Chapter Text
Taleani shivered as she closed the door of her cabin. As she strode across the frozen path, she rubbed her arms and glanced ahead towards Solas's cabin. It was snowing again. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to this weather, and for a moment she wished she was still sat before the hearth in her cabin. But she continued on—she had to do this today, or she’d lose her nerve again.
Solas wasn’t lingering outside his cabin like he often did. Taleani sighed, but she didn’t allow it to deter her. Jogging up the steps, she wrapped her cloak tighter around her body before coming to a stop in front of his door. After her knocks went unanswered, she shivered and leaned against the wall to wait.
After a few minutes, she spotted Solas approaching from the direction of the tavern. There was that queasy flutter in her chest again, but she ignored it.
He was staring at the ground as he walked, so he didn’t notice Taleani right away. When he finally looked up, he looked as though he’d just been snapped out of trance. “Herald,” he breathed, looking mildly embarrassed before that impassive mask returned.
“Hello,” Taleani said, smiling nervously. “Um. I wondered if I could talk to you about something… In private.”
Solas tilted his head to the side and peered at her curiously. “Of course,” he said after a moment, stepping closer to the door and ushering her in.
As soon as she entered the cabin, she was hit by the warmth of the fire. She dusted snow from her shoulders and rubbed her boots on the scraper by the door. With a smirk, she watched as Solas hurried to clear away a pile of books that were on the chair in front of his already cluttered desk.
“Apologies for the mess, Herald. Please have a seat.” He placed them on the floor by a rather overburdened bookshelf, then turned the chair around to face the hearth. Taleani sat down and unwrapped her cloak slightly, already warmed by the flames.
“You know, you can call me Taleani. Or da’len. Anything but Herald,” she said with a shy smile, watching as he cleared off another chair and brought it over.
He smiled back at her kindly and sat down in front of her. “I will try to remember. What is it you wanted to discuss?”
Taleani bit her lip and shifted in her seat. “It’s—well, it’s quite a sensitive matter. I was hoping that I could, ah…” she trailed off, unsure of how to begin the conversation.
Solas watched her expectantly, and she felt that odd feeling again—somewhere between being intimidated and… something else. She wasn’t sure what. Solas seemed to recognise her discomfort, but he watched her closely.
“Take your time,” he said after she didn’t say anything for a moment.
Taleani closed her eyes and shook her head. “Uh… Sorry. This is really strange. I’ve never spoken to anyone about this, apart from my Keeper, and even then I was light on the details,” she began, before sighing and looking away, scratching the back of her neck. Leaning forward, she continued, her voice quieter. She looked Solas directly in the eye as she spoke. “Look, I—I need you to promise me that what I’m about to tell you will stay between us.”
Solas frowned at her.
“I—It’s not anything sinister, it’s just that… I don’t think anyone else would understand like you would, and the risk is too great for me to consider anyone else.”
Nodding, Solas leaned forward a little to rest his elbows on his knees, holding her gaze. “I promise you, I will not breathe a word to anyone else,” he murmured, his voice lowered like hers.
Taleani nodded. “Thank you,” she replied, before shifting a little in her seat once more. “I’m not sure how to explain it. Perhaps it is better if I just show you.” With this, she reached under cloak and rummaged around until she drew out an amulet. It jingled in her hand quietly as she passed it to her friend.
Solas took it from her and stared down at it, brow furrowed.
“I found this in a ruin we camped by when I was a child—I was about twelve or thirteen, I think. It was Tevinter, but it had been built on something much older. Something elven. I shouldn’t have taken it, really. My Keeper told me I should put it back, but… I couldn’t,” she explained. “At first, I had no idea what it was or why I felt such a pull towards it. I knew there was some kind of enchantment on it, and I couldn’t put it down until I figured out how to open it.”
“‘Open it’?” Solas asked, peering at her closely as he turned the amulet over in his hand. “How did you know it needed to be opened?”
Taleani opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again. It hadn’t occurred to her how odd her assumption had been at the time, but now Solas had pointed it out, it was rather odd. “I… I don’t know. I… suppose I’ve always been sensitive to these things. Maybe that’s a part of it. But I could tell that the magic was threaded together in a certain way… It felt like a puzzle or something, and I had to figure it out,” she explained. “But there was something else about it, too. It felt like… It felt like it wanted help.”
Something deep moved in Solas’s eyes as he looked at her, and it made Taleani’s heart beat a little faster. “So you kept it,” he muttered after a long moment.
“Yes, I—Actually, I did figure out how to open it,” she added.
Solas looked up at her in surprise. “Truly?”
“Yes. I was able untangle enough of the enchantment to open it part of the way, and, well… when I did, something… called out. Something intelligent. It’s…” she trailed off, then continued in a whisper. “It’s a spirit, Solas. There’s a spirit locked inside that amulet.”
Solas was handling the amulet very carefully, the chain dangling off his hand as he traced the pattern on the pendant with his thumb. “Yes,” he replied. “A powerful one, too.”
“Its name is Valour.”
Solas raised an eyebrow, surprised once more. “You’ve spoken to it?”
“I got through more of the enchantments eventually. It can even leave the amulet’s prison for short periods of time, although… It always gets sucked back inside. I haven’t been able to figure it all out,” she sighed.
“I see,” Solas murmured, frowning.
“It told me a little bit about itself, and how it ended up there. The amulet was made as part of some kind of rite for warriors when the Tevinter Imperium began conquering what’s now the Free Marches. A Knight sworn to—or, more likely, enslaved by—the Imperium would be compelled to wear the amulet in battle. If they did not fight bravely, the spirit in the amulet would be forced into their bodies, and they would become abominations,” she explained, shaking her head. “It’s barbaric. Valour has been stuck in there for centuries. I’m amazed he never turned…”
Solas nodded in understanding. “Valour can be a persistent creature,” he replied. “Even so, you are right. It is unusual for a Spirit to resist being twisted from its purpose, especially after so long confined to such a limited space where it cannot express its nature. I suspect that the answer as to why may be the key to unlocking its prison, however.”
Taleani perked up at this. “So you think you can help?” she asked.
Solas peered at her curiously, closing his hand around the amulet. He seemed to think for a moment. “Is that what you wish of me?” he asked slowly.
Smiling, Taleani nodded. “I thought—well, you know more about the Fade and Spirits than anyone. You’re one of the only people I’ve ever met who feels the way I do about them… And who knows what it’s like to bond with them, to call them friends,” she said softly. “The way things are now, with the Mage Rebellion and rogue Templars killing anyone with even a hint of magic… well, let’s just say I’ve learned to be extra careful who I talk to about this kind of thing. But you… You’re different.”
Solas held her gaze as she spoke, but he didn’t say anything in response.
“There’s no obligation, of course. I understand it’s an odd request, and one that may jeopardise your already precarious situation as an apostate. I would never try to force you to risk your own freedom and safety by doing this. I’ve already had a close call myself—when Cassandra heard me speaking to Valour through my door. He got back inside the amulet just in time. I haven’t opened it in Haven since,” she explained. “But… I would be so grateful if you could help me to untangle the rest of the enchantment. A fresh perspective may be all it needs,” she said, before she looked away sheepishly. “Valour is… Valour has been a dear friend to me. He has helped me through so much, I… truly, I don’t know what I would’ve done without him.”
Solas was giving her one of those unreadable looks again. After a moment however, his gaze softened. “Once more, I am surprised by you, Herald,” he said gently. “Alright. I will see what I can do.”
Taleani wanted to hug him, but she held herself back. Instead, she grinned and clasped her hands around Solas’s where he held the amulet. “Thank you,” she breathed, relief clear in her voice. “I mean it. I’ve been… I’ve been trying to help him for many years. It’s a relief, finally having someone else I can talk about this with.”
Solas looked down at their hands and smiled. When he looked back at Taleani, there was a warmth in his eyes that was not there before. “I am glad I can be of service,” he said, “...da’len.”
Smiling once again, Taleani pulled her hands away from his. “Well then. Would you like to meet the spirit you’re helping?” she asked, tilting her head to one side.
“I would. But perhaps it would be a good idea to go somewhere… quieter,” he said, before he stood and handed the amulet back to Taleani.
“Ah—right. There’s a secluded grove not far from that cabin near the lake,” she replied, standing up too.
“...The one with that little Dalish shrine nearby?” he asked.
Taleani coughed. “Um. Yes. How did you..?”
“I went looking for somewhere quiet to dream a few weeks ago when they were testing the trebuchet behind my cabin. I remember seeing it then. Yours, I presume?” he asked as he gathered his cloak from the back of the door.
Chuckling, Taleani nodded. “Yes. I left it there so that no one would come near while I was studying the amulet. We just use them as way markers, but they don’t have much significance beyond that. They come in useful in certain… situations, though. The humans are always suspicious of us. They think everything we touch is imbued with demonic magic,” she laughed.
Solas laughed and nodded. “I see.”
*
They walked through the snow slowly, talking quietly amongst themselves.
“I’ve been wanting to ask you something else, you know,” Taleani said with a wry smile.
“And what was that?” Solas replied, peering back at her.
“...Doesn’t your head ever get cold?” she asked, holding back a laugh.
Solas shook his head and chuckled. “From time to time, yes, but it’s negligible.”
“You must be more used to the cold than I am. My Clan travelled through snow a few times, but it was pretty mild year-round,” she explained. “I’m sure my ears are going to get frostbitten at this rate.” She traced the pointed tips of her ears where they poked out from under her hood.
They came to a stop by the small marker Taleani had constructed using stones and wood. She jumped over the fallen tree blocking the entrance deftly, and Solas followed.
“Here we are. I don’t think anyone will be able to see us from the path,” she said, and sat down on the log.
Solas swept snow from the log opposite her and sat down. He watched as she pulled the amulet from her pocket, and placed it on a piece of deadwood in front of her that she had clearly used as an altar before. He watched as she held her hands over it and closed her eyes.
“Okay,” she whispered, centring herself. Solas watched her curiously, eager to see how this young Dalish mage had managed to disenchant such a powerful ancient relic.
Threads of magic danced out of her fingertips like puppet strings, and started to weave themselves through the amulet in elaborate knots. Solas could feel the magic fizzling in from the Fade, such fine tendrils threading together in ever-convoluted paths that grew closer and closer together. Finally, they seemed to click into place and Solas felt the moment that something opened. The space between them lit up, bathing the once bluish glow of the snowy wood in a warm, golden light. It danced and shimmered in delicate arcs between them, whistling faintly until it took on the outline of a person. It grew in detail until Solas found himself looking up at a translucent figure clad in ancient, splendid armour.
Taleani shivered visibly, panting a little as she let the magic fizzle away from her.
“Andiran atishan,” Valour said. His voice was a gravelly baritone, but it held a tinny edge, like he was just an inch away from manifesting properly. He had taken the form of a handsome elven warrior, although his armour was hard for Solas to place. Valour held his hand out as Taleani made to stand.
Taleani took it, her hand lingering in his as she stood in front of the spirit. She looked up at him, smiling; he was a head taller than she was, although his winged helmet made him seem taller still. “Aneth ara, lethallin. I hope you’re doing well,” she said gently.
“I endure,” Valour replied, before he glanced over at Solas.
Taleani stepped closer to Solas and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Valour, I have a friend I want you to meet. His name is Solas.”
“Hello, Valour,” Solas said, standing.
“Wisdom,” Valour replied with a nod of his head.
Taleani raised a curious eyebrow as she looked between them.
Solas coughed. “The He—Taleani told me of your predicament. She has been trying to help you leave the amulet’s prison, yes?”
“Indeed. She has been most unbowed in her efforts,” Valour replied, folding his arms. “Yet the enchantment remains just as resolute.”
“Not in its entirety, clearly. Tell me, Herald—how did you figure out how to unlock the first few enchantments?” Solas asked, picking the amulet up from the makeshift altar.
“The overall patterns were familiar to me—they’re quite like the protection charms the Dalish use. They might be from the time of Arlathan, I suppose, and the Tevinter Imperium appropriated them. It was more complex than what I was used to, but I wove a nullification spell through the channels anyway. It's rather like guiding a thread through the eye of a needle, but twenty times at once,” she explained, placing one hand on her hip as Solas studied the amulet carefully. “That loosened it enough for me to talk to him.”
“And how did you manage to release it enough for Valour to manifest as it does now?” Solas asked, holding the amulet closer to study it further.
“That was… Well, it was…”
“Taleani performed a feat of extraordinary bravery. She was resplendent. Her valour was a feast for the spirit!” Valour exclaimed with a broad smile, placing his hands on his hips. As he apparently relived this memory, his spirit appeared to burn brighter.
Taleani scratched her cheek and looked away.
“I see,” Solas said at length, looking back at Valour curiously. He thought for a moment. “That seems consistent with the amulet’s original purpose. Warriors who showed great courage in battle would benefit from the energy of the spirit, and if they wavered, it would trigger a forcible possession, where it would twist the spirit from its purpose. Becoming an abomination would a powerful deterrent against desertion, after all.”
“Indeed,” Valour replied.
“But… I’m not that brave,” Taleani murmured in a small voice. When the other two turned their gazes on her, she looked away, scratching the back of her neck. “What I mean is… Why did one act of bravery unlock the amulet like that? I’m… I’m not exactly the bravest person in the world. Most of the time I don’t even know what I’m doing. I’m hardly braver than some ancient Tevinter warrior...”
“Ah, but don’t you see, da'len? Valour is not a constant state. True Valour is the leap into the unknown, the faith you show in yourself when you see the great abyssal maw before you and decide, yes! I will trust myself! I will leap into the unknown! Valour is the phoenix that rises from the ashes of your fear. When you cast those ashes aside, you grow wings!” he declared, drawing the veilfire-bathed sword at his waist and pointing it skyward. Solas’s eyes widened slightly as he caught sight of wings shimmering faintly into being behind him. Despite only being a suggestion of their shape, Solas could see that they were fiery and glorious, like the rest of him.
Taleani coughed. “Uh… Yes.”
There was a brief, awkward silence, which ended when Valour sheathed his sword once more, a triumphant smile on his face. His wings folded away into nothingness.
Sensing her discomfort, Solas decided not to pry at whatever memory Valour was referring to. The specifics were likely of no consequence, anyway. “Were you wearing the amulet when you…”
“No, but I used to carry it around with me a lot. For safe keeping. When I was able to speak to Valour, he warned me against wearing the amulet around my neck. He said it was the part of the key to triggering the possession, and I was at risk of forcing him into my body if I did.”
“I see.”
Taleani chewed her lip. “There is one question I have,” she began. “It’s just… something I’ve always been concerned about. When we get Valour out of the prison, where will he go? Will he be able to return to the Fade, or will be forced into our world?”
Solas thought about this for a moment. When he spoke, he chose his words carefully. “I’m not sure yet. I need to spend a little time studying the amulet before I can say with any confidence. But… I’m afraid there is a real possibility that Valour may not be able to return to the Fade. This magic is ancient, and appears to have been designed as a one-way channel through the Veil.”
Valour did not seem fazed. “It is no matter. I will weather the consequences of my imprisonment regardless.”
“But… I thought you wanted to return to the Fade?” Taleani asked.
“I will go wherever I am called,” Valour replied.
“You honour your purpose well, lethallin,” Solas said. “But I must warn you that entering our world permanently will not be a straightforward endeavour. Gaining a body will bring with it new drives and experiences, many of which will be at odds with your nature. Adjusting to the physical realm may even harm you. Are you sure this is something you are prepared to risk?”
“I have been imprisoned for many centuries. I have endured, valiantly. But it is long past time that I am given the freedom others have enjoyed for so long, so that I may spread my wings fully. I will better serve my purpose either here or in the Fade than I can from where I currently languish.”
“I understand,” Solas replied.
“But—we will do our best to avoid letting you come to any harm, Valour. I promised you I would help you. I do not break my promises,” Taleani said, reaching for the spirit’s hand once more.
Valour covered her hand with his. “You have given me no reason to believe otherwise. You have fought for me in the face of great uncertainty and hardship, and I thank you for dedication… and your friendship,” he added, smiling warmly at her.
Taleani smiled back, her gaze soft.
Solas eyed her curiously.
“Alas, my time grows short. It will not be long before I am pulled back into the prison,” Valour said, releasing Taleani once more. “It was an honour to meet you—”
“Solas,” Solas interjected.
“Solas,” Valour nodded.
“You are lucky Taleani was the one to find you,” Solas added. “Not many in this world would show such concern and open-mindedness toward a spirit.”
Valour nodded. “I am lucky she is so stout of heart.”
“Aw, you two are going to make me blush,” Taleani chuckled.
“I must away, my friends. We shall speak again soon.” With this, Valour bowed his head once more. His time was up—he shimmered away into graceful golden arcs and returned to the amulet once more. It trembled in Solas’s hand as the spirit re-entered it.
Solas looked back at Taleani. She had a crestfallen look on her face, but she covered it up with a smile when she noticed his gaze. Solas held the amulet out for her to take, but she closed his fingers around it.
“You should keep it for now,” she said gently. Solas stared down at their joined hands, abruptly disarmed once again by how her skin felt against his, the way he had been back in his cabin. How long had it been since he’d been touched..? It felt like he was catching fire from the place they were connected...
Solas swallowed and ignored the frenzy that was happening beneath his skin. “Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes. I trust you. I know you would not hurt my friend, Solas,” she said. “And I trust your wisdom in these matters. If anyone can help Valour, it’s you.”
Something deep moved within him at these words. He smiled. “Ma serannas, da’len. Your faith honours me.” To Solas’s disappointment, she released his hand with a smile and began heading back toward Haven.
The lightness that followed him in the subsequent days was one he had not felt in eons. His duty compelled him to chase it away, but his heart only became more entrenched in the feeling of all his parts lining up like vertebrae. At some point, one of them would win the tug of war, but Solas was in no rush to see the victor.