Do not own Dragon Age
/
/
/
/
/
25 Guardian, 9:42 Dragon, Skyhold
Cullen is kneeling, praying in the little Chantry, Solona waits in the doorway. It pains her to see him conflicted.
"I know you're there?" Cullen tells her as he finishes, standing up.
"I didn't want to interrupt you." Solona says softly.
"I...I was praying for our soldiers, for myself. For you. Maker! I have to watch you face this creature and I can't protect you from him." Cullen informs her, pulling her into his arms.
"Perhaps I am protecting you from him." Solona suggests, holding him just as strongly.
"I can't lose you now. Not now. I couldn't..." Cullen laments, trying not to think too hard on it.
"I am with you, always, just as you are with me. I will return to you. I have too. You keep me alive." Solona throws out, hopeful, pulling away she touches her heart, "In here." she finishes.
Cullen lets a few tears slip, before kissing her tenderly.
/
/
/
12 Drakonis, 9:42 Dragon, Arbor Wilds
The others do not say anything as they make their way to the Arbor Wilds, not sure how to broach the subject with the Inquisitor. Solona has no such qualms.
"I can turn him into a toad for you. If you like?" Solona offers at a whisper.
"Shall we cook him in a stew afterwards?" Ellana suggests, grateful for someone to talk about it.
"I've eaten frog. Not to my liking, but I hear it's a thing in Orlais. Perhaps some of the soldiers would care for it?" Solona quips.
"Will you say anything about my vallaslin? Or my lack there of?" Ellana inquires, crestfallen.
Solona stops walking, grabbing Ellana. She waves the others forward. "Your Vallaslin, or lack of, is not an issue for me. I both see and unsee them. You are who I see. If you would have them back, I can arrange it, if not, then so be it. Ar lasa mala revas, banal nadas. Ir abelas, ma falon." Solona tells her, pulling her into a hug.
Ellana cries softly, letting the dam burst. Solona just holds her, rubbing Ellana's back and letting the elven woman lean on her. It's a good hour before the two catch up with the others.
/
/
/
Fighting Venatori through the Arbor Wilds takes a toll on Ellana and Solona. Having to leave the soldiers behind, hoping for the best is hard for a leader to do. The elves they encounter are different from any others they have seen in both city or Dalish clans.
They sneak forward when they come to a opening in the forest. They hear voices shouting. Corypheus is holding an elven warrior aloft, but the magic preventing the Magister's entrance is strong. It disintegrates his body. The group runs forward, they can see Calpernia ahead of them, leading her mages into the Temple of Mythal.
A noise behind them causes them to look back. A Grey Warden, one still under Corypheus' control, is sitting down, a choked scream coming from them. Their body contorts from the inside, changing shape. Solona tells them to run, Morrigan is in disbelief. A shadow of Corypheus emerges from the form, quickly taking on it's familiar countenance. They make it to the great entry door, the group closes them swiftly. A magical barrier engages over the threshold, sealing the doors tight.
/
There is a small debate about what direction to take, follow Calpernia, or take the petitioners path.
"The path is a little longer, but the benefits will endear us to the elves who guard this place, showing them that we are not like the interlopers who would attempt to seize this place." Morrigan states.
"The direct route would be quickest." Cassandra debates.
"But not the smartest." Solona agrees with Morrigan.
"I agree with the Witch as well." Solas adds.
"We need to resolve this quickly." Varric remarks.
"The path then. I would like to learn about this place." Ellana decides.
Solona watches, she too read the inscription.
/
Ellana talks to the Ancient Elves, asking them to let them pass and telling them of their common goals.
"Ar andaran atish'an. Vir nadas evanura enansal Mythal'enaste." Solona states, surprising the leader of the elves.
The leader nods to Solona, before introducing himself as Abelas. He and Ellana talk briefly, before he agrees to help the group, but he states that he would rather have the Well destroyed, than allow it to be despoiled. He turns and leaves.
"No!" Morrigan shouts, using her magic to turn into a black bird.
"Morrigan! Shit! I'll delay her, follow the guide." Solona says, turning into a red bird, following after the witch.
"Did they just turn into birds?" Varric asks rhetorically, in disbelief.
The rest of the party follows the guide.
/
/
/
The two birds race, dodging and weaving through the compound. Solona is able to nip at Morrigan a few times, slowing the black bird down. They chase after different goals, but heading to the same destination. The red bird spots the Inquisitor, finishing her fight with Calpernia, she also sees Abelas running up a staircase. The red bird picks up speed, Solona materializes first, blocking Morrigan as she transforms back in front of the Well. Abelas stops between them.
"No, Morrigan. This prize is not mine or yours." Solona tells her, ready to defend the Well.
"He means to destroy it! I will not allow this knowledge to be lost." Morrigan rebuttals.
"It's not for you to decide." Solona returns sorrowfully.
"Ma falon? Perhaps not all is lost." Abelas comments, looking at Solona.
Ellana and the others come running up the stairs. After talking it over and getting a rather mysterious caution from Abelas, the group is discussing who will drink. Abelas and Solona share a look, before the latter turns her full attention toward Morrigan.
"Will you deny me this too?" Morrigan accuses of Solona.
"Morrigan, this is of the People. And it must remain with them." Solona states her reasoning.
"I understand that logic, but they may squander this gift. I will not." Morrigan returns.
"Who ever drinks will be subject to Mythal's Will." Abelas adds in warning.
"In service to a dead god. I am hardly frightened." Morrigan sneers.
"No, Morrigan. It must, ...it must remain with the elves. They have lost so much. Too much. They need this. It will not give them the answers they seek. But it will give them the answers that they need." Solona informs them cryptically.
"You would have me drink? You don't want it for yourself?" Ellana questions, astonished.
"Yes, I would have you drink. And I don't need it. I have enough of a mess to deal with in the Grey Wardens, I don't need this headache too." Solona quips with a smirk.
"Ghil-Dirthalen ma falon." Abelas remarks with a soft smile.
Solona nods, the two share another look, before Abelas moves to depart. Solas speaks to Abelas in elven, telling the elven leader that there are other places for the elves. Abelas gives a small smile, then disappears back towards the temple compound. No one sees the tiny gestures or hears the quiet whisper made by Solona. They are unaware of the little green bird made of leaves fly toward Abelas and land on his shoulder.
/
Ellana passes out after drinking from the Well of Sorrows, but recovers quickly. Overwhelmed briefly by the knowledge rushing into her. Time is cut short though, Corypheus has broken through.
"The Eluvian, go." Ellana orders, activating the mirror.
The group rushes in, Solona, then Ellana going last. They both see a spirit guardian rise up from the now empty pool, waving at them to go through the mirror. Stepping through brings them back to Skyhold. Morrigan closes the portal, once everyone is accounted for.
"How are you feeling?" Solona asks softly.
"Strange, I'm still sorting it out." Ellana replies, "I have...You were the fox I saw on the mountain." she says.
"Yes." Solona confirms, happy that the Inquisitor figured it out.
"And again at the Winter Palace." Ellana adds.
Solona nods with a smile.
"The Fox of Stars." Varric comments with a cheeky smile.
"I love that book. My father read it to me, before I was taken to the Circle. I've had a weakness for foxes ever since." Solona explains, returning the storytellers smirk.
/
/
/
Notes:
Ar lasa mala revas, banal nadas. Ir abelas, ma falon – translation is: You are free, and nothing is known for certain. I am sorry for your loss, my friend.
Ar andaran atish'an. Vir nadas evanura enansal Mythal'enaste translates to: I come to this place in peace. We must protect the blessings of Mythal's favor.
Ghil-Dirthalen ma falon translates to: One who guides seekers of knowledge true my friend.