Dorian shifted in the saddle. The snow had given way to freezing rain as they had traveled further south. It wasn't an improvement. The water seeped through his cloak and deep into his very bone, clinging to him far more than snow would have.

Why did everything in the south have to be so horribly cold?

"We're being watched," one of the charges broke the soft pitter patter of the rain.

Dorian skimmed the sparse trees around them.

"Yeah," Bull grunted. "Think it's the Boss's group, Dalish?" he asked the elven Charger who had pointed out they were being watched.

"Might be," she grunted.

Dorian kept his mount paced with Bull's.

Bull glanced at him. "Whoever it is, isn't stopping our approach." Bull smiled. "Let's say hi and if its Solas's group we can knock a few heads in our escape."

Dorian's lips twitched.

It was unlikely it was Solas's group given this was the location Mahvir's friend had given Bull, still…

Did he really want to face Mahvir? Solas would be easier. Fighting his way out would prove far better than facing his best friend and the truth of all the lies Mahvir had told him over the past several years.

Bull held up his hand.

Dorian pulled his stead to a halt.

Over the sound of rain and breathing he could just make out— "Is that song?" Dorian asked.

"Yeah, and it sounds familiar." Bull frowned.

Dorian fixed his gaze on the foggy path behind them. The sound drew closer before the sounds of the lute and voice came fully over the rain and dampness.

"Isn't that Maryden?" asked Krem.

"Sure is," Bull grunted.

Sure enough, Maryden appeared through the mist, a young man only a few paces behind, wearing a hat almost half the size of his body. The man blinked at them. "The Iron Bull, Dorian?"

"You know these people, my lord?" Cyrion asked.

"We do." Dorian's fingers slid from his staff.

"We weren't going to attack you, Dorian," Cole stated, owlish eyes locked on him.

"Force of habit," Bull laughed. "What brings you here, Cole?"

"We were needed here," Cole stated, frowning and eyes glazed. "At least, I think we were. What brings you here?"

"The boss," Bull stated.

"The Inquisitor?" Maryden asked. "Doesn't his clan wander across the sea?"

"Yeah, but this is where the boss is," Bull explained.

A soft golden light flashed near to them. "Well then standing in the middle of the road isn't getting you there faster."

Dorian jumped. His hand back on his staff.

Bull's hand flew to his great axe in the same instant all of the chargers' hands moved their weapons.

Maryden jumped back, almost colliding with one of the horses.

The only one not to jump or move for a weapon was Cole. Rather he stared at the elf who had appeared from nowhere. Cole's eyes were wide.

The elf tilted his head to one side. Strands of golden hair shifted and fell from behind his pointed ear. There was something oddly familiar about him. His eyes, the structure of his face, outside of his chin and nose, were the image of Solas. His chin was missing the severe cleft and his nose was long, narrow, and straight, appearing perfect.

"Who are you?" Dorian asked. "Where did you come from?"

Cole shook his head. His hand dropped to his dagger hilt.

"Inan." He grinned. "The tree." The elf pointed towards a towering tree. The closest branch was well above even Iron Bull's reach. "But standing here isn't going to get you to speak with Little Secret anytime soon. And Little Secret could do with some friends."

Dorian dropped his gaze from the tree.

"Who's Little Secret?" Bull asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Inan blinked, frowning. He then jumped, snapping his fingers. "That's right! That's right!" A bright popping of golden light burst out around Inan.

Dorian squeezed his eyes shut against the light.

When he opened his eyes, Inan had gone.

"But, he's supposed to be far away," Cole whispered, staring at the spot Inan had been moments before.

"What?" Dorian asked. "Who is?"

"The Maker," Cole stated, seeming unable to look away.

Dorian vaguely remembered a conversation Solas and Cole had over the Maker. It had been a very odd conversation.

Dorian shook his head. It didn't matter. That odd elf wasn't the Maker. There was one thing he had been right about though. Standing here wasn't helping Dorian's nerves about speaking with Mahvir or Shartan or whatever his name was now.

"Let's go." Dorian turned his attention back on the narrow path.

"Right," Cole stammered. "Do you mind us joining you?"

"No," Dorian confessed. Perhaps, even with Cole's abilities being weaker, they could get more answers out of Mahvir… Shartan.

They continued down the path. Dorian couldn't help glancing up at the trees. There was no sign of the odd elf. Wherever he went and however he had traveled, he wasn't watching them anymore. At least as far as Dorian could tell given the rain and fog hadn't let up.

Two elves came into view through the rain and fog.

"Halt there!" They created a barrier by crossing their swords. "What do you want, shem?" one of the guards asked. Her eyes narrowed as she glared up at Dorian.

"We're expected," Bull told her.

"A likely story," the second elf huffed. "I find it hard for any to be expecting you."

Bull opened his mouth.

"I'm expecting them, da'lenen."

The two guards stiffened and whipped around. "Hahren Theon," the male guard bowed her head. "I didn't hear you coming."

The female guard frowned. "You're expecting them, Hahren?" she asked.

"I am, ma lenen."

Dorian followed their gaze and frowned. Theon was the furthest from the elf he had imagined him being. He was better dressed than Solas, but that wasn't hard to beat given the often-clashing colors the man could wear. He was wizened and frail looking. One wrinkled hand clutched a fur around his shoulders and rain dripped from the strands of his wispy white hair. His brown eyes crinkled with a smile. His clothes weren't frayed or tattered and seemed to be in good condition despite being worn.

"I assure you, I am." Theon turned his gaze on Dorian and the rest of them. "This way, the halla keepers have agreed to care for your horses while you're here."

"Hahren," one of the guards protested. He eyed Dorian with a look of deepest mistrust. "Take a guard with you at least."

Theon gave an amused smile. "I am quite safe with them," he assured the two guards. "After all, they are friends of the Toymaker."

The male guard straightened as his eyes widened. Then he nodded. "All right, Hahren."

"What?" The female guard frowned. "Who's the Toymaker?"

The male guard glanced towards Dorian and his group. He whispered something in the woman's ear.

"Oh," she breathed. "Oh." She nodded. "All right, Hahren Theon."

Dorian dismounted. His feet sank a little in mud. He grimaced. Of course there was mud here.

Bull led the way into the camp. The Chargers came in behind Dorian and the two elves Mahvir had asked him to bring.

"Where is Mahvir?" Dorian asked as he caught up with the old elf. It wasn't a difficult task given the man didn't move every fast.

"He's waiting at the edge of the camp," Theon explained. "I'll take you there shortly."

Dorian glanced at those they passed. The vast majority of the Dalish looked to be older. There were a few younger ones, but it appeared as if most were gone or they hadn't managed to have many children.

His heart flickered.

Somehow, he doubted the last thought. Solas had more likely recruited the younger elves, leaving an armory made up of the older members of the clans.

Dorian glanced towards Thoen.

Though, none of the elves they passed were nearly as old as Theon.

Bull grunted. "So this is the army Boss is trying to build to counter Solas?"

"It is," Theon confirmed with a shadow of a smile. His eyes grew pained. "Many of the young were swayed by the Dread Wolf's promises." He shook his head and a small, almost pained breath escaped him. "Most who remain from the clans are the traditionalists or those Mahvir managed to convince to remain." His gaze lingered on a young woman who looked to be in her late teens.

She was surrounded by a group of younger Dalish. But it was clear just from walking through the camp they were in the minority. Well, until Dorian took into account those who weren't Dalish.

His gaze lingered on another group. All their faces bare as they drilled under the watchful eye of a warrior.

"Better," the woman drilling them said. "Much better. Keep this pace and you might be able to best me when teaming up. Again."

Near to the drilling group was a makeshift fence. The halla stood there grazing on the few grasses within.

A familiar elf stood near to the paddock.

"Ithiren," Dorian couldn't help a smile from his face as he greeted the halla keeper from Hawen's clan. At last someone familiar.

The old halla keeper turned, brow raised as he watched them. "If it isn't the Inquisition," he stated. "Ma serannas for your aid before." He bowed his head.

There, in the herd of halla, was one golden one, standing out against the white of the rest.

Bull grunted.

The other elf beside Ithiren cocked her eyebrow.

"They helped bring the hanal'ghilan to us," Ithiren explained.

"Ah, then ma serannas as well." She bowed her head before turning her gaze to Theon. "I am assuming they are the ones you told us about hahren."

"They are," Theon confirmed.

The woman nodded. "Leave you horses, we'll see to them."

Dorian passed her the reins. He turned to Theon.

"Come." Theon started off once more.

Dorian matched the man's pace even as he glanced at Bull.

Bull was watching the drilling elves they were passing. He frowned. "How long have they been drilling?" he muttered.

"Not long," Theon replied. "Nitsa only started a week ago with this group." Theon stopped at the edge of the camp. He turned to them. "I must ask only Dorian, Iron Bull, and Cole to follow me further. The rest of you should wait here for now." His gaze moved to Cyrion and Valora. He smiled. "You two must be Valendrain's family."

Cyrion nodded. "He's my father."

"I'll take you to him after I show these three to Mahvir."

"Thank you." Cyrion smiled.

Dorian frowned. "How did you know Cole would be with us? Or that I would bring Cyrion and Valora?" he asked.

"I'll let Mahvir explain," Theon stated. "This way." Theon led them into a small clump of trees which allowed some privacy from the bustling camp. The sounds of drilling and the shouts of the group deadened to a softer sound.

Dorian blinked, letting his eyes adjust to the sudden lack of light. The rain had all but stopped thanks to the trees here.

As his eyes adjusted, two shapes could be seen. One was seated on a rock with the left leg stretched out while the other stood behind the figure.

"Ma serannas, ma falon," a familiar, calm voice spoke from the figure on the rock.

"It was no trouble." Theon's gaze was on the one who had spoken. "Are you certain you don't want me to stay, ma falon."

"Please, see to Cyrion and Valora." The voice was unmistakably Mahvir's.

Theon nodded and turned. He hesitated. "Please," he whispered to Dorian, "hear him out." Theon left them in the darkened space.

Dorian kept blinking, trying to get his eyes toa adjust to the lack of light faster.

The figure seated on the rock was familiar; yet, not in the same moment. His black hair was longer than Dorian remembered it being, falling passed his shoulders rather than just brushing them. His eyes were familiar though, the same dark purple, appearing black right then thanks to the little light coming into the space. The familiar designs on Mahvir's face had vanished and his chin was now cleft. Otherwise he was the same as Dorian remembered with long, elegantly pointed ears.

Well, same might have pushed it a little.

Mahvir looked worn, his features lacking the healthy appearance Dorian was used to from a slight drawn look to his cheeks. Dark shadows were visible under his eyes and he was sitting straight as he normally would. Rather, he appeared hunched with the fatigue.

It was as if the young man he had known had been replaced by someone far older with the appearance of ones in their twenties, but the fatigue of one in the later years of their life.

"Boss?" Bull grunted the question.

Dorian ripped his gaze from the man seated before them and glanced at his lover.

Bull's eyes were locked on the figure as Dorian's had been a heartbeat prior. His handsome face pulled with a deep frown.

Dorian turned his gaze back in Mahvir's direction, but his gaze flickered to the man standing beside him. He was an elf as well. Yet, like with those he had seen in Mythal's temple he wore ancient armor. His pale eyes locked on Dorian, an eyebrow cocked. He then smiled at Dorian before his gaze flickered between the three of them.

"Inquisitor," Cole greeted, blinking at the man. "The one annoyed at me isn't in your mind anymore." He frowned. "She's there." He pointed.

"What?" Bull's gaze flashed from the rock to the tree. "What do you mean 'in his mind'?"

Dorian followed Cole's finger to the branches above.

A white raven was perched there.

"What do you mean in his mind?" Bull demanded.

"She was the one annoyed when I tried to see his hurts."

"I will explain everything," Mahvir stated. "Including her."

"Mahvir," Dorian started. He took a deep breath. "Are you Shartan?"

Mahvir's gaze softened, his eyes pained as he looked at Dorian. "I am."

The words rang in Dorian's ears. He had suspected this. Yet, to hear Mahvir confess he had lied…

Dorian fought to keep his face and body straight against the pain swelling anew in him. "Why?" the word came as a breath. He swallowed and repeated louder, "Why didn't you tell us? Tell me?"

The words Mahvir had once spoken rang in Dorian's ears as a hunting memory, "You remind me of my brother."

"It isn't a short story," – Mahvir gestured to several rocks the right size for all of them to sit one – "and will take some time to explain. If you're willing to listen, Dorian."

Cole sat down on the ground. His eyes locked on Mahvir while he frowned.

Dorian didn't move. He couldn't bring a complaint while sitting on rocks up. He couldn't breathe. A pressure squeezed his lungs.

A weight fell to his shoulder.

Dorian glanced up to see Bull looking at him.

"Talk," Bull urged, his breath warm against Dorian's ear.

Dorian managed to breath. He nodded and moved to sit. "I'm listening."

(Author's Notes: So, when I originally named Inan there was a word "Inan" on the wiki which isn't there anymore but given his name was also Haminan which means "Restful Place" roughly given Hamin means Rest and -an is the suffix for Place. His name would mean "In Place" as In means in and I already explain -an. I think it originally meant something to do with eyes… but I can't remember. The only instance of "inan" being used is the song Suledin and the line it's in translate to "Time was once a blessing" so yeah no idea what his name means anymore. Granted the translated song is only a rough translation.

The reason I am talking about this is I wanted Cole to call him by his translated name but couldn't find it.)