Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter, I know it took a little while but that is because I wanted to make this chapter really stand out because it is a critical moment in the story. In this chapter you will finally see Elora realize her biggest mistake in a sense. The characters go through a really emotional mindset so be prepared. Now when I write any chapter to a story I always play some kind of emotional or inspirational music through my phone and I figured that I would share the song that really conveyed the emotions in this chapter. If you like you could play it in the background while reading. Through out the chapter I will leave an author note stating when to turn the music on because the music heavily inspired that scene. There will be two different songs for two different scenes. If the links do not work on here they will be posted on my profile page. Enjoy Chapter 8 will be out soon. Just copy and paste the link on my profile into your URL.

The first song is Cold by Jorge watch?v=XBzkIomfrlA

The second song is The Thunder by Kyle watch?v=nPLRsuzbO7Q

Elven translations-

Ar lath ma- I love you

Nas'falon-Soulmate

Mi'durgen-Diamond

"Inky there ya are. I've been looking all over this bloody place for you, love. Ruffles told me you went to your chambers to meet with some robed elfy master or some shite like that. I thought we were gonna wet our whistles together?"

Shit Sera. Damn it, I forgot all about the tavern since Keeper Felren came by. I really don't have time for this. I must speak with Solas immediately. How do I get Sera to leave without making her feel like I'm ditching her?

"Sera. Umm, hey. Look I have to take care of some business with Solas. I know I promised to come meet with you but now is really not the best time. Josephine informed me of this business once I stepped in the main hall."

Elora scratched the back of her neck, praying Sera would believe her little, white lie. At the same time she felt very guilty that she was lying to her lover. Elora almost half excepted guards to appear behind her and chain her hands behind her back for being dishonest. Cole notified Elora that Sera had hardships in the past with trust. Lavellan just broke rule number one in every relationship. That is always be honest no matter what is thrown at you.

Sera's face went from joyful too distraught in an instant. Sera's body language told Elora that she wanted to remain in the Dalish elf's view but instead she shrugged it off. Hesitant, Sera turned to the gigantic stone doorway that led in and out of the great hall.

"I should have friggin known. Stupid people always playing little games. They just love it, ya know. Maybe some people don't like to play. I would rather play a different game. One that doesn't include arrows or friggin pranks. I guess I will just drink with big guy. Have fun playing your game. Inquisitor."

In the blink of an eye, Sera was gone, leaving an empty void in the room. Sera's words stabbed Elora with piercing might. The blade cut deep into Elora's consciousness. She knew the wound could have been avoided if she told the truth. A yearning heart got in the way of right and wrong. Elora did nothing but stand and stare into the space, feeling sorry for herself.

Fuck! She knew I was lying from the start. Why did she address me as Inquisitor? She knows what my name is. I'm so stupid. Everyone and everything is getting in the way of my personal life. Oh well, I will explain everything to her later. I hope she can accept my sincerest apology. Anyway I must see Solas.

Determined to forget about the event that just transpired, she quickly took off to Solas's study. The elven mage was the only one Elora sought help for in these kind of matters. Arcane studies were difficult for Elora to understand. The first thing people in Thedas assume when they see an elf, they are a mage and want nothing to do with them. Elora has had firsthand experience with being called out as an apostate. Elora always ignored the comments knowing her daggers were nothing but fine steel, crafted by practical means. The only 'magical' thing about her was how fast she could rip into an enemy.

Arriving at the mage's study, she firmly tapped her fist against the door to alert Solas of company. Her questions had to be answered whether Solas liked her proposition or not. She wasn't going to take no for an answer. Only the door stood in her away from achieving her goal. It felt like an eternity had passed before she received an answer.

Author note: Cold by Jorge Mendes can start playing here. Link on my profile page.

"Come in."

Entering the circular room, she noticed Solas was finishing a painting of an elven god. The Dread Wolf otherwise known as Fen' Harel. Odd he would paint such a being but Elora figured he was bored and was trying to pass the time with some art. The room turned into a sort of canvas since Solas made it into his study. The walls used to be a dull, flaky beige. Now it tells many different stories of the Inquisitor's accomplishments. If Skyhold is ever discovered again they will know of Elora's legacy, which is if she doesn't die in the process of defeating Corypheus.

"I see your admiring my work, Inquisitor. Being of a Dalish background, you are probably wondering why I paint the Dread Wolf. I know a great deal of history pertaining to your people. Fen' Harel is not as terrible as the Dalish depict him as. That is a story for another time perhaps. What brings you to my study today, Inquisitor?"

Solas climbed down the ladder of the wooden scaffold that helped him reach the higher areas of the walls to paint. He casually sat down at his desk, covered in papers and books about the arcane arts. Elora thought Solas would be more organized about his work. Everyone has their flaws.

"Solas, I need a favor. A favor only you can grant me. I was approached by my Clan's leader today and he gave me this."

Elora reached in her jacket's pocket and handed off Ilena's letter to Solas. Elora had no problem with Solas reading the carefully written letter. He already knew of Lavellan's dilemma after walking the Fade. She waited patiently as Solas's eyes registered each word of the letter.

"I see throughout this letter that the love you two shared for each other was beautiful beyond comprehension. I'm almost envious, really. May I ask what this favor is? I'm sensing you didn't come here just to give me a letter to read."

Solas returned the precious writing back to Elora. She noticed Solas looked slightly depressed after reading the letter. What could Solas possibly mean by envious? Elora thought about his reaction and wondered if the mage ever had a partner before. He did seem like he had always been alone during his travels. Solas seemed to bear a kind heart. Wouldn't he want someone to share it with? Elora resurfaced her mind from her turning thought to the matter at hand.

"Well, in the letter Ilena said she was watching over me and sticking by my side as a spirit. She wants to welcome me with open arms into the afterlife. I'm the Inquisitor and I could die anytime at any given moment. You've seen it firsthand Solas."

Solas observed Elora pace back and forth from one side of the room to the other while she explained herself. Solas was always grateful to lend a listening ear to his friends.

"I agree with you, Inquisitor. Anytime I come along to aid you in battle, I too could pass from this world. I push it into the back of my mind knowing if I think about it, I wouldn't be giving my all in battle. If it were me in your situation, I would be pleased my lover was watching over me. Does this concern you Inquisitor?"

Elora walked forward to the desk and placed both hands on it. She shifted her weight onto her hands, leaning on the desk. Her head hung past her shoulders, letting out a deep sigh and shaking her head.

"Yes, Solas it does. Very much so. My actions towards a certain person in Skyhold recently, may interfere. I love Ilena and she will always hold a special place in my heart. You read the letter and know her ashes are in my quarters. I'm a faithful person Solas. If she is waiting for me in the afterlife then I have done something unforgivable to Ilena. Hell, I wouldn't even forgive myself either."

Tears began to descend on to Solas's desk, leaving tiny puddles of self-disgust dotting the surface. Elora lifted her head up to look Solas dead in the eye.

"I need you to take me into the Fade. I need to see her and explain myself. I want to know if she can forgive my selfish actions. I need to know the truth of it all."

Solas was very surprised by Elora's request. He never excepted someone to willingly confront him to be taken into the Fade. He knew Elora wore the mark of a hero upon her hand. She also impressed him with her great strength and determination in every aspect of life itself. After everything that has wronged Elora or held her back, she always managed to keep looking up towards the horizon. If anyone else besides Elora asked him to trek into the Fade, he would have told them no. Elora was a different type of story. Solas faintly smiled at Elora, knowing she was the right person to take into the Fade.

"The Fade is vast and filled with whispers of forgotten history. The unimaginable live in the dark recesses of the Fade. You know precisely what I'm referring to. Demons. You are no mage, so your risk of being possessed is less than that of myself. By the look in your eye you will badger me until I say yes. In order to do this, we must head to your chambers and try to pinpoint a familiar scenery in your mind that involved Ilena. You will then lie down in your bed and relax. Wouldn't want someone walking in our little 'experiment' and disturb my focus."

Solas got up from his chair and strode over to Elora, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. Elora still leaning against the desk was frozen in time, feeling sorry for herself but yet pleased Solas was willing to help her out.

"Inquisitor, do you wish to proceed?"

Elora wiped her nose on the sleeve of her shirt, sniffling. Lavellan inhaled to compose herself before heading out to the main hall. She wasn't anywhere near ready for nobles to see the all mighty Inquisitor cry. All they knew was she was tough as steel, nothing could break her but in all reality she was shattered inside. Her soldiers respected her due to her bravery in battle. Even the little ones in the hold pointed her out and would claim she was their hero and wanted to grow up to be just like her someday. If only they knew how miserable life really was for Elora. She wouldn't wish this life even on her greatest enemy.

"I'm ready Solas. Let's get this over with. I seek nothing but the truth from Ilena's lips and her forgiveness."

Solas beckoned Elora out of his study and into the crowded great hall. He then comforted Elora with a friendly hand upon her tense shoulders, guiding her to her chambers. The two elves did not avert their gaze from their destination. They were about to travel to a place of many unknowns. The place that mocked reality in different forms, be it peaceful or chaotic. It didn't matter where Solas brought her, she was fixated on one thing and one thing only.

Finding Ilena.

"Lie down and relax your entire body, Inquisitor. As if you were preparing for sleep."

Elora obeyed the elven mage and laid her small frame on her comfortable bed. She mumbled a small pray to Mythal before closing her eyes.

"Mythal, guide me not into death but victory. Protect me as I walk this unknown path."

Elora closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, waiting patiently to hear Solas's soothing voice. She was nervous not knowing what she was going to experience. She could leap head first into a horde of bandits and drown all her worries down the drain knowing she had elite combat skills compared to the bandits. The Fade was a little overwhelming to say the least.

"Ok Inquisitor, I'm going to use my arcane skills to connect your mind with mine and I will try and hone in on Ilena's spiritual energy. You will fall into a deep sleep. It will seem very much like a dream to you. I will be there every step of the way."

Silence then filled the room. A tingling sensation engulfed Elora's body, her limbs numb. She could sense goosebumps form across her pale skin. These sensations combined, Elora never wanted to move off the bed ever again. For once she felt at peace. The sweet song of a bird perched on the balcony reached her ears. The warm rays of the sun danced with finesse on her ivory complexion. Her tense muscles slowly dissipated with each breath. Her worries and heartache washed away as she fell deeper into the trance Solas was projecting on to her.

Then came the darkness. It was if someone suddenly blew out every candle across the hold. Elora couldn't even see her hands in front of her face. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated behind her back. Elora was surprised to see she was standing on her own two feet when not moments ago she was lying in her bed.

"Inquisitor, walk towards the light. Don't worry, you're not dead just theoretically dreaming."

Solas's reassuring voice came from within the blinding, white light. Elora cautiously stepped forward while shielding her eyes from the bright light. One foot in front of the other, she felt as if she was preparing to meet her elven deities. Elora pushed herself though the gateway wondering what was waiting for her on the other side.

Elora's eyes flung open and her eyes found Solas hovering over her. Elora was lying on an ancient, dusty bedroll. The sun was setting behind Solas, leaving the sky open for stars.

"There you are Inquisitor. I am delighted you made it out of the gateway to reality and the unknown possibilities. How do you feel?"

Elora lifted herself up off the bedroll and scanned the area. The two elves were standing in a field of healthy, green grass. Rams were trotting around, happily grazing. A river flowed restlessly behind them, different species of animals at the rivers bank trying to catch their supper. A cave nearby housed a family of wolves. Elora was confused why they didn't initiate an attack. A herd of wild horses ran along the outskirts of the field, the summer wing blowing through their manes. All the creatures ignored the elves intrusion in their territory. This place looked as if it were meant to be placed in a story book. Nothing was out of the ordinary as far as Elora could tell.

"I'm fine Solas. Thank you. Where are we? Why does these animals seem to pay no attention to us? Is this the Fade?"

Solas smiled while leaning against his wooden staff. He enjoyed the landscape and looked at peace with himself.

"Yes Inquisitor, this is the Fade. A very beautiful portion of it. The animals are ignoring us because there is no hostility between creatures here. It's very calming. Look over there Inquisitor. Not everything is shall I say, normal here."

Solas directed Elora's stare to the top of a grassy knoll near the field. An orange human like wisp was levitating a top the hill. The figure held no distinct features surrounding their face. The figure bore a strong resemblance to the demonic wraiths Elora encounters at rifts. The paranormal wisp floated back and forth a top the mound of grass, almost if it were seeking a lost item of value. The orange wisp parted its lips to speak. Sheer panic could be heard throughout the field.

"Timmy! Timmy where are you! You can come out now, the bad men are gone."

The devastation in the woman's words made Elora's heart tremble with sympathy. She wondered what it would be like if she were in the wisp's shoes, lost forever, not knowing your body was an empty shell rotting in the darkness. Leaving behind loved ones, thinking they are by your side. Elora never really thought about death until she saw the lost woman a few feet away from her. Elora hoped she would pass on knowing she will be remembered and honored for her great sacrifices in life.

"Solas, is that a lost spirit?"

Solas blankly stared upon the orange, crying woman. Grimly shaking his head in disagreement.

"Lost yes, spirit no. That is what I call a wisp. A reoccurring memory of a tragic tale that happened long ago. Wisps can be many things, a creature, an old cottage by the sea, or a coin that fell from someone's pocket. This particular wisp chose to take the form of a woman. I believe it's a memory of a woman who lost her son and she frantically searched for him on that grassy knoll. Don't be afraid, it is harmless. Come Inquisitor, once we walk around you should recognize this place. After all, this is all in your head."

Solas and Elora casually walked out of the field and up the hill to the forest. The forest had a serene feeling it brought to the landscape. Birds sang their final lullaby before flying off to their nests. Nugs scurried next to the elves feet, hoping to find a proper area to fall asleep in. Elora felt at home again, reliving her Dalish heritage.

"I think I've been here before. The atmosphere is calming, almost as if I would run away here to wash the day's stress away when I lived in the Clan."

Solas chuckled at Elora's remark. "That's because you have been here before. Focus your mind. Scan your memories. The Fade mocks every place in Thedas, down to the last pebble. But with huge differences, whether it be a home for spirits or a place where unworthy demons reside."

Elora tried to focus her racing thoughts, breathing deeply. She tried to sketch out every memory in front of her. She felt as if she were being pulled in a certain area of the forest, the pull felt hypnotic. The sensation was overwhelming. Elora wanted to stop her legs but no matter how hard she tried they kept advancing further and further. Solas was right on her heels, trying to keep up with Elora's pace.

"Solas, what's happening?"

Panting, Solas responded, "You have focused your mind and now the Fade is pulling you and your energy toward your state of mind. The one place in your memory banks that is held in this area. I believe it is where you find what you seek, Inquisitor."

Elora was practically running at full speed, without a care in the world. Her gut was telling Elora that her treasure chest of truth lay ahead. Then her carefree attitude fell to the floor once Sera entered her mind. What was she supposed to tell Sera if the truth came out in the open? Didn't Ilena want Sera to be Elora's guide? Maybe Sera took it the wrong way and took advantage Elora's broken heart, hoping to mend it by being Elora's lover. What if Ilena only wanted Sera to be her friend? The questions gave Lavellan a headache and decided to focus on the upcoming task.

Elora's legs slowed to a halt once she realized what stood before her. A tree. Not just any tree, an oak tree. Gigantic in size but breathtaking at the same time. White daises surrounded the oak tree. A perfect view of the sunset stretched out over the horizon. Elora knew exactly where she was and seeing it in person brought a cheerful smile to her face.

"Inquisitor, this place is amazing. No wonder why you hold it dear to your heart. If you don't mind my asking, why is it so special to you?"

Elora answered Solas without taking her eyes off the enormous tree. Flashbacks flowed throughout her mind.

"This is where Ilena brought me to confess her undying love for me. We shared our first kiss under this oak tree and frankly, it has been the best moment of my life up until... well… never mind"

"I remember it like it was yesterday, my mi'durgen"

A familiar voice came out of nowhere, startling the rouge and mage. An alluring elven woman dressed in Dalish armor stepped out from behind the tree. Long white hair flowed in the winds grasp. Two vallaslins of the same blooming flowers caught the attention of Solas. He knew exactly who this woman was without asking his friend.

Elora ran over to her deceased lover, arms open to embrace Ilena. Elora did not know all the rules to spirits in the Fade and she embraced nothing but air. Ilena dipped her head in sorrowful pain. Tears started to well up in Elora's eyes, knowing she could do nothing but look Ilena in the eyes. It was as if she was starving and was given a plate of food but she had no hands to eat with.

Solas stepped forward. "Inquisitor, here in the Fade the living cannot physically touch spirits. We will just pass right through them. We are alive and they are dead. I am sorry to tell you this but that's the rules of the Fade. Demons are monstrous and are more physical in a sense. That is why you can kill them. "

Elora dropped to her knees in front of Ilena. Wishing she could make physical contact. Ilena knelt down beside her awaiting Elora's explanation of why she came to see her.

"Ilena, Keeper Felren came and visited me and gave me your chest and letter. Please Ilena, I have wronged you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my selfish actions. I didn't know you felt that way."

Ilena furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, looking upon her weeping lover. Elora cried like a child who lost their teddy bear. She shook violently from fear underneath Ilena's gaze thinking Ilena would smite her for being unfaithful. Solas stood idly by watching the scene unfold. He had no idea what Elora meant by being unfaithful.

"Elora, what I want to know is how you got here in the first place and I have no idea what you are talking about. You are still the same, always jumping ahead of yourself before reciting the whole story. Now why don't you start from the beginning?"

Elora looked up to Ilena, their eyes meeting with heartwarming grace. Elora thought back on the first time their eyes met with such a fiery passion for each other, under this exact tree, when Ilena pulled away from her lips on that lustful night. Hearts syncing together with a desire that could never die out. Fingers interlaced, never wanting to be apart under any circumstance. It was pure bliss. Some could say it was the underlying definition of true love. The love everyone dreams to hold in their hands before they wither away and pass on.

"When I received your letter Ilena I was overjoyed but when I read it I became heartbroken. You said in your letter you would welcome me with open arms and we would pick up where we left off in our journey together. My friend here, Solas, is a mage and an expert on the Fade and arcane arts. He told me stories back in Haven of his experiences and said he walks in the Fade when he dreams. I figured he could help me transfer my consciousness into the Fade along with his to see you. I was hoping you could answer some questions of mine."

Ilena was bewildered at Elora's relevant information. Ilena was ecstatic to see her lover once more. Elora went to great lengths to achieve this but a great sadness overwhelmed Ilena when she saw just how depressing Elora's state of mind actually was. Ilena craved to feel the exotic touch of Elora's lips but Elora was still fighting a grueling battle of life. It just wasn't Lavellan's time yet.

"My love, I thought you would be honored to be chosen for my ceremony. That's why I handed the ashes off to Felren to give to you. Though I am slightly confused, what questions will you have me answer, my mi'durgen." Ilena cast a worried glance over to Solas. "Does he know of your past?"

Solas nodded towards Elora. He sat down on a stump nearby patiently awaiting Elora to command him to take them back to Skyhold. Solas kept a silent distance from the two Dalish elves, letting them talk in private. He was not interested in Elora's personal affairs, just her safety along the voyage to and from the Fade.

"Yes he knows. He found out when he sensed your aura in the Fade and relived your memories. He approached me on a trip to the Hinterlands and confronted me about it. I trust him with my life, he wouldn't run around my hold spreading gossip. Solas has a kind heart even if he seems cold on the outside. Ilena, please sit with me, you aren't going to treat me kindly once I explain myself."

Ilena cautiously sat down, her back against the tree. Elora sat a few inches in front of her, still weeping with regret. She stared at the ground through her waterfall of tears, scared to admit the truth to Ilena.

"Ilena, in what specific way did you want Sera to be my guide in regards to mending my heart?"

Ilena rubbed her fingers against the bottom of her perfectly formed chin. She calculated her response to Elora's question.

"Well Elora, I wanted her to mend your heart in any possible way so that your heart could beat once again with the warmth we shared for each other. I've been looking inside your soul and all I see is a vast array of frozen ice inside yourself. You are not cold to others, just cold to yourself since the accident. Sera did warm your heart for a split second a few days ago, unfortunately, I saw why she did warm your heart."

A teardrop of utter disappointment glistened on Ilena's cheek. Ileana was hiding her pain under her ecstatic smile when Elora appeared to see her. She buried her face into her pale palms, ushering out a deep song of misery. The sound made Elora die inside, staring blankly at her feet. A shadow of dark gloom surrounded Elora, an enemy she could not defeat.

"Why!? Why my mi'durgen? You were supposed to remember me in your heart until the end of time itself. Now you have spoiled my care with your actions of desire. I may be dead but I have never once left your side, be it in battle or during your time of leisure. Look at your face! What does that mean to you now? Does it mean nothing!? That is OUR symbol! You are my nas'falon!"

Elora wanted to curl herself into a ball and hide underground for the rest of her frustrating life. Now she knew what pain from the heart really felt like. All those dreams about Sera were nothing more than a wretched sexual desire her body hungered for. The kiss between Elora and Sera was an inconsiderate move towards Ilena's heart. Nothing she could do or say would help the situation.

Ilena broke the silence of dread, "Elora I know exactly why you are here. You came to seek my forgiveness. I believe I know why you did what you did. I can't blame you either. All I ask is for you to tell me how it happened."

Elora stood up and turned her back on Ilena, looking out to the setting sun. She closed her damp eyes and inhaled the evening air, wind flowing through her locks of red hair. She grazed her fingers along the surface of her vallaslin. Memories struck her thoughts. She saw her and Ilena standing atop a hill watching the sun set, Elora leaning her head against Ilena's shoulder, hands locked together. A second memory filled her brain, Sera and Lavellan sitting on a boulder in a forest. Lavellan staring into her compelling eyes of beauty.

"Sera was the one who saw through to my heart. She looked past the Inquisitor part, she ignored the fact my hand is marked with the anchor. She saw me for who I truly was meant to be. Her outlook reminded me of how you looked into my heart. Sera made me feel a glimmer of who I used to be in that moment we kissed. Stupid! I'm just stupid. It took place before I received your letter, Ilena. For that I am sorry. Please accept my apology. If you cannot, I understand completely."

Ilena walked over to Elora's side. Lavellan's head hung low with shame. She could not stand the thought of looking at her dead lover. Elora wronged her in the most painful way imaginable.

"My love, don't beat yourself up. I understand. For I am dead, it wasn't your fault either. Ar lath ma. I always will. She is your guide and if loving Sera is the way to bandaging your heart, so be it. I am no longer a part of that world. You are young and still have a long life ahead of you, I can sense it. I appreciate you came all the way into this unknown world to tell me you have wronged me. I am sorry for overreacting back there. I still have a rough time coming to terms that I am deceased."

Ilena turned to face Elora. Ilena was at peace with herself knowing guiding Elora by her hand was not done in vain. Elora's eyes screamed with guilt upon meeting Ilena's hazel eyes. Elora was for sure she just shrunk in size after Ilena scolded her moments ago. Ilena's stare gave Elora the chills causing her core to tingle with lust. An ache of desire penetrated its target between her thighs.

"Elora, perform the ceremony with my ashes at Skyhold. I forgive you, my love. If Sera makes you happy, then fulfill your destiny with her. You have to let me go or you will never smile again, my mi'durgen. Just know I will be waiting for you next to Mythal's side. Use my daggers wisely. When you look in the mirror just think back on the happy moments we shared together. I will always be with you. Always, in your heart."

"I love you, Elora. You were the best gift Mythal blessed me with. Goodbye."

Tears filled Ilena's grief stricken eyes. She turned on her heel and departed away from the old oak tree. She stopped midway through the field of daisies and looked behind her shoulder to issue one last smile of goodbye to Elora. Then with a hesitant stride she faded into the sunset.

Author note: The THunder by Kyle Landry can start playing here. I would start the video around 2:30.

"Wake up Inquisitor. Your business in the Fade is over with."

Elora jerked awake back into the real world, Solas next to her bedside. Visible tear streams were present on Lavellan's face. Her heart was beating so fast she was sure Solas could hear it. Goosebumps dotted every inch of her skin. Sweat dribbled down her neck and on to her bare chest. The whole world was spinning around her, making her feel dizzy with countless emotions.

Lavellan received her answer but was dissatisfied. Her heart was torn between two wonderful beings. She heard truth in Ilena's forgiveness, but yet Elora still felt dirty kissing Sera while Ilena glued herself to every particle of Elora's inner soul. She snuck a peek at the chest that sat on the couch behind Solas. A lump of anger developed in her esophagus, tying to swallow it down with all her strength.

"Leave me Solas. I need time to collect myself. Thank you for all you have done."

Solas initiated a respectful bow to Elora, grabbing his staff. As he walked away his steps were interrupted by a sudden slam of a door, startling both elves. A head of short blond hair and a set pointed ears could be seen ascending the stairs through the stone railing. Sera flashed a livid stare to Solas. He ignored the rude gesture and proceeded down the stairs, politely closing the door.

"YOU! I SAW YOU CREEPING AWAY WITH BALDY!"

Elora could have sworn that steam was coming out of Sera's ears, but why? Elora was dumbfounded by Sera's sudden outburst.

"Sera. What are you yelling for? There is no need to get angry with me for spending crucial time with Solas."

Sera crossed her arms and snickered mockingly. Her cheeks were beat red and she looked as if she wanted to shove a knife through anyone and Elora was on the top of her list.

"How could you Inky? I thought we were special. First you go all ditchy on me, and then I saw you heading to bed with that stupid friggin mage. I swear on Andraste's tits, I will stick Baldy with all my arrows next time I see that bloody piece of shite!"

Elora realized Sera misjudged the situation. Elora had no such attraction to Solas, be it physical or sexual. One he was man and Elora wasn't into the whole magic scene. Lavellan noticed Sera was rubbing her eyes continually, trying to conceal her tears from Elora. Lavellan knew she had to make a critical decision in this moment as she glanced back at Ilena's chest. First thing to do was to calm Sera down.

"Sera, I did not forget about you to become intimate with Solas. He was here to umm…guide me through a journey into the Fade. I had some unanswered questions he helped me seek out. Sera, trust me I am in no way attracted to men be it elves, human, dwarfs, or qunari. I apologize for not informing you Sera."

A smile formed in the corner of Sera's petite mouth. She became relaxed enough to finally look Elora in the eyes, she knew Lavellan was telling the truth. So much experience in the past with liars, Sera could pinpoint a lie from a mile away. Plus Elora was an elf, the tips of her ears were pale white, not red with remorse.

"So, were good then right? Fighting baddies side by side. Kissing under the moon at night, right Inky?"

Sera itched for a reply from her lover, hoping she could kiss Elora's luscious lips until she was too exhausted to function properly. Elora went silent and glared at the carpet underneath her feet.

What do I say? I don't want to hurt her, she's too fragile for more pain. I can't disappoint Ilena again. I know Ilena said she doesn't mind and wants me to be happy again but I believe my happiness lies within Ilena. Sera can be my friend, right? Mythal, please guide my voice. Give me the courage to get this over with. I'm sorry Ilena, but I will wait for you even if it takes an eternity.

"I'm sorry Sera, this isn't going to work out. I have enjoyed my time with you. We can still be friends and fight baddies side by side. I will give you credit, your kiss was amazing and you made me feel alive again. Sera you are kind, funny, and have a heart of gold, I pray that one day you will find that special someone to share it with."

Sera looked as if the soul from her body was being sucked into a vortex of despair, never to return again. Tears lined her cheeks, face as white as a ghost. Her eyes directed a message of sheer agony into Elora's heart. A small feeble voice echoed through the room.

"I thought you were that special someone. Inquisitor. Stupid people always want to toss hearts around like a ball but they never want to play catch. Thanks for nothing, Inquisitor."

Sera walked down the stairs with a rain cloud of gloom following closely behind her. The wooden door slammed, making pictures of Andraste shake vigorously on the walls. Sera's last words hung in the air like a toxic cloud of gas tainting Elora's lungs

Elora replayed Sera's words over and over again in her mind. She looked back on the kiss they shared. No matter how hard she tried to forget Sera's words they would echo louder with each passing minute. Elora placed her palms on her pounding forehead, hyperventilating. The room spinning at a nauseating speed. Elora stumbled over to her desk.

"FUCK! WHY!? DAMN IT, WHY!?"

Lavellan balled her fists with rage, knuckles turning white. Her regretful rage caused tears to fall from her face and on to the desk. Elora pounded the surface of the desk multiple times with her fist as if stabbing an enemy with a great furiosity. Elora grinded her teeth in anger, flexing her jaw muscles. Sera's words pierced her mind a second time.

"I thought you were that special someone. Thanks for nothing. Inquisitor."

During her heated fury Elora threw every object off of her desk, arms failing wildly. Papers scattered across the floor, books lying open. Elora was an unstoppable force of strength. Her chest rising and falling with an emotional rhythm. Elora felt ashamed to break Sera's heart. After what Cole told her what Sera had been through in the past, Elora made Sera relive that tormented moment.

Elora fell to the floor, crying hysterically. Papers crumpled underneath her weight. Elora brought her knees to her chest, laying in the fetal position. She looked like a lost child who couldn't find their mother or father.

"Why am I so messed up? Why can't I have a normal fucking life? I'm sorry. I'm sorry Sera. I'm sorry Ilena. I don't want to be alone. Please, I don't want to be alone. I'm so cold, so cold inside. Be my fireplace."

Elora outstretched her shaking arm towards the stairway, still lying on the floor having a mental breakdown. There was only so much a person could handle.

"Come back! Please come back."

"Ar lath ma! I love you Sera!"