Refugees To Arlathan

Solas had entered Orlais, pleased to find that the Shadow had kept her promise and laid claim to the eluvian network. He did not care that many of the eluvians were publicly used. The one in Skyhold was not, and would remain that way, for the Sylvas were reclaiming Skyhold as their stronghold. His network had grown in his absence, and the way the Ko's had preened at praise told him enough. She was loyal, and he'd expect nothing less, given what he knew of the spirit that had created her. 

The Dread Wolf and the heads of the Sylvas were seated around a round table; because he would hear their concerns after he presented the mission. There are thousands of the People within Orlais. The alienage is dismal. And the Orlesians cruel. No crueller than most humans that kept elves in alienages as if they were a zoo, and the elves the animals in captivity.

He leaned against the table as he stood, to address the map spread across the tabletop. Two groups will go in. Magic showed the movements of each of these two groups. One group goes through the front, the second group from overhead. He tapped the map. We cannot bring the walls of this alienage tumbling down yet. The capital is surrounded by darkspawn and the eluvian will only allow so many at once. But, one day— The wolfish grin he gave his fellow Ancient Elves was fey, —we'll tear it down.

It was so many elves in one place; he'd heard tales (and through dreams had witnessed) how they lived. Practically on top of one another, with walls so high that sunlight rarely reached the outermost edges of the alienage. It made him wonder what state they would be in once they got there...

The heads of the Sylvas spoke concerns, observed answers, and eventually agreed that breaking into the Orlesian alienage was doable. And plans proceeded. It was interesting, being more hands on this time around than when he had been using the Inquisition to do his bidding for him.

...

Three nights pass. Getting into Orlais is hard, risky, dangerous. And Solas thrives with the danger. Tricking Orlesians with illusions, quietly slipping into the shadows with the help of the Ko's.

He gathers women and children first. Those who need care now, or risk losing their lives. Many Sylvas agents have gone undercover in this alienage, and though he gives them the option to leave, they choose to stay. Serve the cause. Protect as many of the people as they can.

They exit through an eluvian, that had not been activated just yet. It's hidden away in the darkest corner of the alienage, he suspects his agents had a hand in that.

They wind up just outside of the forest in Antiva. Arlathan but a short trek away; though they aren't to enter Arlathan on their own. An agent of the city-state will meet them, escort the refugees. Just who this agent will be, the Shadow had not been able to tell him.

Fifty or so women and children, it is only as he steps through the eluvian that he hears a commotion. The eluvian goes dark, the Shadow had not come back through, so she must have shut it down. There's panic in the air, it's palpable. 

He moves to the front of the group. Quiet. The eluvian is not active. No-one can follow us through, unless they know exactly where we are. And only the Shadow and his agents knew the answer to that.

The statement does nothing to calm the anxious mothers, frightened children, nor any spirits that were lingering around the group. Arlathan is... glorious. A safe-haven for the People. He decides that, it may be worth distracting them by speaking about where they're going.

Truth be told Vela was surprised that Ko had decided to tell her about the Sylvas and their missions regarding the alienages. Vela wasn’t entirely convinced that the ancient elf liked her much, or whether that was just her mannerisms with everyone. She half wondered whether Ko had originally mentioned it to try and get a rise out of her, knowing that the Sylvas had not long ago been considered the enemy and considering the first time they had met there had definitely been some needling. Then again, perhaps Vela was reading too much into it. It would be hard, after all, to smuggle hundreds of displaced elves into Arlathan without the council noticing. Tactically it was obvious to include Arlathan and its leaders in such plans, and while it felt strange to now be aligned with a group that they had once fought to stop, it would be petty to not work together when the only people that would hurt would be innocent elves. It didn’t mean she was not still suspicious of the group, but for now, at least, their goals were aligned.

The first group of refugees the Sylvas had brought in had been a success. It had not been without its difficulties, of course, but its outcome meant that more elves on Arlathan’s side were willing to help. It was a balancing act, making sure that Arlathan as a whole stayed out of the limelight so it didn’t look like they were invading other nations, while also providing help to the Sylvas to get the refugees home safely. In the end Vela and the other council members had felt the results outweighed the risks. After all, this was exactly why Vela had started Arlathan and helped it grow into what it was. If she could not help her own people, then Arlathan did not deserve its name and reputation as a new nation for the elves.

Quietly Vela led a handful of Knights and healers through the forest. Last time it had been another Keeper leading the team, but Vela had insisted - she wanted to see, to look into the eyes of those the Sylvas had managed to save, to know without a doubt that what they were doing was making a different, that what they were doing was good. She also wanted to get a full report, just to make sure everything had gone as smoothly as possible.

As they approach the collection point she hears the hubbub of concerned voices, and then a stronger, more authoritative voice that cuts through the nervous muttering and the anxious crying of young children. Vela and her people emerge from between the trees and she holds out her singular arm in a placating manner, waiting for the stranger to finish speaking.

He is right, she starts, her eyes running across the tired and frightened faces. She wears simple danish garb and a half-cloak that covers the majority of her missing arm. My name is Vela Lavellan and I am one of the Keepers of Arlathan. I have brought healers. You are not prisoners here and are welcome to leave after you have recuperated, but we also offer Arlathan as a home for you, should you want. She motions behind her and the healers come forward, ready to offer assistance to those who need it and the Knights stand by, ready to escort the group back to Arlathan when it has been checked that all are well enough to make the short trek.

Vela’s gaze travels to the stranger who had spoken and she nods her head to him in thanks, approaching him while letting her gaze dart around her, clearly looking for someone. 

Thank you for your help bringing them. Is Ko with you? It was after all who Vela had expected to meet with, and for the moment, she was too distracted by what was going on around her to notice the stirring of the shard inside her.

Ar-melana dirthavaren. Revas vir-anaris. His gaze traveled over Vela, taking her in. Solas' gaze lingered over her missing arm, before his attention was drawn back to the people in front of him. Children, clinging to their mothers, some children without parents at all.

My apologies. The Shadow was used as a distraction, this time. She should return soon. Watchful eyes wandered over healers and Knights as they comingled with the latest refugees. At one time, he had thought himself higher than the elves of modern Thedas. But now that he had achieved his goal; they were his People too. Vela had been right about that. And other things, too, but thinking back on it would do him no good. His plan was that she'd never know he returned... he'd watch after her from afar, and ensure she had a good life. It was the least he could do.

But distancing himself from the elves, whether they were city or dalish, had been his attempt to save himself some pain (and save them from the loss of him). The same had gone for Vela; and he's regretted it everyday since. It probably didn't help that she had acquired an inactive shard of Mythal after drinking from the well; he imagines it's active now, if his senses are still intact. He's pretty sure he senses Mythal, though not as strongly as she had been in Flemeth all those years.

The eluvian activates and Kumiko stepped through—speaking before really seeing who was around them—"I finally lost them in some Blight-infested middle-of-nowhere, Solas." She was covered in blood, cuts, scratches and had an arrow through her shoulder. She'd reject a healer's aid, though, choose to instead deal with her injuries herself. She's so busy dealing with her own injuries that she does not notice the glare Solas has turned to give her. Did not see Lavellan.

Solas cleared his throat, and turned to stare at the Shadow, his eyes slightly narrowed. Apparently, he had not wanted Vela to recognize him. He couldn't fix the past; and explaining himself had done nothing to ease her pain. "Oh... uh. Sorry." The Shadow mumbled, busying herself with tidying her knives.

It was in the open, now, and Solas sighed. It's been a long time, ma vhenan.

Vela's head tilted at his greeting, a quizzical look passing across her face as the elvhen language rolled off his tongue. She recognised it, as did Mythal's shard. The fragment of soul within her stirred slowly at first, as if its interest had been piqued. She brushed it off, assuming the Sylvas had adopted the phrase as a greeting between them. Seemed a bit on the nose, but not out of the ordinary.

Despite herself a flicker of worry made her shoulders tense as her gaze flickered toward the Eluvian at the stranger's explanation. Partly because it likely meant their escape had not gone as smoothly as anticipated, and partly worry for Ko despite knowing she needn't be. The woman was capable of looking after herself, after all, and had an uncanny ability to slip away from all sorts of trouble. Still, despite them not exactly being friends it wasn't as if she would wish harm upon the ancient elf.

It was probably fine, she decided, and nodded her head. Just as she was about to move away into the crowd to offer her own healing abilities the Eluvian re-activated, and a battered looking Ko stepped out. Vela made a noise of surprise, instinctively moving forward to offer assistance until Ko's words made her freeze. Her expression of surprise morphed into one of suspicion and she stepped back, eyes darting between Ko and the stranger.

Her stomach felt heavy as her heart dropped in her chest, a sickening anxiety that had her jaw clenching. Could it be? But it couldn't. She had watched him die, had mourned over an empty grave because there had been nothing left to bury. Her eyes fixated on him, boring into him as if she could see beyond this unfamiliar mask and discern the truth beneath. She lifted her hand, her magic reaching out towards his because even if he looked different, she knew the feel of his magic even after all these years.

In the end there was no denying who this stranger really was. His magic felt like the prickling of frost, and something more old and ancient that filled your chest and made you feel small, but not in a bad way. It felt like standing on a mountain and seeing the world laid out before you, but knowing there was someone there holding your hand so you didn't fall. It felt like the comforting wings of dreams. It had once felt like home. Even if the feel of his magic, of his very essence had changed, there was no denying now the stir of the shard within her chest. Where her stomach had dropped it now felt like it had risen into her throat, like Mythal was reaching out towards him, encouraging Vela to go to him.

With a gasp she snatched her hand back, pushing Mythal as far back into the recesses of mind as she could. His old flame encouraged all the feelings she'd long since buried and tried to forget. She didn't want that, especially knowing what she did now about the two of them.

Mustering her anger (which, considering the circumstances was pretty easy) she took a firm step forward, her blue eyes bright with her emotion. Anger, confusion, hurt... she didn't bother to hide it from him. You don't get to call me that any more. Her voice was low and sharp. It was easier to be like this with a face she didn't recognise. You were dead. You are dead. You don't get to do this. 

Vela had spent so much time wishing that things had been different, dreaming of being able to show Solas what they had achieved with Arlathan, yearning for another chance to speak to him... but there was also a small part of her that was hoping this was just a sick joke.

Turning her head to the Shadow she glared, because Vela knew that Ko had known all along Solas hadn't been dead. She suddenly didn't feel so bad about the woman's wounds. Leave us, she snapped, her voice hard and her eyes set in a glare. This didn't need to have an audience and she didn't feel like having the smug elf watching.

Solas expected anger, betrayal. He expected confusion, hurt. What he did not expect to sense was how desperate some part of the woman in front of him wanted to reach out and touch him; see if he was real. He wondered if that was of Vela's own volition, or if Mythal was trying to encourage the woman to lose herself in buried emotions. His eyes follow the raised hand as magic washes over him, his own mingling with hers.

It was a familiar dance. Almost as familiar as breathing, and he relishes in it. Until she withdraws both her hand and her magic, gasping as she does. The removal of magic left him cold, as if the ground beneath him might give way if he stepped one foot in the wrong direction. And he exhaled sharply.

But the world is right there, the earth beneath his feet solid as ever. And she's there, blue eyes filled with emotion. He fought the urge to lean forward, and whisper in her ear, steal a kiss. That was not his right.

Everything had gone wrong when he'd let himself fall for her. He had not been expecting it, his heart had belonged to Mythal for so long. But Vela... she reminded him what it felt to be alive; her passion for her cause matched the passion he'd felt for his cause.

He'd be remiss if he said he did not still care for her.

He's quiet while she spoke, even as she ordered the Shadow to depart. Kumiko tilted her head, dark eyes surveying the two of them. "Excuse me, excuse me, mommy and daddy are fighting, so I've got to go." The female elf weaved through refugees.

Kumiko disappeared into the shadows, with a child under one arm.

I was dead, in a way. Yes. He only spoke when the Shadow had departed. I have only been back for a few days. Ko said she told you..? He tilted his head slightly, But she did not. He stated, as if the information is confirmed. Because Vela's reaction is telling. It'd seem Kumiko had never told Vela there was a chance that Solas could return.

Why would she, the girl despised Vela.

I know that I have no right to call you that, anymore. Slip-up of old habits. I apologize. He did not go into detail, instead he stepped back from Vela. Surveyed her, the people she had brought with her. I am not the only one who has slipped up this eve. He meant Mythal, though he did not name her name.

Vela grimaced at the Shadow's words as she left, finding them wholly unamusing and demeaning in the moment. But she held her tongue, happy that the woman had left them without a struggle, at least. She was sure Ko would find a way to eavesdrop on this conversation anyway, use it as more ammunition to make her angry or uncomfortable, but it mattered little right now. What mattered was sorting through her battered emotions and coming to terms with this... bombshell.

The scowl only seemed to deepen further as Solas spoke - he had known Ko for much longer than she, of course she hadn't been told. But, even as her anger simmered openly, her eyes alit on the information he fed her. A few days. His 'death' had been years ago and it was only now he was able to resurrect himself. His body had been torn apart, destroyed... but not his soul, it would seem. Her jaw ticked, restraining herself from asking the hows and the whys. It would feel too much like old times; a lifetime ago when listening to his voice had been the part of her day she looked forward to the most. Days when he would tell her stories of his travels in the fade and she would hang on his every word, and he would indulge her questions no matter how many she asked, hungry to know more.

It was different now, she decided. But, as he said himself, it was easy to slip-up with old habits.

He stepped away from her and something in her wanted to reach out to him. Her angry frown morphed for a moment to resemble something more like... pain. Loss. Longing. She, too, stepped away, putting more distance between them, as if distance alone would stop old emotions from surfacing, would stop Mythal's shard from humming beneath her skin.

This time, Vela couldn't help herself. She should have huffed and walked away to find Ko for the report on the mission, before ushering her people to guide these poor souls home. Instead, her lips pursed and her shoulders and jaw were stiff as she peered up at him. And what is that supposed to mean? 

Solas watched her scowl deepen, caught the emotions as they crossed her features. He guessed she had questions, and as he watched her step away, her features were... sad, hurt.

A whisper of longing.

He ignored it, because she was pursing her lips, standing stiff, looking at him with eyes that felt like they were searing through his very soul.

The question is... vague. And he began to answer with what he thought she wanted to know first. She's not very good at hiding her presence from me, he replied, simply. Though she resides with you, her presence is... distinct. He explained, with a shrug.

At his vague explanation she huffed a humorless laugh. It can hardly be called a slip up if she isn't even trying to be subtle. And believe me, there is very little effort being made on her part. Indeed, where usually Mythal was content to reside peacefully within, surfacing only when needed or when Vela reached for her, there was more of a pull now. It wasn't as if Vela was actively trying to subdue the spirit inside her but she certainly wasn't used to it being this... engaged.

She was distracted by one of her Knights creeping closer towards them and thankful for the distraction she waved him over. He murmured to her and she nodded, telling him to begin leading the elves back to Arlathan. Slowly, the group of refugees were shown the way to their new home.

Vela sighed and turned back to Solas, but it was clear something had distracted her. She looked off to the side, seemingly gazing at nothing in particular, and then her whole body seemed to bristle. I will not be your go-between! She snapped indignantly, though she was still not looking at Solas. Her remaining hand was on her hip and eventually her eyes rolled heavenward, and it was very clear she was trying to keep her composure.

It must have looked strange, the way she looked like she was having some sort of conversation with an invisible person. But that was almost exactly what she was doing. Another sigh, and she turned to fully face Solas, brows softening slightly into something defeated. She wishes to speak to you. But I can't... her words trailed off and she looked away again, though this time is was clear she was trying to gather herself.

I know what you and she were to each other. I'll let you speak to her but not today. I'm not ready for that. Her voice had grown softer, losing its waspish sting. She wasn't ready to let Mythal use her body to reunite herself with her old flame. Something in her told her that the ancient soul would be respectful of the body she was borrowing, but it was still something Vela felt she would need to prepare herself for. 

Solas couldn't help the quiet chuckle, as he witnessed the encounter between Mythal and Vela. Two women he loved—because he still did, care for them both. Whether they would return the feeling... well. That was not for him to decide. It was clear, by Vela's reaction, that Mythal felt nothing had changed.

But he would never ask Vela to let Mythal take over her body for him. It would not be fair, it would be confusing.

Ir abelas. It seems the lathbora viran will keep us for a while longer. His voice was gentle, as he spoke, Ma tel'him. It was clear that he spoke to Mythal, because he was not looking at Vela but rather... a point that Mythal's energy seemed to gather just beside of the woman.

After another moment of watching the magical energy, he let his gaze find Vela as she addressed him. It's okay. I believe it would be... strange, to reunite with her this way. A weak gesture to Vela. Hard to... reconcile who I would be with. His throat was cleared, this was not a conversation that he wished to have right now.

It was awkward, and that was extremely obvious. I recognize the oddity of this situation. He murmured the words, he couldn't just tell Vela that he still cared for her; no, she had no reason to believe him with the way she had been treated by him.

Back when he'd taken her arm to save her life and confirmed himself as the Dread Wolf all those years ago, he'd stolen a kiss and told her that what they'd shared had been real. She'd wanted to believe it then, despite it all. He'd taken her vallaslin and then left her with nothing, he'd left her with no word for years, allowing her to believe he'd used and abandoned her, only to appear with the truth and his true purpose. It had hurt that she'd been left in the dark, hurt even more that she hadn't been able to convince him to let her help him find other ways to achieve what he wanted. But he'd been so focused on his ancient brethren that he hadn't seen the elves who had needed his help in the present. He hadn't seen her.

Perhaps he never had. Perhaps it had always been Mythal and she had been a convenient distraction.

His soft words passed her by when it was clear he was not talking to her, but she felt the glow of warmth as her shard's response. It was... confusing to the feel the love that Mythal exuded as it clashed with her own mixed emotions. Odd, she echoed, rolling the word in her mouth as if to examine its taste, her teeth coming to graze her bottom lip, her tongue running against her teeth. I would have gone with cruel.

Because really, how was it anything but cruel to find yourself faced with someone you loved, who you thought loved you back, with the spirit of the woman he actually loved taking up residency inside you. The Evanuris might not have been true Gods but there was certainly some deity up there who was laughing at her.

Vela shook her head. It doesn't matter. She said quickly, mentally giving herself a shake. She had been fine without Solas for years now, him being back wouldn't change that now - she would not let herself be weak. Not in front of him. I'm glad your plan in the end did not kill us all. She motioned to the retreating refugees. Am I safe to assume this is your new purpose, or do you have other grand plans I should be worried about? Not that she would believe him if he said no. After all, he'd kept her out of the loop on quite a lot of his previous plans.

He studied her; he'd done so much to further his cause... and he had never once stopped to consider that perhaps she would agree with his desire to bring the Veil down. He had rudely assumed that she would reject the idea due to the risks involved. He'd taken her vallaslin without being honest of his intentions; taken it and then left. That had broken his heart. He was not certain if she had realized that. Leaving her had hurt, had made him feel more alive than anything else in recent years.

She spoke, and he bit his lip. I asked you not to drink from the well. His words feel weak, as if they solve nothing, because it is again another thing he was not honest with her about. I never wanted to be in this position, nevae ni Cath. He'd been very upset when she'd drank from the well; and unable to explain why. Any explanation would have given away who he was long before he was ready. Hurt her, long before he could withstand it.

He chewed his lip, before moving toward Vela. It does matter, Vela. She wanted to play it off. He paused in front of her, glancing after the retreating refugees. I am tired of keeping secrets. Especially from you.

Solas offered one hand out, If you wish, I can separate you and Mytha. The nickname slipped off the tip of his tongue, before he could think on it. I have some amulets, she can reside there. After his offer, there is only silence. His silence is deafening, and some part of him is hoping that she took his hand, took the offer to have the spirit removed. It'd grant him peace of mind; though he would still worry for Vela's safety. 

Breaking the silence, with a quiet exhale, he added: It's especially confusing for you and her to share a body, when I care about both of you. I have... no doubts, that anything I do to mend what we had, you will only be wondering if I do so for you, or for her. And sorting your own emotions from hers... It's messy. We're messy enough. He promised no more secrets. But it is... easier, to keep you both safe if you share one body. An admittance he wasn't proud of; but it was the truth.

It is only now that he addressed her last question. No... grand plans. Well, I want to gather the Evanuris that killed her, and ensure they never harm another. But freeing the People from their cities comes first. Because Mythal would have it no other way; she'd never let him put her first. It was one of the reasons that neither he, nor Mythal's Shadow, had been there the day that she died. They were both escorting a group of freed slaves, and came home to the aftermath.

A small smile ticked upward at the corner of her lip at the sound of the familiar nickname. She hadn't heard it for a long time now and it was almost comforting to hear him use it again. It was better than vhenan, less emotionally loaded. We both know there had been little choice. Knowing what I know now I would still have taken it. The Well did not, and does not, belong with anyone other than the elves. Her insinuated message was clear; over her dead body would she have given the Well to Morrigan. Her mother might have housed Mythal but that didn't make Morrigan kin to the elves. Vela didn't trust that the witch wouldn't have just disappeared with the knowledge and given none of it back or expected a price for it. Despite the predicament Vela found herself in now, at least the Well was with its people.

She was surprised at the emotion behind his voice and her features softened. There was silence as she stared at his hand, pondering on his words and the sincerity behind them. Before he could take his hand away, but after the silence had become awkward, Vela reached out and took his hand in her own. Her thumb brushed against his skin and her other missing hand came up to cover him, the green energy of her missing arm rippling. Another permanent reminder of all that had happened between them.

It does matter, she conceded. It was silly to pretend it didn't. She knew she deserved to be happy after everything she had gone through and everything she had done for Thedas but things just... hadn't worked out. But what's done is done. I promised Mythal I would help keep her safe when I realised she was with me. Looking at Solas in this new body felt strange. He was different and yet his eyes, the way he looked at her felt so familiar. She was by no means perfect, she quipped with a hint of amusement, thinking specifically of what she had done with the Ko twins. But I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. Even if it's messy, mir som'viralen. Her own name for him rolled easily off her tongue. She almost caught it, but instead let it fall between them. A small peace offering.

His hand slipped from hers and the flicker at the corner of her lip melted away, her expression turning neutral, if a little intrigued. Yes, it makes sense if Mythal has survived and with the veil coming down, there might be pieces of them out there as well. I am happy to help with that where I can. From what I've learned about them from Mythal and the Well I wouldn't want them coming back. She frowned then, her gut beginning to churn as she thought it over. Do you think they will come for Arlathan?

Solas chuckled softly, Yeah. I agree with you, on that. Flemeth, he would have entrusted the information to. But Morrigan... was not her mother. He knew that all too well. He just hoped the young witch had kept Mythal's other half safe in his absence. Flemeth had promised him as much.

She stared at his hand, and he studied her, trying to decide what emotions she was feeling. But eventually, her hand settled in his and he sighed softly. It almost felt like things were right again, even as her missing hand covered his hand in-between both of her own.

Oh, Mythal? Perfect? He chuckled quietly, She kept slaves and freed slaves. It was... a bit of a contradiction. But she cared for me, nearly unconditionally. He drifted off, a smile settling on his lips at the pet name. It was a start. A peace offering. And it was something that was very Vela, comforting.  I like to think that she would have released her slaves, eventually. The issue had been, the number of slaves (and therefore followers) you had, the more powerful you were. Mythal could not give up her slaves without relinquishing the power she did have, which would have dashed all attempts to change the world for the better.

It was over as soon as it started, though. Her hand fell away, and talk turned to the Evanuris. He was quiet, considering his words, when a burst of red-hair rushed from the depths of the nearby forest. It was the little girl that Ko had tried to take into Arlathan. The child, squalling, was met by open arms as the male knelt on the ground. The force of the child running into his arms caught him off-balance, and he scowled for just a moment, before an illusion of butterflies darted into the child's vision, quieting her cries.

Seated on the ground, distracted child on his lap, Arlathan was... the center of the People. Have you seen the Arlathan of my time? It used to sprawl all the way from the Temple of Mythal, well into the nearby territories. He spoke fondly of the old city, maintaining the illusions to keep the child entertained. He imagined Kumiko would appear any second now; this had been her ward to deliver to Arlathan safely. 

Kumiko appeared from the shadows, and Solas studied the child on his lap. "It's just half. No-one that came through wants a mutt." The Shadow spat the words, and reached for a knife on her belt. "I can put it down. It's a justice."

Silence, he pretended like he did not hear Kumiko, or see her. I think they will attempt to take Arlathan. Especially if they learn where Mythal resides. I will be setting out to acquire the other half of her soul as soon as I am able. Solas hummed, and the illusion enthralling the child changed to something more frightening, a large wolf with three eyes on either side of its head. This illusion led the girl-child on a chase around its creator, and he watched. Searching for a reaction. In the meantime, I would like to teach you more about your magic— He nodded toward her arm. —it's a very useful magic, isn't it? We saw what it did to the world in the wrong hands, but... there is use for good, if trained appropriately. Rift magic had been what he had used to create the Veil and later bring it down. 

Vela had much to learn.

I do not claim to understand the intricacies of ancient politics, but I have the measure of her soul. Or, half of it at least. I’m sure she would have, as soon as she was able. it was strange having a piece of someone’s soul inside you. While there was capacity for it to be deceitful, the way she communicated with Mythal was more through feeling than it was through speaking, telepathic or otherwise. If Mythal told her one thing Vela could still feel the emotion behind it if she concentrated. In this case Vela was almost certain Mythal would have released her people when she could. And if she were being honest with herself, she trusted Solas. At least when it came to Mythal. He would not have loved her as he did if she had been like the other Evanuris.

Suddenly they were interrupted by a small girl with hair of flame. She ran straight to Solas and he met her with open arms, even if she did catch the small frown as the little thing tipped him onto his backside. He kept her there in his lap, distracting her with a little magic. Vela could feel her face softening at the sight.

I don’t think I can make Arlathan as grand as it was before. It won’t be the same as you remember and I don’t think it ever will be. But it can still be the centre of the People. It needs to be different this time, for the People. Still there was a part of her that wished she could have seen it as it used to be. Solas had shown her Skyhold as it once had been and they’d danced in the grand hall. He’d shown her briefly the glass spires and a very small taste of what had been. She’d enjoyed dreaming with him.

Kumiko came soon after, and Vela was appalled at her harsh words. She stepped forward in front of Solas and the girl but he said nothing, so Vela intervened instead. One would think you would hold more empathy for someone that is considered only half. Vela’s tone was pointed and quite clear though she knew Kumiko held little respect for her. She hoped her respect for Mythal and Solas, however, would help to stay her blade.

Solas continued, unbothered. Clearly he was not worried that Kumiko would hurt the child so Vela relaxed somewhat, turning to regard him. She was somewhat distracted by the little illusions he was making, her expression turning amused when it was clear the child was not bothered by the more frightful illusion. In fact, the little thing seemed to take a lot of pleasure in chasing the wolf’s tail.

Her gaze fell to her arm and she nodded, though her insides reeled at the thought of spending time with him again. Creators, she would have to ask Huntress to knock some sense into her, she couldn’t let herself fall into the same trap she’d fallen into before. She cleared her throat and nodded, conceding that he would be the best on to teach her more about her magic. Alright. When you are less preoccupied. She motioned to the girl with a small smile. I should return. I can take her and find you later for the mission report. Or, well. as angry as I am - and I am still angry - I can’t exactly bar you from Arlathan. If you have nothing to finish up here… She motioned vaguely where the others had disappeared into the forest. She was only half joking. Even if being petty and expelling him from Arlathan would satisfy her for a moment, there was a larger part of her that wanted him to see. Wanted him to be proud. 

Yes. She definitely needed Huntress to knock some sense into her.

Solas listened to Vela, humming softly to the child as the image of the wolf faded into nothing. Arlathan has been many things. A kingdom ruled by kings, an empire ruled by Evanuris. Perhaps now, it is as grand as it needs to be. He still ignored Kumiko, chuckling quietly as Vela admonished the Shadow.

As Ko disappeared through the eluvian in a huff, he spoke on her behalf, She is just... jealous. He remembered teaching the Kos to walk, each of them on either side of his wolf form, fingers gripping fur. It was, in part, why Kumiko disliked Vela as well. The elf may be grown and older than the Veil, but that did not change who she viewed as her parents.

He's quiet, for a moment. Aelera. That is a lovely name, little cub. The child was studying him, babbling about her day in a pidgin of Common and Elvhen. He shifted the child to stand her in front of him, as he stood.

Small hand in his own. The child babbled excitedly in her pidgin, and he listened, though it was mostly nonsense. He pulled the girl along, facing Vela as she addressed him.

Might I visit? I want to learn more about... this child, before simply whisking her off to Skyhold. A pause, And I still owe you a report. When Vela stated that she was still angry, he furrowed his brow at her, as if confused.

If you were not angry, it would mean that I meant nothing to you. I am glad to see that you care. The words are stiff, awkward. He wondered how she might see her anger. To him, it meant she cared, still cared. That he was of enough importance to leave a mark on her heart.

But then, he knew that.

Give me a tour of the city? I want to see what you have created. The city was something that Kumiko spoke highly of, which he had not expected given the younger elf's personality.

The child walked in-between Vela and Solas, and before they enter the forest, he scooped the little girl up and onto his shoulders, so that she might see everything there is to see. Fingers curl around the child's ankles, holding her in place as he walked.