I dipped my paintbrush in the pot of paint and cast one more wary glance at Solas.

"Are you sure about this? These are your masterpieces and I've never held a paintbrush before in my life."

Solas chuckled and nudged me with his elbow. "Give it a try. These are just things I paint in my spare time. They are not my life's work."

I brought my hand to the wall and painted one tentative brush stroke in an area that Solas had blocked out for me.

"See, wasn't that easy?" he coaxed.

"Hush, I'm concentrating," I shushed, my brush strokes becoming a little more confident.

I refreshed the paint on my brush and pressed it to the wall again, feeling the unease wash away…until I accidentally went too far and brushed out of the bounds Solas had set up.

I gasped and he grabbed my hand to check for wounds as if I had hurt myself. When I pointed at my mistake, his eyebrows tilted up in amusement.

"Vhenan, don't scare me like that. We can fix that tiny mistake."

"I'm sorry, I ruined your mural."

"'Ruined' is a heavy word. We can fix this easily," Solas cooed as I fretted.

He took the paintbrush from my hand for a moment and pressed a kiss to my temple.

"Watch, you're going to fix it easily," he encouraged as he dipped the brush hairs into a nearby pot.

He handed me back the brush and instructed as I painted, "Just make that line there a little larger and then brush over this area here. See? All fixed."

I beamed up at him and his face dropped momentarily. I thought I may have upset him, but he quickly swept me up into his arms, pressing a hard, needy kiss to my lips. I returned the gesture, careful of the paintbrush still in my hands. Solas pulled away briefly, his hands still around me tightly as he said, "You are so perfect, vhenan."

"Don't say things like that," I huffed, my ears pink. "No one is perfect."

"Agree to disagree," Solas countered.

"Inquisitor, we have news," Morrigan announced, barging into the library entry way. "Oh, I'm sorry…I did not know…"

I stepped away from Solas, who easily released me, and set the paint brush down. "What is it, Morrigan," I asked not unkindly.

"There is something I must discuss with you."

"Is it about that elvhen artifact we were discussing?"

"Yes," she said hesitantly, her eyes shifting to Solas.

I waved a hand dismissively and sat down in the only chair in the room. "You can say it here. Solas is also an elvhen expert. We could use his thoughts."

"And where, pray tell, did you learn of such history?" Morrigan asked Solas.

"My explorations into the Fade have provided me with much insight, Lady Morrigan. And of the three of us here, only two are elvhen." Solas said as he came around the table to face me.

"So it would seem…" Morrigan mused, stepping up beside him.

"Please don't bicker. I would like to use both of your brains for such an artifact."

"I am at your mercy, Inquisitor," Solas said with a performatory bow.

"As am I, Inquisitor," Morrigan mirrored.

I nearly laughed at the look they were both giving each other. But I needed them to focus, so I said, "You mentioned this mirror–"

"An Eluvian, yes."

Solas stiffened beside Morrigan. I lifted a brow and said, "Have you heard of such a thing?"

He looked like he would rather do anything other than answer my question, but Solas replied, "Yes, I have. They are means of transportation."

"They are so much more than that," Morrigan argued. "If Corypheus gets his hands on a single one, he would have access to the Fade itself!"

My attention suddenly peaked. "These Eluvian are portals into the Fade?"

"And other places," Solas offered quietly.

"I found one that may still be active in the Arbor Wilds."

"My people say there is ancient magic there," I breathed.

"If she found it, we can almost guarantee Corypheus has also found it," Solas interjected.

"We won't be able to stop Corypheus if he throws all of his might into this," I countered.

"So we use everything we have against him," Morrigan said. "We cannot allow him to enter the Fade. Either he will reach that godhood he so desperately desires or he will unleash something worse than we can expect."

"I can talk to my advisors and see what we can put up against Corypheus to slow him down. Our team will have to be quick though. We get in, get the Eluvian, and get out."

I sat on the outskirts of our camp in the Arbor Wilds, my nerves fraying with every passing hour. We needed to beat Corypheus there, but we also couldn't just dive right in at risk of dying horrible deaths. I kicked a small rock with the toe of my boot and cocked my head to the side contemplatively.

"You should be asleep," a voice admonished.

I grinned from ear to ear and spun around just in time to collide with Solas's chest. Instead of backing away, I snaked my arms around him and pressed a kiss to his neck. He chuckled softly and brushed a strand of hair out of my face before placing a kiss on my lips.

"Are you being broody again?"

I shoved lightly at his shoulder with not an ounce of malice and said, "I'm worried about this entire mission."

"What could be bothering you so?"

"I'm afraid of what we will find. I'm afraid of what we won't find. Magic is finicky and makes me nervous. What if these Eluvians don't work?"

"May I show you something?"

I nodded and Solas stepped a few feet away from me. He splayed out his hands and a bubble of grey-blue light appeared between his fingertips. His hands flew around the orb, shaping the magic until it resembled a small fish with elaborate fins. The magic fish fluttered to life, shaking its fins and body as if waking up from a deep slumber. It flitted to one side and then swam in the air around us before nuzzling up against my cheek. A laugh bubbled up my throat and I stroked the magic with one finger gently.

"Magic is magic," Solas reiterated with a soft smile that made me want to kiss him. "The Eluvians will work if we unlock them properly. Magic is only finicky when the caster is unsure."

He coaxed the fish over and it vanished into his palm. I felt sad to see its glow gone, but then Solas's arms were around me again. I burrowed into him and closed my eyes.

"Are you nervous," I asked shyly.

"Yes, vhenan. I am."

"What does such a sure magic caster like you have to nervous about?" I teased.

Solas paused before saying somberly, "Many things…we should get to sleep."

He clasped my hand and led me to my tent. He tried to leave, but I only gripped his hand tighter.

"Stay with me," I begged.

"How could I say 'no' to you?" Solas said as he squeezed my hand.

I smiled up at him and brushed a hand across his cheek in a soft caress.

"Ar lath ma, vhenan," I whispered. "No matter what comes tomorrow, know that."

My breathing was laborious as another Venatori body fell to my blades. Blood was sprayed across my armor and my muscles were burning from use.

"Corypheus is definitely here," I grumbled.

Cassandra made a sound of disgust as she swiped at some blood on her face. "We should keep moving."

"I agree," I said, wiping blood off of my daggers on the body nearest me.

"A word, Inquisitor?" Morrigan asked.

I fell back to walk beside her. "Yes?"

Morrigan got right to the point and said, "I believe these to be the ruins of the Temple of Mythal."

I sucked in a soft breath. "That…can't be."

"Can you not sense it, Inquisitor? Something powerful stirs in these woods," Morrigan whispered.

All around us massive trees towered above with delicate veils of moss hanging from their branches. Ferns the size of a couch brushed against our legs as we walked and I could feel the air brimming with…something.

"There!" Solas exclaimed as we neared a stone archway almost hidden away by the foliage.

I jogged up to the front and held out a hand to stop everyone.

"We should not waste time, Inquisitor," Morrigan huffed.

"I can't send all of my team into a trap if it is one. Some of us should stay out here while just a few of us enter. Varric, Solas and Morrigan come with me. The rest of you stay here and guard this entrance."

The sounds of fighting filled the narrow passageway as we entered and I readied my daggers. I motioned for everyone to get low as we approached the other open entryway, which opened out into a large courtyard.

A group of soldiers unlike anything I could recognize stood against Corypheus, blocking his pathway further in. Corypheus chucked a soldier's body at the feet of the others as he stormed up to them.

"Show me to the well," Corypheus demanded.

Behind the soldiers was a bridge that led deeper into the temple. As Corypheus attempted to cross it, lights of magic flared to life on either side of him from two pillars. The creature was caught in the blast and he immediately exploded. For one split second, I thought our problems were over.

Below, all was calm and I motioned for everyone to go down the staircase toward the bridge.

I nearly rejoiced as I stepped over Corypheus's body…until the horrible sounds of bones squelching made my head turn.

"Run," I hissed.

A Grey Warden's body reared back its head, its body bending at unnatural angles, until it burst open and Corypheus emerged.

We sprinted across the bridge as a screech sounded overhead.

"I hate that fucking dragon," I seethed.

Just as we made it across and through a pair of enormous double doors, the dragon spit its fire. Solas and Varric slammed the doors closed just in time and the door sealed up the middle as if by magic. It probably was considering where we were.

"What was that talk of a well?" I demanded. "I thought he wanted the Eluvian."

"No…it seems he is after something much more," Morrigan said breathlessly.

Solas coughed into his hand to hide his laugh and Morrigan whipped around to face him. "Yes, I was wrong! Are you pleased? It doesn't matter. Whatever Corypheus wants, we must deny him."

"Are we just going to ignore the fact that we saw Corypheus come back to life?" Varric chimed in.

"One disastrous thing at a time, Varric," I joked.

"I'm just saying is all," Varric grumbled to himself.

I finally turned around to take in everything around me and gasped. It was beautiful–a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. Nature invaded every other inch of this place–trees lined the walls and long tendrils of vines hung out of windows. Beds of grass had started to take over the space from the outskirts, reaching toward the center earnestly. Pillars stood high with plants wrapped around the columns.

Morrigan gasped and I lifted my head–tearing my eyes from the sanctum to where she stood.

"Something wrong?" I asked, already moving to approach her. I stopped myself the minute my eyes landed on what had made her make such a noise. Before me sat an enormous statue of a wolf lying down, carved in the elven style. Butterflies danced across the wolf's muzzle, oblivious to the creature's presence.

"Fen'Harel…" I breathed.

Solas's ears twitched and his jaw ticked. Was he also aware of who the elvhen god was?

"Who's Fen'Harel?" Varric asked noncommittally.

"A god," I replied, my eyes never leaving the wolf statue as I explained. "Not a well-liked one though. He's the one our people say tricked the elvhen gods into the beyond. He's the one everyone says is responsible for the downfall of the elves."

"Doesn't sound like a god. He sounds like a villain," Varric murmured.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Some claim so, but he was a god of trickery. I supposed it was in his nature? Also, I don't believe in such stories. But what I am curious about is why this is here at all?"

"What do you mean?" Cassandra asked.

"Fen'Harel tricked Mythal into being bound," Morrigan chimed in. "Him being here in her inner sanctum is like painting Andraste naked in the Chantry. It's blasphemous."

"For all your knowledge, Lady Morrigan, you seem to only believe in mythos over history," Solas cut in.

Morrigan huffed with annoyance. "And what knowledge do you have to impart on us, oh wise one?"

"None we can discern by staring at a statue of a wolf."

"So nothing," Morrigan jabbed.

"We should get going," I interjected before the pair started physically fighting instead of verbally.

"Following the respectful path of the partitioner may aid us," Morrigan offered.

"Fine, let's just hope that the army out there holds," I replied.

After several puzzles, I had denounced my gods several times over with frustration. As we approached another hall, a grand staircase revealed itself before us. I halted in my tracks, my hand going to the hilt of my dagger at my back as I spied several archers behind us.

"You are different from the other invaders," a man boomed, high up on the next level of the sanctum. His cowl was pulled low over his face. "How did you come to bear that mark? It is…familiar."

"It's a rather long story that we don't have time for," I said with a guarded tone. "Those people out there are my enemies as much as your own."

The man lifted his face slightly and I sucked in a breath. He wore the vallaslin of Mythal etched across his face.

"You're sentinels," I announced. "Elves from the time before Tevinter invaded Arlathan."

"I am Abelas. I see our history has not passed down to the newer generations. No, da'len. Our people waged war amongst themselves long before these sanctuary doors closed. You wish to drink of the Vir'abelasan. But it is not for you. Any of you," he said pointedly.

"Abelas," I tried. "We only seek the well's wisdom. We do not wish to destroy it like the others."

"You shall not bespoil this sanctum more than you already have. Even if I have to destroy the Vir'abelasan myself," he insisted, turning to walk deeper into the chamber.

I heard the sentinels behind us draw their bows just before Morrigan shrieked, "No!"

Her body morphed into that of a raven and she took off, flying after Abelas. I rushed after the pair. I pumped my arms and legs, begging them to be faster; for an ancient elf, Abelas was surprisingly spry and quick. We twisted and turned down hallways until we eventually stepped into a space with an enormous domed ceiling. Statues adorned the walls of the room along with gigantic pillars made of some sort of white stone. I was no mason, but I would bet anything that the stone had value beyond imagining. Greenery grew within the area, overtaking several large stones. As we ran up yet another staircase, it finally came into view–the Vir'abelasan. It looked like just a small pool of water for something so mythical. A rim of gold encircled the calm waters and an enormous mirror sat across from us behind the well.

Morrigan landed in front of Abelas and I came up behind him, pinning him between us.

"You'd let your people's legacy rot in the shadows?!" Morrigan seethed.

"Better that than have it ruined by those undeserving," Abelas shot back.

"I don't want to fight you, Abelas," I insisted, lifting my hands placatingly. "Please just let us pass and go."

He turned to me, his anger apparent. "And who would drink of the Vir'abelasan? You? Do you even know what is at stake?"

I stepped forward until my boots were at the edge of the circular pool. I glanced at the dark waters before me. I was no historian, I doubted I could unlock all of the potential from the well's knowledge. But I bit my lip, still wondering what it would be like to have all of that knowledge. To see the elvhen world for what it was and not what we knew it as now. I reached out a hand as if the water was calling to me and nearly dipped my fingers beneath its surface when a voice stopped me.

"Do not do it, vhenan," Solas hissed as he came up beside me.

As if startled out of my thoughts, I merely blinked up at him.

"What is looming over you is the point everyone has tried to bring up: there is a catch for such knowledge," Solas insisted. He placed a hand to my arm, a begging look in his eyes. "Please, vhenan. Don't do it."

I shook my head as if shaking myself free from my thoughts. "Morrigan!"

She stepped up immediately, her eyes piercing daggers into Abelas.

"Know you this," Abelas said solemnly. "You will be bound to Mythal. Bound as we are bound."

"As if such a goddess even exists," Morrigan scoffed. "And if she did, Fen'Harel already took care of her."

"The Dread Wolf had nothing to do with her murder," Abelas announced. His words turned my heart to ice. Murdered…our goddess had been murdered? Another thing the Dalish had gotten wrong then?

"Murder," Morrigan sputtered. "I said nothing of a murder."

"That is because you know nothing…yet."

Morrigan glared at him and abruptly turned toward the Vir'abelasan. She dropped to her knees at the edge of the pool and dipped her hands beneath its surface. In one quick motion, she brought the water to her lips and gulped it down. Then she stood and stepped one foot into the water then the other until she was calf deep in the Well of Sorrows. Magical light emanated from the pool and Morrigan twirled around, arms outstretched and fingers twitching. I watched her with wonder and only a tinge of envy.

A sound pulled my gaze from Morrigan and I turned to find Abelas shifting away from us.

"Where will you go?" I asked, following after him.

"Our duty here is done," Abelas concluded.

"There is a place for you, lethallin," Solas said plainly.

"Amongst elvhen such as yourself?" Abelas hissed.

Solas paused, his jaw clenching before he said, "Yes."

"Perhaps there are places for us where the shemlen have not touched."

I reached out a hand to Abelas and said, "Your name…it means sorrow, doesn't it?"

"Yes, da'len."

"Malas amelin ne halam, Abelas," Solas said.

Abelas met and held Solas's gaze for a moment, a look of understanding passing between them.

Next Abelas turned his eyes to me. This was one of my ancestors–my people who had survived for millenia against all odds. I smiled up at the sentinel and hoped that our genuine thanks could be felt. If it was, Abelas did not show it.

A splashing sound turned my attention back to Morrigan. She had dipped completely below the well's surface and was submerged. As she did, a wave blasted out of the pool, striking all of us and soaking us to the bone.

When I lifted my head and searched, the sentinel was gone and Morrigan was lying on the ground in the middle of the pool, its water gone entirely. I ran to her, helping her sit up. She mumbled several elven words in rapid succession and touched a hand to her head.

"There are…many voices inside my head. But I am alive," she murmured. "Be careful."

I opened my mouth to ask what she meant…and then I saw him. Corypheus stood on an overlooking balcony, his eyes glaring daggers at us. He thrust his hands downward and fucking floated toward us. Was there anything this creature couldn't do?

Morrigan grabbed my upper arm and pointed to the mirror behind us, "Through the Eluvian!"

I didn't hesitate to follow her. The entire group rushed at the mirror and instead of smashing into a solid surface like I expected, we passed right through.

It had been a few hours before I was able to slip away from the group and to my chambers. Everyone in Skyhold had been startled to say the least to see us appear in the keep from a mirror. I was just glad to be back. We'd been so close to losing, but this was definitely a victory.

I chucked my armor to the floor, pain radiating from my side. I grimaced as I took in the sight of my torn flesh along my waist. Blood coated my clothing, but I was unable to tell where my own ended and the blood of others began. I don't remember receiving the wound, but it was surely there all the same. I examined the ruined flesh closer and watched as fresh blood oozed from the wound as I moved. I groaned and ran my fingers through my hair. I would need to see a healer before I could crawl into bed.

A sound on my steps made me turn. I cursed and tried to cover my bloody torso, but Solas had already seen the damage.

"I knew it," he breathed. "I knew you were in pain."

"It's fine," I tried. "I just want to sleep. I'm not in much pain."

Solas let loose a sigh that startled me and he moved toward me with outstretched hands. "Please let me heal it regardless."

I nodded my assent and light blossomed along his palm. He held out his glowing hands to my wound and I bit my lip. The process of healing was always a bit painful–as if I could feel my skin and muscle stitching themselves back together.

"It doesn't look like they hit any internal organs," Solas noted. "It might leave a scar though."

"I have plenty of those. Another doesn't bother me," I commented.

When he was done, he turned around so I could change.

"What do you plan to do with the Vir'abelesan now?" Solas asked abruptly.

I swiped at the blood on my skin with a damp rag, too tired to take a full bath. "I don't quite know. I wasn't expecting it to even be there. It was a bit of a surprise in the first place."

"Do you intend to utilize its magic for the Inquisition?"

When I was in fresh clothes, I tapped Solas on the shoulder and he turned to face me. "I would intend to use it for the betterment of everyone. Once we know what we've actually unlocked anyway."

Solas looked away from me for a moment before bringing his gaze back to me. When I looked into his eyes there was an outpouring of love shining through them. It took my breath away.

"Would you go somewhere with me?" Solas asked earnestly. "If you're not too tired."

I nodded, grasping his hand in mine.

I followed behind Solas silently, our hands intertwined as we walked across the lush grass and deeper into the area. I wasn't sure why we were at Crestwood, but I would follow Solas anywhere at this point.

Two enormous hart statues stood on either side of a waterfall facing one another, a pool of water at their hooves. The air was warm but a gentle breeze brought a touch of crispness to it. Fluffy clouds covered the moon, casting the area in darkness. We walked until our toes were almost touching the water's edge. When we stopped, a silence fell and I leaned against Solas comfortably.

"The Veil is thin here," Solas announced, startling me for a moment.

"Is that why my skin is tingling?" I jested.

"Perhaps," Solas paused, a pained look crossing his face. "I wanted to show you what you mean to me."

My heart leapt into my throat and I stepped a hair's breadth away from him so I could truly see his face in all its freckled glory.

"I never could have imagined that I would meet someone who would take my attention away from the Fade. My entire life was wrapped up in it and now…I find all I want to do is be wrapped up in you."

I leaned up and pressed a soft, quick kiss to his lips. "You are important to me too, Solas."

"Then I must tell you…the truth…"

I sucked in a breath and waited. Was this finally it? Would he show me why he looked so guarded and pained all the time? Would he finally reveal the secrets I had longed to hear slip from his tongue?

His face twisted as if he were being tortured before he said, "Your vallaslin."

I lifted an eyebrow. This was not where I had expected the conversation to go.

"They are slave markings," he blurted.

I deflated, both from the news and from the fact that it was not what I wanted to hear. I bent my head, tears pricking at my eyes. "Another thing the Dalish got wrong apparently. We are told they honor the Elvhen gods. We decided to keep the one thing that marked us as no better than Tevinter?"

"Don't say that. For everything they got wrong, the Dalish raised you."

He brought a hand to my cheek, his thumb swiping at the single tear that fell there. "I did not tell you this to hurt you. I know a spell…"

"To remove my markings?" I asked incredulously.

Since I was a child I had never expected to see my face bare again and here Solas was offering that chance. I didn't hate my markings, they acknowledged me as one of the Dalish. But if what Solas was saying was true…

"Take the marks away," I conceded. "I don't want to look in a mirror and see a slave for the rest of my life."

Solas nodded and gently ordered me to sit. I found a nice rock to drop down onto and he knelt in front of me. I might have kissed him if my mood weren't so dour. Magic erupted from his hands and I closed my eyes. His hands brushed across my face, the magic light intense. I thought it would hurt to feel my vallaslin burn away, but I felt nothing as Solas worked.

"Ar lasa mala revas," he whispered.

My eyelids fluttered open and I blinked up at him. He helped me stand again with one hand and caressed my cheek with the other.

"How do I look?" I asked shyly.

"You are so beautiful…" my love murmured.

I felt my heartbeat quicken and I leaned in for a kiss. Solas's arms went around me, pulling me close to his chest as he always did. My fingers gripped the fabric of his tunic as I kissed him.

For a brief moment, he pressed his forehead to mine, his lips parting as if he were about to speak. Then he abruptly pulled away, his head shaking like it often did. I thought it cute until his pained eyes turned to mine and I felt my throat close.

"What is it?"

"I am sorry. I distracted you from your duty. It will never happen again."

My blood turned to ice as a chill ripped down my spine. Was he saying what I think he was saying? Solas stepped out of my reach, his face twisting with agony.

"Solas…" I whimpered. This was a joke, right? If it was, it was cruel.

"Please, vhenan."

I felt my heart beat painfully against my breastbone, as if begging to be released.

"If this has to do with what you're hiding from me, I don't care about any of that. We can endure. I won't give up on you, Solas," I insisted petulantly.

"You should," Solas returned.

"We can do this–whatever it is–together," I begged, reaching out to tug on his sleeve. He pulled himself free gently.

"No, we cannot. You will see. I'm sorry," his voice broke with his apology.

He looked away from me and I felt my heart shatter painfully in my chest.

"Solas," I begged again. "Don't leave me."

"You…have a rare and marvelous spirit," he replied, pain choking his words. "In another world…"

"Why not this one?" I demanded.

"I…can't," his voice broke as he walked backwards. "It was not supposed to happen this way."

"Ar lath ma, vhenan," I tried desperately as tears sprung to my eyes.

He didn't return the phrase and my lower lip trembled. He continued to walk, leaving me behind. I couldn't help myself, I dropped to my knees and sobbed. Fat tears rained down my cheeks and I swiped furiously at them. This couldn't be the end, could it? I had to make him see…he had to know…

Footsteps approached and my heart leapt, thinking Solas had returned to beg forgiveness. Instead I found Dorian standing there. "We saw Solas return without you and–"

More tears fell and my body shook with sobs. Dorian immediately rushed to my side, hands going to my shoulders.

"Inquisitor…Lavellan? What's wrong?"

I couldn't speak, I merely cried until I was retching and heaving in lungfuls of air desperately. Dorian sat beside me, whispering words of comfort and brushing my hair from my face.

Why did it feel like I was physically breaking apart when no such wound existed?

Solas POV *

I walked with purpose, my feet skirting over the grass solidly…until I heard her cry break through the night. My heart shattered in my chest, exploding with enough force to make my knees buckle. I placed one shaky foot in front of the other, my hand going to my chest as if to soothe the ache there.

I had done the right thing, I told myself. I had to do the right thing.

Hearing her cry, however, didn't feel like the right thing. It felt like the exact opposite of what I should be doing. I couldn't bring her into this, though. No matter how much she professed to love me, she could not. Not when she knew who and what I was, what I had done. She would never love such a monster.

Resolutely, I made my way to the camp and flung open my tent flap. When it fell back into place and I was alone–truly alone–I let myself drop to the ground. I hugged myself and silent tears fell from widened eyes.

I never should have let her get so close. This was the most painful wound I had sustained. It felt as if every fiber of my being were being ripped apart at once. Still, a monster like me deserved to feel this pain for hurting her–and others. I deserved this and would carry this despair with me like another scar–one of many at this point. I only hoped that she could move on from such pain.