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Chapter Text

Nearly a year had passed since Inquisitor Eli’Yah had been abandoned by the one she trusted most. She had learned the truth of her former lover, Solas. Solas was Fen’Harel. She had freely given her heart to the Dread Wolf, the villain from childhood tales the clan elders used to tell around a campfire. Eli’Yah stood on her balcony, eyes looking out over the sunset painted mountains as her mind replayed the events that had transpired. She could recall his face perfectly as he voiced his truth, his expression forlorn as the words left his lips, eyes hardly able to meet hers. The way anguish clung to his usually stoic tone as he spoke. The softness of his lips on hers as he kissed her so deeply as he prevented the anchor from killing her. It had been a kiss full of longing and regret, his free hand laced in her hair. A kiss dripping with finality.

As she stood watching the molten sun begin to tuck behind the snow-capped mountains, her mind turned to the final moments they shared. How his face wore an expression of sheer agony, his eyes holding hers for a lingering moment before he turned his back on her, stepping through the eluvian with his head hung. The eluvian had darkened, leaving Eli’Yah alone, screaming his name, begging him to stay.

A gentle, whispering breeze drew her back from her thoughts, rustling the pages of the journal she held between her hands. Eli’Yah glanced down at the open pages filled with notes and drawings. Her eyes traced a roughly done sketch of eluvian; mind turning to the now useless gift from Morrigan in the Skyhold library. Many nights had been spent studying the mirror and searching for a way to unlock it, all in vain.

Giving a deep sigh Eli’Yah retreated from her balcony, tossing the journal onto her desk and making her way down to Skyholds main hall. She needed to escape her room, if even for a little and she knew just where to seek relief from her ever-turning mind. The great chamber sat nearly empty, her decision to disband the Inquisition leaving the once-bustling castle empty; save for a small number of soldiers with nothing to return to. The other inhabitants were those of the inner circle, her friends. There was always a member at the stronghold, despite Eli’Yahs insistence that they each return home and resume life outside of the Inquisition. Though they departed, Eli’Yah was never alone long.

The Inquisitor found her way to the stronghold’s tavern, finding the interior empty except for the Iron Bull. The mountainous man sat at the bar, his back to her. The tavern's door closed without a sound as she quietly padded her way over to her friend.

“Hey, boss. Wondered when you’d be getting out of your room.”

“You could tell it was me?” She questioned, taking the empty stool next to him, pouring herself a mug of whatever he was having himself.

Bull gave a small chuckle before taking a swig from his mug and speaking. “Ben-Hassrath training, it may have been years since I’ve actually been in the order, but it never leaves you.” He took another long drink of the brew and continued. “Your scent gave you away. Honey and sandalwood.”

“Besides Dorian, whose scent is best?” Eli’Yah asked jokingly, taking a sip from her own mug and letting the bitter chicory and clove taste coat her tongue. The brew reminded her of the first time she’d ever shared a drink with Bull.

He pondered for a few moments, replenishing his cup as he did so. “Cullen smells like leather and teakwood, warm and smokey. The spymaster like lilac and pine. Josie like cinnamon and vanilla, maybe a little cranberry, it’s a comforting scent. I’d go with her, probably.”

“And Dorian?”

Without missing a beat, he had his answer ready. “Cinnamon and lavender, jasmine too.” How he missed Dorian. It had been months since he had seen him, their only communication coming from the sending crystal Dorian had provided them.

Eli’Yah watched as a smile bloomed upon the qunaris face, a deep sigh leaving his lips before he polished off his drink. “He’ll be back, big guy.” She gave his massive shoulder a gentle pat, her hand minuscule in comparison.

“You didn’t come here to talk about how we smell, you needed a break, didn’t you? You’re leaving soon?”

“I am. In a day or so, I just need to look over everything once more, less chance for error.” A sigh escaped her lips as she took another sip of her drink. Blegh. How does he drink this? Fire liquid. “A peaceful night’s rest before I go would be nice too. Creators, I need it.”

He looked over at her as she spoke, noticing the dark circles nestled under her golden eyes. “You’re not sleeping again?” He asked, watching as she shook her head in reply. There had been many nights where one could look up at the battlements to find the Inquisitor pacing slowly, presumably lost deep in thought. Over the last year he had noticed how often she seemed to be lost inside her head.

“Are you sure you really want to go running off into creepy old ruins by yourself?” He had been giving her a hard time since the moment she shared that her adventure would be solo, despite his continued insistence that he would make the journey with her. He did have to give it to her, despite her small stature she was fearless, often making him feel as if she were his bodyguard.

She couldn’t help but smile, giving his forearm a pat. “I’m sure. I’ll be fine, after all of the sparring we’ve done I could take on anyone in Thedas. I can always ask myself What would Bull do?” The smile slowly faded from her lips as she continued softly “This is something I need to do by myself. I do promise to be safe. I’ll be back before you know it.”

Eli’Yah was finally able to pull herself away from Bull after what seemed an eternity spent convincing him she would be alright on her own. Back in her quarters, she sat at her desk, flicking through the pages of the journal once more. The journal had mysteriously shown up on her desk roughly a month after Solas had left her for good. She stopped her flipping as she looked down at the page before her, instead of notes it bore a sketch of her. She never could skip the page, even after viewing it so many times. It was from a day when they managed to sneak away from Skyhold, instead spending hours in the forest together, holding hands and exchanging deep kisses freely. It had been bliss. The sketch made her heartache, her eyes threatening to leak as she continued flipping through the pages. You bastard. I miss you.

An eternity later Eli’Yah busied herself with packing her rucksack with anything she could possibly need and when that was finished, she wearily crawled into the Orlesian bed, yanking the plush covers up over her frame. Her mind remained restless, going over her plans again and again. This has to be right. There must be something. Slowly her eyes began to droop, heavy from the lack of sleep, and she was able to drift into a dark, dreamless sleep; her last thoughts that of her lost love. I won’t give up on you Solas.

It had been days since she had departed Skyhold. A week? No, it had been longer. Far longer, possibly a few weeks. The Inquisitor trekked her way through the thick vegetation of the forest, her body exhausted and slick with sweat. As she moved, she could hear just how alive the forest was, sounds that reminded her of moments with her clan. Chirping birds flitting through the air, halla snorting softly as they rooted out food on the forest floor, even quiet howls in the distance. The sun peaked through the treetops, illuminating the ground in soft, glittering rays. The forest felt like home.

Hours passed as she continued on, thick foliage sprawling over the forest floor, adding to the difficulty of the hike. The morning air was brisk, plucking goosebumps from her exposed flesh as she journeyed, her mind racing with questions. Is this pointless? Will it be there? What if there’s nothing? Ahead of her, the trees had begun to part, just slightly. It would be easy to miss if she didn’t know she was searching for something.

Further in the opening she moved, until she finally laid eyes upon it. Before her, towering ruins, her heart thundering in her chest, disbelief rushing over her like ocean waves. Sections of the ancient structure now laid in rubble upon the forest floor, winding vines snaking up the stone as the forest worked to reclaim the outside of the ruins. Though the ruins were nearly now dilapidated, they were still an awe-inspiring sight. How magnificent these must have been. Eli’Yah made her way forward, her eyes washing over the sight before her, landing on what must have been the entrance, a partially collapsed carved archway surrounded by ancient, crumbling pillars.

She stepped carefully over rubble and into the ruins, the sunlight her limited light source, and with each step further in her eyes took a moment to adjust. It didn’t take long for her to be submerged into near-total darkness, the sparse holes in the roof providing sprinkles of sunlight. Delving further into the now barren structure she wondered about the history these old halls held. What stories had been forged here? Who were the elves who walked these corridors and what were they like? Briefly, she thought about times past, when Solas would tell her of ancient elves. Solas had always made them sound regal, elegant, and prideful, awe-inspiring even. Could elves such as the ones he described have roamed these halls?

Continuing down the lengthy great hall slowly, she came to rest atop an elegantly carved set of endless-looking stairs. Eli’Yah almost hesitated making the descent, however the faintest glow, a dull, electric green glow deeper down caught her eye. Veilfire? Could it be? The sight caused her stomach to twist into knots, her feet taking the steps cautiously. As she continued the descent her eyes slowly adjusted to the ever-brightening glow, the gnawing feeling in her stomach only worsening. Nearly at the bottom.

Rounding a corner, a chamber came into view, the stairs leading down into the massive room. All at once, she could see her surroundings. Veilfire indeed, several braziers lining the wall, each of them ablaze. The room almost resembled a library, numerous tall bookcases lining the walls, though hardly any books remained. Magnificent murals covered the walls, depicting what Eli’Yah assumed to be ancient elven structures, all in glorious, vibrant colors. Cautiously, the Inquisitor stepped into the room, making her way further into the chamber. As her eyes swept throughout the room, something caught her eye. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she moved frantically towards the end of the chamber. There it is.

The large eluvian loomed over her, far taller than the ones she had traveled in the crossroads. The mirror sit dormant, disappointment sitting heavily in her chest as she delicately traced her fingers over the tarnished brass frame. Nervously, though not sure why, she touched the glass, her frustration intensifying when it sat unresponsively. What a fool. She thought to herself. Stupid girl. Always several steps behind you, Solas. Another obstacle.

Eli’Yah allowed herself to slowly slide down the frame of the eluvian, a blanket of sorrow settling onto her shoulders as she held her forehead in her palm. A setback. Pulling her charcoal and the journal from her rucksack, she sketched the ruins and the chamber, making notes of the murals and eluvian. Once finished, she remained seated against the lifeless mirror, unable to bring herself to leave. This was the closest she had been to him in ages, even if it was just empty ruins. It still felt like a piece of him.

Eventually, after minutes or hours, she did not know, she was able to bring herself to her feet, stealing one last painful look at the eluvian before she made her way up the stairs. It was time for her to return to Skyhold and figure out what to do next. There was nothing for her here. As she exited the ruins, she was greeted by moonlight glittering through the trees, the darkness comforting for her melancholy. Chest heavy, she stole a final glance at the towering ruins, now painted in soft moonlight; before turning and beginning the trek back to Skyhold. To home.

I will find you, my heart.

Chapter Text

It had been days since Eli’Yah had returned from the ancient elven ruins. Upon her return, she had excused herself under the guise of needing to rest her fatigued body, and though it was a half-truth, the look Bull had given her told her that he knew better. Eli’Yah had kept something to herself. Something had happened on her trek back to Skyhold, something she couldn’t make any sense of, but that was information she neglected to share with Bull.

The Inquisitor stood leaning against her desk, glancing around the state of her room, untouched since her return from the ancient ruins. Everything remained exactly as it had settled when she returned. Her rucksack sat on the floor, just beside the door, its contents still inside. The journal resting messily at the foot of her bookshelves, where it landed after she angrily launched it across the room in frustration. As her eyes continued around the room, they stopped on the garment rack at the far end of the room. The tunic hanging from a knob. His tunic. Just the sight of it was enough to smother her in pain, the emptiness she felt clawing its way deeper into her chest. That wasn’t there before. You bastard! Eli’Yah contemplated throwing the tunic in the fire, cursing him as she balled her hands into fists. A sharp knock on her door cut the silence like a dagger through flesh, pulling her from her thoughts.

“You may come in.” She ordered, her tone cold and bitter. She took to inspecting her palms as she heard the door swing open, quick steps ascending.

Mere moments later a familiar voice called out in a melodic tone. “Darling, your twin flame has returned to brighten your dreary days!” Dorian’s handsome face appeared as he stepped into the room, arms full of wine and a warm smile on his face as he placed several bottles on a nearby side table. “I’ve missed you Eya!”

“Dorian!” The sight of her dearest friend erased all melancholy she felt, if momentarily. She allowed the mage to pull her tightly into his arms, her own arms wrapping tightly around him.

They seated themselves, Dorian pouring two very full glasses of wine before turning his attention to her. “So how are you, my dear? Between Bull saying he’s seen little of you since you’ve returned, and what I heard on the sending crystal; I must ask. Tell me everything!” He arched an eyebrow as he studied her face, her expression neutral as she pondered his words.

Eli’Yah took a sip of wine, notes of peach and mandarin washing over her tongue, thinking of how to answer his question. “I don’t even know what to make of it. I was hardly fifty paces from the ruins, I-. I don’t remember what I was thinking about, but I was upset and then a jet of ice! From my hand! From my hand Dorian!”

He watched as she held her hand in front of her, miming the events for him. “Curious.” His hand made its way to his chin as he processed the information, his mind turning with theories. Eli’Yah was no mage, the only magic she’d ever wielded was the mark, but the mark was gone. Could it be? “I would theorize that your newfound magical talents could be remnants from the mark, but how? You said the air in the ruins felt thick with magic. The veil fire was lit as well, that takes magic.” He was no longer looking at Eli’Yah, instead at her hand, his mind furiously turning now. “Remnants from the mark responding to the magic in the ruins, but why these ruins? I would like to research this Eya. Has it happened since?”

Wordlessly she swept her hand, her fingers practically caressing the air. Dorian watched as she plucked a small, glowing orb from the air, the orb floating. He couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping, stunned at what he was witnessing.. “Eya? Truly?” He asked, sitting forward to study the orb closer. She wasn’t lying! How? This should be impossible! “Have you tried anything else?”

“No, truthfully I’m not sure how to. I can only do this if I really concentrate.” She let the orb disintegrate, reaching for her glass as she spoke. “Do you think this is something you could help me with? You could study it and help me learn more about it at the same time. Plus it’s an excuse to do this more often.” She said as she gestured to the table full of wine bottles.

He sat staring at her, the surprise slowly fading as he too drank from his glass, his gulp nearly emptying the vessel. After a few moments, he was able to find his words again. “This absolutely needs to be studied, and I would love to help you, Eya.” The glass found its way back to his lips as he drained the remainder of the vino from it, opting to drink straight from the bottle over replenishing it. “What have you gotten yourself into, my dear? I’m gone a few months and suddenly you’re wielding magic.”

Hours had passed like fleeting minutes, the wine supply slowly dwindling as they caught up. They had traded their chairs for her balcony, the snow-covered mountains glistening in the dazzling moonlight. In the cloudless sky, stars shone like diamonds.

“Answer me something, if you would be so inclined.” Dorian cleared his throat before continuing, a nervous flutter suddenly settling deep in his belly as he stared up at the moon. “Will you be continuing this search of yours? For him.”

Eli’Yah looked over at her handsome friend, his eyes slowly drifting to meet hers. Even before answering she knew that he already knew her answer. “You know I will. I have to.”

His hand found hers, snaking his fingers between hers as he huffed. “You don’t have to do anything, Eya.”

“Dorian.” Her tone was soft as she said his name, her thumb gently rubbing the back of his hand. “I do.”

A sigh escaped his lips as he nodded, of course she had to. He’d do the same thing if it were the Iron Bull. “I know you do darling. I don’t mean to mother you; I simply worry about you stretching yourself too thin, or-.” His voice trailed off momentarily as he shifted his gaze that glistened against the velvet sky. “I know you need to do this. I’m not trying to sway your mind. I just worry for you, Eya.” Concern poured from his words as he spoke, eyes again meeting hers.

Eli’Yah tenderly leaned her head onto his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his. “You needn’t worry Dorian, I’ll be okay. I promise.”

“I’d never forgive you if something happened to you, you know that? So much as a scratch and you’ll never hear the end of it.” He huffed humorously before going quiet. “You don’t remember much of that night, do you?” Even remembering that night made him angry. How he and Bull had begged her to wait for them, instead she ran ahead. They had almost caught up to her when they heard her scream out Solas’s name. That scream sliced through the air, the pain radiating from her voice palpable, stopping them in their tracks. How helpless he had felt in those moments, able to do little for his dearest friend. “I will never forgive him for that, for doing that to you.” Bitterness thick in his tone as he spoke through nearly gritted teeth.

A small hand reached up, delicately cupping his cheek. Her hand. “I’m sorry you had to witness that, but I couldn’t ask for anyone better. I’m thankful you remained at my side, you didn’t have to and yet you did. I promise I’ll be okay Dorian.”

He couldn’t help himself; he pulled her close, resting his head atop hers as they watched the midnight sky. “Didn’t I? How could you have possibly survived if the very light of your life hadn’t been there?” He teased, feeling the tension in his body ease. “I love you Eya.”

“I love you too Dori.”


She found herself once more standing outside the ancient elven ruins, a feeling of unease flowing through her veins. She couldn’t decide if the ruins now looked sinister, having plagued her thoughts for the last month. Despite her efforts to further her research, these particular ruins continued to gnaw at her, lingering in the back of her mind, tugging at her. Even in sleep, she hadn’t been safe, for in her dreams she would find herself wandering the long-forgotten corridors, something calling to her, always just out of view. Finally admitting defeat, she made her return.

Slowly she made her way into the ruins and down the long, dark hallways, just as she had before, her breath stuck in her throat. As she drew closer to the seemingly infinite stairs her pulse quickened, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. The air felt different than her first trip, the air incredibly thick with magic, almost heavy. Silently, Eli’Yah descended the steps, quivering hands tapping the hilt of her daggers to ensure they were along her thighs. The familiar green glow of veilfire became visible as she continued her descent, her nerves on edge as her eyes adjusted to the increasing illumination.

As Eli’Yah reached the base of the steps, the chamber came fully into view. Holding her breath, she quickly looked around the room, the braziers lit just as before. Everything appeared to have remained just as it was left, eyes sweeping to the back of the room. The eluvian! It’s... It’s active! The previously dormant mirror now stood glittering in the veilfire's gentle radiance. The realization that it stood unlocked slowly washed over her, stealing the air from her lungs. A wave of emotions coalesced through her at once, disbelief, fear, curiosity, even relief, one after the next relentlessly.

She stood there, lost in the sight before her, her mind empty as her surroundings were all but forgotten. As moments slipped by, her mind working to comprehend the view in front of her, she suddenly felt on edge, the feeling of eyes on her sending her body rigid. Her hands gripped the hilt of her daggers as she braced herself and turned her back on the eluvian, eyes sweeping the chamber, before stopping at the base of the stairs. There stood a familiar figure, gazing back at her, waiting.

Solas?

Chapter Text

Her daggers hit the ground with an echoing clang!, a gasp tearing itself from her throat, time coming to a standstill as she stared at him, eyes wide as her brows knit together. He stood on the bottom step in all black, leaning against the wall with his arms folded behind his back; indigo eyes locked onto hers. Shock and disbelief surged through her body like lightning, leaving her paralyzed in place as her heart thundered in her chest. Her mind voided itself of all thought as she drank in the sight of him, the delicate creases that hugged his eyes, and a barely-there smile on his lips.

Eli’Yah’s eyes followed him as he strode toward her, his tall frame moving effortlessly through the chamber even as his eyes never abandoned hers. The air in her lungs seemed to evaporate as he drew closer, smile still in place. That smile. It made her heart flutter and ache, all at once. He had worn that smile many times before; on her balcony when he finally admitted his love, while he removed her vallaslin and called her beautiful, and a precursor to each kiss. So why now? Solas came to a stop a few paces from her, the distance somehow feeling monstrous. The air between them hung heavy, thick with silence as they waited for the other to speak.

Solas took a moment to really look at her before he broke the silence, the sight of her amber eyes dampening eliciting a wave of guilt that nearly smothered him. “Inquisitor. You’ve been looking for me.” He felt his voice waver ever so slightly as the words left his lips. Harden your heart. Words he had said to her so long ago. He had known he would find her here, and yet nothing could have prepared him enough for the avalanche of emotions gazing upon her face would bring.

“You’re alive!” Her voice barely a whisper as she spoke, reaching out to hover a hand as if to touch him before drawing back, instead wiping a lone tear from her cheek. “Solas, you’re here, I- I’ve missed you.” She murmured, her eyes sweeping over his face frantically, the shock of seeing a ghost slowly subsiding.

He watched as her face changed, disbelief melting into something familiar, something he longed for over the last three years, something… soft. He had expected fiery, unyielding anger, would have preferred it to the wash of love painted over her divine features. Her incandescent rage was what he deserved, but warm? Warm only deepened the wave of guilt, twisting it into an unrelenting storm, dragging him to its depths, and swallowing him whole.

Before Solas could respond the Inquisitor closed the small distance between them, her small hand nervously rising to cup his cheek, the tender caress causing him to abruptly inhale sharply through his nose. Everything in his mind was screaming to push her away, keep her out of reach; but those honeyed eyes were fixated on his, pulling him undone.

Before Solas could stop himself, he felt his arms reaching out, wrapping around Eli’Yah and clutching her flush to his chest tightly, her own arms encircling his neck. Whatever part of him that may protest now hushed as they softly pressed their foreheads together, their noses just barely touching. They stood there entangled in one another as moments slipped by, Solas breathing in her sandalwood and honey scent, allowing himself the privilege to become utterly lost in her, even if only momentarily. Vhenan.

After an undetermined amount of time, Eli’Yah begrudgingly pulled away, her hand clinging to his before allowing them to slip apart. She didn’t want to speak, to bring reality crashing back down upon them but she had to ask. “Why are you here, Solas?”

They found themselves walking the Crossroads, trees blooming with lush, pink blossoms dotting the walkways. The silence between them thick, a waiting and expectant air shrouding over them as they leisurely paced across bridges. Eli’Yah could hardly keep herself from taking in her surroundings, the beauty of the area doing little to ease the flames in her belly. So quickly after their embrace ended, he had returned to his cold, distant demeanor. How could he hold her so closely one moment and the next barely look at her?

They walked in silence for a while, passing eluvians as they went. Solas exuded power as he moved, shoulders squared, his arms were folded behind him with his head held high. She couldn’t help but think of the humble mage she met long ago, reminding herself that had been an act. That had been Fen’Harel all along. Anger began to pool in her stomach, his deceptions replaying in her mind as she snuck a quick look at him.

No longer willing to remain quiet, she planted her feet firmly, hands clenching tightly. “Speak to me! You don’t get to show up here, after all this time, after all of that,” she gestured messily in the air and continued, anger languid on her tongue. “And keep things from me. Not again you don’t. Why are you here! Why now?” She asked, unable to smother the bite in her tone.

Solas stopped a few paces ahead of her, his head ever so slightly tilted back so she could only glimpse his profile, his eyes focused on the ground. He seemed to be pondering her words, always one to think before he spoke. Something she had previously admired of him, now it was maddening.

“I did not come here to lie to you, Inquisitor.” He offered softly, his back still to her, the anger in her words nearly tangible. “You’ve been searching for me, have you not? Is this not what you’ve wanted?”

His words stung as if he had slapped her, his tone stoic and unaffectionate. Distant, the same way he’d spoken to her after the wyvern cave. Unfeeling. For all she had known about this man, it felt as if a stranger stood before her.

“What I wanted? Do you think this is what I wanted? None of this is what I wanted!” Eli’Yah nearly shouted, her words like fire erupting from a rage demon, a slight echo ringing through the air around them. “Why are you here, Fen’Harel? What dirty bidding can the Inquisition do for you now, Dread Wolf? Look at me!” Her words dripping with disdain as she asked, the little composer she had slipping as his back remained to her.

Solas whipped around to meet her eye line, his heart aching at the sight of anger and pain so clearly sprawled across her face. There was the anger he rightfully deserved, finally exploding from beneath her usual demeanor. How he longed to pull her close and assuage her pain, to right his wrongs but the burden of duty hung over his shoulders, a melancholy reminder of what must be done. It would not be kind to either of them, visions of their last encounter flashing vividly through his mind as he gazed at her. He couldn’t do that to her again.

Words finally found him; his tone softened ever so slightly as despair seeped through his words “I know this is not what you wanted v-... Inquisitor.” Vhenan. The affection had nearly rolled off his tongue, Solas clenching his jaw as he silently cursed himself for being so careless. The look that flashed across Eli’Yah’s face confirmed to him that she had caught his slip, her brows pinching in the center as she drew in a wavering breath.

Silence fell over them again as the Inquisitor took a moment to center herself before speaking. “Please. Tell me why you’ve come.”

“I’ve come seeking your help if you would still offer it.”

“My help?” His answer had completely caught her off guard, the flame in her belly extinguishing.

“Yes. We have similar goals, if I am able to restore the People and shield this world from harm, I would. I am no monster.” Solas nodded slowly, watching as Eli’Yah took her place at his side, peering out at the Crossroads in silence.

He watched as her gaze lifted to his, questions swimming in her eyes as she mulled over his inquiry, hesitation blatantly on her face. “You do not need to answer right away, please, think it over. There is another matter I would like your help with. Come with me, Inquisitor.”

Eli’Yah stepped from the eluvian, Solas trailing closely behind. She was greeted with the sight of a magnificent, vast great hall, massive pillars lining the entirety of the space. Ancient ruins. She made her way deeper into the hall, awe-struck by the condition of the ruins, hardly any decay evident. Where other ruins were falling apart and being reclaimed by the forest, this space stood untouched by time, nary a speck of debris and frescos still vibrantly colored.

Solas trailed after her, watching as the Inquisitor’s eyes lingered throughout the chamber, soaking in the opulence. His own swept through the hall, ghosts of the past manifesting everywhere his eyes touched, a familiar feeling aching in his chest. Sorrow. Smothering the sadness, he turned his attention back to Eli’Yah, who stood against a towering archway entrance, her back to him.

The Inquisitor had been rendered nearly speechless, the view before her like that of a painted masterpiece. Great trees graced the ground, as flowers of rich color grew freely. Sprawling greenery covered the ground as far as she could see, and in the distance, colossal waterfalls spilled over cliff edges covered in lush vegetation.

From behind her came a soft, warm voice, his voice. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Solas asked before appearing at her side, his own eyes lingering on hers before turning to survey the landscape, his cold exterior seemingly melted away.

“Beautiful doesn’t do it justice,” Eli’Yah murmured, watching the sunlight glitter in the waterfall’s mist. “Breath-taking. I’d say it rivals the Emerald Graves even.”

A smile crept upon his face as he listened, delight swelling in his chest. “I have plans for this place. No doubt you’ve noticed the elven exodus that’s occurred.” A look at her face confirmed that she had indeed, though thousands of elves disappearing was nearly impossible to miss. “I want to use these ruins as a sanctuary. A safe haven for the elves.” He gestured around them as he spoke, watching the Inquisitor’s face as his words sunk in.

“A sanctuary…” Her voice trailed off as her brain buzzed, Solas’s words turning in her mind. A sanctuary? Memories of reading similar words on ancient plaques in forgotten ruins surfaced. Eli’Yah’s eyes lifted to meet his. “The elven mountain ruins, where you freed the refugees.” Absentmindedly she lifted a hand, feeling where her vallaslin used to be.

Solas could practically see her thoughts as they whirled through her mind. “Come, I have more for you to see.” He said, gesturing politely for her to follow him. Side by side they paced through the ruins, Eli’Yah taking in the sheer beauty of everything they passed. Witnessing her wonderment for the ruins, a place that he held so dear and full of his history made his chest ache, though this was different than his usual melancholy. He led them onto a second-story balcony, Eli’Yah stepping to the stonework railing, an airy gasp leaving her lips.

For the umpteenth time, the Inquisitor was awe-struck, the air yet again fleeing her lungs. They were up quite high, the sheer scale of everything coming into view. The ruins sat atop a small mountain, a lavish stonework path carved into the summit, leading down into a surrounding forested area spotted with smaller ancient elven structures; all appearing just as pristine as the ruins.

A city.
“Solas, what is this place?” Eli’Yah asked, her voice a hushed stammer as she managed to tear her eyes away from the sight below. As her eyes found him, a prideful smile crossed the elven man’s face, glimmering indigo eyes creasing at the edges.

“Inquisitor, these are the ruins of Arlathan.”