A/N:I have honestly no idea how I've managed to get this written, especially with work being an almost hell scape due to Christmas shoppers and the need to have everything for as cheaply and as quickly as possible. But I did it! And I really hope that you like it!

In the Past, Camp, Somewhere along the Imperial Highway, Haven, 9:31 Dragon

Zevran really was far too pretty for his own good.

I couldn't even look him in the eye without blushing something shocking, or stuttering or dropping whatever I was holding.

Alistair was the only one that sympathised with me; Kana and Morrigan thought that it was hilarious and would laugh into their hands whenever I did something silly.

"Fuck it!"

I couldn't just stand around being absolutely useless whenever Zevran even so much as looked in my general direction. I had to confront this head on; by stalking directly up to Zevran and introducing myself apparently.

"Hello, I'm Mallorn and I find you terribly attractive and distracting and oh my god Mallorn shut up!"

The hand I had put out for Zevran to shake was taken almost gently and a small kiss pressed upon my palm. Zevran was confused initially at my rambling, before grinning and laughing as I continued to berate myself from the word vomit that I couldn't seem to stop saying.

"Ah, that is incredibly flattering. Would it be so bold as to say that I find you attractive as well?"

That sounded familiar, slightly altered, but still familiar.

"Um, thank you? I mean, I don't find myself to be attractive?"

He laughed again, this time softer. "That does not mean that others will not."

The assassin dipped his head again, kissing my hand once again before walking off, speaking.

"I look forward to conversing with you, bellisima."

I couldn't help but notice the almost sway to his hips as he walked off.

Bloody attractive Antivan!

Present Time, War Table, Haven, 9:41 Dragon

All those who were not fighting or helping to seal the breach were sequestered away within the walls of the Haven chantry, ready to leave at a moments notice.

I knew that we were going to be attacked by Corypheus, but I couldn't be sure of who else. The Grey Warden could be a possibility, but I wouldn't believe that until I saw it. Calpernia and Samson would have been needed no longer, especially with both the Templars and the Mages being pulled from underneath his nose. Or at least one of them wouldn't be needed any longer, someone would still be needed as a vessel.

Perhaps the zealots within the Venatori? Or any remaining mage or templar left behind in the struggle? Surely there would be at least a few that we had missed, or that had joined voluntarily as they couldn't see a future that wasn't filled with bloodshed?

Regardless we had to be prepared for anyone and anything.

I had excused myself from the preparations to move against the breach, believing that I would be best suited to defending Haven in case of a preemptive strike from Corypheus and his ilk. Half of the former Templars and the Mages would be remaining behind, whilst the other half would go with Callon and some of the Inner Circle.

All I had to do now was see if I was able to convince Solas to reveal the exact location of Skyhold early. It shouldn't be too difficult since Solas himself was well aware of the danger that Corypheus posed. That would be the easy bit, speaking to Solas would be the hard part.

Fortunately he wished to speak with me about what had been written in the book brought back from the future.

"You know Ancient Elvhen?"

"Only a little. Speaking the language is a lot easier for me than actually writing it."

I could vaguely remember discussions online about how it wasn't even technically a language, but a cipher. The cipher wasn't easy for me, so I hadn't bothered learning much of it then and now I definitely regretted it.

"It's a beautiful language." Solas sighed, turning to look up at the sky. Towards the breach. "It is a shame that much was lost when Arlathan fell."

"It isn't so lost as you might believe," I knew that I had his attention the moment I spoke. "There are still those from Arlathan in secluded temples in the Arbor Wilds and I know of at least three Wandering Keepers who haven't aged at all in the time I've known them. The Dalish keep what little they know in books kept by the Keeper of their clans."

Solas looked excited at the mention of more Elvhen from the time of Arlathan, but scoffed when I mentioned the Dalish.

"The Dalish are children."

"Yes, but children will only learn if they have been taught by someone older and with the knowledge. What little knowledge most Dalish have is fragmented, but they have the beginnings."

Solas stood in thought, taking in my point of view before he sighed. "It is pointless to discuss this at the moment, no matter how much I would enjoy the debate."

"Understandable, it would be nice to speak with someone who is far more willing to share knowledge than the majority of Keepers I have met."

Solas grinned, but it was gone almost as quickly as it had arrived. "That sounds enjoyable."

All I needed to do now was the ask about Skyhold, or at least the location of where Tarasyl'an Te'las was.

"In your fade travel, have you come across a place in a range of mountains by the name of Tarasy'lan Te'las?"

I used the Elvhen name for the fortress, rather than the common. Not to say that I didn't like the name Skyhold, but I wasn't above attempting to subtly manipulate the wolf into speaking more of his actual past rather than the evasive answers he would normally have given.

He looked surprised, and almost immediately answered. "I have, it is more commonly known as Skyhold. It is supposed to be where the sky was held back and has seen enough battles that spirits are still drawn to the fortress even after it had been abandoned for centuries."

"Why do you ask?"

"The Elder One will come, and we must be ready for when they do. Haven, whilst lovely, is completely indefensible to an oncoming hoard. I have already spoken to Cullen and Leliana about withdrawing all civilians to a safer location but it has been difficult since I don't actually know where to take them."

Solas was once again deep in thought, "You have seen this? The Elder One come?"

"Unfortunately, but as it stands I'm as blind as everyone else." He looked at me in confusion, so I further explained. "If we had only reached out to the mages, then the Templar Order would have become something of an abomination. A majority of the upper echelon would have become Horrors of Red Lyrium, as would the rest of the order. Poisoned. If we had reached out to just the templars, the rebel mages would have been forcibly inducted into the Venatori and then we would have had to have fought them."

And I was not going to kill my friend's mother.

"And now you have no foresight as to who may come with the Elder One."

I shook my head, frustrated. I loathed not knowing what to do, especially when lives were at risk. And there were plenty of lives at risk here, too many lives.

"It could be a combination of both, stragglers that got caught up or even true believers whatever cause this Elder One has."

Solas placed a hand on my shoulder, "I understand. Before we leave for the Breach, I will mark the location on a map so that you are able to get a head start."

"Ma serannas, Solas."

Present Time, In the Fade 9:41 Dragon

Solas found himself in the clearing once again, plants and trees could be seen in every single direction that he looked. The wolf looked around, spotting the elvhen woman practising movements with Valour, once more dressed in armour that he had no knowledge of.

There was another spirit with them, one whom Solas had seen around before within the Fade. Benevolence.

Who was watching the other two spar, calling out suggestions every now and then. Benevolence wasn't normally one who sat out of a tough fight if they could help it, or at least this particular sprint wasn't.

"Back again, fen?"

He wasn't exactly hiding his presence this time, it would have been too much effort and Mallorn clearly knew that he was there.

"I suppose so, we never did finish our conversation."

Valour and Mallorn both put down their weapons, something that he was great full for. He didn't want to have to defend himself against either of them in this space if they were to attack. He didn't think that they would, but he could never be too careful.

"What is it that you wished to discuss?"

Solas tilted his head, "The last time we met you said something about the Veil."

Valour scoffed, whilst Benevolence chuckled.

"The Veil is a construct that has been falling apart since almost day one."

Valour's voice was almost scathing, but Solas didn't really notice.

"Falling apart?"

Mallorn rolled her eyes, "I would say that you were young, but you are not and unless you have been sleeping for a thousand years then you really have no excuse to not notice how varying parts of the Waking World have virtually no Veil whatsoever."

Solas wanted to snarl at her but held his tongue. He had been asleep for more than a thousand years but he had seen what went on in the Waking World. He may not have lived through it, too connected to the Fade and the magic setting the Veil up draining him more than he would have liked to admit.

(A part of him couldn't help but wonder if he would feel the same way about everything he knew if he had actually lived through those years and only visited the Fade in his sleep.)

"The Korcari Wilds for example, so little of the Veil still exists there. Ostagar, the Arbor Wilds, Din'an Hanin, even Kirkwall for fuck's sake would have been a much better place to attempt pulling down the Veil!"

Mallorn threw her hands in the air, steadily getting more and more annoyed.

She had apparently thought long and hard about where it old be best to take down the Veil. Solas mentioned this.

"You have thought about this before, haven't you?"

Benevolence was the one to roll their eyes this time, "What Elvhen hasn't? What spirit who lived before Arlathan hasn't?"

That specific wording made his ears perk up. Surely the spirit couldn't be suggesting that the woman in front of him was one of the People? One of his people? She did look more like the Elvhen that he was used to seeing around every corner, but he quickly pushed that thought out of his mind.

Nothing could stray him from his path, he couldn't let it.

"Yes, I have thought about it. But the world as it is would not be able to handle the joining; neither side would take it well."

As much as Solas wished to deny this, he couldn't. The way most people reacted to mages, let alone spirits did not bring him much confidence.

Solas could feel another presence approaching, hastily and unexpectedly.

It was another spirit, this one dressed in a strange multicoloured cloak made of what seemed to be scraps of court dress and a large swirled and pointed hat.

"Hello Creativity, I thought you were with Zevran?"

The strange dress was certainly explained by the name.

"Hello my friends, hello fen." Everyone in the clearing got a wave, even if the one directed at him was rather suspicious.

"I bring word from Zev-Zev. He said that he's been held up by a rogue murder, but he should be finished sooner rather than later. He also said to be careful, and that he misses you dearly."

Mallorn had a small, but fond smile on her face as the spirit spoke.

"When you see him next, tell him that I have a book full of the most interesting things and that I love him and as does Feyn."

Creativity smiled, cheerful. "I will, and I have also given a message to Feynren from his father."

"I cannot thank you enough for your help, limbe." Mallorn walked over towards the spirit and engulfed them in a hug, which they returned.

"No need to thank me."

Solas did not notice the rest of their conversation, to fixate on the mention of the book. He wondered what other information could be found inside.

He didn't notice Benevolence nor Valour keeping a watchful eye on him as he slipped from the dream and back into the Waking World, frowns upon their faces.

They were going to have to keep a closer eye on the wolf.

Especially since it seemed that their friend was going to try her hardest to pull him back from the brink, even without him knowing.

In the Past, Camp, Somewhere along the Imperial Highway, Haven, 9:31 Dragon

It was about time that we moved onto our next destination, which happened to be the Brecilian Forest; where Zathrian's clan was and the location of the Lady of the Forest.

Oghren, who had come with us after leaving Orzammar mostly drunk and smelling exactly like you would think someone who had bathed in alcohol would; alongside him were Sten, Leliana and Shale, who would be staying behind at camp with Bodhan and Sandal. Alistair argued that a Warden should stay behind as a precaution, but Sandal put his foot down in an uncharacteristic manner.

"We are safe here."

Everyone was shocked; no one was expecting for Sandal to speak, let alone in a complete sentence that made sense.

I was the only one that seemed to take his words to heart, "If Sandal says that you all will be safe, then I believe him."

Kana was curious, "Why?"

"That boy is more, far more than what he seems." I said, turning to face her and the others.

"Listening to him may be the best thing that we could do at this moment."

Or any moment afterwards.

The Brecilian Forest was ahead of us, looming. It was almost silent, if not for the distant howling of wolves and the swaying of the trees was almost sinister as though we were intruders, but seemed to cheer slightly at the presence of the elves amongst the group.

"Stop right there, outsider! The Dalish have camped in this spot and I suggest that you go elsewhere and be quick about it."

Dalish hunters surrounded us, arrows pointed at our heads and hearts.

"Andaran atish'an, we are to speak with your Keeper about the Grey Warden treaties."

The woman who had initially spoke lowered her bow, surprised at the words coming from my mouth.

"You wear no vallaslin, but you speak our language. Are you shem?"

"Not precisely, and just because I do not wear the markings of the pantheon does not mean I do not believe."

I knew very well that they existed, so disbelieving in them would be a stupid thing to do. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Morrigan give me a look of disbelief.

"We shall see," the hunter turned towards Kana who did have vallaslin. "Now you are clearly Dalish, what are you doing with them?"

"Like my friend said, we are here on behalf of the Grey Wardens and the need to fulfil the treaties."

The arrows pointing at us were lowered at the lead hunters signal, before slipping away into the shadows. The lead hunter sighed before nodding.

"I suppose that remains to be seen, I will take you to see the Keeper. He will be the one to make the decision."

She began to walk off, expecting us to follow her. She abruptly stopped and turned to face us.

"But make no mistake, we are always watching and the shems amongst you best be on their best behaviour."

We were unsure as to what constituted as being on our best behaviour, but staying silent and only communicating with our body language seemed to be doing the trick, as the head hunter led us towards the Keeper.

Zathrian was a tall, bald elf whose eyes were sad and almost drained of life.

I couldn't understand the Ancient Elvhen having lived as long as they did if the few hundred years that this Keeper had lived, had suffered. It just didn't seem like a good idea to wish to live or have lives that long.

I couldn't help but pity him.

"I see you have brought guests Mithra. I have precious little time to speak with outsiders today."

"These two claim to be Grey Wardens, and these are their travelling companions."

Zathrian gestured for us to join him near the fire. Kana went to sit immediately, more comfortable than any of us to be taking directions from the Keeper. Zevran and I were next, with Alistair not far behind. Morrigan declined, deciding to remain standing but still stood close.

"Ah, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zathrian, the Keeper of this clan."

"It is a pleasure to meet you hahren." Hopefully deferring to him as an elder would help us in the situation. Who knows?

"My name is Mallorn Tuile of Lothering and this is Kana Mahariel of Clan Sabrae and the Grey Wardens. Our other companions are Alistair of the Grey Wardens, Zevran Arainai of the Antivan Crows and Morrigan, daughter and apprentice of Asha'bellanar."

I spoke, my voice quiet. I hoped that by using titles, or at least titles of a sort, it would make our purpose to become clearer.

Zathrian looked definitely more interested now, especially with each new name. We were definitely an eclectic group, each of us having an individual connection to the Elvhen even if two of us didn't know it.

"Yes, thank you for letting us speak with you."

Kana was more formal around this man, the respect was clear in her eyes and tone.

"Of Clan Sabrae? I heard what happened, ma serannas for the loss of your clansman. His loss is a loss to all the People."

Zathrian truly seemed saddened by the loss of Tamlen.

Kana wiped unshed tears away from her eyes, "Thank you, Keeper."

Present Time, Underground Pathways, Haven, 9:41 Dragon

Chancellor Rodrick was suspicious, but understanding quickly found its way on his face as he understood the severity of the situation.

"I wonder if it was by the Makers choice that I would live whilst so many of my fellows died at the Conclave so as to show the path out of Haven?"

"Regardless of it were to be Divine Interference or not, we're all glad that you are able to help."

The Chancellor gave me a small, almost unnoticeable smile before turning around to continue to lead. Cole, who had chosen to help us evacuate the residents of Haven followed along behind him, making sure that everyone was able to notice his existence.

It wouldn't do for people to notice that something was wrong in the situation that we were in.

Kaiden was carrying a few of the orphaned children in his arms, with a few more strapped to his back. The kids had truly taken to the Tal-Vashoth, with everything that they had been witness to the large horned mage wasn't something that they apparently feared.

Children were absolutely brilliant and incredibly resilient, especially for things that adults considered to be wrong. Evil. Out of the ordinary.

Amongst the group were a number of soldiers, the majority of them had volunteered to help escort the evacuees. Some had to be, coerced for lack of a better word. Not all the soldiers that had joined the Inquisition had done it for a legitimate reason, most had but for some, they were just wanted to fight and cause chaos.

Some men and women just wanted blood and joining the Inquisition was apparently their way to draw it. They reminded me of the bandits outside of Lothering all those years ago, killing and robbing defenceless merchants and refugees just because they could and all for a little coin.

People would never change.

Haven was silent as those that had been at the breach returned, having managed to seal it once and for all. There was no one left apart from those that would be able to fight back with blade and magic.

We had somehow made it look as though Haven was still inhabited; we needed to sell the illusion that we were unprepared or so Leliana told me. I trusted her skills at subterfuge far more than I trusted mine.

"How did it go?"

Callon grinned, almost childlike in his enthusiasm.

"It's done!"

"At least the Breach is, now we await what comes next."

Solas spoke, voice calm even as Callon sighed, eyes becoming downcast.

Leliana turned to me, giving me a searching look.

"I cannot be certain at this point, but I know that something will happen and it won't be good."

"Then we'll just have to be as prepared as we can be."

The returned soldiers were milling about, preparing the trebuchets ready for launch. Supply cachets were being refilled and moved towards defensible locations, sigils were hastily being scrawled onto the ground and walls around Haven and many of the mages and templars were sharing looks of dread with the other.

It was clear on their faces that they wondered if the Inquisition hadn't come for them, that whatever attacked Haven next would have most likely have been them.

The sky was dark, the night air was even colder than it had been in the previous nights, although that could have been due to nerves.

"Forces are approaching! Everyone, to arms!"

They were indeed and they were coming down the mountain far quicker than what I would have expected. I remember during the Blight the darkspawn hoard pillaging and rampaging through Denerim, but the sight upon the mountainside was something else entirely.

The Magister leading them would have been intimidatingly tall if you hadn't been around Qunari, but even so you could see him from kilometres away.

"Let us in! We've come to warn you!"

Samson, a wolf helm upon his head and no red lyrium in sight and Maddox stood side by side outside the gates of Haven, fighting off a group of Venatori and Red Templars, finishing them off quickly as we reached them.

"The Elder One comes for us all."

Maddox was soft-spoken, but his voice was strong. The Tranquil brand upon his forehead stood out, despite the emotion in his voice and the magic he was throwing out of his palms.

"The woman with him goes by the name of Calpernia. She's the commander of the Venatori."

Samson's knees gave out slightly, causing Cullen to lunge forward to catch him.

"Hello Knight-Captain, or is it Commander now?"

"Commander now," Cullen still seemed to be in shock at the supposedly Tranquil mage who was still shooting spells off at a few Red Templar archers who had snuck up behind them.

"Are you going to let us in, Commander?"

Maddox spoke, whilst Cullen nodded almost absentmindedly still in shock at the man.

"Did you need a health potion?"

The two turned to me and smiled, immediately recognising my voice despite the years it had been since I saw them.

"We'll take a couple if you have some spare."

Samson's voice was gruff, but there wasn't the ringing of lyrium that once may have been.

I grabbed a couple from my pouch, handing them to the two men as we made our way swiftly into Haven, the door slamming behind us.

"How much time do we have?"

Callon looked at me, ignoring the still gaping Seeker and Commander (and the majority of the remaining Templar's and mages).

"Til the dragon."

"Dragon?" This was said in varying tones of voice, most of shock but a few of fear and awe. The Iron Bull didn't need an explanation of the reverence in his voice. (Or the lust.)

"More horcrux than dragon."

Solas was confused, "What is a horcrux?"

I hadn't expected my muttering to be heard, but my answer would have been lost to the roar of the dragon flying overhead regardless.

"Mallorn, that doesn't look like a dragon! That looks like..."

Leliana's voice was raised, not quite shouting.

"Urthemiel? Yes, it does, but it's not an Archdemon."

She looked like she was going to strangle me, but was interrupted by the roar of the dragon again, as the doors to Haven shook.

"Everyone! To the chantry!"

The Chantry was full, but would not be for much longer as many started to leave through the underground pathways, following behind the group that had left earlier that day. It wouldn't take them long to catch up, as they were going to have to go around the force that Corypheus had brought with him.

"They want you, they want that mark on your hand."

"The Elder One will kill everyone to get to you."

Samson and Maddox were completely in sync with each other in a way that I had never seen a Templar and a mage be. I had a vague recollection of Rhys and Evangeline being in a similar manner, but those memories were half-forgotten at this point.

I couldn't be sure if it had been canon or fanon either.

"Of course they do."

Callon looked absolutely done at this point, convinced that this was his end.

"The trebuchet, that's where we'll face him?"

I nodded, throat too tight for speech.

I honestly don't know how I made it through the Blight, let alone make it to this moment in time where the sky was torn asunder and an ancient magister was bearing down on us.

"I'll cause a distraction then, get their attention."

"I'll come with you."

The words were out of my mouth before I realised I had opened it.

Callon weakly smiled at me, "Thank you."

Solas nodded at him, as did the Iron Bull.

"We'll help carve a path."

Callon seemed grateful for the help, but he still looked as though he thought there was no hope left for him.

As we were leaving the Chantry, farewelling the others as they left beneath the brick walls, I whispered into Callon's ear.

"There is an open mine, aim for that when you run."

I could only hope that he remembered, amidst the chaos that was to come.

A/N: Something that annoys me a little about this chapter is how little I go into the siege on Haven, but I couldn't get myself to write it. Especially since Mallorn isn't the Inquisitor, she didn't really need to be in the thick of the action if that makes any sense? Like she is obviously there, trying her best to help and to save as many people as she can but she is only one person. (At the moment at least, but shhh spoilers!)

Tarasyl'an Telas is the elvhen name for Skyhold (or at least the building that stood on the spot that Skyhold once did)

I haven't ever sided with the Templars in a play through (yet) but I had no idea that you would have to kill Fiona if you did so (and she's been through enough in her life, I wouldn't feel up to killing her at all!)

Din'an Hanin is the resting place for the last of the Emerald Knights, who fought and protected the second Elvhen Nation of the Dales.

Kirkwall is theorised by some, including myself, as the place were the Magisters Sidereel performed their ritual to enter into the fade and hence the reason why Kirkwall is a bit of a weird (understatement) city-state; why blood mages and possessions and demons and why the place just sets itself on fire in times of trouble.

Horcrux is a term from Harry Potter, and I definitely thought that it was fitting to add.

Urthemiel was the Old God turned Archdemon of the Fifth Blight.

Also, I really hope that you enjoyed that surprise from Maddox and Samson; I really liked Samson in DA2 and couldn't understand why they'd turned him into the almost-villain of DA:I. (And Maddox's story made me want to cry, too.)