A/N - Sorry...again... I don't even have an excuse this time I am literally just shit.
Surprised no one took a stab at guessing what's up with Ellana; thought I made it pretty obvious. Maybe too obvious in hindsight. It was bound to happen eventually. Oh well...
Have fun! Love you guys!
It had started with sly comments from Mirwen. Ellana couldn't remember exactly how far back they began; her knowing remarks hardly a new development. At first Ellana thought nothing of it. It had always been difficult to know when the Keeper spoke truths. The sickness was Ellana's first real clue. In the weeks following her return from the Inquisition she had grown concerned. Solas joined in her worry but luckily for her he didn't think to consider the obvious answer. He insisted she seek assistance and the natural option was unfortunately Mirwen. The Keeper was an accomplished healer amongst her people and more than happy to help. Ellana had even been thrilled when Mirwen told her she knew what was wrong. The comments came again and for the first time she thought to question. She didn't believe it, she couldn't, but the Keeper was unwilling to accept her scepticism. She insisted on involving Firanni, claiming she had knowledge beyond her own. The fire haired girl was the last person Ellana wanted to see so she initially resisted but eventually she felt she had to prove them wrong. An old Dalish concoction yielded the truth; the root of a little known plant ground and added to a sample from her. She waited praying to whoever might listen that nothing would change. When the glass clouded she swore it was wrong but deep inside she knew. Surprisingly Mirwen did not force the issue. She gave her something to lessen the sickness and sent her on her way still denying it. It was days before Ellana came back. She cried for what felt like hours with Mirwen dutifully by her side. Even Firanni tried to reassure her but she wouldn't hear it. When she could cry no more she finally accepted the truth: she was pregnant.
A long time ago Ellana had agreed that a child would not be a wise decision. She had agreed to prevention and with that she hadn't given the possibility a second thought. Now it seemed like one of the worst things that could have happened. Mirwen didn't understand but Ellana knew that Solas would be crushed. The thought of losing the one you love was one thing but the thought of losing a child was even more profound. Her immediate thought had been to run. Thinking she had just abandoned him he could go on; never knowing about their child. Leaving would hurt him but knowing the truth would hurt him more. She was too integral to their progress for her to leave before their work in Denerim was done but the thought never left her mind. She knew that it was the right thing to do but in the end she couldn't. She cursed herself as weak fearing she had doomed them both.
As the days wore on she knew she would have to tell him but he seemed so happy. She couldn't bear to take that from him. Even in his contentment she could still feel a part of him pulling away, trying to save itself from the hurt of inevitably losing her. He wouldn't talk about it but she knew that he was desperately trying to find a way to save her. The thought of adding another to his burden was too much to bear. Her own feelings faded in to the background. So consumed by her fear for him she hadn't given herself time to consider how she felt. Nor did she stop to consider the child.
She hoped she could maintain her ruse for a little while longer and the developments with Vivienne seemed like the perfect opportunity. She could tell he was starting to suspect but she hoped he would be suitably distracted. She tried to force her feelings to the back of her mind and enjoy this last moment of solace as much as she could. It would be over too soon.
Ellana was avoiding him that much was clear. Over the last few days she had dutifully assisted wherever she could but their time alone was noticeably dwindling. At first Solas put it down to how busy they both were but as time wore on it seemed more deliberate. With so many fronts to consider, Solas often stayed up late in to the night planning. This was hardly irregular but her reaction was. Their nights were often the only time they got to spend together so she would generally work alongside him or, if too impatient, tempt him to bed. Even on especially long nights where neither option worked she would always awaken to his presence gladly. Now she seemed almost relieved to see him still working. With little more than a token conversation she'd go to bed citing tiredness. When he eventually retired he could tell she was awake but she pretended nonetheless. He felt like he was losing her. He questioned and every time she would dismiss him. In worry he slipped too easily in to deception, unable to resist invading her dreams each night in search of answers. Sadly he found nothing but old memories of the time he had hurt her most. It wasn't his first time seeing the mournful singing melding with sobs in the painted room. He hated that dream. Even after all this time it still hurt to see what his actions had wrought. It still made him join in her tears. Seeing her pain again only cemented for him that he had no right to force an answer. He could hardly ask for the truth when he had kept so much from her. She would talk when she was ready, at least he hoped.
The sound of the door to their bedroom opening broke Solas from his depressing thoughts. The two female elves that emerged tried in vain to hide their amusement at his appearance. He couldn't blame them; Orlesian fashion was absurd.
"She's ready for you," one of the women said sheepishly.
"Very well," he replied, getting up from his chair. "You may take your leave."
The elves scurried out as he made his way to the bedroom. Ellana stood in front of a mirror muttering to herself. She kept changing position, switching between a side and front view. She stopped when she heard him, turning with a worried expression.
"Is this too tight? Can you see too much?" she asked, running her hands down her gown nervously.
She looked divine. Her outfit complimented his own: primarily black with gold accents. A beautifully embroidered bodice gave way to a floor length skirt heavy with fabric. In spite of it all the skirt looked light and flowing; the fabric layered to look effortless, like black feathers or waves of dark water. At her chest branches rose up from the embroidery, snaking around her shoulders. Long gloves covered much of her arms with only a flash of skin between. The one flaw was the headscarf she wore. It was necessary to cover her clearly elven ears but wearing her hair down would have looked that much more divine.
"No," he eventually replied. "You look magnificent, vhenan."
"I look like an Orlesian," she replied sounding doubting. "But that's the whole idea isn't it?" She smirked at his appearance. "You look ridiculous."
"Thank you for reminding me," he remarked, taking her in his arms a little more roughly than was necessary. "I'm glad you are amused."
"Aww don't take it personally. I don't think there is a man alive who can pull that off," she said, giggling. She looked up at him gently biting her lower lip. "If it makes you feel better, I still would."
"I bet," he replied, turning her to face the mirror again. He sighed looking at himself. "The things I do for you."
"You are too good to me," she said reaching up behind her shoulder and kissing him.
They both stopped to look at their reflection. Solas thought he saw sadness flicker across her reflected eyes for the briefest of moments.
"You're certain you want to do this? Once we enter the Ghislain Estate there will be no going back," he asked looking down at her with worry.
She nodded not taking her eyes off their intertwined reflection.
"No one would judge you, Ellana. There is still time to let this go," he continued.
"I won't," she said shaking her head mirthlessly. "I can't let it go."
He nodded finally meeting her eyes through their reflection.
"Then neither will I," he said.
Vivienne had missed the pageantry. Returning to Orlais had been a welcome relief from the tedium of the Inquisition. She watched her gathering unfold from the upper staircase with satisfaction. All was going as expected. Between dances nobles flocked obediently to her. It was gratifying to know her absence had been noted. The band struck up a tune beneath her signalling the start of the next dance. She recognised the music immediately. It brought back memories of a night long ago, a dance with someone special and the many more that had followed it. Thinking of her lost love filled her with sorrow. She turned her gaze back to the dance floor hoping to find distraction from her woes. A couple in the centre caught her attention as well as that of those around them. They danced out with the Orlesian style, ignoring many of the typically choreographed movements that the others kept. Like the other observers Vivienne scoffed at first but despite their poor form the couple kept her attention. They danced together seamlessly, so in tune with one another that it seemed effortless. Both appeared capable but it was their obvious affection that piqued her curiosity. She kept watching as the music tapered to a quiet moment and the man brought the woman in to him, her back against his chest. Those dancing nearby watched them just as intently, barely able to keep up with their own steps. The music built to a crescendo and the man spun the woman out, her jet black skirts billowing. Their fellow dancers gasped in amusement with some abandoning their swaying in favour of the spectacle. The couple seemed oblivious to it all; wrapped up in one another completely. The man lifted the woman off the ground at his side, her masked face meeting his. He spun them both slowly never looking away from her. Vivienne's heart wrenched at the sight as the thought of her own love entered her mind again. Feeling such pain without her consent angered her. She didn't recognise the couple. Having spent so much time in the company of the mask wearing elite Vivienne had become quite adept at recognising people from their body language alone but even with her skills she couldn't place either of them. She wondered how individuals of such little importance had come to attend her gathering. As the tune quieted to its conclusion she made her way through the crowd on the upper balcony. Descending the staircase the piece ended and the couple bowed to one another. Those around erupted in to applause both for the band and in appreciation of the couple themselves. Their adoring onlookers swarmed them, parting them from one another. Vivienne opted to approach the woman presuming she would be the easier target.
"My darling, you should be congratulated on such a marvellous display," Vivienne started.
The adoring public quieted at the sound of their host's voice before dispersing satisfyingly around her. The woman herself did not react, her back turned rudely.
"And for such a relative unknown to the court, it was indeed impressive," Vivienne continued.
To her surprise a laugh erupted from the woman. It was cold, mocking and not at all intimidated. Vivienne's brow furrowed at the sound. In her mind she could just about place it.
"I may be an unknown here," the woman said, finally turning. "But to you? I think not old friend."
Cold grey eyes glinted from beneath the mask.
Ellana had expected more of a reaction. Beneath her mask she easily hid her disappointment. Vivienne had always been a difficult person to predict but she was ready for anything. The Enchanter was certainly not above attacking her in front of everyone but Ellana had always been fast, too fast for an attack to concern her. Mercifully her adoring fans had taken their leave so at least she wouldn't have them to contend with. Even so she could still feel a myriad of eyes upon them. She hoped Vivienne felt it too. A fight now could only end in utter devastation and Ellana didn't want that on her conscience.
"My dear Inquisitor, this is a surprise," Vivienne said in her typically superior tone. "Attending a ball without an invitation…rather rude, I must say. Tell me, what brings you to my salon after such a long absence?"
Ellana smiled beneath her mask. For now it seemed that the only sparring they would be having was verbal and she was more than happy to oblige.
"My dear Enchanter, don't play innocent with me. You know exactly why I am here," Ellana answered mockingly. "You murdered one of my people, my friend, in cold blood; did you really think I wouldn't come for you?"
"I'm afraid I have no idea what you are referring to! Perhaps you have your information wrong? You always were so quick to trust the wrong people," Vivienne replied. "Not that it isn't wonderful to see you again after so long darling. I must tell you I have heard the most frightful rumours; rumours I wouldn't dare repeat in our present company."
"Is that supposed to be a threat?" Ellana said laughing coldly.
She walked away a distance hoping the Enchanter would follow.
"Of course, darling. I do apologise if I was unclear," Vivienne replied, taking the bait and falling in alongside Ellana. "Perhaps your time amongst the elves has slowed your wits so I will spell it out clearly – one word and this estate will be positively swarming with loyal men willing to lay down their lives to protect me. Whatever game you may be playing was lost the moment you chose to come to my home."
"The game I am playing is for you and I alone. Bring your men in to it and I will be forced to bring in mine," Ellana said, enjoying the feeling of superiority she felt. "And I can tell you right now, he does not play fair."
Ellana couldn't help but smirk at the look in Vivienne's eyes as the realisation dawned. She kept following Ellana despite her brief daze. Ellana could feel the air crackling ever so slightly with each step closer.
"You brought him here?" Vivienne finally asked cursing her own stupidity.
"Of course! A chance to reunite with the enigmatic Madame de Fer, he wouldn't miss that for the world," Ellana replied.
They had come to rest at a group of eagerly talking men. They parted at the sight of the two women. Some nodded appreciatively to Ellana whilst others openly complimented her on her dancing prowess. Behind them her dance partner was just visible. Vivienne couldn't see on account of his mask but she could tell from the glint in his eyes that he was watching her with amusement. Taking respectful notice of Vivienne's icy glare the men politely took their leave one by one until only he remained.
"Madame de Fer, I cannot put in to words how grateful I am to see you again under such fortuitous circumstances," he said.
He took her hand bringing it up to his mask in a polite gesture but she pulled it away.
"Solas…" Vivienne remarked.
"But you don't seem at all pleased to see me, Enchanter," he continued as Ellana came to rest at his side. Standing together both draped in black they made a daunting pair. "You'll forgive my disappointment, I had so looked forward to this moment and to find your enthusiasm lacking…"
"Enough of this! I'm not playing your game, whatever it may be," Vivienne interrupted, her voice wavering. She started backing away. "Leave. Neither of you are welcome here. If you don't then I'll…"
"Careful, Enchanter," Solas interjected, taking her arm to stop her in her tracks. She shook him loose but remained still. "If you value your guests' lives you'll do nothing. I'm sure even someone with a heart as cold as yours doesn't want all those deaths on their doorstep."
Vivienne stood staring at him for a beat too long. Composing herself she closed her gaping mouth and held her head high before turning on her heel and marching off in to the crowd. Ellana made to stop her but Solas held her back.
"Let her go, vhenan. Give her time to stew in her inevitable fate," he said.
Reluctantly Ellana relented. She didn't want to give Vivienne a chance to escalate the situation but if that was her intention she was powerless to stop it. Solas, as was typical of him, had planned for everything including the worst case scenario. She trusted him so she had no concerns for their safety but she did fear that escalation would only lead to more unnecessary death. There was only one person she wanted to see die this day.
"What did she say?" Solas asked, breaking Ellana away from her worries.
"She acted like she had no idea what I was talking about," Ellana replied sounding disgusted. "She probably thinks if I have any doubts I'll let her go. Just shows you how much I must have changed, I guess…"
"You make that sound like a bad thing?" he said carefully.
"It probably is," she remarked, looking out in to the crowd worriedly.
"Vhenan, I know I said there would be no turning back but there is still time. If you no longer want this we can go now," Solas continued hopefully. He took her by the arm and turned her attention to him. "We can…"
"No I have to do this. I have to hear it from her; I have to end it," she said determinedly.
"Nothing can ever…" he tried.
"I know!" she interrupted angrily. "I know… But I have to. I can't let her get away with this."
He nodded sadly knowing there was nothing he could say to make her listen.
"I should go after her. I…I want this over with," she continued, pulling away from him.
"Ellana, wait!" he called, stopping her in her tracks. He caught up to her so they could talk beneath the notice of the crowd. "No matter how tempted you may be to make her feel powerless you cannot give away our full hand. We may need everything we have to get out of this one."
"I won't, don't worry," she replied looking up at him with a smiling glint in her eye.
"I'll stay nearby," he said. "If there is anything…"
"I know," Ellana interrupted.
She felt an overwhelming feeling of appreciation. She wanted to kiss him but their masks made that impossible. On her tiptoes she brought her eyes in level with his as her fingers traced the naked skin of his neck.
"Ar lath ma vhenan," she said before leaving him alone in the crowd.
Ellana kept her head down as she ascended the staircase. The people she passed took no notice of her, too wrapped up in their own affairs to care who came and went. She hadn't seen where Vivienne had gone but Ellana presumed she would want solitude. The Enchanter's apparent ignorance played heavily on Ellana's mind. She trusted that their information was correct but even so she found herself wondering. The thought that Vivienne would lie about something like that angered her. She needed to make her admit what she had done.
Ellana came to a corridor unsure where to go next. She had been to the upper levels of the chateau once before but she didn't know it well enough. She had no idea where she even was, let alone how to find Vivienne's quarters. There were still some guests roaming the halls upstairs but Ellana didn't dare ask any of them. Even though she was determined to do this alone she couldn't help but wish she hadn't left Solas behind; he had always been better at navigating these sorts of situations. The number of guests thinned out as she pressed on along the corridor. Passing a door she heard a woman cry out. The sound was quickly muffled but it still caught her attention enough to make her stop. She brought herself closer, listening intently and as she did the sounds grew more unpleasant. Without a second thought she burst in to the room. Her gaze followed the sound of a surprised gasp to see a man and woman breaking apart. The man was clearly a guest, dressed in the typical attire of an Orlesian noble but the woman did not share his grandeur. The first thing Ellana noticed was that she was elven and more than likely a serving girl.
"Are you all right?" Ellana asked, forgetting herself entirely.
Her attention was focused purely on the girl but she didn't respond. She looked worn, her expression portraying a mixture of fear and relief. She stared intently at the ground entirely unwilling to make eye contact with Ellana.
The nobleman responded first, "What is the meaning of this? This interjection is entirely…"
"I wasn't talking to you," Ellana interrupted as she put herself between the two of them.
Ellana placed a hand reassuringly on the elf's shoulder but she still wouldn't respond.
"This is preposterous," the man continued. "Do you know…?"
"Shut up," Ellana interrupted again. She turned to the elf, flicking her headscarf back just enough to reveal her own knife like ear. "Tell me, your last thought before I interrupted was it 'yes' or 'no'?"
The elf looked at her with wide-eyed recognition. Ellana pulled her headscarf back in to position outside the noble's eye line. The noble kept up his mutterings but eventually the elf managed to stutter a response.
"No."
"That's what I thought," Ellana responded.
She rounded on the nobleman. She didn't stop to think. Where she was or her goal didn't enter her mind for even a moment. She saw injustice and she acted without hesitation.
"This is preposterous! You have no right! Who do you think you are," the man babbled. "I am the Duke…"
"I couldn't care less who you are," Ellana interjected pulling her headscarf clear of her head. "You should be far more concerned with who I am."
Anger took over. Her hand closed around his throat as she kneed him in the groin. She threw him to the ground but as he fell his head hit hard against the stone fireplace. He crashed to the ground in a heap and blood pooled around his head. Ellana's eyes widened in surprise.
"Is he dead?!" the elf cried out, finally finding her voice.
"Shit…" Ellana remarked.
The elf was starting to panic, growing louder with each second. Ellana rushed to her finally aware of their surroundings.
"Shhh! You need to be quiet!" she insisted. The elf was looking at her with fear but she did quiet down. "Compose yourself and go back to the servant's quarters. There's an elf by the name of Taralan, do you know him?" The elf nodded. "Go to him. Tell him the she-wolf sends her regards. Tell him you are all in danger and he needs to move on Plan B. Can you do that?"
"We are in danger? She-wolf?" the elf stuttered back uselessly still looking frightened.
"Yes. The she-wolf sends her regards; that part is very important. Tell him he needs to exercise Plan B. Those two things are vital if you want to get out of this. Can you manage that?" Ellana repeated.
The elf was starting to calm down and finally she nodded. Ellana wasn't certain that she could trust this elf but she hoped that the threat of danger would be enough to make her act. The elf muttered the instructions to herself as she made for the door.
"Wait! One last thing," Ellana said, stopping the girl in her tracks. "Where are Madame Vivienne's quarters?"
Vivienne stood at the window with a bird perched on her forearm. She turned to Ellana as she entered. She had removed her mask which let Ellana see her expression. She looked entirely nonplussed by Ellana's sudden presence.
"I expected you sooner my darling," Vivienne remarked coldly. She held out the bird with a smirk. "A letter to the Inquisition detailing our interaction. They will no doubt be very interested to hear of what truly happened here."
Vivienne paused as though she were waiting for a reaction. The cruel joke she was playing was not lost on Ellana.
"Go right ahead, they don't scare me," she replied fuming with anger.
Vivienne looked noticeably disappointed. She released the bird with a sigh.
"It is such a pity to see you so blinded, so unaware of the pitiful state you are in," Vivienne mused.
"And what state is that?" Ellana spat back.
"Do you remember what you were like when he left you the first time? I thought you were stronger than that but you let us all see how his absence shook you," the Enchanter mocked.
Ellana closed her eyes as the rage built up inside her.
"Don't…" she started but Vivienne wasn't about to let up now.
"And then the second time, after all the lies? You were like a shell of your former self. We had all followed you, our great leader standing tall against the tide but what did you become? It was painful, seeing you that way; so weak, so pathetic after all you had been. I bet they were glad when you…"
Ellana couldn't take anymore. She advanced towards the Enchanter, throwing her mask to the ground in anger. Vivienne was ready. With a click of her fingers icicles erupted from the floor in Ellana's path. She dodged them with ease but the threat made her stop her advance.
"What made you go back, Inquisitor? You ignored everything we did to save this world for what? Did he promise you a world together? Was that enough to doom everyone else?" Vivienne continued.
"Stop!" Ellana shouted.
"Did you forget all he did to you? Did you forget what he made you become? I hope not because what do you think will happen when he is inevitably defeated as all madmen are?" Vivienne went on. "You'll be all alone yet again with nothing to show for it but your…"
Ellana snapped. Vivienne let off a spell but she was much too quick for her. She closed the distance between them in seconds and her knife went to the Enchanter's throat.
"Shut up! Shut up!" Ellana cried, spit flying in her rage.
Vivienne raised her hands in surrender but the scowl didn't leave her expression.
"Don't forget that I was there through everything. Can he say the same? He never cared for you. Even now he is still just using you," the Enchanter continued.
"Shut up! He's here now, by my side!" Ellana roared.
"And I'm sure he is gaining something from being here. I'm right aren't I? It was never about you, fool. You can kill me now. You have that power," the Enchanter went on. "But I hope if you do that you remember this feeling because you will feel it again. The world will not wait quietly for destruction. You are going to lose everything that you care for."
"Why? Why did you have to kill her?" Ellana asked, her voice breaking with emotion. "She did nothing to you. She…she was innocent…"
Surprisingly Ellana lowered her blade. Vivienne raised an eyebrow and made to speak but Ellana cut her off.
"Don't insult me with more lies! I know it was you. Tell me the truth!"
Vivienne let out a long sigh. At face value she seemed serene but Ellana could tell that beneath it all she was just as angry as she was. Ellana hadn't expected she would have taken her defection so personally.
"She held the fate of so many in her hands… I had to at least try and save them," Vivienne finally said. "But even still I couldn't. Do you think about them? Were they not just as innocent?"
Ellana's anger faltered. She looked down at the ground in shame.
"I killed one of your people. One allegedly innocent life. Then that monster slaughtered droves. Where is their vengeance? Are their lives somehow less worthy?" Vivienne asked.
"She was my friend!" Ellana interjected uselessly.
"And that somehow makes her more important? What is the life of one girl compared to the many you took? We are the same, you and I. All I did was try and save the lives of the people that mattered to me, just like you. The difference is that, to me, your friend was nothing."
Ellana's gloved hand crushed Vivienne's throat.
"She was not nothing!" she shouted.
She had lost all sense of control. Beneath her ebony hand she could just about feel hot blood seeping.
"Guards are on their way," Vivienne spluttered. "You're not getting away from this."
"You would doom everyone here just for a chance to hurt me?" Ellana asked disbelievingly.
"You're the one dooming them, not me," Vivienne replied. "Just like your friend. If I hadn't killed her, your actions would have. You are a fool. You're going to lose everything you have ever cared for and he will abandon you again without a second thought."
Vivienne laughed coldly. Ellana's hand tightened with a sickening crunch and the Enchanter fell silent. She released her and her body crumpled to the floor in a lifeless heap.
Solas heard her pained cry from out in the corridor. He had kept his word although he doubted she would be too thrilled to know how closely he had followed her. He'd tried not to listen, keeping a respectful distance from the door but he couldn't help overhearing the shouts. There seemed to be some commotion downstairs so there was mercifully not a soul to overhear the sounds with him. It pained him to hear Ellana so angry but he had expected little else. Vivienne was always going to fight until the bitter end but it was a shame that she had chosen to fight with words. She must have known Ellana better than he had presumed as words were by far the easiest way to truly hurt her. Wounds healed but her doubts always remained. When he heard her cry out he knew the deed must have been done; she'd never let an enemy bear witness to her tears.
She knelt alongside what he presumed to be the Enchanter's corpse. He could hear her sobbing.
"We were cursed from the start," she muttered between sobs.
She didn't react to his entrance or his progress to her side.
"Ellana…"
She looked up at him vacantly. The light was gone from behind her eyes. Beneath her Vivienne lay dead. Blood pooled from wounds either side of her neck. Her head lay at an odd angle, jarred to one side. It was shockingly violent, far more personal than he had expected. Ellana had broken her neck with her bare hands.
"Ellana, we need to go," he tried again.
No recognition crossed her expression. She looked down at the pooling blood blankly. He waited knowing what she was feeling all too well. She had hoped to find some solace in her revenge but now that she had it she felt lost. Vengeance without any other purpose was so often an empty pursuit. He wished he had been able to make her see but the only way she ever could was to let her experience it for herself. Nothing but time could bring her the solace she wanted.
"It's over," she finally said. "It's over but I feel nothing."
"I know, vhenan," he replied sadly. "I'm sorry but it will get better with time. It will be okay…"
"We're not okay," she interrupted, looking up at him with tears in her eyes. "We are…" She stopped, looking around worriedly. "We need to get out of here."
She got up off the floor in one fluid motion, suddenly animated.
"I couldn't agree more," Solas replied. "But there's a rather large problem. The city guard are…"
"Yes, she said she'd sent for them," Ellana interrupted pacing back and forth. "Are they here yet?"
"In the main hall, yes," he replied. "We have little choice but to…"
"No!" she shouted.
The sudden change in volume made him jump. He took a moment to recover.
"Vhenan, we talked about this," he eventually replied. "If this is what we have to do to ensure our…"
"No! No one else has to die! Please, Solas! Please…" she cried.
"We cannot just walk out the door and leave like this, vhenan. We would ensure Orlais' involvement and that is something we cannot afford. This is not about just us anymore," Solas argued. "We need to consider the bigger picture."
"Killing more people is not the answer!" she shouted desperately. Her mind raced. Solas made to argue but a sudden idea entered Ellana's mind. "Wait… I killed a noble…"
"What? Why?" he asked in utter confusion.
"It was an accident; I didn't mean to kill him. I just wanted to stop him but he hit his head and…" she tapered off into thought.
"Do you know who he was?" he asked, not hopeful.
"Not everyone can have a memory like yours, Solas. I could hardly remember one noble's name let alone them all!" Ellana replied with annoyance.
She looked up at him with hope in her eyes. He sighed.
"I suppose if he is someone of importance then the plan could still work as intended with him alone…" he mused.
Joy swept across Ellana's features.
"That is not a guarantee, mind," he continued. "I still need to…"
"Thank you," Ellana interrupted, hugging him tightly.
He couldn't help but smile.
"You need to get yourself down to the servants' quarters as quickly as you can. I'll meet you there once everything is in order," he said, not moving from her embrace.
"No, I'm not leaving you to do this alone," she retorted.
"I can get it done faster alone," he replied, ushering her to the door. "Go, vhenan. I'll be right behind you."
She turned back to him at the doorway.
"Thank you," she said before leaving him to his task.
Ellana entered the servants' quarters to find them abandoned. Only one familiar face remained.
"Taralan, it is a pleasure to see you once again," she greeted trying her best to hide the emptiness she still felt.
"The pleasure is all mine she-wolf. Fen'Harel is not with you?" he asked, looking noticeably disappointed.
Taralan was amongst a group of their agents that seemed to revere Solas as the god he never claimed to be. He was not the first Ellana had met who took this view but she still found the notion somewhat hilarious. The idea of the man she loved as a god was ridiculous. An unwelcome thought entered her mind.
"What if people think of our child as a god?" she thought.
She shrugged it off. Now really wasn't the time for that. Taralan was still looking at her expectantly.
"No, he'll be along shortly," she replied. "You got my message?"
"Yes, although the messenger was exceedingly confused," he remarked with a laugh. "I did as you requested." He gestured to the empty room. "Am I to expect the devastation that was planned?"
"No, I am hoping that can be avoided," Ellana replied. "A noble was…caught in the crossfire and…"
"Yes, you're messenger told me all about it," Taralan interrupted. "You're hoping he will be enough to cover your actions?"
"Exactly," she replied with a smile. "She didn't happen to mention who he was did she?"
"She mentioned he was a Duke so that is hopeful at least," he mused.
Ellana nodded in approval. She wished Solas would hurry up. She could feel herself slowly sinking back in to despair. Her mind kept wandering to happy memories of Vivienne and that was the last thing she needed. She tried to switch her focus to Areina, trying to remind herself why she had done the unthinkable but it was no use. Nothing made her feel better. Lost in her thoughts, a slight whiff of smoke entered her nostrils. A noise came from outside and she held her breath in anticipation. Solas came through the door smiling at the sight of her.
"Duke Cyril de Montfort, member of the Council of Heralds; more than enough, vhenan," he remarked still smiling.
"Really? You're quite certain?" she asked, hugging him appreciatively as he reached her.
"It is done," he replied. He looked around the room finally noting its emptiness. "Where is everyone?"
"Your ladyship already ordered their removal," Taralan interjected.
"She did, did she?" Solas replied looking down at Ellana with a raised eyebrow. "How very efficient of her."
"I'd expect nothing less," Taralan remarked to an thankful look from Ellana. "I will proceed as planned but with our new scapegoat."
"Excellent," Solas replied. "Send a report once the task is completed."
"As you wish," the elf replied.
He bowed ridiculously before leaving and Ellana had to stifle a laugh. Solas nudged her in playful annoyance.
"Right, vhenan, it's about time we went home," he said.
She let out a long, relieved sigh, "I couldn't agree more."
A/N - Sorry again Viv.
Moving on. I'm hoping to get the next chapter up pretty quickly. I've been waiting so fucking long for this moment and it has been immensely frustrating. Finally here, I bashed out the next chapter in one monumental sitting. Just needs a couple of edits and it will be ready.