A/N - This chapter was re-written on 15/04/18 because I felt like it. Although, not really all that re-written tbh. Meh, I'll no doubt do it again at some point because I have zero self-control.

Ellana did not share the same love for the Exalted Plains as she had for the Graves. As a rule, she was not a fan of grasslands - too open and desolate. Her people had been defeated in this place centuries ago and the air still seemed heavy with the weight of their loss. The presence of Var Bellanaris did nothing to help that feeling. The ancient elven burial ground was full of her people's fallen, old and new, and she could not help but feel a sense of melancholy in its shadow. The team was headed to a largely torn down ruin on the edge of the Enavuris River. Reports suggested the Namahris clan had been camped there for the last couple of days and Ellana hoped, if they hurried, they could still find them there.

"If this Keeper already knows you're coming then why do we have to rush?" Lis asked through heavy breath. "Surely they'll wait?"

Miris almost rolled her eyes. "Don't be a fool. She knows nothing."

"I dunno, it's pretty compelling stuff!" Lis clapped back.

"There are a hundred other ways she could have known what she knew. Compelling doesn't mean true," Miris drawled, still getting used to Lis's blind optimism.

Ellana did not see any value in joining the argument. They would know more when they reached the clan but even then, she doubted they would ever get a clear answer. These sorts of subjects were so often founded on belief rather than fact and thus, could not be disproven or dissuaded by logic. Belief was its own entity that some needed to make sense of the world. Arguing about it was a waste of breath.

They proceeded across the plains and once the conversation moved on to a lighter topic, Ellana joined in happily. The group was getting along better than she could have hoped. Miris could have an icy disposition at times but she still managed to give her contribution to the discussions, most of all when Shivra was involved. The two seemed to play well off one another. Shivra's loud, angry demeanour could find little grip on Miris's cold attitude and she seemed to enjoy the challenge. Miris appeared to enjoy just being in control; easy as that was with Shivra when she could not get a rise.

The ruins finally became visible over the crest of a hill. They still had a distance to go before they reached it but with the land now flat, they could see much further. Ellana was delighted when she caught a glimpse of an aravel in the distant ruin; they were not too late. As she eyed the camp, she thought they must surely be watching them too. Her suspicions were confirmed when the distant shadows of three figures left the ruin and made a beeline across the plain. The group was led by a larger elf that appeared to have a broadsword at his side. A smaller, male elf came next - clearly a hunter from what Ellana could see. Following behind was a very slight, female elf. She looked no more than a child but judging by the bow she was brandishing, she must have proved herself worthy of adulthood.

When they finally met, the warrior elf spoke first, "Andaran atish'an, sisters. What business do you have with our clan?"

Ellana stepped forward, hiding her nerves beneath years of practice. "We have come to treat with your Keeper on behalf of Fen'Harel. I am Ellana of clan Lavellan… May I ask who you are?"

"I am Sorros, war chief to clan Namahris and dutiful protector of Keeper Mirwen," he replied proudly. "This is Gadis and this is Areina, both hunters within our clan. Are your companions agents of the Dread Wolf as well? It is rare for him to send such a large band…you can understand our concern…"

"Yes, I apologise for any distress our numbers may have caused but my friends and I come as a group…a group that will not be separated. I hope you can accommodate that?" Ellana paused, hoping for an answer. When she received none she filled the silence, "This is Shivra, Miris and Lisette. While it is not essential they treat with your Keeper, I must insist that they accompany me to your clan. Fen'Harel would be most displeased to find out any of his agents were turned away…"

"We do not wish to attract his ire," the large elf interrupted with noted unease. "It will be as you wish. But…know that my foremost concern is protecting our Keeper and if you or your companions were to…"

She cut him off, "You need not be concerned with that; we mean neither you nor your clan any harm. We just wish to talk."

"Very well," he replied, sceptical to the last. "Let us proceed."

As they walked the short distance to the Dalish camp, Ellana took a closer look at their escorts. The hunter had a nervous demeanour and appeared to be trying his best to avoid looking at any of them. He would rather be anywhere else but here and Ellana could not help but wonder why. She eventually brushed it off with simple explanations - the idea of Fen'Harel possibly scared him as it did with so many other Dalish elves. When she was a child, she had actually shared that sentiment. One of the older children used to say the Dread Wolf chased children in their dreams and she had been scared of falling asleep for weeks as a result. The thought was laughable now. When she thought to turn her gaze to the girl hunter, she was met with a quizzical stare. The girl turned quickly away, reddening. Ellana laughed quietly to herself.

Sorros left the troupe to speak with the Keeper the second they reached the camp. The hunter, Gadis, left as quickly as he could. The girl, however, made no moves to leave. She was staring at Ellana again, the same questioning look in her eyes.

"What's the Dread Wolf like?" she finally asked, her short brown hair shaking with excitement. "The others say he's just a massive talking wolf but isn't that strange?"

Ellana chuckled in spite of herself. "No! He's just a regular elf like you and me! Well…not regular but…"

"That's a bit boring," the girl stated abruptly. Ellana could see disappointment flood her green eyes. "Why is everyone so scared of him then?"

Ellana laughed again, "Look, Areina is it?" The girl nodded, so keen her hair flailed about her face. "You don't need to look monstrous to be capable of doing frightening things. Surely, you have experienced this?"

"I guess…" she eventually replied, still sounding dejected. "Humans don't look terrible but they can be…"

"Exactly! Trust me though, he isn't really frightening." Ellana reached out a hand to her shoulder - an attempt at reassurance along with her words. "The stories just paint him in a very negative light. If you ever get to meet him, you'll see that he isn't the monster they say he is. He's…quite nice…actually…"

The girl sighed. "I guess that's a good thing but I was kind of hoping he was an actual wolf. I like wolves…"

Ellana felt a sense of endearment rise inside of her but before she could reply, another voice interrupted.

"Ari, stop talking nonsense and get back to work!"

The speaker was a tall red haired elf. She approached with an air of superiority, her staff clicking on the ground as she walked. Reports suggested the Keeper was quite aged but this elf was young beneath her dark green Vallaslin. Areina was gone before Ellana turned back.

"I apologise for Areina; she is a skilled hunter but can be a complete fool," the elf remarked before letting out a long sigh. "Hopefully that will improve with age but sadly…we are forced to endure her idiocies for now."

Ellana already disliked this woman. She had found Ari's comments quite charming, if somewhat naive, and considered this new elf's views exceedingly uncalled for. She was about to speak up when the elf interrupted again.

"I am Firanni, First to Keeper Mirwen. If you would follow me, I will take you to her. Although I ask that your friends remain here; the Keeper wishes to speak with you alone."

Ellana reassured her friends and left them in the camp.

Quiet dominated as she followed until her fire-haired lead chose to break it, "So you're of clan Lavellan?" Ellana could hear a unwelcome note of disdain in her tone. "Fen'Harel has sent us fellow Dalish before but never from such a…" She paused, seeming to choose her next words carefully. "…human-loving clan. It's an odd choice given his desire to restore our people above the humans."

"Our 'human-loving' ways have nothing to do with it," Ellana replied bitterly. "He chose me for me, not because of my heritage."

"Very well, hopefully we can all see past it. Despite his reputation, your leader has a poor record of getting what he wants here so I hope you have prepared yourself for disappointment," she replied, laughing mockingly. "Maybe you'll be the one to prove yourself but that remains to be seen."

It was taking all of Ellana's effort to keep her composure. She would of like nothing more than to punch this elf in the face and walk away.

Resisting the urge, she uttered, "You'd be surprised what I can do."

By the time they reached the Keeper, Ellana was nearing her limit. She wondered at one point if Firanni was just testing her but given the way she had spoken to Areina, it seemed unlikely. She worried if the Keeper would be just as bad. If that was the case then Solas really had sent the wrong person.

The Keeper was seated on the remains of a stone column looking pensively at the ground. She wore none of the superiority that Firanni flaunted. She looked like a typical old elven woman; grey hair braided and turned up in a bun. If she did not know better, Ellana would never have imagined she held such an important role. As the Keeper looked up, a knowing smile broke across her face. Ellana stopped a distance away, preparing to formally introduce herself.

"The Wolf hunts alone no longer, I see," The Keeper uttered, the smile she wore widening across her mouth. "Come closer child, sit with me. There is no need to stand on ceremony here."

Ellana moved closer and sat on one of the many pieces of ruined column that littered the ground around Keeper Mirwen. Up close, she could see the old woman's blue eyes were kind and twinkled with aged wisdom. She gazed as if she knew Ellana, as if she had never been more relieved to see someone. In spite of a resounding certainty that she had never met this woman in her life, Ellana still found herself searching her memory, trying to find some explanation. Firanni moved to sit as well but was quickly stopped by the Keeper.

"Firanni, leave us. I would have this discussion alone."

The girl tried a fruitless challenge, "But Keeper Mirwen I…"

Mirwen firmly cut her off, "Do not argue with me, child; I am in no mood. Leave us."

Firanni relented; leaving Ellana alone with the Keeper with adamantly portrayed reluctance. She found it difficult to hide her relief at the departure of the rude elf.

Perhaps sensing this, Mirwen said, "I do hope my First did not offend you in any way. She lacks a certain tact that will come with wisdom." She sighed. "If only time would move at a greater pace…"

"There is no need to apologise. I am more than capable of handling a few rude comments," Ellana replied, not wanting to minimise what she had endured.

The old woman sighed again. "While I am certain that is true, such actions should be beneath us and are worthy of regret."

They sat in silence for a brief moment. Ellana spoke first, trying to move the discussion on to business.

"I have come to…"

Mirwen cut her off before she could finish her introduction, "I know why you are here and Sorros has already told me who you are. The Dread Wolf has no doubt already told you who I am; so let us skip the introductions."

Ellana nodded in reply, taken aback by the Keeper's directness.

"Good. Now tell me, do you know why he chose you?" Mirwen asked, eyes twinkling in a slightly suspect way.

Ellana's first thought was that the question was not so simple. "To come here?" She shook her head slightly, overwhelmed for a moment. This was not how she had seen this conversation going. "Yes. You asked for me…saw me in a vision…"

"Not a vision, child, a dream…many dreams in fact," Mirwen added.

"If you already knew who I was then why didn't you just ask for me by name? Why take such a cryptic approach?" This fact had confused Ellana during her research; saying exactly whom she wanted would certainly have sped up the whole process.

Mirwen chuckled before responding, "I did not know who you were until you walked in to my camp. The dreams I have are cryptic, by their very nature and…unlike your wolf…I have no control over what the Fade choses to show me." She paused, having difficulty explaining her experiences. "All I had was the details…never the full person. Besides, what I see is only one of many possibilities. There was always a chance you would never make your way back to him and thus, we would never meet."

"If you only saw some details then how do you know I am the one from your dreams?" Ellana asked, still puzzled.

"I knew you as soon as I saw you. Your actions thus far have done little to dissuade that feeling." She smiled, certainty written in her expression. "You stand beside him unlike any other, do you not? He faltered in your presence; tearing at himself with doubt still. You stand as equals. I am sure you are the one I've been waiting for."

Ellana said nothing. She could not help but be reminded of how her spirit friend Cole used to speak - both confusing and truthful at the same time. The thought made her miss him dearly. She had always valued him despite his odd ways.

Wishing to change the subject, Ellana finally piped up, "As you already know, Fen'Harel has asked me to extend an invitation to your clan to join our ranks. He's offering…"

Mirwen cut her off yet again, waving a hand dismissively, "Yes, I am aware of the terms. None of that mattered until you arrived…" She paused, looking wistful. "But, now is not the time. Take the night to walk amongst my people and we will resume this once the sun rises. Return to your people, they have no doubt missed your presence."

Ellana considered arguing but thought better of it. She got up to leave, feeling dejected. She had hoped this would be dealt with quickly and they could avoid spending too much time in the company of the Dalish. It had been a foolish wish, the Dalish were not known for their haste in matters such as these.

"Before you go, I have one question," Mirwen said.

Ellana stopped and turned back to her, hoping it would not be too probing.

"I have seen much…so many eventualities. Even in those where you stand united, you stand with different posture. In this, the only certain instance, do you doubt as he does?" the Keeper finally asked.

It took a moment for Ellana to fully understand what the Keeper was actually asking. She shook her head, more a gesture of discomfort than an answer but still the old woman waited. Ellana sighed.

"No. I do not carry the same burden as he does, I can understand but no…I do not share his doubts."

She left quickly, giving no chance of a reply. As she walked away, the Keeper sat on the ruined column; a satisfied relief spread across her face.

Ellana returned to the heart of the Dalish camp and found her friends. They had likely tried to keep their distance from the other elves but some of the Dalish had ignored their attempts. Most notable was Areina who appeared to be badgering Lis with questions when Ellana reached them.

"It's really not that interesting!" Lis was saying, evidently growing tired. "We just go out and do what we're told! I mean, yeah it can be fun; I get to spend all my time with my friends so it isn't serious all the time but it's not exactly a life I'd recommend."

"But it sounds wonderful! You get to go wherever you want; have adventures! That's what I wish I could do!" Areina replied excitedly.

Lis let out an exasperated sigh. She was about to respond when Mirwen's appearance interrupted her. Silence spread through the camp before she spoke.

"These four elven maidens will be our guests for the evening," she called out, gesturing towards Ellana and her coterie. "Tonight will be a celebration of their arrival as would be fitting for any of our brethren!"

With little more provocation, the Dalish elves erupted in to action. Some were cooking and others brought forth musical instruments or casks of wine. Those around them bustled Ellana and her friends to their feet. She had taken part in many celebrations like this in her youth. With so few chances to celebrate, it was not a surprise that the Dalish took any chance to let go. This party was no different. The night erupted in to song, dancing and jubilation. Ellana took the few opportunities she could to fill her friends in on the details of her meeting with the Keeper. Miris and Lis continued to argue about Mirwen's so called 'sight'.

"So she sees images in the Fade. That makes more sense, doesn't it?" Lis mused.

"It's more believable, I guess but it just begs more questions. Like, why does she see them and who is showing them to her? Could be a demon messing with her for all we know. Still doesn't sound trustworthy," Miris added.

Ellana kept out of the discussions. She wanted to forgo judgement until she had spoken to Solas about it; if anyone could make sense of it all, it was him. Not that she thought he would be open to the idea; he never seemed very willing to accept anything he had not seen for himself. For someone so intelligent, it always surprised her how incapable he was of stepping outside his own experience. He had shown her that with his views on modern elves. He was not prepared to see them as anything other than his own narrow perception, at least until she came along and shattered that perception.

Ellana was more reserved than usual, despite the joyful atmosphere. Areina had followed the group around for much of the night. She turned out to be much sharper than Ellana had initially thought. She knew exactly why they were there - a fact that many of the other Dalish did not seem privy to, and she seemed acutely aware of what was likely to come of their arrival. Her thirst for knowledge never seemed to let up; asking constant questions about their lives and home. Ellana enjoyed her eagerness. It reminded her of a young version of herself; always questioning, even when it was not entirely appropriate. It saddened her to think that such a pure enthusiasm for life and its mysteries seldom lasted through age. The world is rarely kind to those who choose to wonder.

Ellana retired earlier than her friends. She found the atmosphere difficult to enjoy with tomorrows negotiations looming ever closer. She wanted the peace of sleep and to hopefully see Solas once again in her dreams. She needed his comfort and his advice. She slipped away to the tent they had been given for the night. The only person who seemed to notice her leaving was Mirwen; catching her eye from across the camp, eyes twinkling knowingly.

Ellana leaned on the wooden war room table, the weight of the world crashing down on her shoulders. Her fear was bubbling too close to the surface and she felt as though she were about to burst. The others had left but Cassandra remained, watching her intently.

"I don't think I can do this," Ellana finally said. "It's too much and what if I fail? Then all of this will have been for nothing! They make it sound so simple but it isn't! I can't defeat him! He's so powerful and I…I am nothing! I'm just some elf! I…"

Cassandra grabbed her by the shoulders, turning her so they were facing one another.

"You are not nothing." She looked so sure, so confident. "I believe you can do this, we all do." She paused, staring in to Ellana's downturned eyes. "Since we met, you have done things I thought were impossible. You are stronger than you know. I guarantee you; you will prove even yourself wrong once this is done. You may but know that none of us doubt you can defeat Corypheus."

Ellana found it difficult to believe her words but when she looked up in to her eyes, the certainty she saw in them did something to dull her anxiety.

"But what if I can't! What if I'm not strong enough?" Ellana shouted, eyes firmly on the floor.

The reply she had heard so many times in her memory never came. Ellana looked up, confused, but Cassandra was gone. She looked around the room, unable to process this sudden departure from the dream she had lived so many times before.

"Cassandra?" she called out fruitlessly.

The quiet thrum of activity from outside had also gone, replaced by complete silence. Ellana stood unable to act; lost in complete and utter confusion. The door opened behind her.

"Ellana."

Solas's voice tore her from her confusion. It took a moment for the fog across her consciousness to gradually lift but her mind recovered and she was finally able to understand where she was and what had happened.

"Solas, you came!" she cried, her bewilderment long forgotten.

She walked briskly toward him and pulled him in to an embrace.

"I said I would, did I not?" he remarked, embracing her with equal fervour. "How goes your journey?"

She pulled away slightly to look up at him with an annoyed expression, "Slowly…much too slowly for my liking." Ellana rolled her eyes. "She wants to wait until tomorrow before we talk and she's too damn cryptic to really get a read on. It's been…trying…"

He chuckled lightly. "What was your assessment of her?"

"She's…strange." Ellana's brow furrowed. "She knows a lot more than she rightly should…but it's difficult to gauge. She skirts around…suggests things like she knows what she's talking about. It's all annoyingly vague."

"Did she explain her alleged 'visions' at all?" he asked, poorly concealing the disdain in his words.

"She said they're dreams…images that she sees in the Fade."

A deep frown had formed across Solas's brow as he leaned against the table.

"She said they're often unclear and she's only able to decipher some details," Ellana continued, rather enjoying watching Solas think. "She said she doesn't see one future but rather…many possibilities so she's never sure which will actually come to pass…"

"Well that is convenient," he interjected; disdain still dripping in his tone. "If she is ever wrong she can just claim she chose the wrong image." He sighed. "Although…I suppose…it could make sense. Time is not thought to be a straight line; rather a route with many divergent tracks, any one action skewing it toward a different future. It would make sense to view it as a collection of possible results that depend entirely on what action occurs."

While some of what Solas said went over Ellana's head, she did think he was right on both accounts. It could be a possibility but it could just as easily be a convenient, well thought out lie. She had seen nothing to convince her of either.

"What is more concerning is the origin of such a thing, if it is indeed true," he mused. "One can rarely take what they see in the Fade as hard fact. Those that do hold truth tend to be memories and those memories do not originate from the Fade. They are brought to bear by people and no person has memories of the future…that's obviously not possible. So where would such a thing come from?"

"Maybe something is creating them? A demon perhaps?" Ellana asked, eager to gain more of his perspective.

"That is a possibility, although it does little to explain the reasoning." He shook his head and sighed. "We would do well not to trust in it. Hopefully I will know more once I have spoken with her myself but for now…I would avoid the issue…"

Ellana laughed. "Easier said than done."

"That aside, is all well?" he asked, the frown finally gone from his face. "It must be somewhat jarring to be immersed in clan life after so long."

"It's not as bad as I thought it would be, actually. They've generally been really welcoming which is…" She laughed. "…very out of character for a Dalish clan. They had a feast for us and everything, which was a nice gesture. They seem so apart from the other clans I've experienced…but I suppose that's not surprising with Mirwen leading them."

"Very true," he added, eyes wandering beneath her notice.

"I'd rather we had just got the negotiations out the way but that was never going to happen. I'd so much rather be home. How are things? Have you…"

She stopped talking abruptly as she noticed he was looking much too amused with himself. She stared at him in confusion, his smirk not diminished with her gaze. He raised an eyebrow. She looked down and gasped, finally realising she was standing completely nude.

"Well, that's very mature!" she shouted, punching him in the shoulder.

"Hey!" He grabbed her arms, holding her off – feigning hurt. "This is your dream! I cannot be held responsible for what happens!"

She shook loose of his hands. "You're right. It is my dream and in my dream, I get to do whatever I want," she replied, forcing him back on the table.

He shook his head vainly as she mounted him. "That is definitely not how dreams work."

"Oh shut up."

Ellana was awoken by the sounds of her friends giggling.

"Sweet dreams?" Shivra asked, stifling a laugh. "Certainly sounded like it!"

Her friends erupted in to giggles.

"Oh, piss off!" Ellana cried as her cheeks reddened not in anger.

She left the tent quickly and Miris followed her out.

"Don't you start," Ellana hissed when Miris caught up to her.

The ice blonde elf smiled only slightly. "I shall do no such thing. I wondered if you would be interested in sparring? Clear your head before the Keeper calls on you."

Ellana released a long sigh, part relief and part annoyance. "That is an excellent idea."

Practicing with Miris had become a regular occurrence. Both saw it as a useful way to build on their skills as well as a genuinely enjoyable activity. Miris no longer held back in their fights so it was always a challenge, even for Ellana. On this day, it made for a welcome release and the surrounding Dalish elves seemed to enjoy the display just as much as the combatants.

The time came much too soon where Sorros appeared and beckoned Ellana away. She left her friends at camp and proceeded with him to the place she had met with the Keeper before. She was disappointed to see Mirwen was not alone. Firanni sat next to her and another elf she did not recognise sat nearby. Sorros took his place on the rocks as well.

"Sit, child." Mirwen said, gesturing towards a stone opposite them.

Ellana sat down, nerves tugging at her. She had hoped she would only need to contend with Mirwen; not this crowd. Mirwen spoke first.

"You and I have already met and I believe you already know Firanni and our warleader - Sorros, but this is Taelen." She rose a hand to the elf at the end of the row. "He presides over the day-to-day running of our clan and organises our people…everything I am unable to manage."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Ellana replied, worry truncating the legitimacy of her words. "I am Ellana of clan Lavellan, now agent to Fen'Harel…"

"Servant to the Bringer of Nightmares… We have met your kind before," Sorros interjected angrily.

Mirwen waved a hand and he became grudgingly silent.

"What you ask of us will affect our entire clan and so this is not a decision I feel I can make without consulting my peers," Mirwen continued. "Tell us, what exactly does the Dread Wolf want with our people?"

Ellana saw no point in trying to pull the wool over their eyes. "Nothing. It's not your people he needs; it's your knowledge, Keeper." She kept her eyes fixed to Mirwen. She could not explain it justly but she found comfort in the Keeper's gaze. "Nonetheless…I understand that you would never leave your clan so they must be taken in to account. Fen'Harel offers to take in your people, along with yourself…and will ensure they are kept in safety and comfort…"

"And for this, I presume our people would be made to work for him?" Sorros interjected, still noticeably sceptical and quite abruptly aggressive with it.

"No." Ellana took a long steadying breath before she went on, "If any of your people chose to work with us then that would be welcomed but no one will be forced, regardless of their ability." She turned back to the Keeper. "All that we ask is that Keeper Mirwen assists us with her vast knowledge. If that is agreeable to you then all your people, including the elderly and young alike, will be given a home and kept safe in a world that only grows more dangerous for our kind."

Ellana waited nervously for someone to comment. Mirwen's eyes were twinkling again as she looked around at her peers.

"It sounds too good to be true," Firanni finally said.

"What does it matter?!" Sorros added angrily. "If it is the Dread Wolf like she says it is or even if it's just some idiot claiming to be him then we can't possibly trust him!"

"But she is right," the new elf added with a tired exhale. "You've seen it for yourselves; the humans tolerate our kind less and less. How much longer can we wander this land without significant bloodshed? Especially if these people…" He gestured towards Ellana. "…continue muddying the waters. We could be days away from an attack…wiped out at any moment."

"We don't even know that she's telling the truth! How can we trust they won't simply take the Keeper and do away with us as soon as we agree?!" Sorros practically shouted. He aimed his ire directly at Mirwen. "Is it not your entitlement to protect us from Fen'Harel?! And yet, here we sit, negotiating with one of his lackeys!"

"Enough," Mirwen interrupted firmly. "I will not allow little more than children's stories to inform this decision. All because something is considered legend or tradition does not make it truth. We are a clan that strives not to follow our ancestors blindly; we question and we learn our own path. My foremost concern is protecting our people and that does not include running away from an opportunity because of some foolish taboo."

A stunned silence passed across the group. Examining each one of their faces, Ellana's eyes fell last on Mirwen. Ever so slightly, she nodded.

Ellana took her opportunity, "Look, I understand your quandary. Years ago, I was just as you are now…I'd heard the stories, felt the fear they bring and I believed it all blindly. But now I know…I was…wrong. Accepting that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and it made me question everything I've ever known. All I want now is to ensure our people find their rightful place in the world. That is my only motive…and I can assure you that I would not be here if I thought he meant your people any harm…"

"She speaks the truth," Mirwen interjected with a slight smile. "If the Dread Wolf wished to take me and do away with our clan then he would have done so, would he not? Why waste all this time with pageantry? He may be regarded as a trickster but he does nothing without purpose."

Another pause - questioning mutterings and thoughtful silence.

"You say we would be provided with a home?" Firanni asked, turned to Ellana. "Where would such a place be?"

"There is a place beyond a great mirror, a place I too call home. Your people would live out your days there. Many of Fen'Harel's other followers reside there, you would be in good company and well protected," Ellana replied, confident at last. She turned to the elf on the end, "You're right, this world is indeed dangerous and I fear it is only going to get worse for our people. This could be your only chance to save your own from that precipice."

Muttering erupted from the group. Mirwen smiled broadly at her.

"Thoughts?" the Keeper asked.

"It sounds ideal. The clan thrives in exchange for some knowledge," Firanni said first.

"Provided the Dread Wolf keeps his end of the bargain, it sounds like our best option going forward. This girl certainly seems trustworthy enough," the new elf added.

"If any of it is true then it would help keep our people safe," Sorros said grudgingly. "But none of this is guaranteed and it would mean making ourselves vulnerable!"

"Nothing in life is ever guaranteed, Sorros. Without the unknown there would be no wonder," Mirwen replied, smile not diminished. "Am I to take these comments as an overall agreement?"

They all replied affirmatively, even Sorros eventually agreed in his bitter way.

"Excellent, then our business is concluded. You may all return to your stations," Mirwen said, bringing an end to discussions.

Ellana stood stunned as the group filed out. When they had all left, she turned to Mirwen.

"That's it? It's done?" she asked, disbelieving – shocked.

The Keeper touched a gentle hand to her shoulder. "Yes, child. You did well; your wolf will be most pleased. I will announce it to the clan shortly and we will leave in the morning."

"You don't seem surprised…" Ellana could not stop herself from saying.

"I am not. I chose you for a reason, my child. You never failed to convince them, even with significant resistance. Where others would gladly throw us to the wayside, I trust you will see us through this. They must have seen that in you too."

Mirwen led her away from the ruins and towards the camp. As they walked, Ellana could not help but think on what she had said. Ellana was certain Solas genuinely meant the clan no harm; seeing this transaction simply as a fair trade for the knowledge he would gain but she knew how these things so often went. It is so easy to forget those you owe when you no longer need them, especially when you have to deal with as many people as he did. But Ellana knew in her heart that she would never allow these people to become forgotten, even after all was said and done. She felt like, while time remained, she at least owed them that much.

Ellana arose early the next morning not wanting to be caught out by her friends again. They had spent the day before helping the elves prepare for their imminent journey. The clan had taken the news well, many excited by the prospect of a new and unusually permanent home. Most of her band helped the Dalish around the camp, packing up their belongings and other such menial tasks. Shivra and Ellana opted to help out the hunters who were gathering supplies for the road. Areina acted as their guide for much of the day. She turned out to be a very proficient hunter and an even better tracker. Her level of skill did a lot to explain how she had passed through her apprenticeship at such a young age. Areina was also very skilled with her bow, although not as skilled as Shivra; a fact the city elf happily demonstrated at any opportunity. Her childlike nature only showed whenever they made a kill. She apologised profusely to each one, thanking it for its sacrifice. She seemed at home in nature, a quality Ellana could definitely relate to.

Ellana was up and dressed long before many of the others. The camp was quiet and Ellana hoped she would have enough time to go for a peaceful walk before they needed to leave. Her hopes were dashed when Mirwen beckoned her into the Keeper's tent. When she entered, Sorros was standing inside too.

"There is something unfortunate we must discuss," Mirwen said.

"What?" Ellana asked, unable to hide her worry. She had hoped her work here was done. "What's going on?"

"I'm afraid we have reason to believe there is a spy in our midst," Mirwen said mournfully. She stood wringing her hands for a few moments before a full explanation was offered, "A few months ago one of our hunters returned from the forest in a complete state. Since that time he has been seen acting suspiciously – leaving the clan at unusual times; going places he has no business and he has even been seen releasing ravens…an activity, I'm sure you know, no hunter would tend to be involved in." She paused, sighing. "We had one of our other hunters follow him last night and they found him trying to send this…"

She handed Ellana a note. Opening it hastily, her eyes fell on a scrawled statement.

"They sent another agent, a group. The leader claimed to be called Ellana Lavellan and fits some of the description you gave me. We're going to join with the rest of Fen'Harel's agents in the morning. I will try and send more information once we arrive. Please don't call on me again."

Ellana had so many questions she could not think which one to start with.

"Bring him in Sorros," Mirwen said quietly.

Sorros left the tent and returned to Ellana's surprise, with Gadis, the hunter who she had met alongside Areina on the first day.

"You? That's why you were so scared of me?" Ellana queried with wide eyes.

The nervous man nodded. "When you said your name, I knew who you were and I knew I'd have to tell them! I didn't want to but I had to!"

"Who is 'them'? Who do you work for?" Ellana asked, dreading the answer.

"The Inquisition! They jumped me when I was out on a hunt…threatened me! Said I had to tell them things or they would come back! They wouldn't let me go!"

She grabbed him, fear overtaking her senses. "Is this all you sent?! Did you tell them?!"

"No! That's the only letter I sent!" he cried.

She gasped in relief and turned to Mirwen.

"What are you going to do with him?"

Mirwen shook her head. "That is your decision. You are the one who has been wronged here. Although his actions do not affect us directly, what he has done can be seen as a betrayal of his clan and deserving of punishment. He has proven himself untrustworthy. Exile would be the traditional choice but we will accept whatever punishment you may choose, given the circumstances."

"No! No, please! Don't kill me! I didn't want to do it…they…they made me!" the hunter cried.

Ellana was completely torn and the hunter's cries for mercy did little to help her. The logical choice would be to have the man put to death or imprisoned. With that, there would be no chance he could ever report back to his masters. However, she knew in her heart that she would find it difficult to live with that decision. She also could not quiet the thought that this was not just a courtesy on Mirwen's part but more a test to see what Ellana would choose. She doubted the old woman would approve if she chose to harm the man. She looked down at the floor, ignoring the hunters pleading screams. She was going to miss the veil of secrecy she had lived so long beneath but she could already feel a weight lifting from her shoulders.

"You cannot be trusted to continue with us," she said finally; the hunter quieting immediately as she spoke. "But I cannot in good conscience put you to death or keep you locked up…it is not our people's way."

The hunter breathed a sigh of relief.

"We Dalish swore never to submit to chains; something you accepted because of only fear and for this…you will be exiled from this clan immediately." She paused, thinking for a moment. "I would ask that you do not tell anyone of me but we both know that you will have little choice but to return to your masters' leash so tell them… Tell them I will be hunted no longer."

Sorros took the spy away, leaving Ellana feeling both a sense of impending doom and a sense of relief she had not felt in an age.

"So they'll know everything soon enough," Lis remarked as they trudged through the wilderness; entire Dalish clan in tow. "Are you okay with that?"

"No but it's a relief, I guess. They were the last people I was hiding from and when he reaches them, everyone will know what I am. I don't have to hide anymore," Ellana replied wistfully. "Although, they'll probably still try and hunt me down and with his information, they'll have more chance of succeeding. I'm not looking forward to that reunion!"

"Don't worry, we'll protect you! It is our job, after all!" Lis exclaimed.

"Fucking right we will," Shivra added.

Ellana nodded, smiling at their feeling until it faltered. "As long as Solas never finds out it will be fine. We can come up with a plan or something."

"Why wouldn't you want him to know? Surely he would just want to protect you too?" Lis enquired.

"Yeah, too much!" Ellana exclaimed. "If he knew about this then he would never let me go anywhere. He'd be so intent on keeping me safe that I would be locked up in that tower forever!"

"Well, the tower is certainly a safe option, that's for sure," Miris mused from her side.

Ellana was about to reply when the sudden arrival of an eavesdropping Areina interrupted her.

"There's a tower?" she asked loudly, much too excited.

A/N - So if you're reading this, you may have noticed I am not using as much of the elven language as I probably should; especially in this chapter with the Dalish. Just thought I would explain my reasoning behind this. Yes I do use it, mostly when it naturally occurs to me while I'm writing but I definitely don't go out of my way to include it. My reasoning for this is threefold. Firstly from a reading perspective I think it's better to avoid using it randomly. Yes it could do something to help with immersion but it would also mean that those who are unfamiliar with it would have to constantly google phrases to work out what is going on and I don't want that. I had to do it myself during the game and it just pulled me out of the experience. Secondly, I am not a big fan of how it is used in the game in general. Just a personal preference but I don't like that sort of fractured use of language. It just seems so unnatural to me - I have never met anyone who randomly adds bits of a foreign language when their talking...well excluding Latin I suppose...but for example, I have yet to meet a French person who haphazardly says random French phrases when we're talking in English; unless it is, of course, relevant. Plus it just reminds me of how the dragons spoke in Skyrim and I really wasn't a fan of that; it felt so clunky. Lastly, I would much rather spend my time writing (or proofreading *sigh*) than researching and going back over each chapter and inserting random bits of elven where I can. It would take much more time than I would want for, what I consider to be, very little gain. I'd much rather spend the time I have furthering the actual story.

I'm sorry if this bothers anyone but hopefully you can at least appreciate the reasoning behind it. BYE!