A/N – I'm not sure how people roleplay this game, but the idea I generally have is that, once you've completed Abyss and the Winter Palace, you do Arbor Wilds, and from there it's a rollercoaster towards the final showdown. So between Abyss / Winter Palace and the Wilds, you do basically anything and everything and then head to the Wilds, and that starts an elongated 'end game'. Anyway, that's sort of the plan for this story.

DLCs are left for after the end of the base game to fill the gap between the end game and Trespasser.

Leliana was in a good mood the next morning, though she immediately wandered into Evelyn's bedroom once we were up and about, as I stood in the doorway, listening as she apologised. Evelyn laughed, hugged her, and assured her it was absolutely fine. "I saw that look in your eye when we left," she added, "There was no chance he was sleeping anywhere except with you last night. Well, sleeping after you no doubt rode him ragged."

Leliana glanced at me and smirked. "She knows us well, Uhtred." She looked back at Evelyn. "Ride with us back to Skyhold."

"Do you have plans, Leliana?" I wondered.

"Maybe. You'll just have to wait and see."

Morrigan arrived at the mansion just as we were about to depart, Evelyn joining Leliana and I, as Morrigan joined Josephine in the second carriage. Everyone else would be riding back to Skyhold, not wishing to be cooped up in a carriage, as we were hopeful of making it back to the fortress within the day, orders given to the drivers to push on until we were home.

The carriage was wide enough that I could sit in the middle, resting my feet on the other bench, Leliana to one side, Evelyn to the other. Leliana quickly drifted off to sleep, so Evelyn and I chatted about the ball the previous night. "Nothing that happens in Ostwick or the Free Marches in general could possibly compare to that," she said, "Though the nobles are still the stuck-up arseholes I was used to dealing with before being sent to the Circle."

"Did you really hate being of noble birth?"

"I knew I was just lucky, Uhtred. Being born into a noble family doesn't make you special. Being born into money just means you were lucky. Very few of the idiots I spoke to were what I would have called 'new money'. They were noble families, perhaps centuries in the making, living off the proceeds of the previous ten generations. I'd be surprised if even half of the people last night actually contributed anything worthwhile to society."

"Do you think the Inquisition can change anything like that?"

"No, I'm a realist, Uhtred. We're here to defeat Corypheus and his allies, restoring order at the same time. We now have a strong ally in Orlais, and now that they will vocalise their support, most other nations will throw their weight behind us. Corypheus will soon find himself surrounded, wherever he is. But the status quo will remain."

"But you enjoyed last night?"

"I did. Despite that, it was a lot of fun. I definitely enjoyed dancing with you. You certainly took our lessons to heart."

"Think I stood on all your feet enough when we practiced."

"What did you think of Celene and Briala?"

"I liked Briala." Evelyn just returned a look I knew well. "Yes, yes, I know. But despite that, she has her people's interests at heart. Celene… well, she wants peace and then will maintain it. She doesn't look at a map of Thedas and wonders who to conquer next. She's a safe pair of hands, and hopefully her heir will be similar."

"But you liked Briala?"

"Absolutely, in many different ways."

"Sucker for a pretty face," Leliana murmured, still half asleep though always listening.

"I have many failings, and that's one of them."

"So what next then?" Evelyn wondered.

"We hunt down Corypheus. Communication will now fly between Orlais and ourselves. As soon as Aedan receives word, he'll thrown the weight of his crown behind us. I expect the Free Marches to offer their support. Cassandra is Nevarran, I'm sure she's in communication with them. Josephine with Antiva could end up being the same. What I'm thinking, even hoping, is that the armies of Thedas will march against Corypheus, finally united against a common enemy. Maybe after all that, we'll realise our petty squabbles mean nothing."

"Now you sound like an idealist, Uhtred."

I chuckled, as I knew what she meant. "Aye, but I've seen similar things back in Skyrim, or at least across Tamriel. At one time, the empire was united, and it remained so for many years. It was only when the ruling family line was extinguished that it all fell apart, rather quickly. Since then, it's just been a series of wars as the empire crumbled and new powers rose. You think the human and elf thing is bad here? Try back on Tamriel. Plenty of inter-species conflicts there, most of it political rather than actually based on what you are, but outside looking in…"

"Do you miss it? Miss home?"

I gave both of them a gentle squeeze. "Not at all. This is now my home."

We were all dozing by the time we passed through the main gates of Skyhold, any idea of doing anything else disappearing rather quickly, even Evelyn cuddling into my side and simply falling asleep. It was rather late in the evening by the time we arrived, so most of us just headed straight to our private quarters. Gawen was ready for us, no doubt noting Evelyn was with us, asking if we wanted anything. We asked for a small meal, which the three of us ate at my desk, before heading to bed. I was always amazed at how simply being driven around all day in a carriage could be tiring, though I think Leliana was still the effects of the previous evening, having only returned to the mansion in the early hours of the morning, then Leliana and I had sex, so by the time we left, we'd barely had a couple of hours sleep.

I don't think anyone woke up particularly early the next morning, and it was only the next morning over breakfast that I was reminded about Morrigan, having put her out of my mind the entire carriage ride home. "Shit, did she at least receive quarters?" I asked.

"Yes, a room was found for her and her son," Josephine replied.

The next sound was of my spoon clattering onto the table then onto the floor. A servant stepped forward immediately to pick it up. I thanked her but waved her way. "What?" I asked, my voice definitely going up an octave.

"You didn't know?"

I gestured as I replied, "Does this look like the face of someone who knows? Where is she now?"

"Probably in her room."

I stood up as a few others did, no doubt slightly concerned by my reaction. "Uhtred, are you sure you want to confront…" Leliana started to ask.

"Confront? I'm not angry about it, if that's what any of you are thinking. But I certainly have a few questions I'd like answered." I gestured to placate them. "Look, finish your breakfast, everything is fine. When I'm back, we'll have a meeting to discuss our next move. But I do need to speak to Morrigan about what I've just learned."

I ended up in a part of Skyhold that, to be honest, I rarely visited. Mother Giselle gave daily services in the middle of the garden, and I knew others visited the small chapel for prayers. Leliana would visit once a day, and it was one thing that I left her to do alone, something I know she appreciated. Giselle was surprised as always to see me in the garden, though when I asked her in which room Morrigan was, her face told me everything I needed to know of her opinion.

Knocking on the door, she called for me to enter, walking in to see she hadn't wasted time making it comfortable for them both. Her son was the desk, reading a book, though she stopped and looked at me as Morrigan approached. "I wasn't expecting company just yet. I was hoping to have everything put away…" She turned towards the boy. "Kieran, why don't you go outside and read under one of the trees for a little while. Your mother must speak with the Inquisitor."

"Yes, Mother," he stated, grabbing his book, glancing at me again as she passed by. "You're the Inquisitor?"

"I am."

"Nice to meet you."

I glanced at Morrigan, who simply watched, though I could tell when someone was trying not to smile. "Well, nice to meet you too, Kieran. What are you reading?"

"A history book. It's about Thedas. Mother says I must learn the history of the world I live in. Those who don't know history are doomed to make the same mistakes."

"You mother is a wise woman. I hope you listen to her advice."

"Of course. Mother is incredibly smart."

"Run along now, Kieran." I'm fairly sure she was going to start blushing.

"Yes, Mother. Goodbye, Inquisitor."

"I'm sure I'll see you later, Kieran."

Morrigan waited until the door was shut before she gestured for me to sit where he had been. "He's obviously not mine," I stated straight away, before she could say anything, "But I'm guessing Aedan doesn't know?"

"No, he doesn't. That was the agreement. I save his life, he gives me my son."

"He hasn't tried to find you?"

That made her laugh. "Of course he hasn't. He's too busy with his queen and his other children. I'm sure he may have considered it once or twice, but he was never going to find me." She sat down on the edge of the bed close to me. "Uhtred, it is good to see you." My face must have shown my surprise, making her laugh again. "I know you think I'm difficult…"

"Understatement."

"But I do remember our time together somewhat fondly."

"Why?" I asked carefully.

"Despite what you might think, I actually enjoyed myself as part of the little group Aedan and yourself put together. And Aedan gave me my son, something I will always be thankful to him for."

"You could tell him that yourself. He's in Denerim right now."

"Though I'm sure he'd love to meet Kieran, now is not the time, Uhtred. There is a threat that must be dealt with. Which leads me to a rather important question. Now that Celene is safe and her rule is assured, Gaspard will be facing the headman's axe soon enough. What of his sister?"

"She's in jail at the moment. I will judge her soon enough."

"Are you a merciful Inquisitor?"

"I can be if it is appropriate." I met her eyes. I'd always been curious about their colour. "Why are you here, Morrigan?"

"I have done my own research into this Corypheus, who or what he once was. I understand he wishes to attain godhood, correct?"

"Something like that. All I know is that he has plans for Thedas that I intend to stop. I'm not overthinking it. Corypheus. Bad guy. Must be stopped, preferably killed."

"I'm here because… What I fear, what we should all fear, Uhtred, is not that Corypheus believes he can become a god; it's that he actually may."

"I'll stop him."

That made her grin. "And there is that confidence you always had. Some would perhaps call it arrogance, but we both know what feats you are capable of. I will admit it is quite remarkable what you've managed so far. Skyhold is most impressive. I could tell you it's history but… Some other time perhaps?"

"Can I ask a personal question?"

"Of course."

"Your son, Kieran… Is he… you know, I have a vague understanding of the ritual…"

"He is very special, Uhtred." She leaned across, grabbing one of my hands. "Thank you for asking. I'm sure you realise I will do anything to protect him."

"And while you are in my care, I protect both of you."

She leaned back and laughed. "And there you go, being all… chivalrous, I guess the word would be." Obviously pausing for thought, she asked, "Are you disappointed he's not yours?"

"If he was mine, Aedan would be dead. I think that's a fair exchange."

"What will you tell him? Aedan, that is?"

"Nothing. This matter is between you and he. Does he ask about his father?"

"Kieran knows everything about his father that he needs to know." I must have pulled a face, as she added rather quickly, "I speak only positive of Aedan, Uhtred. I hope you trust me when I say that."

I nodded that I did before standing up. "If you need anything, Morrigan, you need only ask. I'm sure you'll find Skyhold a little different to the royal palace, though far better than what you may have once called home."

"I can adapt easily to my surroundings, Uhtred."

That gave me a good chuckle, heading to the door, though I stopped and look back after I'd opened it. "Morrigan, you've raised a bloody good lad. Polite, well-spoken. Little awkward, but I can see why. Motherhood has done you the world of good." I definitely surprised her as she smiled before looking away. "I hope you'll join us for breakfast and dinner each day, at least. Bring your boy along too. I'm sure others would love to meet him."

"Thank you," she whispered, still looking away. Yes, she was certainly the same woman who had wound me up something chronic during the Blight, but it was also obvious that motherhood had softened her at the same time.

Heading back towards the hall, I had one of the stewards round up my advisors, waiting for them all to arrive. The meeting actually didn't really go anywhere. We had the Wardens. We had the backing of Orlais, while Ferelden would surely now give their full support, while Leliana was hopeful word would now come in from the Free Marches that the city states along the coast, perhaps even further north to Antiva, would publicly back the Inquisition.

Scouts were scouring all of Thedas for any sign of Corypheus, but he and his templars had, for the moment, simply disappeared. His fingers remained everywhere, his reach incredible, but we had yet to face him nor his templars since Haven. My advisors remained hopeful that a breakthrough would come shortly, but for the moment, we did have other pressing matters to deal with.

"Leliana, is there any point to interrogating Florianne?"

"No. Celene is now secure on her throne with Briala at her side. Considering how adept she is at her job, we don't have to worry about a usurper, while we also gave the allies of Corypheus another bloody nose."

"Okay, I don't normally ask, but suggestions regarding judgement? And what of Gaspard? Will Celene actually execute him?"

Leliana cleared her throat. "I… have already sent a letter, Uhtred, asking for clemency. It was not on behalf of the Inquisition but…"

I glanced around the table. "What do we think? Should Gaspard die?"

"If he doesn't, it'll take more negotiation to keep Celene secure, time we might not have," Josephine replied.

"But if he were to withdraw his claim to the throne, you would have an excellent leader of the troops," Cullen added.

"Leliana, what are the chances of Celene not going through with it?"

"She's does not look for bloodshed, but she's practical at the same time. She knows the threat he is to her throne. However, now that we've taken Florianne out of the equation, and it appears she was the one who had planned much of what might have taken place, Gaspard may be relieved to simply keep his head and just get on with his life. Though I'm sure he was ambitious himself, I would bet all the coin in Thedas that Florianne has been in his ear ever since Celene took the throne."

"The question is, what do you think?" Josephine asked.

"Honestly, I want to take her fucking head. She allied with Corypheus, and was this close," I replied, gesturing with my fingers, "To causing the gods only know what to Orlais. To put it bluntly, I see no point in keeping her alive. The only positive to that is the fact Corypheus would no longer see value in her. In fact, he might desire revenge for her failure." I paused a few seconds. "Assemble the hall. We will judge her now. I'll go get ready."

"I'll come with you," Leliana stated, as we split up and headed to our respective areas.

All I needed to do was change my jacket, though I could feel Leliana watching me as I paced around the room, waiting for the knock on the door to let me know everything was prepared. She eventually wandered over and gave me a hug. "Should I be merciful?" I asked quietly.

"It is your choice, my love. Rest assured, no-one will judge you harshly if you make the choice I know you are thinking of taking."

"It just feels like the right choice."

"Go with your gut, Uhtred. It's what you've always done. And it's rarely wrong."

Josephine knocked at the door a few minutes later, Leliana walking out into the hall first before I made my appearance. The hall was absolutely packed as this was quite the event, the Inquisitor judging someone within a couple of steps of the Orlesian throne. Taking a seat on my throne, I gestured for the prisoner to be brought forward. As she was escorted forward, she walked with chin held high, trying to maintain at least some dignity and poise. I wouldn't have exactly called her defiant though. She would have known she was utterly defeated.

"I do not believe a reminder is necessary for this accused. Her capture and disgrace could not have been more public. Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons, although her titles are among the dignities already at the risk of forfeiture. You spared her life, despite her treachery. What becomes of it now falls to you."

I sat there in silence for at least a couple of minutes, staring at her. She tried to stare back before she wilted and looked away, eventually lowering her head. "Guess you're finding these surrounding a little different to those you are used to, Florianne. I could go on and on about Orlesian nobility, but I don't want to bore these people who are here to witness my judgement. Just remember, this is my party."

She snorted but said nothing. Josephine cleared her throat. "The Grand Duchess has acknowledged your authority, Inquisitor."

"Should I curse you on behalf of the Elder One? I realise he had no intention of honouring the concordats I manipulated." She shrugged, almost helplessly. "Do as you must. I respect your mastery of the Game, even as I despise your victory. Celene does not know her good fortune."

I sat back again and made her wait for my judgement. To be honest, I still wasn't one hundred percent sure. "To be honest, Grand Duchess, executing you now after keeping you alive would just make it all a pointless exercise. You are clearly ambitious, intelligent, and devious. One would almost consider hiring you as an agent for the Inquisition, but the problem is, I would never trust you, nor would my advisors. So I'm left with options I don't normally consider." I glanced at Josephine. "Ambassador, you mentioned something about her titles. I would assume she would be stripped of them eventually?"

"I believe Celene would already be in the process of that exact thing, Inquisitor."

"So she would be considering 'common', for want of a better word?"

"Yes, Inquisitor."

"Florianne, I want you to do one thing for me. Look around you. Unlike many of us here, you grew up in a life of privilege, no doubt destined to be the wife of some lord, living in luxury, while the majority of people struggled through each day. Yes, nobles do visit the Inquisition to offer their services, but you will see that most people in this hall are what you would call 'common', though I'm sure someone like yourself uses other derogatory titles for those you consider beneath you. Most of the men and women who have joined were ordinary soldiers, they were labourers, farmers, miners. But they all joined for a common cause. The restoration of order to Thedas and perhaps help institute the changes required to ensure life was better for us all."

I paused and took a breath. I knew what I was going to say next.

"You will pay penance for your crimes, Florianne de Chalons. Consider yourself stripped of any title you currently hold. From this day forth, you are no longer considered noble, and I will ensure that you and your progeny shall never be raised to nobility. The Inquisition is allied to numerous farms across Ferelden. You will be sent there under guard to work. And trust me on this one, Florianne. You will work. Every day, for the rest of your life. You will live alongside your common man and woman. No fine food. No fine clothing. No luxuries. No parties and soirees. You will be forgotten, not even a footnote in history. In the end, that will be the true punishment. That no-one will remember you." I waved a dismissive hand. "Guards, you may escort the commoner back to her cell. Transportation shall be organised at a later date. Please ensure she is given clothing more befitting of her current status."

She wasn't given a chance to say a word, practically turned and dragged out by the two guards. As that was the only judgement, the noise increased as the crowd dispersed outside. I called Josephine and Leliana over before they could disappear. "I assume Orlais will raise no complaints about my decision?" I asked Josephine.

"No, Inquisitor. Florianne was ours to judge and they will respect any decision you have taken."

I looked at Leliana. "I want her watched like a hawk. I doubt she has supporters. In fact, I think there's more chance of someone being sent to kill her. While I don't really care about that one way or the other, I don't want her getting any ideas of freedom."

"She will assume that she's watched but I'll make sure she won't even take a piss without us knowing about it."

I smiled at the slight humour in her tone. "Good. And if you get any word about Gaspard, please let me know. While I might consider putting in a request for clemency, I know for a fact many of his supporters have their eyes gazing longingly towards Ferelden. And I've heard enough rumours that he wouldn't mind attempting another invasion. I will put this simply. Not on my fucking watch."

"I will keep you informed, Inquisitor," Leliana replied.

Rising from my throne, Josephine bowed her head and disappeared into her little office, Leliana waiting around long enough to kiss my cheek before she headed towards the door leading up to her tower. I headed outside to do some training with Cullen, Cassandra and the others. It had been far too long since I'd last swung a blade in anger.

I sighed, utterly bored, as I placed down one report and picked up the next. I would rather have been out on the road, but at the moment, I was stuck in Skyhold. Small teams were being sent out to solve small problems but there was nothing that I could really get my teeth stuck into. The search for Corypheus continued.

Hearing a knock at the door, I called whoever it was to enter, assuming it wasn't Leliana, Evelyn or Bethany. They'd just happily wander in and take my mind off things, one way or another. Hearing a cleared throat, I looked up to see Cassandra, Fiona and Solas lined up before me. They all looked rather serious and immediately wondered what was wrong. I leaned back and looked at each of them individually. "Something wrong?"

Cassandra cleared her throat. "We've figured out how to do it safely, Inquisitor."

I'd been so busy, my mind taken up by so many problems, I honestly didn't know what she was talking about. "Figured what out?"

"Tranquillity, and more importantly, how it can be reversed. Fiona was obviously aware of the secret, but not entirely sure of the steps required. Solas has been assisting since the day I told you about it."

I tried not to get too excited and get my hopes up. So I simply asked, "Can you perform the reversal on Solona?"

"That is why we are here, Inquisitor," Fiona replied, "We are willing to try. But you will be surprised to hear that many Tranquil are actually happy with their lives. We were thinking that you should speak to Solona and offer her the chance of being restored to normal."

"Do you think she'd listen to me or something?"

"She will be more understanding of why you would be offering her the chance of restoration, Uhtred, considering your previous relationship," Cassandra replied.

"Do you not wish to ask her?" Fiona wondered.

"I think it's been clear I haven't exactly spent a lot of time around her. Because she might look like Solona but…"

"Ask her, Inquisitor," Fiona stated.

I couldn't help sigh again as I knew she was right. "Okay. Then what?"

"We will proceed with the ritual. For security purposes, we would ask no-one else is informed of what we are doing. There is a chance… it could go wrong. But if we are successful, Solona should return," Fiona replied.

"One word of warning," Cassandra added, "Solona will obviously be dealing with emotions she hasn't felt in a very long time. I've heard and read of mages who have been returned to normality that have then struggled to adapt to their new reality. She is going to need a lot of support in the coming days and weeks."

"Will she return to normal eventually?"

"That is the expectation, but obviously, this isn't something that happens very often at all. What was done to myself was different to Solona and any other Tranquil."

"I'll go talk to her."

I desperately wanted to tell Leliana, but I would listen to the advice for now. The three disappeared as I headed upstairs to where Solona worked every day. I wasn't sure what she did, as although I was polite to her, always wishing her good morning, and I did attempt the occasional conversation, but it was too difficult. Every day had been a joy for her once we'd left the Ferelden Circle. There was nothing left once I took her from Kirkwall.

She was hard at work as always when I cleared my throat. She turned and forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "How are you, Solona?"

"I have no reason to complain, Uhtred. I am currently in the middle of some research regarding the samples you have taken recently from the Western Approach. I aim to have a report finished within the week."

"That's good, Solona. Are you… happy?"

I think she forced a smile to appear. "I am content, Uhtred."

Gesturing, I asked her to sit down. I grabbed a nearby chair and placed it in front of her. Taking both of her hands, she met my eyes. I'm sure she was curious, though I wasn't sure if that was a feeling or not, but I'm sure she did wonder why I'd taken her hands. "Solona, I have something to tell you. It's important."

"Okay."

"Cassandra revealed something a little while ago, and since that day, she's been looking into it alongside Fiona and Solas. They believe they now have a way that Tranquillity can be reversed."

"Do you want me to undergo the ritual, Uhtred? It would be the only reason why you are here now, talking to me about it."

I squeezed her hands. "I want Solona back," I said quietly, "I don't know if you feel happy or not, but the Solona I remember… laughed. I haven't heard you laugh." I met her blank eyes. "Do you feel anything? Anything at all?"

"No, Uhtred. You know that."

"Don't you want to feel something again?"

She looked away at the desk where her research rested. "I don't feel anything, but I do remember what it felt like to feel, to experience emotions. I remember the way I felt the day we met in the Circle Tower in Ferelden. I remember the feeling the first time we were intimate. I remember always watching you lead us during the Blight. I remember the day you returned to Amaranthine and asked me to go with you to Kirkwall. I remember all those feelings, Uhtred." She met my eyes. "Some would say the way I am now makes things easier. I don't have to worry about any feelings I might have had for you, for example."

I knew what she meant immediately. "Solona, you may not have noticed. I can understand how you would be focused on your work and nothing else. Leliana and I… It isn't just us, if you know what I mean. Remember our time during the Blight?" She simply nodded. "Our lives are like that again. Leliana has always adored you. She loved the time the three of us spent together. She's always thought I was a fool to… turn you away. I'm sorry. I should have told you how I feel when I collected you in Amaranthine but… I didn't want you thinking you were some sort of runner up to Leliana. I've always cared for you greatly, since the day we met."

"I remember how much I loved you from that first day we met."

I sighed because I knew that already. "Would you wish to experience that feeling again?"

"Yes."

I met her eyes. There was still nothing there. When she'd said yes, there'd be no emotion in her tone. Maybe the memories had helped make her decision. "Okay, I'll talk to the others and see what needs to be done."

"I will continue my work until I'm summoned."

Heading downstairs, I ran into Fiona and explained that Solona agreed to undergo the ritual. She admitted to slight surprise, as many Tranquil found comfort in the fact they didn't have to go through the tumult of emotions the rest of us suffered. Even I understood what she meant. Fiona turned around to go speak with the others. I wasn't sure what was required and I wouldn't know. It would be done in secret.

Going to bed with Leliana that evening, I was bursting to tell her. She knew something was on my mind, but she seemed to understand it was something I couldn't share. I hated keeping secrets, but even she knew that, in my position, there would be things I simply couldn't tell her right away. She distracted me in a rather good way to leave me rather drained and in desperate need of sleep. Snuggling into me, she whispered, "You will tell me, yes?"

"I will. I just can't yet," I mumbled, "Thanks for helping to take my mind off it though."

"I figured my body would be a good distraction for an hour or two."

After breakfast the next morning, Cassandra, Solas and Fiona remained in position until we were left alone. Fiona met my eyes and nodded, before leaving to obviously collect Solona. Cassandra led me outside and up onto the walkway that lined the walls. "We will do this away from prying eyes. Obviously, once the ritual is complete, people will be aware that it can be reversed. That alone makes the Inquisition dangerous in many eyes, particularly in regards to our alliance with the mages of Thedas."

"What do you think the Chantry will think?"

"They will be displeased, but once the cat is out of the bag, it cannot be put back in. And this move alone should please you as the Templar Order did abuse this ritual. Once mages learn how to reverse it, and trust me, they will eventually, forcing Tranquillity on mages will no longer be a problem."

"Depending on what happens, if the worst happens, if some sort of organisation is placed in charge of them, they'll just kill mages instead."

"That's always a possibility. We must ensure that cannot happen."

Solas and Fiona approached with Solona. Cassandra and Fiona disappeared inside as Solas gestured for me to follow. Once we were alone, he explained. "The ritual will take time, Inquisitor. After that, I will need to enter the Fade myself with Solona and help her deal with the overwhelming emotions she is bound to feel. For the first few days and weeks, she will be dealing with feelings not experienced for many a year now, so she is going to need our help to get through it. I will help her by attracting spirits in the Fade, who will hopefully calm her mind."

"I trust you, Solas."

It was a simple sentence, but once I knew he appreciated. "She will be fine, Inquisitor. In a few hours, your old friend will be here again. I promise you that."

"I won't hang around here and attract attention. Ask Cassandra to come get me once the ritual is complete and you've done what you can to help her."

Heading inside, I spent the day in my office, not actually doing much, to be honest. I was confident Solas and Fiona knew what they were doing. I meant what I said to Solas. My faith in his magical abilities was rock solid. As I'd said more than once, I thought he was the smartest person at Skyhold. We didn't share many of the same interests, but I always listened when he explained something, and he had more than earned my respect. As for Fiona, if this worked, I knew for a fact she would ensure the news would be quietly spread. I did wonder how many mages made Tranquil would want to return to normal.

It was late by the time Cassandra knocked on my door. Leliana had been down, recognising I was still distracted, so apart from sharing lunch, she left me to my thoughts. Evelyn had been in too, and her being a mage, it was even more difficult keeping the secret. But everyone would learn the truth once Solona walked into the hall. My last thought was of Bethany. Solona might have been a distant relation, but she'd been as distraught as anyone about what happened to Solona.

"Come with me, Inquisitor," Cassandra stated.

Following her back to the room where they'd completed the ritual, she knocked on the door but didn't open it, gesturing for me to walk inside instead. My hand shook slightly as I turned the handle, slowly opening it to reveal a brightly lit room. The door swung open as I noticed Solas looking towards me, Solona in front of him though her back was turned. Solas gestured with his head and Solona turned around.

She smiled… And I was gone. Then she started to cry and that was it. Waterfalls for both of us. She practically sprinted into me, almost knocking the wind out of me as I held her as tightly as I could remember. She tried to say something but I couldn't understand it through all the sobbing. I did hear Solas whisper that they would give us some time. I'd probably give him the biggest hug later, along with the other two.

I'm not sure how long we held each other. I calmed down a lot quicker than her, just enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against mine, gently stroking her hair. She eventually leaned back, her cheeks almost dripping wet, but that smile on her face. I couldn't even remember the last time I'd seen it.

"You saved me," she whispered.

"Well, Solas and Fiona…"

Shaking her head, she replied, "No, back in Kirkwall. You saved me. Then you made sure I was safe again."

"I'm sorry, Solona. I should have…"

She put a finger to my lips. "We'll talk later," she said quietly, "We obviously have a lot to talk about." I knew what she meant. "I love you."

I kissed her for that. First time we'd kissed since… before I'd even arrived in Amaranthine to take her to Kirkwall. Gods, it felt good to do that again. We had to stop because she started to cry again, though it was mixed with a little laughter. "This is going to happen quite a bit for a while. Solas has explained a lot of how I will be feeling. But he said being around you will help." She paused then added very quietly, "We totally have to have sex too."

That definitely caused me to lean back. "You'll be okay to deal with that?"

"Uhtred, I was Tranquil, not blind. I know exactly who you're sleeping with at the moment."

"Ah…"

That made her giggle. And that got me going again. Gods, I'd missed that sound so much. We hugged each other tightly again until we were both feeling normal enough that we could do something other than just hug, though to be honest, I think we could have just stayed like that the rest of the night. Finally letting her go, I wiped my cheeks, making her laugh again. "Don't see that too often."

"Big moment." Leaning forward to kiss her, I added, "Oh, and I love you too, Solona."

"You're just trying to make me cry again."

Taking her by the hand, I led her outside, no sign of the others. Considering that torches had now been lit as it was dark, I had a feeling everyone was inside for dinner. Gesturing with my head, I led her away. "Keep your face blank for the moment. When I announce you, then smile. I want to see their reactions."

Everyone was at the table as usual, those who had helped me, those who had known Solona before she'd been turned Tranquil and those who didn't know her any other way. Standing at the end of the table with her, everyone looked at us, no doubt wondering what was going on. They would certainly know I rarely spent much time with her. "Inquisition, I want you to meet Solona Amell. Solona Amell, meet the Inquisition."

I glanced to see her smile. "Hello," she stated brightly.

Uproar. Absolute uproar. Solas sat back with a look of smug satisfaction. Leliana was out of her seat so fast, I almost missed it. There was no missing the tears on her face as Solona approached her. Bethany was up just as fast, the three women hugging each other tightly. Varric just looked at me, shaking his head. "Maker, you're a damned miracle worker," he muttered, before needing to dry his eyes.

"No, it wasn't me this time. There are others at this table who made this possible."

Once Leliana and Bethany finally let her go, which took quite a few minutes, Solona was introduced to everyone properly. Varric made her laugh, and he suffered what I did. A flood of tears. Solona just hugged him, and everyone could see what it meant to him too. Cullen remembered her, of course, and knew the whole story. Even he couldn't keep a pair of dry eyes at seeing her return. Once everyone had a chance to meet her properly, we took a seat, Solona immediately being positioned next to me.

"Uhtred, I'll sleep somewhere else the next couple of nights," Leliana stated.

"We're not going to have sex straight away," I retorted, to the chuckles of the others.

"I'm not saying that. But you two have a hell of a lot to catch up on… then you definitely need to have sex."

"Will you join us?" Solona wondered.

Leliana looked at her and grinned. "Just like the old days, Sol?"

"I bloody hope so, Leliana. It's been far too long since… everything, really. I apologise now if I cry a lot. My emotions are going to be a little messed up for a while."

"I will assist where necessary, Solona," Solas stated, "Rest assured, you will not be going through this alone."

"Thank you already."

To call the table jovial after that would be an understatement. Bull disappeared, returning with a barrel of ale over one shoulder, bottles of spirit in his other hand. Drinks were soon flowing as everyone relaxed. Solona enjoyed a couple of drinks, that went straight to her head, immediately cuddling into my side, wrapping an arm around her in return. She didn't say all that much, simply enjoying being around others, and she laughed… a lot. More than once, I needed to look away and blink rapidly, Leliana noticing each and every time, giving my free hand a squeeze.

We must have stayed there for hours until nearly all of us were ready to call it a night. Everyone gathered around to give Solona another hug. As they did, I grabbed Solas in what was practically a bear hug. It made him laugh, but he understood the sentiment, eventually just taking his hand in both of mine, meeting his eyes. I did the same with Fiona and Cassandra. As for the rest, they'd seen her around, obviously, but never seen her. They would discover who she really was over the next few weeks and months. Leliana was the last to hug her, whispering a few things in her ear, glancing my way every so often, before she suggested she would room with Evelyn for a few nights.

Solona disappeared to grab her things as I headed into my bedroom, taking off my coat, shirt, boots and socks, then figured that leaving on underwear would be enough. I was sitting back when Solona walked in, already dressed in a nightgown, leaving her bag at the foot of the bed. Climbing up next to me, I turned towards her, our lips meeting quickly as she straddled my lap. She definitely would have felt my excitement rather quickly as I pulled her body into mine. We made out for quite a while before we needed to break apart.

"Okay, been wanting to do that since the moment I came back," she breathed.

"Me too," I admitted.

She did us both a favour by rolling off me and cuddling into my side, wrapping an arm around her in return. "Uhtred, I want to tell you now what happened. Do you mind?"

"I figured that would be the first thing you would want to talk about."

"Some of it won't be easy to hear."

"I know."

"Okay." She gave me a squeeze with her arm wrapped over my chest before taking a deep breath. "I obviously wasn't well when you left. I still wasn't feeling great the night they arrived. It must have been after midnight as we were all asleep when they banged on the door. Gawen opened it and found a sword at his throat. They marched straight into my room, brandishing a letter stating I was under arrest for a list of crimes. All false, of course. Letter signed by the Knight-Commander. I'm sure you know by now she actually had nothing to do with it.

I pleaded with our servants to not do anything. Of course, they didn't let me pack or anything. I was hauled out in my nightgown, hands tied, blindfolded and gagged. That's when I knew something wasn't quite right. Mages are still treated humanely, with respect, even when being escorted to the Circle. But I was sick, and feeling a little weak, and just wasn't with it enough to put it together.

Of course, I didn't end up at the Gallows. I ended up in some cave. There was that templar you dealt with, I received word about that. I was told simply so I knew. But he must have had a dozen or so people who were helping him do what he did. You know why they did it, right?"

"The surname?"

She nodded. "One reason. He just hated our family for some reason. Plus, I was a Warden and a mage. In his eyes, I deserved everything I got. So they turned me Tranquil and… he used me."

"You don't…"

"I have to because I haven't been able to feel anything about it, Uhtred. Do you understand?"

"I do but I don't." I gave her a gentle squeeze. "Okay, tell me everything."

"I wasn't the first, perhaps wasn't the last. He made girls Tranquil then used them as sex objects. He was disgusting. I might not have felt anything but even a Tranquil understands things like that. What I never understood is why he'd want to fuck a Tranquil. I mean, I just lay there while he did what he wanted. I barely made a sound. I didn't feel anything. Right now, I know I would have feel terrified, angry, disgusted, dirty…"

"How did you end up in the Circle itself?"

"I'm not sure. I figured it was falsified documents or something, to ensure my presence was simply accepted. I ended up in there once he'd had his fun with me. He threatened me, of course, but who was I going to tell? And who would believe me? I simply accepted my lot… until the day you arrived.

I still remember what you did for me, Uhtred. Taking me away from the Circle and effectively returning me 'home'. I also understood why you… couldn't keep me around. And why you've been so distant while I've been here. I wasn't me."

"One of the reasons why I went to war with them. They took you away from me, Solona."

"I have only one regret, Uhtred. I wish I'd told you how I felt before it all happened. I wish I'd told you how I felt when you returned to Amaranthine, asking me to go to Kirkwall. Maybe if I had, none of this would have happened."

"Don't do that. Do not blame yourself."

"No blame, Uhtred. Just… regret."

"It's my fault. I've always had those feelings, but after Leliana returned to the Chantry, I didn't want you thinking you were the consolation prize because she left me. And we were always close, so a close friendship was what I thought was best. And you seemed… content with that."

"I was by your side, Uhtred. That's all I wanted. I missed the intimacy but we were the best of friends. And now I'm back where I want to be."

"Want to join us on the open road?"

"Definitely! We used to have a lot of fun. And I miss the danger and excitement of battle."

"Good. You're in. If you join me, maybe that'll convince Leliana…"

"Or maybe we can share a tent alone?" she whispered, "Though I'm sure I'll be fighting off Evelyn…"

"Ah… yeah…"

"Corrupting another young woman, Uhtred? Aren't you too old for doing that?"

"Hey, she was the one who showed interest first. Think I'm going to say no to that?"

"No, I don't blame you. She's rather cute. Reminder of me?"

"In some ways, I guess."

She yawned and that caused me to do the same thing. "Big day," she muttered, "And we should probably sleep. I want to be woken in the morning by snuggles and lots of kissing, Uhtred."

"Okay, I like the sound of that."

"And tomorrow night, we'll make love."

"Love the sound of that."

"And the night after that, you are going to fuck me senseless." I gave her a look at that. "Oh please, like you haven't thought about that already!"

"Hmmm… True."

"Good. That's sorted." She yawned again, and we eventually positioned ourselves so she was spooned against me, wrapping my arms tightly around her. "I remember this," she whispered, "I always loved falling asleep like this."

"I'll enjoy waking up next to you."

"Ugh, why do I have to sleep? I can't wait!"

That made us both laugh before she turned her head far enough to kiss her, then we settled down together. She was asleep first, hearing her breathing change. I lay there and sighed, and I definitely drifted off with a smile on my face. The gods had been kind.