Ellana was with Solas and Theron as they began to figure out what Coryphenus was after in elven ruins.

"I don't suppose you have any ideas Solas," said Theron as he began going through reports.

"Not without more significant information," said Solas.

"What's the reaction then ever since we discovered Inquisitor Ameridan was an elf?" Ellana asked.

"To say that it shocked people would be an understatement," said Theron. "A noble family claiming to be descendants of Ameridan try to attack a group of Dalish that claimed that he was one of the people."

"One of your people," Solas murmured.

Theron placed a report down and looked at Solas. "I've had quite enough with your attitude," he said. "Clearly you dislike me because I'm both a Grey Warden and Dalish, though I don't know which one you hate most. Need I remind you that it was my actions as a Grey Warden that provided elves their own land?"

"I admit that the actions of both you and Bann Kallian have improved the lives of elves, but your order uses something they barely understand in attempt to beat the darkspawn."

"Solas, the founders of our order tried everything to stop the First Blight," Theron sighed. "Those were dark days, they had lost their friends and families and they were desperate for even the small light of hope. Using the taint was the only way to fight the darkspawn."

Theron then left the room angrily before Solas uttered a word.

"Don't you think you been a bit hard?" Ellana asked.

"You saw what they did in Adamant," said Solas.

"Yes, because they were manipulated and their intentions were admirable," said Ellana. "Solas, I grew up on the stories of Theron and the others and it inspired me to become like him."

"In what way?" Solas asked.

"To be more accepting of humans, he of all people should hate humans and city elves more than any Dalish on the continent," said Ellana. "His father, who was the Keeper of his clan, tried to push the Dalish to open up more to the humans so that we could understand them."

"A wise man," said Solas.

"He fell in love with a Dalish hunter from another clan, but her clan did not approve of the relationship so they had to meet in secret. Unfortunately, during one of these missions they were attacked by bandits, both human and city elf, Theron's father was killed in the attack and his mother became overcome by grief. She made it to his clan and gave birth to him and then she disappeared."

Solas closes eyes. "I will apologise to him, but I still think the Grey Wardens are foolish."

"Well, most of them are humans," Ellana shrugged.


Erdic was with Sera in the tavern and they were overlooking the railings of the people drinking.

"You have a problem." Sera waved a hand haphazardly. "That, over there, is a full tavern. But everyone's drinking alone. They're all up their own arses about the Inquisition. I can't have fun with everybody whinging. And they'll fall on their swords before Coryphenus can push them." She made a punching motion. "I'm thinking pranks. Set a few up. Knock a few down. You in or not?"

Edric looked out at his people. "You have an odd idea of preparation. I need to keep them at their best."

"What's 'best' then? Mopey? Constantly ready for death to fall from the gaping hole up there?" Sera shook her head. "I know people. Pissed off and fired up is better than dreary bleary. Come on."

"Lead the way," he gestured

"What, really?"

"Really?"

Sera giggled. "I knew you were different. Let's go."


Cullen's office was fortunately empty. Sera began looking around for something. "All right, General Uptight is gone."

Edric glanced at the bookcase. Maybe rearrange them? No, save that prank for Dorian. He didn't want to mess with his weapons. He glanced down at the desk and touched it lightly. He certainly kept it a lot less cluttered these days.

"What, the desk?" Sera wandered over. "Oh, yes. Centre of the empire and all that. What to do, what to do…"

"All right, Sera. What do you want to do?" She watched the other woman.

"Thing looks heavy. Don't want to move or break it."

"Oh, it's sturdy."

"I got it! Easy one! Just a slip of something under here." Sera shoved something under one of the legs. "There. Won't notice much, but it's just that little bit wonky. He's so in control that'll piss him royally. I tell one of the soldiers, and boom! The general seems like people. And since he works for you, you seem like people." Sera grabbed his hand and began dragging him. "Come on, next one."


"Right, Little Lady Prissypants. Have a look for something she likes too much."

Edric frowned. Disrupting anything to do with Josephine's desk was a bad idea. She crossed the room, and tilted her head at the door.

"What, just the door?" Sera's eyes lit up. "Where she greets every important idiot! Yes!"

"Well, Sera, what do you have in mind?"

"Hmm…" Sera started giggling. "Get a bucket. Classic, yeah? Five minutes of sloppy boss gets you weeks of happy kitchen staff." She shrugged. "Except for the one who cleans it up, I suppose. But whatever! Next stop!"


It took the better part of half an hour for them to get a chance to creep into the rookery. Leliana was a hard mark. All he found was a locked chest.

"What's that? A locked…" Sera shook her head. "No, leave that. Not interested in her hidden things. Not for just a bit of fun. Maybe…" Sera scratched her head. "Feed her messengers something gassy? No, birds don't parp. But they flap, and…" She frowned. "Uh. Huh."

From below came Solas's voice. "Who is up there?"

Erdic elbowed Sera. "Go!"

They fled, giggling like a couple of idiots.


"That was fun." Sera clicked her bottle to Erdic's. "An Inquisitor of the people, still remembering you're one of them. If all they got was the Herald stuff, the serious bit, you'd start to sound pretty scary. That works, but not for long."

He took a drink. "Whatever it takes. I'd start throwing pies if it kept people inspired."

"Pies is so good. And Coryphenus would never do that." Sera cackled. "Good thing for you, innit? Because from the bottom, everyone up top sort of seems the same." She drained her bottle. "Anyway, fun time, Inquisitor."

Behind them, a door slammed. Josephine entered the tavern, soaking wet and looking remarkably like an angry wildcat. "You!"

"Oh, frig!" Sera swallowed as Josephine started towards them. She shoved Erdic. "You did it." And then ran like hell, laughing every step.


Maxwell and Ellana went to visit Solas. He glanced at her. "Inquisitor. Ellana. I was…" He started to turn, and then looked back at her. "Do you have a moment?"

"Of course," said Ellana.

Maxwell nodded.

They walked the ramparts rather than their customary circuit of the camp. Solas stared out into the distance, then looked at Maxwell. "What were you like before the Anchor?" He glanced down at the mark. "Has it affected you? Changed you in any way? Your mind, your morals, your…" He shook his head. "Spirit?"

Maxwell just simply looked at the mark, unsure how to respond. "If it had, do you really think I'd have noticed?"

"No. That's an excellent point." He stared out into the distance once more.

"Why do you ask?"

"You show a wisdom I have not seen since…" He hesitated. "Since my deepest journeys into the ancient memories of the Fade. You are not what I expected."

Maxwell smiled at him. "Sorry to disappoint."

"It's not disappointing, it's…" He sighed. "Most people are predictable. But you have shown a subtlety in your actions. A wisdom that goes against everything I know of your people."

Something was bothering him, though she had no idea what it might be. "I do what I can."

He gave a small laugh. "You are modest. So many would use the Inquisition as a blunt instrument in their rise to power. But not you."

"So what does this mean, Solas?"

"It means that I respect you deeply, Inquisitor. And I have disturbed you enough for one evening." Maxwell simply smiled and left Ellana with Solas.

"Why did you want to see me?" Ellana asked frowning.

"Because I respect you and you two sure wisdom that goes against everything I know. If the Dalish could raise someone with a spirit like yours… have I misjudged them?"

"I don't hold the Dalish as perfect, but we have something worth honouring," she said. "A memory of the ancient ways."

Solas nodded. "Perhaps that is it. I suppose it must be. I have mistrusted Theron as well for being a Dalish and a Grey Warden. He represents the best of both and he would make a fine leader. Most people act with so little understanding of the world." He then looked at Ellana. "But not you."

"So what does this mean, Solas?" Ellana frowned.

"It means I have not forgotten the kiss," he smiled.

Ellana slowly walked away over to him. "Good."

She drew herself closer to Solas, who was looking slightly uneasy, and he to move closer to towards her. He then pulled away and started to walk off, but Ellana grabbed his arm.

"Don't go," she begged.

"It would be kind in the long run," he said without looking at her. "But losing you would…"

He then turned around and placed his lips onto her lips and Ellana felt herself melting away. The two of them then began wrapping their arms around one another as they pulled closer to one another.

Their tongues danced within their mouths and Ellana felt Solas' hands running through her blonde hair. Eventually they pulled away from one another and Solas looked deep into hazel eyes.

"Ar lath ma, vhenan," he said and he walked off.

Ellana just looked at him as he walked away leaning against the doorway she began to remember fondly of the kiss.


Leliana was sitting at her desk, staring at a piece of parchment. Maxwell raised an eyebrow. Leliana sighed. "A message from Divine Justinia."

"That's a shock. You're all right reading it?"

"Thank you for the concern, Inquisitor, but I am." Leliana folded her hands. "This message was written months, perhaps even years ago…" Leliana sighed. "To be delivered to me if she died. I've heard of such contingency plans. A sudden death often leaves loose ends. I'm to go to Valence, a small village on the Waking Sea. There is something hidden there."

"Do you know what you're looking for?"

"The Divine was a powerful woman who used her position to obtain all sorts of things. Whatever she hid in Valence would very likely benefit from the Inquisition and must be kept from falling into the wrong hands." Leliana stood. "If I'm lucky, she will have instructions for me."

"I'll help in whatever way I can."

"Wonderful. I was hoping you would agree to come with me to Valence." Leliana nodded. "One more thing: if what is hidden in Valance is as valuable as I think, we're not going to be the only ones looking for it. I shall meet you at the Chantry in Valence. Try not to delay."


The small Chantry was beautiful. Leliana smiled softly as she looked around. "It's just as I remember it."

"You didn't tell me you'd been here before."

"After the Blight ended, Theron and I came here to see Justinia. She was just Dorothea then, a revered mother." Leliana touched one of the statues.

"It's peaceful here. You must have good memories of this place."

"It was a place of comfort. It is good to see it's still untouched by Corypheus."

"Leliana? Is that you?" A woman in Chantry robes came into the room.

"Sister Natalie. What are you doing her? I thought you were in Val Royeaux."

"No. I've been here since Justinia died." The two of them then hugged one another and in the middle of the hug Leliana shook her head at Maxwell. Clearly she was not a friend. "This place makes me feel like… like she's still with us."

"Inquisitor, this is Natalie, a trusted friend," said Leliana breaking away from the hug.

Natalie stepped back. "Wait. 'Inquisitor?' You… you brought the Inquisitor here?" She knelt. "My lady, forgive me for not recognizing you earlier."

"I wish more people would fail to recognise me," Maxwell sighed.

"Oh, I…" Natalie rose. "I see."

"Natalie, listen. There is something hidden here. Something Justinia left for me."

There was just a bit too much eagerness in the woman's eyes. "Oh, really? What is it?"

"I don't know, but we'll find it. I'm curious to see what brought us all here."


Following Justinia's instructions eventually unlocked a small hidden chamber. While they searched, Leliana chatted happily with Natalie. If Maxwell didn't know what was happening, he would have taken it as simple friendly conversation. Leliana was interrogating the other woman. As soon as the chamber opened, Leliana drew a dagger and pressed it to Natalie's throat. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Good old Leliana was playing you the whole time. Didn't you realise?"

"They never sing the Benedictions here on Fridays, Natalie. Something so simple, and you got it so wrong. I wanted to believe, but you were lying from the start." She tilted her head. "Keep that pretty mouth shut if you must, dear. You've already told me everything I need to know. The prickleweed burs on your hem, talking about the sun rising through the Breach. It all points to a single place: Morelle in the Dales. Grand Cleric Victorie's bastion. She sent you, didn't she?" Leliana smiled. "Victoire was always an opportunist."

"Who is this Grand Cleric? I've never heard of her."

"An experienced cleric. She never agreed with Justinia but kept her ideas to herself. I suppose now, with Justinia dead, she thought she could make her move."

"I want to know this grand cleric planned here."

"She sent Natalie here to see what Justinia was hiding, no?"

"The Inquisition has turned Thedas away from the true Chantry." Natalie's eyes were hard. "It must be stopped."

"Stop us? You must be joking."

"Mother Victoire is well loved by many. The Inquisition has more enemies than you know."

"And Victoire thinks she can ally with them?"

"We don't have to be at odds, Natalie. You could come with us. Join the Inquisition." There was no need for blood. Especially not in the heart of a chantry.

"I was called to serve the Grand Cleric. I will not betray her." Natalie glared defiantly. "Kill me then. I'm not afraid to die for my beliefs. At least I still know what I believe."

"Release her, Leliana. She is no threat."

"The grand cleric…" Leliana started to shake her head.

"She is one woman. We are the Inquisition."

"The Inquisitor has spoken." Leliana pulled her dagger away. "Run. Tell your mistress that she has a choice. The Inquisition is coming."

Leliana then made her way to the chamber and then opened the box. "No." She shook her head. "This can't be it."

Maxwell blinked. The box contained a small, battered elven trinket. "It's not what you expected. That doesn't mean it's nothing."

"There's a message, carved into the lid. 'The Left Hand should lay down her burden.' She…" Leliana's voice went quiet, and she touched the trinket. "She's releasing me. The Divine has a long reach, but it is always her Left Hand that stretches out. A thousand lies. A thousand deaths. Her commands, but my conscience that bore the consequences."

"She apologised in the Fade. She said she failed you." Maxwell started to lay a hand on Leliana's shoulder, but drew it back. "This is what she meant."

"All this time, Justinia carried the fear that she was using me, just like I'd been used in the past. But Marjolaine's games were trifles. Justinia gambled with the fate of nations. She needed me. No one else could've done what I did. She knows that."

Maxwell eyes went back to the elven trinket. "Then you have to let it go. Let her go. You don't owe her anything anymore."

"If it were not for you, I would've killed Natalie and called it a good thing." Leliana closed the box, and held it gently as she turned. "Thank you for showing me what was right when I couldn't see it for myself. There are things that must be said, but not here. I will see you back at Skyhold."


Leliana watched Theron's face as he held the trinket. "This is the same trinket that you gave the Chantry mother, back in Lothering, isn't it?"

"Yes, I'm amazed that she was able to find it," said Theron as he held it in his hand. "Merrill gave it to me when we were very young, if my life had been any different I may have been with her."

Leliana could barely look him in the eye. "I'm so sorry."

"Sorry?" said Theron looking up. "I'm the one that lied to you, abandoned you and I wasn't there for our daughter. I should be the one that's sorry."

Leliana placed a hand over his and looked at him in the eye. "I think it's time for us to say sorry to one another."

Theron nodded and the two found themselves kissing one another in a deep passionate embrace.


A few minutes later the two of them had remove their clothing and Theron had placed Leliana onto her table and was beginning to lick her womb. Leliana moaned with each and every lick as Theron bought his head deep into her womb and she began to remember how much he had missed this.

With one final lick Theron moved himself from her womb and rose up so that he was now eyelevel with her. He then carefully inserted his length into her and began to thrust in and out. On pure instinct, Leliana wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck as he placed one hand on the small of her back and another in her hair.

She began to move in time with him and the two of them kissed one another in a deep passionate embrace. Their tongues began to fight for dominance and were for so much passion that it was impossible to tell who would win.

Finally they pulled away and Theron began to squeeze her breasts causing her to moan and her back to arch backwards and a hands firmly placed on the table. His thumbs rubbed against her tits and she felt his full length into her.

Then Theron placed his hands on her butt cheeks and lifted her off the desk and instantly, arms wrapped around his neck. He then carried her hand placed her down on the rug that was next to the statue of Andraste while he continued to thrust in and out of her.

The sensation was unbelievable and she forgotten how much she had enjoyed this and prayed to the Maker that she would never lose him again. She then felt his hands pressing against her breasts and given them a good massage causing her to gasp.

Then with one last gasp been cry of pleasure the two of them unleashed their liquids and Leliana fell into Theron's arms.

"I love you, Theron Mahariel."

"Ar lasa mala revas. Ma sa'lath."

"Ma emma lath. Ma vhenan'ara."


Hours later, Maxwell made his way up to the rookery and found Leliana with one of her messengers.

"I'm told that Ambassador Montilyet is pleased with the…" The messenger hesitated. "Restraint you showed in Valence."

Leliana rolled her eyes. "Ugh, she's positively beside herself. I will never hear the end of it." Leliana's voice became an uncanny imitation of Josephine's. "Niceness before knives, Leliana. Haven't I always told you?"

"Will that be all, my lady?"

"For now."

The young man dashed off. Maxwell shook his head. "How have you been feeling since Valence?"

"Good. Wonderful. Valence was something of a rebirth for me." Leliana straightened. "If you hadn't been with me at Valence, I would have killed Natalie. I'd have told you that I didn't have a choice, but there is always a choice. I am more than this. I am more than what Justinia made me."

"Do you resent Justinia for what she did?"

Leliana shook her head. "How can I when there is so much between us, when she gave her life for peace? No, I believe her intentions were pure. Most intentions are."

"What does this mean for my Inquisition? Will you still be my spymaster?"

"Of course. I would not give up my post, not after everything we've built. I just know now that I shouldn't ignore my heart. Mercy is not always a weakness."

"You've exceeded her. She could never have imagined the power you now hold."

"And now I will know how to use that power wisely. I have to stay true to who I really am—before a spymaster, Left Hand, or bard. I almost lost myself."

Maxwell smiled, and walked away. He stopped on the ramp, and glanced back over his shoulder. Leliana was singing. A deeper voice joined hers, and he saw Theron come up behind Leliana. Leliana leaned into him, and he put his arms around her as they sang.

Maxwell couldn't help but smile, it was good to see the two of them back together.


After another excursion out to fight demons and seal a rift, Maxwell was looking forward to a night in a real bed. He was halfway to his room when Varric stepped in front of him. "There you are. I've been looking all over for you. You're just in time. We almost had to start without you."

"What exactly were you starting without me, now?"

Varric grabbed his arm, and led him to the smaller of the dining halls. "Look showed up, everyone! Deal him in, would you, Ruffles!"

"Nice of you to join," said Adaar.

"And nice of you to fill my pockets," said Erdic as Maxwell sat down.

"Ready to lose, dear brother?" Evelyn smiled.

"Where's Ellana?" Maxwell asked, noticing that she was missing.

"Oh, she wasn't interested in gambling," said Erdic. "Come to think that neither was Solas, but I'm not complaining."

Maxwell looked at Adaar and she leaned in towards him. "Solas beaten him hands down in Wicked Grace, he was left with nothing, not even his short cloths."

Maxwell laughed and was greatly disturbed by the image that appeared in his mind.

Josephine began shuffling a deck of cards. "I do hope I recall the rules. It's been ages since I've played a game of Wicked Grace."

"We're ready to start."

"We playing cards or what?" Iron Bull refilled his drink.

"Are three drakes better than a pair of swords?" Cassandra frowned. "I can never remember."

"Seeker, remember how I said, 'don't show anyone your hand?' That rule includes announcing it to the table." Varric collected his own cards.

"There's a crown on his head, but a sword, too," said Cole looking at his cards. "His head didn't want either."

"Don't talk to the face cards, kid."

"You seem to have enough people. I have a thousand things to do." Cullen started to stand, but Evelyn caught his sleeve.

"Oh no, you don't," said Evelyn, pulling him back down.

"Losing money can be both relaxing and habit forming." Dorian collected his own cards. "Give it a try."

"Curly, if any man in history ever needed a hobby, it's you," said Varric.

"Dealer starts. Ooh… I… believe… I'll start at… three coppers. Do you think that's too daring?" Josephine held the coins. "Maybe I'll make it one… No! Boldness! Three it is!"

Iron Bull shook his head. "Seriously? Who starts at three coppers. Silver, or go home."

"Sounds good. I'm in." Blackwall tossed some coins in.

"Bolder the better, right?" Dorian threw his coins in. "I'm in."

"As am I," said Adaar tossing a few coins.

"Me, too." Varric glanced across at Maxwell. "Well, are you in?"

Maxwell threw his coins in. "Just remember I'm still new to this game."

"Don't worry, you'll pick it up in no time."

"So shiny…"


"The poor recruit ran out into the dining hall in nothing but his knickers. And this… profound silence fell over the hall as seventy mages and thirty templars all turned to stare at once." Cullen gestured. "Then a slow round of applause began. And spread until every soul was on their feet. A standing ovation."

Josephine giggled. "What did he do?"

"Saluted. Turned on his heel. And marched out like he was in full armour."

Laughter and denials came from every corner of the table.

"He did not!" Cassandra laughed.

"Good man," said Dorian.

"You're shitting us!" Iron Bull laughed slamming his hand onto the table.

Evelyn laughed uncontrollably. "Trust me strange things happen in a circle. Will still won't talk about my Harrowing, apparently they're still having nightmares about it said it was worse than me becoming an abomination."

"That's how you know it's true." Varric shook his head. "I could never put that in a book. Too unlikely."

Maxwell took a drink. "I've got one for you. Firstly, my aunt is known across the Free Marched for her love of Antivan opera. So, of course when a performance of 'The Murder of Queen Madrigal' opened, she made us all attend…


"My aunt refused to speak to me for three months."

"Not to mention you couldn't feel your ear for a week," Evelyn added.

"Not bad!" Varric shook his head as he spoke over the laughter of the others. "You don't mind if I steal that one, do you?"

"Well done!" Dorian laughed.

"You're to tell stories more often," said Blackwall.

Cassandra simply laughed.

"I liked the part with the rabbit. There should be more rabbits in stories." Cole was stacking Josephine's winnings.

"That was scandalous. It would ruin the Inquisition if anyone found out." Josephine grinned. "Tell it again!" She showed her cards. "And the dealer takes everything! I win again."

Several groans greeted the news. Cullen narrowed his eyes. "Deal again. I've figured out your tells, Lady Ambassador."

Josephine pressed the cards to her heart and looked scandalized. "Commander! Everyone knows a lady has no tells."

"Then let's see if your good fortune lasts one more hand."

Maxwell shook is head. "I'm not losing any more coin to Josephine, but I have got to see this."

"I know when I'm beaten," Erdic grumbled.


After a very strenuous game, Cullen found himself completely naked in his seat and Josephine with a mischievous look on her face.

Cullen narrowed his eyes at Varric. "Don't say a word, dwarf."

Varric did his best to contain his laughter. "I tried to warn you, Curly."

"Never bet against an Antivan, Commander." Josephine's smile was catlike.

"Trust me, you got off easy," said Erdic as his eyes turn fearfully at Josephine. "She nearly got me bankrupt."

Cassandra was trying very hard to look disapproving, but was having trouble keeping a straight face. "I'm leaving. I don't want to witness our commander's walk of shame back to the barracks."

"Well, I do!" Dorian grinned.

Evelyn just simply whistle turning her eyes away from Cullen, though her pink cheeks lit her entire face.

Cole was staring. "It comes off. I didn't know it came off…"

Maxwell looked across the table. Cullen sighed, and then looked over to where Josephine was walking away with his clothing over her shoulder. One by one everyone began to leave and Cullen made a quick dash to the door, though Maxwell noticed that Evelyn didn't take her eyes off him.

Maxwell made his way over to Varric, who was looking at the fire. "I'm glad you decided to join us tonight. It's too easy to mistake you for the Inquisitor."

It was good, relaxing with her friends. Forgetting there was a world outside. "I enjoyed this."

"See? That's what I mean." He gestured. "It's easy to forget you're not just an icon or symbol, like one of those statues of Andraste holding bowls of fire." Varric shrugged. "At least it is for me." He raised his eyebrows in challenge. "You up for another game when this is all over, Inquisitor?"

"Every time I play, I increase the odds of winding up like Cullen."

"You're never more alive than when you're about to lose your pants, my friend."

The two of them then made their way out leaving only Erdic at the table, who then sat up and thought it was best return to his wife. "Night, Sera!" he called out.

"Whozat! Did I win?" said Sera, who was drunk and underneath the table.