"It is worse this time, with the Breach pulling spirits through against their will... But, yes. Every war, no matter how just, leads to hunger and rage... and so come the demons."

"It is said that generals should avoid fighting in the same battlefield too many times…"

"The deaths, the rage - all of it weakens the Veil. But nothing is ever said of the effect war has upon the world of spirits, what we might be doing to them. Every war has unintended victims. All too many go unnoticed."

What Kata and Cassandra have in common is that they both don't quite understand why Solas decided to help the Inquisition. Cassandra is mistrustful of the elven apostate at first, but Kata believes that everyone has a reason to fight.

Chapter 2

We had finally returned from the Hinterlands. I feared we would never leave those woods. Varric and I can agree. And with the pain in my hand slowly making a return, I feared that I was going to be on borrowed time again.

Solas checked in on me regularly, holding my much larger, gruff, dark hand that glowed the bright green in the center of my palm in his much smaller hands. His slender fingers carefully tracing the markings of the brand.

It was all very calculated, eyebrows furrowed in deep concentration of my mark. It didn't hurt as much as when I awoke in my cell, but apparently when I was first brought into custody, it was in a similar state.

"We need to make haste with our progress in acquiring aid. Though the progress appears to be delayed, it would be ill-willed to let it keep on growing." Solas explained to Cassandra once we arrived at the gates.

"I quite agree, Solas." Cassandra said.

Varric let out a shiver, "Now, if you will excuse me, I am going inside to warm up. I have been frozen for days. I don't think I can feel my toes anymore."

Varric hustled towards the Chantry, leaving the three of us behind at the entrance. Cassandra chuckled under her breath, glancing up at me, "Varric is quite the complainer isn't he?"

"He is a Surface Dwarf." I noted, "and besides, dwarves in general are more comfortable in the heat. And...so are Qunari." I crossed my arms with a shiver as the breeze rolled by to emphasize my point.

Solas remained standing, not saying much about himself. Only speaking when it has to do with the Rift or the Mark or the situation at hand. Never about him, himself. He often asked questions, but merely to acquire the knowledge. Cassandra asked, "Solas, have you always lived alone? Out in the wilderness, as an apostate?"

He seemed surprised by the sudden question, blinking up at Cassandra, still gripping his staff, almost never leaving it behind. "For the most part."

I sighed, "I bet that was tough. Even when I would travel with the mercenary band I often had a team at camp. I can't imagine living alone out there like that."

Solas seemed thoughtful for a moment, as if recalling his time alone, "Yes...I suppose that, but I preferred it this way. People can be trying. Mankind most of all."

Cassandra seemed to agree, crossing her arms, "That... is an excellent point. I confess, Solas, I'm surprised you decided to remain otherwise."

He narrowed his eyes, "Why? The Breach remains a threat to us all."

"Just the same, I wondered if you might leave now that we have a plan to seal it." She admitted.

It was true, nobody expected Solas to stay. Even though he was a great help in figuring out the characteristics of the rift, he was still an apostate. An apostate who apparently has an aversion for people.

"Ah, because I am an apostate." He spoke what I was exactly thinking, "I might flee before the Inquisition throws me in chains?" He glared up at Cassandra, appearing determined and unafraid, "I take my commitments seriously, Seeker. Come what may, I shall see this through."

"As you wish, though I cannot guarantee what will happen in the days to come." Cassandra remarked.

I wholeheartedly agreed, "Everything does seem to be in a fit of chaos, with the breach in the sky, and a sudden organization being refounded. I mean...I never expected this Conclave to actually work...I just wanted to see what came of it. This was...not at all what I expected."

Cassandra sighed, "I had hope. As did we all."

Solas continued to stare disapprovingly down at Cassandra, "The Templars went to war to force mages back into their circles, which the mages would never agree to. What solution could Divine Justinia have offered when all sides rejected compromise?"

I argued, "It's not that simple, Solas. This war wasn't going anywhere. But they came anyway."

"Because they believed the other side would relent."

Cassandra appeared disheartened by the direction of this conversation, and from the way she was slowly backing away, she wanted out, "We shall never know now."

As she turned towards Commander Cullen's direction, Solas called out to her. "For what it's worth...it is a comfort to have you on our journeys...Seeker."

An interesting expression crossed Cassandra's face, as she turned back around to face Solas, hand on her hip, "You so rarely call me by my name, Solas. Why is that?"

A slight chuckle, "Manners, perhaps?"

"Manners have not held you back on other occasions." She challenged.

"I say what I believe to be true, even if it gives offense to those who prefer the lie. But there is no lie in what you are. Your position is an honorable one, and well-earned." And with that he headed for the potionmaster's hovel, leaving both Cassandra and I stunned at the sudden politeness that came from the more practical elven mage.

DAI

It was a difficult time...but we managed. Over four months into the declaration of the Inquisition, and we managed to get the Mages and the Templars on our side. Although the Templars surprisingly were the ones who put up more of a resistance, we ended up having to conscript them as our prisoners.

Commander Cullen seemed more disappointed at the Templars for being so unagreeable than at the thought of them being prisoners. We have acquired a whole several more members of the Inquisition, and all the benefits that came with it.

Secret Underground Rogues, the Imperial Court, A mercenary band, the Grey Wardens, a Tevinter pariah, and…

...I couldn't remember the last thing.

And then a month after that, there was a face to the threat. A darkspawn-like ancient Tevinter Magister who went by the name of Corypheus.

The destruction of Haven led us to Skyhold. Well, led by Solas who knew about this place.

Cassandra and I decided to grab some drinks to celebrate our minor victory, before Varric returned. He said he was meeting someone down at the port, and wanted me to meet up with him in about an hour on the battlements. I supposed he wanted the identity of his friend to remain somewhat discreet.

I was somehow surprised to see Solas inside eating a bowl of porridge.

I shouldn't have been...even mysterious apostate mages have to eat. I suppose it was just he always appeared so secretive, disappearing for a time, then returning as if he never left. I assumed it was because he felt uncomfortable around people.

He greeted us kindly as we sat with him, with our cups of whatever ale they happened to have on hand. "Now that they are allied with the Inquisition, the rebel mages are likely to enjoy more freedoms." Cassandra had said.

Solas scoffed slightly, setting his finished bowl aside, "I expect you are correct."

I was surprised by the sudden remark, as if he didn't quite believe it. "I thought you would be happy, Solas."

He looked up at me carefully, before stating; "I will be pleased when the world we share is not threatened by a blight-corrupted madman. And we still have the templars to worry about." An awkward silence followed before Solas glanced up at Cassandra, "But good work anyhow. It was a busy five months, and we have only just begun. You fought hard, Seeker."

Cassandra shrugged, "We would be dead if I did not."

It was then I asked a question, taking advantage of Solas's...steady mood, "I just have a question for you Solas. How did you know to come to Haven? You have no interest in the war between the Mages and Templars, you find it futile. Yet you came anyway. And you helped."

Solas thought of his answer carefully. He thought of everything carefully. "I went to see the Breach for myself. I did not know who would be there."

Cassandra didn't appear to buy it, "You must not have been far away."

I spoke up, "You were interested in the Conclave."

He didn't answer, but merely smiled knowingly. Cassandra scoffed, "I suppose we were lucky then."

"You mean Adaar was lucky." Solas said sternly. "Seeker, you initially believed our Inquisitor was involved in the attack on the Conclave."

Cassandra appeared embarrassed, only looking at me from the corner of her eye before answering, "I did. The evidence seemed damning, given the lack of an alternative."

"Yet you changed your mind." He reminded, glancing over at me.

"You also heard the voices at the temple - is it so surprising I listened to them?" She was referring to the weird premonition we overheard when I had first closed the breach. It showed a memory that I couldn't recall. The Divine was being held hostage by who we now identified as Corypheus.

I was a mere witness.

"Sadly, yes. Too few invested with authority possess the courage to alter their course." Solas admitted, which...he was right. "They fear the appearance of weakness."

"The truth is more important than my reputation, and anyone willing to accuse me of weakness is welcome to try." Cassandra challenged.

"I'll drink to that." I said proudly as we clinked her mugs, the ale sloshing out.

Solas made his leave, "I will let you two enjoy your brew. Have a good evening. If you need to find me, I will be in the Atrium." Picking up his empty bowl he left us to our bonding.

DAI

It was a shame we didn't have a body to bury. The Warden Commander lost to the Fade forever. But I suppose that fate was no different to the alternative when a Warden reaches his Calling. Lost to the Deep Roads.

I was contemplating the loss when I saw Cassandra and Solas in discussion. "Solas, the dragon Corypheus commands - could it truly be an Archdemon?" She asked worriedly.

"One assumes that if it were, we would be facing a Blight." Solas responded, his arms behind his back making his point come across as more authoritative.

I remembered what the Warden Commander had told me, when we were running for our lives from that very dragon at Adamant Fortress. "Ada said that it wasn't as big as the Archdemon. She says it took her, the King, a witch, and a whole army of Redcliffe's men, two ballistas just to weaken it enough to deal the killing blow. I don't know what it is. If it is another corrupted dragon of some sort. Like a...giant darkspawn…"

"It is connected to Corypheus." Solas answered, matter-of-factly. "Such a relation goes beyond mere control - it is a bond."

Cassandra's eyes widened in realization, "It makes you wonder if that's all the Archdemons themselves are: pets to beings who no longer exist."

I winced at the thought, "Let's just assume it's just a wannabe Archdemon."

Solas nodded, turning his attention to Cassandra, "I must commend your work at Adamant, Seeker. Your abilities are remarkable. It is fascinating to see how you and the templars negate magic."

The Seeker blinked in surprise, "Have you never encountered templars before?"

He chuckled, "Only at a distance. I am an apostate, after all."

"And they never caught you even once?"

"I am a very careful apostate."

I studied him for a moment. Now that I have been around Solas for almost eight months at this point, I felt I was beginning to understand him abit. He was patient, intellectual…"Hey, Solas, how come you never considered reforming the Circle from within?" He glanced up at me with an unreadable expression, "You are full of knowledge and wisdom. You could have made the difference."

What caught me by surprise was the sudden warm smile that spread across his face. It almost reminded me of the likeness of my father. Well...with a shorter, slender frame and pointier ears. "Adaar, I have always admired your optimism, but ask yourself honestly how the templars would have reacted."

"You fear that they would have made you tranquil." Cassandra figured, knowing that scenario fairly well.

I felt a little sheepish after that, "Sorry, I guess I forget about the prejudice amongst the Order. I don't often associate with these kinds of organizations."

Cassandra looked away, crossing her arms, "Repairing the damage done will take great effort."

Solas's endearing expression turned to Cassandra this time, "Would there be more like you, Seeker."

DAI

We tracked the Seekers to the castle of Caer Oswin, and discovered evidence that it was the Venatori, Calpernia that had sold the Seekers to the Order of Fiery Promise after learning that the Seekers were resistant to red lyrium. Venturing further into the castle, we found Cassandra's apprentice, Daniel, who was suffering from being fed red lyrium. He revealed that Lord Seeker Lucius had sold his men to the Promisers and had been operating out of Caer Oswin the whole time. After granting Daniel a mercy killing, we confronted Lucius and killed him.

Back at Skyhold, Cassandra was looking through the Book of Secrets kept by the Lord Seeker. From the book, she had learned that she was secretly made Tranquil and subjected to a Spirit of Faith to be granted her abilities and restore her mind; Lord Seeker Lambert had always known how to reverse Tranquility and covered it up.

Cassandra said she planned to further investigate if the cure can be refined so that a cured mage may reverse the Rite without the side effects of being overcome with emotions and irrational.

The next day I couldn't find Cassandra, and that worried me slightly. Solas, apparently showed concern for my friend as well. "I did not expect to find this information at the castle," he explained, "I...what did she say when you spoke to her, Adaar?"

"She wants to reform the Seekers," I told him, "and she plans on investigating the reversal treatment for tranquility."

I noticed Varric walking our way, initially heading for the Tavern, "Hey, you were looking for the Seeker. She came back from the grove a little while ago. Probably just wanted to get some air. She was headed for the Atrium."

Cassandra looked much better since I spoke to her, she was reading with a serene smile on her face. I quickly realized it was a poetry book. When she saw Solas and I approached she closed it, embarrassed as usual and sat up from where she was sitting in the Atrium. "How are you feeling, Cassandra, after the revelations about your Seekers?" Solas asked immediately before anyone could comment on what she was reading.

Her smile went away instantly, and I realized that she may have been trying not to think about it, and felt guilty. "I...I'm not sure how I feel at this particular moment. Most of my life was dedicated to the Order. I did so much I believed was good in their name."

I offered her words of encouragement, "You can make this difference, Cassandra."

Cassandra shyly smiled, "So you have come to give me advice then?"

Solas shook his head, "I would hardly presume. In our travels, I have been impressed by your honesty and your faith. It is a difficult path, Seeker, but if anyone can walk it honorably, you can."

Cassandra and Solas's relationship took a drastic change since I first met them. It started off as uncertain mistrust, now to grand respect. She looked to him for guidance, "I noticed, Solas, that you did not seem surprised by what I uncovered about the Seekers."

"No, they are an organization." He spoke bluntly.

"You think organizations to be inherently corrupt?"

He sighed, taking a seat at his usual spot, gesturing towards his painting that were slowly covering the Atrium. "Given enough time, yes. To survive, an organization must devote resources to maintaining itself. Those resources inevitably accumulate, until the original purpose, however pure, is all but lost."

She appeared disheartened, sitting across from him, "You make the Seekers sound like a mindless beast."

Then he dropped his usual words of wisdom, "A beast, no matter how mindless, will die and give way to a successor. An organization is eternal. There are always corrupt men who hoard power for their own gain. And there are always honorable men who hoard power to fight them."

I chimed him, "I told Solas about the possibility of reversing the Rite of Tranquility."

"Yes." Solas agreed, "You are wanting to investigate into this cure."

Cassandra stared at the table, thumbing the outer pages of her book in hesitance, "I know of only one mage thus cured, and... he had no control of his emotions. He was distraught. Do you think that would have passed? If the Tranquil are cured only to end up thus…"

The silence spoke volumes. I decided to break it with my own conclusions, "It sounds dangerous...but...you were Tranquil once too, right, Cassandra? These mages were so for...what...years? I mean...maybe there is a way? But...I don't know. I don't know anything about these sorts of magics."

Cassandra tightened her grip, her resolve, "That may be a risk we are obligated to undertake."

Solas appeared to greatly approve, "They will be grateful... even the ones who do not survive."

The Seeker let out a shaky breath, staring down at her book. Solas studied her for a moment, seeming to have a sense for these kinds of things, "You seem troubled, Seeker."

It took her a long while to answer, but she seemed deeply disturbed, "I... am reminded of what I was told following my vigil. They said my abilities were a gift from the Maker, a reward for my faith and dedication. But it was a trick, wasn't it? A ritual no different that the Harrowing, simply magic…"

Just as long as it took Cassandra to admit this, it took Solas to put together his words, more thoughtful and considerate, "Do you know how rare spirits of faith are? How difficult it is to draw them to this world? You should be proud, having accomplished something so remarkable, not ashamed it was not what you thought."

She looked up at him, and he was offering her his hands. Cassandra took them gratefully, "Thank you, Solas. That... does make me feel better."

"Your faith does you credit, Cassandra. I hope your Maker is worthy."

It was then Lord Trevaleyn entered, no doubt looking for me. Unlike most nobles they send their men to do their bidding, but this man made time to come all the way to Skyhold. I noticed Cassandra stiffen, and he smiled at her, offering a nod. "Good day. Inquisitor, I have business I would like to discuss with you. If...you are not busy. There is no rush."

"Actually, we just finished. We can speak in the War Room."

I think Solas was more aware of it but I too noticed Cassandra's bright red face.

I knew Cassandra fancied Trevaleyn, but I hadn't realized it was this serious.

"How is Cassandra?" Lord Montgomery Trevallyn asked after we have discussed business.

"Er...fine, I guess." I answered.

He had a strange expression on his face, and it clicked. It was mutual!?

It was all but confirmed when I left the War Room and Cassandra was outside, waiting with Commander Cullen. My Advisor appeared just as confused as I was despite me coming across this exchange. "What are you two doing standing outside the Warroom."

"You could have entered, you know?" Trevaleyn laughed.

"I was…" Cassandra stuttered, "Wanting to speak with the Inquisitor, but forgot...she was meeting with you. So...I shall return and check on your troops, Commander Cullen." She spun on her heel and sped off.

Cullen, the man she was supposed to be checking on watched her go, then turned to us with a start to a sentence, then rushed after her in bewilderment. I looked over at the Human Noble and he still had his usual noble smile, "She is one of a kind isn't she?"

Oh yeah, they did it.

DAI

After I discussed with Solas upon his return, Cassandra was waiting in the Atrium. I assumed either Sera or Vivienne told Cassandra what had happened. Torrel Lavellan, the Dalish Mage that I often saw Solas speak to was waiting at the entrance of Skyhold for days.

Upon his return I was surprised to see her pull him into an embrace.

Apparently love was in the air.

She was setting out with Varric, Cole, and Dorian to help her Dalish Clan (a plea to me to allow her to bring my inner circle, and me feeling bad on this woman going through so much at once), so she couldn't stay long to discuss with Solas what happened.

In fact, he insisted she go.

"Solas," Cassandra began, seeming unsure, "I am sorry about your... friend."

He nodded in gratitude, "Thank you."

I felt the guilt return, "I wish we had gotten there sooner. I didn't think she would turn...into the other so quickly."

Solas spoke boldly, "Spirits and Demons are the same. The Chantry sees black and white, but nature is, and always has been, grey. A spirit is a purpose. A demon is that purpose perverted."

"That might be true with a spirit of compassion, but what is the purpose of a hunger demon?" Cassandra asked in genuine curiosity.

Based on Solas's pained expression...I suddenly did not want to know.

"Solas, if you do not mind me asking, what do you believe in?"

"Cause and effect." Was the elven apostate's answer, "Wisdom as its own reward, and the inherent right of all free willed people to exist."

"That is not what I meant" Cassandra admitted.

He sighed, as our servant arrived with the freshly prepared pot of tea. I remembered Solas telling me how much he hated tea, but here he was...pouring a cup. "I know. I believe the elven gods existed, as did the old gods of Tevinter. But I do not think any of them were gods, unless you expand the definition of the word to the point of absurdity. I appreciate the idea of your Maker, a god that does not need to prove his power. I wish more such gods felt the same."

Cassandra then said an introspective thought about Solas that I had for some reason never considered, "You have seen much sadness in your journeys, Solas. Following the Maker might offer some hope."

Solas just offered one of his almost paternal smiles, "I have people, Seeker. The greatest triumphs and tragedies this world has known can all be traced to people."

DAI

Torrel Lavellan was interesting. She got along well enough with most of our inner Circle, but somehow she always seemed to have an edge to her when speaking with Cassandra, Vivienne, or I. I suppose she simply did not like us.

I didn't know what I did to make her dislike me so, but it was explained to me by Varric that she is very sensitive on certain subjects. And no matter how good my intentions might have been, I always seem to say the wrong things.

I have apologized, many times...but she doesn't seem to believe in apologies anymore. Her life seemed so sad and tragic to me. But what fascinated me the most about this woman is her relationship with Solas.

It was after visiting the Elven Temple. Morrigan was different after drinking from the Well of Sorrows. "Where's your son today?" I asked.

She didn't answer for a long while before she got out, "With Grand Enchanter Fiona. She...is fond of the boy."

"Sounds like you don't like her? I didn't even know you two spoke to each other."

"I don't have to...it's...complicated."

"That always seems to be your answer to everything."

Morrigan then looked behind me, and she appeared very perplexed, "Isn't that your Dalish friend?"

She looked distraught, the weight of all her tragedies on her shoulders as she stormed away. But what I noticed most of all was…

...her vallaslin was gone.

"I admit, I know little of their meaning, but I did not think it was possible to remove Dalish tattoos." Cassandra had remarked when she too saw Lavellan without them.

"Most Dalish would agree with you-and see little value in doing so." I hadn't even noticed Solas standing behind us.

"Why did she get rid of them?" I asked.

Solas had a strange expression, and looked away…"I would rather not speak on the subject." And then he walked away.

Did something happen between them?

DAI

We were on our way to face Corypheus. This was it. This was the moment we prepared for. "I had not considered how fighting in our world might affect the Fade. Is it always thus, Solas?" Cassandra asked.

"It is worse this time, with the Breach pulling spirits through against their will…" Solas responded, "But, yes. Every war, no matter how just, leads to hunger and rage... and so come the demons."

"It is said that generals should avoid fighting in the same battlefield too many times…"

"The deaths, the rage - all of it weakens the Veil. But nothing is ever said of the effect war has upon the world of spirits, what we might be doing to them. Every war has unintended victims. All too many go unnoticed."

DAI

After the Wicked Grace game the night of Corypheus's defeat, I found Cassandra drunk off her ass in her quarters. Her pants only half way on. "Uh...where's Monty?" I asked in amusement, although I felt a little tipsy myself.

"I don't know. He said he was going to the privy, but perhaps he may have gotten lost."

We laughed too long at that, as I plopped my large ass right next to her, not even caring she was sort of pantsless. "I feel bad." I admitted with a pout.

"Why?"

"We are here...celebrating, making asses of ourselves...but Torrel...she goes through so much. Solas is gone...her clan is gone…"

"I do not understand. I mean, I thought he liked being here with us."

"When he saw the orb...I don't know...he seemed heartbroken. And then he just disappeared."

"I don't like this, Kata." Cassandra admitted, "I hope...I hope we can trust Solas."

"You don't think…"

"I don't know. I just find it a bit strange. But I am also drunk, and I am told I get paranoid when I am intoxicated."

"Well...I'm gonna go find your man. And...I don't know…" I slurred.

As I passed by where Solas's room used to be, Torrel sat by the balcony, looking out into the mountains. It didn't feel right to bother her, especially while in this condition, and so I quietly closed the door.