Everyone was bustling around in the aftermath of the masquerade. Otwin had departed, and was apparently escorting Yvette Montilyet to ensure she returned safely to Antiva. It had been good, having her brother near, even just for a short while. Ruya missed him terribly already. She moved aside, getting out of everyone's way. Then she went looking for company.

"She trusts the last piece of herself to an old enemy, for she knows an old friend will come."

Ruya blinked at Cole. She never quite knew what to make of some of the things he said. "How would you like to get out of here, maybe do something fun?"

He blinked. "I don't know. I've never tried."

"Come on." She offered him her hand, and he took it, and she led him out into Val Royeaux.

They walked through the market before eventually finding themselves at an outdoor dining area. A man at a podium saw her, and his eyes lit up. "Inquisitor. You honor us with your presence." He ushered her inside. "May I bring a sampling of fine cheeses for you and your guest?"

She glanced at Cole. He blinked. "I don't eat."

The man was not the slightest bit dissuaded. "Well, then, just a bottle of a fine Ghislain white to start." He herded them towards a table, and pulled a chair out for her before moving to the other side of the table to do the same for Cole. "Please enjoy your meal this evening, Your Worship."

"He saw me." Cole tilted his head as the man walked away. "They all see me."

"I'm glad you've allowed them to."

Confusion was evident on his features. "I don't know if I did." He gestured. "I find people when their pain leaves them open. I ease the pain. I leave. They forget. That was enough for me. Now they remember, and I'm not sure..." He stopped for a moment. "Ah." He gave a small laugh.

"Cole?"

"I told you about Rhys, the mage who could see me. My friend. My only friend, for a long time. Evangeline showed me that templars could be kind, but even she..." He sighed.

She laid her hand atop his, and he gripped her fingers lightly. "Cole, if this is troubling, we don't have to talk about it."

"Gentle. You watch me walk into darkness over and over, and you always worry." He looked up at her, meeting her eyes. "Thank you." He leaned back in the chair. "But this isn't about them. It's about..." He put both his hands on the table. "When I found out I wasn't human, when I grew, I lost Rhys. I lost my only friend. That's why I was scared about letting all these people see me. That's why I laughed."

"You're laughing at yourself?" She leaned in towards him slightly.

"Yes." He gestured. "This world taught me that changing means losing your friends. But now I know that doesn't have to be true. I have enough self to know that what I felt was foolish." Laughter tinged his words. "Isn't it wonderful?"

It was. Like watching a baby brother take his first steps out into the world outside. "It's another good step, Cole."

He leaned forward. "I might like being human. What do you think I'll learn next?"

#

She didn't even try for riding in the carriage this time. Once again she pulled Solas up behind her. Cullen was still back in Val Royeaux, organizing the Orlesian troops that would be joining their forces at Skyhold.

"There are spirits hovering by the Veil to observe the thrones of powerful nations. The machinations, betrayals..." Solas spoke quietly as he rode behind her. "After our time in Halamshiral, I understand why. I had forgotten how I missed court intrigue."

Ruya laughed. "I'm pleased you had a good time."

"Political gambits, broken promises, half-truths? It is a palace full of motivation. And motivation is where great things happen." She felt him shrug. "In any event, Celene should now be a steadfast ally, and Briala as well, thanks to your efforts on her behalf."

That had been the idea. It had cost a man his life. She only hoped it was worth it. "I hope Briala is able to use her position to help your people."

"How would helping Briala help..." He sounded confused. Then he shook his head. "Oh, you mean elves. I'm sorry, I was confused. I do not consider myself to have much in common with the elves."

He certainly didn't have much in common with the only other two elves she knew well. Of course, they didn't have much in common with each other either. Considering all elves to be one people was a silly as considering all mages to be one people. "Nor should you. You're not defined by the shape of your ears. They're not your people."

There was a trace of sadness in his voice. "No, they are not. I joined the Inquisition to save the world. Regardless of who 'my people' are, this was the best way to help them." He shrugged. "As for the elves of Orlais, I believe Briala is doing quite well on their behalf. She is an admirable woman."

She still wasn't entirely sure what to make of Briala, but she was the best hope the elves of Orlais had. "She's done good work. Hopefully, with our help, she can help them even more."

"Yes. However much I identify - or fail to identify - with her people, Briala's efforts have been remarkable. She organized resistance against a powerful enemy, using only her wits and the resources at hand. That demands respect, especially in a world where most would look at her..." He pinched the top of Ruya's ear lightly, and she laughed. "... and only see a pair of pointed ears."

#

Coming around the mountain and seeing Skyhold lifted her spirits. Home. They were home.

#

Cassandra was in the war room, going over the map. Ruya walked around to the other side of the table. "Planning troop movements now?"

"I'm trying to imagine what it will look like when we're done." She touched one of the flags on the area depicting the Dales. "All of this once belonged to the Tevinter Imperium. Andraste changed that, as did the Blights." Cassandra straightened. "As for what will come next..." She shrugged. "I cannot guess the Maker's plan."

Ruya smiled. "We make the world a better place."

"Because everyone agrees on what 'better' means." Cassandra fiddled with another of the markers. "I know I want a world where people trust the Chantry and that trust is respected. I want to respect tradition but not fear change. I want to right past wrongs but not avenge them." She sighed. "And I have no idea if my wanting these things makes any of them right."

"Even if they're not right, they're certainly admirable." Add in people should have the freedom to live their own lives, and a healthy dose of magic shouldn't be treated as evil, and her own goals were very similar.

"Some would disagree. They would call it heresy."

"That didn't sound like the ravings of a heretic, Cassandra."

"Perhaps not, but it takes precious little effort to paint even an act of compassion as damaging." Cassandra strode to one of the windows, and looked out. "Tell me, what guides you? You make decisions that shake the world, yet always seem so assured. I wish I had your confidence."

Cassandra thought she was confident? That she was assured? Huh. "You almost sound like you admire me."

"I absolutely do." Cassandra turned back to give her a level look. "I may not always agree with your decisions, but how many could do what you have done? You were a prisoner, accused and reviled, yet you've emerged from every trial victorious. The Maker's grace does not make you immortal. You live or die by your own hand. That is worthy of admiration."

If she ever crossed Hawke's path again, she'd have to ask him if this is what it was like. Everyone just assuming you were a hero when you were just trying to do what needed to be done. "I'm guided by what my conscience tells me."

"Your conscience must speak more clearly than mine."

And yet often, her conscience spoke with Cassandra's voice. "I doubt it, but I do my best."

A smile came to Cassandra's face. "Think of it: like Andraste long ago, once again the fate of Thedas will be determined by a woman. It makes me proud to know you."

"I hope we can call each other friends."

"I hope so, too." Cassandra nodded. "We still have a long road to travel, Inquisitor. Wherever it takes us, I'm glad you're here."

#

Ruya greeted Morrigan when the woman arrived, and showed her to a room. After offering to give her a personal tour once she'd settled in, Ruya left the woman to her business. She was on her way to the great hall when she saw Josephine arguing with a Chantry mother.

"The matter is urgent, Lady Josephine."

Josephine had her stubborn face on. Polite, warm, even friendly. And absolutely not budging an inch. "I am well aware of that, Revered Mother."

"We will need them to return to Val Royeaux as soon as possible. There are ceremonies - ordinations. Maker's mercy." The revered mother was all but throwing up her hands.

"That's quite impossible at the moment. However, I will see to this matter as soon as possible."

The revered mother glared, then caught sight of Ruya. Her face became hopeful as she called out. "My lady Inquisitor." She gestured emphatically. "Please, may I have a word with you?"

Ruya strode over to back up her ambassador. "How may I assist you, Revered Mother?"

"With the political turmoil put to rest, our minds turn to a single question: the next Divine." She gestured dismissively at Josephine. "We cannot answer it without the Left and Right hands of Divine Justinia V."

There was a hint of impatience in Josephine's voice. "I have already told you, Revered Mother: Lady Leliana and Seeker Cassandra cannot be spared from their duties."

"But surely with the support of the empire, the Inquisition will not be harmed by the loss of just two souls?"

Leliana and Cassandra weren't exactly filling unimportant roles in the Inquisition. Leliana was their spymaster, and frankly, Cassandra was the closest thing the Inquisition had right now to a second in command. "Why do you need Leliana and Cassandra?"

"They were her Holiness's most trusted advisers. They represent her legacy, her hopes for peace in Thedas. They would rally the grand clerics to follow as no candidate from the clergy has been able to."

Wait a moment. Was she saying... Were Cassandra and Leliana actually candidates? "Are the grand clerics truly unable to elect a Divine?"

"Everyone with the political support to succeed Justinia perished alongside her. Those who remain are unable to gather the majority of votes from the Conclave of grand clerics. They have been deadlocked for too long. Lady Leliana and Seeker Cassandra were Justinia's most trusted friends and advisers. Our late Divine is still held in high esteem. To honor her, the grand clerics might support one of them as successor."

The idea should be ludicrous, and yet... "Leliana and Cassandra would have to make that decision for themselves."

Josephine nodded. "And they certainly will. At a later date." She gestured at Ruya. "The Inquisitor has only just returned and has important business to attend to. You must excuse us, Revered Mother." She waited for the revered mother to start walking away before glancing back at Ruya. "Don't let them detract from your victory at Halamshiral. We've beaten his Wardens and stopped his intrigues. Soon, Corypheus will have no place to hide. Cullen is hoping to press our advantage. We'll plan our next attack when you're ready."

They walked up the stairs into the great hall. Ruya glanced at Josephine out of the corner of her eye, and then took a deep breath. "So, Yvette."

"And Otwin." Josephine sighed, and then nodded. "I think I had best write my parents. And possibly yours." She laughed softly. "They were adorable, weren't they?"

"First time I've ever seen Otwin tongue-tied."

#

"It's time to plan our next attack." She looked at her advisers. "What's the state of the Inquisition?"

"Our alliance with Orlais holds. For the present. They'll send aid on request."

Cullen smiled. "And your actions at Adamant denied Corypheus his army of pet demons. With Orlais' support, our numbers match his. Corypheus's followers must be panicking."

"My agents agree." Leliana clasped her hands behind her back. "Our victories have shaken his disciples."

"Perhaps they'll rethink following the darkspawn magister from the dawn of time." Something would have to be done regarding the deserters. "Where is Corypheus now?"

"After you dealt with the duchess, Corypheus uprooted the two strongholds we knew. We don't know where he is at the moment. His army clearly wasn't prepared to flee. Our victories have them on the defensive."

"They've terrorized Thedas long enough. We need to end them." She folded her arms. "Corypheus is looking for something."

"The question is what." Brehan stared down at the war table.

"His people have been ransacking elven ruins since Haven. We believe he seeks more." Josephine tapped her pen against her writing board.

"What he hopes to find, however..." Leliana sighed. "Continues to elude us."

"Which should surprise no one." Ruya turned at the sound of Morrigan's voice. She'd abandoned the Orlesian finery for something that was, quite frankly, going to set all the Chantry sisters still in Skyhold on their ears. "Fortunately, I can assist."

"You have my attention, Lady Morrigan." Ruya stepped to the side and gestured for Morrigan to join them at the table. She didn't miss the looks on the faces of Brehan and Leliana.

"What Corypheus seeks in those forgotten ruins is as ancient as it is dangerous."

"Which is?"

"'Tis best..." Morrigan gestured at Ruya to accompany her. "If I show you."

#

"This is an eluvian." Morrigan touched the side of the strange mirror. "An elven artifact, from a time long before their empire was lost to human greed. I restored this one at great cost, but there are others. Briala has found their lesser cousins. One like mine, however, is what Corypheus seeks."

"It's..." Ruya stared. The mirror stood almost twelve feet high, and was wide enough for two horses to pass. The carvings along the sides were intricate, and trying to follow their lines almost made her dizzy. "Beautiful, in its way."

"I found legends of another, untouched, somewhere within an elven ruin in southern Orlais. I could not locate it, and thus I turned elsewhere to find my prize. If Corypheus has turned southward, he could succeed where I failed. The eluvian would be his."

"What does it do?"

Morrigan gestured, and Ruya felt a rush of power from the woman. The eluvian began to glow, faintly, and ripples crossed its surface as though it were a vertical pool of water. "A more appropriate question would be 'where does it lead?'" Morrigan stepped through the mirror.

Ruya steeled herself, and then followed. She found herself in another realm, one curiously gray. There was a light mist that grayed it further, and she could make out more eluvians, most broken. Trees which seemed to be forged from metal decorated the strange landscape. Morrigan's voice echoed strangely in the stillness of the air. "If this place once had a name, it has long been lost. I call it the Crossroads, a place where all eluvians join..." She gestured at the other mirrors. "Wherever they might be."

"This place is extraordinary. How could this even exist?"

"Who can say? Formed from the fabric of time and space, perhaps." Morrigan stepped further in, and spread her hands. "The ancient elves left no roads, only ruins hidden in far-flung corners. This is how they traveled between them. As you can see, most of the mirrors are dark: broken, corrupted, or unusable. As for the rest..." She shrugged. "A few can be opened from this side. But only a few."

The notes Brehan had recovered from Briala said nothing of this place. Wherever they were now, the elven woman had not discovered it. It was somewhat daunting to realize that the woman standing in front of her may know more than a demon had about these strange mirrors. "How did you find out about this place?"

"My travels have led me to many strange destinations, Inquisitor. Once they led me here. It offered sanctuary."

"Sanctuary?" Brehan and Leliana had known this woman. She needed to ask them many more questions.

"Not all the mirrors lead back to our world. The ancients were nothing if not..." Morrigan shrugged again. "Resourceful."

There were strange ruins in the distance. Almost like a crumbling castle. Had people lived here once? The place had the feel of a graveyard. "If they don't lead back to our world, then...?"

"Places between, like this one. I can describe it no better." Morrigan touched one of the broken mirrors. "For a time, I was safe from those who hunted me. But only for a time. One cannot remain in between forever."

"Corypheus wants to come..." Ruya turned a slow circle, looking around her. "Here?"

"This..." Morrigan gestured. "Is not the Fade, but it is very close. Someone with enough power could tear down the ancient barriers..."

"And enter the Fade in the flesh. Like Corypheus wanted to do with the Anchor."

"He has learned eluvians such as mine exist. He marshals the last of his forces to find one." Morrigan began walking back to the glowing eluvian. "You have made Corypheus desperate, Inquisitor. We must work together to stop him, and soon."

#

A boy was standing in the garden. His deep green eyes met hers as she walked by, and she found herself stopping. She'd never seen the child before, but there was definitely something odd about him. "You're the Inquisitor." He tilted his head at her. "Mother never told me the Inquisitor was a mage."

"That's not such a terrible thing, is it?" She smiled at him.

"No. It would be worse if you couldn't touch magic at all. Like being blind."

"Kieran." Morrigan's voice came from behind her. "Are you bothering the Inquisitor?"

"Of course not." The boy waved a hand at her. "Did you see what's on her hand, Mother?"

"I did see. 'Tis time to return to your studies, little man."

The boy gave a dejected sigh, and walked away. Morrigan watched him go, smiling fondly. "My son. Never where you expect him to be, naturally."

"I didn't know you had a son." There had also been no mention of a husband, come to think of it.

"Why would you? I take great pains not to let my own reputation affect him in any way. To most in the Imperial Court, he is simply a quiet and well-spoken lad. Perhaps the heir of some distant family. But he goes where I go. Worry not, Inquisitor - Kieran is a curious boy, but seldom troublesome."

"Will his father be joining us as well?"

"'Twould be..." Morrigan looked down at her hands and fiddled with a glove. "Most unlikely. 'Tis but the two of us, Inquisitor. Your fortress is a large place, and you will scarce notice our presence."

There were other children running around, both the camps and the fort. Undoubtedly Kieran would be able to find some friends. "He seems like a fine young man."

"But not the sort one might expect a woman like me to raise?" Morrigan's voice became quiet. "No son of mine would be raised in a marsh, bereft of contact with the outside world. His future will be difficult enough without my adding to his burden." She looked up at the structure that had become the Inquisition's own mage tower. "To think, until recently this place stood decrepit, occupied only by the desperate and the lost. Now it is party to events that threaten to shake the world. I wonder if it is pleased?"

The fanciful part of herself certainly hoped it was. "I like this place. I've made it mine." It had come to life just as the Inquisition itself had.

"The magic in this place has seeped into the stones, protecting it from darkness. Those who let it fall to ruin did not know what they possessed. You, I think, shall do it justice." Morrigan smiled at her. "You were kind to welcome my aid, Inquisitor, even knowing as little of me as you do. I will do my best to aid your cause with all the knowledge at my disposal. This I swear to you."

"I appreciate whatever help you can give us."

"Some might think Corypheus a madman for seeking godhood. Yet one must ask: what were the Old Gods? What secrets of theirs did the ancient magisters know? What I fear - what all should fear - is not that Corypheus believes he can succeed: 'tis that he actually may."

#

Brehan and Leliana had told her of Morrigan. Flemeth's daughter. Unfortunately, they weren't entirely sure what to make of her either. Both agreed she was capable of anything. And both agreed that whatever her true motives were, she had fought at their side during the blight, and fought well. For now, at least, she would take the woman at face value, and trust that her spymasters would keep an eye on her.

Ruya headed into the tavern. Iron Bull was off sparing with his Chargers, and she walked upstairs to check on Sera.

Sera was apparently practicing her archery. On the door. "One for the empress. For Gaspard. Briala. The duchess." An arrowhead actually pierced the wood. "And Coryphefuss, right in the dangle-bag."

"Well, remind me to stay on your good side." Ruya waited for the other woman to open the door rather than risk an arrow to the face.

"Don't worry, you're sparkling compared to that lot." Sera threw herself onto her bench. "A cook here, a footman there. What's it matter, right, so long as there's a butt for the throne?" She tucked a leg under her. "A pretty one, sure. But how many lives are worth one empress's arse. Ugh, that place. Should have just thrown in some bees and slammed the doors."

Four of her soldiers had died saving the empress. They'd made reparations to the families, but it never seemed like enough. Dying in battle was one thing. Dying for politics was just... Killing the duchess hadn't made it better. She poked Sera's knee. "I don't know. You want to stop a party, I think you go earwigs."

Sera's laughter was infectious. "Eww, I hate those things, with their little pinchy butts. Josephine should add that to her paper threats." She poked Ruya back. "You know the real lesson from all this? Never sleep with an empress. That and Briala being an idiot. The whole thing would've gone different if that little piss-up wasn't in the middle."

She still wasn't entirely sure she'd made the right decision there. Gaspard's killing of the emissary had been the deciding factor, but the man had seemed genuinely surprised at learning of the death. "That was a mistake on their part. It made everything worse." They could have managed a peaceful solution, if any of them had bothered to actually try.

"Wrong way around, Inquisitor. It started worse. Lots of people died before there was a hole in the sky. That's who you're saving. If you get a chance, maybe remind them not to be idiots."

"Isn't that what I keep you around for?"

Sera cackled.

#

"You seemed remarkably comfortable at the Winter Palace, Bull." His pants had to be around here somewhere. Dorian walked over and looked to see if they'd fallen behind the chair.

"I do my best." Iron Bull lay back on the bed, arms folded behind his head.

"You didn't knock over a single priceless statue, or fart even once near the dessert table." There were Bull's pants. The idea of walking through the tavern wearing those was somewhat less appealing than the idea of just dashing through and hoping no one noticed the lack of pants under his robes.

Iron Bull smirked. "That you know of."

They had to be here somewhere. It wasn't that large a room. He tried to recall where the other man had thrown them, but he'd been a bit distracted at the time. "I'm surprised you never spent time in the Tevinter courts. They would adore you."

"I did. After awhile, the saddle just got too heavy."

Now that was a mental image. Dorian frowned, and turned to scan the room again. Iron Bull shifted slightly on the bed, and he caught the slightest glimpse of blue beneath the big qunari. His eyes widened, and Iron Bull started to grin. "Hand me back my pants, you lummox."

The grin turned just a little bit evil. "What's in it for me?"

#

Her motives were her own, that much was certain. Brehan watched Morrigan walk through the garden. They couldn't trust her, but it was safe to say that Corypheus was as much a threat to the woman and her plans as he was to the rest of the world. She'd fought at their side, and fought well, during the Blight. He didn't doubt she'd do the same here. He started to turn away, then saw run her hand across the shoulder of a young boy affectionately before sending the child on his way. The child glanced up at Brehan as he walked back through the garden. Brehan felt his heart skip a beat. Green eyes, too old for such a young face. He knew those eyes. Maker, he knew those eyes.

He was through the door of the room Morrigan had taken over before he even realized he was moving. "Did he know?"

Morrigan turned towards him. "Excuse me?"

"Did Jerath know?" Brehan started to take a step towards her, and stopped himself. "Did Jerath know he had a son?" A horrified thought entered his mind. "So help me, Morrigan, did you have anything to do with his..." He clenched his fists. "With..."

"I did not harm Jerath." Morrigan's voice was soft. "I never would." She sighed. "Yes. Jerath knew he had a child."

"Did he..." Brehan took several breaths. "Did they ever meet?"

"They did not."

Fury filled him. "Maker, Morrigan. Don't you think he deserved that much? Don't you think the boy deserved that much?"

She turned away from him. "Do you know where he is? I went to Ferelden, but..."

"You've tried to find him?" It was stupid to realize he'd still had hope, after all this time. Morrigan had said once she could find Jerath anywhere. If she hadn't... He closed his eyes, and tried to force away the renewed grief.

He was surprised to feel her hand on his shoulder. "Yes."

"So have I." Too many coming and going at the tower. By the time he'd arrived, there had been no trail to find. He opened his eyes, and met hers. "What's his name?"

"His name is Kieran." Her voice was gentle.

He swallowed. "Kieran? Nice name." He started to turn. "If he... if you..."

"I know."

#

"Jerath's son." Leliana paced. "The boy is Jerath's son. How..." She kicked a chair. "She was carrying his child and she just left him?"

"She says he knew."

"And you believe her?"

"I don't know." Brehan leaned on the wall. He sighed, then looked up at Leliana. He was surprised to see tears on her cheeks. "Leliana."

"I'm sorry, it's..." He wrapped his arms around her, and she buried her face in his shoulder. "One of Saitada's reasons for giving him the rank was to keep him from following Morrigan. We..." She shook her head. "We all walked away and left him to clean up the mess, and all the time he had a child."

"We couldn't have done what he..." No. No excuses. He certainly couldn't have filled Jerath's role, but he damn well could have at least been there for the man. "You're right."

"The others should know."

"We should keep it quiet beyond that. The son of a witch of the wilds and the man who killed an archdemon and lived?"

Leliana nodded fiercely. "We'll keep him safe."

#

Solas sent a small boulder into the target. Ruya gestured, matching his movements. The summoned stone broke apart just as it hit. She sighed. "It resonates with the mark, like some sort of echo."

"Curious. I would have thought the mark could serve as a catalyst."

"It does, it's just..." She shrugged. "Distracting."

He nodded. "It took me years to learn my techniques, and I did not have to unlearn other methods first." He watched her try again. "Why are you interested in such an esoteric field of study?"

"I hoped that studying such magic would help me better understand the Fade." She clenched and unclenched her marked hand a couple times, then tried again. The stone broke apart before even reaching the target.

"While our fight affords little time for formal study, the wise can better themselves even in the midst of battle." He demonstrated again. "Perhaps especially then. I hope your new studies serve you well."

"Being able to pull at the stray bits of the Fade is certainly useful. And it feels..." She focused slightly, feeling the Veil around him, and felt it when he pushed back slightly. "I don't know. Shiny."

He raised an eyebrow. "Shiny?"

"Like looking at a fresco after the dust has been washed away and it's just a little damp. All the colors are picked out and fresh and..." She shrugged. "Shiny. Maybe the ancient elves had a word for it. I don't." She sat down on the fallen log. "Tell me of a memory."

Solas sat beside her, and began to tell her of how human warriors had sung as they marched into battle.