Author's notes:

Hi! Sorry for the HUUUUUGE Delay, I was gone from society (camping)

But yey! I'm back! Currently working on the next chapter! Hoping to finish it today!

italics - flashback

'italics' - thoughts

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Comments are always welcome!

So much for Respite…

A rumbling noise and screams can be heard from a cave. People running for their lives from a boulder.

"I DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS!" Sera screamed.

"BOSS! I CAN TOTALLY TAKE CARE OF THIS! LEAVE THIS TO ME!" Bull called out from behind.

"BULL! AS MUCH AS I WANT TO TRUST YOU! I CANNOT LET YOU DO THIS! IT WILL CRUSH YOU BEFORE YOU CAN HIT IT!" Lavellan yelled back.

"TELL ME AGAIN WHY I'M HERE?!" Erelan asked.

"BECAUSE! EVERY MAGE I ASKED IS BUSY AND YOU'RE THE ONLY MAGE THAT IS NOT!" Lavellan answered.

"DID IT NOT OCCURRED TO YOU THAT MAAAAAYBE I DID HAVE SOMETHING TO DO?!"

"IF YOU DID YOU WOULDN'T BE HERE!" Lavellan answered.

"WELL I AGREED TO THIS BECAUSE YOU SAID IT WOULD NOT TAKE LONG! IT WAS ONLY TO RETREIVE SOMETHING!" Erelan yelled back.

"NO ONE REALLY KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!" Lavellan answered.

"ARGUING DOES NOT HELP US! I MUST ADMIT, THE VIEW FROM BACK HERE IS SEXY!" Bull yelled.

"NOT THE TIME BULL!" All three women yelled.

"SHITE! FUCK! PISS! WHY DOES WEIRD SHITE HAPPEN TO YOU?!" Sera asked.

"HOW THE FUCK SHOULD I KNOW! I DIDN'T ASK TO JOIN THE INQUISITION, YET HERE WE ARE! THIS IS TECHNICALLY YOUR IDEA SERA!" Lavellan yelled back.

"WELL…I…DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE NOW!"

"I SWEAR TO MYTHAL IF THIS IS HOW I DIE I AM GOING TO HAUNT EVERYONE OF YOU!" Erelan yelled.

"THAT MAKES TWO OF US!" Lavellan replied.

"HEY! WE CAN ALL HAVE GHOST PARTY! SCARE THE SHIT OUT OF PEOPLE! HAHAHA" Bull added.

"I AM NOT GOING TO DIE HERE WITH YOU CRAZIES!" Sera retorted.

They all ran around the cave, jumping and dodging rocks in their way. None of them ever thought this type of thing would happen, but it did. It all began back in Haven, Sera got a letter about a priceless treasure that is found in The Flooded Caves, Crestwood.


The sun has risen from its slumber and Haven is now full of life in the early morn. Lavellan already dressed for the day walked out from her cabin to meet with Cassandra and the advisers. They wanted to make sure that everything is ready for closing The Breach, and the events that transpired when she and Dorian were transported in a future where Celene was assassinated, King and Queen of Ferelden dead, demon army slaughtering everything and this "Elder One" that rules them all. As much as she doesn't want to talk about it she has no choice, they have to prepare everything for this grim future to not come to pass. Luckily, Dorian is to join the meeting, as much as he loathes it.

"This dark future you saw…" Josephine started. "Can you tell us of the details of how it happened?"

"As I said on my report, Celene was assassinated, King and Queen of Ferelden died and a demon army rises and a creepy thing called the "Elder One" is rules of all Thedas." She didn't like talking about it, writing a report about it was enough for her.

"I don't know what happened there, but having details on 'how' would be helpful." Josephine said.

"At least now we know what to do. Stop the assassination of the Empress." Leliana added.

"Yes, but how do we even do that?" Cullen asked.

"I hear The Empress is going to hold a grand winter masquerade ball, for peace talks." Josephine said. "All of the nobles of Thedas will be there. I could arrange to have the inquisition be invited."

"While you are doing that, I will ensure the safety of the Majesties in Ferelden. Send some of my agents on a look out." Leliana said. She turned on her heel and walked out of the room, presumably to send out crows to the agents she has in mind.

"In the meantime, since it'll take three days for all the mages to arrive, Herald, you can relax for a while. Your strength will be needed when we do close The Breach." Josephine said.

"I take it the meeting is over then?" Dorian asked.

"Yes, for now." Cullen replied.

"Goody! Now I can go explore this…wet, cold and bursting with life place, maybe pick up some…fun." Dorian mused.

"You're staying with the inquisition?" Lavellan asked, looking at him with pleading eyes.

"Of course! I would not miss this interesting gathering you have collected." He replied with a grin.

"Awesome! There is no one in this world I trust with being stuck in time than you Dorian."

"Well…let's not get stuck again, shall we?"

"I agree on that." Lavellan smirked.

Walking out from the chantry, Lavellan and Dorian had linked arms with eachother. Whispering softly and giggling at whatever the other person said. She felt safe with him, he understood her uneasiness and the ordeal they both experience, which none would want to talk about. Their usual conversation involves in just getting to know eachother or tease eachother. Lavellan knew her attachment to Dorian has not gone unnoticed. Every person or group they passed by would whisper to eachother. They even heard of a rumor that they are secretly together.

Dorian laughed when he heard that rumor. "Hahaha, oh how I miss being in the center of attention. I hope this doesn't bother you?"

"What? The rumors? Pffft…please I've been the gossip of everyone ever since I came out of the conclave alive and becoming the 'Herald of Andraste' so they say." She replied.

"Ah yes, do you believe in that? Herald of Andraste thing?"

"To be honest, no, I don't even believe in my own Gods. I'm not quite sure I believe in anything; all I know there is a power greater than us all."

"Well…if I can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to ask. I do enjoy your company."

"If I didn't know better…I think your flirting with me." Lavellan playfully teased. "But…I have a feeling your interest…does not involve women."

"Oh my sweet, you just captured my heart." He replied playfully.

"Oh? Here I thought I already did." She smirked.

They walked together arm in arm all the way to the cabin he is staying. Solas wasn't at his usual post, she sighed in relief. After the enduring trip from Redcliffe and the events that transpired, she did not want to see him at all. She wanted to avoid him as much as possible. Dorian noticing her sigh in relief, looked at the area she stared then back at her.

"You can't avoid him forever dear."

"I know." She replied as she turned back around to look at him. "I don't really…know what to say or how to face him…I saw…after what I saw…and what…he said to me."

"I assume…nothing is happening between you two as of this moment?" He asked putting a finger on his chin.

"No…" She replied shyly looking on the ground.

"Really…? Curious…I was clearly mistaken then. Here I thought you two are in…cahoots with eachother, by the way he looked at you in that future."

"I wish…" She muttered.

"Ah…so this is where you fall inlove with him, but he doesn't know."

She looked at him wide eyed and blood rushing on her face. "I…no! maybe? I mean…I don't know."

"Hahaha, how adorable you are! Don't worry your secret is safe with me." He replied winking at her.

She cleared her throat. "Have you talked to Alexius? His in one of the dungeon cells."

"No…I…don't think I can face him…yet. But…when you judge him, please…judge him in mercy…for Felix sake." He said smiling weakly.

"I get a feeling Felix is more than a friend to you." She said.

"That…is a mystery. He is a precious friend."

"I can't promise anything…but I'll try." She replied.

"Thank you."


Lavellan bid farewell to Dorian, as she leaves him to his own thoughts. In truth she wanted to leave before Solas arrived, she wouldn't know what to do or say if she ever did encounter him. She walked towards the Tavern, she wasn't planning on going inside until she spotted Solas walking back to his cabin. In Panic, she abruptly went inside the Tavern, spotted Sera at her usual spot and went over to talk to her. She knew Solas would never go inside the Tavern, and he loathes Sera.

"Hey!" She greeted.

"Hey you! How's it goin?" Sera replied

"Good." She replied sitting down.

"I heard wha' happened, and since magic scares the shite out of me I won't ask." Sera said sitting opposite of her.

She was relieved that Sera isn't the type of person to question her anything that involves magic. "So…What's up?"

"Well…one of the Red Jenny sent me a letter, a lead on a treasure that needs to be collected. SURPRISE! It's in the Cave that we jus' killed that big rift in Crestwood"

"You mean the flooded caves?"

"Yea! So what you think? Worth investigatin for ya?"

Lavellan crossed her arms on her chest, pondering and thinking.

'It's only retrieving something…nothing too big. Also…gives you an incentive to avoid him. Go for it!'

"Sure, why not? Do you mind if we bring other people along?" She asked.

"Yea! We leave in one hour? Sound good to ya?"

"Sounds good to me." She replied smiling. "I just have the perfect people in mind."


Lavellan and Sera went separate ways. She knew she had to tell the advisors where she is going, or they will have a search party if she doesn't. It didn't take them long to agree, but there was some hesitant knowing it was Sera who planned it. She knew she couldn't ask Vivienne, and Dorian to come along, one is busy with her own business and she didn't want to bother Dorian, he already has a lot on his plate. Cassandra is busy with writing reports, Blackwall is busy making a new weapon. Varric is busy writing his new book. Solas…that is the reason she accepted Sera's offer, to get away from him. That leads only Bull, and…Erelan. She ran towards Erelan's cabin and found it empty. She pushed open the gate, and walked out to the training ground and found Erelan standing next to the commander. She noticed Cullen and Erelan have been spending a lot of time together.

'Wonder…if those two are together. Hmm…they would be cute together…more like good together. She is so pretty and his so handsome. Human and Elf that would be interesting...wish me and Solas could be like them…wait what? No shake that thought! You and Solas? HA! Never going to happen! Stop dreaming! But…he did call you Vhenan…that was the future! This is now! Snap out of it!'

She shook her head and stopped thinking about the future. She walked over towards the commander and Erelan, they were talking with eachother about the recruits training.

"If you ask me Cullen, I think their training is going fine." Erelan said.

"Yes, but they're not putting in effort, they need to be prepared when fighting anything that comes. Right now they're not putting in effort." Cullen replied.

"Hmm…maybe they just more morale, or rest, they train day till night maybe one day of just gathering together would boost their energy." She replied.

Cullen sighed. "You know we can't afford such leisure. Demons and rifts and now this "Elder one" is out there planning on destroying the world."

"Yes, well you can't send out soldiers that are not even motivated to fight on. How about tomorrow night? Let's all have a bone fire? It would be nice, people gathering around, talk with eachother, you know get to know eachother."

"Ere…there's no point arguing with you is there?" Cullen looked at Erelan.

"Nope, also I will need you to do be a favor."

"What would that be?" Raising an eyebrow.

"I need…you to build a tub, a big tub that fits…about…at least…6 people."

"A tub that fits 6 people, and when do you need this?"

"Uhm…tonight? If that is possible?" She clasped her hands behind her back, giving Cullen the puppy eyes. Cullen shook his head and sighed in defeat.

"I'll see what I can do." Erelan smiled.

"Thank you Cullen."

Erelan wanted to hug him right there and then, but knew she mustn't. It was already bad that she fell for him, it would be even worse if she reacted like a lovesick girl infront of him. After all, she told herself it would be easier, since she and her brother aren't planning on staying. Lavellan greeted them as she approached.

"Commander, Erelan!" She waved.

"Lavellan!" "Herald." Erelan and Cullen said in unison.

"Is it my imagination or are you two…?" Lavellan looked at Cullen then to Erelan, implying something is going on between the two. Both of them blushed.

"No…no we are just talking about how the recruits are doing." Cullen answered. The words pierced through Erelan's heart like a dagger, but she knew not to dwell on it.

"I told the commander here, that these soldiers need something to boost their morale, like a gathering tomorrow night!" Erelan said.

"That would be a wonderful idea, it's been a while since I've been in a gathering." Lavellan smiled.

"Do the Dalish do something similar?" Erelan asked.

"Yes, every year we have a big gathering from all the clans, usually for mating purposes, but it was exciting and fun. Dances, singing, full of laughter and good cheers. Of course, there is also the Soata, marriage in human terms." She replied.

"Sounds exciting. Well lucky for us the Commander accepted my idea and tomorrow, we will have a big gathering in the courtyard!" Erelan beamed. Cullen chuckled nervously, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck.

"I'll be looking forward to it." Lavellan said smiling. "Oh, but I do have a question for you Erelan, do you have some time today? There is something Sera needs help in Crestwood. You…are the only available…mage at the moment."

"Well…I…"

Lavellan looked at Erelan with pleading eyes. Erelan sighed in defeat.

"Of course, I'll be happy to join."

"Awesome! I'm going to ask Bull then we are off, I promise this will be quick." Lavellan left to find Bull, luckily he was just standing near the training ground, talking to Krem. Erelan sighed and looked at Cullen.

"I guess I need to pack up for this trip." She said weakly, in truth she did not want to part with Cullen.

"Just be careful…this is Sera were talking about…anything can happen." He said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.


They both said their farewells and she went to pack up for the trip. Both of them didn't want to be separated, they have been together almost every day. More so than they admit of course, others have already started rumors that they are together. Lavellan walked over towards Bull and Krem.

"Hey Boss!" Bull happily greeted.

"Hi Bull, Krem."

"Need something boss?"

"Yes, actually, Bull can you join a small trip to Crestwood right now? It's just for today, we should be back by nightfall."

"I'm always ready for anything you throw at me Boss! Krem! Take care of the chargers for me, you know the drill."

"Have fun Boss!" Krem replied.

After packing up, Lavellan and her party gathered at the stables and putting their packs on their horses. Mounting up and ready for the trip, the group bid farewell to the people that gathered to say goodbye.

"Don't go crazy without me!" Varric called out.

"Please be careful! I'd know if your missing!" Dorian called.

"We'll be fine!" Lavellan waved goodbye.

"YEA! ACTION!" Bull yelled excitedly.


All four of them galloped into the day resting only for a moment and then started riding towards Crestwood. It was already mid-afternoon when they did arrive. Crestwood was now doing a bit better than last time, there were still some rifts that needed to be closed, but for now their objective is to retrieve whatever treasure lies inside the Cave. They dropped their horses at the Keep, and walked towards the flooded caves.

"So Sera, what are we looking for exactly." Bull asked, as they walked in the Old Crestwood Village.

"It's a gold figure thingy…a tiny statue that is worth a lot apparently." She replied.

"So…we are looking for something small? Big?" Erelan asked.

"It's small enough to carry, my information guy gave me a map for the location." Sera pulled out a paper and pointed at the X spot.

"That is deeper into the cave than the last time we were there." Lavellan said, looking at the map.

"Well…whatever it is I hope we get some action." Bull said, pumped up and ready for whatever.

"I hope not…" Muttered Erelan.

"What? Scared of demons?" Sera teased Erelan.

"No…but I'm just hoping to get this over soon." She replied.

"Yeah, to be with the Commander." Bull smirked. "I bet you two…have fun together…if you know what I mean." He winked.

Erelan went wide eyed and flustered. "Wh- no! no we do not! Cullen and I aren't like that!" She protested.

"Really? Damn…I owe Varric and Blackwall a sovereign then." Sera said.

"What makes you think they are together Bull?" Lavellan asked.

"Oh? You never heard the rumors about Cullen and her?" Sera asked surprised. "I thought the Herald would have known."

"Rumors?"

"Yeah, since she and the commander have been spending a lot of time, everyone believes they are both together. You know…getting it on." Bull replied.

"No we are not. And we do not 'get on' with each other." Erelan replied, face now red with embarrassment.

"That's too bad…you two would make a lovely couple." Bull said shaking his head. Sera made a gag sound.

"Ew…please don't give me that image in my head! Too late! Ugh! Ew!"

"Can we please not talk about me? And talk about something else or someone else?" Erelan tried to change the subject.

"What? And miss the chance of teasing you? Nah…I find this fun. Besides…you rarely join in our little missions." Sera said. "I'm surprised actually that you're here. In person"

"You and me both…" Erelan agreed. "I'm more surprised…you didn't ask Solas to join Lavellan."

Lavellan let out a small gasp of surprise. "Well…his busy with his research…and…I didn't really want to bother him." She replied looking around nervously.

"Bah! He would make this trip boring anyway, his too elfy and…thinks he knows it all." Sera said making a disgusted face.

"Yeah…he fights well, but when it comes to talking…his not good at that." Bull agreed.

Erelan couldn't help but hide her smile. It was the first time she ever heard the others talk about her brother. Curious she went with the conversation.

"Really? What makes him too elfy elf?"

"Hiz always talkin bout elf stuff, elf here, elf there, if I could, I would stick an arrow up his arse." She said, a grin across her face.

"Sera, we talked about this." Lavellan said.

"I know, I know, I'm keepin my promise. I won't harm YOUR Solas." She replied her grin grew bigger.

"SERA!" Lavellan's face turned red.

"What? Oh, you don't think no one noticed you eyeing him? Hate to tell ya Herald, but everyone knows how you look at him."

"Yeah boss, everyone knows you have a thing for him." Bull added.

"I do not! I just think he is a great mage. That is all."

"Yea…while you stare him from the bottom up, your eyes wandering more at his butt and chest. I bet your fantasizing about him when your alone." Sera teased.

"Wha-! No! I do not!" If there is another word for Red, Lavellan's face probably made a new one.

"I did not know you have feelings for Solas." Erelan said, trying to hide her laugh.

"I- I do not. I just admire his abilities."

"Yea…admire." Sera snorted.

"Don't worry boss we won't say anything. Your secret is safe with us."

Lavellan groaned and rolled her eyes, as they keep on walking towards the cave. After almost thirty minutes of walking they arrived. Climbing down the ladder in the cave, they made their way, walking on the spiral way down the cave. As they keep on walking they noticed the statue is hidden inside a chamber. To their surprise it was Dwarven made chamber.

"I guess the dwarfs used this place before." Lavellan said looking around.

"Well…they don't use this anymore." Sera said.

"Be careful, anything can happen." Lavellan warned.

Everyone is now looking for the statue, and it was sera who found it.

"I found it!" She called out.

"Something feels…off. This is too easy." Bull said, scanning the area.

"I know what you mean…Sera maybe you should…" Lavellan looked at Sera who already took the statue. "Hold. Off. Never mind."

"What?" Sera raised an eyebrow.

A rumbling noise can be heard and the next thing that happened a huge boulder rolled out. Lavellan and the others stared in disbelief. It took them a moment to register what just happened.

"RUUUUUUUUUUN!"

Everyone scrambled and ran as fast as they can.


As they ran, Lavellan spotted an opening to the side.

"This way!" She called out.

Everyone followed her and they safely got away from the boulder. Everyone fell on the ground, crouching and breathing hard.

"Next…time…do…not…touch…anything…until…we know…its safe" Lavellan said, breathing each sentence.

"Got it." Sera replied, breathing hard.

"Where…are we…?" Erelan asked looking around.

Lavellan looked around. "Another Dwarven room. It seems."

"Ahhh…this better not have any traps." Bull said.

The room was almost identical to the other. They looked around, making sure to not touch anything.

"We should find an exit." Erelan proposed.

"I agree, we got what we came for." Sera added.

The group walked out of the area from where they got in, and started walking towards the entrance they came from. they found the boulder stopped right infront of them, blocking the way.

"Bah! I can smash this boss, let me smash it." Bull said getting his axe ready.

"Wait bull." Lavellan looked around then up and saw the boulder is now holding up the cave from collapsing. "We can't, if we smash this the cave will collapse on us."

"Is there another way out?" Erelan asked.

"Let's go this way."

Lavellan walked left and everyone else followed. As they keep on walking the cave seemed to go on forever. The group stayed on the path for what felt like eternity. Lavellan stopped.

"I feel a breeze; do you guys feel it too?" She asked.

"Yea!" Sera replied.

They followed the breeze and they saw a door, Bull opened it and as they went in, a ladder is seen. Everyone ran up and climb up the ladder until a light was seen ahead of them. Sera ran first, everyone else followed. It was already night time when they got out of the cave, the full moon shining bright up above.

"FREEDOM! LAND!" Sera yelled in relief.

"Seems we have to spend the night at the keep." Lavellan said looking up the moon.

Erelan sighed both in relief and disappointment. Relieved they got out of the cave alive, disappointed they won't be back in Haven tonight.

'Well…there goes my hot tub for tonight…Cullen…I miss him.'

'What? No! no no no! stop thinking of him!'

'You know…you miss him don't lie'

'Yes I will lie! I do not miss him!'

'You miss him.'

'…..'

'Shut up'

Lavellan and party washed up and stayed at the keep for the night. The sun hasn't risen up and already they started heading back to Haven. It was mid-day when they arrived at the entrance, and from far they saw a lot of figures standing, waiting for them. as the party got closer, everyone by the gate ran up towards them. Greeting Lavellan and them, asking what happened and why did it take for them so long to return. Solas is standing near the gate staring at Lavellan. She noticed his stare and looked away. Dorian's words 'you can't avoid him forever' echoed in her mind. She knew he was right, but she didn't think it would be so soon. She started walking towards the gate, hoping Solas doesn't try and stop her or say anything to her. She held here breath as she walks closer and closer. As she was about to pass him, he grabbed her wrist, making her yelp and stop on her tracks.

"May we speak?" He asked.

'Well…shit…'

She turned around and smiled at Solas, and nodded in agreement. Solas lead her towards his cabin, still holding her wrist. He opened the door and lead her in.

Author's notes:

CLIFFHAAANGER! DUN DUN DUN!

Sorry...I think I rushed this one a bit...

Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for the next chapter!