Hey everyone. I want to apologize for the long wait for this chapter. I was taking a break from writing through the holidays. So I want to point out that the next chapter will be out later in the month and we will finally see Sera and Elora 'finalize' their love together. In this chapter Elora finally admits being in love with Sera but there is a dark tone to it in a way. So read on to find out. Thanks everyone. And remember always be yourself. :) Enjoy!

Elvhen translations

Dareth Shiral- Farewell

Ma ghilana mir din'an- Guide me into death

Ar lasa mala revas-I give you your freedom

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

Ma melava halani-you helped me

Mala suledin nadas- now you must endure

Telanadas- Nothing is Inevitabale

Ar esayal din av'ahn asahngar- I'm attempting death, this is my destiny.

ina'lan'ehn-Beautiful

Careful, hushed whispers bounced of Skyhold's stone walls. Dread and anguish surrounded the hearts of all who jammed the narrow walkway of the battlements. Each pair of eyes all focused on one individual. The one person who once had held the hope and strength of Thedas, now shows off her true colors in the crumbling world. Two bony, but yet battle hardened hands gripped the stone with sacrificial fear. The cliffs below uttered a desirable tone to embrace the rocky outcropping. With each passing moment came a passing memory of love for an elven woman who patiently awaited under an oak tree with a heart of pure gold. A face that plead to be held by Elora's gentle hands. Lips that craved the taste of Elora's luscious lips and beyond.

"Inquisitor! Just what in Andraste's name do you think you're doing? Don't tell me this is why you gave us that 'inspirational' speech back in the war room."

Cassandra's authoritative voice rang out in the front of the crowd. Each member of the inner circle faced their renowned leader with anxious panic. All accounted for except two key members, Sera and Cole. The longer Elora stood and stared at the cliffs atop the battlements, the more her friends questioned the situation unfolding before them. The question lingered over Elora as it waited for a response to acknowledge the crowd. Afraid to face her beloved friends knowing shame had corrupted her face into a terrible form, she didn't bother to look back as she answered their weary questions.

"Cassandra, this is what is best for Thedas. I am no longer needed here. I want what is best for all of you…." Elora dipped her head lower as the Skyhold's structure gazed back upon her. Silky, ginger hair cascaded down over Lavellan's soulless eyes as she peered into the void of her own misery and sorrow. "And what's best for her."

"You can't be serious Lavellan. Without you there is no Inquisition. Why would you want to commit such a terrible atrocity? We are your friends. Will you at least tell us the truth Inquisitor?"

Elora gripped the hilt of the ornate golden dragon that was strapped to her waist, unsheathing the delicately forged sword as moonlight bounced off the sharp blade. She finally gulped down a lump of courage to face her companions. The once optimistic looks were all vanquished but the bond of an unbreakable unity blossomed as fear for losing their friend grew. It became quite clear to Elora they were here to stop her at all costs. The shock of seeing her friend's sympathetic faces forced tears out of her lonely eyes.

"Before I came up here I grabbed my sword that you gave me while I took my oath to protect these lands while I contemplated about the future for this Inquisition. Cassandra, you have been a wonderful friend to me and I want to thank you for that but I don't deserve that title any longer for I am unworthy. I believed I could prove myself as a hero by becoming the Inquisitor but I was very wrong as time passed. Here, take this sword and wield it with the strength that I could not conjure up. I'm leaving this Inquisition in your hands now, Cassandra. You are more than capable of holding the title of Inquisitor. I've seen you fight by my side with honor and bravery that could outmatch me. I wish you luck my friend in the coming months."

Cassandra's jaw gaped open as the sword of the Inquisition lay right in her very hands. Temptation glowed throughout the blade, delving deep into Cassandra's mind. But the underlying defense of the bond shared between friends broke temptations hold on Cassandra. Cassandra knew in the back of her mind there was no way she could save Thedas and no way to close rifts. This mission could not fail.

"Inquisitor, I…I cannot receive this gift. You are the Inquisitor and the only one who can save us all. Now please can you tell me how we can help you? You can't just give up and let us all rot in Coryephus's hands. We understand, we all make mistakes and sometimes we feel like giving up but somewhere out in this big world someone is counting on you to forgive yourself. What could possibly be so terrible that would make you want to give up your own life? Your life is precious, it's a gift given to us all…."

Elora just couldn't block out her patience anymore. A fire came to life inside her that could not be destroyed by mere nonsensical lectures. Lavellan damn well knew Cassandra wasn't going to let up anytime soon, neither will any of her other companions. Trying to drown out each annoyance Cassandra her laid waste to her dark, stubborn mind, making it difficult to complete her horrifying but welcoming task. She could not take the onslaught any longer, an eruption silenced the Seekers words.

"SHUT UP! STOP CALLING ME INQUISITOR! I HAVE A DAMN NAME. DID YOU FORGET THAT MY NAME IS ELORA LAVELLAN!"

Elora's hand grew bright with frustration. The Fade was her only hope for peaceful serenity. Lavellan shook her head with defiance at her companions and took a few steps back as her hand was enveloped in green, blazing light. Crackling with power and trembling with anxiety, she slammed her hand into the stone tiles with a great emotional song that brought forth a harmony of wicked pain from her iced over heart. A flash of green light blinded all who watched on for a few moments. Elora had surrounded herself in an impenetrable shield that either arrow, magic, or man could not break. The Aegis of the Rift could turn any battle sour for her enemies, now Lavellan uses her magic to protect herself from her own friends.

"So you truly wish to know why I believe I am unfit for this position of power. I'm surprised if Leliana, Solas, Sera, or Cole hasn't said a word to anyone else. I'm sure everyone else would like to hear wouldn't you. I can see it on all of your faces. Very well, it's the final gift I shall bestow upon my friends."

"Boss, please let's forget about this whole thing and go have a pint at the tavern. I know you love my jokes, I'm sure that will cheer you up. The Chargers look up to you, wouldn't you at least want to be a great role model Boss."

"Bull, nothing you guys can throw at me will change my mind. Now just listen and you will start to understand. I'm not the hero you guys believe me to be. I'm a murder and I live with that guilt every day since she died. Ilena was my lover back when I lived in my Clan. One wrong move and my world faded out of sight. My sword pierced her as we were trying to take down some darkspawn that invaded our lands. She died in my arms and I will never forgive myself. Then just yesterday I lost someone dear to me again because of my stupidity. My heart is no longer mine. It belongs to the ones I loved. I don't want to hurt her anymore. So please watch over her for me, my friends."

Solas nodded gravely at Elora, coming to terms that there was nothing he could do to save his most trusted friend. Leliana quickly wiped away her tears and nodded towards her best friend acknowledging her last request. The rest of the companions were puzzled by Elora's riddle.

"Wait. Who is it that you speak of ,Lavellan. If I cannot save you then it is my duty as a Seeker to honor your request, my friend."

Elora gazed at Cassandra's tear ridden face. It was the first time she saw Cassandra show empathy let alone any emotion. The Seeker gave the off the impression she was tough as steel but now seeing her for the first time like this made Lavellan wonder if she has lost someone before. Under all that armor she did have a soft heart after all. Though the same look of loss Elora was suffering was engraved all over Cassandra's physique.

"Sera. It is Sera. Protect her from herself and other forces. I love her but it's because I love her that I must do this. She doesn't need to carry any more pain from me in her heart. I'm hoping she can forget about me quickly. Help her if you must to find someone truly capable of...umm...showing her love…that I could not."

Thorns stuck in Elora's throat as she tried to keep her composure in front of her friends. The more she thought of the beautiful blond elf the more she wanted to cry but she was not able to cry out icy, cold, pain. Each memory of Sera tortured her in an unforgettable ecstasy. The exotic tang of her lips claimed her taste buds and a familiar rumble in her core took over the gap between her thighs.

Fuck! Stop. You have to stop thinking about this. She is pissed at me anyway. I'm doing this for her. Sera has been through enough I will not be the cause anymore. If I make love to her, we will become bonded together. I will not let that happen. Besides who would want to be with a murderer. Ilena, I will be with you soon my love.

"Cassandra, I have faith in you. You can lead this Inquisition. Farewell my friends. If we happen to meet in the Fade I will buy you a pint. Remember what I told you earlier in the war room. Keep it close to your hearts."

Lavellan felt death clawing at her ankles, ready to take her soul to the Fade. It was there she would find peace and happiness at last with Ilena. Each step she took towards the edge of the battlements, her heart raced faster with anticipation to see what death embrace felt like. Lavellan wondered if it would hurt or be painless. Everything Lavellan knew of herself was lifted away from her tormented soul. Nothing left but an empty shell of agony, a piece of meaningless garbage floating in the physical existence. No purpose, no hope, no strength, and no love left to carry the soul into victory.

Two light elven feet balanced on the stone railing of Skyhold with the itch to fly to a dream that spoke of bliss. Wind whistling over the moons rays that illuminated Elora as she took the stage. Arms outstretched like a soaring eagle and eyes shadowed with the last portrait of the Inquisition. A masterpiece where Elora was the artist and her companions bore the resemblance of brushes to glide over the canvas.

"Farewell to you all. Dareth shiral. Mythal, ma ghilana mir din'an."

"STOP! WAIT, PLEASE INKY!"

Time came to a screeching halt as the voice blasted Elora's pointed ears. A constricting force sucked every molecule of air from Lavellan's lungs. Needle pricks climbed up her very being, hair standing on edge stabbing the black night. Curled fingers formed a fist of retribution, pale as the snow in winter. The vallaslin caught the last remnant of Elora's innocence.

"Inky, don't jump. Get your arse down from that scary ledge. Why are you doing this? What baddie do I need to pluck for doing this to you?"

Slightly turning her head to the left to face the demanding voice, Elora's innocence dropped from her check and down onto her leather vest leaving a trail of sorrow behind. "Sera, go home...there's...nothing…left for you here n…"

"NO! Dammit, answer me Inky! I'm not in the mood to play a game of guess why Inky is crying? You can't fly stupid! Remember no wings or feathers just these friggin big ears." Sera continued to pound upon the magical sphere that sprawled out in front of her as if trying to break a window.

Elora's eyes spotted a hint of distress along with a fearful gaze of loss maturing in Sera's blue pupils. Lavellan questioned her sanity wondering if what she was seeing was true in all forms. She remembered Sera being so hurt she wouldn't step foot outside her niche in the tavern. How did she find out about her scheme?

"How did you know I was here Sera?"

"Well I kinda hid in the dark while you and Creepy were babbling. I heard bits about you not wanting to be the Inquisitor no more and something about Ilena in the Fade and then Creepy told me to come find you because well..Well…too many people here to say."

"I see. Sera I'm sorry I have already told the others the truth you already have heard from my lips. This is a sacrifice that must be made in the name of love."

Solas stepped forward from the bewildered crowd and placed a hand on Sera's shoulder making his presence known to the blond elf. "Sera, do you remember our journey into the Hinterlands and I told you that you were destined to be Elora's guide? I know we are kin in the physical aspect but we do not share each other's skill in the art of speech. Look inside your heart and do not falter for I fear you may be the only one left alive to save her from her impending doom that she wants so deeply."

"Yes, I remember Baldy. I guess I could try."

Elora turned to face the two sympathetic elves glaring back at her through the anchors magic, while still balancing atop the cold stone of the night. "Solas don't make her do anything she doesn't want to do. This is why I must jump because I have hurt you enough Sera. Cole let me peer into your past and I saw unending pain with each kiss that met your lips. I have endured enough pain myself. I'm tired and weak. So weak I can't love you in an appropriate manner. Ar lasa mala revas."

"Baldy, what did she say?"

Disappointed in Elora he answered Sera's question with despair. "She is giving you the freedom to find someone else to love or to leave the Inquisition or perhaps both." Solas knew in his heart maybe she would listen if they spoke their native language.

"Ir abeleas, ma vhenan. Ma melava asa, mala suledin nadas. Telanadas."

Elora could not ignore Solas' words for he was right but she would not let it subdue her will to die and become one with Ilena. "Ar esayal din av'ahn ashahngar Solas."

Solas beckoned Sera to help convince Elora off her dangerous path.

"Inky! I have no friggin idea what you two just said but please if not for Baldy then live for me. Don't you remember that day in the woods? I was smiling like a drunk arsehole. I'm not mad anymore. I promise, even my arrows give their word."

Elora faced the outcropping once more trying to ignore her hearts calling to the archer behind her. She felt like there was good left in the world. No one was going to write crazy tales about Lavellan. Legends would become myths about the great Inquisitor if somehow a story did manage to make its way through the ages of time. "Goodbye Sera. If somehow a story is told about me leave this part out about me, will you."

WAIT INKY! I'M SORRY! I LOVE YOU! YOUR…YOU'RE… YOU'RE MY MI'DURGEN!" Sera fell to her knees with grief hoping she didn't have to hear the sickening crash of broken bones hitting the rocks below.

Elora's world shifted as she froze with shock from the word as it coursed through her veins, washing away the icicles in her chest. It claimed her soul back from the endless rocky void before her. She inhaled clean fresh air for the first time in years.

"What did you just call me?"

"Mi'durgen. Please don't be mad. I remember the story you told me and it was the first thing that came to my big head. I asked Baldy what it meant and you are MY diamond. I just didn't want to lose you Inky. I thought the reason you didn't want me was because I wasn't elfy enough. I tried to drink away my tears with that piss weak whiskey but I still couldn't forget about your face or your little waist and your tits and arse. I even wrote about you in a book. Just…just don't jump Inky. I don't want to be the weird, lonely elf anymore."

Lavellan with a shaky figure slowly stepped down from death's bony hands. Her knees met the frigid stone tile of the battlements. Unlocked with Sera's heart felt words, the magical green sphere faded out of reality leaving nothing behind but the outline of a weeping woman shivering with sentimental defeat. Sera took the victory, a victory that may have saved all of Thedas. Sera's eyes locked on to the Dalish elf and her heart sank wishing she would have never left Lavellan's quarters a few days ago. Her pride got the best of her but now all she wanted to do was wrap her arms around Lavellan and whisper sweet nonsense in her ear. For this was not a matter of want it was a matter of need, no other being in existence made Sera's heart swell with such intensity.

A voice swooped in off the air and vibrated Sera's sensitive ears. It was a voice that could make any day brighter for the young elf, a voice that had the sweet jingle of cheer that automatically painted a smile on the soul they were speaking to. Smooth like honey in a hot cup of tea or icing on a delectable cake.

"Sera, I don't know what to say. I take it back! I take back everything I said to you in my quarters. I didn't realize how much of a difference you crafted in my heart, without you I'm just a mindless husk making the strong decisions. I apologize to all of you for making you worry about my safety."

Cassandra relaxed and bowed respectfully to her Inquisitor. "Just make sure you never do that again otherwise I will throw you over myself. We will give you some space Inquisitor. Also I believe this still belongs to you."

Cassandra casually walked over to Elora and carefully placed the Inquisitor's sword at her knees. "You will always have my loyalty and respect my friend. You are the only hope for this Inquisition to survive this onslaught over Thedas. Now chin up. We don't want our enemies seeing you all depressed. Goodnight Inquisitor."

The Seeker turned her back and departed with the rest of Elora's loyal companions with Sera still waiting for her chance to comfort her future girlfriend. "Umm Inky, can I come…"

Without finishing her statement Sera bolted over to the weeping woman and instantly wrapped Elora in a loving embrace, settling down next to her on the floor of the battlements. Lavellan went quiet, surprised that Sera would be willing to hug her after all the incidents that took place between the two of them. The cold fall wind dissipated as Sera was the blanket to shield her from harm. Sera said nothing but her eyes held a thousand words. As tough as the archer was nothing could prepare her for the story that had never been written in the form of a single tear. A tear of joy that Sera never had held found its way from her heart and finally saw the light of day. A tear that stole away every heart break she ever experienced. A tear that offered Elora Lavellan as her own and she would rightfully claim Elora as her lover for eternity.

Elora proceeded to return Sera's embrace and bury her tears into Sera's shoulder. The red satin shirt the archer wore was familiar but comforting as well to Elora. "Sera…forgive me. You don't deserve me. I'm been so lost within myself I was blind to the outside world. I can't stop thinking about that day we kissed. Since you have been gone the memory has haunted me with a lustful stride. I think I have finally come to terms with myself that Ilena has passed from this world. You have been my guide this whole time. I just didn't believe it at first. Sera, I do love you. I have been in love with you since our kiss in the Hinterlands and it is time for me to start acting like a real lover to you."

Sera pulled back from Elora's embrace and lovingly wiped away Elora's tears of forgiveness. Both sets of elven ears turned bright red each with a matching pair of red, blushing cheeks as they just sat and took in each other's beauty. Sera gently placed her thumb over Lavellan's vallaslin, tracing the outlines of two intricate flowers blossoming upon her cheeks and forehead. Smiling as she saw Elora's eyes part from hers and to the ground in embarrassment.

"Well that's great news, Lady Herald. Now I don't have to kick your perfect looking arse too Halma something or other and back for scaring me like that. Don't make me pin that magic hand of yours to the wall with an arrow because I will next time if I'm drunker than a rat off cheese. They say I have better aim too. Wonder if that's true? Can't remember. What were we talking about...Oh yeah! I love you too Inky. Your gorgeous, your tits are gorgeous, your arse is gorgeous, and everything about you is gorgeous. I bet your panties are gorgeous too!"

"Sera! How would you know if they are gorgeous if you haven't even seen them yet? Besides I also wanted to tell you that you're beautiful as well. My Ina'lan'ehn Sera."

Sera's face transformed into confusion not knowing her native language due to the fact she grew up in the city. "What did you just say Inky?"

"It is what I used to call someone else very dear to my heart. Ilena. I used to call her my beautiful Ilena. Now you are my beautiful Sera. Ina'lan'ehn means beautiful in Elvhen. If you don't approve I won't call you that anymore."

"I love it, Inky. Hey, I want to show you something. Follow me Inky! First we have to stop by Commander Fancy Pants' office. He sent a messenger to you the other day but the messenger couldn't find your arse and gave the message to my arse instead. If he is asleep we will just have to sneak in. Maybe play a prank or two?"

Bewildered by the event taking place Elora went along with Sera's plan praying she wouldn't lead her into trouble. Sera grabbed Elora's hand and pulled her along into abyss of night.

The Commanders tower loomed over the elves heads casting a shadow of power and strength along the stone. Nothing stirred inside, not even a flicker of candlelight. That meant the Commander headed down into the barracks for the night to catch some much needed shut eye. Sera cautiously jiggled the doorknob and discovered it was unlocked, smiling like a sly fox.

"Come on Inky!" Sera poked her head inside keeping a lookout for guards. Not a soul in sight. "No one here. Now let's find your 'present' Inky. I hope its pie, I like pie. Good for throwing too."

Lavellan smirked at her lover's remark. She watched as Sera searched about the room. Every inch of Sera was a place Elora yearned to call heaven. A flawless sculpture brought to life by Mythal herself. Elora wondered what it would be like to touch Sera's bare skin for the first time. Each thought became increasingly more intimate as stared Sera down with a hungry gaze. Lust was beginning to build up between Lavellan's thighs, trying her hardest to ignore its call as her prey stood in front of her.

Stop! Damn it Elora get ahold of yourself! I can't become bonded with her just yet. I want her to be ready as well. She's just so beautiful. So magnificent. So...So...So Sexy! Fuck! I want her! Mythal, help me control my desire. I must not give in just yet.

"Hey! Inky! Anybody in there? Hello?"

"Huh? Oh umm...what did I miss?"

"Well, other than you standing in the corner drooling like a crazed pup, I found what Fancy Pants wanted to give you. Look he left a note as well."

Sera held what looked like an old war horn that had seen its fair share of battles. Made of ivory and steel, the war horn was surprisingly light. A leather strap was attached and looped around two steel rings at each end of the horn making it convenient for travels. A note was rolled up inside sticking out just enough to be seen. Cullen's handwriting enveloped the paper.

Dear Inquisitor,

If you receive my message and I am not present please accept this gift. This is a war horn I found during a great battle that took place long ago. It has aided me in battle many times, perhaps saved my life on several occasions. I want you to have it and use it wisely. When you were at Halamshiral with Josephine, I taught your companions what the horn would sound like if you ever needed help. Blow this and they will come running.

Andraste guide you,

Commander Cullen.

Sera laughed mockingly at the Cullen's gift. "A horn is he serious. You're the best fighter here and you can kill every baddie there is in just of matter of seconds."

Lavellan ignored Sera's childish statement. She draped the leather strap around her left shoulder while the horn hung snug around her right hip. Cullen was right. It is always better to receive help than receive none at all and die for your actions.

"Sera what is it you would like to show me?"

The blond elf perked up and bolted out of Cullen's office with Elora closely behind on her heels. The elven women ran down from the battlements and across the courtyard and down to the horse stables. All the horses but two were fast asleep. The other two carried two saddles atop their backs waiting for their riders.

"Sera, why is there two horses all saddled up over there? I thought you were going to show me something?"

"Sera smirked with a devilish smile as she knew that wasn't the case. "Not something. I'm taking you somewhere."

"Wait. In the dead of night with nobody knowing we left. That's crazy. What if we run into trouble? I don't even have my daggers. Let alone you don't have your bow either."

Sera casually took off into one the stables being careful not to wake the sleeping animal inches from her fragile body. She knelt down wiping away hay and horse hair from the wooden boards below. A carving of a chocolate chip cookie in the boards became clear as she dusted away more hay. She lifted the board up and it revealed a quite large leather knapsack. Sera quickly grabbed the sack and put the flooring back and left the animal's pen.

"I figured you might say that so I just have some right here. One day when I was doing some exploring I found that weird hole over there and put what I like to call an emergency grab and go. If any baddies were to come and destroy SkyHold I could grab this and you of course and get the hell out of here. If we were losing like sore idiots."

"Well, what's inside the bag?"

Everything. A sleeping bag, some weapons, some food for at least a week and other little things. Enough stupid questions already Inky. Let's go my Lady Herald."

Sera hopped up on her horse with the knapsack caressing her back waiting for her lover to do the same.

"Hold Sera. Just where is this place you're taking me exactly and why?"

"Uggh, come on Inky. Don't you trust me? We are going somewhere. It's a surprise. Something to do with colors and clothes and…stuff. I found this great spot in the woods down the hill from here. You know one of the places people get mushy and gushy like weird idiots who never seen a tree before."

Elora could see the impatent but yet blissful signature of unparrelled love in the twinkle of Sera's confident eyes. The twinkle grazed Lavellan's homesick identity and she knew at that moment Sera was her home away from home. Or somehow Sera conjured up a piece of Elora's child hood memories back in the Dalish camp and put the missing puzzle piece in its rightful place within Lavellan's scarred heart. Only one other being in these tormented lands could fill her heart with such a warmth.

"I trust you Sera. Let's go."