AN: This chapter took so long because it was really hard to write. Also, I had two consecutive laptop crashes before I conceded defeat and got a new one. Most of the data was gone, but it's still all in my head.

Please note that the trigger warnings are not light.

Pride and Prejudice

Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible. – Maya Angelou

Trigger Warnings: References to sexual assault, victim blaming, prejudice.

The trek down from Haven was steep, and the lack of horses was keenly felt. There were ten of us, each carrying our supply bag, while camping supplies were mounted on a single horse. The horse was heavily burdened, forcing us to take breaks every hour so that the horse wouldn't collapse. Cassandra finally called a halt and camp was set up overlooking the road, allowing those on watch an easier time.

As responsibilities were assigned, I spotted Pulai crouched next to Maxwell, chattering continuously, indifferent to the fact the Maxwell was ignoring him.

Seeing him brought back the rage that had been simmering all day. That slimy treacherous human somehow won back Thranduil's trust even though he'd sold us out to Cassandra. What I didn't understand, was how? Thranduil had never been so forgiving of my mistakes, and I'd never done anything of this calibre. The worst I'd ever done was storm off when facing a difficult client, and Thranduil still hadn't let that go.

Why did Thranduil let Maxwell's crimes slide so easily?

I stewed in my anger quietly, unwilling to cause a scene in front of Cassandra. I need the advisors' trust and Cassandra was the mouthpiece that would help me get it.

With a heavy sigh, I started setting up both detection and protection wards so that those on watch would still have time to react if things went wrong.

As I returned to the fire, I spotted Ellana leaning against Maxwell, laughing at something he said. Her too?! Why the hell was she cosying up to that traitor? Why the hell wasn't she sitting with Thranduil?

I searched, and I found him conversing privately with Cassandra, getting appraised of the situation in the Hinterlands. Why am I not a part of that conversation?

I've done something wrong and I've missed it, and I don't even know what 'it' is.

I moved closer to the fire, determined to get to the bottom of this. They were my team, my friends. If only Kaari were here, I wouldn't be so clueless. She would have just told me what was going on.

As I sat down, I felt everyone's eyes focus unerringly upon me. I stiffened. All the questions and accusations I wanted to throw out died in the back of my throat, self-consciousness creeping in. Attention wasn't new to me, but this kind of focused regard, where I was the absolute centre of everyone's attention? It was discomfiting, making me hyper aware of those around me.

The talk around the fire died, and I stared at the crackling fire, pretending I hadn't noticed. A hand held out a bowl of stew and I took it, smiling at the person who made the offer.

Solas.

I flinched, caught off guard. I still haven't gotten used to him; I'd hardly had time to process everything that had happened, let alone the fact that Fen'Harel, the Dalish boogeyman, was going to be a constant companion.

Solas' expression shuttered, and he moved to the far side, sitting next to Ellana. Silence descended, and conversation did not resume.

I turned back to the fire, drinking the stew straight from the bowl. Once I finished, a quick water spell cleaned the bowl, and I contemplated heading straight to sleep. Questions could wait, right?

"Hey Erelani," Eldric started, his voice carrying, and I jolted at the sudden volume.

"What?"

"You okay? It's still us Valo-kas here, 'cept plus a few others."

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be okay?"

"You've been jumpy all day. Somethin' botherin' you?"

Normally, I would have appreciated Eldric's concern, but with every eye in the camp focused on me, analysing my every move, I could only feel defensive. "Nothing's bothering me."

"If you're sure."

I ignored the blatant scepticism in his voice and stood. I can't stand this. It was like someone had suddenly shoved me onto a stage without giving me any lines, and the audience was staring, waiting for a performance.

But these were supposed to be my friends. Having a few new faces shouldn't have changed that.

"Erelani, you're just standing there, you realize," Thranduil joined us at the fire, Cassandra not far behind, "Sit down. Relax. You can dream when you're sleeping, don't do it standing up," Thranduil snorted as he grabbed his meal and I heard sniggers around the fire.

Right, I'm overthinking it.

I sat back down, scooting closer to Thranduil so that I could pretend that the attention was for him and not me. Conversation picked up and I turned to Thranduil, unsurprised to find his gaze fixed on Ellana. As usual.

"So, what's Trevelyan doing here?" I asked quietly, trying not to attract attention despite the agitation that sprung up.

"You know what," I glared at him, and he stiffened, "He asked to come along. Cassandra thought it was a good idea and I didn't refuse."

"Why didn't you refuse?" I asked, my voice hard, "He betrayed Valo-kas. He got himself out of jail by locking everyone else in. Did anyone else do that? No-,"

"That isn't what happened, Erelani," Thranduil cut in firmly, "He did his duty and reported anything suspicious when he was questioned by the guards."

"So, you're telling me that everyone in Valo-kas testified against me?" I couldn't believe it; they wouldn't have betrayed me. Not after healing all of them for free, no questions asked.

"No, Erelani. Only Maxwell was interrogated for his testimony as the son of House Trevelyan."

How had I forgotten that terrible technicality? Of course, only Maxwell's account mattered, the rest of us were considered unreliable illiterate peasants. "Still doesn't change the fact that he condemned you and me for no reason. He left all of you behind in the dungeon to pursue his own ends."

"That's bullshit, and you know it. He was fighting against demons like everyone else."

"So, what you're trying to say, is that you place no blame on Maxwell for his actions?" My voice rose in incredulity.

"He did what any good soldier should. That it worked against us is just the will of the gods."

"What the fuck are you saying Thranduil?!" I stood up, unable to contain my rage, "Maxwell," And I took care to point at him, ignoring everyone's rapt attention, "knew we couldn't have done it! With what weapon? With what resources would we have planned this? He's a fucking lieutenant, and I'm not, and somehow I planned the complete destruction of the Veil?" I faced Maxwell at last, "Tell me, Maxie, did you really think we brought down the Veil, or were you just trying to teach two elves their place?"

"Erelani, calm down," Thranduil tried to pull me back down but I pushed him away, glaring fiercely at Maxwell.

"Maxwell, fucking answer me!" I clenched my fist as he stared back blankly.

"I didn't think Thranduil had anything to do with it," He began, and the omission of my name was glaringly obvious, "I never made any accusations either. The guards asked me about any associations that could have been suspicious, and I told them."

"You framed me, because you thought I could do it?" I asked, feeling the strong urge to punch to him in the face, "Not because you had proof, or any suspicions, but because you thought I could?"

"You forget that I've witnessed the kind of magic you perform. You actively seek demons. A few of your spells…" He shuddered, "Some of your spells have hurt the fabric of the veil created by the Maker. It's unnatural…evil."

I stared at him, my anger petering out in the face of incomprehension, "What?"

"To make things worse, you even sacrificed your life for a Desire demon. I was there, Erelani, and I wasn't surprised. You've been skirting the edge for a while."

"The edge," I repeated, hollow, trying to reawaken my anger but failing miserably, "Just because you want me to be guilty, doesn't make me guilty."

"And yet, that mark is on your hands," Maxwell gestured to the others around me, "I'm not the only one who thinks this."

This confrontation wasn't going how I thought it would. Maxwell was a filthy manipulative liar. He was in the wrong, yet I was looking like the bad guy. I didn't want to believe him, but the pieces fit together a bit too snugly. The distance that had appeared between the other Valo-kas members and I was telling; while they were willing to follow my orders, there was a wariness that hadn't been there before.

"You've lost your way. Let the Maker guide you back to the path of righteousness."

And that condescension, his sheer audacity in calling me an amoral maleficarum, brought the simmering rage back.

"I am misguided?!"

"We all lose our way sometimes. By following his Will, your path will become clear."

Every fibre in my being wanted nothing more than to gut him, sprawl his innards around the fire, and dance around them like the tribal he imagined me to be. But the truth was, this degrading sermon wasn't new, both from him and others. The Chantry had undeniable power over Thedas: if the Chantry hated mages, Thedas hated mages. If the Chantry said elves were misguided subpar beings, Thedas believed it too.

"Do you want to know what I believe?" I tilted my head, ignoring Maxwell's pitying shake of head, "You panicked when you found yourself associated with a mercenary group accused of killing everyone at the Conclave, so you pointed your finger as fast as you could. You didn't care that you'd sentenced the rest of us to our deaths, as long as you kept your reputation. You have no loyalty. No sense of companionship. No compassion for those less fortunate than you. You may be a human noble, but there is nothing noble about you."

Maxwell only shook his head, "Your words will not hurt me, for I see the light of the Maker."

What bullshit.

But this was where I stopped. Attacking the Chantry was a slippery slope that only lead to death.

"Fen'Harel ma ghilana, dirthara-ma," I turned to Thranduil, "When he stabs me in the back, again, I'm going to punch you in the face."

I ignored the blank look Maxwell directed at me, retreating to my bed roll. My back faced the others, and the pit of loneliness grew as no one came after me.

Why was I the bad guy?

The next morning was subdued and I ignored the others as I went through my morning ablutions. Once we departed, I scouted ahead. I need time to clear my head.

There wasn't much action ahead. Just trees, rocks and…more trees. I paused before an elfroot plant.

What the hell, I might as well collect them. Waste not, want not.

Fuck, I miss Kaari. She was always on my side, no matter what. Sometimes her loyalty was almost sycophantic, but with such fickle people around me, her loyalty grounded me in a way nothing else could. Her loyalty made me respond in kind, made me feel like I wasn't alone.

Like I wasn't an alien in this terrible world.

I wandered further, almost hoping I'd find trouble so that I could work off these emotions. But there was nothing. I sighed, before making my way back to the travelling group with my bag full of elfroot.

"She's back. Told ya there's nothing to worry about." Eldric was reassuring Cassandra and I ignored her reproachful glance as I approached. I tossed my supply bag at Ellana, "Elfroot supplies. I'll be supervising your brewing of regenerative potions once we reach the Crossroads, so I suggest you revise instead of gossiping."

"But, Hahren, I'm supposed to-," I shot her a look and Ellana promptly closed her mouth.

"Herald, everyone has been assigned duties already," Cassandra stepped forward authoritatively, "You shouldn't reassign them."

Really, enough was enough. "I wasn't apprised of their duties," I replied, "Or mine."

"Mother Giselle has asked to speak with you. The Chantry has denounced you and declared us heretics for harbouring you. Mother Giselle is familiar with the people behind this and can provide us aid," Cassandra relaxed marginally, "The others will be looking for opportunities to expand the Inquisition's influence and recruit agents."

"Hmm," I turned to the others, "Where have you been assigned?"

"Scout," Pulai raised his hand, and Ellana raised hers, "Me too."

Thranduil grit his teeth, "Bodyguard." Solas and Varric echoed Thranduil when their turns came.

The others raised their hands, "Guard," "Watch," "Recruitment," and on it went, until Eldric raised his hand last, "Contracts and recruitment from…the world down under."

Slowly, I turned to Maxwell, almost dreading his assignment, "Adjutant and your Templar."

No. Not going to happen. Not even over my dead body.

"Cassandra," I said, firm, "These assignments are unacceptable."

Cassandra only raised her eyebrows.

"Thranduil has a very good understanding of Valo-kas' talents. He also has a decade worth experience leading large military organizations. Perhaps he should be the adjutant and reassign the others to jobs more suited with their talents."

She studied me carefully before slowly nodding her head, "Thranduil, would you be interested in such a role?"

"I am honoured."

Something inside me cringed at seeing him bow so low, but I understood why. What others rarely realized was the 'grateful yes man' façade was just that, a façade. It smoothened the way, it gave servants the gift of anonymity and safety while nobles felt important and needed. But it was important not get caught up in the façade. Sometimes, elves, even Thranduil, got carried away, and forgot that they weren't actually 'worthless' servants.

I watched as Thranduil reassigned everyone quickly; unfortunately, Maxwell remained my Templar. Thranduil tried to explain it away by saying that normal people would feel safer with him around, but I couldn't help the bile that rose up.

How could I ever trust Maxwell to keep anyone safe?

Ellana sidled up to me, distracting me from my predicament, "Ellana, when we reach Dusklight camp, you'll be the healer. Work with the scouts and set up a sick bay."

"But Thranduil asked me to-" Ellana started, and I smacked my forehead in exasperation.

"If everyone fights who's going to take care of the casualties?" I snapped, rolling my eyes when Ellana shrunk back.

"The situation at the Crossroads is too volatile, we won't be able to set up a sick bay." Cassandra drew closer, and with a jolt, I realised that everyone was watching me. Again.

"We can, and we will. Mother Giselle has already started and Ellana will help in the effort. Ellana, it's your responsibility, get it done. You've handled such situations before." And she had. As the First, she'd been trained to provide healing to clan members under any kind of situation.

Cassandra opened her mouth to refuse, but Thranduil placed a hand on her shoulder gently, "All right, Ellana, do you think you can handle that?"

Ellana grit her teeth, "Hahren is right, I am capable of setting up a healing camp."

I ignored the intense stare that started between them. Whatever their issues were, it wasn't my problem.

I moved back, walking with Varric instead.

"So, Herald," he began, curiosity sparking his eyes, "There's this gut feeling that tells me you don't like humans."

"I've had to work with them for a long time," I drawled sarcastically.

"Don't like Chuckles either?"

I stared at him, stumped, "Who's Chuckles?"

"Skinny elf? Gave you your dinner last night?" At my blank look, Varric chuckled, "You might know him as Solas."

And just like that, I froze. The worst part was that he was right next to Varric, so there was no way he missed any of this. For that reason alone, I forced my lips to move, "I-uh, it's nothing like that," this was such a horrible thing to do. Varric was a horrible person. Who went around asking people if they hated someone, when that someone was right next to them?! "He, he just reminds me of someone."

I cringed, aware of how idiotic I sounded.

"Who? An ex-lover? A dead lover?" Varric didn't seem to care that he was making me uncomfortable, "The way you're reacting, it sounds like it's great! Who? Who does he remind you of?"

Fen'Harel, because he's Fen'Harel.

But I clamped my mouth shut, unable to ignore Solas' gaze boring into me.

"Come on, Herald, share a little!" When Varric spotted my closed expression, he called out to Thranduil, "Hey, Charming, who does Solas remind you of?"

Thranduil turned back, puzzled, "Excuse me? Were you talking to me?"

"Yep," Thranduil gave Varric a surprised look, "Who does Chuckles here remind you of? Someone from the Herald's life?"

Thranduil looked perturbed before observing Solas closely, who stiffened, "I don't think-,"

He cut off suddenly and my heart pounded. How did Thranduil figure it out? Had he gone looking for memories of the elven gods? Did he realize who Solas really was?

"Figures. He's the most despicable person I've ever met," Thranduil shook his head, his entire countenance suddenly angry.

No, you're going to get us killed! I strode forward, desperate to cut him off, "Thranduil, you need to keep your mouth shut!"

"Of course, you're going to defend him," Thranduil shrugged me off, "It's all you've ever done. But you need to face it Erelani, he betrayed us, our people, our clan."

"Huh," I paused, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about Keeper Zathrian!" Thranduil snapped, and I recoiled in shock, "Isn't that who Solas reminds you of? Just because he's bald, Erelani? Stop looking for pieces of him in others! He was the most horrible Keeper! He gambled with our lives Erelani!"

I can take any criticism about myself, but when Thranduil attacks Zathrian, I can't take it. It's the one thing I can never forgive Thranduil for.

"No, he wasn't," And I couldn't help the coldness that crept into my voice, "He was the best. He loved you. He loved me. He did his duty by the clan."

"No, he didn't!" And something in Thranduil was anguished, furious, "He sacrificed so many people for revenge, even you."

"No, he didn't. I volunteered."

"Like that makes any difference! You were a spoilt little girl who didn't know anything! And he, he took advantage of that. He took advantage of our love for him, and he just-" Thranduil gasped, losing his control over his anger as it spread to anguish and disappointment.

"No, you have no idea of the sacrifices he's made!" This was a raw wound that would never close. It was almost worse then what had happened in Gwaren, because at least then, it hadn't been my fault. But Zathrian's death, that was all me, "He gave up his revenge, his life, his immortality! For you Thranduil! For the clan! Don't you dare say he was a horrible Keeper!"

"Considering what he did, giving up his life was the least he could have done. Which he did." Thranduil conceded, though his expression showed that exactly what he thought of his concession.

"Immortal?" Solas piped up, and I shuddered, unable to control my reaction to him, "Are you talking about the Keeper of clan Arwen from the Fifth Blight?"

"Yes," Thranduil's demeanour calmed as he addressed Solas, "Have you seen the Fifth Blight?"

"Only through memories of the Fade," Solas hesitated, "He was an immortal elf? From the ancient times?"

"No," Thranduil denied, his voice growing cold, and I placed a restraining arm on him. He couldn't tell them, they wouldn't understand!

"Thranduil, please don't-"

"He created the werewolf curse," Thranduil cut over me, "to avenge the death of his family. But once the ones responsible were dead, he never removed the curse. He was linked to the curse, and as long as it existed, he was immortal."

Maxwell let out an incredulous laugh, "And he's your hero? You're defending the man who created the werewolf curse?"

"Shut it, Maxwell."

But he ignored me, "What Colen did was nothing compared to-"

A black rage overwhelmed me and I punched Maxwell straight in the throat. He started choking, gasping for a breath.

The tension skyrocketed, and Maxwell drew his sword, his eyes flashing in anger. I palmed my staff, but as I moved to pull it out, a red tendril of magic wrapped around my frame, paralysing me.

I solemnly swear to protect, with all loyalty and conscience, the people of Thedas regardless of race, religion, station, birth, nationality, and magical ability.

Tremors started running through my frame until I unhanded my staff. Red filled my vision and I dropped to my knees, losing control of my body. I felt my mouth move but I had no idea what I was saying.

I slowly felt control return and found Thranduil crouched before me, his expression horrified, "How do you feel?"

"Fine," A cold tremor of terror passed through me, "Fucking enchantment."

Thranduil pulled me up, "Walk with me."

Thranduil dragged me away, far ahead from the others and I ignored the glare Maxwell sent my way.

That enchantment allowed nonlethal moves, but lethal action was forbidden. How the fuck was I supposed to protect people from the shit storm heading our way if I couldn't kill?

I was doomed.

"Erelani," Thranduil waited for me to acknowledge him, "I thank every god that exists that you took that oath. What were you thinking?"

I stared back, stricken.

Thranduil's face crumbled and he covered his face with his hands, "What am I going to do with you?"

"Maxwell should not have said that."

"Of course, he shouldn't have. But there's something you need to hear," Thranduil stiffened, "You're not special. Do you think you're the only one who's suffered at the hands of humans? Do you think our people are faultless?"

"It's not okay! You can't normalize this! You can't normalize bad things!"

"Pick your goddamn battles Erelani!"Thranduil paused and took a heavy breath, "Tell me, Erelani. When you were stuck in that cell, why didn't you escape?"

"What do you mean, why didn't I escape?"

Thranduil frowned, "Even at thirteen, you had impeccable control over your magic. You had the power to choose what should happen to you. Why didn't you escape?"

I stood there, struck dumb as realization dawned: Thranduil wasn't on my side. I'd never even considered that possibility.

He was blaming me for what happened to me. He thought it was my fault that a psychotic seventeen-year-old human abused his power and raped Kaari and me.

How does that make any sense?

The air escaped from my lungs, and I couldn't respond, my mind refusing the reality before me. Never, not even the demons that tormented me had ever said something as heartless as this to me.

Nothing can be as cruel as reality.

"Why didn't you escape, Erelani?" Thranduil persisted, an impenetrable coldness on his features, "You must have wanted it, on some level. You had the ability to escape, didn't you?"

How could this be Thranduil? This has to be an illusion. It has to be.

I pulsed my aura, desperately hoping the vision would fade.

It didn't.

"I couldn't escape," my voice was barely a whisper, feeling a suffocating pressure near my heart, "if I got out, he would have ordered a manhunt. And it would have worked, because I was Dalish."

"Then why didn't you kill him?"

"The entire guard would have been after us. And we needed protection from the Blight."

"So you chose your own fate. You chose the lesser evil. Stop complaining, Erelani," Thranduil sighed, "We all make sacrifices every day, just so we can live. What did you think the vallaslin was about? It's not a badge of honour, Erelani, but one of sacrifice. Stop lashing out at Maxwell."

As terrible as it was to hear, it made a horrible kind of sense. We are all suffering, so suffer silently. Misery loves company after all.

But it was so wrong, "That isn't the kind of world I want to live in Thranduil. I am done enduring. If someone does something wrong, I'm going to hold them accountable for it, especially when they have a duty of care."

Thranduil's closed his eyes, "Don't attack Maxwell."

"Give me one reason why."

"Because as much as you hate the world we live in, we still need to live in it! Because like it or not, Maxwell is a noble who has influence in Fereldon and beyond. His word can make or break us. And we are lucky that he is a better man than you think he is, or else he would have buried you ten feet under."

I stared at him, struck dumb again.

"Why are you being so horrible to me?" I asked, anguish filling me, "Why do you treat me so differently? What have I ever done to deserve this?"

"Why?" Thranduil echoed, and he took a long moment, his reluctance apparent, "Because you are dangerous."

It was like the light went out. The world lost its colour, and the fighting drained away.

"What?"

My worst nightmare was coming true.

"How am I dangerous? What did I do?"

"Everything you are, your ability, your mind, your magic, all of it is different. You want things you can't have, and you're willing to do anything to get it," Thranduil grimaced, regretting his words but unable to stop, "Even the way you see the world, I don't understand it. It's different. It's more than different, it's, it's,"

Alien.

My heart squeezed tightly in pain.

I knew what he meant. There were so many things that frustrated me in this world: the difficulty in attaining any knowledge, resources or even amenities because it 'wasn't done', or because only nobles could have it. It was hoarding of knowledge, wellness and even health and I begrudged them for it. I hated Maxwell for many things, and this was one of them.

There was a reason Desire loved being around me.

"You think I'm dangerous because I want things."

Thranduil flinched, "No, that's not what I meant, actually, yes, a little. That Desire clings so strongly to you worries me. But some of the things you say, about nobility, about people," he took a heavy breath, "they can be disconcerting."

There are moments in your life when things that didn't make sense before suddenly click together. When you realize what you perceive a situation isn't necessarily how others perceive them. Being a Dreamer, it shouldn't have shocked me as much as it did. Thranduil didn't humour Maxwell because he had an ulterior motive, he did it because he believed in social hierarchy. To him, nobility could make mistakes but suffer no repercussions because it was their right.

And how could I blame him for internalizing this philosophy when it was all that he'd ever known? My words probably seemed like blasphemy to him.

Still, I am who I am and that won't change, not even for Thranduil.

Somehow, my voice was gentle, "People are not a sum of their work, birth or their race. Every person has a sense of self and hence the freedom to choose their path. And with each choice, good or bad, come the consequences, both good and bad. It's not wrong to hold people accountable to their actions. Human nobles do it every day. But they need to be held accountable too, Thranduil. They cannot do as they like."

Thranduil held his head in his hands, anguished "You have to stop hating on humans, Erelani! Your first priority is to save the world. It's not about you and your beliefs! You have to do what you can to get things done! If you continue on like this, you're going to push everyone away!"

But I was too hurt by his words, by this entire conversation to listen to him.

But Thranduil must have seen the turmoil on my face, "Just answer me this. How will you create a home for elves if you antagonize every noble we meet? Even if you create one, all of them will be looking for the slightest excuse to attack us, and tragedy will occur again. Erelani, you are a role model. You have to hold yourself to a higher standard."

He sighed, "Be a Hahren to the world, so we can build our own place in it."

And he had me.

While everything else he'd said was suspect, in this, he had me. Because there was nothing I wanted more in this world then a place that elves could call home.

I nodded tersely and turned around, determined to leave his company.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my head, and I jerked it aside.

"Erelani, I'm sorry, but I can't take my words back," What an apology! "You needed to know how the others think. How this world thinks."

"Don't be shy. Feel free to include yourself in this list."

"I'm always going to be on your side, Erelani. But survival is important, and you can't seem to see the consequences of your actions. We can't afford to fail; the stakes are too high. Right now, you don't matter. No one does."

I walked away, refusing to reply. I wish I could say that this had destroyed all my love for him. But it hadn't.

The heart is a horrible thing.

But I was done looking for his approval. I was done seeking his love.

When I returned, there was a sudden hush. I made my way to the front of the group, determined to fast track our way to the Hinterlands.

Maxwell pushed his way to the front and suddenly, he was blocking my way.

I sighed, feeling a headache build up, "What?"

He went on his knees and prostrated himself and I reeled back in shock.

"Herald of Andraste, I have sinned. You told me that the Maker would abandon me, and since that day I've felt his absence. I wronged you and I refused to see it. Let me serve you in penance! Forgive me, and I swear that I will defend every man, woman and child that we meet."

What was happening? Why was he doing this? My eyes sought Thranduil who widened his eyes in warning.

Maxwell was a filthy manipulative liar. He was a noble who worked social situations to his favour.

And I was in no position to refuse him. But I'd make this as painful for him as it was for me.

"Very well. All I wanted was for you to realize that you'd made a mistake," I saw him twitch, "That it was your duty to report your partner for his terrible misconduct. I am glad you realized your criminal negligence and the terrible violence you initiated afterwards, even if it took ten years to do so. Better late than never."

I could see his fist whiten as he clenched them tightly, "Remember Maxwell, there is no nobility without people. You are their servant. Show me you can serve them well. Stand up."

As he stood, I could see the rage that lined his face. If you assign blame, people, by their very nature, get defensive. Furthermore, Maxwell was a noble who believed it was his right to receive, and for others to give. No matter how true, likening his job to that of a servant was an insult.

"That's a nice thought, isn't it?" Varric intervened, walking between us, "Kind of true too. People serve their nobles, and nobles serve them in return. It's the way of the world."

"We need to get moving." Cassandra gave a reproving glance at all of us before marching forward.

As the day came to an end, a green light shone on the horizon, and I had a sneaking suspicion that there was a rift nearby.

"Hahren, I feel something weird," Ellana whispered as she sauntered close.

"It's a rift." I passed a warning glance to everyone around me and they got into formation.

"The rift is closer than it looks," Solas warned.

A few of the soldiers guarded the supplies while the rest of us made our way to the rift. A shade dropped out of the tree, attacking me suddenly and I dodged.

As I moved to attack, a red light trapped me.

I solemnly swear to protect, with all loyalty and conscience, the people of Thedas regardless of race, religion, station, birth, nationality, and magical ability.

No, no, this can't be happening!

A temporary paralysis came over me and luckily Ellana cast a Mind Blast to push it back.

"Hahren, this is not the time to be holding back! Fight!"

"I can't fight! This fucking enchantment! I can't fight!"

"What are you talking-" Ellana gasped as she saw the red light paralysing me. She gazed around frantically, "Why isn't Cassandra having this problem?"

"I don't know!"

Ellana cast a Fireball, making the Shade shriek in pain.

A wisp. It's just a wisp.

And now, I can't even kill a wisp.

Translations:

Fen'Harel ma ghilana, dirthara-ma: The god of betrayal guides you, may you learn (the error of your ways).