Chapter 11: Familiar Faces

The first day of Arlathvhen began with pleasant laughter and chatter amongst the camps in the early mornings as the people congregated in groups of varying sizes. Drinks were poured and bread was shared as families and friends who had not seen one another in years were able to meet again.

Solas found Lavellan standing by the lake, dipping her toes in the water, her hair flying behind her in the breeze coming down off the hills. The golden morning light glittered off the surface of the lake.

"Am I disturbing you?" he asked quietly from behind.

She shook her head and leaned against her staff.

"Did you sleep well?" It had been strange for him, sleeping without her in the tent alone. His rest had not been easy and the Dread Wolf had stalked him from the shadows in his attempt to visit the Fade, as if drawn to his unease.

"Not really," she admitted, breathing in the crisp morning air and the scent of cookfires. "I never thought of myself as a jealous person, but it turns out the mere thought of you kissing another woman, even with no attachment to me, does terrible things to my mind."

"I'm sorry. Would you have preferred I not tell you?"

"There's no need to apologize. You did not wrong me. We were unattached."

Solas silently disagreed. It had been wrong. Because he had wanted her and used another woman to try and satiate his longing for her.

"I appreciate your honesty. In telling me the truth."

"I will always tell you the truth, vhenan."

She raised an eyebrow, but said nothing and turned back to face the sun, closing her eyes. The sounds of laughter reached them and it drew a smile to her face. "Today is the first day of Arlathvhen. A time to celebrate friends, family, and loved ones." Stepping out of the water, she came to him and kissed his cheek. "And I am thankful for the one I love," she told him, smiling softly.

"I am thankful for you, vhenan," he said, touching her waist and kissing her lips. "Are you expecting any visitors today?"

"Family? Not likely. Most of my close family died in the attacks against our clan shortly after I arrived at Skyhold. The ones who are left are fairly distant. But I suspect some will make themselves known. Now that I'm the Inquisitor and the Ambassador. What is it about titles that draws such attention?"

But draw attention they did. Not only did all manner of people come to their camp to meet the Inquisitor, but others came to lay eyes upon the Dread Wolf in person.

For Lavellan, it was a relief to see familiar faces. Young children she had told stories too now bore the vallaslin, as tall or taller than she was. Old friends came to see her. A few elves she did not recognize claimed to be distant cousins, though she was uncertain in several cases if those claims were true.

Keeper Deshanna Istimaethoriel came and offered her a warm embrace.

She nearly cried when she saw her. "Keeper, aneth ara," she said with a bow.

"Ambassador," the older woman grinned, deep smile lines forming as she did so. "It is good to see you."

Remembering what Varitan had said, Lavellan shook her head sadly. "I heard they ousted you as keeper. I'm so sorry."

She squeezed her hand in response. "No, worry not. It was bound to happen soon anyway. Much has happened and after the attacks our clan's dynamics have been unstable. This was merely the excuse they managed to use in the end. Though I hoped your father and Varitan would see reason. Oh yes, I heard about what happened," the former Keeper said, tilting her head so that her long gray braid laced with glass beads hung down over her shoulder. "Word spreads fast at Arlathvhen. Especially when one as foolish as Varitan challenges a god to a duel."

"He is a hot-headed fool. Thank you again, Keeper. For letting me go all those years ago to get away. I know it was not an easy decision. At times I wonder if it was the right one."

The corners of the former Keeper's eyes crinkled. "You have a good heart and a strong will, da'len. You were right to listen to them. They shall not lead you astray. Come. Tell me of your journey. Then I wish to meet this Fen'Harel and see him for myself."

She obliged, telling her about the journey to meet with Solas, what it took to convince him, and what they encountered on their way to Arlathvhen. When she had finished summarizing, she approached Solas and brought him over to be introduced. "Keeper, this is Solas. Otherwise known as Fen'Harel. Solas, this is my clan's former keeper, Deshanna Istimaethoriel of Clan Lavellan."

"It is an honor, Keeper," Solas said, bowing his head in respect.

The former keeper eyed him cautiously, but dipped her chin into a polite bow. "Aneth ara, Fen'Harel. I must admit, I have watched over my clan and warned them to stay away from the Dread Wolf. I never thought I would fail in that respect. Let alone meet him in person."

"Yes, many who have come to meet me have been most surprised to see I do not possess fur and a bushy tail. Do I fail to live up to your legends?"

"On the contrary," the wizened woman grinned. "You have taken one of my own, like the Dread Wolf legends warned us keepers about. And you appear not as a wolf, but perhaps as a wolf in sheep's clothing, hm? Fen'Harel is the Great Trickster, after all. His form is said to be varied, that we may find him a friendly face and let down our guards." She studied him with care, though she did not seem afraid of him.

"Keeper, please," Lavellan muttered. "Solas is not what we know. You saw that in my Dreamwalk."

"Yes. But I am an old woman now, dear. I have lived long and seen much. And I cannot unlearn a lifetime of fear so easily as you." She turned back to Solas. "I am curious to know, why you chose my First here? Of all the ones you could have led astray, why her?"

Solas bristled. "I led her nowhere. Our paths converged. That is all."

"Paths converge for a reason. Sometimes it is by accident, sometimes it is by our own making, and sometimes it is because the powers that be have orchestrated it. As a god, I find it difficult to believe that Fen'Harel came to be anywhere that he did not intend to be. Even if you claim it, you chose to stay with her. As you choose her now. So I must ask: why?" Her hand tightened on her staff.

"Because I saw in her hope for a better future. I stayed for that same reason."

"Though not for long. You left her behind to clean up your mess once Corypheus was dead."

"Yes. I had to find a new path forward."

"To save your people and raise your world in the ashes of this one? Were those not your words to her?"

"Yes." He would not lie. He had said it.

"Then why should the Dalish help you destroy it? It is our world. Not yours anymore."

"Keeper, he didn't mean it literally. But restoring the Fade to this world would change everything. You must realize that."

"Yes, and many will die because of it. The Dalish have lost much. Why should we risk losing all for the Dread Wolf's plan?"

Lavellan could not stand the attack against him a moment longer. "Because restoring the natural order is more important than any one person. And it might mean saving our own people. Look at us, Keeper. We once spanned this entire continent. Now we all fit in this one valley. Our history, our language, our culture, has all been lost to us. We may fight to preserve it, but we lose more and more each year. Look at our clan. Nearly wiped out. And you must have seen the signs. This world is in turmoil, beset upon by blights, corrupted by red lyrium, and the very Veil itself grows thin enough for demons to be pulled through to our world. If we do not set the world to rights, we will have no world to live in. What sense is there in preserving history when we could restore the lives of those trapped by the Veil and learn the truth? Bring back what was and make this world better. We must be a part of the change to make it better, or the world will continue to exterminate us like vermin until there is nothing left. That cannot be our legacy, Keeper. It cannot."

The former keeper turned to her, her eyes sharp despite the worn, weary face. Something behind her assessing eyes saw then a glimpse of the leader her First had become. The kind of leader who stood against gods and powers threatening to destroy her and pushed back. "That. That is what you must tell the Council and the Hahrens, da'len. Make them see it. Or I fear you may be right. As for you, Fen'Harel…" she turned her face, squinting at him. "I pray you are not false in your intentions. They are less likely to believe you than I. You will need her. If you are to have a chance, to have any hope at all, you will need her. This will change everything." She shook her head and chewed on her lip. "I know it is unwise to ask the Dread Wolf for a favor, but I have one, if I may: protect this woman. You will have enemies amongst friends if this is the path you both choose."

"I promise to protect her," Solas said, meaning it.

"Good." She nodded stiffly. "I could not."

"Keeper…" Lavellan raised her hand to her shoulder. "You did everything you could for me."

Deshanna shook her head sadly. "And yet I cannot help but feel I should have done more. Forgive me, da'len." And with that she dipped her head and left.

Lavellan watched her go. A stone dropped into her stomach for the loss she hadn't seen coming. When she spoke, her voice was a choked whisper. "I thought she would be the one to bond us. I thought for certain she would stand by me at the Council meeting." She opened and closed her mouth several times, but she had no more words and clamped her mouth shut, hanging her head.

Solas put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "She has lost her role as Keeper. That cannot be easy. She feels she has failed, but that does not mean she has done so. You have accomplished much, vhenan. Do not let doubt cloud your view of your own power."

She turned to him, a sad smile touching her lips. "Thank you. You are right. I should not lose faith." But the doubts crept further into her mind, lingering.

Others came to see her and a familiar face arrived later in the morning that brought relief and joy back into her heart. The first was the return of two Chargers: Skinner and Dalish. Stunned to see them away from the company, she asked them what they were doing at Arlathvhen.

"Came for the food, of course," Dalish said with a grin, resting against the staff that vaguely resembled an unstrung bow. "You just can't get good spiced druffalo meat pies anywhere else," Dalish grinned, offering her one from a basket. "Go on, if you're Dalish enough to handle it," she winked, taking a bite.

Lavellan happily obeyed and felt her eyes water. "How is this so good? It hurts and yet I can't stop eating it."

Dalish grinned. "That's the trick, isn't it? Not sure how Celina makes them so tasty, but you can't get this in any city tavern, I'll say that."

"Is Bull with you? Or the rest of the Chargers?"

"No, he's on mission in Tevinter with Dorian. Krem stayed behind because of the price on his head and all that. Plus I think he wanted to spend a little alone time with his lady friend." Dalish chuckled and Skinner elbowed her in the ribs. "What? He's always watching her with those puppy dog eyes when he gets back to Skyhold. Anyway," she said before she turned back, arms folded. "We're here to check on you. Bull thinks you've gone and lost your damn mind."

This brought a smile to her face. "Does he now? What have I done?"

"Apparently you sent word to Leliana saying you intend on bonding with Solas and helping him bring down the Veil?"

"That is exactly right."

Dalish and Skinner exchanged a glance. "So, do we need to knock you over the head and drag you back to Skyhold?" Dalish asked, flexing her grip on her staff.

"Not at all. Though I appreciate the offer," she grinned.

"Is it bloody true then? Solas is Fen'Harel? Like the Fen'Harel?"

"He doesn't seem hairy enough if you ask me," Skinner jibed.

Lavellan laughed. "You're not the first person to say that."

"And what about all this ending the world nonsense? Has he turned into Corypheus without us noticing?"

Lavellan shook her head and explained to them why she became the Ambassador for the Dalish Council and why she chose to align herself with Solas.

Once she had finished Dalish and Skinner both exchanged a glance. "Restoring the ancient elves? Well, that would be entertaining." Dalish grinned. "I for one wouldn't mind a crack at the gods. You and Bull got to fight Corypheus, and all we got were some ruddy templars, a few bandits, and a couple of boring jobs blowin' stuff up."

"So I take it you're not going to club me over the head and drag me back to Skyhold?" Lavellan asked, setting her hand on her hip with a half-grin on her face.

"Nah. Bull and the others might not get it. But we're elves. We've seen too many of our own killed over the years," Dalish tapped the crystal on the top of her staff.

"And we don't mind returning the favor," Skinner said, folding her arms across her chest. "Count us in if you need anyone killed. Or anything blown up. I'm sure Bull wouldn't mind letting us off the hook for a time."

"I would be happy to have you fight at my side once again," Lavellan said with a smile.

"Come by for drinks later," Dalish said, popping the last of her meat pie into her mouth and waving as they departed.

When the day had reached its end and Lavellan sat by the water's edge, thinking about the people she had met and the conversations they had shared, she was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice Zarrak approach her.

"It is a nice night," the Antivan Crow said, sitting beside her. He picked up a few rocks from the shore and threw them as far as he could into the water. "You know, I cannot quite understand something. Perhaps you could explain it to me?"

"Sure," she shrugged. "What is it?"

"The Dalish, they seem to revere you, yes? Inquisitor, Ambassador, I think the older one called you her 'First' or something like that. I have heard you called the 'Herald of Andraste' as well. As one who accumulates titles, do you think you will become a god like Fen'Harel?"

She chuckled to herself, shaking her head.

"I did not intend it as a joke. I am perfectly serious."

"I know," she said, picking up a smooth gray stone and turning it over in her hand. "It's just, I doubt it. I met the first Inquisitor, did you know that? Ameridan. He trapped himself and a god called Hakkon in a time spell. For centuries he stayed like that, holding this evil force at bay. He was Dalish. Imagine that? A Dalish elf, yet the history books conveniently forgot that part." She sighed, tossing the rock into the water. "No, I think it is more likely I will share his fate. Become little more than a footnote. But that's not so bad."

"Ah, and yet the little ones came to you with their hands painted green, eager to meet the conquering heroine," Zarrak replied, offering her a charming smile. "You are not forgotten. They praise you already."

"They praise a hand I no longer have. And a power I no longer possess. Already the Inquisition's power is a fading memory."

"Hmph. I would not be so certain. Stories persist. And you will soon be bound to a god. Stranger things have happened."

"I am a mortal woman. Who knows, I may slip and break my neck standing up. Or my captive assassin may try to end my life as I sleep."

"I have no intention of doing any such thing," he said dismissively, waving his hand.

"Really? Have I won you over? You certainly wouldn't have much trouble disappearing into a crowd here. I'm surprised you haven't tried to run off. You're no longer tied up as our prisoner. You're free to go."

"I've decided to stay," he said, clasping his hands together.

"Have you now?" A small half-smile cut across her cheek.

"Yes. The Antivan Crows are poor masters. I think it would be best if I found myself a new ally. And you seem better than most."

"What of your family? Are they in danger if you do not return?"

He shrugged. "They might make threats. But it is rare that the Crows would willingly end the lives of children they had paid for. That would be poor business sense."

"I'll see what I can do for them. We may be able to buy their freedom."

Again he shrugged. "You are kind to offer. But they are not my concern."

"But they're your family?"

"We have no family in the Antivan Crows. It is better that way. No ties, no distractions."

"Why mention them at all if they mean so little to you?" She had something on him there and he knew it.

"I am not close with them. It does not mean I do not wish them to have better lives than I did. You are the Inquisitor. And you offered to help. I think it would be unkind of me not to consider the offer when it might help them. And in exchange, you will have me. I am a valuable tool, yes?"

"Ah, I see. So you are doing it to be kind. Well, how could I refuse then?" She grinned and nodded her head back at the water. "Good. Because I have already sent word to my Antivan ambassador. If the skies are good and she is as cunning as I know her to be, she will see them brought to Skyhold and well-provided for."

Zarrak blinked in surprise. "You have done this already?"

"Yes, I sent the raven off this morning."

"What if I had tried to kill you while you slept?" he asked, aghast at her boldness.

"Well, it would be rather awkward, I suppose. Probably best if you don't kill me. Or Solas. Or our guards. Or maybe anyone for the time being."

He raised an eyebrow at her, appraising her curiously. "Why? Why would you do this for me?"

"Why not? If it helps, I'm more than happy to do what I can."

He stared at her, narrowing her eyes. "That cannot be the reason. You must plan to use them to blackmail me. Is that it?"

She laughed. "My, you are a suspicious one. No, nothing of the sort. I may not be a god, but I have some power and sway still. I might as well use it to better the world and the lives of others. And I am not blackmailing you. Please," she waved her hand back at the other tents stretching out for leagues behind them. "If you wish to go, you may. Though that has been true for some time. You've not been tied up for a while now. Why stay?"

"Curiosity," he said with a grin.

"Ah, yes. Be careful though. Curiosity killed the cat."

"True. But satisfaction brought him back." The Antivan flashed a mischievous smile.

"And has your curiosity been sated?" she asked, plucking pebbles up from the sand.

"Not yet, no," he teased. "I wish to see what you become. Be it god or legend, I think it will be… interesting to see. I do not think you will end up as a footnote in history."

"No?"

He shook his head. "No. You may not see it, but there is something about you. A light, I think."

"I bet you say that to all the girls," she remarked, flicking pebbles into the water.

Zarrak chuckled. "I would not be so foolish as to risk getting caught flirting with someone such as yourself. I do not wish to see the Dread Wolf's wrath. In fact, I sense I have stayed too long in your company as it is. But let me just say this: I do not believe that yours will be a tale forgotten. And I am intrigued to see what comes next."

"Be careful what you wish for," she said wryly.

Zarrak smirked, but when he turned around and came face to face with Solas the grin disappeared and he hurriedly slunk away, muttering his apologies.

She snickered and patted the sand beside her.

Solas sat, placing his hands in his lap. "Are you alright? You have been sitting here for some time. It is getting quite late."

Biting her lip, she shrugged, wrapping her arm around her knees.

"He did not come back to apologize, I take it?"

"Who? My father? Or Varitan? It doesn't matter, I suppose. Neither of them would. It is not in their natures." Though she said it calmly, a line formed on her brow as she cast her gaze back out over the water. "If I tell you what I am doing, do you promise not to think me foolish?"

"Of course."

She rolled the words around in her mouth for a moment and then tilted her head up at the stars. "One of my favorite memories with my mother and father was on the third day of my first Arlathvhen. I was a small child at the time, but I remember skipping around the campsites, fingers sticky from the sweet buns in my hands, chasing after my friends. And then my mother and father picked me up at the end of the day in this warm blanket and we sat and watched the stars come up and they told me all of my favorite stories. It feels so different being here now… I suppose I just wanted to reminisce for a bit."

"I do not think that is foolish. That is what this day is for, is it not? To remember those we care for fondly and celebrate them?"

She took his hand in hers, interlacing their fingers together. "I am thankful for you, ma vhenan. I wish you could have met my mother. She was very kind. I would have liked the two of you to meet."

"I would have liked that as well," he said sincerely, squeezing her hand.

"Was today alright for you? I know that not everyone was friendly. I'm sorry for that."

"It was… interesting. I think I enjoyed watching the reunions of others more than the questions from strangers."

"Maybe at the next Arlathvhen you can introduce me to your people. After the restoration has taken place and hopefully peace has settled in once again."

He smiled at her, moved by her eternal optimism. "Yes, I would be honored."

"Well, in the meantime, I am very grateful for your company. Reunions are… exhausting, if nothing else. But being around you always seems to set me at ease." She smiled and he kissed the back of her hand. Together they sat and watched the clouds pass before the moon overhead, enjoying the gentle peace of the rippling water lapping at the sand.