WARNINGS: Violence and gore

MEIRA

"Breathe in and breathe out," Solas instructed. "Each time expanding your reach. You should be able to not only feel the Fade, but all those within that are nearby. When you sense the wisp, see if you cannot touch what it is you sense."

It was late evening, Solas and I having left the others at camp to continue my training. We'd moved most of our people to the elven ruin, Din'an Hanin, after the attack by the Venatori. The sealed ruin was set within a larger ruin believed to be Elgar'nan's Bastion. Taven had lost many of his people and we'd lost a few of our own as well, but in the end we'd triumphed.
Now it was just a matter of exploring the ruin, not only for Taven as he wanted to return to his Keeper with something in hand that would justify his defiance, but for us as well. He was young and passionate about elven history, seeing the undisturbed ruin as a chance to finally learn something of his people that would not be tainted by the Chantry. Most pointedly, he hoped to learn the truth-through elven accounts-of the old kingdom or the Exalted March. We were set to explore the ruin once morning came.

"Focus, lethallen," Solas scolded.

I did as he instructed, with each breath my reach expanding. It was strange to be both in the Fade and the mortal world, sensing the wet ground underneath me, but seeing the Fade all around. I stretched and stretched, until at last I found the wisp Solas had recruited for the exercise. Though it was not a fully formed spirit, each wisp had a unique feel to it.
Some were playful and childlike, others more curious or wary. This one was curious, sensing me at the same time I sensed it. Imagining that I were reaching out a hand to it, I tried to grasp that curiosity that emanated from it. It's consciousness felt along that imaginary hand and for a moment it felt as if I could grasp the wisp and bend it to my will. Before I could attempt it, the wisp's curiosity was sated and it disappeared.

"Very good," Solas nodded. "Now, find Ghilani."

Again, I breathed in and out, pushing my awareness further and further. Ghilani sat next to the wall of the ruin, her eyes luminous and seeming to know exactly where I was as she looked at me—or where my eyes would be if I were physically before her. She was different than the wisp, far more complex than it had been. Emotion, instinct and thoughts where the wisp had only embodied curiosity.
I reached out to Ghilani just as I had done to the wisp. In amazement, I watched as Ghilani's spirit moved within the Fade to press her forehead into my incorporeal palm. Her essence bent to me, as if she were submitting to whatever I would ask her to do.

"Excellent," Solas spoke. "As dreamers, we are able to influence the denizens of the Fade if we wish to. It is...not something I encourage as I feel it is a violation of their free will. That said, there are times when you may find it necessary to protect yourself. It can turn a situation from a lethal end to something more peaceable."

"Does this work on spirits or demons?" I questioned.

"It takes an extraordinary amount of will to influence more complex spirits," Solas warned. "I would not attempt such a thing upon a full-fleshed spirit. You could unintentionally twist it to its demonic nature and consequently open yourself up to possession. Such possession would be next to impossible to fight against as you've already opened your mind to the spirit. To even attempt it upon a demon would be foolishness."

"But it could be done?" I pushed.

"Theoretically, yes. If you possessed the strength of will you could succeed. As you are neither well acquainted with your abilities nor well versed in the Fade and it's inhabitants, such a feat would end in your death."

"Thank you for your vote of confidence, hahren," I scoffed.

Solas's lips twitched. "You are naturally gifted, Talitha, I will not pretend otherwise, but you must exercise caution and patience. There is a reason mages like us do not often survive long in this world. You must be as cunning as any demon and as pure as any spirit if you wish to navigate the Fade and fully wield your abilities."

"I understand, Solas. I just want to know what I am fully capable of—wether it be now or in the future."

"I know, Meira, but sometimes too much knowledge too soon can lead to arrogant mistakes."

"I agree, but our enemy moves now. We do not have endless time for me to learn."

"True," he conceded. "But you would be no good to us if you fell to a demon."

"I promise I will not be so foolish." A thought occurred. "Those who dream are technically denizens of the Fade. Can dreamers do the same with mortals' consciousnesses through the Fade?"

Solas's eyes turned hard. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I've done it," I murmured. "And it was horrific."

Solas studied me for a moment before answering. "Yes." His lips pressed into a hard line. "That is most certainly a violation. While you know that I believe spirits are just as free as any mortal, spirits may be willing to bend to us. Mortals will never be." He met my eyes. "I believe you also did this unintentionally as a child. That is what occurred when you harmed Ellana. As you said, it is horrific."

I closed my eyes. "Why do we have that ability?"

"Not all do, but it is because a dreamer's power is exertion, manipulation and influence upon the Fade and everything within. If our will is of greater strength than others connected to the Fade, which is all mortals—dwarves the only exception—we are able to exert that same power upon them. Mortals, animal spirits, spirits, demons, even the Fade itself."

I met his stormy eyes. "What aren't we capable of?"

He was silent a long moment. "Very little—within the Fade. As I have said, our power is limited to the Fade. In the mortal realm, we are only as powerful as our mortal body allows. Yes, we can reach through the Fade and have some influence, but it is vastly limited in comparison to when we are consciously in the Fade." His eyes closed a moment. "And we are always susceptible to demons. Far more so than any other mage or mortal."

"But you do not seem to struggle with them as much as I do?"

"It is a mind over matter issue," he offered. "If you believe they can cause you unendurable pain, they will. If you believe you can endure, then you will. It always comes down to our willpower. That is why you must constantly work to improve it."

"Understood," I gave a curt nod.

"Good," Purpose spoke to my right. "Do you have time for a spar?"

"Be vigilant, my friend, she is growing in her imagination when fighting," Solas warned him.

Purpose smiled broadly. "I welcome it. As her imagination grows, so does mine." I looked to him, his gold eyes meeting mine and his smile faltered. "Do not fear, Meira. I mean only that I am learning from you. There is no need to fear my turning."

I stood, fully stepping into the Fade. It was somewhat frightening how easy it was becoming. Watching as the energy of the Fade shimmered as it twisted around my hands, forming into the weapons I'd imagined, I bared my teeth at him, "Then show me what you've learned."

He met my smile, "Gladly."

He had learned, but his imagination was still limited. I didn't mind as it gave me a challenge, but was not overly taxing. We sparred for a time before Solas said we should get some sleep as the day would no doubt be long tomorrow. I bid Purpose good night, trying to fight how much seeing him made me long for Cullen.
Exiting the Fade, I followed Solas back to camp and fell into my bedroll. Ghilani came in and curled up at my feet. Not seconds after closing my eyes did I drift to sleep. I awoke to Solasan. Just as it had been in Skyhold and all the following dreams, I stood before the strange door, whispers flowing out from it.
Some I had begun to understand in parts as Solas and Ellana continued to teach me the language. A strange mixture of warnings and beckoning. It wanted me to come, to go within, but there was a constant warning that doing so could be my end.
I lifted my hand to the door, watching as it opened to the inky blackness. Always, there were creatures moving within the dark, ancient and powerful. I could feel eyes upon me, full of anger and sadness. Taking a step within and voices began to echo in my ears. The words to complex for me to understand with clarity, but it was as if they were telling me a story: the story of Solasan. I picked up pieces, references to Andruil and the elven people. Was it a temple to the huntress?
I stepped further inside, but this provoked their wrath. As it happened every time, I was dragged through the darkness until I was thrown before a sleeping me covered in that strange armor. No longer did I approach, as when I did, she would awaken and show me horrors. Instead, I sat before her, studying the armor.
It was unlike anything I'd ever seen, yet familiar at the same time. I'd finally put my finger on why it seemed so familiar after one night of dreams. It echoed the armor usually worn by a revenant, but it was far more beautiful.
A helm that sat upon my brow like a crown, sweeping into great wings before following my jaw to end in pointed teeth. It reminded me of a dragon's wings and maw. Then the armor itself was comprised of several layers. The bottom-most layer, a body suit, seemed to be made of the night sky, a black so dark it seemed void of anything. Atop that, braided leather of an unknown origin covered my arms and fell from my mid-thigh into metal greaves. A cloth fald fell between my legs and continued in a skirt-like fashion at the back. The cloth was black velvet, again impossibly dark. Atop that sat tassets of the strange swirling metal, chained together across my thighs. A sash of black velvet encircled my waist before a breastplate of scales wrapped around my entire torso. The scales were fashioned of the same metal.
Upon my shoulders sat differing pauldrons. On my left, a smaller pauldron with a neck guard connected to the right via more black velvet. The right pauldron was larger with a gardbrace to offer more protection as it was the sword arm. From the pauldrons fell larger scales to cover part of my upper arms. Upon my forearms were vambraces of that swirling metal. It was beautiful and unearthly. I longed to be able to draw it so I could show Solas and Ellana, as it was difficult to describe. Cullen had taught me some of the terminology for armor, but even then they had difficulty picturing it. Solas had tried to join me in one of the dreams, but even there, the temple—or whatever was preventing him—did not allow it. Having looked my fill and gotten no additional information, I made myself wake.
We went about our morning routine quickly, eager to enter the ruin. Breakfast eaten, Ellana's orders to those remaining outside given, directing Barris and the others of the battalion to stand guard in case more Venatori decided to attack, we made our way to Taven. While he had been cordial with Ellana and the rest of the Lavellan clan, he and the other Dalish treated Solas, Sera and I with open disdain. Solas seemed to take pleasure in it, Sera only insulted them further, but I was disappointed. Dalish pride was so deeply rooted that even if you shared elven blood, even if you looked like them, if you did not have vallaslin, if you were not "one of the People" you were akin to any shemlen. It was exhausting. I kept my distance, as Ellana approached the Dalish elves, petting Ghilani to keep myself occupied.

"While we are not particularly fond of the company you keep, Inquisitor," Taven stated, looking pointedly at the rest of us. "I trust the spirit of cooperation would benefit us both. Let us hope the tomb is not empty. I should hate to return home empty-handed."

I saw Ellana's spine stiffen. "You've made your opinion quite clear. That said, without us, you all would most likely be dead. You could show a little gratitude to those who saved your life. Dalish and otherwise."

Taven crossed his arms over his chest. "As they've made you their Inquisitor, I realize they cannot be...all bad. But the flat-ears..."

Ellana's jaw clenched. "Are just as valuable to me as the rest."

Taven waved her off. "Very well, Inquisitor."

We followed Taven and the others inside, finding the ruin far more complex than we would have imagined from the outside. It was a mess, most of the structure rubble, but it looked navigable. The first section was a vast courtyard. Great statues had toppled and long been disfigured by time and weather, but bronze wolf-like statues lined the outer walls. As we approached a set of stairs, an inscription was carved in elven. Taven approached it, but after a few moments sighed in frustration.

"I cannot read it fully," he growled, shaking his head which caused his blonde hair to toss with the movement.

Solas stepped forward, "Allow me, perhaps?"

Taven scowled. "As if you'd know the language. Only Keepers know elven writing."

"You might very well be surprised," Solas goaded. Taven swore at Solas, but Solas only smirked in response as he approached the inscription. "There is some that's difficult to decipher, but it says 'Curse the past—the place where lies were born. For beneath their sun, our people fall. The lands their Lady once bestowed now stolen in Her name. So when these words are read, we shall be gone'."

We continued up the stairs to another courtyard that was far less intact. Carefully making our way through the rubble, stopping to search for any more things of significance before descending down the only intact staircase. We followed the path, finding more rubble, but we were slightly awed by how much was intact for how old the structure was. Taven and the others were speaking excitedly amongst each other.
We rounded a small bend, continued up another flight of stairs before eventually making our way within the structure proper. The first intact statue we came across was a warrior with indistinguishable features, but upon the base of the statue was another inscription.

"Cry for the past—only there does glory dwell. For here, the bow was strung, the sword bequeathed, the vows sworn. So glory was born within the hearts of elves," Solas translated. "The Emerald Knights. They once patrolled the borders of the Dales, protecting the elven people. The Dalish saw them as romantic heroes. The Chantry called them ruthless butchers. I suspect both sides have some element of truth."

"How dare you!" Taven spit. "They were the best of us. The most honorable of knights. You know nothing!"

Solas looked the boy in the face. "Romanticizing what you do not understand. As I said, both sides have some element of truth. Perhaps we will discover more as we explore?"

Taven turned his back on Solas, continuing on. We exited the initial room, a masterfully carved and decorated archway leading to a grand hall. There were a few intact doors of beautiful wood, but many were rotted or demolished by rubble. The hall itself was mostly intact along the middle walkway, beautiful chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings.
Within the hall proper were multiple archways below an upper walkway, several stairways and pathways. The owl of either Andruil or Falon'Din decorated the hall, denoting the nature of the structure as either a message or a tomb. Perhaps it was both.

"Let's split up, we'll cover more ground," Ellana ordered. "Shout if you find anything of interest." She turned to Taven. "I'll stay with you."

Clearly, the young man was not happy about this, no doubt wanting to be able to keep whatever he found a secret, but he gave a nod. We all split into groups, Ellana and Solas with Taven and the other Dalish. Ghilani and I with Cassandra, Varric and Dorian, who'd been strangely silent.
Blackwall and Sera headed off with a few soldiers. Cole was nowhere to be seen. Bull and the Chargers stayed within the hall on the off chance we had any unwelcome visitors following us. Vivienne had decided to stay with the battalion who were guarding the camp as she said she found elven history "uninteresting".

"You've been weirdly quiet, Sparkler?" Varric probed.

Dorian gave a wave of dismissal. "Lost in thought is all."

"Don't let what Chuckles said get to you too much," Varric consoled.

The two had apparently gotten into quite the heated exchange. Solas throwing in Dorian's face all manner of truthful atrocities that his people were guilty of—most pointedly the continued practice of slavery—clearly displaying his hatred for the Tevinter Imperium and taking it out on Dorian.
Dorian tried to defend his homeland and his people, but admitted that change was needed. It had not sated Solas in the least. It did seem to be bothering him as his eyes kept looking around at the ruin, his face set in an unreadable mask.

"As if that hobo could get under my skin," Dorian scoffed.

"He is quite good at getting under people's skin," Cassandra snorted. "As are you."

"Cassandra, you always know how to compliment me."

"Dorian," my voice quiet as their eyes turned to me. "You are not to blame for your homeland's grievances. It is not fair of him to place the burden of changing the whole of your country on your shoulders alone. I understand his anger, even Ellana's anger with your...lack of understanding of how it affects them, but..."

"—If the roles were reversed or if they'd grown up with slaves and slavery being normal, would they have seen anything wrong in it before being exposed to a culture that does?" He finished for me, his back turned.

"Yes."

His grey eyes found mine. "Even if I did point that out to them, it would only anger them further. Better to keep the blame firmly at my feet." He looked away. "I know our history, at least in part. I know that there is much my country should answer for. What they do not seem to understand—despite my being here—is that I want change just as much as they do.
"Perhaps I had not considered needing change in the areas others have pointed out, but that is because I live there. I know the greater corruption within my country. Nothing else will change until that is undone.
"But it's not enough is it? It all must change now. I must be the proverbial scapegoat. I suppose because I am the first Imperial anyone in the South has actually interacted with. 'Let's take it all out on Dorian. He volunteered to be here, after all'."

"For what it's worth, Dorian, I am sorry for that," Cassandra murmured.

"Don't be," Dorian shook his head. "Change is needed. In some ways, it took being away to see how much and how badly." He laughed at himself. "Just don't tell Solas any of this. I'd hate to give him the satisfaction."

Varric chuckled. "No need to worry."

We'd worked our way down to a lower floor where another statute akin to the first one we'd encountered stood. Another inscription was etched into it's base. I could make out a symbol or two from Solas's teaching, but nothing concrete. "We should tell the others."

"Wait, did you see that?" Varric questioned.

"See what?"

"On the statue's head? Does that...is that an emerald?"

We all looked up to find a massive emerald glinting in the sunlight streaming in. It seemed to almost glow. Cassandra hollered for Ellana as Cole appeared at the top of the statue. His feet swinging as he sat upon it's outstretched arm.

"Did you find something?" Ellana questioned. "We didn't find anything."

"We found another statue and inscription," I gestured towards the head. "And a strange emerald."

"Sing for the past—where rests those who came before. For each knight, a seed was sown, roots twisting with their brothers and sisters. So the forest grew, a reflection of our might," Solas read. "Telling of the great trees planted in honor of each of the fallen knights. Thus, the Emerald Graves."

"Twisted, gnarled, choking. Truth and lies and sorrow. Anger and hatred. So much confusion. If only he'd told us, if only she'd known," Cole murmured. "The truth sealed beneath lies, only the stones can untangle the knots."

"Did anyone understand that?" Varric questioned. "Because I'm completely lost."

"Ew, why does he have to be so friggin' creepy?" Sera whined.

"He's talking about the emerald," I guessed.

Cole disappeared before reappearing in front of Ellana, his hand outstretched. "You want to know too." He dropped two large emeralds into Ellana's palm and we watched as they indeed glowed. "There's more, but we have to find the others."

Filing out of the small room, we worked our way back to the upper walkway, through a door before descending down a large staircase. It spilled into a massive chamber where the forest had begun to reclaim parts of it. More statues stood, far more intact. They seemed to be carved after the likeness of different knights, perhaps the very ones that were buried within the structure.
That made no sense, as the forest was meant to be the graves of the knights. Ellana had said that Inquisition scouts had stumbled across grave markers in the forest when they'd been tracking the dragon. What was this place? Across from the statues, a much larger and strange looking statue stood.

To my right, I watched as Ellana paid respect to the greater statue. She sensed my gaze and spoke, "Mythal."

I studied the statue once more. It was clearly feminine, but instead of a face or arms, it appeared to have the head and wings of a dragon. "Strange. I thought her statues would be...trees."

Ellana barked a laugh. "Do you really remember nothing of your teachings?"

I shook my head. "Some, but the Chant of Light took over a bit."

We worked our way over to the statues, Solas interpreting both. "Forget not the past—it is all that remains. For each knight, a seed was sown, roots twisting with their brothers and sisters. So the forest remains, a reflection of our sorrow.
"Mourn for the past—and all that was left there. For we trusted in dreams and perceived immortality. We trusted in promises and in hope. So we dreamed in vain, for we lost these gifts long ago." A hand upon the inscription for a brief moment, he spoke again. "So much was lost."

Following the path, we descended further and further into the bowels of the tomb. It was a vast structure, with many paths and rooms, but none seemed to be of any actual significance beyond holding the occasional statue with the emeralds. Perhaps to deter looters or perhaps there was purpose to them once, but it was hard to discern. The air grew colder, damper and darker the further we descended and I began to feel the Veil thinning.

"I can't wait for Chuckles to say something about the Veil," Varric murmured, clearly uncomfortable as a strange silence had descended.

"I don't always mention the Veil," Solas replied, seeming offended.

A chorus from the others sounded and I had to fight back a laugh.

"You do. Always," came Cassandra's abrasive statement.

"You do. You really do," Dorian snorted.

"Yeah, you do," Bull grunted.

"Yes, you do," Blackwall laughed.

"You do think about it a lot," Cole murmured.

Even Ellana, "Solas, you know you do."

"See? Told you," Varric laughed.

"The Veil is wobbly here," Sera mocked, attempting to make her voice sound like Solas's. The others laughed.

"Fenedhis lasa," Solas bit back.

"What?" Sera mocked again. "Let me check." She put her fingers to her temples and closed her eyes. "Sensing. Sensy. Definitely wobbly."

Solas let out a grown as the others laughed harder. It was abruptly cut off as we approached an ominous door etched into the stone wall. Ghilani's hackles rose as she growled. Ellana approached it after a moment's pause, holding the emeralds we'd found up to it. The glowing intensified as the emeralds floated upon the air before setting themselves within slots above the door.
We watched as glyphs descended the wall, outlining the door and turning it from stone into wood. Ellana pushed the door open with ease. I wondered at such an intricate seal, but quickly discerned why it had been used as we crossed the threshold. The Veil was even thinner within and I could feel demons stirring. Veilfire illuminated the room as the doors opened.

"The Veil is thin here," Solas grumbled. "We best be on guard. Try not to disturb anything."

We took our time exploring what was obviously a tomb. It was grand, clearly whomever was buried within was held in high regard. Epitaphs were etched on small, carved stones throughout the room, revealed when Solas held veilfire close to them. Each was dedicated to a certain knight, telling of their mettle and qualities.
The tombstones lined the sides of the rooms, but a great statue sat at the back of the room. The statue was perfectly intact, carved into the likeness of a handsome elven male. Strangely, upon his brow they'd carved a crown of daisies.
The others pointed towards the ceiling and I looked up to find that in the middle of the room, something floated upon the air, ringed in a strange fire. It was not veilfire, nor mortal fire, but something else. The others attempted to knock it from the air using magic, but to no avail. It was protected and I could feel its protector watching us. Looking about the room, I noticed unlit braziers circling the floor directly beneath it.

"The braziers," I called. "There's four unlit. Perhaps it is magic of some kind."

"Mages," Ellana ordered. "Take veil fire. We light them on the count of three." Solas, Ellana, Dorian and I readied ourselves. "One. Two. Three!"

Together, we lit the braziers. We heard something working, like a great mechanism, but nothing happened. Then all around undead broke out of catacombs hidden within the walls, destroying beautiful mosaics. Before us, a revenant appeared.

"Well, crap," Varric groaned.

It was a ghastly thing to look at in person. Mottled flesh stretched and entwined with that strange armor. Almost an echo of whatever the warrior they'd possessed had donned, but also something created from the Fade itself as each revenant appeared to be nearly identical according to studies.
It's eyes were pitch black, it's lipless mouth a constant baring of teeth. All I'd ever seen of them were diagrams in books in the Circle library. They were deadly opponents, typically warriors possessed by pride or desire demons. Had the elves lured one here to protect whatever secret they were hiding? Most of the others focused upon the undead, while Ellana called for Solas, Cassandra and I to focus upon the revenant.
Flicking my wrist, I palmed my spectral blade as I conjured an ice shield. Ghilani readied herself, but I feared for her. Cassandra's sword began to glow white like the templars' swords as she slammed her sword and shield together, sending out a pulse of energy. It weakened the demon while bolstering the rest of us. Ellana drew her own spectral blade and rained fire upon the creature while Solas used his unique rift magic that he'd studied. He summoned a boulder from the Fade and threw it at the revenant.
The creature was unfazed by them, using it's shield to block Solas's boulder and it's unnatural speed aloud it to dodge Ellana's fire. A great shadow of a hand formed before it as it sent it towards Ellana, grabbing her. She cried out as she was dragged to the revenant, but she kept her blade up, blocking the demon's swing.
The demonic presences were weighing upon me, sweat breaking out upon my back, but I thanked the Maker it was no worse than that. Cassandra's presence seemed to help as she used her abilities to repel the demon. Cassandra closed in on it, knocking it's shield aside before swiping at its torso. Black blood spilt from the gash before the revenant disappeared.

"Where is it?" Cassandra growled.

"It will reappear in a moment," Solas warned. "Be ready."

Ghilani shifted and snarled, I felt the hair on my neck stand on end and I knew it was behind me. As it's blade descended upon me, I wrapped myself in the Veil. No longer corporeal, the creature's blade passed through me, but not without pain. I let out a whimper as I rematerialized, blasting the demon back with the force. While it was off-balance, I swung my spectral blade at it's chest. It roared in pain as I opened a deep gash.
Fade-stepping away, Ghilani on my heels, I watched as Solas sent a fist made of the Fade at the demon, opening that gash wider before Ellana sent a spear of fire in behind it. Cassandra let out a grunt as she raised her glowing sword up, a pillar of light descending upon the demon as we watched it vaporize.

"Is everyone alright?" Ellana called, applying pressure to a wound at her side. Cassandra and Solas were unharmed, along with the others. Murmurs sounded around the room. "Talitha? Your shoulder?"

I looked to find a gash where the revenant's sword had cut before I'd cloaked myself in the Veil. Blood was pouring out, black infection with it. "Flames!" I spit. "The sword must have been dipped in demon's blood!"

With the realization, I felt the demon's blood spreading through me like searing ice in my veins. I cried out in agony before curling in on myself and collapsing to the floor. Ellana and Solas rushed forward.

"What do we do?" Ellana shouted, panic in her voice.

Cassandra shoved them aside, her sword still brimmed with light lyrium-powered light. Her dark eyes met mine. "This is going to hurt. A lot."

"Wh-" Ellana began, but was cut off by my screams as Cassandra plunged the tip of her sword into the wound. "Cassandra!"

It was excruciating. As if two fires were consuming each other. One white hot and the other ice cold. But just as quickly as the pain had begun, it was over. I vomited upon the ground in the aftermath, gasping in breaths. As my mind began to register things once more, I realized Ellana and Cassandra were arguing.

"It was the only way to stop the spread! There was no time to get her to the healers for proper treatment, she would have lost her arm or died!"

"She almost died as it is!"

"But she did not!"

"That was reckless, Cassandra! You had no idea if it would even work!"

"It was lyrium. I can set lyrium in a person's blood aflame. I have not noticed her consume lyrium as of late, so I used what remained upon my sword and burned out the demon's blood. Painful, yes, but it would not kill her, just the infection," Cassandra explained. "I apologize for the pain, but I am sure she would prefer to keep her arm...and her life."

"Yes," I panted. "I would."

"Talitha!" Ellana shouted as her arms wrapped around me.

"I am alright, Inquisitor."

Ellana remembered herself and straightened, clearing her throat. "Good. Now, let's find out what you nearly died for. It better be worth all this trouble."

What had been floating above us was now reachable as with the defeat of the demon—no doubt its bound guardian—was defeated the floor raised and the magic left. It was a scroll. Ellana grasped it before unrolling it with great care. I watched her face as she read, her eyes going wide before she covered her mouth in shock.

"What is it?" I asked at the same time Taven did.

"It's an account of Red Crossing. The elves...the Emerald Knights attacked the town in response to them killing one of their own. Elandrin. The knights were worried he'd betrayed them, but...he was in love with a human woman from the town. Adalene.
"Siona, his sister, believed the woman was trying to turn Elandrin to worship of the Maker; convinced if he had, he would share the secrets of the elves. They grouped together to capture him or slay him. Instead, he'd only wanted to marry the girl. They were going to wed in the Chantry, in secret. The knights arrived in the woods outside Red Crossing, expecting to find Elandrin.
"Instead, Adalene found them first, mistaking Elandrin's sister for him. Siona killed Adalene. The townsfolk hear her scream and attacked the elves who slew them all. Elandrin, overwhelmed with grief, would not abandon her even when more humans came. The knights fled. The humans found Elandrin covered in blood and Adalene dead. They killed him and tossed him in a river. The true war began soon after," Ellana summarized.

"Daisies in her hand for a modest bouquet, heart racing as she waits. There! He's there! Feet racing to him, soul longing to be joined. Arrow pierces that humming heart, she screams his name.
"Her body cradled against his chest, silent sobs tearing from his throat. Arrows put an end to his mourning. Blood soaked petals ring the lovers in the moonlight," Cole spoke quietly.

"So...both sides were responsible?" Taven questioned, his voice quiet.

Ellana looked to him. "Yes. The war began because an elf and a human fell in love. Hatred was at the core of this. They hid their love from their peoples because they knew it would not be accepted. Their needed secret led to assumptions which led to their deaths and the deaths of so many others. Neither side is innocent in this."

Taven looked disappointed, but nodded his head. "Whatever the truth..it is the truth. The Dalish deserve to have this piece of history."

"As does the Chantry," Cassandra observed. "Too long has the lie been touted that it was the elves alone that prompted the Exalted March. Both sides were responsible and the Chantry no less at fault."

"No!" Taven raged as he pulled his dagger. "You will not take this from the People!"

"Silence!" Ellana commanded. "Taven, your Keeper may have the original scroll. I will have a scribe copy the scroll for the Inquisition to keep." Ellana turned to Cassandra.
"Your Chantry would take this information and absolve themselves of any fault. They would claim Elandrin was converting to Andrastianism-though he clearly states otherwise in his own writing-and the elves attacked Adalene for it. We will keep evidence of this scroll, it will be authenticated, but I will not hand it over to the Chantry. The truth must be known."

Cassandra studied Ellana, clearly unhappy, but nodded. "It is your decision, Inquisitor."

Ellana turned back to Taven. "Can you agree to that, Taven?"

"I can, Inquisitor," the young man nodded as he sheathed his weapon.
"And for your assistance, your willingness to give us this historic scroll and to make sure the truth is preserved, I will gladly present you to Keeper Hawen. For this, he will allow you not only shelter within our camp should you require it, but for you and your clan to put your Keeper to rest in Var Bellanaris." He turned to leave, but paused.
"I thank you for this, Inquisitor. But we will not depart until I have the scroll in my possession."

"Very well," Ellana nodded. "We will see to it this evening."

Taven gave a nod before he and the other Dalish exited the chamber.

Ellana stared after them and swore under her breath. "Have the Dalish always been so...hostile?"

"You're just now realizing that, boss?" Bull questioned.

"You were pretty hostile yourself in the beginning, Dreads," Varric pointed out.

Ellana let out a dark chuckle. "Thanks, Varric."

...

The evening passed in relative peace, dinner the most eventful after the tomb. Ellana and Sera telling the rest of those from the Inquisition what had happened made for an interesting dynamic in Ellana's calm retelling with Sera's colorful embellishments had Rylen, Solana and Henry laughing hysterically while Barris cracked the occasional smile.
Solana had checked over my wound, assuring that Cassandra's crude method had worked where if we'd waited, the damage would have been far more extensive. While demon blood was not typically dangerous, if it got into open wounds, it could cause severe infection.
Solana theorized that my reaction had been so intense because of my being a dreamer. While we'd been in the physical world, demons were still ultimately Fade-born and my tie to the Fade was similar to their own. It was a frightening thought.

"You'll need armor that's far more protective than what you have," she'd warned. "While this is great armor, it's too thin and too many places are exposed."

I'd looked to the burn on my leg. It had lessened in it's sensitivity as had the rest of my skin. Solana found it encouraging, believing that it meant my body was near finished in it's healing. "I'll have to see about new armor when we return."

I'd returned to my tent, finding Ellana within, a look of worry on her face. Her gaze lifted to me as I entered and I noticed tears shining in her eyes. "What is it?"

"The Exalted March...we were just as at fault as the shems," she murmured. "I'd always believed the shems actions had been unjust. Done out of hatred. But...the knights killed an innocent woman and then all those who'd come to avenge her."

"Ellana..."

"Then the shems fought back, killing Elandrin. Then we drew more blood. The cycle went on and on until the Chantry decided to wipe us off the face of Thedas..."

"None of it was right, Ellana. None of it. Elandrin should have told the others about Adalene, just as Adalene should have told others of Elandrin. Instead, because of the hatred, they kept it a secret."

"Is this...is this why you and Cullen never acted on your feelings in the Circle? To prevent something like this?" Ellana questioned.

I blinked. "In part, yes. I am...not sure death would have occurred, but...we would have been separated. At least if we remained only friends, we could remain in each others lives. Or we would have if not for Uldred."

"So why didn't they?" Ellana asked rhetorically.

"They had no idea what would happen—not the entirety of it anyway. Cullen and I knew. Sure, there were others who carried on in secret, but...that's not what either of us wanted. Not then, not now."

Ellana's face turned angry. "Yes they did. They knew exactly what would happen. Elandrin especially. Perhaps they could not have predicted the March, but war? That was already on the horizon from the accounts we already had. All that was needed was a spark. Even if they had not died, the discovery of their entanglement would have been enough." She sighed heavily.
"Creators, it was enough for me to hate Cullen without even knowing him. Enough for me to be angry with you. I despised that you cared for him. Almost as much as Mahanon. Until I saw the depths of his love for you...and you for him. But I had no choice but to witness it.
"The knights? Would they have killed Elandrin and Adelene anyways if they'd discovered the true nature of their relationship before they'd both died? Would they have honored it, letting them be? We'll never know.
"They gave him an honored burial, but used his death to justify their war upon the shems. The shems used Adalene's death to justify their brutal killing of Elandrin, but would that have been the end of it? Or would they have attacked the elves?"

I kneeled to her and took her hands. "You're doing yourself no favors with asking these questions. We cannot dwell on the 'what ifs'. What happened, happened. Perhaps there can be some healing from this between the Dalish and the humans. Both sides have committed atrocities.
"Just as with the mages and templars. Will there ever be a complete bridging of the divide? No, because there will always be those who refuse. But even if there can be some who choose to put the old hurts to rest, to strive for change...that has to be something."

"Did I do the right thing in keeping this account from the Chantry?"

Worrying on my lip, I gave a nod. "If it were in the hands of Giselle or Cassandra or even Leliana, I would be less concerned. But as the Chantry sits now...they will do everything they can to cast the Chantry in the best light. Revealing that the Exalted March may have been illegitimate? There is no way they would stay committed to the truth."

She gave a humorless half-grin. "I'm surrounded by so many faithful Andrastians that seem to despise the Chantry. What does that say of your religion?"

"I despise what the Chantry has become. Not what it is meant to be. It has become a seat of power. A political tool and influence, forgetting that its loyalty is to Andraste, the Maker and the Chant of Light. Not to itself. The Chantry should be open to all—caring for those in need, defending the defenseless, teaching morality and practicing compassion. Instead, it focuses on gaining power and influence for itself, forgetting the common people and it's own beliefs in that pursuit."

"You sound like Cassandra...and a little like Leliana," Ellana murmured. "Vivienne would see the Chantry continue in its current state, only increasing it's power."

"I cannot speak to them," I shrugged. "I only know what I would see it become."

Ellana breathed a sigh. "I should let you rest."

"Do not lose hope, Ellana," I placed a gentle hand on her arm. "The world is...broken, but I have hope that we are on the path to putting it back together. Perhaps better than it was before."

"And if it isn't?"

"Then we keep trying." She gave a small nod before slipping out into the darkness.

Maker, give her comfort and guidance. She has such a burden on her shoulders and I do not always know the words to say. Please, Andraste, help her.
 As I laid upon my bedroll, Ghilani at my feet as she watched out the tent flap, my mind wandered to Cullen. What would have happened if we'd done as Elandrin and Adalene had? Lovers in secret, eventually marrying. Just as Desire had promised in the cell all those years ago.
Would that have been what Cullen had done? Married me in secret? Thinking of the man he was now, I did not believe it to be true. A lie from Desire to cause me to give in to temptation. He would have wanted to honor his vows, staying only friends for the entirety of our lives.
A part of me hating that the thought even crossed my mind, I was thankful life had not followed that path. I grieved that it took all that had happened for us to be able to be together. I understood Elandrin and Adalene, but just as Jowan and Lily's forbidden love had reaped destruction, so had their's. Was it wrong? Yes. It was one of the many reasons change was needed.
My heart heavy and missing Cullen, I closed my eyes. Sleep finding me quickly, Solasan came once more. Much the same as it always was, I waited for it to pass. Once it did, I wondered the Fade for a time, finding the others within the Fade. Not wanting to get too close, but having an idea, I willed my mind to Skyhold.
Cullen's tower appeared and I worked my way up to his door. When it opened, I did not find his office. Instead, my eyes were met with swirling darkness. A violent storm. Worry in my gut, I stepped inside. Wind and rain pelted my skin, tearing at my hair. I could hear that anguished cry again. Is this...Cullen?

"No, Meira," Purpose warned.

I turned to find him, his face hard. "What's wrong?"

"You cannot be here. You're not ready."

"Why does the Fade look like this? Is this Cullen?"

"Scars upon scars, claws in the mind, so much pain," Cole's voice came. "The lion longs to roar, to stand tall and proud, but sh-"

"Compassion! No more," Purpose demanded as his gold eyes flashed.

"I want to help," Cole pleaded.

"In time, but Meira needs to focus." His gold eyes met mine. "I'm sorry. You're nearly ready, but not yet."

"Ready for what?"

"I told you in Therinfal, you both would come to regret your decision not to help him then. Soon...neither of you will have a choice."

I turned my eyes to the storm. Green lightning flashing across the sky to reveal that mangled structure. "What is happening to him, Purpose?"

"What must." He gently took my wrist and pulled me back to the Graves. "Leave him be."

I wrenched my arm free, anger flaring. "Not if he's in danger!"

"You'll only put him in more danger at this point! You're not ready!"

I threw my hands up. "How can I be ready when I have no idea what is happening? What I'll need to do?"

"Solas is teaching you. Listen to him. Continue to train your abilities, your mind and your willpower. You must be strong, Meira."

I let out a shout of frustration, the Fade reacting. "Can you at least tell me that he will be alright?"

"Faith is doing all she can, but...your man is stubborn," Purpose murmured. "But he is strong, too. You need to hurry."

I threw my hand in the direction of the others. "I cannot make us move any faster. I need Solas for the temple, we need the others to even make it there."

"I know, Meira," he sighed. "Wake now."

With that, he disappeared and I awakened. That unease that had been growing twisted it's way into my chest where it settled like a weight. I was quiet as some of the battalion and I readied our horses to head for the mansion while Ellana and the other companions went to hunt the dragon. The sooner this was done, the sooner we could finally be on our way.

From the weight in my chest, I feared it would not be soon enough.

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