#also did you ever notice how Solas creating the veil looking upon his work being disappointed parallels the Maker

[7-oh-ta1]

All good dragon age fans have a favorite passage from the Chant of Light. My favorite and I keep saying it ALLLL the time, Andraste 7:12 🙏 bless up

[blind-alchemists]

Meta-Analysis of the Rift Mage Specialization

I said in February I was going to do it, and it only took me seven months to follow through!

Anyway. Analyzing game-play elements for narratives purposes has become somewhat of a hobby of mine ever since I really got into GameLit. Then, I started "fangs" and felt that my fight scenes were boring, so I build ability trees reminiscent of DA:I's for my OCs. You know, as you do. During that process, though, the lack of banter acknowledging several choices struck me as odd. Especially regarding specializations. Especially when it comes to Solas'.

We’ll be taking a look at (in order)

1. Description

2. Codex Entry

3. Skills

a. in comparison to DA: II’s Primal & Force Mage

4. Specialization Dialogue with Solas

5. Conclusion

Disclaimer: I talk a lot (this post might have about 2.5k). And, I promise you, you'll be tired of seeing 'the Fade this' and 'the Veil that' at the end of it.

Description

“These mages draw upon the force of the Fade, either pulling matter from the Fade to attack or twisting the Veil itself into a weapon to stagger or crush their enemies.”

[source – DA wiki; bolding mine]

So, lore-wise, mages do ‘draw upon the Fade’. Sure. But do they ‘pull matter from the Fade’? Absolutely not.

Physical things and the Fade rarely mix well. Plus – this is mainly my theory – the way magic is utilized (the 'drawing upon the Fade part') requires it to pass through the Veil. Magic being a form of energy, and thus not physical, does not constitute to ‘pulling matter from the Fade’.

That's the first thing other mages (read: Dorian, Vivienne, possible the Inquisitor) should (or could) have referenced in banter/dialogue.

The rest of the sentence ('twisting the Veil into a weapon') is also highly interesting, since there is little known about the Veil. Nobody knows how it works. And, thus, nobody should be capable enough to manipulate it consistently enough to use it as a weapon. But considering it's Solas who gets this specialization - well. He knows the Veil well enough, don't you think? (Which is why I think Rift Mage should have been Solas' personal, individual specialization like Fenris' Lyrium Ghost, but I just really like personalized skill trees in general.)

However, having answered that question, connecting magic so closely to the very thing can be described as a “magical vibration that repels the Fade”, I'm curious about how it would work. Since, you know, mages are inevitably tied to the Fade. Wouldn't the Veil repel a try to manipulate it by a mage? Is using mana the same thing as drawing energy from the Fade? If so, it would be straight-up impossible to actually use such a method for any ordinary mage (read: not Solas). If mana can be used without the Fade, it would be possible, but is such a thing feasible? Can you switch between spells and Veil quickly enough without horrific consequences such as possibly tearing yourself apart?

Very interesting topic. Would love to go into it more, but at that point, I'd become subjective, so let's end it here.

To summarize: Rift mages do things (physically pulling things from the Fade plus using the Veil) normal mages don't do. There is also a chance, logically speaking, that no one else but Solas (or mage!Inquisitor) can accomplish such a feat without dying a horrific death.

Codex Entry

From "Power Bleeds: Harness the Flow." Your Trainer's words make one passage stand out:

There are no tomes dedicated to this manipulation. There has been no time for academics, only the practical—and not in a manner that mitigates risk. Power in a raw form has found an outlet, both visible and in ways that only we of arcane proclivity can sense. The risk is great.

An account:

From this page forward, these are the notes of Thelric. They began as the work of my mentor Julion, and I will continue in the research she began, as she cannot, because she is dead. The rift we were examining did not react well to her last investigation. We believed ourselves prepared for demonic manifestation. We were not prepared for how the energies we expected would be encountered. Well-versed in the forces that magic can produce, my senior was surprised by an alteration, a deviance. That which previously had to be coaxed is now a flood that must be staunched. The same amount in different intensity, quick to expose fault in the way it is accessed. She drew too much, expecting resistance. There was none, and her form suffered the brunt. Tread carefully in studies of new matters, for I cannot unsee the end of her.

Scattered symbols and sketches follow.

[source – DA wiki; bolding mine]

Apparently DA:I has a thing for hiding the true horror in Codex Entries and off-hand comments.

Here, we learn one key fact: The school of Rift Magic is relatively new ('no tomes dedicated to this manipulation'). I think it's safe to assume the possibility - and thus research concerning it - emerged around the time the Breach appeared. So it's new, people have no idea what they're doing, but it somehow works. A little like the whole time magic thing, funnily. (That brings me back to a lot of questions I have about the Veil: Just how powerful is it? Just how deeply is it intervened with Thedas?)

Reading further, the entry seems to (only) stress how dangerous Rift Magic is. Who would have thought! No, really, it's a fair point to empaphize. I'm not certain the Trainer and his previous teacher (or anyone else but Solas) know what kind of role the Veil plays in this, and so of course experiments are going to get ugly. The Veil holds a much greater importance than the people of Thedas realize.

And, in a very similar vein: The people of Thedas don't know much about directly interacting with the Fade through, say, a rift, which poses another risk. The wiki entry establishes two things in particular that are relevant here: Using spells (in the Fade itself) has unpredictable results, and one can draw unprecedented power from it while sleeping.

The codex entry cited above proves that. A rift is a direct connection to the Fade, and thus unpredictable ('She drew too much, expecting resistance. There was none') and that power is too much to handle ('her form suffered the brunt').

My theory is that, while a certain flunction is natural to the Fade, the Veil also plays a role here. Which I'm not sure. But it has one.

Personally, I wouldn't be sure the risks of a horrific death outweigh the benefits of power, but let's look more in depth at that!

Skills

Which brings me to the abilities themselves.

The first two you can choose from are Veilstrike and Stonefist. (Which I think should have had their names changed but, oh, well.)

Veilstrike: “You recreate your own fist from the essence of the Fade and smash nearby foes to the ground.” (Upgrades being Punched Down and Wounded Veil, but they don’t have anything interesting for this analysis. Note the names, though.)

Curious here is the 'recreate [...] from the essence of the Fade' part here. On first glance, it sounds like a rather ordinary spell, right? But it's not. That's just the 'hiding in plain sight for the first playthrough' aspect of Solas' character.

Mages do shape their spells with energy from the Fade (as far as my assumptions go). Maybe they can also recreate something. I'll give them that much. But the essence of the Fade - the inherit, unchanging nature of it - can't be manipulated by them. I think that's specifically a trait only Dreamers can have. (More evidence for my 'Rift Mage should have been Solas' personalized, individual specialization' hc!)

There is an argument to be made if this already constitutes for 'pulling matter from the Fade', but this isn't even the funkiest part yet.

Stonefist: “You summon a boulder from the Fade and smash it into your target, sending them flying.” (Upgrades being Shatterstone and Unblockable Force.)

'Summon a boulder from the Fade', you know, as in, bring physical matter from the Fade to the other side of the Veil. A thing that is pretty much unheard of. Remembers what happens to spirits when they pass violently through the Veil? There is an entire game dealing with that. (I mean, stones won't hopefully turn into demons, but my point is that bringing things through, usually, is not a wise idea.

Another thing someone could have commented on.

Passives: Restorative Veil, Encircling Veil, Smothering Veil, Twisting Veil.

Unfortunately, neither of these descriptions give me much, but they all have the ‘Veil’ component in their name, so that’s interesting.

Upon closer inspection, the Veil can function in a variety of ways: speeding up mana recovery, further weakening enemies, boosting your own damage. (Veilstrike being an example of a means of attack.)

Now, my question here would be: Do over mages notice changes in the Veil? Do they feel it shift and bend? If not, well, that's one thing. if they do, even subconsciously, I'd want banter. (I want a lot of banter, though. Just generally speaking.)

Pull of the Abyss: “You create a tiny rift that pulls enemies toward a central point.” (Upgrades being Shaken Veil and Devouring Veil.)

I can live with never hearing anything about everything else. Sure. But this one? This damned skill? You're telling me I read that the first time I played the game, nodded, and that was it?

'You can create a tiny rift-' I'm sorry, do you what now? After a good a couple of hours of learning just how bad rifts are?

And the upgrade names. Shaken Veil, Devouring Veil - is there anything this thing can't do, except for becoming more and more horrifying and giving me bad vibes ofr whatever DA4 will do with it?

Firestorm: “You summon flaming meteors, raining fire down upon enemies all over the area for the next several seconds. This ability consumes and is powered by focus.”

This one is ... honestly, I don't like it being here. It's an AOE skill, which does fit in with the rest, but it's fire and it seems rather randomly assigned compared to other focus abilities with a more personal note (Haste, Rampagne, Cloak of Shadows, Mark of the Rift).

Doesn't give a lot here to analyze, except that raining down flaming meteors is the level of (global) destruction I can see happening in the future if Solas isn't stopped. So. That's fun.

(It's the ultimate skill in the Fire/Ice tree in DA:II, or at least the ability there has the same name.)

DA: II Comparison

Nearing the end, I'll take a brief look at the Force Mage specialization from DA:II and the Primal base skill tree for mages. Both have some interesting similarities.

First, Primal.

Stonefist: “The mage hurls a stone projectile that strikes with massive force.”

It's only the name and the effect, honestly, but it is curious to see it in a skill tree that focuses exclusively on the elements earth and lightning. (Because Pride demons also use electricity ... yeah, yeah. I'm reading too much into this.)

Petrify: “The mage entombs an enemy in stone, leaving the foe temporarily unable to move. However, the target becomes more resistant to damage for the duration of the spell.”

This has nothing to do with Rift Mage, but in light of Trespasser, I'll just leave it here for your consideration. Petrifying people is neither new nor exclusive to Evanruis.

Now, onto Force Mage.

Fist of the Maker: “The mage slams enemies into the ground with incredible power, against which armor is no protection.”

The effect sounds like Stonefist (Primal) and Veilstrike.

Pull of the Abyss: “The mage conjures a maelstrom of energy that draws enemies to its center while slowing them to a crawl.”

This one is similar to the Rift Mage skill with the same name, so it might have served as an inspiration (or base).

Overall, though: nothing much to say here. Maybe I could talk more about Rift Mage being focused on crowd control, but that is probably for game-play balance. I could connect that to Solas' character and analyze every little thing to death. I'm not doing it, though.

Specialization Dialogue

Solas: You have begun practicing new magical forms. Interesting. You seem to be drawing upon the raw substance of the Fade, likely using your mark as a catalyst. I use similar techniques, although it took me years to learn that. Why did you choose such an esoteric area of study?

Inquisitor: (if chosen) I hoped that studying such magic would me help better understand the Fade.

Solas: While our fight affords little time for formal study, the wise can better themselves even in the midst of battle. Perhaps especially then. I hope your new studies serve you well.

[source]

Let’s go through this slowly.

‘You seem to be drawing upon the raw substance of the Fade-’ Alright, we’ve talked about that. Makes sense he’d comment on it. ‘likely using your mark as a catalyst’ Sorry? The Inquisitor is doing what? I’m not saying it’s not possible, I’m just saying it might not be an overly smart idea to use the Anchor in that way. Because it’s attached to the Inquisitor’s arm. And because the Inquisitor knows what happens if it snaps out of control. So, purposefully doing something that might cause you agonizing pain? Mh. Yeah. No, thanks.

Also. The 'drawing upon the raw substance of the Fade' part makes me think that the Anchor does give the Inquisitor Dreamer-like abilities. Forcefully, and possibly difficult to control, and the Inquisitor might not be aware of it, but. That would be an interesting aspect to explore.

‘I use similar techniques, although it took me years to learn that’. Well. Yeah. Mostly a sound response, except I’m not really sure it's true. Why does he say years? Because he didn’t go right to sleep after creating the Veil, or because he studied such methods theoretically beforehand? I doubt he refers to the time Inquisition spans, because it’s not that long, cannocially, (isn't it like ... a year? I forget what the devs said), but … I don’t know. It doesn't sit right with me. Solas never truly outright lies, so there is probably some merit in it.

‘Why did you choose such an esoteric area of study?’ That’s … an interesting way to ask. Sure, there is a very small group who has this specialized knowledge, but it feels a little like deflection.

The rest of the conversation doesn’t give much for me to analyze.

Conclusion

TL;DR: There should have been banter. Or Rift Mage should have been a personalized, individual specialization.

Pull of the Abyss is the funkiest skill in the entire game, from a meta-perspective, because tearing a hole into the Veil is the opposite of what the Inquisitor is trying to do.

There are also many more questions than answer to take away from this regarding the Veil and the Fade and how Solas manages not to blow his cover, but I believe there are theories about at least the two former points out there.

I thank you very much for bearing with me for this long!

[segadoraa]

Blinded Part Two: Chapter Two

Read on A03. Part Two: Chapter One. Part One.

Summary: Solas awakens in a world unrecognizable. He meets with his council to discuss their next move and he considers his role in a world he did not expect.

Maps, books, and crumpled pieces of parchment littered the desk at which Solas had fallen asleep. He swept some of them to the floor as he arose, stretching. He hadn’t slept nearly as long as he had anticipated he would after tearing the Veil, but he was still regaining his strength and napped frequently. His own well-being had surprised him at first, but as he learned more about the state of the world, pieces started to fall into place.

As he suspected, the tearing of the Veil had a ripple effect across Thedas. Where the Veil was weak, hundreds of rifts formed which pulled spirits from the Fade and created demons in their wake. What he had not anticipated was the concentrated strength of the Veil in a few cities. Instead of the Veil disintegrating across the world, as he had intended, it had doubled back and with even more tenacity and settled in the cities where its concentration was strongest. The energy used to tear the Veil had rebounded and burned across the sky, decimating entire cities and destroying countless resources.

It was altogether both better and worse than he had expected.

While the partial survival of the Veil meant that Solas’s power had not overwhelmed him when it was torn, it also meant that the re-assimilation of elves and mages into the human world was more challenging than expected. A twinge of annoyance crossed his mind as he remembered the work that was to be done, but it was quickly gone. As a knock sounded at his door, he stood and turned his back to his desk, mainly to hide his yawn. Trying to shake the drowsiness from his mind, he clasped his hands behind his back and flexed his shoulders. As he heard the small room fill with footsteps, he turned again to face them and leaned over his desk. The members of his council shuffled as they regarded Solas and his room, unsure of where to start. Solas gazed at them impatiently, but when it seemed no one was willing to break the silence, he retreated from his desk and broke the silence.

“Well?” he asked, still mildly irritable after being woken. “I take it you have news.”

Varayla, his chief diplomat, spoke first after a furtive glance at the other two advisors.

“Sir,” she began in Elvhen, shaking her long white hair behind her, “our efforts to make contact with the humans have either been lost or ignored.”

As she spoke, her nose turned up and she poorly suppressed a grimace.

“If it is the latter, establishing a foothold where we mean to may be seen as an act of aggression. We could, no doubt, quash any resistance they put up, but if your goal of peace still remains, we may have to be more delicate.”

To Solas’s surprise, Varayla managed to refrain from rolling her eyes; instead she held his gaze with the full intensity of her pale gray eyes. She had been one of the first of the Elvhen that he had awoken from Uthenera. While the two had never quite gotten to the point of being friendly toward each other, they had established a mutual respect for each other’s strengths. She was curt, arrogant, and cold, but she was the best diplomat he knew and he needed her talents to establish his presence in the new world.

Xenyah, who had been leaning against the wall, snorted, bringing Solas’s focus back to the present.

“If peace is still the goal, you might want to alert the rest of the world. We’ve had to keep a league of bandits and Orlesian soldiers at bay just this afternoon.”

She strutted up to Solas’s desk as she spoke, lifting a leg to half-sit upon his desk. As she moved forward, Solas strode sideways a few steps and noticeably away from her perch on his desk.

“They don’t seem to respond to our warnings against their trespassing and they bring more and more weaponry with them each time. If it’s peace you want, perhaps we will try laying down our arms next time? I’m sure that will go over well.”

Solas clenched his jaw against Xenyah’s mocking tone, biting back his response. Waking her was a risk, one he believed was worth it. She had served under him when he and Mythal had plotted the revolution against the Enuvaris. They had worked well together—her ruthlessness and apathy balanced well against his empathy and restraint. In the end, they had both sought justice and had fought side by side. The physical relationship they had was no more than a pleasurable side benefit—a release for them both—at least he had thought. Since she had awakened, however, it seemed she bore some bitterness toward Solas for his disregard of her and the intimacy they had once shared. He regretted this; he knew the time that had passed since he had seen her last had passed in the blink of an eye for her. It would be disorienting for anyone to fall asleep feeling one way and wake up expected to feel differently. Hoping she just needed time, he tried to give her as much space as possible and politely ignored her overtly sexual advances.

He cleared his throat and paced, keeping his gaze away from his desk.

“Abelas? You’ve been quiet. What are your thoughts?”

The room looked to him, awaiting his response. Abelas frowned and opened his mouth, then closed it again. He took his time gathering his thoughts, then shifted his weight before speaking.

“The Orlesians do seem to be gathering what forces of theirs remain. Given that the Exalted Plains are in Orlesian territory, perhaps it would be wise to make peaceful contact before establishing anything too permanent. Our forces would overcome theirs, without doubt, but since you remain focused on peace, I do not see what other choice we have.”

He did not meet Solas’s eye as he spoke, rather, he frowned at the maps on his desk, then averted his gaze.

“Meanwhile, our own people remain displaced, living in tents at best, waiting for us to make a plan,” Varayla snapped. Solas somewhat hastily covered the paperwork on his desk as she spoke, nudging Xenyah off his desk.

“How long do you think they will wait?” she continued. “We’ve awakened as many as we can, but they have loved ones still asleep. We need to give them some sort of timeline, at least.”

“At the very least,” Xenyah added grumpily. “I’d say we need to show them that they woke up in this world for a reason. They’re sick of twiddling their thumbs.”

Solas pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting a headache.

“I’m aware of their desire to settle, but the situation here is delicate. These people have suffered greatly; I stand by my decision to pursue peace. Otherwise, we run the risk of losing even more people on both sides.”

“Both sides?” Xenyah stormed. “You’re still concerned about their well-being after everything they did to elves in their time? They made their choices, what do you care if they live or die?”

“Clearly, you’ve had the privilege of never having the fate of two worlds in your hands,” he snapped back moodily.

Xenyah opened her mouth to respond, but Solas held up his hand to stop her.

“Of course I am still responsible for our people and their fate, but do not blame me for considering this world as well. I’ve lived among the best of these people and their destruction is both my responsibility and my fault. Until you know that kind of responsibility, you will not question me again.” His voice was dangerously close to cracking, but his point struck home and Xenyah backed away like a child that had been reprimanded. His council stilled and looked at him in shock. He fought back the shame settling in his stomach. No matter what he did, waves of shame were always at bay. He felt like he was coming apart.

“Sir,” Abelas began quietly, “I’ll send a group of scouts to an Orlesian outpost with a message of our peaceful intentions and desire to negotiate with Empress Celine. Perhaps we could send them with a small caravan of supplies, as a gift of good will? If we desire peace, we need to approach them peacefully.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” Varayla responded. “We have only ever responded to their scouts with armed forces. A gesture of good will could go a long way.”

Xenyah rolled her eyes, but Solas nodded.

“Very well,” he said curtly, still recovering from his outburst. “Make it happen.”

Xenyah stormed out of the room and the others turned to follow.

“Abelas?” Solas called after him. “A moment.”

[ahrorha]

Flame of Winter

Chapter 4

It had been biting cold the whole day, everything was covered with a thick layer of hoarfrost. Eirlana was resting on a crate, outside the makeshift clinic. Blowing her frozen fingers warm, her breath was visible in white puffs. She felt numb and drained, the constant healing of gravely wounded people was hard, and it wore her out.

Solas had left her that morning to investigate one of the rifts close to the village. He had refused to take her with him, stating it was too dangerous for her to come along. She hadn't seen much of him the last couple of days, he had spent almost all his waking hours at the side of the survivor. She could feel he was anxious, frustrated, almost desperate, ever since they had found the survivor. Though he acted his polite self on the outside, he was driven on by a cause that lay deeper. What it was she didn't know.

What more, with the ever-growing Breach above their heads, all hope of stopping it was shattered. Fear and desperation hung over Haven like a dark cloud. The hope created by the survivor emerging from the rift lasted only for a short time. With their inability to revive the survivor, rumours and theories about what had happened spread like wildfire. Three whole days had passed already, now more and more people were pointing the finger at the sole survivor. He must have done something or else he wouldn't have survived where so many had fallen.

Eirlana closed her eyes for a moment, she wanted to sleep, to drift and wander in the Fade. But with the Breach, her dreams had been nightmarish. The Fade here was in turmoil, spirits had fled the violence or were sucked into one of the many rifts that littered the area. She wanted to help them but didn't know how, she felt frustrated, alone and helpless. All that she could do was patch people up so they could get hurt again.

There was a commotion coming from the Chantry, reluctantly Eirlana opened her eyes. Cassandra walked through the village, pulling a man along by his arms, his hands bound. His dark brown hair hung loose, thick stubbles covered his tinted face. Fierce dark brown eyes looked bewildered around. His hand was pulsing with a strange magical energy. The survivor finally had regained consciousness.

.

Solas blocked the claw of a demon with his staff, firing another icebolt in its face. Varric and the soldiers that had accompanied him struggled to defeat the demons that came through the rift again and again. Solas felt frustrated, none of his attempts to seal the rift had any effect so far. His powers were still too weak to repair the damage done to the Veil. The Anchor created specifically to control the Veil, now infused in the arm of that human, was useless to him. The world would be torn apart before he would get the chance to restore it. He had done almost anything he could think of, but he couldn't access the power of the Anchor. It was maddening to feel its power so close and not being able to use it. Another demon attacked Solas, twisting around he fired more bolts of ice. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw two people jumping down to them. Swords drawn they helped them to defeat the demons. Solas couldn't believe his eyes, the human, he was awake. The Anchor reacting to the presence of the rift was flashing angrily in his hand.

.

With the demons fought back he grabbed the hand of the human “Quickly before more come through!” and pressed it against the tear in the Veil. Hoping the Anchor would react and its magic repair the tear.

With a flash, the rift closed. They all stood dazed for a few seconds.

“Thank the Maker!” Cassandra said out loud.

“What did you do?” the human looked puzzled between his hand and Solas.

Maybe not all was lost, Solas thought, but he had to be very cautious. “I did nothing. The credit is yours.”

“You mean this, whatever this is.”

“Whatever magic opened the Breach in the sky also placed that mark upon your hand. I theorised the mark might be able to close the rifts that have opened in the Breach's wake. And it seems I was correct.”

“So it could also close the Breach itself.” Cassandra joined in.

“Possibly. It seems you hold the key to our salvation.”

The human looked bewildered around flexing his hand, staring at it as if it was a foreign object. “What do you mean magic? That can not be. I CAN'T possess magic!”

“The mark is magic, I doubt your other abilities have been influenced by it.”

“So that thing helps, good to know.” Varric put away his crossbow. “Here I thought we'd be Ass-deep in demons forever. Varric Tethras: rogue, storyteller, and occasionally unwelcome tagalong.” he introduced himself, winking at Cassandra.

“My, my name is Ryan Trevelyan of Ostwick.”

“A Free-marcher? Thought I heard it from the accent, I am from Kirkwall myself.”

“My name is Solas. If there are to be introductions. I am pleased to see you still live.”

“He means, I kept that mark from killing you while you slept.” Varric added.

Ryan eyed Solas suspiciously. “I am no good dead. How do you know so much about this all?”

“Solas is an apostate, well versed in such matters.” Cassandra informed him.

“An apostate?”

Solas noticed the distrustful glint in Ryan's eyes. Suspicious and ungrateful, how refreshing for a human, he thought. “My travels have allowed me to learn much of the Fade, far beyond the experience of any Circle mage. I came to offer whatever help I can give with the Breach. If it is not closed, we are all doomed regardless of our origin.”

At that moment the mark flared up again as the Breach grew above their heads.

Ryan gritted his teeth. “So I closed this thing. What happens now?”

“We better move quickly to the forward camp and the Temple of Sacred Ashes, follow me.” Cassandra led the way.

As they followed her, Solas heard a prayer coming from Ryan. “Blessed are they who stand before.

The corrupt and the wicked and do not falter. Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just”

Solas sighed, this would be a difficult road to walk.

.

A messenger came running into the village, calling for healers. There would be an assault on the Breach, and many wounded were expected. Several sisters began to pack salves and bandages and hurried to the stables.

“Please come Eirlana.” one of the younger sisters asked her. Eirlana quickly took her cloak and ran after them. Soldiers were mounting the few horses they had. They helped the sisters on to their saddles. A soldier stretched out a hand out towards her, offering to bring her up the mountain. Eirlana took a step back, shaking her head. “My Lady, Commander Cullen has asked me to take you anywhere you're needed.” She was surprised to hear a woman's voice, she looked up from the hand to the face of the soldier. A dark-skinned woman smiled at her. “I will protect you, my Lady. And make sure you return safely.” Taking the hand, she was hoisted into the saddle, and they rode off, bringing supplies needed for the aftermath of the assault.

.

Eirlana didn't know what to think. She hadn't seen the Commander since that morning.

She awoke to find Varric snoring on a chair, a blanket draped over him.

Solas was already dressed. “How are you feeling.”

“Better.” she smiled slightly, taking the cup of herbal tea he gave her. The mug was shaking in her hand. “A little shaky but better, thank you.”

Someone knocked on the door.

“Hawke what do you want, it's too early.” Varric mumbled in his sleep, pulling the blanket over his head.

Solas opened the door. Cullen stood at the door a templar behind him.

Solas narrowed his eyes. “Commander?” as he took a step back letting the men inside. Something shattered behind him, Eirlana had dropped the mug and stared at them.

Cullen's eyes shone with pity. “Good morning, sorry for the disturbance. But he needs to say something.” he glared at the templar, who started mumbling. “I came to apologise, the way I conducted myself was unworthy.” She stared horrified at both men, they looked at her like they expected something from her.

Cullen sighed. “Back to your duties.” he ordered in a stern voice, the templar quickly left the cottage.

He softened his voice. “Eirlana I am sorry this happened.”

“Thank you, Commander.” Solas smoothly broke the ice. “If you excuse us, we need to get ready.”

“Yes, of course. I also need to return to my duties.” Cullen went out of the door. “Oh, I almost forgot. Here these are for you.” he handed him a bag and quickly left.

“What did Curly want?” Varric yawned and stretched himself out, scratching his chest.

Solas put the bag on the table and took out fresh bread, cheese and other supplies.

“Haha never thought I would see the day Curly would bring me breakfast.”

.

Eirlana was pulled out of her thoughts when they made a steep turn to evade a falling chunk out of the fade. They past burning carts, bodies lay on the side of the road. It didn't take long before they reached the ruined gates of the Temple of Sacred Ashes. The sounds of battle could be heard further ahead. Wounded soldiers lay on the ground or were sitting on the crumbled walls. A couple of feet away a Chantry sister was praying next to the fallen. Eirlana was relieved she didn't see Solas amongst the wounded.

They quickly dismounted. The sisters that rode with her looked at her with anticipation, one of them stepped forward. “What do you want us to do?” Eirlana was taken aback, they looked to her for guidance. She looked confused around. Why would they ask her? Seeing the wounded they needed to act fast. “Stabilise the wounded! Warn me if someone needs my immediate attention. Go easy on the elfroot, we can't examine them if their pain is too much numbed. The light wounds you can treat yourselves, but be careful some of the demon claws leave poisonous wounds.”

There were many “Yes!” and “Yes miss” heard and they set to work. Eirlana provided healing where necessary. A sister called her and led her to a man, his armor had been taking off, and he was heavily bleeding from a stomach wound.

“NO! Not her! The Maker will take me to his side!” It was the templar who had grabbed her a couple of days ago. He looked sickly pale, he tried to get up but couldn't bring up his strength. He was dying.

Eirlana was surprised to see him afraid of her, terrified she would do something to him. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath. “Hold him still.” she ordered the sister and began her work.

.

Cullen brought in a wounded soldier. He started ordering troops to bring the injured back to Haven. His eyes wandered around and noticed Eirlana hard at work. He was impressed, she was so frail yet so strong. Their eyes met as she stood up. His lip curled up as he smiled at her, slightly bowing his head. She looked puzzled at him then slowly she nodded her head in return. It pained him to see her so unsure and often scared.

There was a loud bang, a bolt of magical energy flew up in the sky into the Breach. Everyone was looking at it when it exploded in a bright flash. Slowly they regained their eyesight. The Breach was still in the sky, but it looked calmer. Whatever they had tried at the Temple it didn't close it, but it had stopped it from growing any further.

.

A short while later Solas and the rest returned. Eirlana was relieved he looked unharmed. She hastened towards him. “Are you alright? What happened?”

He was surprised she was here and not in the village. “I am unharmed. We managed to stabilise the Breach for the moment.” He wished she would have stayed in Haven, she looked tired. Practising this much healing-magic took its toll on her.

“Solas, Eirlana. Take care of Ryan, we need to make sure he will be alright.” Cassandra walked beside the stretcher where he lay on.

Eirlana carefully examined him, especially his arm and the mark. It was the first time she saw it up close. Solas saw her look up, directly into his eyes for a split second, before lowering the arm again.

“He has only minor injuries, but low energy. He needs rest to recover, I think he will awaken in a couple of days. I will ask Adan to make a minor healing draught for him when we are back in Haven.

“You can't heal him?” Cassandra asked.

“He has no injuries to heal. His body is trying to handle the foreign magic, it takes its toll.”

“Ryan isn't a mage.” Solas began to explain. “The mark's origin is magical, for it to work it needs to pull power from something. In this case his energy. It doesn't harm him, he just isn't used to it yet. It is similar to a mages fatigue after casting a complicated spell.”

“Understood. Let's bring him and the rest of the wounded to Haven.”

.

When Eirlana returned to the cottage that evening, the atmosphere had changed in the small village. People were thanking the Maker and Andraste in prayers. Tales of the hero of the hour spread. That he was sent by the Maker, in their darkest hour, a beacon of hope. Some began to speak as if he was sent by Andraste herself to guide and protect them in these dark times.

“How quickly opinions change.” Solas remarked. He stood outside the cottage watching the people gather in small groups.

“People tend to believe what is convenient.”

He laughed “That is true.”

She walked inside and he followed her. After looking out of the window to make sure no one would overhear them she turned to Solas. “Solas that mark.”

He stiffened, remembering her look. What did she know? What did she suspect?

“What about the mark?”

“You feel it too don't you? It's pull on the Veil.”

He relaxed again. “I have noticed it. It's remarkable you were able to detect it.”

“They don't know do they?”

“Know what?” Solas narrowed his eyes.

“That it can cut into the Veil like a knife through butter.”

“What gives you that impression? You have only looked at it for a moment?”

She looked at him as if it was obvious. “They have the same energy. It is as if they were made for each other.”

His eyes glinted, a smile formed on his lips. He was impressed, she was this sensitive to magical energies. What more was she capable of without knowing? “They don't know. I thought it wise not to share that information. We don't know how this will develop further. It may be wise to give them only what they need.” He needed to be careful. It was crucial she wouldn't be questioned about the Fade. Otherwise, his plan to only carefully feeding them information that they needed, would be in danger. And he needed also to make sure she didn't question his actions. “We haven't told them you are also knowledgeable about the Fade. It is safer for you if they don't know.”

She smiled at him. “Don't worry Solas. I don't want them to know. And I first need to learn how the waking world works before I know what is safe to tell.”

.

The Veil shimmered above Haven, as flashes of magical energy rippled from the Breach across the sky. It was both beautiful and disturbing to watch. Eirlana stared at it while waiting for Solas at the landing stage of the frozen lake. He had agreed to further supervise her training in magic. Breaching the Veil with the right amount of strength to tap into the Fade, was harder than she had anticipated. She sighed wishing that her other abilities would be as easy to manifest as her healing magic. In the Fade magic came as natural as breathing to her, here she needed more control. They had practised on the lake the last couple of days. Solas was teaching her how to use a staff, to correctly channel her powers, but it had been challenging.

“I hope I am not disturbing you.” turning around she saw Cullen walk up to her.

She eyed him nervous as he rested his hands on his sword. Following her eyes, he quickly pulled them from the hilt. After fumbling for a bit, he interlocked them behind his back.

“I haven't really had the opportunity to speak to you since...” He looked away searching for words. “I mean to say, with all the developments it has been pretty hectic. How are you holding up?”

What did he want from her? He was right about the turmoil in the small village. Ryan had awoken after two days, with his cooperation they had declared to reform the Inquisition. Rallying everyone under one banner to help close the Breach and look for those responsible for the murder of the Divine. Ryan was now called the Herald of Andraste by the people, send by the prophet herself to save them.

Cullen coughed nervously as she didn't answer. “Ehm, how is your arm?”

“Better, it is healing.”

He smiled, glad she finally spoke. “I am pleased to hear that. I am sorry that it happened.”

“Why? It wasn't you.” she looked puzzled at him.

“Those men are under my command. So I am responsible for their actions. I will make sure it won't happen again. You have my word.”

Eirlana saw he was taking this very seriously, not knowing how to react she mumbled. “Thank you.”

“I have to thank you. You have saved a lot of lives and limbs with your abilities. The men speak wonders of your skills.”

She fell silent again, and her eyes wandered over the lake.

Cullen admired her. When he saw her wounded and scared body, it had shocked him. It made him sick thinking about what she must have endured. And yet here she was facing the world as best she could. He could relate to that she was suspicious of everyone. After he had been tortured in the Circle of Fereldan, he didn't trust anyone. Plagued by the memories and the guilt that he had survived where his comrades fell. It took him months to pick up his life again after he was freed. The nightmares from that time tormented him to this day, the lyrium withdrawal made them worse. He wasn't proud of the man he became after the Circle, the decisions he made.

“You're in pain.”

Cullen was shaken from his thoughts, Eirlana looked him straight in the eyes.

“I... It is nothing.” he stumbled over his words. He rubbed the back of his neck. Maker's Breath, her eyes were beautiful. “Just a slight headache, it has been very chaotic the last couple of days.” Her eyes told him she knew he was lying. Maker, she was a healer, of course, she knew it was not a simple headache. Searching for a polite way out, he was glad when he saw Solas approach.

.

Solas sat deep in thought in the cottage. The human had awoken, and the others had declared him their champion, sent by their Maker to save them. He was perplexed that so many of them accepted this divine aid as the truth. It was a relief that the Anchor stabilised after the Breach had calmed down. It gave him time to think about how to act. For the time being, he would stay. Now with the humans 'Herald' awake they soon would make their move to begin closing the rifts, gathering allies, attempting anew to close Breach. If this accidental host died in the process, the Anchor would be lost, and he needed it to repair the damage done to the Veil. He had spent a great deal of his power for its creation. It infuriated him that it was now in the hands of someone inapt. A narrow-minded mortal, with, from what he could judge, a deep distrust of magic. He would likely second guess everything he had to say.

Solas shook his head, remembering he had promised to meet Eirlana at the lake for her training. He had to hurry, she would already be waiting for him. She was learning fast, her views of magic formed by the Fade itself. Not bound by the rigid teachings of a misinformed world, that was built upon the bones of his People. She was like a rare gem, her senses sharp, instinctively absorbing everything he thought her like a sponge. It had only been a few days since he began her training and was impressed with her progress.

Quickly he gathered their staves and hurried out of the cottage and almost bumped into Ryan. He was cleaned up, clad in brand new armor, his hair slicked back in a ponytail.

.

“Watch where you're going. Solas wasn't it?”

“Hello Herald, the Chosen of Andraste. A blessed hero sent to save us all.” slipped of Solas' tongue

Ryan didn't look amused. “I've no interest in being a hero. All I want is to find a way to seal that blasted thing. I didn't ask for this, but the Maker has put me on this path.”

“Spoken noble indeed.” he saw Ryan frowning at him. “You think I'm mocking you. This age has made people cynical.” He continued his path but halted. Let's test the waters a little he thought.

“I've journeyed deep into the Fade in ancient ruins and battlefields to see the dreams of lost civilisations. I've watched as hosts of spirits clash to re-enact the bloody past in ancient wars both famous and forgotten. Every great war has its heroes. I'm just curious what kind you'll be.”

“The kind who succeeds and wins.”

“That is usually better than losing. It will be interesting to watch which paths this fledgeling Inquisition will take. I will stay to see it.”

“You'll stay? Was that in doubt?”

“I am an apostate surrounded by Chantry forces in the middle of a mage rebellion. Cassandra has been

accommodating, but you understand my caution.”

“You might dislike the Circles, but they had their purpose. It is foolish that they rebelled. And if that Breach stays open, you'll like what it does to the world even less.”

“Agreed. Hence remaining here to offer help. Now if you would excuse me.” Solas walked away, shaking his head. This will be thin ice to walk on, but staying close to the Anchor was necessary for the time being.

.

He walked out of Haven and saw Cullen talking to Eirlana. He joined them.

“Sorry, I have kept your waiting.” “Commander.” he greeted Cullen.

They walked up the frozen lake, out of sight from the training grounds. A training dummy had been put on the ice as a target, it already was scorched at several places. Cullen stayed on the landing stage watching them.

“Remember your lessons from yesterday. Concentrate on a flame that burns within you, reach out to that flame, give it shape, give it purpose.” He watched closely as Eirlana concentrated.

Eirlana gathered her energy and thrust her hand forward. Bolts of cold blue flames hit the dummy engulfing it in icy fire. Her eyes sparkled at her success. “Solas, I finally did it!” she yelled enthusiastically.

“You most certainly did.” he laughed sharing in her joy. She beamed at him and cast the spell anew.

Solas couldn't help but be proud, she had worked hard the last couple of days to get a more real feel for magic. Her understanding of magic was primarily formed by the Fade and its spirits. It was the only place she could practice magic for as long as she could remember. Being cut off from most of her powers by that monstrous collar when she was awake. Now she was tapping into the Fade more accurate, giving shape to her abilities. Her joy from practising magic was evident. He liked seeing her like that, seeing her grow. How far she had come.

The way in which she formed the energies from the Fade was supple, instinctively, a part of her. It was extraordinary to watch, whoever had thought her in the Fade, thought her well. With the Veil in place, most of the ancient arts were lost. Spells had standardised over the centuries. The Chantry being one of the biggest culprits, by enforcing the Circles and its templars. He himself had studied these techniques to blend in and being too weak at present to practise his true powers. Solas chuckled, wondering if she even was aware how many 'rules' she broke with her casting techniques.

.

Cullen was looking at them from afar, smiling as he heard her joy in her voice. He hadn't ever seen anything like her magic, it was both beautiful and worrisome to him. Blue flames it suited her he thought.

“There you are, Commander.”

He turned around to see Cassandra and Ryan walking towards him.

“Cassandra, Herald.” he greeted them.

Cassandra handed him a report. “Here. We have more news about the situation in the Hinterlands.”

“I will look at it right away.” He took the report and walked back to the training grounds to resume his work.

.

Eirlana had just managed to surround herself and Solas with a shimmering protective globe. She beamed at Solas, happy she was getting the hang of it. Solas eyes twinkled as he watched her.

His demeanour changed suddenly as he looked over her shoulder, his face hardening. Turning around she saw Cassandra and Ryan walking up to them.

“Herald, this is Eirlana, I don't think you have officially met her yet. She is one of our best healers.”

“Hello, nice to meet you, I heard some good deeds about you.” He extended his hand.

Eirlana eyed him nervously. Not taking his hand she stepped back, uttering a “Hello.”

Solas walked forward, stepping next to her. “We meet again, Herald. Hello, Seeker.”

“We saw you from afar, how does the training go? Judging from the dummy, you're making progress.” Cassandra pointed at the icy patches on it.

“She has a rare gift.” his face softened as he looked at Eirlana.

“You are training her?”

Solas' eyes narrowed and darted back at Ryan.

Eirlana noticed the tension between both men. “I don't have much practice in casting magic. I..”

“Isn't that dangerous?” Ryan cut her off. “Should she even learn from him? What are these techniques? They are obviously not approved by the Chantry or the Circles. Don't we have someone from the Circle that can teach her?”

“Of course because every mage outside the Circle is a dangerous lunatic.” Solas snapped.

Cassandra was dismayed at the hostility between both men. She didn't know Solas very long, but his conduct had been exemplary. And she knew he cared for Eirlana, he wouldn't put her in danger. “Solas has helped us a great deal since his arrival. Thanks to him you survived after you emerged from the rift. I am certain Solas won't let Eirlana come to harm.”

Solas took a deep breath, he needed to calm down. “Magic is diverse, every mage can have his or her own personal approach. Like every person is different so is every mage, be it in subtle or bigger differences. Only within the Chantry's Circles, they attempt to uniform it. I merely teach her to safely access her abilities. The techniques are her own. Like I said she has a rare gift.”

Eirlana mustered her courage. Solas didn't deserve this, he had saved her life. “I want to learn from Solas. We live in a hostile world, with the rifts it has become even more dangerous. I won't stand helpless behind everyone's backs when I can help. We all have the same goal to mend the hole into the Fade before more souls are lost.”

“She is right.” Cassandra showed her a rare smile. “We need to work together, and we can't do it without the help of both of you.” She glared at Ryan. “We will leave for the Hinterlands the day after tomorrow. Solas and Eirlana I want both of you to come. With the fighting getting worse in the area and the refugees we will need all the help we can get.”

“Of course Seeker.” Solas replied politely.

They watched them both leave.

“Is it better if I learn these techniques?”

Solas turned towards her, a curious glance in his eyes. “Do you want to?”

“No.” she erected again the protective doom around them. “I have spent almost my whole life doing what other people demanded. I want to do what feels right.”

He chuckled swirling his staff and firing an icebolt at the barrier as he walked further away from her, it held. “Then let's continue before we are interrupted again.” Eirlana took her staff, standing defensively, waiting for his attack.

It hadn't escaped his notice that she mentioned souls. He was glad she heeded his advice to be careful about sharing her opinions and knowledge of the Fade.