Tap. Tap. Tap. Ellana mindlessly drummed her fingers on the countertop. It had been a few days since that dream, which she somehow remembered in its entirety. It was a weird dream, but not the weirdest one she'd had. Maybe it was time for her to move on to another place, Val Royeaux was proving more trouble than it was worth. She could lie to Deshanna and explore somewhere else that seemed promising. Maybe Antiva? Tevinter? No, no. Running away from problems always made them bigger.

The door's bell rang, alerting her of someone entering.

"Hi, what is that you're needing tod–" Ellana eyes widened as she saw a very large qunari step through the door. Correction, a huge qunari. What was a qunari doing in Orlais? In an elven shop?

"Hey, I heard about the place and thought to check it out." The man flashed a toothy smile and went to her. He was also wearing a leather eyepatch over his left eye.

"I, uh…Please take a look around, maybe you'll find something you like," Ellana replied, her eyes repeatedly darting from his horns to his face.

"My eye is down here." He let out a raucous laugh at Ellana's flustered reaction. "Don't worry about it. Name's Iron Bull. Get it?" He pointed to the horns.

"Ha, ha. Yes, I do. If you find anything you'd like to buy, don't hesitate to let me know Mr. Bull."

"Just Iron Bull or Bull, nothing fancy like that." He gave her another smile as he made his way around.

The momentary peace didn't last long. "Watch out!" Ellana screamed as she rushed toward him, his right horn was about to knock a piece of Elvhen pottery off a high shelf. Iron Bull turned his head to her, narrowly missing the pottery, but his left horn shattered a glass case hanging above them on the wall. Iron Bull instinctively put his body over hers, letting the majority of the glass land on him.

"Are you okay, Iron Bull?"

"Qunari skin is tough, I'll be fine. Plus, my shirt took most of it." Iron Bull stood up straight and shook his clothing, and Ellana did the same. When she went to look at Bull, her head aligned with his chest and was staring directly at it.

"Hey, I'm up here." A snort came from him.

Ellana strained a smile, this man really was something, wasn't he.

"Your arm, that's a pretty deep gash, Bull."

"Like I said, I'm fine. Qunari and all." He gestured to his body.

She felt conflicted. Her first-aid supplies were upstairs, if she left, he'd be alone in the store. Ellana had never left someone alone in the store before, what she would do was wait till it was empty and then lock the front door.

"Seriously, don't worry about it. I'll be okay. This won't even scar, and I got plenty of those."

Ellana gave him a doubtful look, despite all the scars that were on his face.

Iron Bull told her with finality, "I'm fine. Now what I will do is help you clean this up. Got a broom?"

She nodded went to grab the brush and dustpan and came back. He swept the floor while she moved things around on table display, shaking them for glass and such.

When the area was clear, Ellana picked up the item that Iron Bull had knocked out of the glass case. It was an ancient Elvhen cloth doll she found by accident in some ruins, a different reckless adventuring incident of hers. It had been remarkably well preserved, only with a few dirty patches. It was fascinating that during a time of magic and wonder, floating cities and all, that their children still played with toys. That made her feel almost a sort of kinship with her ancestors.

"That was in the case, wasn't it? Did it break?"

"Just a few rips, nothing I can't quickly stitch up."

Iron Bull moved to sweep the glass off the table. "What's something like that doing in a case anyway?"

"The stuff that's not for sale, I keep in the cases."

"Why aren't they for sale? They don't look different from the rest of the stuff you have out." He quickly added, "No offense."

"They're personal items that I'd rather not sale. And instead of keeping them cooped up in a closet somewhere, I put them up."

He shook the dustpan in a small wastebasket, making sure all the glass went in it. "What about that doll?

"It was my mom's. Passed it on to me when I was a kid," she lied.

Iron Bull let out a light huff. "Well since I caused such a scene, I better buy something, shouldn't I?"

"Oh, you don't have to. Nothing was majorly damaged. Besides, you got hurt." She put the doll down on the table and gave him her full attention.

"Nah, wouldn't feel right if I didn't buy something. Point me to something pricey."

Ellana unconsciously looked at his horns.

This time he let out a belly laugh, this one sounding different from the others before. He must be genuinely amused. "Okay, why don't you bring the item to me, then."

"Is there anything in specific you're looking for?"

"Nope."

Ellana walked around and viewed her own wares, feeling slightly giddy at the idea that she was shopping her own goods. Her eyes landed on something and she excitedly took it.

"Do you like ocean waves, stuff like that?" She called from the other side of the store.

"Yeah, sure."

She came over to where he was and showed what she had in her hand. It was a small, silver plate embossed with curves that resembled waves in the middle. While the object itself was small, it still covered most her right palm.

"I think this could fit over your leather eyepatch if you wanted. If you take this to a tailor here, I'm sure they'd fasten it for you," Ellana suggested.

Iron Bull stared at it for a few seconds and Ellana realized with mortification what she said.

"Oh, Creators. I–I didn't mean to be rude or anything like that."

He gave her a wave of dismissal for her unnecessary worry. "I'll take it."

She looked at the tag. "That'll be around," Ellana did the math in her head, "13.22…The register will confirm it. I shouldn't be too far off, though."

"I said you could pick something pricey, and this is what you grab? Are you sure?"

"I'm not going to have you pay for something that you have no need for. At least this might."

He studied her for a few seconds. "Elves…you guys can be strange sometimes."

Iron Bull carefully walked with her to the register and she rang him up. Watching his step, he made his way out without breaking anything else.

Ellana returned to the spot they were previously at before and put everything moved beforehand back in their places. Lastly, she went to pick up the doll. It was only when she lifted it that she saw several folded bills were placed underneath. It was a good chunk of money.

She placed the doll on the table and got her phone to text.

3:23 PM

A qunari came in, broke something accidentally, bought something, and then left.

3:23 PM

He also left me extra money.

She put her phone down knowing a reply would take a bit. Surprisingly, her text tone went off soon after.

Dorian Pavus – 3:25PM

A qunari, you say? In your shop?

3:25PM

I know, shocked me too.

Dorian Pavus – 3:25PM

Now that you mention it…a qunari did visit here too.

Varric Tethras – 3:26PM

Is everything goo?

Varric Tethras – 3:26PM

Good

3:27PM

Yeah, it is. One of his horns just broke some glass.

Dorian Pavus – 3:28PM

Wait

Dorian Pavus – 3:28PM

Was his name Iron Bull?

Ellana was hurriedly typing her long reply to Dorian when a text from a different number came in.

Unknown Number – 3:30PM

There are things we need to discuss.

3:30PM

Who is this?

Unknown Number – 3:31PM

I believe we've already made our introductions.

Ellana's hold on her phone tightened. She took a few minutes before typing her reply.

3:38PM

Solas.

Unknown Number – 3:40PM

Correct.

Without thinking, she immediately pressed the phone icon. The line rang once before connecting. She didn't think this through or this far. Ellana had no idea what to say.

"Ellana," his deep voice resonated.

"Solas."

"We need to talk."

"Talk."

"It'd be best to do this in person. It will make more sense."

"What do you suggest, then?"

Silence filled the air of the call, and Ellana began to fidget.

He spoke again, "Are you free tonight?"

"It's the middle of the week."

"It would more ideal than the weekend."

"Fine."

"Then it's settled. I will drop by your store around nine." There was a beep signifying the end of the call.

Ellana stood there and stared at nothing. What did she get herself into?

The rest of the day went by both too slow and too fast for Ellana's liking. She wandered around the store uselessly tidying and helped the elves who stopped by.

She rolled around restlessly in her bed. It was now eight. Eight at night. One hour before Solas said he would visit. Ellana wondered if she should have Varric and Dorian be here, maybe some of her acquaintances as well. The more people there were, the less likely this man would harm her. She buried her head in her hands. Why was she trying to amateurly profile this guy? He hadn't hurt her when he obviously had the chance to. But he still took her backpack. And map. Also nothing he had said implied harmful threats.

In that dream they shared, which was something she most definitely needed answers on, it could be said that Solas was pleasant. Mischievous, even. Like he enjoyed knowing something she didn't. This was a contrast to his surly attitude when he visited the antique store that time.

A muffled knock from below broke her worrisome imagination. She stared at her door. He was early by thirty minutes. He would be the punctual type.

She blinked a few times and took deep breaths in a failed attempt to bring down her heart rate. Ellana slammed her hands down on her bed and pushed herself up. This was her only chance to gain information and she wasn't going to let it go to waste.

Ellana flew down the stairs at a speed that was probably dangerous, but this whole situation already was. Her hand hovered over the doorknob to the door, with a final deep breath she unlocked and opened it.

On her way down, she had forgotten to turn on the lights to the inside and outside. His eyes reflectively glinted in the darkness.

"I don't recommend we have our discussion outside, do you?" he asked.

She stepped aside and let him in without a reply. Solas made his way in the darkened shop. He was wearing a coat similar to the one in the dream, except it was black. The rest of his clothing were muted colors.

After he was completely inside, she closed the door, not locking it. Ellana avoided his curious gaze as she walked past him and went to turn on a tall lamp near the counter. She then grabbed her chair and a stool from behind the register and dragged them to an emptier corner.

She sat in her chair and motioned to the stool for him. He sat in it easily, one foot planted on the floor while the other rested on one of the stool's rungs.

"I suspect you have questions," he simply stated.

"I do."

"Then, by all means lethallan, ask them."

She chewed at her bottom lip and studied his stoic expression. "How did we share the same dream?"

"The Fade."

"Yes, but what about the Fade?"

He leaned in. "Why don't you tell me what you know, first. Clarification will be easier than explanation."

His sudden proximity made her nervously flit her eyes away, unable to maintain eye contact.

"That we are connected to the Fade in some way, spirits and demons reside there. During uthenera it is where the Elvhen roamed. And by pulling from it, it is how mages controlled their magic. Also, that possessions of mages were possible because of this. It's also where the pantheon are locked away. But it's been so long, that it's usually just regarded as embellished history."

He rubbed the heel of his left palm along his temple as he replied, "The Dalish continue to surprise me with their ignorance."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I figured this sort of ignorance from humans, but the Dalish? Disappointing."

"If you are going to insult me and my heritage, then please leave, hah'ren. I don't need answers that badly," she said out of frustration. If he did leave at her suggestion, a tiny part of her would always wonder what he had to say.

He gave her pointed look and replied with the same tone she had, "Da'len, there are more important matters to attend to."

"Talk, then. That's why you came here, isn't it?"

He took a deep breath. "The Fade is tied to life, yes. Aside from dwarves, almost every person enters the Fade when they dream, knowingly or not."

"You mean like lucid dreaming?"

"That would be the term now, yes. In the past, typically mages were the only ones able to be aware of their time in the Fade and remember it after waking."

"So, in that same vein, those who lucidly dream are more closely connected the Fade?"

"Yes, you could say that."

Her next question came rapidly, "How did we cognitively meet each other in the Fade?"

"It usually contorts to the dreamer's memories and will. Us meeting the way we did was highly unusual."

Solas looked at her to gauge her reaction so far and continued, "There are individuals that go beyond being lucid in the Fade. They can change all they want and go where they want simply with their will and effort."

She met his eyes. "Somniari."

"Yes. I am one."

Ellana raised her hands in confusion. "How? Spellcasting is a thing of the past. How are you so closely tied to the Fade when we aren't?"

His lips lightly downturned, giving the impression that he was intensely mulling something over.

"In areas where the Veil is thin, I redirect and manipulate the magic that is already present. I do not create or cast any of my own."

"Why are you able to do this and not others?"

"You ask with such certainty that I am the only one. Look around you."

Ellana's face twisted in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Many of the items you have here contain some sort of magic or enchantment. The objects you placed in the display cases even more so."

She stayed silent. Her brows knitted as she thought about the implications of his statement.

Solas took the opportunity to explain further, "Your connection to the Fade led you to those things. You felt some sort of connection, did you not?"

She thought back to the doll from earlier and bit her lip. "I did."

"How I am able to redirect the energy is no different from you recognizing it. This only happens within elven communities, though. Elves are intrinsically tied to the Fade."

Ellana's mind buzzed with even more questions after that statement, but she decided to ask the most important one, "And what were you doing in the catacombs that night?"

"I've learned all of this throughout my journeys while dreaming. They have shown me how to interact with the energy that is still around us. The object was an Elven artifact, something that is able to alter the Veil. When activated, they are able to thin the Veil in the area."

"It's because of the Veil's thickness that we've lost magic," Ellana said as a statement rather than a question. This was something that was theorized, but no one had been able to prove it. How could people test something they couldn't interact with?

Solas seemed pleased at her assumption. "Exactly. With the Veil thinned in an area, it allows for more flow from the Fade."

Ellana didn't respond, thinking everything over when he let out a small laugh and told her, "It would have all gone smoothly, too."

She cocked her head in apprehension and questioned, "What's that supposed to mean?"

He leaned in again and said, "I studied those artifacts for months in my dreams to make sure I could bend the magic appropriately. But then you broke it."

Ellana opened her mouth to respond, but he talked on, "Don't worry, I fixed it all I could. But I am no longer able to twist it's energy or any of the magic around it."

He softly grasped her left hand. "Your physical interactions with the artifact caused their power to be tied to you."

"Wh–what?"

Solas traced down her left palm with his fingers, and her hand began to glow.

"What did you do to my hand?"

"Nothing, I simply brought out the artifact's power for you to see."

While she stared at her hand dumbfounded, Solas asked her, "Would you like to see the artifact?"

Ellana answered immediately, "Yes."

He let her hand go and it ceased glowing. "I'll wait for you outside the store."

Solas stood up and left her there. Ellana traced the palm of her left hand just as he had. With determination, she stood up and ran upstairs to get her backpack. On her way out of the store, she eyed the doll. Ellana stuffed it in her backpack, now was a better than ever to see how something like it would react in the catacombs. She also sent a quick text to a few friends of her approximate whereabouts and a short description of who she was with. Just in case another blast occured.

She set the alarm and locked the door. As he said, Solas was waiting for her on the sidewalk. They must have been talking for a while, night had fully settled, and people were sparse.

He faced her and commented, "See? Better than the weekend."

Ellana scoffed in response.

"Ah, wait. Before we set off, you might want this back, Ellana."

She kept a calm expression despite the fact that it unsettled her each time he said her name. It sounded like such a foreign word for him to say, and it did not help that he said it sparsely.

Solas pulled a piece of folded parchment from a jacket pocket. "I believe this is yours."

"That it is." She restrained the urge to snatch her map from him and simply took it, avoiding touching his skin. Ellana put it in an open mesh pocket of the backpack.

He took the lead and led her to an entrance she didn't know existed. As they traveled underneath the city, Solas commented, "I was surprised to see how much you missed of the catacombs on that map of yours."

"I wasn't finished, if that wasn't obvious."

"In any case, it's dangerous to go alone to places like these."

"Yeah, one might bump into a strange elf messing with old tech. If only someone warned me beforehand."

He gave her an indifferent, unamused look and they walked on in silence. At some point, Ellana stopped and took the doll out from her bag.

Before Solas could make a comment, she told him, "You said it's all connected, right? I was curious and decided to bring it." She held the flashlight in one hand and the doll with the other.

Travelling through the catacombs again was an entirely different experience for Ellana. Her skin prickled and tingled, the ancient magic felt like it seeped through her skin. Her left hand also began to glow, a crooked streak appearing in the middle of the palm. The closer they got to the artifact, the brighter her hand became. It also began to have a slightly throbbing ache.

"We're here," Solas said as they arrived at the chamber. Instead of the air being thick like the last time, it felt lighter, welcoming.

Ellana took off her backpack, put the doll next to it, and crouched to study the object before her. Because of her tripping on it, it was marred with crevices and hairline cracks.

She stood back up and looked at Solas. "What do I do?"

He stepped behind her and placed his left hand over hers, lifting them over the artifact.

"Just focus. I'll help manipulate what I can."

Silence pervaded the chamber, the only noises being their deep breaths and the low cackling of her palm.

A bright light suddenly exploded and engulfed the chamber. A bolt of pain shot through Ellana's hand and she cried out, Solas steadied her from falling.

As sudden as it all was, it was gone instantly. All that remained was the Elven artifact surrounded in twists and knots of green energy, similar to what would emit from her hand.

"Lethallan, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Ellana regained her footing.

A voice from behind the both of them spoke in Elven, "Andaran atish'an. It is a welcome sight to see the both of you again."

They faced where the voice came from. There was a group of skeletons in front of them.

Ellana tensed, and Solas noticed this as he was still holding her quite closely. He whispered, "There is no need to fear them. They are the Elvhen of the past."

Unlike when she was speaking with Solas, Ellana's mind ran with questions, but she couldn't voice any of them.

One of the skeletons spoke again, "I'm afraid our time is limited. We thank you for visiting us. It can get lonely drifting along the Fade."

A different skeleton stuttered its way toward them. "Please, may I keep it?" It stopped in front of the doll.

Eyes wide with awe and still unable to form a response, Ellana picked the doll up and stretched her arms toward the skeleton.

In irregular movements, the skeleton gently took the doll and said to her, "It reminds me of the ones I would make for my children so long ago. So long ago."

The bones began to shake, signifying their time was running to an end.

Ellana's breath hitched and through a dry throat she told them, "Dareth shiral." Solas repeated the same.

The bones then fell in a disconnected heap, the doll underneath it.

"The force that the artifact exhibited allowed their spirits to linger our world once more. If not for the thickness of the Veil, they could have stayed longer," Solas explained.

An overwhelming weight then came upon Ellana, and she struggled to stand. Solas gingerly sat her on the ground, her back against the wall. When he knew that she was properly settled, he rummaged through her backpack.

"What are you doing, Solas?" Ellana wondered as her eyelids became heavier and heavier.

He didn't answer and instead just continued to go through it. When he found what he was looking for, Solas returned to her and caught her half-lidded gaze.

Solas undid the locking mechanism of the pocket knife and raised the blade. He then made a long vertical gash on his right inner forearm.

"You need blood. Now." He moved his arm closer to her face.

Adrenaline coursed through her, making her suddenly alert.

"What? No! I won't do that. I'll be fine. I just have to make it home."

"Ellana. Your body, no matter if it is elven, was just overwhelmed with magic. Something no one has experienced in thousands of years. There is no saying what it did to you and what deficits you may encounter, especially if your body needs blood. Now, drink."

Her breaths became shaky. He was right, but this act of drinking from another person, especially another elf, was mainly reserved to Dalish bonding customs. It was such a deeply intimate act both physically and metaphorically.

"Ellana," Solas warned.

Her heart beat faster, something Solas would be able to hear. What was she going to do? How would she even do this?

She glanced at his arm, his blood was flowing in a diagonal line and was beginning to drip at his elbow. Ellana brought her face closer to his arm and wavered. The strong smell of his blood compelled her to lean forward. It didn't remind her of human or typical elven blood. Something about it reflected the magic that remained in the catacombs, in the elven artifact.

Her lips met with his forearm, and all of her worries fled. She raised her hands to hold his arm as she drank and lapped at the blood that came from the cut. Solas curled around her for support.

Discomfort began to settle around her temples and down the back of her neck, becoming greater as the seconds went on. Ellana raised her face from his arm and winced at the intensity of the head rush. She passed out from it, and Solas caught her. He swiftly swung her backpack over a shoulder and scooped her up. He made the way out of the catacombs, following the same route they used coming in.

However, he was met with a few unfamiliar faces when he exited.

"Bonsoir. There are a few questions I'd like to ask you and the girl," an airy Orlesian accent sounded.