Chapter Text
The instant Solas’ skin touched the pure, lyrium-infused metal, it surged. A million memories and regrets washed over him like waves pounding into his head:
“I sat beside you while you slept, studying the anchor.”
“You had sealed it with a gesture… and right then, I felt the whole world change.”
“Felt the whole world change?”
“You change… everything.”
“Sweet talker.”
“You show a wisdom I have not seen since… since my deepest journeys into the ancient memories of the Fade. You are not what I expected.”
“You are modest. So many would use this Inquisition as a blunt instrument in their rise to power. But not you.”
“So what does this mean, Solas?”
“It means I have not forgotten the kiss.”
“Don’t go.”
“It would be kinder in the long run. But losing you would…”
“Ar lath ma, vhenan.”
“The Veil is thin here. Can you feel it on your skin, tingling?”
“You are unique. In all Thedas, I never expected to find someone who could draw my attention from the Fade.”
“You have become important to me, more important than I could have imagined.”
“Ar lasa mala revas. You are free.”
“You are so beautiful.”
"I am sorry," Solas whispered, his heart bleeding, internally being torn to shreds, a pain so severe he wasn’t sure how he was able to stand let alone maintain his cool facade. "I distracted you from your duty. It will never happen again."
“Solas… don’t leave me. Not now. I love you.”
“You have a rare and marvelous spirit. In another world-“
“Why not this one?”
“I can’t.”
“I’m not giving up on you, Solas.”
“You truly should.”
“Whatever you need, we can find together.”
“No, we can’t. You will see.”
“Then tell me you don’t care.”
“I cannot do that.”
“I should have ended this long before. I never wanted to hurt you.”
"Banal'abelas. Banal'vhenan!"
“I am sorry.”
“Alas, so long as the music plays, we dance,” Flemeth sighed. “I knew that you would find me soon enough. You need the power of a god, the strength that I alone still carry.”
“The blighted Evanuris will soon break free from their prison. I must make a stronger one that can contain them.”
“While the prison is important, it is not the only goal you seek.”
“Why should I not tear down the Veil, and bring back immortality to all the elven people. They deserve it!”
“The elven people of today do not deserve to see the world they love be torn apart to salve your conscience.”
“I must fix what I have broken. I am sorry.”
“As am I, old friend.”
The air shimmered between them, thick with the scent of burnt ozone and blood. Solas stood motionless, his fingers still curled from the spell he had just cast, his chest rising and falling in uneven gasps, eyes. At his feet, the last remnant of Mythal lay sprawled, her eyes wide, glassy, and disbelieving.
Her fingers twitched, reaching for magic that was no longer hers. That was now Solas’.
“I had no choice,” Solas murmured, though the words felt hollow even as he spoke them.
“You always had a choice,” she managed, before turning to stone.
A terrible silence swallowed the room.
Power crackled beneath Solas’ skin, foreign and intoxicating. Mythal’s magic, warm and golden, had poured into him like molten light, filling the void where his own had once been. He had won. He had taken it. And yet, staring at a part of his best friend dying at his feet, victory tasted like ash.
Solas swallowed hard, flexing his fingers as the stolen magic hummed through his veins. Stronger. He was so much stronger now.
But at what cost?
His hands clenched into fists. He already knew the answer.
Everything.
“I suspect you have questions.”
“And now you know. What is the old Dalish curse? “May the Dread Wolf take you”?”
“The mark will eventually kill you. Drawing you here gave me the chance to save you… at least for now.”
“My love… I will never forget you.”
“Why?" Solas asked softly, not understanding, his eyes searching hers. "Why are you fighting so fiercely?"
"I told you years ago…" Ellana’s voice was thick, her silver eyes large and glistening. "I will fight to save you from yourself."
"Telanadas- nothing is inevitable," Ellana breathed, her fingers skimming slowly, lightly, down the side of his face.