Edited: Nov 2020, June 2024

A/N: Enchantment is not 100% lore accurate, but I tried.

05

Talia straightened up from her desk and eyed her creation critically. She was not sure how effective the makeshift enchanting table would be, but it was the best she could do with what limited resources she had. They didn't have moonstone, but she'd managed to charm Harritt, the blacksmith, into giving her a slate of pure silver. He had gaped at her when she'd first mentioned it, thinking she was asking for one of those rare minerals they had in this land called silverite. He had a few silver ores, and with a few kind words, she had him forming the slate. Easy as a tavern wench he'd said, and blushed when he realized to whom he was speaking.

She'd spent at least half a day carving runes onto its surface, adding a few experimental ones here and there, since it was probably the first and last enchantment she'd be able to do in this world. Talia decided to focus the speech spell on two languages, Common to King's Tongue, instead of multiple. Ignoring the fact that her enchantment was experimental, her silver slate was also a lot weaker than a normal enchanting altar, and the only soul gem she had was filled with a Greater Soul.

The other part of the enchantment was trickier—she needed blood from someone well-versed in the language. Although it worked rather well without any sort of knowledge about the other language, she didn't want to risk her speech translated to a language other than King's Tongue.

The opportunity came in the form of the bard who joined to play at the tavern. Talia was studying herbs with Adan when she came in for a healing salve. She had a nasty cut on her arm—she'd spun a rather dramatic tale on how she got it—and Talia insisted on cleaning it and assisting in healing her. Maryden, as Talia found she was called, promised to sing praises about the Herald who saved her life, despite Talia's protests that it was just a small gash, and the dunmer managed to tuck away the rag used to clean her wound.

Talia pricked her finger using one of her daedric daggers and squeezed a drop of her blood in the center rune, mixing it with the bard's blood. Placing the amulet in the middle of the slate, Talia positioned her hands at the edges, touching the daedric runes at both sides. She made sure her door was locked and windows covered before starting; if anyone saw her, they'd likely assume she was a blood mage.

Magic of any form was never inherently evil; everything in life was about intent. However, Talia thought the world's views on blood magic may be similar to how Necromancy was seen in Cyrodiil. Then again, she thought darkly, if it were up to the Chantry, all mages would be exterminated, blood magic or no.

Focusing on the task at hand, she let her magicka flow from her fingertips onto the slate. While enchantments usually only required minimal magicka, she theorized it would make up for the lack of proper enchanting apparatus. She kept the stream of magic steady as she slowly drew out the energy from the soul gem.

When she was done, she collapsed on her dresser chair, bone tired. She slipped on the amulet and grabbed one of the books Cassandra brought her and grinned in triumph when she read, 'The Chant of Light, Unabridged'. At least it worked on written material, although she doubted she'd be able to write if she tried; she wasn't sure if any spell would be able to do that. Wanting to test it, she pushed herself out of her seat and left to look for Varric.

Haven, as she discovered the village was called, had been busy for the past two days following the announcement of the Inquisition. Banners were strung up and notices were posted around the area. Talia had suggested looking for a more fortified area to be the Inquisition's base of operations, and they had started scouting possible locations. Cullen had started training the new recruits mercilessly, and Cassandra managed materials requisition with the Quartermaster, Threnn.

While she wasn't researching a means to enchant her amulet, Talia spent her time chatting with Varric or studying herbs with Adan. She figured arming herself with knowledge of healing plants and different types of poisons would help her in the long run. Being the 'Herald of Andraste' would no doubt encourage more than a few assassination attempts.

Varric wasn't at his usual spot by the fire; the only other place he'd likely be in was the tavern. She walked up the steps to the Chantry and turned right to the pathway leading to the apothecary and the tavern. She hadn't had the chance to speak with Solas yet, so when she spotted him near the herbalist's hut, she smiled and greeted him.

"Hello, Solas."

"Greetings, Herald." He inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"It occurs to me that I haven't really thanked you yet for saving my life," Talia said. "So, thank you. I appreciate it."

Solas nodded. "You are most welcome. Truly, that mark on your hand is one of the rarest pieces of magic I have ever come across."

"Can you tell me more about it?"

"The mark?"

"Yes…" Talia said slowly. "And the Fade?"

Solas' eyebrows rose in mild surprise. "Why do you wish to know more about it?"

"Well, to be honest, I find it all very fascinating." She looked around. "But don't tell that to Cullen or Cassandra, I don't think they'd approve."

"Does their opinion matter greatly to you?"

Talia sighed. "I obviously don't belong here. The only reason they're keeping me around is because of this mark." She glanced at her palm. "I do not wish to be…ostracized any more than I am."

Solas eyes softened. "There is no shame in wishing to expand your knowledge. But I do understand your need for discretion." He gestured to the ground in front of him, and Talia sat down beside him. "What is it that you wish to know about the Fade?"

Talia thought about how much she should reveal to Solas. After all, they believed she remembered next to nothing about her brief foray into the Fade. She decided to ask the most basic questions first.

"I know this may sound like a ridiculous question…but what is the Fade?"

"There are no stupid questions, Herald." He reassured her. "The Fade is a metaphysical realm tied to Thedas. It is commonly thought of as the world of spirits and demons. When a person dies, their spirit leaves their body and enters the Fade. However, that is not the only way to enter it. Everybody visits the Fade."

Talia furrowed her brows. "Everybody visits the Fade? So why did it cause a ruckus when I stepped out of it?"

"Everybody visits the Fade when they dream," he elaborated. "And mages tap into it when using magic. The mortal world and the Fade are separated by what we call the Veil. Occasionally, whenever the Veil is thin, demons are able to cross over into the mortal world."

"Is that what happened at the Conclave?"

"Yes and no." He pursed his lips. "There was an explosion. We still do not know what caused it, but it was strong enough to create massive and numerous tears in the Veil." He looked up at the sky, where the Breach loomed above them.

"What causes these tears? What makes the Veil thin?"

Solas looked down. "Sometimes, the Veil tends to be weaker in places that have experienced extensive death or massive amounts of magic. Spirits are attracted to death, and they press against the Veil, weakening the barrier between our worlds."

"A lot of people died at the Conclave," Talia mused. "And from what we saw at the Temple, the Divine was used in some kind of sacrificial ritual…does blood magic affect the Veil as well?"

Solas looked at her approvingly. "Indeed it does. A blood mage makes a pact with demons and allows the Veil to be torn, granting these demons passage into the mortal world."

"Is it likely that a blood mage was the one who caused all of this?" As soon as she asked it, Talia already knew the answer. Although magic did not run in the same way as in Nirn, it was highly unlikely that one person could wield magic as powerful as that.

"Perhaps, we cannot say for sure," Solas allowed. "But that amount of magic would not have been possible. Even if a group of mages performed a ritual and emptied their mana; even if they had copious amounts of lyrium at hand, all of those combined would not be able to create a tear as large as the Breach, let alone the other fade rifts that have appeared."

Talia tapped a finger on her cheek. "A conduit then? You channel energy through your staff, right? Could not the same be done with some other magical artifact, one that amplifies magic a hundredfold?"

Solas merely blinked at her before giving her a small smile. "You surprise me. That is my belief as well. It is, after all, the only logical conclusion we can come to."

"Indeed, I find that I occasionally have good ideas." Talia gave him a smile while mentally cursing her slip-up. Magic in this world was fascinating, and Solas was someone who was knowledgeable enough to satisfy her curiosity. Perhaps in the future, he would be able to assist her in researching a way to travel back to Tamriel.

"Do not be so hard on yourself," he chided lightly. "You have shown a passion for knowledge I do not see in many people."

"I suppose I should, given I am the so-called 'Herald of Andraste' now." Talia changed the subject. "It does seem like a very weighty title for one person to hold."

"The chosen of Andraste, the blessed hero who will save as all. Yes, it is quite heavy." He smiled.

"Am I riding in on a shining steed?" She grinned sardonically.

"I would have suggested a griffon, but sadly, they're extinct," he added lightly. "Joke as you will, posturing is necessary. The people of Haven lost all hope until you arrived. Whether or not your mark is truly divine, they desperately cling to this image they have of you, and you will need to live up to that expectation."

It was interesting how Solas viewed the villagers. And his words, 'Posturing is necessary'. Did he see more that he let on? "So, you don't think I was sent by the Maker?"

"I hope I do not offend," he said diplomatically. "But I am not Andrastrian."

"Do elves have their own gods?" she asked curiously.

Solas raised an eyebrow. "Surely you must have heard about the gods from your Elvhen parent?"

Talia fought the urge to narrow her eyes at him. He was fishing for information, and he was making it obvious that he didn't believe Leliana's half-ling story.

She shrugged. "If Father knew anything about the Elvhen gods, he didn't tell me."

Solas gave her a look of skepticism but answered her. "It is true that the Elvhen have our own gods that are worshipped. Although, much of Elvhen culture has been lost after the fall of Arlathan, and I've made it my mission to gather whatever information I can about that lost time."

"If next to nothing remains of that time, how do you 'gather information' so to speak?"

He gave her a mysterious smile. "I have the unique ability to visit the Fade in areas where the Veil is thin. Spirits converge in ancient structures and battlefields, recreating what has occurred in those days."

Talia's eyes widened. Such an ability was…"Extraordinary," she breathed.

"Thank you." There was a brief look of surprise before he smiled. "Not many see it as such. To answer your question however, no, I do not believe in the gods that the Elves worship as well."

Talia waved away his answer and focused on his strange power. "So how does your ability work? You sleep in ancient ruins and you experience what happened in the past?"

"To put it simply, yes. But it is somewhat a more encompassing experience. I dreamed at Ostagar, and the spirits there recreated the Battle at Bloomingtide. I saw the Hero of Ferelden and King Alistair as newly-minted Grey Wardens. They lit the beacon, and I felt their hope crumble and turn to fury as they were betrayed. But on the other side, I saw Teyrn Loghain unwilling to sacrifice any more of his people in a losing battle against darkspawn, and ordered the retreat."

Talia had no idea what he was talking about, but she simply nodded. Ostagar? Darkspawn? Grey Wardens? She made a mental note to do more research about the subject after their conversation. But if Solas could simply visit the Fade to learn centuries-old knowledge, would he also be able to do it on more recent happenings?

"Is it more difficult to recreate ancient events rather than more recent ones?" she asked innocuously.

"At times, but more recent events are easier for spirits to replicate," he confirmed.

"Then, if you slept at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, we could find out what truly happened to the Divine." It would have been missed by an untrained eye, but Talia was looking for it, and she prevented herself from scowling as Solas' shoulders stiffened minutely.

"Perhaps. However, the Fade in the area is unstable, we may risk opening the Breach should I try something as invasive," he spoke smoothly, but Talia could tell he was lying.

The question was why?

"But you could try?" she implored, projecting enthusiasm in her voice. "Then we can figure out who's behind this whole mess, and what artifact he used to do it. Such a powerful thing needs to be recovered."

"Even if I did, I doubt they would simply accept the word of an elven apostate," he countered.

"I would believe you," she insisted. "And I would convince them you were telling the truth."

Solas looked increasingly uncomfortable, but to his credit, he hid it very well. The elf opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again when one of Leliana's agents approached and saluted.

"Your Worship, Sister Nightingale has requested your presence in the War Council." He bowed respectfully. A brief glance at Solas told her that the elf was relieved to have been interrupted, and Talia dropped the subject.

"Thank you for your time, Solas." She smiled at elf as she stood up. "I hope we can continue our lectures another date?"

Solas inclined his head. "Of course, Herald. If you have questions, you are free to ask them."

Talia followed the scout to the war room. When she arrived, the other four were already there, and they looked up from the map they were studying to greet her.

"Herald." Leliana nodded her head. "Glad you could join us."

"Did you need something from me?"

"We wished to discuss our action plan for the coming weeks."

"As we mentioned, your mark will be the key to closing the Breach. We would need to power your mark, overcharge it so to speak," Cassandra began.

"Which is why we must approach the rebel mages for help," Leliana interrupted.

"And I still disagree," Cullen said. As usual, he rested his hand on his sword whenever she was in the vicinity. He did not trust her, and that she understood.

From what Varric had told her, Cullen used to be a part of the Templars, the Order that was considered wardens of the mages. After what happened to Kirkwall—a mage blowing up the Chantry, the First Enchanter resorting to blood magic and the head of the Templars going mad, Talia understood his paranoia and general dislike of magic.

"Templars could suppress the Breach, weaken it enough so that the Herald can use her mark to close it," he continued.

"Pure speculation," Leliana sniffed.

"Unfortunately," Josephine intervened before the argument could escalate. "Neither side will deign to speak to us. We are considered heretics by the Chantry and they have denounced us publicly."

Talia furrowed her brow. "I thought the mages rebelled against the Chantry?" She looked to Leliana for confirmation, and when the red head nodded, she continued, "Why would they care about what the Chantry believes?"

"I do not think it matters to them what the Chantry is saying, but we've done nothing to earn their trust yet. And I believe they've grown wary of figures of authority after the abuse they've experienced at the hands of templars." Leliana explained, and Cullen looked incredibly offended at the accusation. Before he could say anything, she quickly added, "I am not saying that all templars are abusive, some of them are seen as saviors. But these mages rebelled for a reason."

"Then what can we do to earn their trust?" Talia asked.

Cullen threw his hands up in exasperation. "Will you not even consider speaking with the Templars?" he asked with chagrin.

Talia looked at him in bemusement, but she wanted to smirk at Cullen. "I didn't know the decision relied on me?"

"Your opinion is valuable, as most already see you as the symbol of the Inquisition," Leliana said smoothly.

Talia inclined her head. "Perhaps we can speak with both? Shouldn't we hold a public announcement of the Inquisition? Appeal to the leaders of this country?"

Josephine sighed. "We may be able to get an audience with the King of Ferelden at their next Landsmeet, however, I am unsure whether it will truly help our cause or not. As for Orlais," she grimaced. "The country is in civil war as of the moment. Empress Celene's cousin, the Grand Duke Gaspard, has been trying to usurp her from her throne for quite some time. It is highly unlikely that we will get a chance to appeal our case to them. We will simply be seen as another foreign power, trying to wrestle control away from either of them."

"Shouldn't his usurping be considered treason?" This Grand Duke seemed to be the ambitious and cunning sort, no doubt trying to gain control through underhanded means. He was not stupid enough to do anything that would paint him in a negative light with the masses.

"It is all a part of the Grand Game, and the Grand Duke Gaspard plays his part well. A discussion for another time," Leliana said in a tone that brooked no argument.

"So we may get an audience with Ferelden's King," Talia nodded. "That's good right? We are occupying a part of his lands, after all."

"But we must also address the Chantry's ire against us," Josephine said. "Perhaps if we present you to them, they would be more amenable to our cause."

"Cassandra and I can pool whatever influence we have left to call for a meeting with the remaining Chantry leaders at Val Royeaux. Additionally, a cleric named Mother Giselle has asked to speak with you at the Crossroads in the Hinterlands. She is helping the refugees and those injured from the Mage-Templar War. If we gain her aid, negotiations may go a little more smoothly."

Talia agreed hesitantly. She had no desire to fight, nowadays, she'd been more focused on her research and magic. She was by no means, a novice at knives and daggers, but magic had always been her main weapon—a weapon, she unfortunately couldn't use in this world.

"I will be accompanying you," Cassandra reassured her. "As will Solas and Varric."

"Bring a few of our more seasoned soldiers," Cullen suggested. "They will be able to protect you better, and give them a chance to stretch their legs."

"Harding has already led a scouting party into the Hinterlands to locate any places of interest or possible camp sites." Leliana said.

Talia nodded. She would likely be staying in the Hinterlands for a while, if she would be recruiting and closing Fade rifts. "Once I've spoken to this…Mother Giselle, I'll ask Harding to send you a message with the cleric's names, so you can start speaking with them."

"We'll have everything ready for you when you return from the Hinterlands," Josephine promised.

"Thank you, Josephine," Talia said. "Was there anything else?"

"Yes," Cassandra immediately spoke up. "We wished to discuss more about what happened at the Conclave."

"What about it?"

"When we were in the Temple, you mentioned the name of the girl we saw. Do you…remember anything else? Anything that might point us to who or what caused this?"

Talia furrowed her brows. "I…remember being so disoriented. I had no idea where I was. Everything was green, and I only wanted to leave that place. There were things chasing me, and I was trying to get away." She remembered vividly, the corpses of her friends, her family, rushing towards them. "I was going up a flight of stairs, and there was this woman…" Talia shook her head, and said mournfully. "It's all a blur to me."

"And the elven girl? Lavellan, I believe you called her?" Cassandra probed.

Talia made a show of being deep in thought, and took the time out to consider what she was going to say next. She remembered telling them only about a woman in the Fade, and Talia thought it best to stick with that story. "I recognized her almost immediately when I saw her." She fidgeted. "I feel like I know her from somewhere…but I've never met her in my entire life. I'm sorry," she said, lacing her tone with uncertainty.

"It's all right. We understand that it has been a rather…trying experience for you," Josephine smiled at her.

Trying was most definitely not the word she'd use for what happened to her. Crazy, perhaps, Sheogorath-esque, more likely.

"It's...been an interesting couple of days." Talia said hesitantly. "Everything is just so different."

"It must be difficult, I can't imagine what you're going through." Josephine sympathized. "Is everything truly so different from your world?"

Talia contemplated the question for a moment before answering. "It's similar in many ways. You have the similar food, crops, minerals, plants…but it's jarring, not seeing any of the other races I'm familiar with." She shrugged and gave a small smile. "Can't say I also have any experience with unknown, probably forbidden magic, attaching itself to my hand."

"So, what do you have experience with?" Leliana asked casually.

The dunmer in question raised an eyebrow. She knew Leliana was fishing for more information about her, but that didn't mean she wouldn't be giving the Spymaster a difficult time. "That's a rather broad question. Maybe something more specific?"

"You said you were a mercenary." Cullen prompted.

"A member of the Fighter's Guild, yes. And in an unfortunate turn of events, had to take on the position of Guildmaster."

"You're the leader of this mercenary band?"

Talia let out a small laugh. "Don't sound so surprised, or I'll be offended."

While Cullen was busy stammering out an apology, Talia continued. "We're not a mercenary band. We're a guild; the best one in Cyrodiil. I'm only the leader in name, because my second, Modryn Oreyn had been bypassed for the position. Everyone knows he does all the work."

"So why not pass on the title to him?" he asked curiously.

"I can't," Talia shrugged. "Not without risking the previous Guildmaster's ire. So I'll have to wait for her to die before I can give him the title." Then she remembered where she was, and added more bitterly, "If I ever get back, that is."

There was an uncomfortable silence following her words.

"I'm sorry this happened to you," Cullen piped up, surprising Talia. "We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I hope you know that I don't wish to make your stay here more difficult than it already is. And we are grateful that you've agreed to help out the Inquisition."

Cassandra picked up on the surprise on the dunmer's face. "What the Commander says is true. We appreciate you agreeing to this. I know this is not the ideal situation for you, or any of us."

"Once we gather more information, and more resources, we can have some people look into getting you back to your world." Leliana added.

"I…" Talia blinked. "Thank you. That would be great." She found herself pleasantly surprised by their words. The sincerity with which they spoke astonished her. What surprised her more, was the sliver of guilt she felt when she remembered she was still keeping a lot of information from all of them.

It would be the height of idiocy, she thought, if she told them everything she knew.

But, looking at their resolute expressions and hesitant smiles, she couldn't help but feel like a bit regretful for deceiving them.

A/N: Thanks so much for your support guys. :-) Heads up already to those who don't know by now: this story will not be 100% lore accurate. So if that's going to be a problem, then I'm sorry. Also: for those who don't know who the Hero of Ferelden is, you may want to check the summary of the story again. :-)

By the way, I will also warn you guys that I am an extremely slow updater. I get to write more often now because I just resigned from my job, but I won't be able to do it all the time. I mean sometimes I update like once a year. Yep, it's happened. So I'd like to apologize in advance if that ever happens, but know that I will never abandon a story.

Anyway, once again, thanks to the reviewers: Buggy300, Drgyen, Moonlit Night199, and the 2 Guests. I appreciate your feedback!