Ih'tal emerged, her strength waning and her senses disoriented. Her vision was blurred, and her limbs felt as heavy as lead. Even the air around her seemed altered, lacking its usual vitality.

Struggling to sit up, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed her. After what felt like both moments and eternity, she managed to gather enough strength to assess her surroundings. The landscape appeared familiar, with the lush greenery of the forest floor and birdsong filling the sunlight-dappled air. Yet, an unsettling feeling persisted, a nagging sense that something was amiss.

Upon closer inspection, she noticed the sky adorned with unfamiliar lights, and an emptiness seemed to pervade the atmosphere. With a tentative motion, she raised her hand, but the magic that once effortlessly flowed from her fingertips in response to her thoughts was now absent, leaving behind only a barren and tainted residue.

Laughter reached her ears, prompting her to instinctively seek cover as two figures came into view. Resembling elves in some aspects, they were stouter and shorter, and their ears lacked the customary pointed shape she knew. What world had she found herself in?

Driven by curiosity and a touch of sorrow, Ih'tal embarked on a journey through this enigmatic land, observing races and creatures she had never encountered before. Among the various terms she overheard were humans and dwarves.

In her wanderings, Ih'tal stumbled upon a clan that referred to themselves as the Dalish. Though they shared some semblance with the elves she recalled, these Dalish were distinct, grappling with their own challenges and victories. The clan appeared like a distorted reflection of her memories of the old ways, exhibiting elven characteristics yet somehow diverging. Not every being she encountered was touched by magic, a realization that settled upon her as she observed the Dalish's care for their aravels, reverence for the land's spirits, and embrace of their heritage. It was Istimaethoriel, the clan's Keeper, who discovered Ih'tal and extended a warm welcome into their fold.

Within the clan's embrace, Ih'tal discovered a new purpose. Her empathy found expression in aiding the Dalish, offering comfort to the afflicted, healing the unwell, and imparting guidance to the young. As time flowed on, she formed meaningful connections with her fellow clan members, finding solace and companionship even in the midst of the profound loss from her previous world.

While Ih'tal settled into her new life, the world around her grew increasingly tumultuous. Whispers of the Conclave and the looming menace of Corypheus reached even the isolated Dalish clan. Fueled by Sylaise's inquisitiveness, Ih'tal felt compelled to attend the Conclave, hoping to glean insights into the turmoil that now gripped Thedas.

"Inquisitor, we have arrived at Skyhold,"

Ih'tal roused from her thoughts, a deep appreciation for her newfound clan filling her heart. Their generosity in embracing a stranger like her touched her deeply. She had made an unspoken pledge to herself that she would use all her strength to shield them, just as they had sheltered her.

As they crossed the threshold into Skyhold, Ih'tal wasted no time in convening the war council. Lelianas urgent letter had impressed upon her the need for haste, so she swiftly gathered her ambassador, spymaster, and general. Inside the war room, Leliana handed her a missive, wordlessly passing it to her.

Nightingale,

We brought the Dalish forces into the city. They joined with a resistance group formed by the elves living in Wycome and struck at Duke Antoine and the red lyrium supplies that had been placed in the city's wells.

When the red lyrium was shown to the human merchants and laborers, they quickly joined with the Dalish and city elves. The fighting was short but brutal, culminating in the deaths of Duke Antoine and his personal retinue, which included Venatori agents.

Most of Wycome's nobles have fled the popular uprising and now claim this was an elven uprising that killed a beloved ruler. For now, however, the Dalish are seen as heroes in Wycome. They remain in the city, uncertain of what to do next.

Jester

Ih'tal raised her gaze from the letter, and another parchment was handed to her by Leliana.

"And this," Leliana explained, "came directly after my spies' report. It is from your Keeper."

Ih'tal nodded, her focus now on the words penned by her Keeper.

Da'len,

Thanks to the efforts of your Inquisition, Clan Lavellan is safe within the city of Wycome, and Duke Antoine's mad efforts to destroy us have ended with his death. For now, I lead both our clan and the elves of this city, while the human merchants have formed a group that deals with us fairly and honorably.

The other cities of the Free Marches listen to the false stories of the nobles who fled. I fear they will retaliate, but I am loathe to flee this city, as that would effectively leave the city elves to die for our actions.

If you have a path that leads to safety for our people, I welcome your advice.

Dareth shiral,
Keeper Istimaethoriel Lavellan

Ih'tal read Keeper Istimaethoriel's missive, her emotions a mix of relief and concern. Clan Lavellan had found refuge within Wycome, the city that once harbored hostility now extending its arms as a sanctuary for elves in search of safety. However, Duke Antoine's demise, while eliminating one threat, had given rise to new challenges

Cullen's straightforward assessment cast a somber shadow over their potential courses of action. "Negotiation won't dissuade the Marchers. History reveals that they favor a strike-first, apologize-later approach. We must bolster Wycome's defenses to ensure Clan Lavellan's safety."

Josephine shook her head, her voice gentle yet determined. "My diplomats may still have a chance to persuade the remaining Marchers to see reason."

Cullen cut in with a hint of frustration, "Reason, Josephine? This is a people who possess the power to harm the elves outright, and should they realize their error, they'll simply send apologies. Their tendencies lean towards action before permission. Fortifying the city is our imperative."

They both turned to Ih'tal, the weight of the decision hung heavily in the room, and the decision was marked by a solemn nod. "Cullen's perspective is valid. Our foremost duty is to shield my people. Strengthening Wycome's defenses will send a clear message of the Inquisition's resolute might."

Cullen's nod of approval signaled the conclusion of the discussion as he began to organize his papers. Josephine acknowledged this with a dignified nod, exemplifying her strength by gracefully respecting Ih'tal's decision, even if it didn't align with her own.

However, before adjourning the meeting, Ih'tal directed her words to Cullen. "I intend to accompany the march to Wycome. These are my people, and I wish to stand by them. This is no undertaking I'd entrust to chance, especially given the magnitude of the danger at hand. I'll assemble a party and rendezvous with you."

Cullen attempted to reason against it, his concern evident. "I'm inclined to disagree. This is not a situation where your safety can be disregarded. My men will ensure the resolution of this matter, granting the elves of Wycome the peace they deserve."

Josephine interjected thoughtfully, "On the other hand, I can't help but consider that this might present a remarkable opportunity. It could showcase to the nobility the robust strength and support the elves extend to you as their Inquisitor. This has the potential to significantly elevate the Inquisition's standing in the Free Marches."

Ih'tal shook her head resolutely. "I'm not concerned with politics or my own safety. My decision stands—I will be going."

Both of her advisors nodded in response. Cullen's nod was terse, a reflection of his lingering concerns about her safety, yet he acknowledged and respected her choice. Josephine's nod came with a warm smile, content to have her in the party destined for Wycome. With a determined stride, Ih'tal turned to exit the room, her mind already focused on the preparations ahead.