"Solas? Solas."

Solas gave a mild jump of surprise, the firmness with which Moro called his name pulling him from his internal musing as lingered longer than usual on one of the many books within the temple's grand library. Many of its books worn from decay and neglect, but many secluded treasures remained intact.

He would have to send agents back here when his task was done. Surely something of value could be salvaged.

"Forgive me. My mind was elsewhere."

He skimmed and drummed his fingers upon several shelved books. Eyes narrowing upon a particular golden tome, his voice took on a deeper resonance, the air becoming denser and quieter when he raised a hand for Moro's silence.

"Su Arlise'amelan ehnas ise te'elan mathem"

His words caused the bookshelf before them to become transparent. Solas smiled, successfully infiltrating what would be June's sanctuary, closed off and kept secret even from the highest ranks of the temple. This is where he would find what he was seeking.

He turned to find Moro taking a cautious step back, the still sleeping child in her arms being held closer and tighter against her.

"Do not be afraid Vhenan." Solas extends a hand out, urging her to come with him. Moro readjusts the child in her hold, her steps small as she eyes the suspicious faded bookcase in front of them.

"What was that you said just now?"

"'To the Hearthkeeperwhose fire cannot be quenched'. I was unsure whether it would work or not. June was always enamoured by Sylaise."

"They were husband and wife weren't they? Or is that another little anecdote we got wrong?" Solas hummed in thought, his face lighting up with slight amusement that bordered on apathy.

"A union was…encouraged. Sylaise was a stubborn woman, no matter how many gifts he devoted his time to."

Moro scoffed, her mind slowly coming to terms with their surroundings. Solas studied the small anxiety below the surface on Moro's face. It occurred to him she had been this way since they entered the temple.

"The temple makes you uncomfortable doesn't it?"

"It does." Moro wouldn't face him as she answered his question. "It was like this at Dirthamin's temple as well. If you remember…" Solas' expression softened, reaching out to touch but thinking better of it when her eyes immediately fell on his hand.

They had both agreed to leave their affections behind, last night's yielding to their passions still fresh in their minds but neither willing to speak of it.

When the silence became too much Moro cleared her throat taking in the elvhen designs of the corridor they walked through.

"Forests and cities I can handle. But these temples…the magic left behind in them, even not being a mage it feels…unpleasant."

"Do not worry, we are almost there."

"What about Ramia? I am sure Abelas is as suitable bodyguard as someone like him could be but…"

"He is under strict command to protect her. I'm sure the two of them have behaved themselves while gone."

Solas urged Moro to follow, instinctually rested a hand upon her lower back.

"Abelas stop!"

The sun had risen and Ramia was determined to get a head start in heading back towards the temple. Abelas on the other hand seemed quite content to continue using Ramia as a source of heat and comfort. His grip around Ramia was loose enough not to be uncomfortable for her but tight enough that she couldn't get away.

"Abelas…you're confusing me again…" Ramia confessed in hushed whispers, cheeks blushed as Abelas nuzzled close to her ear. His hands encouraging her to wrap a leg around his hip. Ramia resisted, instead bringing his face with both hands to towards her own.

If Abelas was a poor reader for people he would have taken the look she gave him for irritation, but he could see the daze and apprehension in her eyes. He felt slightly concerned for himself, that he could understand her so well. More so concerned that he felt no compulsion to leave the bedroll or her side.

"I do not look forward to parting ways."

"You said this was temporary…"

She uttered the last word with reluctance as her hands faltered against his jaws. "Isn't that why you won't….?" His eyes crinkled with small amusement at her sudden lack of vulgarity in her speech for that particular subject. A quiet close-mouthed chuckle vibrating deep in his chest.

"You are unfamiliar with such things." Ramia cast her eyes to the side at being sussed out, her gaze brought back when his hand travelled across her lower back to pull her close. "I would not take what I have not earned."

"That's not for you to decide…"

"It is when you are not doing what's in your best interest." He argued back, calmly. He stared at her for some time. From her forehead and to her nose tracing a thumb over the pronounced bump along the bridge. He smiled, even if it lacked any hint of cheer.

"I have a habit of liking women I can't have."

"You like me." Ramia giggled, her mind so easily distracted as she gently jabbed accusatory fingers at the sentinel.

"You are immature."

"It's alright Abelas, I like me too." Ramia traced a finger over the bandaged wound on his shoulder. "It's a shame you're fighting for the wrong side."

"I could say the same of you."

"So you still think destroying the veil unsafely is the answer?" Abelas rested his head against her shoulder, sighing long and deep.

"Is it not that simple da'lath'in."

"Can't it be? He's waited this long to do it, we've always been open to find a better way."

Abelas sat up sharply, pulling Ramia with him. His hands grasped firmly at her shoulders, he was angry, he wanted scream at her till her naivety was wiped clean. Till her idealism was replaced with cold understanding.

Till she would be just like him.

Her eyes were wide, her clothes dishevelled with her shoulders bared making her look more vulnerable and timid than Abelas liked. She was waiting for it, for him to call her a child and say she could not understand.

It would easier that way. For him.

As mind-boggling as he found it he did enjoy her company, enjoyed her. It unsettled him that the thought of her being burned in the chaos to come unsettled him.

The maddening pace of this world still took him for a loop. He did not want her to die, even if he still could not make sense yet of his feelings, that was absolute. The thought of losing another due to his inaction would be too much for him, and he could see in her eyes that she felt the same.

"Abelas?" There was a hint of a command to her call. His grip loosened on her, pulling the fabric lower and exposing her further to him. She neither shied away nor encouraged him, her steel gaze demanding an answer as his own melancholic ones imprinted every inch of her to memory.

"I do not wish to see you perish."

"Good. What will you do to make sure that doesn't happen then?" Abelas pinched at the bridge of his nose, stewing in his thoughts to her question. Ramia was having none of it, pulling his face back to look at her, fighting off the urge to wipe off the conflict in his eyes.

"You know we are not soulless Abelas, you know you cannot wipe us out like we are nothing and see it as right."

"I know that Ramia!"

"Then make him see reason!"

"Do you even understand what you are asking of me? I cannot convince the Dread Wolf to do anything. You know this well enough."

Ramia's hands fell to her sides. Giving into a deep displeasure before pulling her clothes tightly around herself, the signs of morning in the air as the chill left goose bumps upon her flesh. It was foolish of her to think she could convince him of doing anything in regards to defecting.

"So this is it?"

"He has instructed me to escort both you and your mother back to your fortress once all this is over, after that…I do not know."

"And my sister?"

She was only met with silence. Both reluctantly released themselves from each other, dressing and readying themselves for travel.

Despite how he felt about June as an Evanuris, the legacy of the man he was before remained deep in his sanctuary. Away from prying eyes and ears. The secret stowed away treasures he invented sat and gathered dust around Solas and Moro, it did not surprise him that they still remained even after the construction of the veil.

Masterpieces could always stand the rigors of time.

What Solas loved most about these pieces were there puzzle-like nature. They were not made to dazzle and gloat, not like the 'junk' he so often referred to when speaking of June's later work. These puzzles and wonders were private. Little treasures he made for himself and himself alone to test his imagination and skill.

Solas would admit it felt wrong to gaze upon such machinations. But what he wanted lied at the heart of his sanctuary, that itself did not belong in this temple any longer.

It amused him to see Moro be distracted by a particular bauble. She was never an academic type, opting more for wisdom that only a harsh life could bring. He was reminded of happier times in Skyhold, were he would delve deep into discussions of the fade and memories disguised as revelations through its magical maze. Even when she never understood she would smile and listen.

Instead now she gazed in curiosity laced with caution and apprehension. And it hurt him. That the few years in her company he spent tearing down her walls to let himself in were replaced with higher ones. And there was no one to blame but himself.

The child in her arms brought him even more shame, for himself. He should have been there, he should have been a father to Laisa and Ramia both. Fate had given him what he wanted and he could only feel that he tainted it by his own self-destructive ambitions.

But every fibre in his being screamed for rectification of his past mistakes, restoring his world was the only way to do so.

If he could have his world and his family both? Perhaps?

"You're spacing out again."

Solas jumped again at her intrusion of his thoughts, the corners of his eyes crinkling with mirth when Laisa began to stir. The child blinked to adjust to the low lighting of the room, her lips smacking and curling at their dryness as she slowly awoke from her long slumber.

The child gave a low grumble at the sight of her father, arm stretching out for him. Solas was more than happy to reach out for his daughter and hold her in his arms.

"Welcome back Ma'dharlin. How do you feel?" Laisa whined, wriggling to place herself against his side where his wolf pelt hung. Solas tutted softly, more to himself for assuming she would be comfortable against his armour.

"She looks like you. A lot."

"I suppose I should apologise for that." Solas jested. His eyes never leaving Laisa as she nuzzled against his pelt, her own eyes intently watching the exchange between her parents. "She has been quite a handful to speak with, much more reflective of her mother I would say, no?"

Moro chuckled at that, he had missed her laughter.

"Where are we?" Laisa asked her voice quiet and meek. Solas brushed away stray curls of hair to kiss her atop her head.

"You're safe, don't worry." Moro soothed, giving her foot a teasing but gentle squeeze. Laisa giggled as her mother continued to tease and tickle her foot, soon forgetting the unease of their surroundings. Solas watched the exchange with dampened fondness.

Moro caught his stare and mirrored his own expression.

"You and babae stopped fighting?" Laisa asked, her eyes hopeful as she looked between the two elves.

"Yes Laisa, your father also agreed that you can stay with me." Laisa shot up, looking to her father for confirmation. Solas gave a small nod, an ache in his chest that he'd be separated again from his daughter. Laisa gave his cheek a kiss, snuggling closer against him. Solas pulled her closer, lips pressed gently to the top her head as he fought back tears.

"I'm not doing this to hurt you Solas." Moro confessed in hushed tones, her hand holding gently against his arm. Solas' eyes remained shut.

"I know. I cannot rip a child from its mother…even if they are my own." With renewed vigour he continued their course, until they came upon a large set of doors, decorated in the same style of those mosaics they had found at the Temple of Mythal. This one was in June's image, anvil at the base in reflective golden plating.

When Solas placed a hand against it the anvil was shown to be a giant rune that kept the door held shut. He furrowed his brow, channelling more mana into the door.

"It's locked." Laisa remarked.

"So it is da'len."

"You should try unlocking it."

Solas tried his best to ignore Moro snide snort behind him, breathing deeply and trying a different frequency with his magic.

"I think Laisa might be on to something Solas."

"Of course…"

"Finally!"

Abelas and Ramia stood at the entrance to the temple once again, the barrier from before was still up but Abelas was pulling Ramia by the hand. They would take the entrance Solas had taken into the temple, hopefully with luck they would have left a trail.

The result of Solas and Moro's explorations within the temple were scattered from one chamber to another, broken automations scattered the ground around them. The further through the temple they went the stronger the vibrational presence of magic became. Ramia faltered for a moment, the unfamiliar magic making her nervous.

Abelas turned when he realised her footsteps along the stone stopped.

"Are you alright?"

Ramia nodded. Her eyes cast off to the side, making her seem unconvincing in her answer. This prompted Abelas to walk to her side tugging a small chunk of her hair, not hard enough to hurt but enough to get a rise out of her to stare up at him with a questioning glare. His own smile, smug but reassuring as he placed a hand against her shoulder.

"We are under no threat, it will be a simple task to meet up with them. There is nothing to fear."

"What will happen once we arrive? Be honest with me Abelas."

His amusement left him, his mouth straightened into a firm line. His composure much more serious and focused.

"Considering the circumstances it will be up to me to escort you and your mother both back to Skyhold. The Dread Wolf discussed his indecision with me about his child's fate in all this. No doubt due to time spent with the Inquisitor I'm sure."

Ramia's eyes widened a fraction, hopeful but reluctant to voice it.

"He is? Really?" Ramia felt incredible relief, if Solas could show compassion in this she felt like Solas may not actually be a completely hopeless cause. Ramia knew it pained her mother to have to fight him, after everything they had been through. Perhaps it would have been easier if they had not borne a child together, it had certainly made things harder.

Granted, Ramia would not trade Laisa for anything, not even the artefact they all sought within this temple.

"This artefact must be very important if he's willing to leave Laisa behind."

"You do not even know what is in this temple?"

Ramia shrugged, ignoring Abelas' disapproval at her ignorance.

"You both sent dozens of agents making for Arlathan forest." Ramia explained as they continued to traverse the long hallway. "Of course my mother looked into it and had one of them brought to Skyhold. He didn't say much which just made her more suspicious." They both began to descend a flight of stairs, grateful for the already lit braziers. "Whatever it is, she's determined not to let Solas get his hands on it."

"The Inquisitor's thought processes are smart…yet dim…"

Ramia came to a complete stop. Turning sharply and stared Abelas down. Which was awkward considering he had a considerable amount of height over her.

"You calling my mother stupid?"

"Smart people do stupid things sometimes, as well you know. The Dread Wolf is an apt example, considering his…choice in time and place to bond with a woman."

Ramia barked laughter at that.

"Point taken!" She scooted closer till she was an inch away from making contact, neck straining to look at his face. Her face the epitome of arrogance. "But someone seems to forget what they got up to last night."

Abelas rolled his eyes, spinning Ramia around and pushing her forward to continue their trek down the steep staircase.

"A moment of weakness."

"Uh huh."

"That will not be repeated."

"I know. Enemies remember? I know…" Abelas did not miss the forlorn tone to her speech. Halting her steps himself to pull her back flush against him.

"Listen to me." Ramia held in a breath at the low timbre in his voice, looking straight ahead of her. "You remember what I said yes?" She let out a shaky exhale, clutching the armoured hands at her waist. "Encouraging fleeting feelings is pointless. Whatever this could be…whatever we want it to be cannot happen."

"I understand Abelas…"

"Do not think me uncaring."

"It's fine Abelas!" Ramia twisted round to face him, her mouth curved upwards in some sad attempt at a smile. "You would though right? If things were different?"

Abelas pondered her question. Ramia was fiery, not the usual sort that grasped his attention for long. But the calmness that laid beneath the bravado he saw in her dreams made him believe he would have enjoyed her company, if given more time.

And she was attractive, wild hair and soft figured. He had not been so intimate with a woman as he had last night in a long time and it was good, better than he expected it to be. It amused him that such a loud character like her would be so quiet in contrast during such activities. Ramia constantly surprised him, and he would be lying if saying their terminating time together brought him some sorrow.

"Yes. I would."

Ramia's smile became more genuine, bumping her hip against his thigh beside her playfully.

"Good to know."

The mammoth of a door lit up from bottom to top in particular patterns before slowly scrapping open against its old and rusted hinges. Moro walked on ahead of Solas, knowing that they had found their final destination.

The room was austere in its limited items of interest. But what did sit inside the room caused Moro to stare wide eyed and brought to life her worst fear of what the mysterious artefact would come to be.

Three large eluvians stood together at the far end of the chamber, dull and inactive. However the eluvians were not what had shocked Moro. In the centre of the room was a pedestal, hovering above it was a golden orb, puzzle piece-like lines etched across it.

"Another foci…" Moro whispered, instinctually taking a step back, her hand coming to clutch the stump of her left arm. She turned to Solas who looked beyond her with a calculated gaze, which ignited slow fury inside her. "That is another orb, isn't it Solas? June's orb."

"Yes."

Unlike Solas', the magic emitting from this foci danced across like steam making it appear hot to the touch compared to the barely contained chaos of electricity she had seen all those years ago in the one that bore her the anchor. The thought of touching it made her feel unwell, memories of the never-ending aches and pain bestowed upon her for so many years, and the eventual decay of her arm spinning through her mind. Moro knew she couldn't let Solas leave with this orb, he was powerful enough as it is.

If he got his hands on June's orb how much more power would he have? If June's orb was here could there be others? Did he already have another?

"That's why it's taken you so long to bring down the veil…" Solas gave a heavy sigh, setting Laisa down but keeping a hold of her before she could wander off. "You're trying to find all the foci's aren't you? There's more of them."

Solas held his hands clasped behind his back, when he saw that tell-tale aggression in both her tone and stubborn glare. Walking past her and approaching the foci. He ghosted a hand through the transparent light that kept the orb levitating in the air.

"Don't you fucking dare Solas."

To Moro's surprise Solas did retract his hand, slowly. Instead of addressing her however he turned to the three eluvians, elvhen ushered in silent whispers under his breath and his eyes glowing blue. In a burst of magic all three doors lit up.

Solas approached the eluvian to the far right, his reflection barely visible but there along its surface. Moro exhaled heavily through her nose, bending on one knee and bringing Laisa in front of her.

"Don't move, alright?" Laisa's attention was on the door they had entered, a large smile upon her face.

"Ramia's coming!" Moro grinned, a slight feeling of relief filling her before she became serious again.

"I mean it Laisa, please…don't move from this spot. Do you understand?"

Laisa nodded, bobbing up and down and continuing to stare ahead back from where they came. Moro walked over to Solas' side, her expression angry once more while his own was melancholic. Moro squeezed herself between Solas and the eluvian.

"You are not taking that foci Solas."

"You will do everything you can to stop me. I know." Solas cradled her face with his hands. "You will always fight to protect what matters to you. I always admired that. You will try to stop me no matter how much it hurts you."

Moro ignored the way his thumb stroked across her cheek, the love so plain and laid bare across his face. Her hand squeezed against his wrist, fighting back the urge to press her face against the palm of his hand.

"I hate fighting you. I hate what I've had to do to make sure you don't fuck everything up."

"Yes. We have both lost many these last few years have we not?" Solas pushed stray loose waves of hair behind her ear. "I admit you are a formidable foe, you have made my job very difficult. Yet I can't hold back the need to keep you safe, to find a way for you to live."

"You can't save me Solas."

Solas' fingers lingered by her ear, forefinger rubbing and tracing across the shell of her pointed ear. A smile ghosting his fingers at the slight blush it brought to her cheeks.

"Solas…don't…" Before she could speak more he silence her with a hungry kiss, encircling her with his arms and pulling her hard against him. The surprise of the kiss made Moro stumble backwards, Solas however was unrelenting, devouring her like a man starved as he followed her steps through the eluvian.

When Solas finally released her they found themselves in the crossroads once more, a giant crystal-entwined palace standing tall and grand behind them.

"Where are we?" Moro asked breathless, turning to find Solas already heading backwards towards the eluvian they had entered from.

"I am sorry vhenan…"

Moro pushed forward back to the eluvian, but Solas had passed its surface. A barrier of magic refused her entry, leaving her trapped on the other side. Realisation dawn on her and she screamed and cursed, arms banging against the mirror's surface.

Solas stood inside the temple's chamber once more, guilt heavy on his shoulders as he laid a hand upon the eluvian.

"I cannot have you meddling any longer. And if I can save you…"

"Mamae!"

Solas turned and bent down to Laisa's level, taking the small child's hands in his.

"Your mother is on the other side of this mirror da'vhenan. Go to her. I will come back for you both I promise." He pressed a kiss against her fingers, hushing her questions and urging her through the eluvian to join her mother.

"I hope you can forgive me…I will keep you safe for as long as I can." He whispered against the eluvian's surface before taking measured steps back towards the floating foci taking it in hand and sealing it before any damage could be done.

"Solas!"

His head turned swiftly towards the sound of his name, Ramia and Abelas stood by the chamber entrance.

"Ramia, Abelas. I am glad you both live. This has been a troubling journey."

"Where are they?" Ramia asked, the chamber they entered empty and void save for Solas who stood centre stage, his face glum and reeking of shame.

"They are safe."

"That's not what I asked! Where are they Solas?!" Ramia screamed, storming up to Solas. "What did you do?!"

"I did what needed to be done." He bellowed, harsh and controlled. "You and your mother both are involving yourself in dangers beyond your control." He held the foci close, scrutinising it. "You seek out tools to use against me with no comprehension of how to use them. You will only do more damage to yourselves than anything else." He levelled Ramia with a hard glare, immediately softening at the fear slowly etching across the young girl's face.

"Your mother and sister lay beyond." He gestured towards the eluvian he trapped Moro away in. A hand coming up to cup against her cheek. "I would keep you safe as well ma'da'len."

Ramia was inwardly shocked at what Solas was offering. She did not know what laid beyond that eluvian but whatever he had done, wherever he had left her mother and sister she knew there was no way out. He would keep them trapped and caged to see his world and plan come to fruition.

Her mother would not want that.

Ramia stood straight with her head held high as she brushed his hand aside, ignoring the fear that bubbled inside her as she stared the Dread Wolf down. Hands clasp tightly in front of her.

"I believe I initially was to be escorted back to Skyhold once you got what you came for."

Solas was dejected by her answer, his arm falling limply at his side as he signalled for Abelas to step forward. Abelas had remained quiet during the entire exchange and continued to do so, taking small steps towards the eluvian to the left side of the room and waiting for Ramia to join him.

"This isn't over." Ramia warned before stepping past the door and out of sight. Abelas clutched at the frame of the eluvian.

"This was not part of the plan…"

"I am aware, but nothing since coming to this temple-…no." Solas chuckled to himself. "Nothing I have done has ever gone to plan."

"She will fight you still, even without her mother. She will still try to stop you."

"I know. She's a stubborn girl. You should know that well enough."

Abelas stared shocked as Solas destroyed the other eluvian, its shattered pieces falling around him. Where ever he sent the Inquisitor and his daughter, he did not want them found. It did not sit well with Abelas but he held his tongue and went through to follow Ramia. Leaving Solas with the foci. Their task successful. Although the sentinel could not ignore the bitter taste in his mouth at their so called 'victory'.

The journey back to Skyhold was done in silence.

Neither would speak, even when they had reached their destination. Ramia ignored the questioning glances from the many servants who wondered why she was alone. Accompanied only by the tall elvhen. She ascended the staircase that led to her mother's room. Abelas came and stood behind her, keeping a safe distance. The rage being held at bay oozing from the young woman in waves.

Ramia spun in a fury pulling Abelas down, palm colliding harshly with the side of his face.

His cheek pinked quickly and stung, but he took it.

Took her screams.

Took her thrashing.

The slaps and punches hurdled at his chest, anywhere she could reach.

Took her insults and threats.

He grabbed hold of her wrists when tears started falling down hot against her cheeks.

"Enough Ramia….Enough…"

"Dogs! All of you…fucking dogs…" She sobbed, resisting his tight grip at first before falling to her knees. Ramia was scared, and angry and sick. Angry at Abelas, angry at herself for feeling deceived when he had no reason to be forthright in the first place.

She had failed.

She was supposed to protect Laisa and help in retrieving the temple's artefact and she failed. Empty handed and clueless on what to do, weeping at her enemy's feet.

"I had not known what he intended Ramia. I am sorry. I do not know where he has sent them."

Ramia swallowed back the rest of tears, hardening and levelling Abelas with cold and demanding eyes. She rose to her feet, the air around her crackled with magic.

"Find them."

"Ramia…"

"I don't care. Whether you knew or not, I couldn't give a fuck." Teeth bared and hands sparking with electrical currents of her fury. "Run back to the Dread Wolf's side and continue your task. But you will find my mother and sister."

There was no hint of her words being asked, it was a demand. She walked to her mother's desk. Notes, maps and plans scattered across it.

"I don't want to see you ever again Abelas. Not unless you have found them. If any part of you had the potential to care about me you will grant me this one favour."

If there was one thing Ramia could appreciate about Abelas it was his reluctance to make excuses. He did not waste words and twist what had happened to seem the righteous one. He straightened up onto his feet, grim faced and silent as he descended the bedroom staircase.

The long heavy silence feel over the room. She knew Abelas looked at her from afar, and that he felt some genuine remorse for what had transpired.

"Dareth shiral da'lath'in, Sule tael tasala l ea'eth."

When she was sure he was gone Ramia let out air she had be holding back. Burying her face into her hands and wiping her eyes dry.

She pulled out a particularly large map on the large wooden desk, the entirety of Thedas upon it. Several areas were marked heavily, like they were of great importance, unsent letters accompanying the map.

One of them addressed to a 'Magister Pavus'.

The sound of hurried footsteps banged against the floor. Lailani stood at the top of the steps, her face filled with dread and worry.

"Ramia! Thank the creators…" Lailani rushed to Ramia's side and pulled her close. "Where is your mother? And Laisa?"

"Solas has them. For now…"

"But Ramia…"

"Who is Magister Pavus?"

"Pavus? You don't remember? Dorian Pavus, he fought alongside your mother against Corypheus."

The name was becoming more familiar as she pieced a face together. If he was a magister, did her mother plan to ally with Tevinter?

"There's a lot I need to do…I'll need help. Either way, Solas thinks with my mother out of the way victory is his."

Ramia pulled out the letter, inspecting it and pulling ink, paper and a quill to draft a latter of her own.

"His first failure was letting me leave the temple alive. Tell my mother's advisors what has happened. And that a replacement has been made."