AN:

I apologize for the delay, but I've barely had time. I'm in the last leg of my Masters and it's been killing me. Still is.

Enjoy!

The Hinterlands

"The first rule of management is delegation. Don't try and do everything yourself because you can't."

– Anthea Turner

The camp at the outskirts of the Hinterlands, the Outskirts Camp, was heavily guarded with sentries posted meters from each other. The camp was chaotic, orders were yelled, runners were bustling around, healers were exhausted and frazzled while wounded soldiers decorated what little space remained.

A red-haired dwarf rushed to greet us, "Your Worship! Scout Harding, at your service!"

Cassandra stepped forward, "What's the situation?"

"We haven't been able to reach Dennet, the horse master. He's said to have the best horses on this side of the Frostbacks, we-we don't even know if Dennet is still alive." Harding's voice cracked, "I-I grew up here. The fighting between the Mages and Templars has destroyed everything; farms, homes, there's nowhere left that's safe."

Cassandra placed a hand on Harding's shoulder, "We'll do what we can, that's why we are here."

Scout Harding cast an eye over our company before nodding, "We need more fighters. The fighting has turned intense at the Crossroads, they're almost impossible to contain. Mother Giselle has been helping the refugees and the wounded, but the war's reached them too."

"Our priority is Mother Giselle. We must assist them first."

"Yes, Seeker." She nodded and half-turned before pausing, running a quick eye over everyone before settling on me, "Herald, I-I" she stuttered, her face turning red, "I heard the stories! We heard what you did at the Breach. We-we're all a little nervous about mages, especially right now, but you won't hear any backtalk from us, promise!"

I blinked, bemused, "Thank you, Scout Harding."

"With you here, the Maker's blessings are with us." Scout Harding retreated at Cassandra's impatient expression, "I should get going."

We entered the camp and were besieged with requests for help. There weren't enough healers, scouts, runners, anybody, to get things done. Most of the manpower had been assigned to Corporal Vale to train up soldiers.

Before Cassandra could rush off, I held her back, "Have you given thought to how you'll stop the Templars and Mages without killing them?"

She grimaced, "I don't know. Even if we do incapacitate them, we have no way to actually stop them from hurting others later."

"I do have an idea," I offered, guarded, "How about a repeat of my paralysis glyph?"

She frowned in thought, "While it was effective, it left the rest of us defenceless. If there is a way for you to incapacitate them without affecting the soldiers, then we can do it."

I sighed in relief, "That's not a problem, as long as they stay out of the range of the spell at the initial moment of casting, they'll be fine. I was actually hoping they'd help me set up."

Cassandra blinked in surprise, "Yes, this may actually work. A show of such overwhelming force will also demoralize both the Mages and the Templars."

Cassandra and I debriefed the contingent of soldiers about the plan, leaving the spell work to our mages. As we prepared to depart, a voice spoke close into my ear, "It's like you don't even notice me."

Hearing that familiar throaty voice, I swerved, a smile blooming on my face, "Kaari!"

Her grin grew, "Well, I take that back. You're acting as though we haven't seen each other for years. It's only been a few days, 'Lani."

"Oh," I cringed in embarrassment and she wrapped one arm around my shoulder in comfort, "It felt like years."

She studied me for a moment before giving my shoulders a small squeeze, "I'm here, now."

I smiled widely as something in me eased, and while my problems weren't miraculously gone, I felt as if I could handle them.

"So, how's the Hinterlands?" I asked as we approached the large group of soldiers.

"Terrible. I don't even know where to begin or who to blame. The templars and mages are goin' mad, bandits are taking advantage, and the civvies are collateral. The snobs have locked themselves up to avoid the worst of it and are too suspicious of the refugees to help them out."

"The usual then?" Kaari nodded. "Wait, why're they suspicious of the refugees?"

"They caught a few apostates hiding among the normal folk."

I sighed, "So they turned everyone else out."

"Yep," Kaari rolled her eyes, "Gotta admire the tunnel vision rich bastards have. They don't save anyone's skin except their own, not even their peoples'."

"Humans." My tone conveyed exactly what I thought about them.

Someone nudged me, and I turned to find Thranduil gesturing subtly to the soldiers around us. The soldiers around us were fidgeting, looking extremely uncomfortable. They'd clearly heard what Kaari and I had been saying.

I would not apologise for talking trash about their human leaders, because they were trash. I wouldn't let them overlook the fact that it' was an elf saving them, not their useless human leaders.

A large part of this anger stemmed from the fact that despite their 'Herald' being an elf, elves and dwarfs were only allowed as scouts, courtesy of Leliana, or part of mercenary groups. All other combatants, except for mages, had to be human.

"Are all of you aware of your roles?" When they saluted, a tiny trickle of guilt made itself known. Fuck, however they were, they had chosen to follow me. They had chosen to venerate me, and that meant something. It meant Hahren. "Well, show me what you can do. Show me you're better than the nobles who locked themselves away to protect themselves from civilians, civilians who need help."

I locked eyes with each of them, trying not to be condescending, but failing miserably, "I promise, it won't take much."

I knew it was a terrible choice of words. I knew it. It would either destroy my credibility as a leader or start a form of the French Revolution.

I couldn't bring myself to care.

Bringing the Crossroads under control was almost too easy.

With six mages powering the glyph and the thinness of the Veil, the limitations of the spell were easily overcome. As I forced magic into the glyph a bright green wave rushed out, paralysing everyone in range. While the mages and the templars were paralysed, the soldiers confiscated their weapons and tied them up.

I caught Cassandra's bewildered gaze as it roved over the battlefield, "It was easy. How-?" She trailed off as she watched the mages putting out fires.

"Because they weren't expecting it," I turned at hearing Solas' voice, "The element of surprise is a powerful tool. Still, I don't think such a tactic will work again. As word of this success spreads, people will learn to counter it."

Corporal Vale approached us, "Seeker, Herald, they've been restrained. What are your orders?"

I gave a look to Solas who left after a quick nod. I turned to Cassandra, "What should we do?"

"Normally, they'd be executed. But with the oath-" she grimaced, "We also need mages and templars for sealing the breach."

"Want to try the recruitment speech then?"

"These people, they're not representative of true mages or templars. They're people taking advantage of the situation to vent their aggressions." Cassandra closed her eyes, "They've hurt so many people. How can we just take them in? They must be punished."

I couldn't help the frown on my face, "And yet, they are people too. We need to at least give them the opportunity to change. Evil isn't born, it's made. Desperation is a powerful motivator and while they may or may not be desperate, we are."

Cassandra sighed, resigned, "What will you tell them?"

"That if they join me, they will get food, shelter and a job that save the world."

"The Templars will not be won over with such a speech."

"I know. That's why I'll speak to the mages while you speak to the templars."

"But you are the Herald! They saw you overpower them. You must speak to both groups!"

I grit my teeth in irritation, "Fine, I will accompany you, but you must be the one to speak to them," A headache blossomed as a thought occurred to me, "It would help to have Maxwell along with us when we speak to the templars."

Cassandra nodded, "And you should take Thranduil with you when you see the mages."

With another nod to each other, she turned towards Maxwell while I made a beeline to Thranduil.

"I need your help with a recruitment speech."

"You're talking to me now?"

I grimaced, unwilling to relive our terrible conversation. The worst part of it was, I knew I would forgive him, despite the terrible way he'd treated me.

But if I could forgive Desire for its behaviour, how could I not forgive Thranduil?

"You said horrible things to me, yet I'm still standing here. Will you help me or not?"

Thranduil closed his eyes, and he seemed to age a decade, "Always, Erelani."

Fuck you, Thranduil. You don't get to look like that. You cannot make me feel guilty for being angry with you.

Dangerous. Alien. Endure and keep your mouth shut.

Fuck you.

"I never said any of that."

I stared, bewildered for a moment, before I realized I'd spoken the words out loud.

"Didn't you?"

Thranduil placed his hands on my shoulders and I resisted. He dragged me closer until he could wrap his arms around me, and just like that my anger evaporated.

"I'm sorry." He let out a deep breath, "I haven't been fair to you. I'm worried, Erelani. So, so worried."

"About?"

"You. Others. Everyone. Being a leader isn't easy, Erelani. It's about sacrifices and self-control. You must listen, no matter how unpleasant the words are and still be respectful."

"And if I can't hear criticism from you, then how will I bear it from others?" I mocked.

"No, the people we love will always have power over us. I just wanted you to remember that people don't care about the difficulties of an elf's life, not even other elves." His hands tightened around me, "I really am sorry, Erelani."

"So, I should grit my teeth and smile?" I could feel my anger blossoming again.

"Yes, Erelani. Until we acquire the Dales again, you and I don't matter." He dropped his head onto my shoulder, "And we have a real chance at that now. If that means smiling at sadistic nobles and civilians, then we need to do it." He lifted his head, rubbing his eyes, "I really am sorry, I thought you were going to die," I ignored the wet spot on my shoulder, "No matter what, you are mine; my sister, my family, my soul."

I froze in shock, before I let out a choked laugh, "You love me the most?"

"Yes," Thranduil let go abruptly, his face guarded, "Don't know if you know yet, but Ellana dumped me."

"Oh."

"I think I haven't been myself since then," His eyes became glazed, "I've been so…" he trailed off as his eyes focused on me, "I am sorry, Erelani."

I placed an arm on his shoulder in comfort. I couldn't, in full honesty, say that I hadn't noticed, but everything else was more important.

Still, "Thranduil, will you help me write a speech or not?" I teased, forcing my cheerful tone.

Thranduil smiled.

We presented them three options.

Join. Leave but live and let live. Or die.

No one chose the last one. A lot of them chose to leave, casting the other group vicious looks as they left, and I knew that we'd be seeing them again. But they'd been warned, and if we encountered them again, the oath wouldn't prevent us from killing them.

A handful of mages and two templars joined. They passed each other looks of deep distrust but their presence was so useful that I could only rejoice. With them here, we could approach the templar and mage camps and avoid conflict altogether.

Mother Giselle was over the moon with me. She didn't care that I was a Dalish elf, or that I denied the Maker. She was so impressed with our bloodless win, that she promised to help us with the Chantry and if necessary, accompany us to Val Royeaux.

The reconstruction of the Crossroads village began, and with it came the daily needs of the people. Regardless of refugees coming in, there wasn't enough skilled labour, so we had to hold training sessions. We needed Dennet and his horses to help with logistics. Rifts were opening almost every day. Hunters couldn't collect food because of demons spawning in the forest. Soldiers couldn't be spared because they were the protection detail against rogue templars, mages and bandits.

And that was just the Crossroads.

Yet, there was an obvious solution to my problems that I'd been avoiding because I was afraid of the consequences.

I could Apparate.

It wasn't really Apparition, just like Aguamenti wasn't really Aguamenti. It was more a sustained Fadestep than anything else, but the magic required for such a powerful Fadestep was immense and created a loud sound that was impossible to ignore.

It was my trump card, my last resort. It was why I should've escaped from the Conclave, no matter what. That I didn't, made no fucking sense.

But with the world falling apart and so many people to protect, I needed to use every skill in my arsenal.

Neither could I do everything by myself.

I needed to be a leader, which meant delegating.

I called for sixteen of the best fighters in the camp. Pulai, Maxwell, Kaari, Thranduil, Eldric, Ellana from Valo-kas, Cassandra, Varric, Solas, Lace Harding, and a few of the Inquision soldiers stood in front of me.

One of the Inquisition soldiers stepped forward first, "Herald, my name is Lysette. I am a Templar recruit, and I want to extend my gratitude for what you did at Haven."

I nodded, "Gratitude is not necessary, but I appreciate the sentiment." It was a rehearsed reply that had seen a lot of use.

"Herald! My name is Belette!" "Christopher, Herald!" "I'm Amy, Herald, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Logan, at your service." "Tony."

I smiled, waiting for the barrage of introductions to stop, "Hello. I'm Erelani Arwen, formerly of Valo-kas." I circled all of them, "There is a lot to be done. Our hunters cannot hunt, we have no horses, we need supplies, but we cannot get them because of the demons, mages and templars ravaging the land."

I stopped in front of them, "So I'll be breaking you all up into groups of four. At least one mage, rogue and warrior must be in each group. I will give you a minute to decide your groups."

There was fidgeting as everyone looked at each other.

I clapped my hands loudly together, "We've barely begun and there's much more to discuss. Quickly!"

Kaari, Eldric, Lace Harding and Pulai stood together while Maxwell and Thranduil teamed up with Belette and Amy. Ellana joined the group of humans, looking extremely uncomfortable. Lysette joined Cassandra, Varric and Solas.

"There are four major tasks. Kaari, find the mage camp. Take one of the new mages with you to help. Cassandra, find the Templar camp; take one of the templars with you. Thranduil, find Dennet. Ellana, supply run. Take the list from the officer in charge."

"We can't avoid the demons. There are rifts all over this region. We need you to seal them," Thranduil said with a serious expression.

"Yes, I am aware."

I sighed, before rotating my hands to create a seal that would suction magic rapidly from the Fade. I could see Cassandra's face paling rapidly, her expression contorting in anger.

"What are you-?!"

There was a loud reverberating bang, and I was at the other end of the camp. I cast the spell again, apparating back to them with another bang.

"Well, I'll be…" Varric was gobsmacked and everyone was mirroring his expression.

Except Solas. He was grimacing in disgust, as if he'd just stepped on a pile of shit.

I stared at him, unable to help my smile at his ridiculous expression, "Solas, what's the matter?"

His face turned blank, "Nothing, Herald."

I shook my head with a smile, before turning to the others, "If you come across a rift, don't engage. Summon me and I'll be there in an instant."

"And how are we supposed to summon you?" asked Ellana.

"Can I have a volunteer?"

No one stepped forward. I closed my eyes, my wariness growing. Even without my aura, the apprehension in the room was tangible.

"Ellana, if you would?"

She stepped forward uncertainly, casting me a measuring look. I tried to be reassuring, "It's nothing. Don't worry."

I drew a small tracking rune onto her hand. The rune had once been used to track slaves. The blood of the victim would be dropped onto the seal, allowing the controller to punish them from any distance. It was predominantly used by masters to control their slaves and assert that no matter where the slave went, they couldn't escape pain, not unless they submitted.

But I'd redesigned that exact rune to be a call for help. The recipient could call the person on the other end for help, and instead of torturing the other person, it let the other know exactly where they were.

A instant locator.

When I finished drawing, I dropped a drop of my blood onto it. It gleamed red, before dimming. Ellana stared at it uneasily.

"Do you trust me?"

She looked at me, and her expression firmed, "Absolutely."

I closed my eyes, "Stand away from me and don't tell me where you are. Press the rune when you are ready."

There was shuffling and then silence. An image of the house behind us popped into my head and I apparated.

I gave her an exhilarated grin as I appeared in front of her, "And now for the return," I grabbed her with one arm and cast a larger circle to suction more magic before apparating us back.

There was a loud screech as I landed, more than a few grimacing at the sound. I let Ellana go and she stumbled, dazed.

"So, there it is. I'll be there when you call for me."

Cassandra stormed forward, enraged, "If you could do this, why didn't you save the Divine?"

I stiffened. This was the reaction I'd been fearing, "I tried. What did you think I was doing in that memory, waving hello to the Divine?"

"Then what happened?!"

I drew back, cautious, "As I said before, I don't remember."

She glared at me and I could see her grief and helpless rage in the set of her shoulders.

Varric stepped forward, placating, "Cassandra, we've all been affected by the events at the Conclave. Let's not forget that we're all on the same team."

She covered her face for a long moment, before removing her hand, her expression stony, "Place that mark on me."

I nodded slowly, "I need two others."

Thranduil and Kaari stepped forward.

The next few days were a blur. All I remembered were rifts: opening rifts to pull the spirits back into Fade and then sealing rifts shut.

When I was done, I stayed with the group, travelling with them until the next call for help.

Dennet agreed to help as long as we provided protection. His farmhand, Bron, asked for watchtowers to be built. Dennet's wife wanted the wildlife population contained.

The rogue mages agreed to join if they could gain a writ that assured their protection and freedoms.

The rogue templars agreed to join if all mages detained were turned Tranquil.

Ellana was the only one who got results. She ran into an Andrastian cult worshipping rifts and demons at Winterwatch Tower. Once I closed the rift, they agreed to help the Inquisition and pass on any useful information.

With a steady stream of supplies flowing in, our caravans became a target for bandits. Except, according to Belette, they were too organized and too well-equipped to be regular bandits.

When an ailing woman's husband asked me to travel to Winterwatch Tower to acquire medicine, and I did within the hour, dozens of requests started flowing in from refugees. I lost my sense of priorities as I apparated from one corner of the Hinterlands to another to fulfil their requests.

Cassandra felt no need to correct this behaviour when she returned. Rather, she devoted her time to training the new recruits.

No one said a word, not until Maxwell and Thranduil returned.

"Erelani! Did you talk to Commander Cullen yet?" Thranduil asked as he approached with his team.

I blinked, struggling to remember what he was talking about, "About what exactly?"

Thranduil stopped, taken back, "What do you mean 'what'? Dennet won't send any more horses until the watchtowers are built."

I blinked, feeling stressed, how could I forget, "I really need to write all this down, I'm starting to lose track of things."

He softened, a small smile forming on his face "It's alright, I'll do it. What are you doing now? Do you need help?"

His words calmed me, "A widow asked me to find her husband's ring."

His eyes widened, "What?"

Maxwell sidled up to Thranduil, eyebrows raised, "Why are you looking for someone's ring?"

I clenched my fists, "Rogue templars killed an apostate and confiscated his wife's wedding ring."

Maxwell's lips curled, "Again, why are you looking for someone's ring? Get someone else to do it."

My jaw stiffened at his condescension, but Thranduil intervened, "Erelani, Cassandra's established a temporary truce with the rogue templars. Ask her to talk to them and get the ring back."

I rubbed my face, "I know! However, I can get there instantly, but if she goes, it'll take her hours."

Thranduil frowned, "Priorities, Erelani. As tragic as the incident is, this isn't an urgent task."

I slumped in defeat, "Yeah, you're right."

Thranduil studied me intensely for a moment, "Erelani, go grab an empty notebook. I'll gather the others and you can prioritize, write it all down."

I stared at him for a moment, my pride wounded at his help, before nodding reluctantly. Refusing Thranduil's expertise because of injured pride was foolish.

When I returned, Corporal Vale, Mother Giselle, Ellana, Varric, Solas, Cassandra, Kaari, Eldric, Maxwell, Thranduil and a few Inquisition officers were gathered.

I looked down at the notebook where I'd just written the most immediate tasks that needed to be done. I clenched my book tightly as Thranduil approached. He leaned down close to my ear, "You are doing a great job, Erelani, but you can't do everything alone. Delegate where possible. Don't only delegate tasks, delegate authority."

I nodded, and he drew back. I was annoyed, because I was delegating! But ever since I had revealed that I could teleport, it felt unfair asking the others to travel days to accomplish basic tasks. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath.

Thranduil was right.

I gestured the others forward, "Form a circle please."

They gathered in a loose circle, "Everyone here will get a chance to speak. Please state your concerns when it's your turn. Varric. You start."

He blinked before gathering himself, "Right. I thought red lyrium was just at the Temple, but we found nodules growing near the rogue Templar camp. That shit's spreading everywhere. It does terrible things to people, makes them violent, insane. We need to destroy them and prevent from it spreading."

I nodded, noting it down, "Next."

"I've been researching the Fade for ways to strengthen the Veil," My eyes shot up immediately to Solas, "And I've discovered ancient artefacts nearby that can do so. I think we should activate them to prevent rifts from opening up again."

Cassandra smiled at Solas, relieved, "Thank the Maker! We're glad to have you Solas."

I couldn't help but watch his surprised expression before nodding, "Next."

"As I said before, the bandits are behaving unusually. They are organized and well-equipped. Scout Ritts discovered a mercenary fortress where they've been hiding. The situation bears investigating."

"Next."

And on it went. While my companions had several concerns, it was Corporal Vale that took the cake. When his turn came, he took the notebook from my hand and started scribbling pages worth of requests.

And this didn't even include any of the civilian requests I'd taken. When it was done, I took a deep breath, "Your assignments will be given out shortly."

"While your work is commendable, Herald," Maxwell interrupted, and annoyance rushed through me, "When are you heading back to Haven? Didn't you receive a missive asking you to return?"

"Soon, once the Hinterlands has stabilised," Unwilling to talk to him any further, I turned to the others, "Thank you for all your help."

Everyone but Thranduil left at the dismissal. He held out his hand and I placed my book in it. He flipped through the pages quickly, "Most of these issues can be resolved with manpower. There is nothing here that requires immediate attention. Resources are the most important, and that'll be resolved once we clear the bandits. Second priority is strengthening the Veil. Finally, we should destroy the Red Lyrium nodules. Corporal Vale can handle everything else, at least until we return from Haven."

"Split up the teams again?"

He smiled, "Yes."

This time, I told the others not to summon me unless there was a rift, or an urgency. While the bandits were a nuisance, it was the ancient artefact that caught my interest, so I set off with Cassandra, Solas and Varric into the East Road.

As we got closer, there was a light tingling on my skin, "I think there are wards in the area. Be careful."

"Herald," Solas reached out a hand to stop me, "These wards were designed by ancient elves," I nodded, "You cannot use your…trick here. These wards prevent anyone from materializing in the area. If you do, you'll be blown into pieces."

"Okay, Solas, thanks for letting me know," I was so busy with my duties that I'd barely paid anyone any attention, nonetheless, travelling through the forest with these people reminded me that I didn't know them. Not personally, at least.

As we resumed our journey, I cast a quick look at Solas, "I take it you don't like my 'trick'?" I teased lightly.

"This is not the first time I've witnessed instantaneous travel," Solas began, "In my exploration of the Fade, I found memories of ancient elves using it to get around. The teleportation was smooth, silent, and barely took any mana."

I stopped, a little shell-shocked. I've invented, reinvented and adapted many spells in my life, and while there were many who were uncomfortable with me using so much magic, I'd never been called clumsy.

"Not only are you cheerful, Chuckles," Varric retorted sarcastically, and I snapped out of my shock, "You have very low expectations of people."

And with that, I couldn't help the shocked laugh that came out of me.

Solas? Low expectations?

My laugh got away from me and I gasped, unable to stop. Varric, in his wit, had hit the nail on the head. By accident.

As I recovered, Varric shook his head with a smile, "As flattered as I am, Herald, even I don't think it was that funny."

I grinned, teasing, "You called him cheerful."

Solas sighed.

Varric grinned, encouraged, "You know what I like about you, Chuckles? Your boundless optimism."

"It's comforting that whatever qualities I lack, you'll invent for me, Varric."

Varric's eyebrow rose, a small smirk turning his lips, "No, really. Why else would an elven apostate help crazy Chantry folk close a hole in the sky?"

"When you put it like that, I must concede your point," Solas paused, "Varric, you joined the Inquisition when the Seeker questioned you?"

Cassandra intervened, "He was about to leave after the Herald returned from the Breach. I insisted that he help."

"Persistently."

"Interesting."

"What is?"

"That I was the only one who joined the Inquisition voluntarily."

"Like I said, Chuckles, boundless optimism."

A small smile remained on my face as they bantered.

Solas abruptly stopped, "I sense the artefact nearby."

He led us through a ruined stone archway to a door caved in by large boulders. To the side, a thin figure was drawing something on the ground, and we drew our weapons, just in case.

It was a Dalish elf, one that looked eerie familiar.

"Mihris?"

She jolted up, drawing her staff quickly, before she relaxed a little, "Andaran ati'shan. I did not expect to see another of the Dalish blood here."

I moved closer, a slow smile building on my face, "Andaran ati'shan. Mihris, it's me, Erelani, don't you recognize me?"

She blinked rapidly, nonplussed, "Da'len? Erelani, is that really you?" A wide smile decorated her face, "You've grown so much! How've you been?" She cast a cautious look to the others, "You keep eccentric company now."

I went over to her, encompassing her in a hug, "It's good to see you."

"You look battle ready. Fighting demons then?" She gave my hand an assessing look, her expression dry, "Or did you create the hole in the sky?"

"I didn't! It wasn't me, I'm just collateral." I said, exasperated, before sighing, "Why are you out here? Last I saw you, you were with Keeper Thelhen."

Mihris covered her face in anguish, "The clan was slaughtered by a demon my Keeper summoned," her voice cracked, "I am the only survivor. I was looking for another clan to join when the Breach opened. Now, I'm doing what I can to stop the madness."

My lips set in a grim line, "Can I help you?"

"There are artefacts in the area that can strengthen the Veil. I think they're through that door, but it's collapsed. Will you clear the way, dear sister?"

"Ma nuvenin. Since our paths are similar, want to come with me? Even we're searching for these artefacts."

"Definitely."

I cleared the doorway, stacking the boulders on top of each other, and it became clear exactly who had collapsed it. Wraiths and shades attacked relentlessly, and I opened a small rift to suck them back in.

"Look what I found, Erelani!" Mihris was giddy, "It's Veilfire!"

I closed my eyes, feeling worn out. If there was Veilfire, that meant there were memories here that it could access.

"What manner of fire is this, Solas?" Cassandra asked cautiously.

Solas explained the mechanics of veilfire as we descended, his voice echoing eerily down into the chamber.

"There! If we activate that crystal, it should start measuring the Veil," the excitement in Mihris' voice was tangible, and as I clicked the crystal into place, lighting up the device, she whooped, "There are runes decorating this left wall, Erelani! And it seems the ancestors left me a reward for all my hard work!"

In her hands lay a dark blue amulet, gleaming despite the dimness of the room. It was a storage amulet that let mages store extra mana in it, allowing them to do more complex or draining spells. Amulets like those were exceedingly rare and only mages with connections to royalty ever had them.

I could already see the ugly turn this conversation would take, "Mihris, may I have it?"

She froze, her face conflicted, "You are a Dreamer and you have impeccable control over the Veil. What use would you have for something like this?"

I placed my glowing hand over my heart, entreating, ignoring the pit in my stomach, "Mana. Ma halani. There are few I trust in this world without my own people turning against me. Aren't we family? That amulet may help me close the Breach."

She closed here eyes in defeat, "Right. Here. Take it. Mythal'enaste, da'len."

She made to leave but I stopped her, "Join me. Fight with me. Help me close the Breach. Please."

Her back faced me, and she was quiet for a long time, "You always defy my expectations, Erelani. I never imagined I'd find you with Chantry fanatics, fighting spirits and demons, and leading a human movement. As knowledgeable as you are, let me give you some heartfelt advice. Watch your back."

"At least let me help you-"

"There is no need. I'll find my way. Aneth ara, sister."

I watched her walk away, a heavy ball of homesickness settling in my stomach.

I want my people. The comfort of a Dalish cooked meal, the unconditional love of the clan, and the easy understanding between each other.

Why was I with the Inquisition? Why was I helping humans when elves were being slaughtered by human royalty?

What about my people -the ones who cared for me, gave me a home and a place to belong-? Who would help them?

Thranduil's words echoed in my head. Until we have the Dales, you and I don't matter. Be a Hahren to this world so that our people may make our own place in it.

Suddenly, I understood Thranduil.

Despite the oath I had taken, I had been reluctant to work for the Chantry and had taken every opportunity to belittle humans and their practices. But if I wanted to acquire the Dales for the elves, and keep it, I couldn't continue to behave like this. The only way I could win human faith was if I was a leader, a good one. And if that meant brown nosing to nobles, enduring human insensitivity and keeping silent when I shouldn't, then for the sake of the elves, I would.

A heavy feeling settled in my stomach as I stared down my veilfire inscription, marred by the Mark.

It felt like failure. It felt like I was sacrificing my principles.

I walked back with the others to the Crossroads, silent under the weight of my realization.

There was nothing I couldn't do for the Dalish.

I eyed the amulet, feeling a strong dislike for the trinket that had put me in conflict with Mihris.

I didn't have to use it, did I? Wasn't this supposed to go to Solas? He'd eyed the amulet intently when I received it, but otherwise remained silent.

Decision made, I strolled over to the fire where he sat in fierce debate with Varric, Ellana, Maxwell and many others. I caught bits of it as I drew closer,

"-Dwarves alone were lost to me, save scattered fragments of memory where some spirit cared to watch. Now I know why I see so little."

"And why is that?"

"Dwarves are the severed arm of a once mighty hero, lying in a pool of blood. Undirected. Whatever skill of arms it had, gone forever. Although it might twitch to give the appearance of life, it will never dream."

His words inspired an instinctive reaction, and I smacked him in the back of his head in reproach. The slap of my hand against his bald head was uncomfortably loud, and he stood up menacingly, turning to face the one who hit him.

What had I just done?

I stared in dismay as the anger in his face smoothened at seeing me, "Ir abelas Solas, I should not have hit you. It was a reaction born from being a Hahren," My expression firmed, even as I quailed inside, "However, I cannot condone your words to Varric."

"It's alright, Herald, we were just talking," Varric intervened, giving me a sheepish grin, "I'd avoid mentioning that to any Carta, Chuckles. They might not take it the right way."

I fidgeted, embarrassed at my overreaction.

"If there's nothing else, Herald, I'll be on my way." His expression was blank, but the coldness of his tone was undeniable.

"Wait!"

He paused, giving me an unfriendly look. I fiddled with my pockets, "There's something I wanted to give you."

His expression remained unmoved until his gaze fell on the amulet I withdrew. He blinked, thrown back.

"I feel weird keeping this after taking it from Mihris, and I don't really need it," I smiled, "Here, this is yours."

He stared at the amulet for a long time before looking up at me, "Herald, this is a powerful amulet that increases a caster's base mana."

"Yes, I'm aware. That's why I'm giving it to you."

He studied me intently, "Why not Thranduil? Or Ellana? Or Kaari?"

I blinked, surprised by his intense enquiry, until I caught Varric's equally intent gaze on me. Growing uncomfortable, I looked between them before settling on Solas, "If you don't want it, I'll give it to them I suppose."

He relaxed before reaching out to take the amulet, "Thank you, Herald."

I nodded and strolled away, trying my best to ignore the awkwardness I inspired. With distance came perspective, and I realized how weird it was to give an acquaintance such a rare and powerful gift instead of the others he'd suggested, and right after hitting him too.

Mortification flooded through me.

Why. Don't. I. Ever. Think. About. Such. Things.

The hair on the back of my neck rose as I felt someone's intent stare. I turned to find Maxwell sitting next to a bear of a man, the man's face nearly invisible beneath his beard. I was determined to ignore the pair until Maxwell caught my arm. His expression was stormy, and he seemed to be fighting for restraint.

I jerked my arm away, my voice cold, "What?"

Maxwell stared at his hand for a moment before replying, "We came across a Warden on our way back. He wanted to join us and help," Maxwell gestured to the man, "Blackwall, this is the Herald of Andraste. Herald, this is Warden Blackwall."

I passed Blackwall an assessing glance before giving a small smile, "Thank you for joining us. Your help is appreciated."

"I'm glad I can help. With the whole world gone mad, it's the least I can do," Blackwall gave me an intense look, "How do you fit into this?"

I smiled amiably, "Same as you. Doing what I can to help."

He relaxed, nodding.

"Good day, Warden."

I walked away, mind roiling with Blackwall and his true nature. But exposing him would yield nothing and would only make me a hypocrite: I'd willingly recruited rampaging templars and mages, what reason did I have to refuse him?

I opened my notebook, reviewing the tasks that had been done and the ones that were still pending.

It was time to return to the Haven.

Translations:

Andaran Ati'shan: I/We come in peace, Welcome, Formal usage

Mana. Ma halani: Help me, a strong entreaty. Begging.

Ir abelas: In sorrow. I am sorry. Accept my sorrow.

AN:

So, I'm a bit unsure about this chapter. I feel like the pacing is all over the place. I'd appreciate feedback on it.

Also, I'd appreciate a beta. It's hard for me to spot errors beyond SPaG.