Hey everyone sorry for making you guys wait so long fro the next chapter. I have been real busy with personal stuff and all last week I was working double shifts at my job. So I had no time to write. But now here it is just for you. I appreciate all the great feedback I'm getting from you guys. You guys and gals are the best. When I posted this story I didn't except to get much feedback as I am. Also I'm currently working on a new storyline for a Mass Effect Fanfiction so keep a lookout for the first chapter, Not sure when it will be out as I am working on drafts at the moment. Also chapter 7 is in the making. Anyway on to the story. Enjoy. Always remember to be yourself.

Elven translations

Savahalla- Hello

Ar lath ma- I love you

Garas quenathra- Why have you come?

mi'durgen-Diamond

Ina'lan'ehn-Beautiful

Ma banal las halamshir var vhen- You do nothing to further our people.

Ir abelas- I am sorry

Ir abelas, ma vhenan- I am filled with sorrow for your loss, my heart

Dareth Shiral- Farewell

"Inky look, there is your place up ahead, we are finally home."

Elora and her company had been travelling for the past few days back to Skyhold, their mission a success. Sera just couldn't stop smiling since Elora and her shared a meaningful kiss in the peaceful woods. Elora couldn't believe things were starting to look up.

"So what about it Inky? Wanna get a few drinks in the tavern with me and celebrate? If not I can think of other ways we can "celebrate" love." Sera bit her lip and scanned Elora from head to toe. Sera's facial expression sent butterflies to her stomach.

"I don't know Sera. I do have to check back in with Cullen and give him a report."

I wonder if Sera would understand that if I told her I'm not quite ready for such a big leap in our relationship. It was just yesterday we shared our first kiss. Elora parted her blue eyes from Sera and tilted her gaze towards the sky. I wonder if Ilena is up there looking down upon me. Would she think I'm a disgrace to her heart for kissing another woman? Mythal keep her protected under your watch.

"Hello! Inky? You're staring into the fluffy clouds again. Can't Mr. Commander Fancy pants wait? I'm dry over here."

Lavellan snapped out of it and responded to Sera's impatience. "Sera, I will be as quick as I can and then join you at the tavern"

Amusement grew in Sera's eye. "Ok, race you to Skyhold, last one there is a rotten dragon's egg." Sera kicked her horse with her heels and sped off in the distance. Lavellan laughed with joy.

"Not if I get there first!"

Sera squeezed her horse's sides harder and leaned forward with a competitive stance.

"In your dreams Inky! A dwarf could run faster with their little legs than your old horse."

Bull tilted his head to the side, wondering what was going on exactly. "What are you two doing exactly?"

Elora yelled back at the qunari. "Racing. Come on you slowpokes!" Elora felt the wind rushing through her hair, the sound of iron hooves thundering beneath the ground. Elora felt like a child once more. Pleased her lover was by her side, she wished her life could be like this every day. Elora threw her head back towards the sky and outstretched both her arms as far as they could go, letting go of the reins. She inhaled the fresh morning air. "WhoooHooo!" Sera turned around surprised.

"What you yelling for back there Inky?"

Elora was filled with excitement. "Oh Sera, You're the best. I'm alive again! This feeling is incredible!"

Sera crossed the bridge to Skyhold but Elora didn't care if she won or lost, what mattered is she had fun while racing. "In your face Inky, I won!"

Elora grinned from ear to ear, "Maybe I let you win Sera." Lavellan and Sera gave their horses to the stable hands and realized that the others were still behind. "I'm going to see Commander Cullen and then I'll be over to the tavern."

As Elora walked away Sera called out to her. "Inky aren't you forgetting something?" Sera ran up to Elora and kissed Elora with seductive pleasure. "You forgot that. Just wanted to make sure you got it back Inky. See you soon love."

"Inquisitor. Such a pleasant surprise. I didn't know you would be back already. How are you doing?"

Commander Cullen was sitting at his long, elegant, wooden desk filling out and reading reports. Two soldiers standing on guard near the Commander, stood still with their right fist over their heart in the presence of the Inquisitor.

"At ease soldiers. I'm doing fine, thank you commander. I have come to inform you that the bandits in the Hinterlands have been dealt with and everyone came back alive. No injuries. I cannot say why the bandits made camp in the Hinterlands but they were residing in an old, decrepit fortress. We managed to eliminate all bandits including their leader. They won't be a problem anymore, Commander." Cullen relaxed knowing it would be one less thing to worry about.

"Thank you, Inquisitor. Your work has been very much appreciated. I am glad you are all safe. I will give this report to Josephine and Leliana once I see them. Oh, and more thing. Leliana needs you to meet her in her quarters. She said it is urgent."

Elora furrowed her eyebrows at the Commander. "Do you know what about?"

The commander shook his head. "No Inquisitor. She said it was for your ears only."

Elora said her farewells to the Commander and left to go find Leliana.

What could possibly be so urgent that Leliana had to hide from Cullen? Maybe a secret mission perhaps?

The elf hurried down the battlements and throughout the main courtyard. When she reached the main hall she headed left through Solas's study and up the winding stairs that led to the small library. Dorian was one to always criticize the library for missing works. Not enough Tevinter history he always claimed. Elora rushed up the next flight of stairs to Leliana's "lair" as some would call it.

She spotted the master of ravens giving orders to her scouts and briefing them on their next mission. "Umm, Leliana. You wanted to see me. Commander Cullen sent me."

Leliana beckoned Elora to her side. "Ah, my friend, it is good to see you again. I take it your mission in the Hinterlands went smoothly."

Leliana and Elora embraced each other in a friendly hug.

"Yes it did. No complications."

Leliana strode over to her balcony door. "Come, join me on the balcony. It is a beautiful day after all." The two friends went outside on to the balcony overlooking the stables in the lower courtyard. The stables were quiet, letting Elora know the horses from the journey were resting.

"What's this about Leliana? You never want to see me after I just get back from a mission. Always too busy with reports."

Leliana turned to her friend, worry sketched on her face. "Elora. I don't know how you will take to hearing this but you remember your Clan right? Did you leave on good terms with them?"

Elora had to delve into her memory for the answer. "I guess. I did everything the keeper asked of me but he never really noticed me after Ilena's death. He saw her as a daughter and he always blamed me that I killed her on purpose to become the next keeper after she died. Why?"

Leliana nodded.

"Well I ask because Keeper Felren is here to meet with you. He is in Josephine's study waiting for you. He said he has something of importance to hand off to you. He also wishes to speak with you privately."

Elora was in shock.

After all these grueling years of battle, sweat, and blood Felren decides to see me? Felren never seemed to care for me, only my talents. Why now of all times?

"I guess tell him to meet me in my chambers in five minutes. I am willing to see what he has to offer after all these years." Leliana agreed to Elora's order and walked back inside.

Anxiety rumbled in the pits of Elora's mind. Being the Inquisitor had its hardships but Elora had a gnawing feeling that Felren was here for an alliance and had no interests on catching up with his once renowned hunter. Clan Lavellan would be all but extinct if Elora wasn't there to catch the prey. Even if it was the tiniest morsel the Clan always pulled through thanks to Elora's efforts. Felren never batted an eye to praise her. He was obsessed with battle tactics, acting more like a general than a keeper.

Felren probably thinks I'm a fool. I'm no fool. He shows up at my doorstep wanting an alliance more than likely. All he wants is to parade around with my soldiers so he can show how mighty his Clan is. Well he has another thing coming to him.

Elora knocked on Josephine's wooden door, her heart racing faster than a dragon could fly. A small, feminine voice slithered through the planks of the door.

"Come in"

Elora hesitated to turn the knob but she ultimately decided her fate by knocking. She stepped through the door and into the roomy study. The fire crackled, making the room ominous as if grave danger lay wait for the elven Inquisitor. "Josephine, it's me, I was told to meet you here because Felren is here to see me."

"Savhalla, Elora."

Anger and sorrow waged war in Elora's mind upon hearing the masculine voice in the room. Lavellan missed home but that man was an unwelcome sight. Felren was in his usual keeper robes with his staff strapped securely to his back. He carried a small, ornate chest in his arms. Whatever was inside must have not been heavy as he showed no signs of strain. His wrinkled expression showed a story of much greater proportions. He looked deeply depressed. This wasn't the man Elora remembered a year ago.

"A hooded woman spoke to me and told me to meet you in your chambers."

Elora nodded grimly. "Yes, I will meet you there in a moment, I must speak with my diplomat. Go out the door and the guards will show you the way. Leliana alerted them you were no threat and are allowed into my quarters."

Felren calmly walked outside carrying the strange chest along with him. As the door clicked shut Elora turned to face the diplomat.

"What does he want from us Josephine? Did he say what was in the chest? Did he say anything at all about an alliance?"

Josephine couldn't keep up with all the questions slamming her in the face. "Slow down there Inquisitor before you give yourself a heart attack. He kindly explained to me that he could only give details on why he is here to you and no one else. If I were you, I would go meet with him now while you can." Josephine bowed her head in respect at Elora and continued writing away.

Lavellan entered her luxurious quarters and spotted Felren awaiting her arrival on the couch. Still tightly clutching the chest he brought along with him. Felren's head hung low as if he was getting ready to be scolded by an elder.

"Garas quenathra, Felren? Are you here to strike up a conversation or to back me into a corner with an alliance proposal?"

Felren stood up, setting the chest down on to the floor. He crossed his hands behind his back and treaded over to the window, staring outside. "No, I have come to grant you some gifts that have been in my possession for some time now. After you disappeared during the Conclave, I believed you to be dead. Word travels fast around Thedas. When I heard your name inside the rumors, well I just had to see for myself. Everyone is surprised a Dalish elf could be such a prominent figure in guiding the course of history. The Clan is proud of you and I am proud that a Dalish elf is showing the world what we are truly capable of. The world can now see how we fight and take a stand. "

Elora balled her fists. She wanted to knock some knowledgeable sense into his weak minded visions of Dalish priorities.

"MA BANAL LAS HALAMSHIR VAR VHEN! Where were you when we tried to take a stand against the darkspawn invading our land? Where was our keeper when our camp was raided by bandits? Don't' give me that bullshit Felren. I became Inquisitor to help people in need and to save Thedas. I didn't sign up because I wanted to show people how strong I was. I have the best interests of every race in Thedas not just the Elven people. You never showed me an ounce of respect for what I had to endure to keep the Clan alive as a hunter."

Felren turned on his heel and hung his head low. Regret dispersed across his face. He seemed as if he didn't want to fight with his Clan mate. Almost as if he was guilty or ashamed of his past interactions with Elora.

"Ir abelas, Elora. I did not know you felt that way. Please, excuse my ignorance. I am not here to argue with you about the fate of our people, I was only letting you know how I feel about your rise in power. I am here because Ilena asked me to."

Elora's heart sank at the sound of Ilena's name. Just when Elora thought she could move on from the past, Ilena popped in the picture again. Lavellan loved Ilena more than anything, her heart heavy with guilt.

"What do you mean Ilena asked you to. Do you think this is some kind of sadistic game? You damn well know what happened that day and you know that we were lovers. So please, explain yourself."

Felren walked over to the chest and gently picked it up off the red carpet. He pulled a gold key from his pocket and inserted the key into the lock. The chest flung open and Elora couldn't quite make out was inside. A velvet covering hid the contents inside. Felren pulled an envelope bearing no wax insignia from the chest.

"Elora, before Ilena passed away she wrote a letter and gave it to me to seal way in this chest. She looked up to me as a father figure. She explained that if anything were to happen to her during any event, to give you this letter and the contents in this chest. I will leave the chest in your possession. Do with it as you like. I must be going now. I have a long journey ahead of me and wouldn't want to hold you back from your duties. Dareth shiral. Ir abelas, ma vhenan"

Felren proceeded to descend down the stairs, door closing behind him.

Elora stared at the chest, it made her feel uneasy. She wanted to open and reveal what was inside but what if it ruins her relationship with Sera? Elora paced back and forth thinking of each possible outcome that came along with peeking inside. In the end curiosity got the best of Elora.

Lavellan, with a shaky hand, unsealed the letter.

My dearest Elora,

If you are reading this then I painfully regret to say I am no longer a part of this world. I know you will miss me dearly and deeply. You were my mi'durgen. I will never forget the times we shared together. Our 'special' place will always remain in our hearts. The taste of your lips on mine that night when we were seventeen will forever be permanent in my mind. No amount of words could describe the feelings I shared with you.

I must admit when I was first saved by the Clan I was scared no one would understand me. The first day I was brought to the Clan I cried in a corner hoping no one would see me. When the other children bullied me and said hateful comments about my hair, I thought I was going to be alone. Then I noticed you playing by yourself one day. I figured the other children weren't too fond of you either. I never saw your parents come take you to bed. It was always a different member of the Clan. So I put the pieces together and came to the conclusion you didn't have parents, just like me. I was too afraid to ever speak to you, thinking you would bully me as well. Until one day you ran the bullies off and we became friends.

I was the happiest child in the world that day. Little did I know my life was just beginning with you. As a child, the Clan members told me stories to help me drift into sleep. I remember one story about a prince and a princess who fell in love and lived happily ever after. I told myself I was going to find my prince one day to whisk me away to his castle. I never thought my prince would be a princess and my castle was an old oak tree under the stars.

Just know I am always with you in your heart and will be for eternity. I am watching over you. I will forever be at your side as a spirit guiding you. I want you to be happy and move on from the pain that will take over your heart. When you look in the mirror, remember why you have my vallaslin. It's symbolic of our dedication and love for another. Please don't forget me Elora. When the time has come for you to pass from that world, I will be welcoming you with open arms, no matter how long I have to wait. Then we can pick up where we left off my mi'durgen.

Inside this chest contains two daggers I crafted in secret for you. I planned to give them to you as a gift for a birthday present but the darkspawn haven't given me a chance yet.

I gave Keeper Felren specific instructions to burn my body and put my ashes in an urn and place it in the chest for you. My wish is for you to spread my ashes anywhere of your choosing and send me off with a few words from your heart. Thank you, my love.

Ar lath ma.

Love,

Ina'lan'ehn Ilena.

Elora noticed a tear land on the paper. She lifted the velvet covering away from the contents in the chest. Two beautiful and carefully designed daggers glistened in the light. An elaborate design was etched into both blades. It resembled her vallaslin, two blooming flowers, their stems intertwined. The symbol of love and dedication shared between the two elves. Each dagger hilt had words finely engraved on it. One hilt read Ar lath ma. The second held the words, my mi'durgen.

Elora picked up the urn cautiously knowing what precious contents lay inside. The urn was of simple design, nothing too fancy. White ceramic with a jar like lid. Elora sat the urn down after looking it over.

Lavellan knew what must be done. She was left with unanswered questions.

Questions Solas was only able to answer. She was determined to find the answer whether the the elven mage liked it or not