You have been guided by the purpose of others long enough. Perhaps it is time you find your own."

"I have a purpose given to me by Mythal. My purpose is to protect the people and their world. It is a responsibility I will never abandon."

I hear a deep sigh coming from my friend as the door closes behind me.

Arlathan

As I reach the coast I am struck by what I see. The winds howl in agony and rain whips around my face like devastated tears. Despite it being day, the clouds shut out most of the light. I am surrounded by corpses. Once magnificent creatures have now been driven to extinction as the ground is soaked with their blood. Demons of despair wail and moan, grinding their hands in agony. On the cliff I see a spirit halla looking out over the ocean. I step towards it, but it does not appear much changed from the spirit I love. Hopefully it is not too late.

"What have you done?!"

Despite the anger and disbelief in my voice it greets me by brushing its nose against my face in a loving gesture.

"I'm happy to see you…" it murmurs and I cannot help but stroke its face.

"Why would you do this? It is not in your nature to evoke so much misery."

"Devotion is often a source of misery… I did this to set the world right."

I step back and look at it unable to contain my anger.

"You cannot create them and then merely destroy them, when they do no longer suit your purpose. They are not tools to be discarded!"

Anger flares in the doelike eyes as its nostrils flare.

" You were the one who berated me for creating creatures who prayed on the elvhen. Now I'm setting that right."

"By committing genocide?!"

"For all your wisdom, you are too emotional. All my creatures were created for a purpose. Now that purpose has changed. It is the natural state of things."

"Those creatures are loyal to you, and now you betray them?"

My thoughts wander momentarily to the Evanuris, but my heart does not allow the thought to linger. I cannot think of my love as a despot. I must trust that part of it is still faithful to its purpose. And to my relief it looks ashamed.

"Solas, I… the Cetus have to die. I take no pleasure in this, but sometimes we must take regrettable means to right our wrongs."

I cannot allow it to do more killing. The Cetus is a dangerous creature, but it does not deserve extinction, and if I let Devotion complete this task it might finally pervert into a demon of obsession - and a powerful one at that. I cannot lose it.

"Let these creatures live. Despite their fierceness they pose no true danger. Banish them to the deepest depths if you wish, but do not destroy them." I plead softly as I take a step towards the spirit. "Please, vhenan . Do not tell me that there is no longer compassion in your heart."

It turns its head from me in shame.

"They are imperfect. It is her will that they must die. Ghilan'nain wishes it so."

"Ghilan'nain?"

"A servant of Andruil." Devotion turns her head from me.

"First you help create creatures that threaten the people. Now you ally yourself with a creature who serves the Evanuris who hunts them. What happened to you?"

Devotion turns from me and begins to walk away.

" Ir abelas. Ar lath ma, fen. "

It retreats, sparing the Cetus.

Crestwood

Mona has been quiet on our way to the keep in Crestwood, but I try not to be too concerned as we have been in a hurry to get here. It is nearly nightfall as we place the horses in the stables. Mona and I laugh when a tired Atish'an collapses in the straw with a long yawn. Mona's gentle expression is even more beautiful to me. It is rare for me to see a less burdened side of her, one Atish'an brings out in her easily. I reach out and brush a stray lock behind her ear.

" Ar lath ma ," I murmur and she closes her eyes with a gentle smile.

"Solas, about what happened with Keiran, we need to ta-"

"Mona!"

We turn around as Atish'an jumps to her feet and runs towards a Dalish elf with bright green eyes and dark hair. She radiates with happiness and enthusiasm as she looks at Mona, but does stop to greet the eager hound.

"Merrill?" Mona says with disbelief and then laughs as she runs towards her.

I feel a warm sensation in my chest as they embrace. It has been a very long time since I have seen her so happy.

"By the Creators! It is so good to see you!" Merrill steps back with a smile.

"Likewise. What are you doing here?"

"I got a letter from Hawke saying that he went to the Anderfels. I want to go there, but I think Varric was worried I would get lost along the way, so he told me to wait here. I don't think he has a ball of twine long enough to guide me all the way there."

Mona leans her head back with a laugh and wraps an arm around Merrill's shoulders.

"We have some wardens who need to report to Wieshaupt. I'm sure they can take you with them."

" Ma serannas, lethallan ."

"You're welcome." Mona looks at me as I approach. "This is Solas - ma vhenan ."

Merrill's eyes widen as she looks at me.

"By the Dread Wolf!" she exclaims and I notice Mona suppress a grin with a strangled cough.

" Andaran atish'an, dalen. " I smile with a bow of my head.

" Ir abelas , I didn't know Mona had a… why didn't you tell me?" She furrows her brow and looks at Mona.

"It's still fairly new, and with everything going on, it didn't seem that important."

It is my turn to raise a brow as I look at her.

"Quit it, Solas. You know what I mean," Mona hisses with a faint blush.

I make a non-committal sound as she scowls and murmurs "ass" to which I can't help but chuckle.

"Let's get something to eat. Know if Hawke has heard anything from Fenris?" She asks Merrill no doubt trying to avoid the subject.

"I'm not sure. Fenris never did like me very much."

"Who is Fenris?" I ask walking besides them towards the fire.

"A friend from Kirkwall. Good sense of humour, nasty temper," Mona grimaces.

"You know, I always thought you liked Fenris. You seemed to get along with him. Then nothing happened, so I figured maybe you didn't like elves. Oh… sorry…" Merrill blushes as she looks at me, but Mona merely laughs.

"Could you imagine? Had Fenris and I been lovers there would have been no need for uprising by the Qunari or mages. Our domestic disputes would have torn the city to shreds long before then."

"That sounds… well…" I pause as I look at her.

"Oh, that we were friends at all was a bit of a miracle. I think he threatened to remove my heart from my chest at least twice."

"He would never do that… I think," Merrill muses.

"Perhaps. Have you met the dalish soldier stationed here? I'm sure he would be happy to meet a fellow Dalish. Why don't the two of you sit down and I'll be back with him and some food?" Mona smiles and then raises on her toes to kiss my cheek whispering "behave" before walking away.

I sit down opposite Merrill around the fire, while Atish'an rests her head in her lap.

"Are you happy?" She asks all of a sudden.

"Excuse me?"

"She seems happy. Mona, I mean. Are you?"

I smile a little. "You care about her a great deal I take it?"

"Yes. She always understood me better than anyone else. I never expected to meet a human who understood… not just my culture, but spirits… me. She always seemed so sad, but she never talked about it. Whatever happened to her must have been very painful."

"I believe it was… Yes, I am happy." My heart clenches unexpectedly at this admission.

"Good! It makes things clearer, takes away doubt when everything is crazy and people are dying."

I chuckle softly. This elf is a little naive, but there is an unexpected wisdom to her as well. It is not difficult to see why Mona cares for her. And tries to protect her from the world, which is certainly the reason why she has never mentioned me in their correspondence.

When Mona returns she is followed by the Dalish elf, Loranil, we recruited in Orlais. He seems thrilled to meet another Dalish, and though Merrill seems hesitant at first they eventually start talking. I realise that it must have been a very long time since Merrill has talked to any of her people. Reading Varric's "Tale of the Champion" I have some inkling as to what happened. As the evening progresses I find it hard to tear Mona away. Though she does not push me away she is distant. I feel a little guilty for wanting to take her away from her friend, but I need to speak with her privately. It feels as if the handkerchief in my pocket is burning, but as I am about to ask Mona to leave with me, Merrill is encouraged to tell a Dalish tale by Loranil.

"Alright… I can tell you the one Mona taught me."

"That's not necessary, Merrill." Mona rubs her hands a little nervously.

"Oh it's no trouble. Before the betrayal Fen'Harel was captured by Andruil. He had been hunting halla without her permission you see, and angered her. When she caught him, she tied him to a tree and declared that as penance he should serve her in bed for a year and a day."

Mona reaches for my hand and looks at me murmuring an apology. I lift her hand to my lips to assure her that I'm quite alright as Merrill continues the story.

"But as she made camp that night, the dark god Anaris found them, and Anaris swore that he would kill Fen'Harel for crimes against the Forgotten Ones. Andruil and Anaris decided that they would duel for the right to claim Fen'Harel.

He called out to Anaris during the fight and told him of a flaw in Andruil's armor just above the hip, and Anaris stabbed Andruil in the side, and she fell. Then Fen'Harel told Anaris that he owed the Dread Wolf for the victory and ought to get his freedom. Anaris was so affronted by Fen'Harel's audacity that he turned and shouted insults at the prisoner, and so he did not see Andruil, injured but alive, rise behind him and attack with her great bow. Anaris fell with a golden arrow in his back, badly injured, and while both gods slumbered to heal their wounds, Fen'Harel chewed through his ropes and escaped!"

Mona smiles at Merrill and walks over to her, kissing her cheek and saying goodnight. I quickly get to my feet to take this chance. I manage to catch her a little distance from the fire. She looks at me with a pained expression.

" Tel'abelas vhenan . There is nothing wrong with you sharing that story."

"I shouldn't have… I was bursting with so much knowledge and Merrill was the only one at the time who came even close to believing anything I told her. I should have kept my mouth shut."

"Hush," I murmur kissing her brow. "Now, if you would indulge me I would like it if you would join me for a walk. I have something I wish to discuss." I smile fondly at her, but for a moment she looks conflicted. Eventually, she checks on Atish'an, who is sleeping peacefully in front of the fire and nods at me. I take her hand in mine and lead her out of the keep.