The Dalish reacted with complete awe as they each stepped through the Eluvian and in to their new home. It amused Ellana greatly; she remembered having similar feelings the first time she set eyes on the place. Those feelings had long since passed and had been replaced by a feeling of warm familiarity and relief. Every time she stepped out on to the grass she had hope she would find some respite, wishing each time that it could be for longer.

A large welcoming party had formed as they reached the base of the hill. Solas stood at the forefront, looking pensive. Seeing him so calm, she couldn't help but feel a little envious. Nothing ever seemed to faze him; not even the approaching crowd who likely thought him a monster. His expression filled with warmth as he laid eyes on Ellana. The Dalish were muttering loudly amongst themselves but a silence drifted over them as Solas came forward to meet them.

"Andaran atish'an, brothers and sisters. Welcome to your new home. I am Fen'Harel," Solas's introduction drew more hushed whispers from the crowd of Dalish elves. "My associates here will take you to your new dwelling. Please make yourselves at home and don't hesitate to ask anything of my people," he continued, the elves behind him springing in to action. "I hope you all find peace in this place," he finished, walking over to Ellana and the Keeper. "Keeper Mirwen I presume?"

"Yes… Do I look different outside of my dreams?" she asked.

He ignored the question, saying instead, "It is good to finally have you here. I thought this day would never come."

"Yes, you did take your time didn't you?" she retorted.

"It matters little; you are here now," he replied. "Would you both walk with me? We have much to discuss."

He led them a short distance into the forest; away from the ears of the others.

"You know, you're much shorter than I imagined," the Keeper commented as they walked.

Ellana couldn't contain her amusement any longer; letting out a slight chuckle. She could tell he was getting irritated now.

When he finally stopped, the Keeper was trailing a short distance behind. It gave them a chance to exchange a few brief words before she reached them.

"Good work, Ellana. Although I fear I'm going to have my hands full," Solas said.

"You can bet on that," Ellana replied, chuckling.

"You two don't stop on my account," Mirwen remarked as she reached them. "If it would make you both more comfortable, I can turn away so you can properly greet one another," she continued, turning as promised.

"You told her about us?" Solas asked in a whisper.

"No! She sort of guessed…I didn't say anything," Ellana whispered back, sad to now be involved in Mirwen's prodding.

"See? Isn't that better? Young love is not something I would ever want to get in the way of," Mirwen remarked as she turned back. "Well, not young in your case Wolf; you're older than all of us."

"Indeed," Solas said with a sigh. "Moving on, I would ask what your expectations of this arrangement are."

"Expectations? As long as my people are kept well, I have none," Mirwen replied. "What I'm more interested in is what you want?" Her voice became rapid and difficult to follow. "It's the key isn't it? The key to the last mirror. The key to the place you once knew but ignored. The place where the white raven soars. You want the power within; hope it will be the power you need to release the sky. You think, hope, I know where to find the key, yes?"

"Do you?" he asked, a frown formed on his brow.

"No, not definitively. I have suspicions but I have never seen the thing myself. A process of elimination would likely lead to its location," Mirwen replied.

"What's 'the white raven'?" Ellana asked before the conversation could continue.

"A raven like any other but white," Mirwen replied matter-of-factly. "I have no idea what it represents, if that's what you mean? It could be an actual being or a more abstract concept, it's difficult to know for certain."

"Perhaps we should leave this discussion for today," Solas interjected. "You must both be weary from your travels and I'm certain your people could do with your presence, Keeper."

"As you wish," Mirwen replied, bowing before exiting.

"That was completely bizarre," Solas remarked, massaging his temples.

"I did warn you," Ellana replied jokingly.

"So what did you make of her?" Ellana asked.

The two had moved proceedings up to Solas's quarters, giving them a chance to behave naturally with one another.

"I don't know, to be honest with you," he replied, removing the heavier pieces of his armour with relief. "She speaks like someone who has been touched by the Fade but that could also just as easily be madness."

"You can't deny she seemed to know a lot; about both us and what you are looking for," Ellana replied. She paused, not knowing if she should ask more but her curiosity eventually won out. "She was right about what you wanted?"

"Yes, that is what I intended to ask her about in the first instance," he replied. He leapt on to the bed, landing with a satisfied sigh. "I am surprised she knew what the key is for; I didn't think anyone else knew that. For all intents and purposes, I thought I was the only one who even knew the temple existed. The Eluvian was locked in my time, it seems impossible that anyone could have been there since then. The place was so isolated I doubt anyone could find it accidentally."

Ellana climbed on to the bed beside him, nuzzling in.

"Why was it locked?" she asked.

"They used to say a great power resided in that temple, a power that took the lives of any who dared to tread its ground. Despite the rumours, there were still those that went and died for the sake of curiosity. It was closed to keep people away," he replied.

"So what was it? What was killing people?" she asked.

"I have no idea. I never went and the rumours were so old that they had been twisted beyond recognition," he said, shrugging.

"Weren't you curious? It must be ancient! Didn't you want to know what it was?" Ellana enquired with disbelief.

"I had other concerns. Besides, I had the power I needed. I wasn't about to go and risk my life to hoard more without reason," he replied.

Ellana hoped she would get to see this place, despite the threat of death. It sounded fascinating. Sadly she knew that they had a long road to walk before then. By the sounds of it, they would need Mirwen's help and the key before anything could happen.

The two talked long in to the night.

"I'm glad to be home," was the last thing Ellana said before drifting off to sleep in his arms.

Solas was roused by the sound of Ellana quietly singing. She often sang to herself when she was alone. He didn't mind, she was surprisingly good at it and the sound always brought him comfort. From the lack of light in the room he could tell that the sun must not have risen yet. Ellana was sitting by the window. She was singing a song he didn't recognise but, as his senses returned, he could hear it was full of sorrow. As he sat up, she stopped singing.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't wake you did I?" she asked in a worried tone.

He got up and sat beside her.

"Don't concern yourself, you know I enjoy your singing," he said with a smile.

She replied with only a brief smile before looking down at her hands. He could tell from her expression that something was troubling her.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Yes. Actually... I had this dream…" she replied, unsure.

"You didn't see the future did you?" he asked jokingly.

"Of course not! she replied, shoving him lightly on the shoulder. "No, I… When I was a child, I remember one time we travelled close to the sea. My mother walked me up to the edge of these cliffs so I could see the ocean for the first time."

Solas smiled at the thought. He could only imagine how excited she must have been seeing the endless expanse of water for the first time.

"Every so often, I dream I am standing on the edge of those cliffs; looking out at the vast ocean. Normally, I just stand there watching the water but last night was different. Last night, I don't know why, but I…I jumped off the cliff and in to the ocean. I don't know why I would do that…" She trailed off, lost in thought.

"You remember your dreams?" he asked.

"Sometimes, I guess," she replied. "That's normal isn't it?"

"Mages retain consciousness in the Fade and so, retain memories of their dreams. As I understand it, the same cannot be said for those who lack magical talent," he remarked.

"What is that supposed to mean? I am definitely not a mage," she added.

"Nor did I say you were," he replied, sidestepping the threat of an argument. "Either way, it matters little; unless it is a topic you wish to explore, you can continue as you were."

Ellana didn't want to explore the idea, her life was already complicated enough. She thought he was reading far too much in to it. After all, she had never shown any magical talent at all. She was certain there must be another explanation. It did surprise her that he hadn't pushed the idea. She knew he would love nothing more than to share that world with her. Perhaps he rightly sensed her reluctance and thought better of pressing the issue.

"What was that song you were singing? I've never heard it before," he asked.

"My mother used to sing it. I don't know where it comes from," she replied. "She sang it a lot after my father died. He meant a greal deal to her and when he left us, it was like a piece of her was gone as well. I think singing it helped her deal with that and keep going for me…"

She stopped talking when she saw the look on Solas's face. She hadn't seen him look this miserable since they had reunited.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, laying her head on his shoulder. "I shouldn't talk about things like that."

"Do you miss her? Your mother, I mean," he said quickly, eager to change the subject.

"Yes. Sometimes I think about finding her, seeing her again but I think it would just be too difficult for us both," she replied. "Besides, that isn't my life anymore and I don't think I could ever go back to it. I wonder what she would think of me now, after so much has happened…"

"She probably wouldn't be too thrilled by your present company," he suggested.

"Oh, stop!" she exclaimed, taking his hand. "She'd love you once she got over the whole 'Dread Wolf' thing!" She laughed. "Maybe don't stand within arms' reach when I tell her that one; she can be a bit of a firecracker."

"Well there's a surprise! I had wondered where your temper came from!" he replied, chuckling.

Proving his point, she tried to dig her elbow in to his side but he avoided the blow. She fell against him and he kissed her intensely.

When she returned to camp, Ellana had been unable to find her friends. For a group of spies, they certainly weren't quiet; not here at least. She eventually found them in the forest by following the tell-tale sound of their laughter.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked.

"We were keeping an eye on the new recruits but we gave up," Shivra replied. "Can't be running around after that lot all the bloody day!"

"They're not making trouble are they?" Ellana asked, concerned.

"No, not yet at least," Lis responded.

"They're a bit mental," Shivra added.

Before Ellana could respond, Areina came bounding through a nearby bush.

"Speak of the devil…" Shivra sighed.

"This place is great!" Areina exclaimed excitedly. "All this forest but no humans! It's like a wonderland!" She ran over to a nearby stream, gliding a hand through its waters. "It's got everything! Pivvi showed me around and I met his family. He lives in a glade and it's so pretty!"

"Pivvi is a Halla by the way…yeah…let that sink in for a moment," Shivra said quietly as Areina continued ranting.

"Oh! Of course…" Ellana turned to Areina, hoping to bring her back to sense. "It is wonderful but it's not a playground you know?"

Areina looked offended but Ellana's words had stopped the ranting. Lis laughed.

"You can hardly talk! You were exactly the same when we got here!" she exclaimed.

Ellana shoved her in the shoulder. "Shut it! I was not!"

"Yeah you were! Maybe not so excitable," Lis gave Areina an apologetic look, not wanting to offend, "but you were still off exploring the woods whenever you could!"

"Oh! I could introduce you to Pivvi! Unless you've already met? Do you like Halla too?" Areina shrieked in delight.

"Great…" Ellana remarked under her breath. "Look, I'm sorry but we probably have work to do so maybe another time?"

"Work? Are you going somewhere?" Areina inquired. Her tone suddenly became more animated, "Can I come? Oh, I'd love to go with you! I've seen so little of the world and you get to go to all these places! Please let me come! I promise I'll be useful!"

"Look, kid…" Ellana tried to reply.

"I am not a kid!" Areina shouted, suddenly incensed. "I am an adult; I've proven that! Anything any of you can do I can do just as well! Even if I am a bit younger in age it doesn't mean I can't look after myself!"

Ellana tried to appease her, "Look…Ari, I'm sorry but you just aren't ready for…"

"I am ready! I'm not a fool! I know what you people do! I've heard people talking. I just want a chance to explore the world and I'm not going to get that by staying here! All I've known is my clan and I want to know so much more! Please!" Ari cried with a determined look in her eyes.

Ellana couldn't help but be reminded of a similar argument she had had with her mother. When Ellana was chosen to spy on the Chantry conclave, her mother had been against the idea; fearing for her safety. Ellana's determination had eventually convinced her. If her mother hadn't given her that chance then Ellana was certain she wouldn't be the woman she was today. The thought gave her pause.

"Come on, Ellana. Since when have we ever judged someone just by their age? At least give her a chance," Lis added.

Ellana sighed before asking, "What does your Keeper think of this idea?"

Areina looked suddenly sheepish, "I haven't actually mentioned it to her yet…" She paused before becoming incensed once again, "But we could tell her together! She'd let me, I know she would!"

"Well I'm not doing anything without her blessing," Ellana replied, relieved that she had an excuse to avoid the decision. "You'll need to speak with her before I can do anything."

"You'll come with me? Ask her too?" Areina asked, sheepish once more. "She trusts you. She'll listen to you!"

"Fine, if you insist," Ellana replied, sighing again.

Areina ran excitedly off towards the camp, turning back when Ellana did not follow.

"Well come on then! No time like the present!" the girl shouted back, her mousey brown hair bouncing about her shoulders as she ran.

Ellana had always liked the idea of taking another under her wing but an appropriate person had never presented themselves. The idea of passing something on to another only grew in appeal as she had gotten older, despite how fruitless it now seemed. She wasn't sure Ari was the ideal person to fill such a role but she saw a lot of herself in her. She couldn't help but wonder what this girl could become if given the right path. It certainly seemed true that she did not know much of the world beyond her clan but Ellana had been the exact same way before the Inquisition. She had never let that stop her. She also couldn't deny that despite her naivety, Areina was certainly capable and had the potential to grow in to an accomplished asset.

When they reached the Dalish camp, they found Mirwen mercifully alone in her tent. Areina had become more and more noticeably nervous as they had drawn nearer. As they entered the tent, she looked like she might faint. Ellana placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, hoping to steady her if she did fall.

"Ah, it's you my child. I had wondered when you would appear," Mirwen remarked cheerfully. "I just finished talking with your wolf. Complicated man, that one; uncomfortably restrained and sceptical to the last. It must be fascinating to see beneath the veil is it not?"

Ellana chose to ignore her probing, "How are your people settling in?"

"Well. Many of them have never experienced a settled life, let alone one in safety. The prospect this place represents gives them some hope of that life and has been met with much joy," Mirwen replied.

"I'm glad to hear they are happy," Ellana added, slightly relieved. "And yourself?"

"While it is still possible, I will gladly play my part to provide for my people," the keeper remarked. "But you did not come here to muse on the happiness of my people I see," she continued, nodding to Areina.

"No, I'm afraid I had another agenda," Ellana said. She paused, hoping Ari would jump in. When she said nothing, Ellana continued, "Areina has asked to join my group of agents but I will not consider it without her clan's blessing. To do so would be to overstep my bounds and I have no desire to anger you or your people."

The Keeper sighed and for a split second, Ellana saw her expression fill with anguish.

"Is this true, Areina? Is this your wish?" the Keeper asked.

"Yes. I want to see the world and I want to help them. Nothing would give me more joy, my Keeper," Ari replied, her voice determined.

"As neither of your parents are with us any longer, I suppose I am an appropriate person to make this decision," Mirwen mused. She paused and turned to Ellana. "You will care for her as one of your own? Keep her in safety as much as you are able?"

"Yes, we all will. As much as we are able," Ellana answered.

"And you are certain this is the path you choose, my child?" Mirwen asked Areina.

"Yes, I am certain this is what I want," Areina replied determinedly.

"Then you have my blessing, child," Mirwen said, walking over to Ari and taking her in an embrace. "Learn from them, let them guide you and see all that you can. Know that your family is always waiting with open arms."

Ellana left the tent quietly, leaving them to their moment. It reminded her so much of her mother that the pain was becoming too much. She had been unable to hear from her since she left the Inquisition, she wasn't even certain if she still lived. She knew Solas would have his best agents looking for her the second she asked but her current position held her back. She would love to at least know how she was but then the temptation to see her would be too great. It would be cruel to re-enter her life now. She would either have to leave again, reopening old wounds or expose her mother to her new life – neither one she could face.

Areina eventually emerged from the tent, her eyes wet with tears. Ellana met her, brushing away the threads of moisture from her cheeks.

"You're still certain this is what you want?" she asked gently.

Areina nodded, determination spread across her face once again.

"Good. Come on then, we should get to work," Ellana said, leading her back to their friends.

Mirwen watched them as they left, anguish flooding her being. She hoped she was wrong and even prayed to the false gods for deliverance but it had never helped. She feared the future now more than ever

A/N – That song Ellana is singing by the window, I always imagined it as 'All We Do' by Oh Wonder. Doesn't make a massive amount of sense in the context but that's just how I imagined it.