How Is This My Life?

by TheAdorkablePipsqueek

Summary:

How is someone supposed to survive Thedas as a vulpix? No really, I have no idea. I’m open to any and all suggestions that don’t include death or pain of any kind. Now would be a great time for someone to pop out and claim godhood because I’m down to convert if I could get a how to guide for idiots on surviving bullshit. One soul for a cheat guide please and thank you.

Updates Mondays

Chapter 1: Really Hope I wake Up Soon

Two weeks into my newest adventure and I can no longer say for sure whether this is a dream or not. On the one hand, this would not be the first dream where I took on the form of the oh so adorable alolan vulpix. On the other one, the stinging pain of a bruise on my poor little paw convincingly argued that the former hand was a dirty liar who lies. Teaching yourself how to move around on all fours is not instinctive and I’d like to see you try and figure out walking with six tails to distract you. I’m not a particularly graceful human and I’m somehow even more of a disaster as a vulpix.

Even I know that you’re not supposed to feel pain when you dream. I remember that much from those apparently not so ridiculous dream journals and I’d been hurt in other dreams without feeling any pain. Usually, I'm left with a vague sense that I knew pain should be there and yet never came. There are other ways to check I suppose, but I feel like finding a person who will loan a book to an animal is unlikely at best. If I can even read the written language here, which is another long shot altogether. It would be fine if this particular dream took place in the world of Pokémon. Then I would only have to worry about a society based on animal fighting, slavery and the dangers a kids show would never touch on. But no, my self-sabotaging self decided that this particular dream would be a crossover. Surprise, surprise it wasn’t going well.

Not only am I a magical creature in a place that feared magic, I’m not even human anymore. Can’t exactly walk up to someone and ask if they could help a girl out because her village has lost its idiot and she would very much like to go home now. Well I could, but the chance they would understand me is slim to none. One out of ten would not recommend the experience to anyone else. The fact that I am now an adorable ice monster is enough of a consolation that I’ve yet to have the break down I can feel creeping up on me. Nice to know that trying to outrun existential dread remains on the checklist of life regardless of what world I find myself in.

How is someone supposed to survive Thedas as a vulpix? No really, I have no idea. I’m open to any and all suggestions that don’t include death or pain of any kind. Now would be a great time for some one to pop out and claim godhood because I’m down to convert if I could get a how to guide for idiots on surviving bullshit. One soul for a cheat guide please and thank you.

Chapter 2: Still Here Unfortunately

Unfortunately, no gods showed up. Which, why not? I just offered up some of the best of what I have to offer and not a single taker took me up on it. They missed out on a perfectly good soul. I laid it all out on the table and nothing. Honestly, one of the most unrealistic things to happen so far. Not even a demon popped up or a spirit wondering who the heck is making all this racket in the fade.

Instead I’ve found a person, and have decided that life as a pet is so much better than trying to figure it out on my own. I mean I tried to rough it out on my own okay. Back when I was convinced that this was all just a really fucked up dream. But I kept freezing everything solid and there was no way I was going to eat that nug. It just sat there mocking me with its creepy little hands. The bastard. A girl can only eat so many berries you know? I don't even know what I can and can't eat as a vulpix. It's a lot of stress for someone with one working brain cell at any point in time.

It was more than a little strange to meet the character I remember designing on my computer but Herah Adaar was just as gentle a lady as I created and any sense of familiarity I could find was worth holding onto. But, now that my chances of survival are looking better other fears have taken their place. Like, what if Herah is doomed to die? The fear that she might not be the inquisitor is a constant cloud hanging over my head that refuses to leave. It should start paying me rent with how long it’s stayed with me.

Would it be better to try and prevent my precious savior from becoming the world’s savior? But then who would be inquisitor instead? What if no one is there to stop the ritual and the world ends? This is too much pressure for a girl to handle and I’ve worked in customer service during the dreaded Black Friday shifts. Every good self insert has a plan right? Right. So I should have one that consists of more than just spending the rest of my life hiding behind Herah. No matter how nice and gentle she is, I’m a grown woman/vulpix and I can save myself. Usually.

Except right now I have to work around the lack of opposable thumbs, or a way to communicate, or understand more than just common. Alright so things aren’t looking too good, but that’s never stopped me before. God damn I knew 2020 was bad, but never in my worst nightmares did I think it would attack me personally. What did I do to deserve this shit show? Whatever. Nothing to do now other than survive. When I meet my maker they best believe that we will be having words. The worst I’ve ever done is plagiarism and illegally download music. Nothing so terrible as to warrant this bullshit.

Chapter 3: I'm New In Town And It Gets Worse

Somehow with all the worrying I've done over possible plans and chances of survival, I overlooked one key piece of information. Haven is filled with overzealous chantry assholes. I know, I know, how do I forget that Adaar would be employed by the budding inquisition? You don't and I couldn't. Believe me I tried. However, in my own defense, denial is all I have left as far as coping strategies go. So here I was worrying over my chances of survival, the inevitable destruction of the world and how that may affect me along side figuring out just how much I was capable of as a vulpix. What I should have been doing with my ever dwindling time is trying to figure out a way to avoid being killed by magic hating chantry members and their templars.

But I didn't and so we resort to plan B. I'm gonna wing it. Honestly, this is going to be a day by day attempt to survive. The best thing to look forward to are little goals that can be easily accomplished. Like making sure Adaar gives me chin scratches by the end of the day. Simple enough to do without any threats to my continued survival. I never understood my cat's obsession with it until now. I really hope that in the unlikely event that I ever return to normal, this experience doesn't awaken anything in me. I'd like to be returned to the normal amount of weird without any added Pokémon instincts sticking around.

My newest opponents in my battle to survive are the citizens of Haven. The audacity of these people to take one look at the splendor and overwhelming cuteness that is an alolan vulpix and to immediately try to kill me. No one has even attempted to pet me or run their fingers through the luxurious curls on my head. What is the point of all this cuteness if it doesn't make people love me? Does no one here have a soft spot for tiny foxes? So the nugs are good enough for Orlesions, but I am considered a demon? Lies and slander. I demand to speak with whoever runs the public relations for those creatures because there is no way creepy hands beat pink toe beans. There is just no way. Stupid nugs. They continue to mock me.

It's not all bad I suppose. Since I am the only one who knows what a vulpix is in this world, I can make the rules for my species. Obviously, limiting myself to only four moves would be a near death sentence. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean I instinctively know how to use my new powers. Thus began my attempts at experimenting that took the form of not so harmless pranks. I've decided to weaponize my spite and anxiety and aim them out towards the people I hate. When a Chantry mother made the nice elf woman that slips me scraps cry, I hit her with confuse ray and watched her trip into the waste pits later that day. A creepy templar tried to corner one of the mages so I used sheer cold against him and watched him go down. I've taken to using mist to give myself and the people who need it a chance to make a clean get away. If nothing else, these people are good for target practice.

I may be small, but I have more than enough spite in my body to ruin people's lives. Adaar tries to be stern and curb my more malicious actions, but she hasn't really tried to stop me. One of the chantry sisters called her an ox whore and I lost control. In the games, ice shard isn't that deadly. When you use it against a person, well lets just say that the only reason I've yet to kill anyone is because Adaar picked me up and shifted my aim. Those shards left deep holes in the pole behind the sister and we haven't seen her since. I'm going to have to stay hidden for a while. No pranks for the next week or so.

Chapter 4: The Breach

Shit just got real and things only get harder from here. Adaar survived her unfortunate foray into heroism and has now been rebranded from dangerous terrorist to holy figure. There was only so much I could do to protect her while she was down for the count. Let's be real here, magical or not I'm all of two feet tall and 30 pounds. If someone really wanted to stop me a good kick is all it would take. I'm not exactly what anyone would consider a frontal assault type. Luckliy, the Inquisition is good at their job and I've only had to stop one assassin. The look of confusion on his face as I used quick attack to push him right back out the door into the guards arms was hilarious. I can now say that vulpix giggles are just as adorable as I thought they would be.

Herah was just as happy to see me pop my head into her cabin as I was to see her awake. You best believe that I threw myself into her arms and refused to leave until I had been properly worshiped in the form of kisses, chin scratches and embarrassingly high pitched compliments. With Herah back on her feet I was free to introduce myself to the powers that be without fear of death. I at least had a chance of surviving a meeting now that she was available to vouch for me. Now that my person is back on her feet, the Inquisition has her running this way and that. She doesn't take me with her on her trips outside Haven and so I'm left trying to find ways of amusing myself while she's gone.

There was a slight hiccup in the beginning where Cullen and Cassandra tried to kill me. Herah asked Solas to come in and provide an alibi for me after the two warriors failed to find any trace of magic on my person. I don't think I've ever seen the prideful egg look so stumped before. As far as he could tell I'm a spirit that somehow gave myself a physical form. Not completely wrong, just not entirely right either. He smells so strange. I look at him and see an elf, but all I can smell is wolf. I didn't even know that I knew what wolf smelled like. He uses his magic when he pets me and it feels amazing. How am I supposed to hate the big bad when he gives good pets and tells better stories? The fact I've yet to be kidnapped or possessed is a miracle in and of itself if I'm so easy to befriend. Stupid bald eggs with their pretty voices and warm magic. Every attempt made to distance myself from the stubborn old wolf has failed and at this point I've given up.

On the bright side, Josephine has developed the wonderful habit of carrying me around whenever she isn't busy doing her very important diplomat work. I know I shouldn't but I really hope Herah sweeps the Antivan princess off her feet. We marry rich and we'll be set for life Herah. There is the added benefit that she's genuinely a nice person. The fact that she could convince a person to donate the clothes their wearing before they realize what they've agreed to is also a considerable benefit. The wonderful woman has decided on the sensible choice of weaponizing my cuteness to sway important people to our side. I may as well be the unofficial mascot of the Inquisition. All I need now is a cute little bandana of my own with the Inquisition symbol. Really sell the fact that I am not to be killed. Anything that ensures my continued survival sounds good to me. The number of treats I receive in a single day is enough of a bribery to keep myself behaved. If the occasional unfortunate victim finds themselves covered in frost then they shouldn't have been a dick.

Chapter 5: Local fox fairy accidentality starts new religion

Herah left Solas behind for once. Usually, she keeps him close because of the ever growing mark of death on her hand. Seeing him around Haven has been rather strange, if only because I can feel him staring at me. I don't think it's because of my overwhelming cuteness, if you know what I mean. Honestly, the best part of this form is the fact that I can't accidentally spill the beans and get myself killed by an elven god. How would that conversation even go? Hello old wolf I am a being from another reality here to tell you that your plan to save your people is shit and the fact you think it could work makes you cuckoo for cocoa puffs. Yeah, I bet he'll take that real well. I'll be a fox head scarf faster than you can say fuck. You know what, I'd be the only fashionable piece he's ever worn the stupid hobo.

I've taken to following him around. See how he likes it to be observed twenty four seven. A girl needs her privacy. If I wasn't a fox I'd worry about him trying to treat me like the female Lavellan from the game. No agonizing solamance tragedy for me. No sir. Been there, done that and now I don't even have the consolation mug for having my heart broken. Wait, if Solas thinks I'm a spirit in fox form does that mean? I don't want to start any rumors here but does anyone remember that conversation where Blackwall asks if Solas has ever slept with a spirit. I distinctly remember that he never said no. Ugh. I've grossed myself out. Foxes and elves don't mix. Even if that elf can turn into a wolf. Side thought. If shapeshifting is a thing then has anyone ever? You know what. No. We're just going to move on.

The benefit of following Solas around is all the elves I run into. They are by far my favorite sentient species of Thedas. Other than Herah of course, but she is a shining outlier that cannot be added to the data. To be fair to the rest of the world. I've yet to meet enough Dwarfs or Qunari to create an opinion on their people. Humans however, are the same in any world. Assholes with a few redeeming qualities, but overall generally disappointing. I'll give my original species one thing, if you need to kill a god then a human is willing to go out there and give it their best shot. I think the elves have picked up on the fact that I have targeted those who've tried to hurt them. I'm constantly plied with food and pets. A girl could get used to this kind of treatment.

I've been hearing some concerning whispers from them lately. Nothing bad. Just, I think they believe I'm a very young god. Like no one knows how the creators came to be right? It's not like there are any dalish elves around to ask. So the growing conspiracy is that the creators came into being because they were needed. Now, I am a spirit turned fox that has taken to punishing their attackers and helping the elves where I can. What I'm trying to say is that while Herah might be on her way to being deified by humanity, I think your girl accidentality started a cult. Lots of conflicting feelings here. On one side, I always knew I could start a cult if I really tried. On the other hand, cult leaders don't have the best life expectancy and neither do their followers. I've been very clear that survival is my main goal and anything that puts me at risk is a no go. I've watched the Road to Eldorado. I know how false godhood ends.

Two days later and I've changed my mind. Godhood is now one of my jobs. One of the elves, I think his name is Belraj, approached me during one of my walks. He asked for help, for justice. One of the visiting nobles has been assaulting the women sent to clean his room. If Belraj deals with him the inquisition will be forced by the nobility to turn Belraj into an example. HIs hands are tied but my cute little paws are free. He can't help, but I can. I've developed a pattern of only attacking those deserving of it. If I attack the noble, Herah will personally look into his affairs. It's time for some vigilante justice. I've always wondered what would happen if a person was hit with iron tail. Spoiler alert. You shatter their spine.

Chapter 6: Belief is a powerful thing

No seriously. Ever since my takedown of that noble, I've felt a change in power level. It's difficult to put into words, but this is my best explanation. If my arrival to Thedas began with a level fifteen vulpix, I've grown into a level thirty. Even that doesn't work very well because I've used moves that wouldn't be possible in the game. But, I'll just put that down to spirit bullshit. I chose this form so I make the rules for this form. Anyway, back to what I was saying. I think that because the elves think I'm a spirit or god or whatever, my power is growing to match that. Gods can hear the prayers of their followers and so can I now that they believe I can hear them.

Do you know how weird it is to be arguing with yourself over whether or not you should start shaking paws with visiting nobles to pull them further under your thrall when you suddenly hear someone else in your head? Because there was a long pause where I considered if I had somehow changed genders from one second to another. I wish my voice could get that low. Imagine how much more clear arguments with myself would be with two different voices. Wow. I really just sidetracked myself there huh. Really wish sudden transformation and world changes also meant a change in spirit. ADD is so much worse as a fox. I can sense so much more now.

What was I saying...oh right! Increase in power and hearing voices that don't belong to me. I heard someone call out to me. He asked if I could help his brother. He went out to hunt for goats and hasn't checked in. It's been two hours since he was supposed to return. I might as well go and check things out. Side quests have always been enjoyable. So I guess I'm off to my next adventure. Slipping away from Josephine is almost criminally easy. Poor woman has terrible tunnel vision while doing paperwork. If I time this right, she won't even noticed I've slipped away.

From what the worried brother told me, the hunter should be in that area where I think you find the cabin and the logging site. This shouldn't be too hard. Now that I'm a fox, tracking people by scent is a viable option now. So in theory I just have to rely on my hard earned sesame street knowledge and figure out which scent is not like the other. Deep breaths now. That's definitely blood. So much blood. Guess this is both easier and harder than I thought it would be. Time to pick up the speed because I don't know how bad he's hurt.

Found him. He's pulled himself into a tree and there is an incredibly angry druffalo charging the tree. What to do, what to do. Does ice even work against something with such heavy fur? Right, lets just start off with confuse ray shall we? The druffalo swayed from side to side, but it still looks angry enough to keep fighting. Let's just use sheer cold before it realizes I'm the one who hit it. One successful knock out later and we've come to problem two. Hunter is still bleeding out and I can't climb trees.

Hello, hello sir? Down here. You're adorable savior requires your assistance in your rescue. Oh good, he's spotted me. Now just make your way down the tree nice and slowly. Not like that! Stupid man who just drops out of trees? Oh wait. He passed out. Fuck. I need a move that heals, what was it called again? Not draining kiss that only heals the user. Heal pulse! That's the bitch. Huh. It really does look like a pink wave of energy. Is that just because I think of the move that way or is it how Thedas interprets the move? Oh would you look at that. The hunter is awake and more importantly no longer bleeding. In fact, it looks like his wound is days old now. Great. Wonderful. Wrongful death isn't something I have to worry about. Come along hunter your brother is waiting for you.

Chapter 7: Mandatory Rest Day

My best girl Herah has been run ragged by the Inquisition. She needed rest and who am I to deny my dearest Tal-Vashoth what she needs. So I do what I do best and freeze the door shut. I make sure to freeze the windows shut too, no need for Leliana's agents to force their way inside with us. Self-care is very important and if it needs to be enforced by ice foxes than so be it.

Herah was incredibly confused when she finally managed to wake up. Since I've effectively locked the rest of the world out, she was able to sleep in today. Herah woke with a smile on her face for once seeing as she wasn't immediately hounded by scouts to move forward with her day. It was beautiful. Gorgeous. Enough to give me a second wind in my growing faith that Herah was meant to be a hero. She was so excited to have some time to herself. No painted faces needed today.

Of course I immediately threw myself into her arms as dramatically as one can with four legs and six tails to deal with. It was a little awkward, especially because she managed to catch me upside down. All the blood rushing to my head had me blankly staring ahead as Herah tried to spit out the furry tails spazzing out all over her face. I'm always so clumsy. Once we settled ourselves and I was returned to my feet, we happily greeted each other.

I always wondered whether or not I'd lick people as a vulpix seeing as how I'm still human on the inside. Turns out the behavior of my new form is too strong to deny and I've found myself doing plenty of strange things without thinking twice. I caught myself grooming my tails yesterday in a moment of boredom and it took the melting ice particles on my tongue to knock me back into my human mindset. So gross, but baths are a no go. All the water immediately freezes once my paws touch the surface.

We could hear the scouts outside arguing among themselves over how they should inform the herald on her duties of the day without being able to get inside. Herah happily told them that she would be taking today off and promised to return to work tomorrow. Rather than helping, this set off another argument over who would be the one to tell the nightingale this particular information. Poor sod. I should figure out a way to send him a gift basket or something.

Herah reached under her bed to pull out a pack that looked older than anything the Inquisition had given her. I recognized it from before the Inquisition. What a great pack, it was were Herah hid me from people before I was able to wander around unaccompanied. Quality stitching. God knows I spent more time than I've ever wanted to staring at them. More important than the pack itself are the things inside it. Face creams, horn polish, lotion and makeup. Herah is naturally beautiful, but when she takes the time to put a face together she looks ethereal. Silver lipstick really works for her.

I settle myself into peak loaf position as I ready myself to watch a master at work. Even when I was human, make up always eluded me. Anything more than Chapstick and mascara and I was setting myself up for failure. Embarrassing failure. Herah obviously doesn't have these problems. Her movements are smooth and well practiced. Her eyes are outlined with black and she gives herself lovely wings to draw attention to the pale green color. She takes out the jar of white face paint and carefully draws two vertical lines going down each cheek and another line straight down the center of her forehead. Perfection in mortal form I tell you.

Herah carefully puts everything away and returns her pack under the bed. She sits herself in the center of her bed after gently moving me into her lap. She takes a deep breath to settle herself before beginning her meditative breathing. In for four through the nose. Hold for seven. Breathe out forcefully through the mouth while making a whoosh sound for eight. The best part of her meditation is watching the flames on the candles grow and collapse in time with her breathing. I don't think Herah knows that the mark has given her some minor forms of magic yet. Her breathing exercises never did this before.

You know what? I can do magic too! Quietly, I try my best to create something out of ice. I don't want to interrupt Hera. I've been practicing for a while now to see if I could make something as a present for her. Something deserving of her attention that wouldn't embarrass me. Until now, misshapen snow men were the best I could do. It would be different this time. I've spent hours practicing. Careful. Careful. Slowly add the finishing touches and perfect. Sitting on the bed before us is a delicate ice sculpture that takes the form of the ardent blossom flower crown. Large enough for Herah to wear without bothering her horns. There's no denying it now. I, in all my adorable awesomeness am totally whipped for Herah. Family comes in all forms I suppose.

Chapter 8: The Fox and The Wolf

Solas has a section of his notes dedicated to sketches of me. He has multiple drawings of me doing anything and everything. I never knew just how cute I looked while sleeping. My tails twitch and my ears do this adorable wiggle. I totally understand the obsession with my likeness Solas. You're forgiven for being a little creepy. I wonder if I could convince Herah to pay him for a professional portrait. The inquisition could make bank by selling my adorable likeness to the nobles that have been trying to buy me off Herah. Poor suckers have been looking for exotic pets like myself since Josephine used me to pull in more noble support.

Sometimes when we sit together he will tell me about his new theories regarding my person. Recently, I think he's trying to see if I am in fact a young god. He watches my interactions with the elf population of Haven very carefully. He seems confused whenever I get up to answer one of the prayers of the day, but he dutifully follows me. He's a bit too large and fangy to be a duckling. I tried to inform him of this and all he did was look at me in amusement. I wonder if he can understand me? The games never go into detail about it, but in game some of the dalish elf npcs are shown to have deep bonds with their halla. Food for thought I suppose.

I have adjusted to having a dangerous predator shadowing me the only way an agent of chaos can. Which is not at all. I'm constantly pulling both of us into trouble with anyone and everything. Picking fights with templars on Monday. Pranks on the chantry mother and her sisters on Tuesday. Chasing out the nugs who've been nesting outside Haven's walls on Wednesday. So on and so forth. I've been a very busy fox I tell you. Still, Solas follows behind me with the fond indulgence one gives to their favored pet. Bastard.

Fortunately, Solas no longer sees me as a threat. He watched me faceplant after falling off his desk and its hard to find anyone threatening after that. I didn't even know I could cry as a vulpix. It hurt so bad that I just whined and batted at his feet until he did something. So my clumsiness came in clutch for once. The asshole laughed at me, even as he reached down to pick me up. He carefully cradled me in the crook of his arm. Healing magic makes my nose itch and leaves me feeling minty. Strange.

I wonder how many wolf tendencies Solas had in his person form? I mean, he can look like whatever he wants but he’s still a wolf too. I've noticed that sometimes he runs on his toes. I can't really tell if that's a wolf thing or if it's just how an elf runs. Seeing as how Sera is the only other elf I've seen running around and she moves the same way. Like, Solas is great at playing chase. He barely leaves any footprints behind on the snow. The only reason I don't is because of how light I am. Does he use magic or something? I swear I've seen him sniff the air a couple times when he looses sight of me and the next thing I know he's staring straight at me. One time I did that play bow I've seen my dogs do and I swear he smiled before recomposing himself. The fact that a game of tug of war followed this exchange was both welcome and hilarious. Silly old wolf. You need more friends.

Chapter 9: Cute Fox Ruins Tough Guy Personas

I take great pleasure in ruining tough guy personas. All these men walking around acting like strong emotionless soldiers do nothing for our publicity. You know what really helps people to see the Inquisition as the good guys? My one fox campaign to make our Commander Rutherford seem less scary. He is so much taller in real life then he ever seemed to be in the game. I thought Herah was tall, but Cullen edges her out by like five inches. It's not big, but Herah hates that he's taller. Yelling at him doesn't give her the same satisfaction now that she has to look up at him. A crick in the neck just adds gasoline to the fire of her annoyance. Or so she tells me. Most of her commentary is mumbled curses over power moves from puppies.

Lets get things straight shall we. I have not thrown myself on the commander to make him seem more personable out of the goodness of my heart. I clearly remember the threats he made to my person in regards to claims of demonic powers. I've yet to forgive him. Any chance I get to mess with him is taken. Last week I iced up the path he took between his recruits and everyone watched him slip. His feet went all the way over his head, it was amazing. No, I've done it for access to his stupid red fur cloak thing. It looks softer than me, which should be illegal. How can I be the mascot of the Inquisition with competition like that? He's just as fuzzy as I am with that cloak on and to make matters worse, his hair is just as curly.

Anyway, I have started my campaign by following him around. All I need is one moment of weakness to slip past his guard and then I will have access to the cloak. So I follow Cullen and Varric watches the whole go down. I just know he's waiting to see what my next move is. Smart dwarf that one. He's long since given into my unavoidable orbit. He's taken advantage of my cuteness during his card games. He's won a lot of money from soldiers distracted by the presence of the herald's pet. He used it to get me a brush. Love that dwarf, such a softy. Oh, would you look at that, Cullen has sat down to begin his paperwork. Onto step two.

From the games I remember that Cullen, like any good Fereldan, loves mabari. I am easily cuter than those dogs and stronger to boot. Maybe. I don't know for sure, but I'm not interested in finding out. So I decide to make my first move. I jump onto his desk and sit myself down. All I get is a suspicious glance. Well, that certainly won't do. I need to kick things up a bit. I push my head right into his hand. I think back to my cat back home and how she would throw herself onto my papers to tell me that it was time for her regularly scheduled worship session. So I do what my memories tell me and see if that works.

Huh. I don't know if it's my fur or if his leather gloves are so worn that they feel soft. This feels really nice. He's even taken off his gloves! Pets feel so good. Wait, I'm getting distracted. I need to refocus. Think of the cloak. I move even closer to him and soon enough Cullen has me cradled in his arms like a newborn. While he loses himself in the softness of my fur, I take my chance to investigate his cloak. It's kinds disappointing actually. Not as soft as it looked from far away. It feels rough, as if they didn't treat it correctly. Bummer. He used my pawprint as a stamp when he finished his work and I think Herah's gonna love it. I wonder if she can use it as the official stamp.

At least I have another protector now. Sometimes he even carries me around as he does his rounds. Those poor recruits. They have to deal with getting bashed in the face with shields and the added whiplash of a dressing down from a man cradling a fox like a baby. He swears up and down that he likes mabari better, but I know the truth. So while my original mission turned out to be a flop I did gain something. I now have a few hiding places for when I need to get away from the nobility. I can hang out with Solas and listen to stories from the fade, I can sit on Varric's lap in the tavern, or I can spend a few hours cradled in the commander's arms. This would feel so weird as a person.

Chapter 10: The World Rues the Day Sera Met Vulpix

I am filled with unholy glee. Herah has finally left Sera behind. It's time for the moment I've been waiting for since Sera was recruited. Haven won't know what hit it once we start pulling pranks together. Unfortunately, Sera wanted nothing to do with me. Magic is bad and all that nonsense. That attitude lasted all of two days. The sheer potential for chaos was too great for Sera to ignore.

She cornered me one day while I was doing one of my daily walks around Haven. Being a god comes with some extracurricular activities and the elves like seeing me nearby. I've noticed that some of the mages have joined in on the worship and while I still feel weirded out by the new title, I accept them under my protection just the same. I bet those chantry folk are losing their minds over the new religions created by the Inquisition. What was I talking about? Oh right, Sera.

So Sera cornered me and said a lot of words too quickly for me to follow. Something about rumors, demon shit, magic, rules and pranks. I think that was the gist of things. I translated it to, she doesn't trust me, but as long as I keep my magic away from her she's down to cause chaos. I think. We'll just wait for Herah to come home and give me the clarification I so desperately need for this conversation. I can't say for sure what I've agreed to. I feel like one of those dogs whose taught how to shake paws but never know what they agree to.

Our reign of chaos was a whirlwind of action. Lots of snowballs, bugs and rude pictures made with Solas's stolen paints. Herah was busy in the Storm Coast for the month, which means we went mostly unchecked. Sometimes, Leliana would even suggest some targets to me during the moments she came to visit. Leliana gives the best compliments even if they are said in Orlesian and I'm pretty sure the treats she gives me are partly bribes. Not that I needed them, but I appreciate them all the same. It's like being rewarded for being a little shit.

The day Herah returned was the day our biggest prank went off without a hitch. Imagine if you will Herah walking up to Haven with the Iron Bull behind her and the scene that greets them is pure chaos. With all the screaming from the recruits, we were lucky she didn't rush in thinking Haven was under attack. From my place in Cullen's arms I had successfully frozen the entire area except for the small patch beneath his feet. From there the recruits slipped all over the place. No one could get their feet under them and crashed into each other uncontrollably. Sera cackled from behind the commanders tent as she added to the chaos. Not only did she have me freeze everything. I'd spent a good two hours with her creating piles of snowballs.

Herah took one look at the chaos and laughed so hard she cried. Cullen tried to be all stern and annoyed but I could feel him laughing. The force of his mirth made my whole body shake. Good. Things were getting a little too tense around here. Joy keeps us from losing hope. Though the full focus of The Iron Bull's stare was enough to send me straight into fight or flight mode. I chose fight obviously. The Iron Bull took a weak powder snow to the face that left him with snow in his beard and the Bull's chargers laughter joined the chaos.

Chapter 11: The Power of a Name

When the prayers first started trickling in, they came off as passing thoughts. But now I can hear them constantly. It's such a strange experience to have more than just your own voice inside your head. The constant barrage of messages gives me the worst headaches. I think my followers have decided on a name at least. That's one less thing to worry about I suppose. Or, I think they settled on a name. Areina sounds rather pretty, doesn't it? It certainly sounds elfy. I bet Belraj came up with it. He's always been rather proud of his dalish roots.

My power grows with the belief of my followers. So when I first started hearing prayers they were little ones. Sometimes it would be as simple as wanting to make it from one area to another. Easy enough. I can guide people from one place to another. Then, as the belief grew, it became more specific. There was the worried brother who wanted me to find the missing hunter. Or the recruit that wanted to ask out the pretty serving girl that he'd been flirting with for weeks, so I gave him an ice rose to gift to her. Then there was a maid who hadn't finished cleaning out a room for an incoming noble that prayed for more time, so I distracted him and bought her that time. Once I started answering the prayers, they started to become more complex. The scary part is that I've never felt like they were asking for too much. If they believed I could do something, I could.

People like to know things, they're curious like that. Who better to ask than a god? People believe them to be all knowing and feel free to ask. I wished someone would have told me that they would forward these questions during my beauty sleep. I thought they were just incredibly persistent spirits that refused to leave me alone. I've got to set up office hours or something. A girl needs her sleep. I had all these people asking me deep questions about the world and sometimes the best I could do was disguise them as spirits of curiosity and send them off towards Solas. That's not to say I didn't answer any of their questions. I might not be smart, but I'm certainly not stupid.

I could answer little things. The things that help people grow. You matter, You are enough. The fact that you exist is a wonder and nothing in the world could replace you. I'm starting to feel like one of those inspirational quotes generators. These people haven't been told they were loved nearly enough. The amount of times I've curled around someone's dream-self and told them I've loved them is unmeasurable. They always spend the rest of the dream in tears. I can feel a difference in them after those dreams. They seem lighter, more sure of themselves. I hope it helps, I wish I could just wrap them all in hugs and make it better. Trauma isn't something a few good dreams can fix, but a fox can hope.

Self-help book knock offs isn't all I'm doing. I haven't forgotten what lies ahead. Through dreams I gave the people who believed in my godhood warnings. Flashes of torches coming up the mountain. Red lyrium growing within heavy armor. A path through the chantry that leads to open fields. Subtle I am not, but I don't have to be. My hope is that by the time Herah leaves to go collect the mages from Redcliffe, Haven will be ready. So long as I save some of them, this would have been worth it.

Chapter 12: The Future that Never Was

Herah was frozen in fear. She hadn't paused like this since she was a little girl trying to hide from the storms in her father's arms. There was no where to hide now. No father waiting for her with his arms open, ready to comfort her when she awoke. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She had gone into the keep thinking she had the upper-hand. She would walk in, trigger the trap, and capture the evil magister before he could do any more damage. Nothing had prepared her for this, this nightmare.

The breach had expanded across the entirety of the heavens. She could taste the magic in the air and feel the nearly debilitating ache of her mark pulsing in time with her heart. How would she even describe this to her advisors? How would she convince them of the fact that if they failed there would be no second chance. The world would end because their inquisition is all that stands against the elder one. She's seen the end of the world and the only one who can vouch for her is a tevinter mage.

The rest of the world has no idea. Some of them refused to believe the breach was a threat. Those nobles Josephine was constantly sweet talking didn't care. They spend their time arguing with each other over lands and titles as if money would stop the breach from growing. The chantry had fought her every step of the way. They attacked the inquisition every way they could. Treating her as if she were a monster when she was the only one trying to fix things. Would they continue to fight her after seeing this? Somehow she couldn't imagine them admitting they were wrong even with the knowledge of an immanent death.

Herah's heart broke with each glance towards her remaining companions. Solas and Varric were nearly unrecognizable from the red lyrium. Varric mumbled to himself constantly, his eyes glancing this way and that. Solas was silent. She never once wished he would start off some long winded story about the fade more than she had in this moment. The silence was oppressive and the aura of hatred pouring off of Leliana was enough to make her want to cry. What was she supposed to do? Dorian has ideas on how to go home, but what if?

The elder one was coming, she could hear the winds scratching against the walls. Dorian needs more time but there's no time left. Her companions have bought them all the time they could. Even now she could see their bodies just lying there. Herah would need to make sure they were okay. As soon as they made it home she was giving all three of them a hug and not letting go. She'd have Lady freeze their feet in place. Her little trouble maker would enjoy the lighthearted prank.

"Please." She prays. "Please just give us five more minutes. I can't let this come to pass. I have to go back and stop this." Something changes. Herah can feel the swell of magic just before it explodes. There is a dazzling light shining through the windows and the temperature drops. She can hear yelling outside. The door slams open as demons come pouring in. It looks as though a blizzard has started because some of the demons freeze before they can start up the steps.

If she looks closer and squints her eyes, she can almost make out a figure through the snow. It doesn't look like one of her companions. In fact, it seems like they stand on four legs. Before she can get a closer look Dorian is pulling her closer. The same magic that pushed them forward through time is pulling them back to where they belong. As Dorian's magic wraps around her she swears she can smell ardent blossoms and all she can see in her mind is her lovable little Lady.

Chapter 13: In Your Heart Shall Burn

Whenever I've thought about the fall of Haven, I always assumed I'd have more time. Sure, in the game you can jump from one main quest event to the next but I thought it would be different in real life. No luck. Herah came riding into Haven with a haunted look on her face and grim determination in her eyes. She spent two hours in the chantry war room with her advisors before following Cassandra up the mountain. The majority of mages that followed Herah from Redcliffe haven't even been settled in yet and the senior enchanters are already making their way up to the breach. There won't be enough time to do everything I've planned so its crunch time.

How does one go about evacuating a village as a fox? It's not like I can talk to people. Luckily, all those hours spent sending messages through dreams has payed off. I can see some of the dreamers looking around with an expression of wariness. Belraj has passed my spot on the chantry steps four times now, and with each trip he carries more supplies into the chantry. It looks like he's told all the elves that follow him to bring what they can carry inside. Blankets, potions and rations. Nothing too complex, but life changing in an emergency. Such good believers. Really lucked out with them.

I'm not the only one whose noticed the admittedly suspicious activity of the elvhen population of Haven. The Iron Bull is inside the walls of Haven for once and I can see him debating whether or not it's worth it to try and get some answers out of someone. Would he even believe them? How would that conversation go? "Sorry The Iron Bull but our god, you know the Herald's pet? Well she's been sending us warnings of an attack. So we'd just thought to prepare some supplies in case the worst comes to pass." Oh yeah, that's totally going to go over well. Not.

Nervous ticks are so strange now that I'm a vulpix. If I were human I'd be talking the ear off whatever poor sod was closest to me. Instead I have to settle for chewing my newest toy half to death. Before Herah left she'd asked Blackwall if he could make something for me. I'm now the proud owner of a wooden fish. Well, it used to be a well made fish. Sadly, my stress teething has nearly worn the smaller details entirely. I can barely make out the groves that used to be scales. If all goes well maybe he'll make me a new one. Ugh. the only way to expel this nervous energy is by flicking my tails. I can't leave this spot. Herah is here when the attack begins. All that's left to do is wait.

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I think I fell asleep. Its much darker now then it was before. A quick look up reveals that the breach is gone. Shit. I just lost a lot of time. Okay. First I should see how many people are out and about. It looks just like the opening cutscene from the game. People are spread out drinking, dancing and laughing. It looks to be roughly the same amount of people. Strangely enough, I can't find any of the elves. Where could they be? Oh, there they are. Rosa, one of the serving girls just emptied the rest of her tray and is moving towards the chantry. She pauses when I move closer to her and quickly bends down "The other's are staying close to the chantry Aridhel. The children have already been moved inside." Rosa gives me a quick chin scratch before standing once more as I carefully guide her past a pair of drunken soldiers and back to the steps of the Chantry.

Right. Next I need to find Herah. If i'm remembering things correctly she should be at the edge of the platform. Yep. There she is. Oh Herah what are we going to do girl? She's not looking any better than she did earlier, she's just sitting there and staring into the flames. Has she slept at all? I suppose not. Time to do what I do best. I make my way over to my person and weasel my way onto her lap. Finally, Herah tears her gaze away from the flames. "There's a monster coming Lady, and I don't know what we're going to do. I'm not a herald of Andraste and the maker has never once turned his favor towards me. I'm just Herah." Her voice is so soft that if my ears weren't so sensitive I don't think I would have heard it. My poor gentle hero. How am I supposed to tell you that this is your moment. The elder one wishes he had an ounce of the power you do.

All I can do is stay here in her lap and let her hold me. From the corner of my eye I see Cassandra making her way over. A shudder crawls up my spine and my mouth is dry. I'm out of time. When the alarm rings out I can barely hear it over the sound of my heartbeat. This is it. It's do or die. Herah followed the seeker towards the gate and I've settled myself before the chantry. It's time to pull of my best Gandalf impression because there's a tainted dragon coming. The roar rattles my bones and I can feel the terror vibrate beneath my skin. It's total and complete chaos. People are running everywhere and the templars are starting to pour in.

I loose myself in the movement of battle. The damage of my magic against the templars is terrifying. The force of a silence passes over me harmlessly and I send ice shards towards the direction the pulse originated from. I hear a short scream and the thud of a heavy body follows. I continue fighting. People run past me and I keep their path clear, but it's not enough. The dragon is here and it's angry. I can feel the wrongness, the corruption dripping from it's wings and feel myself freeze. I'm too small. The people of Haven need me and I'm not sure I'm enough.

Every move I've used makes no impact on the dragon. It shrugs off the effects of sheer cold. Iron tail barely fazes it. My confuse ray works long enough to ensure it misses the screaming woman rushing past me but it recovers quickly and uses its tail to knock me off my feet. Everything hurts. I'm so tired. It takes me too long to get my paws back under me. The dragon uses its front legs to smash me against the chantry doors. That's when I hear it. Prayers one after the other, pleas and begs for help, for protection, for survival. They need me. They need more. I can't take out the dragon as I am. I need to be bigger. I need to be more. Something is growing inside me. I can feel it pushing against my skin. My current form can't handle this much energy, this much power.

I hear another voice in the midst of the prayers. Its the voice of a young male, not quite an adult and not quite a child. "You know me, you've known me for so long. You want to help. You hear them calling and you want to answer. Too small, not enough. It's time for you to grow." Grow? Vulpix needs an evolutionary stone. Or do I? This power, this belief could that be enough? It has to be. It will be. How does evolution work? How do I force the process?

"You already know how. Its the same as when you dream. Just push a bit harder. I'll help." Movement behind me reveals the voice to be a young man with what has to be the largest hat I've ever seen. Cole? Oh my god. Cole! The spirit of compassion has thrown himself towards the dragon. His duel blades quick flashes of silver that steadily strike out against the dragon's scales.

Focus. Okay, so think of when I dream. The power, the belief. In myself, in Herah, in our followers. I can feel it. The change. My tails are splitting from six to nine. My head rises higher and higher. I hear the shocked exclamations of those within the chantry. I can feel their gaze and the emergence of new faith. Herah comes running up behind the dragon and it takes her a moment to recognize me. I lock eyes with the corruption. There is no fear left within in me, only the surety that this is a fight I will win. Moonblast was always my favorite fairy move and the full moon has never looked more beautiful.

Chapter 14: What To Do When Your Pet Fox Was Actually A God

There was a moment, while we waited for Herah to awaken that I feared the inquisition might try to attack me. My sudden change in appearance isn't exactly something I can explain, and that is without factoring in whether they would even listen. I can feel their stares, the wariness and fear. I can hear the whispered conversations. Is that really the Herald's pet? Was it a demon all along? Did you see it change forms to fight the elder ones dragon. None of that matters. Well, it does. Just, not right now. Herah hasn't woken up yet. Why hasn't she woken up?

Cole and Solas are the only ones who've approached me since my evolution that were not members of my growing number of followers. It hurts in a way. I've known these people for much longer than they've known me. The love I feel for them is not returned, not in full. Varric may not look at me with fear, but their is a wariness there that burns. Josephine keeps glancing my way but every attempt to move towards me is stopped by a suspicious Leliana. I can hear Cassandra and Vivienne debating on my status as a spirit and whether I'm actually a demon that's fooled the Herald Cullen's silence stings. Sera and Blackwall are keeping themselves busy and I know they go out of their way to avoid me. The Iron Bull and his chargers keep me in sight, I know their waiting for a sign that I'm dangerous.

I just wanted to help, to keep everyone safe. Not to scare them. Dorian is more curious than afraid. He has so many questions for me and with Cole's help I can answer. Where am I from? The fade. What am I? A ninetails. Are you really a god? I am now, but I wasn't born one. How does one become a god? People believe you to be one. Herah shifts from her left side to her right and our attention is drawn to her once more, but she remains asleep. I can tell Dorian is readying himself to ask another question when Cole interrupts, "Herah needs to sleep Alice. There's nothing more to do for her, but the wolf needs you. The silence can be overwhelming."

Alice? Who is, wait a moment. I'm Alice. God I haven't heard my name in forever. I can't believe I'd forgotten. I've been in Thedas for a good five months and I didn't hear my name once. Am I still Alice? Has it been too long? Have I changed too much? I'm Alice, but I'm also Lady and Areina and Aridhel. So many names for one fox to answer to. All of them feel right. Another look towards Herah confirms that she won't be waking for a long time yet. I offer her one last nuzzle before making my way towards the edges of the camp. Solas sits alone, staring out towards the mountains. He doesn't acknowledge me right away. He seems to be deep in thought.

"I have been the last for so long that I did not recognize you at first. This tiny new soul that shined with the same light as my family. I was so sure that I would know when another would come into being. So sure that the birth of a new god would be undeniable that I did not know you for what you've always been." Finally, Solas turns his head to lock eyes with me. He's always been good at hiding his true feelings from his face, but his eyes give him away. There is the smallest hint of hope in his eyes. A bone deep relief that he may not be alone.

"In dreams, you've sent your followers to me. I knew immediately that they were people and not curiosity. Curiosity does not worship, it carries no faith in the divine. With each question I answered I felt something inside me warm and expand. I have tried since my awakening to tell the elves of this time their history. The truth that was lost to time. Until you began to send your followers my way, I had all but given up on trying." He pauses again. I can tell he's not sure how to continue the conversation and so I try to do what I do for my followers in their dreams. Words aren't needed there, all it takes is a connection.

I reach out to Solas with the part of me that has remained the same through each form change. I connect us in the purest way I can from one soul to another and I push towards him all the feelings of acceptance and love I hold. Poor planning aside, Solas is a good man. Misguided yes, but so very alone. Wolves and foxes may not be the closest relatives, but the link is there. He doesn't reach back, not yet, but he doesn't pull away. It's a start at least.

"At first I called you Areina, because you were so clearly a being of frost and snow. The little snow dweller that appeared before the Herald before she knew what would be her destiny. Now I believe that Aridhel fits your followers beliefs better. Our protection in the night." His smile is small, but that doesn't take away from the warmth within it.

There is a mischievous glint in his eyes and I already know I won't like what he says next. "Truly, your youth works in your favor little one. I would not have thought to use the moon to blind a dragon." That fucker. He knows that's not what I did. A flick of one of my new tails launches a snowball at his face that he casually dodges. He laughs quietly to himself as I continue my one sided assault on his person. Frustratingly, not a single snowball hits him.

Chapter 15: Free Childcare

Skyhold is ridiculous. Why in the world do we need this much space? The inquisition could create a small nation within the bounds of this fort alone. That's without adding the valley surrounding it. I know the games weren't exactly reliable when it came to real life sizes, but this is beyond what I was prepared for. I'm getting lost as often as my followers and the only reason I'm saving face as an all knowing guide is that I've got Cole on speed dial. The inner circle of the Inquisition is still a little wary of me, but Herah has been running a one woman campaign to vouch for me. I've already gotten apology treats from Leliana and Josephine has gifted me with a new pillow for her office. Even if they had managed to save the old one, I'm too big for it now.

The other's are a little slower on the uptake and try to keep their distance. It's an improvement though. On the bright side, my followers have only become more devoted since my change in form. Sometimes if they have the free time they will sit with me. Some of them brush my fur. Others pet me with a reverence that I'm still not used to yet. All of them talk to me though. I think my favorite conversations are the ones where they talk about their hopes for the future. Elves have been stepped on for so long that any change in treatment is treated with a healthy sense of cynicism. It's nice to know that they've taken my obvious affection for Herah to mean that she was actually my chosen hero instead of Andraste's. I really hope all this power and belief doesn't give me a complex. I'm already an asshole on a good day. I don't want to be an egotistical one. I may be a god now, but I'm trying to be better then most gods I've heard about.

The one group of people who have never been afraid of me were the children. So many littles. My favorite place in skyhold is the courtyard because I can just sit in the center and bask in their innocence. Belief is a powerful thing, but a child's belief is on a whole other level. Children believe I can talk to them. The first conversation I had with a child where they could understand me ended with my own version of tears. They froze immediately by the way. So while there may not be ugly crying in my future Herah nearly died of laughter when she had to take me to Solas for help because I'd frozen my eyes shut. Not my brightest moment, but in my defense I was very emotional at the time. So yes, I have a huge soft spot for children now. It's strange, as Alice I never really thought much of children. They were just kind of there. I didn't hate them, but I wasn't really counting down the days until I could have my own. This new fondness took a little time to get used to it, but I've always been adaptable.

I spend most of my days not showing off in front of nobles or patrolling the grounds with the children. It works out for everyone. My followers don't worry over the safety of their children and my obvious gentleness with children helps to soothe those who still feared my nature. At first it was just made up of elven children. Then one day I noticed that some of the apprentices from the mages had started to join in. They were so shy and nervous about being there my heart nearly gave out from the cuteness. It was a little rough at first with the elves being wary about new people and the mages trying too hard to be accepted, but it smoothed out pretty soon. Being able to speak with my littles made it much easier to speed things along. Watching them play together is adorable. I've taken to telling them some of the old stories from my own childhood with some slight changes obviously. Mulan was a Qunari, Cinderella was an elf and Little Red Riding Hood was a mage who outwitted a demon. I always knew my fairy tale obsession would come in handy one day.

Chapter 16: Skywatcher

Herah had met so many strange people through the Inquisition that it took a lot to surprise her these days. To think she once thought Orlesians with their masked nugs were among the strangest things she'd ever seen. Now they don't even make it on the list. In all fairness to the Orlesian nugs it would be incredibly difficult to beat her Lady in strangeness. Her cute little fox was no longer little and apparently had been a god the whole time. Which in retrospect made a lot of sense. Lady had appeared seemingly out of nowhere right in front of Herah and looked nothing like any animal she had seen before. She had been walking along the path towards the back of her mercenary crew looking for elfroot when this tiny little fox with six tails and white fur came tumbling out of a tree. Herah was going to ignore it, really she was, but then she was met with the biggest blue eyes she'd ever seen and melted.

Meeting Lady was one of the best things to ever happen to her. She'd never been loved so unconditionally by anyone other than her parents. It didn't matter that Herah was not the best archer because Lady was only interested in her ability to offer chin scratches. Herah had a hard time connecting to people or talking to strangers, but Lady didn't care because all she wanted to do was spend time with her. Even with the reveal of Lady's godhood their relationship didn't change. Lady loved her just as much and while she was too big to really be carried around anymore she was more than happy to walk beside Herah wherever she went. It's hard to look at Lady and think she was in the presence of a god. Lady wasn't all knowing and she certainly had moments that made Herah think she was more child than god. Just a few days ago Lady had frozen her eyes shut and Herah had nearly cracked her healing ribs from laughing so hard.

Herah had never really believed in god's, the chantry made sure to announce that the maker only had room for humanity in his heart and so she made her way through the world with a belief in people themselves and their potential for good. She could believe in Lady though. Lady was not perfect, but her love for people was undeniable. Lady takes care of people and lets children ride on her back. She uses her tails to wipe away tears and sits with people who need company but don't want to talk. Lady is a good girl and Herah trusts her to take care of the Inquisition when she's out on her missions. Her inner circle would come around just as her old company had. After all, how could anyone say no to such adorable blue eyes? Herah certainly couldn't and since she was in charge, neither could anyone else. It was nice to see that Lady got a long so well with Cole. As long as they had each other she knew they wouldn't be lonely. It may take a while for the Inquisition to accept them entirely but they would keep each other company until then.

Strangely enough it was the Inquisition Avaar recruits that accepted her gentlest companions after the elves. She had asked Amund why the Avaar were so excited about seeing the multi tailed fox and the young man with his ridiculously sized hat wandering skyhold. His answer had left her with more questions than anything. Apparently, the fact that two god's had devoted themselves to the Inquisition's cause was the best sign one could ask for when it came to knowing if they were doing the right thing. God's rarely interact so directly with mortals and even fewer leave their world to walk amongst their followers indefinitely. Tales that Herah had been chosen not just by the lowlander's god, but two other gods as well had spread among the Avaar. That was why so many new recruits were making their way to skyhold. Herah had always enjoyed her interactions with the Avaar and saw no harm in their help. Besides, Amund was certainly nice to look at and with the way he's been looking back she might just have a chance.

Chapter 17: Varric Returns

At this point in his life Varric has come to the realization that he might be part of the problem. He thought he left behind all the weird shit that Hawke would constantly drag him into when he was forcibly removed from Kirkwall by the Inquisition Seeker. Turns out Varric is just one of those people who was born to be a sidekick to unfortunate heroes. At least Herah has the good manners to apologize every so often and try to avoid bringing him to the more desolate areas of Thedas. Finding out Herah herself would not be the strangest person he would meet was accepted the same way he accepts everything else. Incredibly drunk and writing a story where it's someone else's problem to deal with.

Cole is strange. A spirit of compassion walking among the rest of the world just trying to help. Granted, Cole's idea of helping sometimes made things worse but the intentions are always kind. Cole isn't really a spirit anymore and he's not quite human either. Varric is willing to help where he can. Kids always need a helping hand to figure things out and Varric might not be the kindest man, but he isn't cruel. That being said, it still took him a bit to reconnect with Lady. His not so little fox buddy had gone through some changes lately. Hell, if he hadn't been there when she changed in order to fight a dragon, an honest to god dragon, he wouldn't believe they were the same fox. The clumsy little kit that would spend hours laying on his lap was now big enough to look Varric in the eye.

It was an adjustment. The entire path to Skyhold was spent thinking over this new information. Lady was no longer the tiny fluff ball she used to be. Okay. Lady could now comfortably look him in the eye and had an extra three tails to join the original six. A little strange, but he'd never seen a six tailed fox before so maybe that was normal for her species. Finding out Herah's pet was actually a god. Now that one took a little longer to settle. Varric believed in the maker, his feelings for the chantry didn't change that. Accepting that god's could just appear one day is a lot. Realizing that if any god had sent Herah to save Thedas it would have been Lady was a mind blower.

Every time he's dragged onto an adventure with these hero types he learns more world breaking shit. He's getting too old to learn world changing information. His chest hairs are turning grey and all the world's women will be heartbroken for the loss. The part that really gets him is that nothing changed. Lady was her usual clumsy self, tripping all over the place as she adjusted to her new body. She herded the children as everyone walked the path to Skyhold and continued to play with them long after everything was settled. They would follow her around and have full blown conversations with her. They would even pause as if listening to her answer. Varric only ever heard her reply with the usual growls and barks. The question regarding why children could understand Lady when even Herah couldn't was something he wasn't sure he wanted an answer too. The nightingale could handle that one.

Once Varric had settled within the hall by the fire place Lady came by often. The fox would stop by and just sit with him for a while. Her head resting on his shoulder as she looked at what he was doing. Sometimes Varric was convinced she was trying to read the pages. She would come over to beg treats off of Varric with her big blue eyes and fluffy tails. Cole would sit with them too, and through him Varric could talk with her. Simple things like what she had done today or what trouble the children had gotten into. It was easy to forget that she was a god, but Varric had never met one before. Maybe this was how all god's behaved around their people.

Varric calmed down soon enough. By week three he had welcomed Lady back in with open arms and warm chuckles. She hadn't changed, not really. Varric just knows more about her now. That didn't stop him from sending out some letters though. He still held hope that Daisy might be able to explain where elven god's came from. Judging by the reaction within her letter Varric bet that she would be joining Hawke on her visit to Skyhold. It would be harder to hide the entirety of the Kirkwall crew from the seeker. Luckily, Varric knew a god that could easily be bribed with nug jerky.

Chapter 18: The Antivan Princess

Helping Josephine deal with nobles could be mind numbing, so I have to go out of my way to find enjoyment in it. Dazzling rich people with my beauty and intelligence wasn't always enough. It's much better now that Cole is around. Most of the time he spends my designated working hours wandering Skyhold fixing any hurts he comes across. Sometimes, he'll sit with me and whisper what nobles are thinking. We would compare thoughts on who seemed especially sketchy and who had genuine intentions. More often then not, it was the former. When the visiting hours came to an end we would share our information with Josephine who would add it to her reports before calling a runner over to deliver the whole packet to Leliana.

I missed spending time with Josephine. She was such a genuinely kind woman. The purity of her intentions were wonderful to bask in. Watching her rip annoying nobles a new one and have them thank her for it was like chicken noddle soup to my middle class soul. I can remember having to worry about money. Listening to the news as taxes were raised for everyone but the richest of society. What's the point of having more money than you can spend in one lifetime? It's not like you can take it with you into the next one. Rich people are the same no matter what world you find yourself in apparently.

I think spending so much time with Josephine is causing some slight changes. I'm pretty sure I just lived through one of the cutscenes from the game where you join her on the balcony and listen to her vent. The only difference was that because I'm a fox she spent most of that time petting me as she talked. It was nice. Since I'm only growing stronger I felt her stress leaving her. It was such a strange taste on my tongue, like a sour patch kid or something. She felt lighter afterwards and her usual sweet scent returned. So I'll take it as a win.

I've taken to bunking with her lately. Herah invited Amund to join her in her rooms and I've made myself scarce. I'm so proud of her, look at her living out my fangirl dreams. The first time I saw Amund in game I sighed like those groupies in the Beauty and the Beast. He's just so tall and that voice. Sigh. I'm so glad that Herah gets to try things out. The woman could use a few relaxing nights with someone who doesn't want anything serious from her. She has a hard enough time getting rid of all the proposals she receives from nobility looking to profit off of her growing fame. As if any of those little pricks could be good enough for her.

Josephine is a wonderful roommate. Every day she brushes my fur and ties a bow around my curls. I chanced a look into one of her mirrors and I have the same hair style as Rosie the Riveter. Awesome. I look even better than a normal ninetails. At night, she lets me lay on the bed beside her. I know whenever she's deeply asleep she treats me like one of those giant teddy bears you get at the fair. Her whole body is wrapped around me like a particularly cuddly octopus and my heart melts a little. She's so adorable. One of my favorites. When I'm not with her, I spend the nights with the children. In my dreams I wander the fade of Skyhold chasing away nightmares and soothing lonely souls. Everyone feels so much lighter now, there's a growing sense of hope and happiness. I'm more than happy to do my part.

Chapter 19: A Report Never Sent

When the sky split open and started spitting out demons the Qun was reasonably concerned. Since the so-called breech, The Iron Bull's orders have remained consistent. Infiltrate the Inquisition and learn more. Learn about what happened, learn about the people involved, and learn about the solutions. Nothing too different than what he was used to really. Finding out the Inquisition was an official chantry institution(depending on who in the chantry you asked) was expected. Religion ruled over most of Thedas daily life regardless of which form it took. The added difficulty of trying to ingratiate himself to an inquisitor who happens to be Tal-Vashoth was an annoyance. There was no love lost between the two, but they could work together well enough. Boss wasn't terrible, for a Tal-Vashoth at least. 

No the real trouble came with the fox. Or so everyone keeps referring to it as. The Iron Bull had never once seen a six tailed fox, much less one that grew three more tails as it grew. Not that you could consider what the thing did growing. It was more of an instant change from one form to another. He's had Dalish do as many tests on the thing as she could and each one came back inconclusive. It had magic, but it was a magic no one had ever encountered before. He thought the inquisition might know more, but their records consisted solely on what could be observed and the findings of one of the sketchiest men The Iron Bull had ever met. The damn elf was too good at seeming harmless and it set his teeth on edge.

He knew that fox would be the one to give him the most trouble. The damn thing hit him in the face with a snowball the day they met. Things have only gotten more concerning from there. The Iron Bull is trained to notice things, to understand people. The things he learns about the people of the inquisition is mind boggling. The elven members, from the servants to the soldiers, seemed to believe the fox was a god. They prayed to it, gave it offerings, and the worst part is that it worked. The fox answered each and every request. The Iron Bull thought he would be dealing with an Andrastian cult, not a brand new one with a god you could see and interact with.

The mages here seemed to have fallen into the same belief systems if the whispers he's been hearing from their sections hold any truth to them. He watches the fox move about Skyhold in it's new form as it pulls more and more souls under it's thrall. It's been worse since the demon, Cole it called itself, had joined. Granted Cole wasn't horrible. The Iron Bull had gone on more than a few missions with the kid to start to relax around him. Still didn't like how easy it was for Cole to get into his head, but The Iron Bull has learned that Cole could be reasoned with. 

Boss, referred to the fox as Lady. She spends hours just sitting with it and sharing her thoughts. The two seem close. Lady might spend most of her time surrounded by children, but anyone with eyes could see that Boss was her favorite. It was strange since Boss didn't seem to worship her fox the way most of the others did. If The Iron Bull was honest with himself. The fox wasn't so bad. Not really. She seemed to only want to help and spent most of her time doing so. She'd play with the children and watch over them until their parents or guardians came for them. 

She pulled in noble support for the inquisition and provided an added sense on mysticism for the Inquisitor. He'd heard that there had been an increase in volunteers from Avaar and Dalish members curious of her presence and powers. So the fox had her uses. There was still so much he didn't understand about her though. He had observed at least four names used in regards to the fox. Lady, Areina, Aridhel and Alice. Why so many names?

There was a difference between who used what name. The Inquisitor and her inner circle referred to the fox strictly as Lady. The first of her believers, those who had interacted with the fox since her arrival in Haven called her Areina. Those who became believers after witnessing her take down that dragon in Haven called her Aridhel. As far as he could tell, only Cole called her Alice. So why did the difference exist? Where had Cole even gotten the name Alice from? The fox created more questions than answers and The Iron Bull just wanted to understand.

Any report he gives skips over details regarding her. What could he possibly say about her that hadn't already been said. The Qun didn't need to know how soft her fur was. They didn't need to know that when the fog got too thick she would spend the day sitting by his side in a guarding position. The Qun wouldn't care that sometimes she would bring over her gaggle of children so that they could play with The Iron Bull when she felt like taking a break. His handler didn't need to know that sometimes when he had nightmares the fox would appear and change the scenery with a blizzard as she guided him to a different dream. 

No, there were things the Qun didn't have to know. The fox would stay a mystery for them, a possible spirit or demon that may or may not exist. He would keep Lady's kindness to himself. The Qun was good, it gave some people exactly what they needed, gave them purpose. The Iron Bull was slowly but surely learning a new way of being. A kinder way. A way that took the form of honest friendships and steadfast support. The Inquisition had given The Iron Bull a challenge, and it was one he would rise above. There was a new religion starting up that only required you to be kind and The Iron Bull would like to be kind.

Chapter 20: A Crisis of Faith

I could tell that Cassandra was struggling. I didn't even need to join her in the fade to see it. Her conversation with Herah had helped, settled her in a way, but it wasn't enough. She was still there in her room pacing back and forth. I'd never spent too much time around Cassandra. She was usually busy training recruits or out with Herah on quests. It's only now that we have fully settled into Skyhold that Cassandra had spent more time at home base than out.

I'm not really sure what I can do for her. She's not very comfortable around me, even less so since my apparent godhood came to light. I don't think she sees me as a threat so much as a test of faith. Cassandra believes in the Maker, but the chantry tells her he's turned his back on his children. She's spent her whole life trying to keep her faith and spread the Maker's words throughout Thedas and it is not the Maker who came to help. 

In the world's darkest hour it was a fox who gave Thedas the hero it needed. It was an elven god that came to their aid. That could be a lot for a person to process. So I gave her the space she needed and kept my involvement to a minimum. I helped keep her dreams peaceful and would occasionally bring her flowers or scraps of lace I would find. The girly things we both knew she loved, but denied herself the joy of. Silly woman.

Normally, I would leave her be. Herah had spoken to her and from what I remember of the game that was enough to help her. But this isn't a game anymore and sometimes people need more than a single conversation to get over the fact that the organization they've devoted their life to was responsible for the world wide civil war. Obviously I can't just leaver her alone like this. Even if she chases me away at least I can reassure myself that I'd tried to help. 

When she finally stops pacing and drops into a seat I join her. It silent for a moment, she just sits there with her head cradled in her hands. We stay there, sitting quietly together before she begins to talk. Or she tries to at least. Her mouth opens, I can hear the air travel through her vocal cords, but no words come. That's alright we have time. Sometimes it's better to just know someone else is there. 

I can feel her spirit shudder. She's so exhausted that it's easy to use yawn and put her to sleep. I have a feeling she needs actual words and not just pet therapy. I send a thought to Cole to keep an eye on us and make sure we stay safe. I feel his spirit reach back with an assurance and join Cassandra in the Fade. I find myself sitting beside her in a cathedral. Say what you will about the chantry, but their architecture was certainly nice to look at.  

Cassandra still doesn't talk and that's fine. This is just an easier way for me to share my thoughts with her. The added benefit is that Cassandra was touched by a spirit of Faith during her training and so I have some back up here if things start going south. At least Cassandra can't truly remember what happens in the fade. This way I can help her without freaking her out more.

Now how to word this correctly. Okay. Lets try this out. I turn to Cassandra and send enough of my own magic towards her to pull her away from her prayers. She looks at me and I have enough practice communication through dreams that I don't flinch. A word of advise for others who may come after me. Unless the person you're visiting is a mage their eyes will be clouded over. Their dreams are confined to a set space and unless you poke their spirit, they will not notice you. That being said I have a message to share.

Hello Casandra, I know you've been struggling lately. You're hurt and afraid and don't know what to do. The Seekers of Truth were your family, they gave you purpose and a way to serve the maker. Recently, you've learned that the Seekers played a large role in the war. They had been hurting people and lying to those they should have protected and now you're unsure. Should the Seekers be brought back, should the chantry be brought back. I can't answer that. This is something you have to decide for yourself. What I will say is this; What happens next is entirely up to you.

You can share the information you've learned. You could hide it. You could leave the Seekers to die or you could rebuild them into what they were supposed to be, into the Seekers of Truth you believed yourself to be apart of. The mages still need protection from those who respond to their presence with fear and hatred. The Templars who only wanted to protect need someone to show them how. The Seekers of Truth you could build could fill that hole. Thedas has a need and you are one of the few capable of filling it. 

Whatever you decide to do will be fine. You've only ever wanted to do what is right Cassandra. Therefore, whatever you decide to do will help. The Maker can't directly interact with the world. If he did then free will would simply be a pretty word with empty meaning. What he can do is send people like you. People who want to do what is right, people who want to help. Everyone changes the world with their mere existence. The Inquisition will stand behind you and the Maker will be proud regardless. You are one of his beloved children, how could he be anything but proud of you.

I can feel the difference in her spirit. She feels lighter. The spirit of faith draws ever closer and despite not being able to hear it's voice I know it is telling Cassandra what she needs to hear. I think I've done what I can for her and so it's time I take my leave. Between one blink and the next I leave the fade and return to my body. One good Stretch and I make my way out of her room. Cole joins me soon after and I can feel the quiet happiness emanating from him. We wonder off towards his space in the tavern content in the knowledge that we had helped and Cassandra would feel better soon. 

 

Chapter 21: Not A Chapter Just Art

Summary:

Just some artwork that has been sitting in my files since the idea for this story came to me. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 22

I'm sure it's surprising to no one that the chantry has concerns over my presence. The fact that an elven god is being accredited for every miracle is reprehensible. The Inquisition is a chantry institution, they cry. Unfortunately for them, the Inquisition is only a part of the chantry in name. It's not as though the chantry has been very helpful. In fact, they were one of our main sources of opposition. Did they think the Inquisition would serve a group that vilified them to gain power?

I've noticed them watching me, more so than usual. Every child that comes to my side has a follower. A cleric or sister that stares at me with contempt and fear. They bring with them whispers of faith and heretics. They try to keep the children away. Jerks. They always make the same arguments. As if saying it repeatedly will change Herah's mind. The children must learn the lessons provided by the chantry sisters. They need to read, write and know the maker's message. How boring. As if the maker's words were all one needed to know in the world. My lessons are more useful.

Cole and I teach them the important things. These plants are safe to eat. This is how you clean water. Treat others the way you want to be treated. I asked some of the spirits that follow me in the fade for advice. Youth has been helpful in that respect. Always giving us ideas on what the children wish to know. The lessons we provide are the ones you need to survive and thrive. The children enjoy the lessons. Especially the ones about reading people. Who is safe to approach? Who should you avoid? We are not be able to share all our particular abilities. One needs magic for that, but there are other ways. Signs you can be taught to read.

Cole is benefiting too. He's starting to become more real. I shared the story of Pinocchio with him. He keeps telling Varric that he's going to be a real boy someday. He just has a fox helping him instead of a cricket. Varric takes it in with good humor, even if he has no idea what Cole is referencing. I wonder if we should share our story time with Varric? I could make a killing in the market for children's storybooks. Lets pin that thought for later.

Back to the chantry. The more I learn about the institution the less I like it. I listen to the children and they have a lot to share. The chantry only likes human children, unless the child has magic. Then they are kept away. It's easy to see that once the chantry placed more focus on gold and power than their flock, they lost their way. I doubt Andraste herself would recognize her religion should she return. So much for retaining the holy teachings of the Maker's Bride. I don't blame the little ones for their preferences. I'd prefer a ninetales over a stuffy old sister any day.

Duty has taken to instructing me in the fade. They remind me that I need help. All gods have helpers. There are pokemon made of ice. Perhaps I could bring them to life? There are enough spirits curious enough to change form. People are complicated and from what I remember pokemon are simpler beings. Not that they can't experience intense emotions, but they understand the world better than people. The important things at least. After all, children and pokemon are meant to grow and learn together. It's something to consider.

Chapter 23: In The Fade One Can Be Anything

The fade is such a wonderous place. I could do anything, be anything and all it takes is a thought. In those rare moments dedicated solely to myself, I turn back. It's been so long since I could brush my own hair or painted my nails. In the fade, I can be Alice again. It's not perfect. I haven't been human in awhile and I can't really remember what I looked like anymore. My appearance as a human takes it's inspiration from what I can see in the people around me and the coloring of my new form.

I spend hours in the fade running a brush through my long curly hair. Curiosity created a mirror for me to use and I can honestly say that I am a pretty person, if a little frostbitten. I'm a little too pale to be healthy, my veins can easily be seen through my skin. All my extremities have a blue tinge and I can say from experience that any time I've blushed in this form, my skins turns blue where a rosy blush should be.

I can admit to myself that I based my person form heavily on what I could remember of Daenerys Targaryen. I am but a simple bisexual and Emilia Clarks is one of the most beautiful women I can remember. It makes sense that I would recreate my person form based on her image. Except for the mole just below the corner of my right eye. I spent enough time emphasizing that little mark in my human life that I couldn't leave it behind.

God, I really just created a frostbitten version of Ellana Lavellan from my very first playthrough. I spent a solid two hours recreating the elven Daenerys from Imgur. No wonder I recreated her image when it came time to become a person. At least I'm still pretty. With this lovely white hair and baby blue eyes how could I not be. As soon as I figure out how to change forms in the waking world it's over. I'll out pretty the entirety of Orlais just you wait.

This little pocket of the fade is entirely mine. Every person needs a space for themselves and this is mine. I have a few spirits of order helping me to keep it separate from the pocket of the fade I share with my followers. I love them dearly, but I need time to just be Alice and not their god. So when I felt another presence, one that wasn't another spirit, knocking at the "door" I was reasonably concerned. Demons may not be the type to knock, but it would be just my luck to be attacked by a demon with manners.

Luckily for me, its not a demon. It's Solas. Well, a Solas hidden behind a wolf mask. Those six red eyes are incredibly creepy to look at head on, this isn't how you visit your friends. For once in his life, Solas remains quiet. He enters my pocket and takes a seat beside me on my wonderfully fluffy pillows. That's perfectly fine. Sometimes you just want to be with someone. I can remember moments where I just sat with friends not wanting to speak.

I spend the rest of my time in the fade brushing my hair. Solas sits beside me and just exists for a while. I'm glad that I can offer him these moments of peace. It couldn't be easy to face the changes of time. It makes me think of those posts I would read that argued just how lonely immortality would be. Seeing how relaxed he is in this moment, I can't help but agree. The fandom talked about how Solas saw the world as one full of tranquil. Having met those unfortunate souls who walk about with a horrific emptiness inside them, I can see how heartbreaking such a thing would be.

As my friend he is welcome to stay here as long as he likes. I share this with him through my magic, sending over waves of comfort and acceptance. He sends back feelings of relief and happiness. Silly wolf. You could have a much bigger pack if you lowered those walls of yours. There are more people in the world than a wolf, a fox and the spirits of the fade.

Chapter 24: Viva la Reeveelution

I have minions now. Honest to God minions. The spirits that enjoy following me about in the fade have grown curious. What is it like? They ask me. What do you do? Are the people kind? Cruel? Apathetic? Will they love us too? Fear us? So many questions they ask, too many for me to answer. Duty has told me repeatedly that I need help. That God's have helpers of their own. I've decided to kill two nugs with one stone. I have shared with the more confident spirits; those who are old enough to retain their purpose despite the change in form, all I could remember of the wonderful eevee. One of, if not the, perfect example of pokemon evolution.

Eevee's are prone to change and that's obvious for any trainer to see. In my opinion, an eevee is the best starter pokemon one can have. They can change to fit the role needed. In each playthrough of the many pokemon games I owned, there has always been an eevee on my team. Of all the pokemon I could have used, eevees are the best. The pokedex mentions how their genetic code is unstable and prone to mutations. The spirits need a form that is able to change. God, if this works I can live out my dreams of an eeveelution cuddle pile. Just think of the cuteness overload.

I began my experiments in the fade. It was there that I instructed the first three spirits in how I willed myself into being a pokemon. It took a few tries. Duty kept making their fluff too big for their form. Almost like those overstuffed animals from build-a-bear. Adorable, but not very mobile. Faith had a much better go of it. It only took them two tries to get the form down. Youth took the longest. Not because they couldn't change forms, but because they were so easily distracted. Their change came in parts. Each change required time to be explored and played with. They spent a good twenty minutes petting their new tail.

Helping my first three eevees move through the veil and into the waking world was the hard part. Even with Cole's assistance there were a few hiccups. I don't think it would have been so easy to pull them through anywhere else but Skyhold. This fortress is old, and the magic contain within it's stone made the transition easier. To ensure the spirits wouldn't be twisted once they made it to this side we had hidden ourselves away from the people. Solas had told us that part of what twists spirits is the perceptions and emotions of the people nearby. Basically, if you're expecting a demon then you attract demons.

Cole and I had chosen a forgotten room hidden within the fortress. Solas is the only one who would know the room even existed. He had already been told of our plan and was near enough to the room to aid us if things went wrong. Otherwise, he was "simply working on my fresco Inquisitior. How could I know where those new creatures have come from? Lady is her own person after all." Plausible deniability is a wonderful thing. Really. I just know he enjoys witnessing the long suffering expression on Herah's face just before she gives into my whims.

It was there that we started pulling. I can't really explain the process. Not in detail. Most of my actions are powered through emotion and intent. I will things into being. I couldn't just think of Duty, Faith and Youth. There are plenty of spirits in the fade who embody such things. I had to be more specific. I had to imagine my friends, my followers. I had to send out a call for eevees, the beings I had helped to create in the fade. I reached out and eventually I felt something reach back. I sure hope this gets easier with time.

From one heartbeat to the next, we were no longer alone. In front of us sat three eevees. For a moment everything was perfect. Then reality kicked in. The spirits hated being in a world so resistant to change. The waking world was more solid than they were used to and it bothered them. It was like an itch they couldn't scratch. It took at least an hour for things to get better. Once they had adjusted they were more than ready to interact with the world in a way they hadn't before. Apparently, the spirits I interact with were not old enough to have personal memories of the ancient elves.

Youth was all over the place, tripping over their paws in their excitement to explore. Cole spent most of his time making sure Youth didn't hurt themselves. The smallest eevee of the three made these adorable yips as they ran from corner to corner. Faith was more subdued in their response. They had cuddled close to my side and entertained themselves by attempting to groom themselves. I wonder if they enjoyed it? Personally, I find the ice particles in my fur to be an interesting texture. Duty, ever the spoil sport, reminded me that I had things to do today.

There was plenty of confusion for the rest of the day. What are those things? The soldiers wonder. Where do they keep coming from? Cry the Chantry sisters. Are they here to play? Ask the children with excitement and hope. Your fur is so soft, says the servants. Would you mind terribly if we did some tests, the mages ask shyly. Yes. All in a day's work really. I've definitely outdone myself this time. By the time Herah returns from the western approach Skyhold will be overrun by eevees. I'm sure she'll forgive me. She loves small fluffy animals nearly as much as she loves me.

Chapter 25: The First Believer

Belraj is an interesting character. Most people when faced with constant violence and apathy grow tired. They walk with heavy heads and slumped shoulders. Not Belraj. He walks with his head high and his back straight. If I were person shaped I would envy the sheer confidence he projects with his body language. I think if I had met him as Alice I would have fallen for him hard and fast. Never would have said anything though. Alice knew her insecurities well, and her anxiety ruled her with an iron fist. It would have been a one-sided affection.

Each slur that reached his ear only emboldened him to stand out further. He would not be forced to hide away or be anyone other than who he was. From what I can remember he was one of the first elves to join the soldier ranks. Most elves in the Inquisition were rogues, spies and mages. Those not working as servants at least. Watching him wield the customary sword and shield of Cullen's unit is a sight to see. I thought that attraction hadn't really followed me into this form, but apparently my libido is still kicking. At least it wasn't Solas. Never experiencing that shit show again. He makes a much better older brother.

I wonder if he exited in the game? Was he one of the nameless soldiers of the Inquisition? There are so many souls I meet here that it's easy to forget that this wasn't always real to me. When you play the game, you only ever see a small pocket of the world. The game developers can't make every npc unique, but somehow it still surprises me how complex these people are. They are real people now, with hopes, and dreams and thoughts of their own. I fall in love with almost everyone I meet here in Thedas. Unless they're a dick. Then I hit them with snowballs.

It's a strange relationship. Belraj may have been the first person to treat me like a god, but he doesn't actually believe me to be one. Not like the other's do. He treated me more like an ally at first. He couldn't often protect his people the way he wanted to, not personally. I was an ally, a fellow protector. He would tell me who needed help and what I could do. Whenever the stories of retribution and justice reached him, he'd thank me personally. It's different now. Not even because of my form, but because of our growing friendship. He sits with me sometimes. Content to share a space without needing to speak.

When he's in a good mood, he'll bring jerky with him and share it with me. Belraj is not a nice man, but he is kind. He plays with the children sometimes, all of them. He might not be as friendly with the human children, but he isn't cruel. He doesn't ignore one group in favor of the other. Belraj isn't the cuddly type. Not even a little. He does tell stories though. If he has the time to spare, he shows the little ones how to properly hold a dagger and how to keep them hidden in your clothes. It's more attention than the soldiers usually give the children.

Cole is kind enough to not make fun of me for my growing crush. Though I think part of it is due to his lack of understanding. He keeps asking Varric what it means when someone makes you feel nervous in a good way. Varric keeps trying to convince Herah that Cole might need to be given the talk. He isn't too keen on volunteering his services for it. I suppose he draws the line at puberty then. Solas on the other hand, is a total dick. Constantly smirking at me from the distance whenever he catches me in the same room as Belraj. As if anything would happen while I am a ninetales.

I can't even escape this silly crush in the fade. Every night I'm introduced to more spirits looking to pass through the fade and join my growing pack of eevees. We've reached a total of fifteen now. The children adore the extra playmates. I meet so many new spirits that it can be hard to keep track of them. Except for one. There is a spirit in my little pocket of the fade who calls themselves infatuation and they only ever appear in Belraj's form. The curly black hair that's shaved on the sides to emphasize his ears. The brown eyes so dark you can't see the pupil. It pulls on my memories of him to get the stretch and fit of his armor just right.

Infatuation isn't terrible company. I just wish they would take the form of someone else. Someone I don't see everyday. What's wrong with taking the form of Din Djarin or Aizawa. Hell, I've always wondered if Kakashi would be attractive in real life. Someone unobtainable and unrealistic. I'm used to being attracted to people that aren't real, people that can't return feelings. This is just uncomfortable. Nothing is going to come from this. I won't be convinced otherwise. Probably. Cole can be very persuasive. It's hard to argue with someone who genuinely wants the best for you.

Solas comes into my pocket of the fade with offers of lessons now. Back when he had been younger and the form of a wolf came more easily than an elf, he had studied the process of changing forms extensively. If he could offer these lessons without that stupid grin on his face I would have an easier time saying yes. This is like when Alice's older brother found out she had a crush on his friend. The knowing grin and constant teasing. I have to feel annoyed, otherwise the longing for Alice's brother would overwhelm me. I can't even remember his name anymore. Does he miss her?

Chapter 26: On the Topic of Shrines

I've begun to feel a pull on my spirit. It's not harmful or anything, but it remains a constant itch. I can feel it more deeply in the fade. As far as pulls go, this one is mostly polite. It doesn't demand anything more than my attention. Really, all it's done is spur my curiosity. I've decide that today would be the day I followed this pull to wherever it may lead. Duty takes the time to tell me that this action is incredibly reckless. Good thing I'm known for mischief then.

I settled myself down for a nap within Skyhold's garden. That way, should Cole need help reigning in the hyperactive children and eevees, I could be easily reached. It took a bit for my mind to slow down enough for me to begin sleeping. The happy giggles of children helped to soothe my very being. Such sweet little loves they are. Once Cole told them that I would be sleeping during today's playtime they all did their best to be quiet. They were still loud, but I could feel their intent behind the attempted whispers.

The fade looks so strange outside of my little pocket. Solas tells me that the amount of detail within my space is a reflection of my growing power. Good, because if it had been based on my memory. Well. There isn't a lot I remember about the past. Not any more. Those first few days were the clearest. Alice was the forefront, the main personality. All my reactions and thoughts were hers. Lady came next. She was much simpler. Love and survival mostly.

Aridhel was different. More complex. There was so much other in that name. Mortals are not gods. They were never meant to be gods. Their minds could not handle the strain of it. Does that mean I've changed? More than just physically? Has my soul changed entirely and that is why Alice seems so far away? It is a difficult thought. I had gone into godhood thinking only of the help I could provide. I saw people in need; injustices that demanded punishment. I had to act because no one else was doing anything. Not that I could see. Not to the extent needed.

Soon after that, I thought of the power it gave me. Everyone dreams of being something more. No one ever thinks about what becoming more costs you. Sure you realize at some point that heroes lose everything that makes them a person. They would not be revered or reviled so heavily if history remembered that they were just people. Somehow it did not come to mind what I would lose because of it. What I would need to give up in order to fill the role I had created for myself.

Perhaps I should ask Solas what it was like for him. He swears he is not a god, that the evanuris were just incredibly powerful mages. But if I could become a god through belief alone... That is a thought better left to another time. I came here with the intention of investigating the pull on my spirit not to send myself spiraling into an existential crisis. Those panic attacks are allotted to my Monday afternoons right before I cuddle with Herah. I have a schedule to keep here.

I travel further through the fade following the pull as closely as I can. There is not use in losing myself in the fade and being unable to return to my body. Other wise Duty will have Solas and Cole waiting to yell at me. The dressing downs the first eevee I created gives when it feels I've been excessively stupid is enough to make me cry on a good day. No need to add a guilt trip from Cole or a smug "I told you so" from Solas.

Ah here we are. How strange. It would appear that this pull is from the Hinterlands. What could possibly be calling for my attention here? I move closer to what seems to be a small wooden statue. Oh. Oh how cute. I think this is a statue of me. In fact, this looks like a shrine. Huh. Every time I think I've acclimated to the idea that I'm considered a god, I still find myself surprised with each new form of proof I encounter. I suppose this isn't that surprising. I haven't found any shrines in Skyhold. That's probably because I'm here in the fortress physically.

I wonder if this was made by a scout. It certainly looks as though whoever carved it took their time. The statue is practically dripping with faith and reverence. It tastes rather sweet. Would it give the same sensations should I travel there in the waking world? I've never left the inquisition base before. It could be fun. There is always something that can be done in the hinterlands. I'm sure Solas would be curious enough to come up with some story about elvhen artifacts or a change in the veil. I'll have to tell him about this.

There is a strange vibration here. It's hard to describe. If I were to relate it to anything, it would be that feeling where hero worship meets reality. Whoever made this shrine sees me as a god, an all knowing all powerful being. It can be felt in the prayers absorbed by the wood. This wooden proxy has absorbed enough faith to reach back to me. To form a connection that I can interact with. Such dedication in so small a form.

Not gonna lie this is incredibly unsettling. How does one react to this? It's a small wooden statue now, but all the other gods I know of have more. Simple statues become stone temples and detailed statues. Will there be a temple made for me? Should I even worry about something that could take place years into the future or not at all? Maybe this is all it will ever be. Wooden statues and simple pendants. We can stop there can't we?

Everything else seems kind of excessive. I know worship goes hand in hand with godhood, but could we not? I'd feel so much more comfortable if we stay where we are now. While I'm sure my power would grow parallel to their belief it's still a concerning thought. At least I don't really have to worry about not being able to help or answer prayers as I grow. Though the logistics of answering prayers in places outside of Skyhold is difficult for me to conceptualize. I'm sure I could figure it out if I had too. I've made it here through the fade haven't I?

Alright. So godhood is more serious than I thought it would be. I learned the lessons imparted by The Road to Eldorado and decided rip to those other guys, but I'm different. I guess they get to have the last laugh. Time to adapt and overcome. I have too many people counting on me to just give up. I worry how much more I will lose. How many pieces of the person behind the god will I strip away? Will I even recognize the difference? Or will I have changed so much I no longer remember these first freak outs and worries. Will I still be me?

Who even am I? It's not Lady. Not anymore. I've outgrown her. I'm certainly not Alice. The poor human girl who was so scared and confused. I can't even remember who she was anymore. Sometimes there are moments where I do. Where Alice claws her way to the forefront of our being and demands to be heard. Where is my family she cries. I want to go home she begs. I'm still here she screams.

The longer I'm here, the stronger I grow, the quieter she gets. At most there are soft whispers from the piece of me that is still her. It grows weaker and weaker as time goes on. Can you grieve for yourself? For the self you can't even remember anymore? It feels as though I'm a work in progress. Each change means giving something up. It's like watching the pieces of a stone block be chiseled away as the artist sculpts their masterpiece. Will I ever be finished?

Gods change with their people don't they? How will they change me I wonder. More than they already have at least. Wow. That got really dark just there. Apparently I've been repressing some emotions. How is it that whenever I enter the fade I end up dealing with the emotions I work very hard to ignore? I can't even blame it on my spirits or Cole. This was all me. I wonder if I'm still growing. I thought I was past the transition into adulthood and all the emotions involved in it. I guess godhood calls for another transition. I need to accept it. Accept that whoever I was before I will not be again.

I don't know how long I've been here observing the memory of this shrine from the fade. Long enough to feel a change in the area. I can feel the presence of another soul. They are in the waking world however. Perhaps it is the creator of this shrine. I wonder who took the time to create such a place. All complex emotions aside. This is a nice shrine. The statue rests within the hollowed out stump of a tree. It's just large enough that whoever placed it here was able to carve out a natural grotto. There is even some crystal grace planted around it. The blooms really tie the whole scene together.

There they are now. Drumroll please. The mysterious carver is in fact, not part of the inquisition. How? All of my followers are part of the inquisition. They are the only ones in Thedas who know I'm more than just a simple spirit. At least. I thought they were the only ones. Perhaps this is a family member. Yes, that would make sense. Someone who has been told the stories and listens to the whispers. I know religions spread and take on a life of their own, but I thought I would be aware of it.

I'm the god being worshiped. You would think I would be the first to know when my power base grows. Apparently not. It seems like the widespread movements of the inquisition makes it hard for me to tell where the belief is coming from. There are more than a few bases in the hinterlands, any one of them could have believers. It makes sense that I wouldn't be able to keep track of every believer. This could complicate things.

My dedicated artist is an elf. She's a tiny one, I don't think she's reached adulthood. There is no vallaslin on her face though whether that is due to her age or lack of dalish background remains to be seen. Her belief is strong. Incredibly so for one who I have not met personally. In her arm she carries small strips of cured meat and more flowers. I wonder what she will ask for. More luck perhaps? A new spell to ease the burdens of survival on her guardians maybe?

I reach out with my magic in an attempt to learn more about her. It shocks me at first to feel her reach back. She must be a mage then. Their magic recognizes the difference and responds instinctively. Sometimes that means the magic curls up and spikes to try an push me away. Her magic doesn't. It reaches back and it feels so incredibly lonely. Poor little love, where is your family? There is a desperation to her magic. It begs me to stay.

This is a much stronger connection than what I usually form with my believers. Even the children I spend so much time with aren't so attached. Herah is arguable the closest bond I have but her lack of belief changes the form of it. This little girl, her belief is palpable. I can feel it adding to my power and increasing my presence. I don't think she's an elf. I think she is one of the people. How could one so young be here? She feels so lost. I have to bring her here. Children need a safe place to call home.

I can feel my time here in the fade coming to an end. Cole is calling for me. Playtime is over and it's time to resume the children's lessons. They've adjusted well to their partnerships but follow up check ins are important to maintain. I send to this believer a single message. I hope she heads it. The world is a dangerous place for such a young soul. She'll need more than just a dream of the Herald's pet to ensure the inquisition soldiers send her to Skyhold.

It takes a short burst of intense focus and intent on my part, but the end result is worth the hardship. There in her hands is perfect replica of her wooden statue made out of my own ice and pulsing with my magic. Any inquisition soldier who believes in Aridhel will feel my magic. It will be enough of a curiosity to warrant a letter to the Nightingale. Hopefully that will be enough to get her safe passage to Skyhold. If not, Cole could help.

Just before I pull away my newest believer is able to pass on a final message. Her name is Shielani. I hope she makes it to Skyhold soon. It will be worth mentioning to Solas as well. If anyone would like to know of the survival of a member of the people it would be him. Especially if she is as young as her spirit feels. I'll just have to keep a close eye on her until she arrives. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes and she asks so sweetly. What's one more child in the grand scheme of things? Perhaps there will be a spirit eevee waiting for her here. That would be a nice surprise for her.

Notes:

I think this is the longest chapter I've ever written. I don't think there will be a double update this time. Don't think I have the energy for it. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 27: Observations of a Chantry Sister

This inquisition is madness. Nothing makes sense here. The so-called “herald of andraste” that my fellow sisters mocked back in Val royeaux has since been raised up to the position of inquisitor. This heretical qunari is no better than a false prophet.

She is proof that the maker has truly turned his back on his children. Just the other day I watched her laugh in the face of Mother Giselle when she offered the inquisitor a seat at the daily sermon. That woman laughed! As if the maker’s words were the funniest joke she’d ever heard.

The nerve of that woman. Mother Giselle swears that the inquisitor is not so lost from the maker’s light as she appears. Well she is a kinder woman than I. If it were not for the fact that it is my duty to remain at Skyhold in order to observe the institution I would have left long ago.

It is a small mercy that these people have found their home in a different fortress. Though the fact that Haven was lost to a self-inflicted avalanche leaves much to be desired. Is nothing sacred to these people? One would think that the left and right hands of the divine would have more care for the chantry.

If not for the kindness of the late divine, neither woman would hold nearly as much power as they do. The chantry is responsible for giving them that power and they have yet to prove themselves worthy of retaining that power. When will these insults end?

They do not even have the good sense to cast out those who should have never gained influence. That elven apostate should be tailed by templars. The qunari mercenary wearing an eyepatch turned away at the door. The Chamion of Kirkwall’s dwarf should be in chains for refusing to share the locations of his associates.

Don’t even get me started on the elf girl. She is an unholy terror. Constantly flitting to and fro leaving chaos in her wake. I caught her painting a man’s genitals over the banner bearing the chantry’s heraldry! Can you even imagine the gall needed to vandalize a holy symbol? Where does the inquisition find these heathens?

The worst part is easily the demon masquerading as a god. Leave it to the uninformed masses to turn from the maker’s light in favor of a demon. How can the people not see that they are being fooled? Sure, the demon looks pretty and has the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen. But it is a demon.

How can I make them look past the disguise to see the danger underneath. A demon is not a god nor is it harmless. It doesn’t matter that it has not attacked anyone. Or that it spends hours catering to the children. It is only lying in wait.

Already it has grown in power. It has pulled from the fade smaller, lesser demons that it pairs up with the children. How can no one else see the danger we are at risk of succumbing to? Some of those children are mages! They are already at risk of possession and they all watch as the demon personally places another demon by the children’s side.

There is no sense to be found within these stone walls. If this is a test from the maker I find myself unable to continue. My faith has carried me through many trials and tribulations , but this? I refuse to be part of this farce any longer. This will be my final report. I will be retiring to a small village in Fereldan among the faithful. Maker willing, the world will make more sense there.

Chapter 28: Thoughts of Compassion

Cole has only ever tried to help. Even when he hadn’t known how. He’s learned a lot about the world and the people within it since then. Alice is his first true friend though. So cares for her more than the others. Not that he doesn’t care for them too, he does! It’s just different.

Alice is quieter now, different then before. At first he could hear her all the time. The thoughts were one and the same. Not anymore. Alice is gone now. He may not know where she’s gone but he hopes she is happier now. He hopes that she made it home.

Aridhel doesn’t fit quite right. Not yet. Maybe not ever. Lady works a little better. It’s still not right though. He wishes he could help. That he could give her a name and soothe the anxiety warring within her. Cole doesn’t even have a name of his own. Not really.

Cole was the name of the one he couldn’t save. The name he took because he could not remember any other. Solas says that he was compassion once. His friend says that he is more than that now. He can feel it. The belief that makes his friend shine so brightly in the darkness is slowly growing in him too.

They don’t believe in him. Not the way they believe in Aridhel. He is not their god. He is the friend. The companion. Cole only wants to help and he helps so many by her side. He can stop the hurts before they happen now. Their kids would never hurt others the way the adults have.

His friend says that by teaching them young you can prevent a lot of the little hurts that become big ones. He hasn’t made any of the children forget in a while. Cole is finally getting better at helping. It makes him… happy. So very happy. He feels whole by her side. It’s a new feeling for him. New, but not unwelcome.

People are complex and hard to understand. She is a person too, but it’s different. She’s thought of herself as other for so long that she has trouble remembering. Cole helps how he can. She likes to brush her hair. She spends hours doing so in the fade. She never remembers how to change while she’s awake.

That’s okay. Cole enjoys brushing her fur for her. It’s calming and one of the highlights of his day. The repetitive movements keep her calm enough that she can sit and answer Cole’s questions for hours. He asked Varric where one goes to buy a brush. She has such a nice one in the fade. He wants to give her one just like it for the waking world.

Maybe if he makes her reconcile the two worlds she will remember how to change. She loves hugs, giving and receiving. Cole would like to hug her back. It must feel different when she’s person shaped. Cole is excited to find out. Maybe he will even find out what her smile looks like! He’s sure it’s a sight to see.

She asks him for a new name. A name just for them. Something only Cole will call her. Then she will give him a name in return. What to call her? He doesn’t know. Perhaps Varric will know. He is constantly naming people. Cole wonders what this fluttering feeling in his chest means. It’s a thought best saved for another time. His friend has asked him for a name after all.

Chapter 29: A Fox Reconnects with her Humanity

Today I find myself within Solas’s company once more. Normally, our lessons take place within the safety of the fade. However, we've reached a point in my studies where the only steps left are to try and bring my person form from the fade into the waking world. Thank God for that one. The wolf is even smugger within the confines of the fade.

He doesn't even have the decency to allow my snowballs to hit him whenever I feel he’s being especially insufferable. If ever there was a person who needed to be reminded what it's like to have fun he would be one of the first few victims on the list. By victims, I really mean people in need of assistance. I would know. I'm the one who wrote the list.

So here we are, just staring at each other in the garden as I try to remember what it is to be human-shaped. It's not going well. At all. I think I've been a fox for too long. I don't know how to be anything else. Not anymore. What a strange picture we must make for the spirits on the other side. A wolf disguised as an elf trying to teach a god disguised as a fox how to become human.

“Perhaps, ” Solas begins, his voice as smooth as ever. “You would have an easier time imagining what you would use this new form for. Just trying to bring forward the form you've created in the fade isn't working.”

How strange! And here I thought the point of this exercise was to give Solas a chance to see if my eyes were bluer than his. I know this isn't working Solas. I'm not the smartest girl in the world but I'm not stupid. I can tell when things aren't working the way they're supposed to. Most of the time. At least three out of five times. I get distracted okay. There's so much to pay attention to these days.

“Focus Aridhel, this is not the time for wandering thoughts. Remember what I showed you in the fade? Unless you'd prefer to turn yourself into an especially ugly chimera, you must focus.” Even when Solas is scolding me he pokes fun at my troubles.

I suppose that's better than the other approaches previous teachers have taken with me. At least his lessons feel more like an afternoon spent with an older sibling than an overbearingly strict professor. Been there, done that, failed a class and everything. School never really agreed with me. Too much anxiety to focus or perform.

Uh oh. Solas has his serious face on. His brow is furrowed and the blues of his eyes fade to grey. It's unfair how pretty this man is. If I'm not prettier than this boring old wolf I'll riot. I swear I will. I can't go from beautiful ninetales to boring old human. I have standards okay. Impossibly high ones, but standards all the same.

Suddenly, Cole pops up beside me. “Don't worry. You'll be beautiful in whatever form you decide to take.” That right there is the kind of solidarity I need in my life. Wonderful work Cole. Solar should be taking notes right now. God knows he needs the extra help with everything regarding friendship.

You know. I keep wondering about that. I'm so used to using God in my phrases. But I'm technically a god now too. What does that mean now? Is it redundant? Will my followers think I'm praying to a super god? Can you imagine if I let it slip that I pray to Fen’Harel? God the chaos would be so good. Just think of the pranking potential.

Some Dalish tribes believe I'm his daughter. It's hilarious. Spirits keep coming up to Solas and congratulating him on his newfound fatherhood. He hates it. This world might not be too bad. I have followers who believe in my godhood and a brand new dad. He's much better than my old one. I think. I can't remember if Alice had a dad. I don't think she did.

Wow. I'm a mess. So many thoughts just going through the motions in my head and not a single one is what I'm meant to be thinking. Poor Solas. I'm a pretty terrible student. Right. Focusing. Think of what I want to use my form to do. Well, that's easy. I want to be able to hug my people. Kids always need more hugs. Cole has already asked to be the first to receive a hug. Solas desperately needs one. That man is so touch starved he'll probably cry.

I want to be able to speak to Herah. There is so much we could talk about. So much I want to talk about. Does she know I love her? She saved my life and offered me her love freely. I owe her so much. I want to be able to hug her and tell her how much I love her. She's doing such a good job. Absolute best girl.

I want to introduce myself to the inner circle as a person and not a pet. I have so many questions for them. Has Dorian really read the entire library? Why does Vivian believe the circles should remain as they were? Has Cassandra solved her crisis of faith? Was I able to help? I've been keeping demons away from Cullen’s dreams so that he can sleep through the night. Does he know that? Does he realize how much I care for him?

Do they know how much I love them? I want to tell them that. I love them. Every one of them. I want to kill a dragon with The Iron Bull. I want to swap stories with Varric so that more children get to hear the stories from my own childhood. I want to plan pranks with Sera. I want to sing songs with Leliana instead of just listening. I want to help Josephine with her paperwork even if it means I have to learn how to write in common.

“There we are, Aridhel. I think you’ll find this form just as useful as your other one. After all, one never knows when it would be better to be on two legs instead of four. Better to have both options available.” There he goes again. All smug as if he’s done something amazing. I suppose I’ll let it go this time. If only because I promised Cole that the first thing I would do in this form is hug him. He's just as excited about this as I am.

He wraps his arms around me with the same level of excitement I remember my puppy having back when I was Alice. I knew Cole would be good at this. Who better than compassion to give a girl a hug. I hadn’t realized how much I missed this. As I pull away from Cole, Solas only has a few moments to realize he would be next. He makes this funny little sound as I wrap my arms around him. I think he missed being hugged too. Silly wolf. I can give you all the hugs you need now. What a strange little family we make. Strange, but still good.

Chapter 30: enjoy some more art

Shielani's Shrine

What I imagine spirit human Aridhel looks like

Chapter 31: Wolf Finally Realizes He Has A Kid

Never in his wildest dreams, would Solas have seen this coming. How naive he was back in the early days of the Inquisition. Thinking that Adaar would be the most unexpected being to enter his life. Everything had changed so quickly. Perhaps that is why it took him so long. He hadn’t even realized how deeply he cared for these people until it was too late. When had he begun to consider them people?

Solas found himself feeling genuine respect for his current teammates. They were not as terrible as he feared. Herah was a gentle soul, more interested in helping than harming. She wasn’t like so many others of this time. She asked questions about anything and everything; plants, history, magic, the fade. If she didn’t know something she had no problems asking for more information. It’s a refreshing viewpoint not many share in these times.

He had resigned himself to helping to fix his mistake. He hadn’t expected to make so many friends. He definitely wasn’t expecting to meet Aridhel. That mischievous little fox. She was simply too easy to love. Everything about her was genuine. All she wants to do is help. Her close friendship with Cole only reinforces that fact. Mischief and Compassion made a strange combination and yet it worked better than most partnerships he had witnessed.

It had been so long since he’d witness the increasingly rare phenomenon of spirits creating a physical form. Before, the spirits would be sponsored by one of the Evanuris. Either a body would be provided or the mage in question would provide the magic necessary to create one. Now he stands in the presence of two spirits who made the change by themselves. Cole had come across the veil to help and then remained on this side to continue helping. Aridhel, well, Solas wasn’t sure she knew how this had come to be either.

Honestly, it was entirely possible Aridhel had forgotten her original purpose. She’s such a young spirit and she has grown so much faster than her fellow spirits. The constantly growing belief probably wasn’t helping. The more people believe in her the more she will change. Mischief is no longer a spirit of mischief. She is more. Once she’s older Solas will take the time to guide her towards self-discovery. That way she’ll be able to share what her new purpose has become.

The Inquisition changes everything. The shadows he’d spent so long pitying and ignoring in turns were now seen as untapped potential. It’s more obvious in the children. The two spirits spend so much time and effort raising those children. Even the non-mage children show a stronger affinity for magic and the fade than most of the adult mages in Skyhold. Whenever he found some spare time, Solas would stare into the garden and observe the lessons.

The magical abilities of the children had skyrocketed with the introduction of the eevees Aridhel had introduced to Thedas. The first three remained by her side at all times, but the others. The others only stayed by her side long enough to ensure they had the physical form established. Each child was partnered with an eevee and the two were instructed to spend all their time together. It’s rarer to see a child on their lonesome than it is to see a child with an eevee.

Already, Solas could see the benefits of such an arrangement. The children were much less afraid. There were no more unaccompanied children roaming the halls. Young mages showed more confidence in themselves and their place in the world than most of their older counterparts. The non-magical children were more cautious than fearful of magic. Most importantly, the children looked out for each other.

Cole and Aridhel had accomplished the one thing the adults of Thedas thought impossible. They had created a generation of kindness, equality and curiosity. He had no doubts that those same children wandering the halls of Skyhold alongside their spirit partners would go on to change the world. How could they not? They had been raised by Compassion and Mischief and would no doubt live their lives being recklessly kind.

The one thing Solas would never get used to would be the sudden fatherhood that had been unceremoniously thrust upon him. Where the idea that Aridhel was his daughter came from he had no idea. All he really knew is that Wisdom had congratulated him on his recent foray into fatherhood with an excitement he hadn’t known the old spirit could feel. The twenty minutes she spent lecturing him for failing to tell her of his daughter sooner was embarrassing to sit through.

Solas was sure that if anyone would know that he had become a father it would be him. Yet somehow, he’s the last to know. Even Mythal had known about it before he did. She had shown up unannounced during one of his meetings with his people with a bottle of wine and a handwritten card. Mythal was just as annoyed as Wisdom that Solas had failed to share the good news. “I mean really Solas, think of all the birthdays I’ve missed already!” She complained.

What birthdays? Aridhel is maybe a year old. It hardly matters if she’s older than that because this past year is the only one she truly remembers with any clarity. As far as Aridhel is aware, she has only been around for a year or so. Regardless, Mythal would not be persuaded otherwise. He spent the rest of the night drinking overly sweet Orlesian wine and listening to Mythal’s recounting of her triumphs and failures in motherhood.

In all honesty, Solas can’t remember the entirety of that night. The wine did it’s job and ensured he would have no memory of the no doubt embarrassing conversation. Unfortunately, the wine didn’t keep Mythal from living up to her promise from the night before and introducing herself to Aridhel. The strange little fox called her a “wine aunt” and demanded to know why they hadn’t been introduced earlier. They spent an hour talking about magical tax evasion of all things.

This whole experience has been madness and Solas knows that it’s only going to get stranger from here. He doesn’t regret it though. It’s nice to have a pack again. Not that he would ever admit it though. He has a reputation to uphold. Any claims that there is a six eyed wolf curled around a nine tailed fox somewhere in the fade are lies and slander.

Chapter 32: Roll For Divine Intervention

Adamant Fortress is shit. The Grey Wardens are shit. Falling into the Fade was shit. This whole day has been nothing but shit on top of shit with an ice cold glass of more shit to wash it all down. So really, finding out that a giant nightmare demon is blocking their escape wasn’t a surprise. Herah was beyond done with this whole thing. This had been a shitty three months and all she wanted at this point was to go home and drink her troubles away. She deserved that much didn’t she?

Here she is stuck in the fade with a group of children. Stroud and Hawke are arguing with each other as if they don’t have bigger problems to worry about. Constantly going back and forth about whose fault this is and who caused what. The Iron Bull is panicking about demons and impersonating his second in command. Cassandra is having another crisis of faith as she tries to determine whether the spirit beside them is truly the late Divine. Solas is over in the back of the group gushing about how they’re all physically in the fade and being entirely unhelpful. The only other sane person here is Dorian and he’s been mocking the fear demons that occasionally show up and attack us. Herah is over it. If she spends one more minute in this mad house she’ll take herself out. Luckily, Herah has a trick up her sleeve. The best trick one could have.

That’s right, it's time to call in some divine intervention. Herah just so happens to know a god that loves her and is easily bribed. If Lady manages to get her out of this situation without any more bloodshed she’ll sign the damn checks for gourmet steak tips herself. Anything to get her out of this desert and away from the stupid sand. In what felt like hours, but was probably only minutes, Herah felt the world around her shift. Much like the future that never was a blizzard suddenly enveloped the area. A quick order to her teammates would send them running towards the rift that would lead them out of the fade. Herah had to time it right though. If they ran too soon, then the demons would stop them. They would have to bunker down and wait it out. At least the demons couldn't reach them anymore.

Lady was almost impossible to see within the cover of her blizzard and Herah could faintly see the lesser demons freezing solid almost instantly. She could feel the magic surrounding them as if it were a physical weight against her skin. It’s hard to reconcile her sweet little Lady with the powerful being single handedly pushing back the nightmare of the blight. This is the same little fox that got herself tangled up within the canopy surrounding her bed. The spirit of Faith or the late Divine, whatever she is doesn’t matter. The glowing figure takes her chance and throws herself against the nightmare. This is it. Herah can see Lady preparing herself to destroy the demon with the same move she used against the dragon. There is a moon taking shape above her form and steadily glowing brighter. Herah gives the order and her team makes a run for it. She makes a mental note to scold the lot of them later. Honestly, there is a time and a place to act like children and it's not during a mission.

Herah is the last to pass through the rift. Her last view of the fade before she closes the rift is one of the nightmare being ripped apart by a blast of pure light. She's going to have to remember that for Varric. By the time his book is finished he's going to have to market it as a fictional piece. No one's ever going to believe half of the stuff that happens to her was real. If they believe any of it in the first place. When she finally makes it back to Skyhold she finds Lady waiting for her in her room. Her little fox is more tired than usual and has a slight limp. Herah spends the rest of the day pampering her friend. She doesn’t care what her advisors say, she deserves a break. The world can keep itself together for a week.

Chapter 33: What it’s actually like to fight a Nightmare

Youth loves Aridhel. How could they not? She has brought so much fun into their life. She even managed to bring Youth into the waking world without being corrupted. They have a fluffy tail now. It’s amazing.

They spend their days playing games and having fun. The old wolf they used to be so afraid of isn’t so bad. Sometimes he even takes the time to answer questions, but only boring ones. He never has any answers for the questions Youth really wants to understand.

The old wolf must not be as smart as Faith likes to believe if he can’t answer the real questions. Like, why can’t we see our eyes? Why were swear words invented if we can’t use them? More importantly why doesn’t the sky fall on us? Why are the dwarves the only ones asking this very important question?

Youth is always asked to leave after that. The old wolf probably doesn’t know either and is just too embarrassed to say. Adults are weird like that. They can never admit that they don’t know the answers to things. Youth would find it funny if it wasn’t so annoying of a trait.

Aridhel was late for their game of monopoly. The game isn’t the same without her. Duty is too distracted by Aridhel’s blatant attempts at cheating to notice that Faith has been sneaking money from the bank the whole game. Youth just likes to role the dice and occasionally mess with the other player’s results. They swear the dice landed on a three and not a four honest.

When Youth finds her, they know something is wrong. Aridhel is too deep in the fade. She rarely wanders that far during her daily naps. Worse still is the fact that Youth can’t wake her up. They’ve swished their tail under her nose and nothing. No reaction. They nibble on her sensitive ears and all she does is shift away. Youth even tries screaming as loud as they can directly into her face and still nothing.

Luckily all the noise attracted the attention of their other friends. Duty takes one look at Aridhel and begins swearing. Faith simply sighs and wonders why we can’t have one day without problems. “I knew things have been going a little too smoothly lately.”

“We have to go in after her. Whatever she’s doing she needs help.” Duty is as resolute as ever. Strong in their convictions and dedicated to their friend.

It feels as though the transition occurs between one blink and the next, but Youth knows better. They made sure to make three turns before settling. Have to check for goblins you know? They like to pull on fluffy tails.

Youth doesn’t know where they are in the fade, but they hate it. It’s so dark here and their sensitive ears can hear something skittering towards them. Is that spiders? No one said anything about spiders! Youth doesn’t do spiders! Too many eyes and too many legs. Yuck.

Duty leads the way and Faith has this dreamy expression on their face. They must sense another spirit of Faith nearby. Youth makes sure they step in the paw prints Duty leaves. Aridhel says you can never be too careful, because booby traps. Are all boobies traps? Inquiring minds would like to know.

It’s fairly obvious where Aridhel is because there’s a giant blizzard further ahead. Outside of dreamers, Aridhel is the only one Youth knows that has the ability to change the fade so directly. It’s so strange to see weather patterns in the fade. No clouds you know?

Oh. That looks bad. Is that a giant spider? Absolutely not. Fuck that. Youth wants no part of this. Unfortunately, they are already here and the only way they’re leaving is with Aridhel. Duty has already thrown themself into battle. They’ve got a sword clenched in their teeth. They look badass.

Aridhel looks exhausted. She’s breathing heavily and favoring her left paw. Poor foxy. She just wanted to take a nap before game night. It’s a little hard to see what’s going on with all this snow and ice. Youth imagines sliding a pair of goggles over their face and relaxes as the fade makes it real.

The nightmare isn’t looking too good. Half of its eyes are closed and it’s missing a mandible. Two of its legs are gone and the unsettlingly large creature is tilted to the left. Absolutely disgusting. Youth is going to need several baths after this.

Unfortunately, the nightmare isn’t slowing. It ignores the ice creeping over its limbs. It bats away Duty’s sword. Not even Faith is making any headway against the beast. The bullets of pure light do little more than make the disgusting creature blink uncomfortably.

Poor Aridhel is melting. Or at least it looks like she is. The monster is throwing around fire balls that keep raising the temperature. It’s almost hot enough that her blizzard is melting away before she can recast it. Things aren’t looking too good.

The nightmare rears it’s ugly head and laughs mockingly. “Is this all the god of the inquisition has to offer? A handful of party tricks and subpar minions?”

Aridhel grins, but it’s all teeth. There’s a edge to her form that wasn’t there before. “Just had to buy some time. I might be a god for the inquisition, but I’m not the only one around.”

The entire realm shutters as something big forces it’s way into the Nightmare’s territory. Youth falls back onto the newer instincts this eevee form has given them. Be small, be quiet, let the predator’s gaze pass you by. The nightmare isn’t so smart.

“I don’t have to beat you dumbass. All I had to do was last long enough for backup to arrive. My dad is going to kick your ass.” Aridhel’s laugh is a toxic sound, dark and cutting.

Youth can hear the howls of an angry wolf and knows that the old wolf has arrived. The nightmare may be old, but the wolf is older and he doesn’t take kindly to fox hunting. Youth can feel the old fear creeping up on them. Even if it’s not directed towards them, the Wolf’s anger is suffocating.

The nightmare is ripped apart by the Wolf’s jaws. It’s very essence is shattered and scattered across the fade. It will never reform again. Without the nightmare to hold the world together it begins to fall apart.

The rocks that once floated above them come crashing down and Youth barely avoids the resulting rockslides. They just wanted to play monopoly! That’s all they wanted. They’ve been looking forward to it all week.

The wolf takes the lot of them within it’s jaw. It’s gross. There is saliva and very sharp teeth entirely too close to Youth’s face. 1/10 would not recommend. If they never travel like this again it’ll be too soon.

An hour later, Youth is still in the fade being scolded by an irate wolf. The unrepentant daughter sheepishly accepts the words without making any promises. We all know she’ll do this again. Youth just doesn’t know why they’re still here. It’s not like it was their idea. They just wanted to play monopoly.

Chapter 34: The first evolution

Shielani loves her god. The fox is kinder than the gods she grew up with. She doesn’t brand her to show ownership and she ask little if anything of Shielani. In fact, she gives. The ice fox that ensured her passage to Skyhold is kept carefully chilled within the ice glyph Shielani had learned by shadowing the mages in the tower.

Her favorite gift was the eevee she had been introduced to. Her fluffy friend was exactly what she’d needed. So long as her eevee was with her, Shielani didn’t have much to fear. There was little chance of getting lost or running into cruel adults. Her eevee carefully guided her through the halls with an ease she adored.

It felt as though she had poured all that she is into her new friend. Over the course of three weeks she had told her companion everything. Her half remembered past. Her hopes for the future. The comforting dreams she has where Aridhel holds her and tells her she is loved.

Shielani likes to go on walks through the fort during the night. She doesn’t need as much sleep as the other children and she feels bad when Lyzabeth stays up to keep her company. Her friend will deny her tiredness even as she tilts to the side.

Eevee has no problem keeping up with her. They travel by her side and lead her to the best spots. From there they just sit and look at the stars. It’s strange how even those have changed. They shifted. Some of them are new. Were there always so many up there?

It’s during one of these nightly adventures that something amazing happens. Her eevee had turned to her and spoken. Shielani is used to long conversations with her companion, but this feels different.

“You are my very best friend Shielani. I was unsure at first. The waking world can be overwhelming.” Eevee trails off, their ears drooping over their face in their embarrassment. “From now on, I want to be able to guide you through the dark. A star that shines just for you.”

Her eevee is overtaken by a blinding light. Shielani can just make out their changing form. When the light finally fades her eevee is different. She almost can’t recognize her friend. Will all of the eeevees change? Is this what Aridhel meant about growing up together?

Eevee is larger. They come up to her upper thighs now. Their fur is different too, dark and sleek where it used to be fluffy. Amazingly enough, her eevee is glowing. There are circles of glowing light emanating from her friend. They look so cool.

Shielani has never seen such a creature before and yet she knows what her friend has turned into. “The two of us are going to be together forever. What better companion for a rogue than an umbreon!”

She is so excited over the thought of the other kids reactions that she fails to consider the adults. For the rest of the night, Shielani and her umbreon play together. They explore the new abilities and chase each other through the halls. Tomorrow will be a day of many questions, but for tonight the world is simple.

Shielani and umbreon are partners, they’re family. They will stay together forever. They have a whole world to explore and plenty of time to do it. Their adventure begins the same way it always has, two friends playing a game.

Chapter 35: Is that you God?

Obviously the first person to find out about my latest shape shifting breakthrough is Herah. That being said, she takes it surprisingly well. There were the few attempts to wake herself up at first. She pinched herself hard enough to leave a mark. Once that was over with she was pretty accepting of it.

“I really wish I could say this is the weirdest thing I’ve seen today Lady.” Herah dryly commented as she ran one of her brushes through my curls.

What a strange life she must live that finding out her pet is a shape shifting god is seen as trivial. The games are detailed, but not detailed enough apparently. Now that I was person shaped I could answer her questions and we were working things out.

“So you’re my creator then? I honestly didn’t see that one coming. Are you the maker? Can’t say why, but I always assumed the maker was a man.”

“No.” I responded. “I’m not The Maker, I’m just your maker.”

“Am I the only one?” This is the only point in the conversation where Herah looks concerned. As if the thought that I’m making things up as we go along is terrifying to consider.

“No. At least I don’t think so. There was the warden. Hawke too.” I think so at least. I can’t say for sure what the world state is seeing as how no one bothered to share the information with me.

Of course it is at that moment that our incredibly honest conversation is interrupted. Bursting through the door without so much as a how you do, comes Marianne Hawke herself. She looks just as I remember her.

“Oh inquisitior!” She coos. “I hear you’ve been keeping a god away from me! How rude. Don’t feel like sharing with your fellow hero do you?”

Herah curses in a manner that’s more colorful than her usual habits. She must be spending more time with Sera lately. I, of course, do what I do best. Which is make things even worse.

“I knew those curls would look amazing on you! You have no idea how long it took for me to get them just right!” I’m so caught up in the excitement of seeing one of my heroes looks so effortlessly pretty that I fail to remember where I am.

There’s nothing but stunned silence for a moment. I can see the unquestionable look of “what the fuck” on Marianne’s face. Herah has face palmed so hard the echo of her slap reverberated through the room. Oops.

What follows next can only be described as an instantaneous crisis of faith and a reconstruction of their shared understanding of the universe. Oh well, in for a penny in for a pound. Might as well get something off my chest.

“I would like to take this time to apologize to both of you. You were not given easy paths to walk and though I did my best to guide you through your challenges, I admit that I was not perfect.” I take a minute here to think over what I’d like to say next. I’ve never been good at impromptu speeches.

“I am sorry that you have suffered and that you will continue to do so. All I can say is that you were the best for the job.” I know without seeing their faces that this isn’t helping, not in the way I want it to.

I finish my apology the only way I feel I can. Just as honestly as I began. “When you feel as though you’ve failed or that you could have done better. I want you to know that you have already done the best you could and that is all the world has ever needed from you.”

Chapter 36: Evolutions all the time

I’ve found that the best way to introduce new information is to do so in a way that leaves no time for deeper thinking. It makes people so much more likely to accept things that they normally wouldn’t. When Shielani’s umbreon became the first of the eevees to evolve, I sat down with Cole to create a list of what the inquisition may see in the future.

It was a great idea simply because by the end of the week, there was a full set of the original eeveelutions from my memories of Pokémon canon. The best part was seeing how each child’s partner suited their future goals.

The boy who loved fishing now has a vaporeon dogging his steps. The little girl with a green thumb uses her leafeon to grow rarer plants that normally wouldn’t survive life in the mountains. Flareon is a common sight at the daily chantry sermon as the young girl it follows learns what it takes to become a chantry sister.

Espeon follows their little mage friend as he does his best to learn from his elders. Jolteon helps their mage learn the best materials to channel lighting through. There’s even a Sylveon wandering around Skyhold spreading joy alongside their partner as she learns songs from the bards passing through.

With so many evolutions happening at once there wasn’t really time to panic. After all, these were the same creatures Skyhold has watched for the past few months. They might have changed in shape, but they remained themselves. Besides, no one wants to give up free child care.

My original trio of eevees have yet to change and there are plenty of children whose partners haven’t changed either. They are more than welcome to take their time. Especially if they decide to take a shape I’ve never seen before. We’ll just have to wait and see. I’m so excited to see what comes next!

Chapter 37: The only logical response

Two of the three most powerful women in Thedas can be found drinking their minds away at the Herald’s rest. The owner had taken one look at the women, handed them the keys and emptied the bar. Herah made a mental note to herself to give the man a huge tip.

There was a lot for them to unpack. Things they had considered fact that would now need to be reconsidered. Lady wasn’t just any god, she was their god. If what she had said earlier was true, then Lady was the maker. Or the maker was Lady. Did that mean Lady was the voice Andraste had heard so long ago?

What a mind fuck this was. How was she even supposed to deal with this. Hawke must know something Herah doesn’t because she grabbed the biggest bottle she could find and just started chugging. It’s kind of impressive. Herah has a brief passing thought over whether Hawke has a gag reflex before refocusing.

Whenever Herah is this unsettled she falls back onto logic. What else is there for her to do? Alcohol has never helped before and she doubts that had changed. So it was time to look at this logically. What did Herah know for a fact?

“Lady talked about creating us. I already know she is considered a god, so this is just confirmation.” Just saying it aloud makes Herah want to cry.

“That damn furball apologized for not being perfect. Admitted to doing her best to guide us down the right path.” Hawke is dazed, her eyes are clouded from the alcohol.

“Lady is a god, she might be the god. If god can take any form why not a fox.” This isn’t helping. Herah can barely think over the sound of her heartbeat.

“This isn’t going to work. You can’t logic your way out of this mind fuck.” She slams a bottle in front of Herah and mimes drinking it.

All it takes is a quick sniff to recognize the poison in front of her as the dragon drink from Bull. Yeah no thanks. She only has three tastebuds left and she needs them.

“Besides,” Hawke states with a thousand yard stare, “if god isn’t perfect and admitted to making stuff up as she goes, what chance do the rest of us have.”

“Fuck.” Herah cradles her head in her hands. She wishes she never found out. This is too much. “She said it gets worse. How much more does she want from us?”

“Don’t know. All I know is that I’m not sobering up for another three days. Maybe if I’m lucky I’ll have forgotten all about this by then.”

Herah looks back at the drink in front of her and makes a decision. She picks up the bottle and starts chugging. Fuck those tastebuds. Orlesian food is shit anyway.

Chapter 38: An outside perspective

Infatuation missed Mischief. She hadn’t been the same since her partnership with the warden. It had changed her, made her forget. They had always been together. Where Infatuation went Mischief was sure to follow. They liked to make the mages lives at the tower bearable.

Everything was great. Infatuation and his friend would wander hand in hand. Until Mischief met Surana. What did she find so interesting about that elf? She was no different than the others. More powerful perhaps, but afraid of her own shadow.

“She’s familiar. I know her, I just don’t know how.” Mischief never had any answers for Infatuation beyond that.

He knew she was different. Sometimes Mischief would remember being someone else. She would talk about a brother whose face she couldn’t see and the voice of a mother that couldn’t speak. But she was his.

Infatuation did everything he could to pull her away from the elf. It wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough. All he could do was follow behind and so follow he did.

Mischief and Surana became fast friends. They shared knowledge and secrets with each breath. It wasn’t fair. She even interferes with the elf’s joining. He had felt her spirit waver under the strength of the taint until Mischief rushed to bolster her.

When the time came for the elf to kill the dragon Infatuation worried. His friend had spent so long as a part of a whole that he didn’t know if she could survive alone. Not that she would be. Infatuation would be there and they could join into one. Then they would never be apart again.

Something went wrong. Mischief was forced out of the elf and her spot was taken by the old god. It hurt her. She disappeared into the fade and she was in pieces. Infatuation searched everywhere for her. He painstakingly put her back together again, but it wasn’t right.

Mischief insisted her name was Alice. She was a human and she wanted to go home. Infatuation didn’t know what to do. He helped her adjust and adapt. Mischief was his friend regardless of the name she went by. It was getting better, until it wasn’t.

Another mortal steals her attention away. Another mage that makes a deal and Mischief is swept up into her adventure. She doesn’t join her, says it would feel like a betrayal. Infatuation twisted. She would consider it a betrayal to the elf and not her oldest friend. Did he mean nothing to her?

Again he follows as she guides another mortal through the pitfalls of life. Again he watches his friend give away more of herself than she should. She didn’t remember herself after the first mortal nearly ruined her. What would she forget next?

Mischief is forced out of the mage’s mind when the mortal turns to blood magic at her confrontation with the templars. There is no need for a connection to the fade and so Mischief has no connection to her mortal. Good. Maybe now she will return to Infatuation. She doesn’t. She disappeared.

It took forever to find her again. He had been looking in the wrong places. Mischief had created a physical body for herself. She had lost herself again. Even more upsetting was the fact that she had attached herself to yet another mortal. When will she learn?

She doesn’t know him anymore. Doesn’t remember her purpose. Infatuation burns with the indignation of watching HIS mischief cozy up to Compassion as if she didn’t already have a partner. He joins her in dreams, plays with her like he used to, but it hurts. Mischief isn’t the same. Infatuation just wants his other half back. He wants to be enough.

Chapter 39: The First Waltz

The ball was coming up and I’m feeling conflicted. I always really enjoyed the mission from the game. It was a nice change from the endless fetch quests and repetitive fighting. However, knowing that people are going to die simply because they were working that night is hard to accept.

I mean, why? This would work so much better as a stealth assasination than to kill everyone who crosses your path. Stupid harlequins. I made a much better assassin in my Skyrim play through than any of the ones we’ve run into. Other than Zevran of course. The OG assassin from origins.

I know I can’t save everyone you know? But there has to be something I can do. In the game you only save one woman and that’s it. The only servants who don’t end up dead are the ones working in the main rooms.

Duty suggested going to the ball and I guess that would work. The only problem with that is what the inquisition wants me to do. My person form looks different. It’s sort of human, but the longer you look the more you realize that I’m definitely not human. I’m supposed to be a distraction, the pretty new bauble that keeps you from mentioning the elephant in the room.

So I will be too busy being beautifully distracting to save any lives other than the inquisition’s social reputation. What am I to do? It’s not like I can be in two places at once. Ninetales doesn’t know any moves like that.

“I could help. Worried, ashamed, I know who needs help but I can’t. But you can. You know, so I can help. We’ll help together.”

Oh Cole you beautiful soul you! I can’t believe I forgot. I don’t have to do everything by myself. That’s what I have friends for. Even the eevee trio can help me out. Eevees can be quite quick footed and I doubt they’ll get caught if they're trying to be stealthy.

“That helped, but not enough. Dancing helps. Makes you stop thinking, there’s no room for thoughts. Your body moves and your mind quiets. Abuela said to clear your mind while you dance.”

Yes. I remember that. She inspired me to dance. She showed me one of her old tapes, back from when she had been a prima ballerina. It was gorgeous despite the poor quality.

My abuela made an enchanting swan princess. Every movement was graceful as she smoothly transitioned from one movement to the next. I wanted to be just like her. She was happy to share what she knew. It made her feel young again.

I did ballet until I couldn’t anymore, by fifteen my body had sustained enough damage that to continue would only do more harm than good. It was a sad day when I had to give it up. Abuela held me as I cried.

That’s one of the good things about remaking my body. I could make it with enough sturdiness that it no longer hurt. My toes were cute again and no longer broken. Magic makes the movements easier too, they give me a cushion to wrap around my body.

“We can dance. Solas taught you the steps. Please Fen’bae won’t you teach me? Father’s always teach their daughters this dance. He has a hard time telling you no. It was the first time you called him father.”

Cole steps forward and offers me a hand. I reach out with my own and we slowly move into place. His other hand rests on my upper back and I have a hard time focusing on the steps Solas had taught me.

“It’s easy, remember? One, two, three. One, two, three.”

I follow Cole’s lead as he moves us around the room. He even manages to spin me out once or twice before pulling me back in. It’s nice, really nice. I’ll have to dance with him at the winter palace too.

We had such a nice time dancing together that I forgot that I was worried. For once my mind was quiet. We should do this more often.

“We will. I think I like dancing too. At least when it’s with you.”

Chapter 40: The long awaited monopoly game

This is what Youth had been waiting for. Monopoly was the only battlefield they were willing to fight and die on. It wasn’t just their honor on the line it was their money too!

Sure the money was fake, but the point still stands. Youth had bets to win and friends to crush. They loved their friends really they did, they just enjoyed taking all their money more.

Aridhel described the game as one that destroys friendships. It makes sense. Duty was so annoyed at the fact they had gone bankrupt within the first five rounds that they flipped the board and tackled Aridhel.

Faith took the time to fix the board and reset the game. They also added more fifties to their opening hand and offered Youth a bribe to ensure their silence. As if they would ever accept $100 dollars to betray their friends. It cost Faith at least $250.

Aridhel uses the same strategy during each game for the most part. She buys a ton of properties, especially the boardwalk and park place. From there she does everything she can to end up in jail. Including bribing Youth to change her dice rolls.

Duty knows this and hates it. They are so busy trying to stop Aridhel from cheating that they completely ignore the true threats to the integrity of game nights. Faith is a monster and their mastery over capitalism is something to fear.

Faith has taken over all four railroads and the utilities spaces. Youth fears that this will be another total win on Faith’s part which would bring the tally to an even ten wins for Faith.

Not today though. Youth has been plotting and planning since the end of last game for how they would win. The key to that would be to open Duty’s eyes to the identity of the true evil mastermind.

Youth makes sure to time it perfectly. When Faith reaches out to steal yet another $50, Youth let’s out the most obnoxious and disgusting sneeze they could. They go all out. They make a loud noise, they spit, they even managed to get a huge booger to come out their nose.

Aridhel is disgusted. She shoots over to the old wolf’s desk to grab as many tissues as she can. Her person form easily picks Youth up by their scruff as she does her best to scrub off the crud on their face.

Youth can barely breathe through the papers, but that’s not important. What’s important is that they can see and hear everything. Duty has noticed Faith at the same time Faith realized that Duty watched them place the $50 in their money pile.

“Oh shit. This is about to be a bloodbath.” Aridhel scrambles away from the table. She’s yet to let go of Youth and they appreciate the save. This is going to be amazing. Youth is finally going to win!

The tense silence is shattered by the high pitched yowl that escapes Duty’s body. Youth didn’t know eevees could make that noise. It sounded like a monster. Faith panics and jumps ship just as Duty pounces.

From there the room erupted into chaos. It was glorious. Aridhel let’s Youth go as she tries to calm the two trouble makers down. She’s having a hard time pulling them apart and Youth makes their move.

Now in control of the board Youth takes the time to fix it. They happily take properties and add houses. They even take the time to add a hotel to their haul. By the time their three friends rejoin the game Youth feels quite pleased with themselves.

“Youth, buddy, I know you cheated.”

“How dare you, I would never!”

“Youth you stole my properties.”

“They went up for auction while you were busy. Didn’t keep up with your taxes.”

“You know what? Fine. Whatever.”

Needless to say Youth has finally won their first game of monopoly. Victory tastes sweet. They go to bed that night unafraid of goblins. Youth only does a single turn before laying down and going to sleep.

The official tally goes as follows:
Duty 3
Aridhel 6
Faith 9
Youth 1

Chapter 41: The Egg

Wisdom is old. Up until this moment it had never bothered her. Then again, she always assumed she’d have more. More to learn, more to understand, more to share. More time to live.

Death is an unfamiliar topic. There is no understanding it. It simply is. All things end eventually. She just never counted herself among those things.

At least Solas is here. Her oldest, dearest friend. She is selfishly happy that he is here with her even though she knows her death will hurt him.

He had found hope. His daughter might be known for her mischief but it is the hope she inspires that makes her so miraculous. Wisdom wishes she could have met her. If only to comfort herself that Solas will be loved after she is gone.

She is herself again. The overwhelming pain and anger has been banished. The red film coloring her gaze faded away with the destruction of the towers. It’s nice to be herself again. If she is to meet her end, she will greet it as herself.

Without the bindings keeping her here, she can hear the fade calling her. It shows in the waking world as her image flickers between the two states. She hopes she can stay a little longer.

From the fade she sees something flickering. As if another being has come to witness her final goodbye. Wisdom sees her, the daughter Solas has told her of. The poor dear looks so sad.

Wisdom has never seen anything like her before. She takes the form of a silver nine tailed fox. What is it with those rebels that attracts them to multiples? The father with his many eyes and his daughter with her many tails.

They make a strange pair and yet Wisdom loves them. Even this daughter she has never met. To be able to meet her before the end is a blessing she hadn’t hoped for until she found herself bound against her purpose.

There are still regrets, but not so many as there was before. Her dearest friend cradles her body in the waking. She meets his daughter in the fade and feels happiness. She will not go alone.

The fox is crying. She had not thought it possible for animals to cry. The soul may be more, but the physical form must have limitations. Then again, what rules of logic are followed by the fade?

Wisdom doesn’t have much time left, but she has enough time for this. To soothe the grief of a gentle soul is no trouble. It hurts to talk, her being too scattered to give enough intent behind the words. Wisdom manages regardless.

“It’s alright little one.” She consoles. “You have nothing to apologize for. This is simply the way of things. Nothing lasts forever.”

Between one blink and the next she is by Wisdom’s side. How strange, she didn’t remember it being so difficult before. Time has always been different in the fade. Stagnant compared to the rapid currents of the waking.

“I think I can help.” She says. Her eyes are so blue that Wisdom almost mistakes them for the sky. Such determination in one so young. She really is her father’s daughter.

“It won’t be instantaneous, and you won’t be the same. But, you’ll be here, with him. I promise.”

Wisdom considers it. She has never feared death before. It had been a foreign concept for so long she had begun to ignore it. She can’t ignore it anymore.

She knows her answer before she says anything. Wisdom prides herself on strategies and patience. There is neither in this answer. For once, she has no idea what will happen next. No theories, no expectations, she doesn’t even have a guess.

Wisdom says yes and as her physical form fades away she feels a tug on her soul. She doesn’t fight it. She lets the pull take her wherever it may lead. Aridhel had promised.

When she has the ability to look outside herself she is lost. She doesn’t know where she is, but it is dark. There is a faint heartbeat echoing against the walls and Wisdom allows herself to rest.

Whatever comes next will be something she’s never done before. It’s rather exciting actually. She has always loved learning new things. Perhaps Solas will be there and they can learn together. That would be wonderful.

Chapter 42: Weirdest intro to motherhood ever

Aridhel wakes within Herah’s room still resting on her bed. For a moment she fears that it had been a dream. Inconsequential and fake. The creation of brain waves and passing thoughts.

The feeling of a second heartbeat pressing against her stomach answers that. Resting beside her is an egg. The kind of egg a Pokémon day care owner would pass you while saying they had no idea where it had come from.

Leaning closer the fox presses her ear against the fragile shell. There. That’s her, that’s Wisdom. Aridhel wonders what she will become. The egg is the generic pattern all eggs take in the games. She can’t say for sure that Wisdom will be an eevee.

Then again, she’s never done this for a spirit before either. She will have to be careful. If this egg is as fragile as the real world counterparts she’s in for a rough time.

The first order of business is finding a safe place to put it. Though maybe it would be better to find a safe way to carry it. Pokémon eggs hatch after you take enough steps right? It’s how you build the bond.

She will carry it around. It will solve two problems at once. First, she won’t lose her mind wondering if the egg is safe. Second, if the egg works like the game mechanic than keeping it with her will help.

Aridhel is sure there will be questions. She might as well get her story together now. Solas will need to be told. Perhaps Cole can help. She doesn’t think she’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.

Though now her mind is busy considering something else. If Wisdom could be likened to her aunt, and she would now technically be Wisdom’s mother, what were they to each other now? Certainly not aunt and niece or mother and daughter.

Something to consider later she supposed. There were things to do after all. She’d never considered motherhood before. This was certainly a weird way of going about it, but what about her wasn’t weird these days?

Chapter 43: Glaceon joins the party

Faith is relatively young for a spirit. Their first few glimpses of awareness were centered entirely on the being that had given them their purpose. It’s earliest memories consist of blurry images of a small fox with too many tails trying it’s best.

Aridhel is a kind spirit. She asks for very little of her followers and cares for them as best she is able. Faith had not expected to bond so closely to her. At first the spirit had only wanted a closer look.

How could any being not be curious? Standing before Faith was the source of their creation. Aridhel was close enough to touch, to hear, to interact with. How could Faith possibly ignore that?

They couldn’t. They had to know more, more about Aridhel, about the world. Just more. Faith has learned so much more than they ever thought they would. The waking world is nothing like the dreaming.

Faith is still young and has a lot left to learn. The old wolf likes to remind them that they will never stop learning. That’s perfectly fine with them. Faith already knows the most important fact of their lifetime.

Faith loves Aridhel and Aridhel loves them in return. They feel it with every game night. They feel it with every hug. They feel it curling over them in every shared dream. Aridhel has lots of love to give and Faith soaks up as much of it as they can.

So when the time comes that Faith begins to feel that bubbly sensation beneath their fur they don’t fight it. They welcome it, excited to change their form to reflect this outpouring of love and devotion.

Faith loses themselves to the bright light of evolution and experiences the flush of power that pulses through their body. The air within their lungs cools and their next breath escapes in the form of fragile snowflakes.

Their fur darkens and grows from fluffy brown into slick sapphire. Between one blink and the next Faith knows exactly how their form has changed. Gone is the youthful excitement of an eevee and in its place is something more refined.

Glaceon opens her eyes with all the grace and calm of a winter’s morning. What better form to reflect the shape of her very being than one made of ice? Faith and Aridhel were now a matching pair.

The fact that she had managed to evolve before the ever so hot headed Duty was just an added bonus. She was sure there would be plenty of arguments with her beloved frenemy but now Faith would be big enough to simply shove Duty out of their way.

Yes. This form would do wonderfully. Faith couldn’t wait to share the good news. She could feel change in the air and giggled from the excitement. She just knew interesting times were coming.

Chapter 44: The wait

The egg was a source of wonder for the followers of the fox god. It simply appeared one day and Aridhel had behaved as if it had always been there. Perhaps it was and it had simply been hidden from their sight. It was as good an explanation as any.

Surprisingly, the fact that their god had supposedly laid an egg was not the part that maintained their attention. No that was easily explained away with the simple belief that it is what it is. Who’s to say it isn’t natural for the child of a god to come from an egg? Certainly not them.

Besides, if Aridhel wasn’t concerned about it why should they worry? The inquisitor herself had accepted this further deviation from the expected norm with little more than a night of drinking to wash it down. Surely if they had something to fear, the herald would have let them know.

After all, the inquisitor had been the one to bring the fox god to them. She would know better than most if the egg was dangerous. No what they wanted to know was what would hatch from it? Would it be another fox?

Perhaps it would be an eevee? No one know how they came to be other than Aridhel herself partnered them with a child to grow alongside of. Then again, the other eevees had simply come into being one day without the need for a pregnancy or eggs.

The egg could hold anything really. All that was known for sure was that within the fragile shell of the egg grew the child of a god. Everyone within the stone walls of the fortress knew about it. They had all seen it at one point or another.

The seamstress had been the one to offer Aridhel the cloth sling she used to carry her egg around. The servants in charge of cleaning made sure to carefully open any doors Aridhel came across so that she would not have to worry about it swinging back and hitting her egg.

The scouts kept a close eye of the fox god and an even closer one on those whose gazes rested a little too long on the helpless egg. Many a noble had been pulled aside by the guards for a not so gentle warning to keep their hands to themselves.

Every soul in Skyhold was eagerly waiting for the egg to hatch. None more so than fade advisor Solas. He had returned from the disaster of a mission long after the inquisitor’s party with an air of defeat and depression.

Since finding out about the egg he had been almost obsessive over Aridhels health and whereabouts. That at least was understandable. Other than the inquisitor, Aridhel spends most of her time with him.

For a moment there is a passing though of another the god spends her time with. The blurry image of blonde hair and a too big hat that fades away between one blink and the next. He’s not very good at letting them remember. Too used to making them forget.

It takes two weeks for the egg to hatch. Unfortunately, it happens in the privacy of the fade advisor’s quarters. The newborn child comes into the world in front of a small audience that already loves her dearly.

Aridhel welcomed her daughter with all the love that has built over the course of two long weeks of constant movement. Duty, Faith, and Youth her constant companions are there to witness the girl’s first few blinks of awareness.

Solas cries as he greets a new old friend. Cole stands nearby, a hand on the elf’s shoulder not knowing how else to comfort him. Solas hurts, but its a good hurt and so there is nothing for Cole to make him forget.

The girl who was once Wisdom and is now something more yawns. This form is different from the half remembered memories of another life. Perhaps life as a dratini will be more satisfying then one as a spirit. Though the lack of limbs is a bit disconcerting.

Her mother assures her she is “the most adorable little snake she’s ever seen.” Dratini believed that to be a good thing. The overwhelming wave of love and adoration surrounding her ensures that it can’t be anything but good. She wonders what she will learn next.

Chapter 45: Anatomy of sneks

Aridhel loves her daughter. She’s the cutest little boop noodle she’s ever seen. Honestly, she’s kind of impressed with her work. Silea is adorable.

Being the wonderful new mother that she is, Aridhel takes the time to teach her daughter what she needs to know about her new form. Dratini’s are just like snakes. If one ignores the magic and ridiculous growth rate.

Dratini’s have always been considered mythical creatures. Even the Pokédex remarks just how rare they are. That’s why they were called the “mirage Pokémon.” It makes sense that her daughter would choose that form.

Silea would spend the rest of her time as a Dratini in a constant state of growth and shedding. Even as a hatchling she’s already exceeding 5 feet in length. It’s easier for Aridhel to carry her daughter around in her person form and even that won’t last much longer.

The first time Varric saw Aridhel in her fox form with her cute daughter coiled around her body he did a double take. The fact that he poured out what was left of his tankard into his flask put an extra skip in her step. It was the best of both worlds really. Aridhel got to cuddle with her daughter and mess with people. 10/10 would recommend.

The Pokédex talks about how the reason Dratini is constantly molting is because the levels of life energy within their body steadily builds to reach uncontrollable levels. That’s turning out to be a bit more dangerous than expected.

If the other inhabitants of the fort are light bulbs, than Silea would be considered a flood light. It’s kind of amazing. Except for when the brilliance of it is giving Aridhel a headache.

Her poor little daughter is constantly losing control over her powers. She hit Youth with twister during a game of tag and Aridhel had to get Solas to pull them down safely. They had gotten stuck on top of one of the library shelves. At least Liliana found it funny.

Silea is also drawn to the powerful waterfall within the keep. Which means that Aridhel spends most of her free time trying to keep her curious daughter from falling over the edge to the cautious amusement of Harritt.

Luckily all that curiosity is good for more than just giving the new family heart attacks. It also means that Silea learns and retains more about her new body than expected. Granted, Aridhel’s anatomical knowledge of snakes comes from memes.

The unimpressed look Solas shared with Duty while listening to Silea list her new body parts was enough to entertain Aridhel for weeks. Every so often she’d remember the looks on their faces and lose herself in a fit of giggles. Silea laughed along with her even if she doesn’t know why her mother is laughing.

The first and last time Herah asked about Silea, she was faced with the herculean task of keeping a straight face as the little snek listed her new features. Silea happily listed her features as follows:
Cute snoot
Peepers
Noodle neck
Smelly flickers
Nom nom seekers
Ear wings
Forehead dot

Chapter 46: The Inquisitor’s side hustle

With the recent arrival of Skyhold’s newest resident, Herah finds herself facing a new challenge. It’s impressive really. She spends most of her time easily taking out all sorts of enemies and it’s the piles of shed skin that nearly kills her.

It’s everywhere. It’s on the stairs. In the library. On her clothes. She found some in her bath when the sneaky little snake had beaten her to the tub. She’d been looking forward to that bath all week.

Clearly something had to be done. Lady told Herah that Silea would continue to molt until she evolved. Unfortunately, there’s no set date for that. It’s more of a spur of the moment thing apparently. So Herah has to figure this out.

First, she asks a few of the kids that follow Lady around to gather any pieces they can find and bring them to Dagna. If anyone in the inquisition could figure out what to do with the skins, it’d be her.

Dagna, the wonderful little dwarf that she is, exceeds Herah’s expectations. Apparently, the skins once properly treated are a super luxury item. That’s something Herah could work with.

She has a quick conversation with Aridhel and Silea about whether they would be comfortable with Herah putting the shed skin to use. They agree so long as Herah keeps the source quiet and makes the items a limited time purchase.

From there Herah gets to work. She sends some of the leather to the Dalish clans and Avvar tribes. Then she takes what’s left and charges ridiculous amounts of money for them. The orlesian nobles can’t get enough.

Josephine is caught between approval for finding a way to pull in so much money for the inquisition and annoyance that doing so means that Herah has found a way out of meeting with those same nobles. Herah made sure to send her some specialty chocolates to sweeten the deal/bribe along side some boots made just for her.

Herah managed to make enough money from her new business that she’s been able to convince her advisors to let her wear a nicer outfit. That shade of red and the military design did not look good on her. Lady was more than happy to draw up a design for her.

The seamstress Vivienne brought in took one look at the design and ran with it. Herah can’t wait to see what she comes up with. Lady says it’s called a pantsuit and Herah is already in love with it. Orlais won’t know what hit them after the inquisition comes and turns their fashion on it’s head.

Chapter 47: The child god

There is a new god in Skyhold, so young and new that they are unsure what exactly she is a god of. All they know is that she is the daughter of Aridhel and that is enough.

So their eyes follow after the little blue dragon/snake with curious eyes and wondering thoughts. Some believe that her birth is the sign of a new world order.

Some make the connection to the dalish pantheon and think it only right that this new religion would grow in the same way. Sort of. After all, there was no male god involved in the creation of Silea.

The prayers that reach this new child god’s ears reflect this belief. Unlike her mother she is not asked for help. She is asked to grow healthy and strong. She is asked to continue to bring happiness to her mother.

There is no doubt in Silea’s mind that this will change as she grows. Her memories of life as a spirit of wisdom are flighty, but she can pull them closer with time.

She has decided that once she has grown a little more, lived a few more years, she will once more take up her title as a spirit of wisdom. She had always wanted to teach the people of thedas all she knew.

Those are thoughts for another day. Today she is more concerned with slipping away from her mother to steal Herah’s afternoon bath. She always asks for the water to be the perfect temperature for a little dragon like herself.

Chapter 48: The keeper of Kirkwall

Merrill wasn’t sure how she felt. It was a confusing mix of excitement and dread. There may or may not be a new god of the people living within Skyhold.

Isn’t that a strange thought. A god of the people appearing and growing alongside an organization devoted to the human religion. Yet somehow more attention was giving to the fox god than the maker and his human bride.

When Varric had first reached out to her she had been confused. The dalish had their stories for how the gods came about of course, but none had sounded like what Varric had described.

Her first thought was that Varric might be playing with her. Her second was a tightly held hope that maybe with this new god she could find acceptance that had been denied to her since her banishment from the clan.

It took very little convincing to get herself an invitation to Skyhold. When the Inquisition soldiers had arrived in Kirkwall to push back Sebastian and his forces she had simply joined their forces for the ride back.

That’s where her first run in with the new believers happened. To her surprise, this new god, Aridhel, was not worshiped solely by elves. She was also worshipped by mages, dwarves, tal-vashoth and humans.

Her first reaction was a dark satisfaction that it was not the andrastian beliefs uniting so many different people together. That it was a new god, one who stood for those deemed unsuitable by the chantry, made something inside her shiver with delight.

She had been told by one of the city elves of Kirkwall that the maker would return to his children spoke his message around the world. It was not his word that the inquisition spread and she was glad for it.

Skyhold itself was amazing. She could feel the magic within the walls, new and old. The older magic was varied, heavily spiced from the combination of so many different magical cores layered over each other.

The newer magic was cold. It felt like being passed over by the cool winds of the first frost. Yet it carried with it a sense of unconditional love and acceptance. Merrill nearly cried the first time she felt the magic pass welcomingly over her skin.

That first feeling of magical presence was nothing compared to her first meeting. Aridhel was gorgeous. She was like no other being Merrill had ever met. Her silky white fur made her nine tails appear more like a cloud that followed her every step than a mass of tails.

Her daughter was also a sight to see. Merrill hadn’t known dragons could look so much like snakes. Though it wasn’t terribly surprising, Aridhel was a being unmatched by the mortals around her. It made sense her daughter would be as well.

She walked into that meeting cautiously hopeful that she would be accepted, blood magic and all. She left it knowing she was loved for all the things that make her Merrill and a promise of assistance for the Kirkwall alienage.

She spent three days among Aridhel and her people. Three days of learning and acceptance that left her feeling more sure of herself than ever before. She couldn’t wait to share this feeling with her people.

When Merrill finally leaves the inquisition she is accompanied by a small retinue of healers and soldiers. Tucked away within her pack is a magical sculpture made of ice. Aridhel had gifted her with a shrine of her own.

It would act as a way for Merrill and her people to contact Aridhel. It would shorten the distance each side would have to travel through the fade. It was a small statue of Aridhel herself with her daughter and three spirit companions surrounding her.

Chapter 49: The conversion of a mage

One of the first lessons you are taught within the circle is by the chantry. Mages are a danger to the world around them. They deserve to be locked away in the towers. They deserve to be taken from their families, because mages have no families.

To be born a mage is to be born a sin and the maker will never again rest his gaze on you. It is a lesson every mage learns. How painful the teaching of that lesson is varies from person to person.

Eve had learned quickly. She knew from the moment her magic first appeared that life as she knew it was over. She had only wanted to help her sister. Little Anna had fallen during their game of tag and Eve promised her she could make it better.

The two girls had watched in awe as Anna’s scraped knee healed. Unfortunately, their mother was horrified. She had been so very angry with Eve. Even now, years later, it is her mother’s angered expression she sees in her nightmares.

Eve learned that to be magic was bad. That it brought nothing but trouble. When the circles rebelled Eve hadn’t fought. She was a healer and had no wish to harm anyone. Even if the Templars deserved it.

She had been in Haven when the conclave exploded. She was one of the first to use her magic to heal. Those first few days passed in a haze of fear and overwhelming exhaustion. There wasn’t much she could remember of them.

One thing she did remember, was a fox. If only because of how strange it looked. The creature had six tails and for a moment Eve thought she had managed to fall asleep while standing. But no, the fox remained even after she pulsed her magic to wake herself.

It felt like she saw the fox everywhere after that. It would wander here and there always doing something. The pranks made her laugh, the chaos caused by the fox and the red Jenny on the training field continues to make her laugh months after the fact.

Eve had heard whispers of course. Whispers of how the elves had started to worship the fox. She hadn’t payed much attention to it at first. Until she learned that each and every prayer was answered.

She felt the need to test it out herself. The circle had taught her that the maker would never pay her any attention, but perhaps this fox would. She didn’t see the harm in trying.

Eve searched for the fox and found her sitting behind the herald’s cabin. Feeling more than a little silly, but determined to try, she made her prayer. Eve kneels in front of the fox and whispers her dearest wish to it.

It’s not an instantaneous response. There are two days spent worrying over the lack of result and a growing feeling of disappointment. Just as she’s about to give up a messenger appears before her with a letter in their hand.

Eve reads the shaky handwriting of a sister she never thought to hear from again and feels herself believe. Anna was doing well and had been trying to find her since her fifteenth name day. Eve sends out her response before looking for the fox once more her little god more than deserved a hug for the happiness she had brought.

Her life changes for the better after that. Her dreams are more peaceful than she can remember them being. Each time it seems a demon has wandered into her little patch of the fade it’s chased away by her god. Her trips to the fade had never been so restful as they were now.

Sometimes, during her favorite dreams, Aridhel is there. There is such an overwhelming feeling of love within those dreams that Eve dreads waking from them. It is there that she is taught a new first lesson, a better one.

When Haven falls and her god changes in order to better protect her followers from a dragon Eve feels no fear. How anyone could see anything but gentle warmth in her god was baffling. It was obvious to Eve that Aridhel would never harm innocents.

Eve arrives in Skyhold and the inquisition asks if she would be willing to teach her craft to other mages. She agrees and quickly finds herself spending three days of the week surrounded by her new charges. She begins her lesson with the first lesson all mages will learn, the lesson her god had taught her.

Hello children. Welcome to your introduction to magic. Know that while magic can be difficult to control, you must never forget that it is a gift. It is a part of you that can not be denied.

Magic is not good or bad, it simply is. What matters is what you do with it. But know this little ones, no matter how lost you may feel, you are never alone. For Aridhel loves you exactly as you are, flaws and all.

Chapter 50: Faith shared between a mother and her son

When her oldest son starts signing off his letters home with a prayer to Aridhel, her first reaction is one of confusion. Who in the world is that and why is her son praying to them?

She doesn’t bring it up at first. It’s not until his sixth month of service that she finally asks for clarification. Apparently, Aridhel is a god. If her son had been standing before her in that moment she might have hit him.

What kind of joke was this? A god that took the form of a nine tailed fox? Did he think she was an idiot? She had half a mind to go over to Skyhold herself, if only to knock some sense into that boy.

Her son swears that this isn’t a lie or a joke. There is a new god and she walks among her followers within the halls of the inquisition. While still unwilling to believe him, she stops asking about it. Soon enough she just accepts that his prayers at the end of his letters will always be there.

Back when she was a child, her father had told her that soldiers were a superstitious lot. It’s why he always tapped his ankles three times before he left the house. It kept them safe he would say. So if a prayer to a false god gave her son comfort that was fine. She was sure the maker would forgive the period of confusion.

It’s not until she receives a letter written with a careful hand and perfectly spelled words that things change. Her son’s been hurt it says. They don’t know if he’ll recover. Her heart stops and she wishes more than anything that he wasn’t so far from home.

There is no way that she will make it to his side before he goes. Not if the letter is true regarding how bad his injuries are. She spends her day in a daze. Not truly registering anything around her.

When she goes to say her prayers at the end of the night it is not the maker she asks for. All she can think of in her frenzied state is that her son believes in a god that took the form of a fox so that it could walk among its people.

She isn’t there by her child’s side, but the fox god is. She prays to this unfamiliar god with all the desperation a mother could feel. She falls asleep sometime during her prayer session and hopes with all her heart that her child’s god will answer.

In her forty six years of life she had never once remembered a dream. That morning she does and she remembers it with a clarity she once believed only mages achieved. In that dream she meets the fox god, Aridhel, and she promises to help.

A mother wakes from her dreams with a feeling of peace and when the letter comes written in her son’s familiar scrawl she settles. The maker has never once answered her prayers. Her son’s god has saved his life.

He writes how Aridhel sat by his side throughout his treatment. The fox god brought a mage to his sick bed. She managed to find the one mage in the healers hall that could treat her son’s wounds with ease.

One night a desperate mother asked a fox to do what she could not, she begged the fox to sit by her son and make him better. Aridhel answered. Now mother and son sign their letters with the same prayers.

Notes:

I honestly can’t believe this is at 50 chapters. When I started this I thought it would be 6 chapters at most and here we are. Who knew that a silly dream would grow into this? I’m just as curious to see where this goes as you guys.

The godhood thing started as a joke and now it’s added a whole new dimension to what was supposed to be a crack fic. Thanks for helping me continue to write this everyone!

Chapter 51: Before the ball

Herah looked around the war room and wondered how this conversation would go. Her advisors had been making enough inquiries about Lady for her to know that they knew. They may not know how true the rumors may be, but they know about the rumors.

Not that her fox had done much to hide it. Her followers may be quiet with their worship and keep to themselves, but that didn’t mean they were never overheard. Lady herself never tried to hide what she was. Even if part of Herah wished she had.

“Herah, we know you know more than you’ve told us. Why do most of our people believe your pet is a god?” Josephine chooses her words carefully. The expression on her face is one that begs Herah to laugh off the claim and tell her it’s a joke.

Herah wishes she could. Josephine loved Lady almost as much as she did. Finding out the sweet fox that she would accessorize with silk ribbons was a god would be hard to accept. If only because know she would have to be protected from the chantry.

“And here I thought nothing could get past our Nightingale! Of course they believe she’s a god. The lovely creature told me herself how one becomes a god.”

“You knew about this and didn’t share with the rest of us Vint?”

“Don’t look at me like that Bull. You knew just as well as I did what she was. You think I haven’t noticed those prayers of yours?”

Cullen has his hand over his eyes. The tense line of his shoulders betrayed just how stressed her commander was. His withdrawal symptoms weren’t being helped by this at all. So much for Lady’s attempts to lesson his stress.

“Maker’s breathe, let’s just get this over with. Show of hands, who knew about this?”

Herah isn’t surprised to see that other than herself, the only people to raise their hands are Dorian, Varric, Bull, Solas and Cole. Of all her companions they are the most open-minded. Sera looks as though she wants to shoot something and Vivienne isn’t much better.

The Iron Lady may be skilled at the game, but Herah knows what fear smells like. The leader of the loyal mages can hide her fear behind a layer of anger and condemnation all she wants. Herah knows how she really feels and from the glare Solas has trained on her, he knows too.

Cassandra passes the length of the room muttering to herself. Herah can just hear her arguing with herself over a half remembered dream. One where Lady had apparently helped her through a crisis of faith. Her fox was certainly a busy little god.

Josephine turns to Leliana and Herah flinches back from the barely restrained anger in her gaze. She never wanted to be on the wrong side of that look. It didn’t seem conductive to her continued survival.

“How long have you known? What have you kept from us Leliana?”

The spy master meets her gaze without fear. It’d be impressive if Herah didn’t know for a fact that there were no pretty words she could use to get out of this one. Harboring a heretical cult within the inquisition is so far passed the line of acceptable for the chantry it no longer exists.

“My agents have sent in reports about the growing cult. Some of them even end their personal correspondence with those same prayers. Unfortunately, the chantry also knows about the cult.”

Leliana leans over the map and braces herself against the oversized stump. The air around her is heavy with her exhaustion. It’s the first time Herah has seen anything impact her so strongly. Other than that first meeting in Haven within her tent, she held herself with a stoicism that worried Herah.

“There have already been multiple attempts to stamp out the smaller groups of worshipers within Orleias. However, time and again their forces are pushed back by groups of those creatures Lady brought into the world.”

“Of course they are.” Cole interrupted “Aridhel gave them enchanted statues. Makes the fade thinner so the eevees can pass through. They want to keep their partners safe. Sometimes Aridhel goes too. She promised to protect them.”

“The kids right. Merril took one of those home with her and the Kirkwall alienage has never been safer. Since those eevees showed up the harassments gone down. Angry humans can’t even make it past the entrance without being forced away.”

Varric might be an accomplished story teller, but Herah knows him well enough to see the glint of satisfaction in his eyes. He’d been paying people to protect the alienage since Merril moved there. He must appreciate the extra coins in his pockets these days.

“So what are we going to do?” Blackwall finally makes his presence known. He’d spent most of the meeting silently absorbing the information. She wondered how he felt about all this?

“At this point there isn’t much we as the inquisition can do. If the chantry can prove we knew and willingly harbor a heretical cult and their god? We’d be ruined. Weakened or not, most of thedas are andrastian and the last thing we need is another exalted March.”

“So much for bringing Lady to the winter palace. She would have been a great distraction. It would be too dangerous to bring her now.”

“Not exactly. What if Lady could come without anyone recognizing her for what she is? Would we be able to bring her then?”

“I suppose we might be able to bring her, but how could we possibly hide her from the game? Cole, could you bring Lady in?”

The young spirit disappears and Herah waits for his return. This was going to be great. Lady would show off her person shape and they could dress her up like a doll.

Herah hoped they focused on Lady because she couldn’t take another dance lesson. She’s more likely to pick up those snooty nobles and throw them through a wall or two. They’d deserve it. She didn’t think they would be particularly polite about her presence at the ball.

The initial reaction to Lady’s transformation into Aridhel is just as amusing as she thought it would be. Her fox made quite the lovely young woman after all. It’s the combination of snow white hair and baby blue eyes. It’s a beautiful combination.

Blackwall has her favorite reaction. He watches her fox change into a woman with a heavy sigh and apathetic acceptance. She can just hear his inner thoughts dully admitting that their lives were already so maker damned weird that this might as well happen.

The sky had already been ripped open and sealed shut once more. Their enemy was an ancient magister, one of the same magister that entered the golden city and unleashed the blight. Why wouldn’t her pet fox also be a shapeshifting god? At this point anything is possible. She couldn’t wait to see what the world threw at her next.

Chapter 52: concept art for winter palace

Summary:

not ready to post next chapter yet, but I have some art for you guys.

Lady Aridhel of the Inquisition

haven't decided on a color yet for Herah, but this is her outfit for the ball

Chapter 53: Plans change

Summary:

Potential trigger warning: mentions of suicide
Not sure if this counts but just in case. There is a reference to my personal head cannon regarding Solas’s motivations for his plans that some may find upsetting. Just a heads up.

There’s a delicate balance one must walk when they become a god. It’s something Aridhel hadn’t payed much attention to at first. She loves her people and she wants to take care of them, but how much help is too much?

She can’t answer every prayer. Not directly. Sometimes she can’t even carry it out personally. More often then not, she sets the desired circumstances in motion by making a few key moves and letting things play out.

And it worked. It worked just fine for most things. If she had any questions about something she would just ask her father or Mythal for guidance. The system worked.

But her people aren’t asking her for blessings or guidance. Hell, this latest wish has nothing to do with mischief or justice at all. They want a home. A place to call their own.

The problem is, Aridhel doesn’t know how. How does she give them a home when the entirety of Thedas that she knows of is already owned? It’s not like she can stay in Skyhold forever. The inquisition will not last past the Exalted Council.

So what does she do? Where does she take her people? Perhaps she’s thinking too deeply over this. Maybe the crazy answer isn’t as crazy as she thinks.

If there is any possibility to bring something from the fade into the waking world what’s stopping her from creating her own version of Samiya? She could bring the temple of the sea from the Pokémon movie to Thedas.

It could be the answer her people are looking for. None of the countries have any ownership over the seas, none that could be enforced at least. So now the only thing left is to figure out the how.

Luckily for her, she has direct contact with the only two people that could potentially pull this off. Only when she moves towards them in the fade she walks in on a conversation she hadn’t been expecting.

“Your current plan isn’t feasible Solas. The only outcome to tearing down the fade all at once is death. Death for the people, death for yourself and death for your daughter.”

“What other choice do I have? The world is already dying, at least when I remove the veil there is a chance some might live!”

It takes her a moment to recognize her father. He isn’t in the elvhen form she has grown used to. Stalking aggressively around the dragon that can only be Mythal is the dread wolf. All six eyes burning with his frustration.

It’s strange to see the disappointed face of a mother on a dragon. There are no furrowed brows or thin lips, only a slight snarl and narrowed eyes. Aridhel can barely breath through the tension and she doesn’t even have to breathe in the fade.

“There are easier ways to kill yourself Solas.”

The fox flinches so badly the fade shudders with her emotional backlash. Her heartbroken whimpers finally catch the attention of her elders. Solas moves towards her in three quick steps and does his best to comfort her in his current form.

He snuggles close to her, her slight form disappearing under his bulk. This wasn’t what she thought she would have to deal with today. Everything had been going so well.

Sure she remembers thinking that Solas’s plan didn’t leave much for what came after he fought the evanuris. However, she hadn’t expected this. How could she fix this?

Her father was so overwhelmed by his guilt that he felt the best plan going forward was one that ensured his death. He wasn’t even willing to consider another way.

“There are better ways of fixing things old friend. Slower yes, but just as good.”

With that final statement Mythal takes her leave. The dragon spreads her wings and with a few beats she takes to the air and disappears into the fade.
The silence hurts. She doesn’t know what to say and neither does he. Where do they go from here? How do they talk about this?

“Do you really want to die?” She can barely force the words out. She doesn’t know what she fears more, the fact the question has to be asked or what his answer may be.

“I…for a long time I thought it was the only way. I awoke to a world so changed from everything I had known. It was wrong.”

He’s so close she can feel the words against her fur. His breathing is even despite the breathy quality of his voice.

“I thought that if I met my death righting my wrong that it would be better. Either I tore down the fade, killed the evanuris and fixed the world or I died trying and would not have to live with my mistakes.”

“And now?”

“Now. Now I want more than anything to live. To stay with you and Silea and Cole and your eevees. I want to see the world you create. I just don’t think I will.”

“Then we make a new plan. A better one. One where that’s the ending we get.”

Aridhel doesn’t have to see his expression to know how he feels. She can taste the sourness of his pity on her tongue. Even now he thinks she doesn’t understand. That this is another one of his riddles that she is to young to logic her way out of.

“Tearing down the fade all at once brings nothing, but death. So what if we did it in pieces?”

“I would have to research this. I don’t know if it’s possible to take away pieces of the veil without bringing the whole thing down.”

“But if it’s possible?”

“Then we have a lot of planning to do.”

Chapter 54: Lady Aridhel takes the winter palace by storm

If Laura had any doubts about the insanity that people call the inquisition, they’ve been crushed by her initial impression. This isn’t her first time serving one of the Empress’s balls. She’s been doing this since her mamae brought her in at five and ten.

Laura takes one look at the inquisitor and her ward and nearly drops the tray of drinks she’s supposed to be handing out. The inquisitor strides through the crowds in her white suit with all the lethal grace of an apex predator.

The fact that her ward is so clearly an elven girl is another blow. She hadn’t realized that neither woman was human. It’s just the way of things isn’t it. Anyone with a title in Orleis is human. Laura didn’t know qunari could be made inquisitors.

It takes her entirely to long to right herself. She can hear the mocking whispers of the nobles around her and resigns herself to a punishment doled out at the end of the night.

Just as she’s about to continue on her way and try to get things back on track she hears someone call for her attention.

A pale hand reaches toward the tray in her hands and takes one of the glasses. She breaks decorum once more when she locks eyes with the Lady before her.

The inquisitor’s ward stands before her with a mischievous grin on her face. Her blue eyes stare back at her from behind her fox mask. She offers Laura a wink and wishes her luck on the rest of her shift.

Laura can feel the flush grow and expand from her cheeks all the way down to her throat. Lady Aridhel is certainly a pretty one. All the dangerous ones are.

——————————————————————————

“Did you really have to wear that eyesore of a hat?”

“Of course. What else would I wear?”
“Anything else.”

“Perhaps I’ll let you in on the joke when you’re older.”

“What joke? Solas! What joke?”

He turns away from her and disappears into the crowd. She only ever catches glimpses of him for the rest of the night. Just flashes of silver that remind her of her fathers latest fashion crime.

——————————————————————————

“Over here Lady. If I have to dance with one more noble I’ll break their spine over my knee.”

“Don’t worry Herah, I’m the best dance partner a girl could ask for.”

“Oh yeah? What makes you so great?”

“First of all, I’m not gonna try and cop a feel while we dance.”

“Sold! Already better than half these idiots.”

The two women make their way to the dance floor laughing together. They make a rather pretty sight, the complementary colors of their outfits only making them stand out more. Genuine expressions of joy are far and few between in Orleis.

——————————————————————————

“Herah met your cousin.”

“What?”

“Morrigan. She was rather rude too. It hurt Herah’s feelings to be called a creature.”

“Oh hell no. Cole where is she?”

“Herah is entering the servants quarters.”

“Not her. My dearest cousin, where is she. We need to have words.”

“Oh, this way then.”

Cole takes her hand and leads her towards the garden. His magic keeps them from being seen.

——————————————————————————

Nobles may not know Lady Aridhel for what she truly is, but some of the servants do. Only her believers can see past the illusion to her true form. It makes for interesting conversation throughout the night.

“Why is Lord Phillip flirting with a fox?”

“Probably for the same reason the empress’s magical advisor is suddenly a giant spider.”

“At least that one makes sense. How does one even ask a fox to dance?”

“Politely, if they know what’s good for them.”

——————————————————————————

“You’re supposed to be the distraction tonight. What are you doing here with me?”

“I didn’t want to be around those assholes anymore. Besides, I convinced two lords that they had both proposed to the same woman.”

“Did they?”

“No, their’s a twin for each of them. Don’t think they’ll figure it out until after the duel though.”

“You wanted to dance with me? Why not wait till later?”

“Because by the end of the night we’ll have danced together at least four times Cole.”

——————————————————————————

“Bringing Lady to the ball has worked wonderfully Herah. There’s just a slight problem.”

“Oh no, what’d she do? There isn’t some noble hanging from the chandelier is there?”

“What?! No. Nothing like that.”

“Well that’s a relief. I just remembered that I didn’t specify how much mischief would be too much.”

“No inquisitor. Leliana has informed me that there are whispers of potential proposals.”

“They want to marry my fox? That’s hilarious. Can I be the one to tell her?”

“Inquisitor please stop laughing. This could be a problem for us later on.”

“I gotta tell Varric. This is definitely going in the book!”

Chapter 55: Two petty bitches whose kids are besties

Not all familial relationships go well. Sometimes it’s more of a rivalry than a friendship. That’s fine. It can even be a little fun if things don’t get too toxic. Unless your kids are besties.

Yes, though Morrigan and Aridhel would rather ignore each other for the rest of their days, Kieran and Silea are wonderful friends. Attached at the hip really. Strange as it may be for a boy to wander the halls of Skyhold with a giant snake wrapped around him.

Silea is much to big for it honestly. She wraps around the entirety of his upper body three times just to fit. If Duty hadn’t taught him how to enforce his natural strength with magic it would have been impossible.

So their kids are best friends. Great. Wonderful. Aridhel is more than happy her little water dragon is socializing. What isn’t great is his mother. What a piece of work. Apparently Morrigan is much more palatable behind a screen and within someone else’s body.

To think she had once modded her game so that Surana and her could hook up. In fact, if this was based on her world state that would mean Kieran had two moms. Huh. Well now she has to know.

“So Morgie. How are you? Creepin’ it real? Witching upon any stars?”

“Ugh. What could you possibly want? Is it not enough that you exist? I’ve killed for less than your childish insults.”

“So what? You’re not special. A goose could kill me if it was dedicated enough.”

“Leave me alone.”

“Anyway. As I was saying. Do those rumors about you and Warden Surana hold any weight?”

“Why would you possibly care about my romantic relationships?”

“I’ve heard some pretty interesting tales in the fade about lost rituals and tainted babes. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about it would you?”

Oh boy. Aridhel is lucky looks can’t kill. Morrigan has some serious seething rage behind that edge lord goth persona. Nice. She’d be impressed if she wasn’t so busy starting shit.

Let it be known that Aridhel is a pretty bitch. She learned it from the best really. Solas is the pettiest of bitches. He wore that ugly hat as an obscure reference to an almost forgotten rebellion against orleis and modified it to show off his ears.

He’s such a smug history nerd. Honestly, he knew exactly what he was doing and his association with the inquisition made him untouchable. Even if that one lord looked ready to kill him on sight for the insult.

“How could you possibly know about this? Surana and I wouldn’t have even known about the ritual without her bonded spirit.”

“Would this bonded spirit, just guessing here, happen to be mischief?”

“No.”

“Isn’t it nice to meet up with old friends.”

“Absolutely not. I refuse.”

“And here I was thinking denial was a river Thedas existed without.”

“I’m leaving.”

“You can’t run from the truth forever cousin. I know where you sleep!”

Morrigan stalks away from Aridhel. Being the mischievous scamp she is, the fox helpfully provided an added illusion. To help sell her anger, you know? Aridhel thinks the steam escaping her ears really added that extra pizzazz to the scene that really makes it memorable.

Chapter 56: The old god child finds his shape

Kieran is a curious child. Having two mothers that are easily counted among the strongest mages of Thedas certainly helps. Magic came as easily as breathing and from what they’ve picked up from conversations with their grand uncle such ease with magic hadn’t been seen since the creation of the veil.

It comes in handy quite often in their life. Magic makes everything better. It helps them connect with the world in a way they couldn’t connect with people. Emotions are strange and trying to figure out why people do the things they do feels impossible sometimes. Why can’t people just say what they mean?

Best of all, magic helps them feel comfortable. Sometimes Kieran doesn’t feel like a boy and their magic helps them change. They enjoy being able to change their shape to reflect how they feel. Aunty tells them that there is a word for people like them. She says sometimes people don’t really feel like either gender or that one gender fits them all the time.

It’s nice to have a word for it. Non-binary feels much better than male or female ever did. Magic helps Kieran in every way. Which is why when they decide to prepare themselves to take on a separate shape they turn to magic. After all, the rest of the pantheon take animal forms.

Mother had already started their lessons on shapeshifting, but they’ve never tried to be anything but a half-elf. Would it hurt? How would they even find a shape? Is it something you just know?

Silea wasn’t sure how to help and neither was Urthemiel. He had only ever been a dragon and hadn’t felt the need to change. So they tried asking the eevees next. If anyone would know what it takes to change shape it would be them right?

So they ask their questions and the answer they get is simple in its own way. The eevees say to meditate, to consider what makes Kieran Kieran and what shape reflects that.

What makes Kieran Kieran? Their magic for one. Their love for their mothers. Chocolate is pretty important too. What does that mean though? What shape fits best?

Perhaps they’re overthinking things. Mother favors the shape of a giant spider. Mamae is a warden so her shape would be a blighted griffon. So maybe something in between.

Kieran rather likes the bear. The shape suits them. They like being big and strong. They especially like the fact that a bear could easily carry Silea around without needing to stop for rest every twenty minutes.

Perhaps when they reached mastery in shapeshifting they would be able to take the shape that fits. After all, one needs to be a master to retain their sense of self while taking another shape.

They don’t want to accidentally become a bereskarn. Urthemiel may not be tainted anymore and the taint within their own blood nonexistent, but it’s better safe than blighted. Maybe they’ll just add an extra eye to their bear form. Spikes don’t seem conductive to cuddles even if they look really cool.

Chapter 57: A Templar converts

Aden didn’t join the templars because he beloved in the maker. Most days he couldn’t be bothered to remember more than a few key phrases of the chant. He learned just enough to fool his superiors.

No. Aden joined the military order of a religion he didn’t believe in for his twin. Evan was his other half. They were two halves of a whole with no difference between the two. Except for one thing.

Evan had magic. They hadn’t known any better at the time. Still caught up under the belief that their parents loved them unconditionally. They had been so excited to share Evan’s magic.

But their parents weren’t nearly as happy or accepting. No. Their father led the templars to their home himself and Aden felt something break. His other half had been taken away and the whole left behind was impossible to fill.

So Aden became a Templar. He worked harder than his fellows, charmed the right superiors and called in all the favors he could to find his brother. But it wasn’t enough.

Even before finding him, Aden knew his brother was gone. The chantry liked to say that tranquility was a mercy. A last resort that ensured the safety of everyone, including the mage involved. It was just as much a lie as anything else the chantry says.

Evan was tranquil and the chantry had ruined him. But Aden refused to give up. Sometimes he swore he could feel something. It might just be his own hopes tormenting him, but he could still feel his twin.

So when the rebellion began, Aden grabbed his brother and the rest of the tranquil and ran. It wasn’t easy. Especially when his charges had no real sense of self preservation. But he did it. He kept them alive.

Joining the inquisition made sense. His charges would be safe there. More eyes to look out for them at least. It’s a good deal. His charges are safe and he has a reliable source of lyrium.

Until the shakes start and then he starts forgetting things. Did he check on his charges today? Why wasn’t he reporting for duty at the circle? What had his parents looked like again?

It’s gotten so bad that Evan has started going out of his way to check on him. Tranquil aren’t supposed to care. They shouldn’t look out for their minders. Maybe Evan is still in there somewhere.

One day Evan comes to see him, but he isn’t alone. There’s someone with him. No. Not someone, a fox. The fox. And it’s looking at him with entirely too much awareness.

Aden stopped drinking his daily dose when his memories started fading away. He knows it wasn’t the best idea, but he panicked. He couldn’t risk loosing anything else. So why was there a fox talking to him.

It’s happening isn’t it? He’s loosing his mind. Funny. He always thought the hallucinations would be much less, fluffy. His knight commander was rather adamant that it would be blood and horror. What a liar.

“Look this way tin can. I’ve never done this before so this is gonna be a learning experience for both of us.”

Oh no. Now it’s talking to him. Evan hasn’t reacted to it. But is that because of the tranquility or is this not actually happening? So many questions so little time.

“Alright. I’m gonna try and pull the blue stuff out okay? So be very still.”

When Aden wakes up again he’s in Evan’s bunk. The shakes stopped. His mind is clear. And for the first time in forever he can actually smell his cologne. Had it always been so floral?

Evan is there and he looks different. It’s hard to figure out what it is, but when he looks back on this during dinner he figures it out. Evan was relieved, more emotional than any tranquil could be.

Maybe there was some truth to the magical abilities of that fox. He didn’t think it was too much of a stretch to believe the fox was a god. She’s already done more for them than the maker ever did.

Chapter 58: Simcity didn’t prepare me for this

Building your own city was much harder then Aridhel thought it would be. It’s a good thing she has her trio of spirits helping her because she’s not made for this sort of thing.

Creating an aesthetic and building off of childhood memories? Sure. She can do that all day every day. Remembering to think about things like plumbing and sewer systems not so much.

Solas wasn’t much help. He was a resistance leader and scholar. There wasn’t much interest on his part to learn city planning. So that meant putting out an ask in the fade and waiting for an answer.

Luckily there were more than a few spirits curious enough to help. Organization was more than happy to live up to its namesake. They quickly put together lists and plans in order of importance.

A spirit of ingenuity had come up with a creative way to put rubbish to use. They’re planning a system of underground tubes covered in runes that will organize and deodorize trash. From there it can be used to expand the land mass.

Protection had offered up the idea that the floating country would be hidden within a thick mist. Anyone who sailed inside would need a special tool to guide them through the fog or find themselves back where they started.

Beauty made sure there was space for gardens and parks. It was enamored with the current design with its many fountains and floral terraces. Of course, it firmly believed there was room for more beauty.

Duty did a pretty good job of making sure their ideas were practical and had other uses than just aesthetically. The people wouldn’t have to worry about food seeing as they would be growing most of it themselves. Though it may take some time to adjust to a diet that was more fish than farm meat.

Aridhel was pretty impressed by what was slowly shaping up to be an actual city state. She hadn’t quite figure out how she would remove a portion of the fade from the section of the ocean she had picked out, but she has time to figure it out.

Chapter 59: Lady Aridhel’s best romantic refusals

Since the ball the inquisition has seen an uptick in noble visitors. It was expected that more of those snobs would be waking through, if only to show off their “support”. What they weren’t expecting was their interest in their fox.

Of course the inhabitants of Skyhold were rather put off by this. To be fair, anyone would find it strange to see a noble chatting up a fox. The fact that she may sometimes look like a young maiden didn’t change that.

It had gotten so out of hand that gossip in the keep soared. Every servant was doing what they could to listen in on the conversations. If they over heard a particularly savage comeback they could earn some coin by sharing it.

Varric has started a list of his favorites. He likes to look back on them whenever he needs some inspiration. He always thought his romance serial was pretty bad, but apparently he’s leagues ahead of these noble pricks.

——————————————————————————

“This shirt is made from the finest silks in Orlais. You can feel the perfection of it with a single touch. Would you like a feel my lady?”

“No thanks. It looks a little too clingy and hard to maintain.”

——————————————————————————

“I hear you are a proficient healer my lady. Could you look at my eyes, I fear I can’t take them off of you.”

“How strange my eyes seem to be having trouble as well. I can’t see you getting anywhere with me.”

————————————————————————-—

“My dear, what is a lady of your bearing doing in a place like this?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing my lady! I hope all these stairs don’t trouble your hip. I’ve heard the older residents of the fort complain about such things.”

——————————————————————————

“Do you believe in love at first sight my lady or should I walk past again?”

“Go ahead. I could use the extra target practice.”

——————————————————————————

“You know, you look a lot like my next wife.”

“And you look exactly like the sixth man I’ve turned down today.”

——————————————————————————

“Here I am! What were your other two wishes?”

“That they would be charming and attractive. I guess not all wishes come true.”

——————————————————————————

Of course there is one thing all these snippets leave out. Aridhel is the much beloved daughter of a man who could be considered a god in his own right. One that specializes in revenge and rebellion.

More than a few of those nobles leave Skyhold with stories of horrific nightmares. Endless chases as the shadows themselves bite at their ankles. Always heralded by the howling of wolves and snarls of rage.

Any noble in search of a lover leaves Skyhold soon after arrival. The current record is an impressive two hours after arrival where the noble in question had the unfortunate luck of proposing to his “greatest love” directly before her father.

Poor sod didn’t have a chance. Solas reminded everyone in the keep that he was the magical expert of the inquisition for a reason. The third son left the castle before his servants had the chance to begin unpacking.

Chapter 60: More fluffy colemance

Herah has picked up a lot of phrases from her fox friend. Some were better than others, or at least more appropriate. Sometimes they didn’t even make sense. Though asking Leliana to spill the tea during official meetings brings joy to her heart.

Her current favorite has to be “shipping her otp.”
That being her lovely little fox and the spirit of compassion. They were such a cute little couple! A pair of cinnamon roles that had no problem killing to protect each other.

Just catching sight of them sitting together is enough to make her squeal like a little girl. The way they lean against each other. Constantly touching each other and reaching out. It’s not even overly romantic. It’s the intimacy of it all that gets to her.

She catches them holding hands as they move from one end of the keep to the other. Sometimes she passes through the attic of the tavern and finds them holding each other close as they whisper about something or another. It was almost too much for her heart to take.

And they’re always so happy to see her. They turn towards her and just light up with excitement. But they don’t let go. There’s no frantic attempts to detangle themselves or create space between them.

This is one of the slowest slow burns she’s ever seen and she’s well aware of how long it can take for people to get together. She was there when her father finally asked her mother if she loved him after twenty years together and four kids. She witnessed his idiocy in real life in real time.

These two ditzy kids don’t even realize they aren’t just friends. They’re both oblivious to the fact they love each other. She’s got to do something about this. She saw them dance together during the ball and it gave her cavities.

They couldn’t take their eyes off each other. It was adorable. Herah also noticed the slight shimmer in the air over Lady’s shoulder that marked Cole’s presence follow her the whole night.

Varric keeps telling her to let things happen on their own time. It’s like he doesn’t understand! Luckily Dorian and Josephine do. Even though Dorian is stuck in a slow burn enemies to friends to lovers with Bull. Now that she’s thinking about it, she should help them too.

She would certainly have a lot to talk to Josephine about. They had a lot of work ahead of them. She should order those cookies Josie likes so much. Her lovely advisor certainly deserves them. After all, she’s doing more than she has to when it comes to helping Herah out.

Chapter 61: Corruption and heartbreak

Summary:

Heads up this one gets dark. Infatuation makes his final appearance and goes down swinging. This might be a single chapter update.

Spirits thrive in a world where things change with each passing thought. Every dreamer leaves their mark on the fade regardless of whether they’re aware of their impact.

So it may be surprising to find out that a spirit is most at risk within the waking world. The world where there are absolutes and common beliefs that have become rules of life.

That’s why interactions between spirits and people are always more deadly for spirits. A lifetime of teaching that all spirits are demons results in a powerful belief that most spirits are unable to fight.

If someone believes that the spirit before them is actually a demon, then that is what the spirit will become. Many spirits with good intentions have suffered such fates and so most hide in the deepest reaches of the fade.

But that’s not the only way a spirit corrupts. After all, they are more similar to people than most like to admit or even realize. Sometimes the corruption comes from the spirit itself. Hope to despair, passion to rage or even wisdom to pride.

Infatuation is a short but intense emotion. Normally the spirit would move from passion to passion with little care. But not this time. Infatuation attached itself to Mischief and refused to let go.

Like most things the corruption began slowly. At first, Infatuation traveled alongside Mischief and found joy in a good partnership. This would have been fine, normal even, if Mischief had been just another spirit. But she wasn’t.

Mischief was always so much more than a spirit. Even being reduced to a simpler state couldn’t change that. Spirits of Mischief are young and playful. But she has always been older. Her tricks meant for more than just simple fun.

When Mischief meets Surana she starts to change. The memories that had up until that point slowly trickled back suddenly began to rush over her mind. She changed to reflect that and Infatuation changed with her.

Infatuation began to feel more. They began to associate themselves with a more masculine personality to better differentiate his friendship from Surana’s. He began to feel envy for their closeness. He felt as though he wasn’t enough when he was all Mischief should have needed.

He’s angry so very angry, but mostly he feels betrayed. Why wasn’t he enough for Mischief? Why does she need those mortals or those other spirits? Why does she need Compassion? She’s only ever needed him. He was the one who kept putting her back together again!

When he finds her again in Skyhold he constantly changes his shape. Which one will make her see? Which one will make her return to him? He refuses to see the change. Refuses to accept that his place in her life wasn’t the one he wanted.

He twists and shifts so often then he forgets what he was, what his purpose used to be. Infatuation turns to Obsession and things turn ugly. He twists her dreams into nightmares. Relishes in chasing away any thoughts of Compassion or Faith or Duty or Youth. It’s should be him and only him. Obsession is all she needs.

But it’s not enough. She can escape him in the fade, run and hide far from his control. So he follows her out. During one of her daily sessions pulling spirits into eevees he slips past her guard and into her shadow. He waits and he stews because he only has one chance at this.

He waits until she’s alone before making his move. He doesn’t understand her fear or the lack of recollection. But Compassion can make others forget. He must have done something to her. How could she not recognize him? Her other half?

He doesn’t look the same anymore. The androgynous lavender spirit is long gone. In his place stands a creature that seems to be both rage and desire in one. A living fire with a masculine shape whose presence burns her. Fire and ice do not mix well.

He’s forced her shape to change from fox to woman. His hands leave red marks across her hands and arms. The closer he pulls her the harder she tries to get away as the overwhelming heat eats away at her magic.

He finds a crack in the walls of her mind and forces his way through. He doesn’t care that restoring her memories like this will hurt, that it could corrupt her. He just wants her to remember so that she’ll stop looking at him like he’s a stranger. He digs into her mind and pulls it out. Everything behind the golden door.

He makes her remember it all. From Alice to Mischief to Aridhel. From human to spirit to god. Her mind can barely handle the influx of information. The pain and confusion causing her to scream and cry. He can’t find it in himself to care because she’s looking at him. She sees him.

He loves her and he hates her. He hates the he loves her. The longer she fights to get away the harder it is to distinguish between the two. Does he love her or does he hate her? How does he make this stop? He wants it to stop! Why won’t everything stop!

Suddenly he’s forced away, his claws ripped away from Mischief’s delicate skin as something pushes him back. It’s him. Compassion. All feelings of confusion leave him. Obsession knows exactly how he feels about this spirit, this trespasser. This fraud has stolen his place. Taken his Mischief and her affection away from him.

Hatred is such a dangerous emotion. For everyone involved, both the carrier and the target. It’s a fast acting poison that leaves no one untouched by its deadly attention. It’s grown too strong in Obsession to ever restore it to its original purpose.

He throws himself at Compassion. His burning touch eats away at the stupid hat he wears. His claws slice through his armor and reach the fragile skin beneath with ease. There are no thoughts, no strategy behind the attacks. Just pure unchecked hatred.

He’s so lost in it, in the haze of red that envelopes his sight that he misses the entrance of the spirit trio. Faith is quick to rush to Aridhel’s side, her naturally cool magic a soothing balm to her burns. Youth takes one look at the unfolding situation and runs to get help. Understanding that they really do need an adult to come and fast.

Duty feels compelled to act. This is their friend, their leader and this demon has harmed her. It’s left it’s mark on her and the sight of hand shaped burns enraged them, but they can’t let it overwhelm them. They need a clear head for battle.

The eevee attacks and dodges. It growls in annoyance because of too short limbs and ineffective teeth. This isn’t working. This shape isn’t working. It pulls away from the fight and focuses on what their new shape needs to be. Bigger, stronger, as capable as the steel sword it once carried in the fade.

As Obsession readies himself to attack Compassion once more he’s blindsided by a full frontal assault from Duty. The once tiny eevee had evolved into something new, something that would allow them to guard their friends better. Obsession is knocked to the ground and tries to fight back.

Guardeon refuses to relent. It pushes Obsession back with an onslaught of iron tail as it brings down its tail like a steel sword. The new eeveelution steps away for a moment before unleashing the finishing blow.

Obsession crumbles under the power of Guardeon’s meteor mash. His shape so unstable it falls apart and barely reassembles. Cracks break out across his skin as the rage of his fires burn out and die. Smoke rolls off his shoulders as he turns to Mischief once more.

“I just wanted to be with you Mischief.” His voice is hoarse and Aridhel can barely hear him over the sound of her own heartbeat.

“Why wasn’t I enough?” His heartbroken sob echoes in her mind long after he fades away.

When Solas finally arrives she doesn’t know what to say. There’s too much rushing through her head and she can’t think straight. These memories are too much. She doesn’t want them. She wanted to forget again.

She never wanted this. She hadn’t even thought about leaving Infatuation behind, about what it would do to him. It hadn’t mattered to her. Mischief died when Surana was forced to release her and she didn’t want to remember the pain.

Alice comes back and she’s scared. So very scared. She knows where she is, but doesn’t know why and she hates it. She wants to be home with her family. Wants her mother’s arms around her and her brother there to protect her. She latched on to the first familiar thing she could find and that was Marianne.

That hadn’t gone so well either. She devotes herself to an apostate that while accepting of her help never truly trusts her. Kept away and only ever brought close during fights. But it’s enough to calm Alice down. It makes her feel needed and that’s all she really wanted from Hawke.

When Hawke forced her out by using blood magic against the Templars during the attempted annulment it hurts her. Alice feels the tether between them snap and the recoil sends her spiraling into the fade. She doesn’t want to be here. She wants to go home.

Hurting and unstable she makes herself forget again. Not everything, she still wants to be Alice, she just doesn’t want to remember Hawke. So she takes the form of an Alolan Vulpix and starts over. Herah meets Lady and the rest is history.

Now they’re all together again. It’s too much. Three souls in one body would never fit well. Too much soul and not enough body. There’s not enough space for all of them. Something has to be done before the body shuts down.

Alice begs to go home, Mischief struggles to adapt to overwhelming change and Aridhel does damage control. She pulls Alice close and let’s her go. Soothes the terrified girl and let’s her fade away. Alice slips away to rejoin her family and leaves the memories behind.

Mischief is easier to deal with, it’s always been a facet of her being and simply needs to return to its place. Aridhel and Mischief merge until they are once more one and the same. The soul settles and the body relaxes.

Alice has moved on, the young teenager sent on her way as her reincarnation continues toward. Mischief grows and changes to better reflect who Aridhel is now instead of what she once was. In the end only one remains. Aridhel is all that’s left.

She’s surrounded by her family, and yet she’s never felt more alone. Has it always been so quiet in her soul? Is this what it feels like to be whole? The emptiness is unsettling and yet this is the most comfortable she’s felt in her own body since she can’t even remember when.

Solas keeps her close that night. Carefully tucking her into the bed he seldom uses before retiring to his desk. Every so often he looks back over her to make sure she’s still okay. She can just make out his voice, mumbling to himself about spells of protection and gate ways. This will not happen again he swears.

Her spirit trio is with her. The steel of Duty’s new form chilling quickly from Faith’s close proximity. Youth is the sole source of heat between the three and she buries her fingers in its fur. Cole is there too. He lays beside her in the bed close enough that she can feel his breath on her face.

Their eyes meet and for a moment she’s afraid of what she’ll see. When all she can find is the comforting affection of her dearest friend she wonders what she was so afraid of. Cole presses even closer to her and places a gentle kiss on her forehead.

When Aridhel finally slips away into the fade Cole is waiting for her there. He sits with her in the waterfall garden of her growing city and hums under his breath. Together they stare into the clear blue waters and watch the many colorful koi swimming within.

Chapter 62: Secrets Told and Kept

Aridhel doesn’t spend a lot of time with Leliana. It’s not personal, honestly it’s more because of just how busy the woman is. She rarely takes breaks from her work and spends so much time in the darker underworld of Thedas that it’s hard for her to pull away.

The times she does catch the inquisition spymaster in a free moment are far and few. It’s either really late at night or disgustingly early in the morning. Rare as it might be, the two have a set way of spending time together.

Aridhel joins Leliana for her prayers and spends about an hour just sitting with her. Sometimes the redhead will run her fingers through her silver curls. Sometimes she sings in a voice so soft that Aridhel wouldn’t have heard anything if her ears weren’t so sensitive.

When Aridhel finds herself with some free time, she decides to see if Leliana is busy. There’s nothing left for her to do tonight now that Silea’s been tucked in. So she makes her way out of Solas’s hidden room and starts up the stairs of the library.

The first thing she sees once she reaches Leliana is her back. She’s kneeling before the maker’s bride in complete silence. Aridhel can taste the sourness of anxiety and doubt in her tongue. There were many people within Skyhold she had guided through a crisis of faith, she just hadn’t expected Leliana to be one of them.

“I don’t understand Aridhel. I don’t understand why you do what the maker does not.”

The woman refuses to look at her, but Aridhel can smell the salt of her tears. Still, she waits for Leliana to finish her thoughts. She doesn’t know how to help yet, so she’ll listen first.

“The maker asks for so much and what does he give in return? Death, destruction. Wars that never seem to end and an unending wheel of pain for his children to suffer.” The longer she speaks the more the sour scent of anxiety sharpens into the metallic scent of rage.

Leliana rises to her feet, angrily pacing the length of her office. Unlike many people Aridhel has interacted with Leliana’s rage is quiet. It makes it worse, scarier.

“If the maker is so good and kind and forgiving, why has he abandoned us? Why won’t he help us?”

Well. This was certainly going to be a difficult conversation. Now, how to go about doing this without royally fucking it up. That is the million dollar question.

“I think people forget, that when the maker first sent Thedas help he sent Andraste. So maybe you’re not looking in the right places.”

Okay, descent start. Now to try and turn this into something. What could she possibly say? She could mention that the maker has helped. They send people and not miracles. Every kind stranger, every loyal friend, every trustworthy leader. All of them are indirect examples of the maker’s presence.

“People think the maker only helps with the big things, the miracles that can only be explained as divine intervention. But that’s not everything.”

“Sometimes, the maker sends people. He sends someone to share a kind word, someone to offer the hungry food. That stranger that tells you the one thing you need to hear to keep going and then you never see again.”

“It may seem like the maker has abandoned you, but he hasn’t. He’s helping Thedas the same way he always has. He sends people. You’re here aren’t you? And you’re doing everything you can to save Thedas.”

It’s silent again. Leliana’s face is as hard to read as ever and Aridhel hopes she’s helped her. They don’t speak again for the rest of the night. The silence is a thoughtful one and when Aridhel sees her again in the morning the change is obvious.

Leliana is more settled now, confident in a way she wasn’t before. The anxiety is still there, but there’s faith there too. Good. If anyone could claim to be sent by the maker and his bride it’s Leliana. After all, she’s the only character to canonically be brought back from the dead if she dies in origins.

Chapter 63: A moment of comfort

Normally, the two spirit companions of the inner circle are pretty good at leaving well enough alone. Some of the others don’t take well to them and they don’t wish to cause any undue stress.

Today is the exception. The Iron Lady is an intimidating figure in the inquisition. More so than the Iron Bull even. There’s just something about the level of confidence she carries and the absolute control she has over herself and her magic.

However, there is nothing intimidating about her today. Herah did her best to bring her a wyvern heart and she succeeded. Unfortunately, the potion didn’t work. Her beloved had slipped away where she could not follow.

There is no anger in her countenance, only an apathetic emptiness. The woman is so defeated in her loss that she barely spares Aridhel a passing glance. This is a level of heartbreak few had thought Vivienne capable of.

Aridhel has no words for her. No perfect solution to soothe her broken heart. All she can offer is her presence; her silent company. The two sit on Vivenne’s balcony in silence.

Slowly, as if she hadn’t noticed the unconscious movement of her hand, Vivienne’s fingers disappear within Aridhel’s curls. The fox is careful not to react or otherwise bring attention to the woman’s lapse in control.

Sometimes the only way to help is to show them that they’re not alone.

Chapter 64: Another noble proposal

The nobles have gotten even pushier than normal. Apparently, her Lady’s beauty was more than enough to rob them of any remaining sense. If it wasn’t causing her so many headaches she would be impressed.

It’s Herah’s own fault for thinking them smart enough to heed Solas’s warning. To think not even the threat of being quite literally thrown out of Skyhold with a stone fist spell wasn’t enough of a deterrent.

So here she is in another meeting with another noble who thinks she doesn’t know the real reason they’ve brought their heir with them. At least this one looks like he has a brain. He clearly isn’t interested in being married off.

From the looks she caught passed between him and one of the inquisition scouts she has a pretty good idea that marriage itself isn’t the problem. If he’s any good at scribing maybe Josephine could take him in.

It would work well for everyone. The nobles couldn’t say she spurned their attention, their heir could get the space he needs to be himself, and Josephine gets another assistant to defeat her dreaded piles of paperwork.

She just has to get through this meeting and she’s golden. There’s just one problem. They want to meet Aridhel personally. It’s not that Herah doesn’t trust her to behave herself, it’s just that Aridhel’s patience has already been spent for the day.

A different suitor more than three times her age had proposed to her in front of the kids. To say it didn’t go over well would be an understatement.

Surprisingly enough, Cole was the one who reacted poorly. Apparently the suitor was thinking very impure thoughts at the time and Cole was ready to kill him for it.

Luckily, Aridhel remains easy to bribe. With her fox mollified with her unhealthy amount of chocolate it was easy enough to lead Aridhel into the room.

Just before Herah leaves her alone with the heir she looks back to offer one piece of advice/order/plea.

“If there’s going to be a big dramatic scene, please wait until I get back.”

Aridhel looks over at her as if she’s said something particularly stupid.

“Of course. I can’t flip this table by myself.”

The heir looses his carefully maintained stoicism and snorts. Herah just knows these two brats are about to become good friends. Whatever. Aridhel likes her enough to make the upcoming chaos not her problem.

Chapter 65: When you were just being nice but now ancient elves actually live in your fort

When Herah offered the elves of Mythal’s temple a place in Skyhold, she didn’t think any of them would take her up on it. It’s not like she didn’t want them here, it’s just, she hadn’t expected them to obsess over Lady and her eevees. The first time she walked in on an ancient elf sobbing while cuddling one of the newer eevees to their chest she quietly backed out of the room without comment.

It looked like it helped them. Herah wasn’t sure what Skyhold’s resident fluff army was providing for them, but whatever it is was helping more than any of Josie’s attempts to smooth things over. Her poor diplomat was beside herself when she found out there had been people living in the temple before the fighting quite literally broke its doors down.

The inquisition had technically broken into their sacred temple and allowed Morrigan- a pretentious human mage who believed her knowledge to be above that of any of the actual elves in her army- to essentially steal a priceless magical artifact. Fruit baskets just don’t cut it for things like that. Though the miniature cakes were happily received, well as happily as someone who called themselves ‘sorrow’ could be.

Herah will admit to being a little jealous though. Lady’s been so busy running around with the newest residents that she hadn’t been able to spend nights with Herah. Its not like she needs her friend with her to fall asleep, but she prefers to have her own time with her. The more important they become the less time they have for each other and Herah hates it. One day, when this is all over, Herah and Lady will be able to spend a whole day doing nothing but cycling between sleep and eating. That’s a promise.

Her advisors are a little weary regarding the elves. Though she's not sure how much of that stems from the appearance of people who predate Andraste and likely know the truer versions of events from history. The chantry's always been very careful to make sure humanity always comes out on top regardless of actuality. Seeing the look of disbelief on one of the sister's faces when one of the elves corrected her during her history lecture about the true fall of the elvhen was hilarious.

Finding out that the only reason Tevinter had been able to take over so easily was because their society had already destroyed itself was neat. She knew that the society Solas described seeing in dreams couldn't have been overtaken by some stuck up humans and their magic. Clearly the elves were immortal or close enough to it that most wouldn't live long enough to put it to the test. It would be like accepting a toddler beating up a grown man without the adult being in on the game.

Chapter 66: They have to figure it out eventually right?

One of Cole’s favorite pastimes is to listen when Ari sings. She has such a nice voice, breathy and soft as it is. He can follow along without worrying about listening for any deeper meaning or hidden emotions. She is at her most honest when she sings.

Her entire being is taken over by an overwhelming feeling of peace that Cole can feel himself relax right alongside her. There’s no rush in these moments, no need to take in as much affection from her as he can before they're off helping others. Its time for them to just be Cole and Ari without any other titles added on.

It doesn’t matter what she’s singing or whether Cole can understand the words themselves. What matters is that every song is projection of the emotions she feels. Their connection grows and deepens with every note. Sometimes Cole will even join in.

His voice isn’t much for singing. Sure, he can keep a tune pretty well, but that’s about it. Mostly, he just hums along. Loud enough so she can hear without overshadowing her airy soprano. They sit close enough together that their shoulders brush against each other repeatedly.

Eventually, she leans on him completely. Her side tucked into his as she finally lets herself relax. She keeps getting busier with each passing day and Cole just wants to help. So whenever he notices her drooping shoulders or growing apathy he pulls her away from the many eyes of Skyhold.

They disappear between the walls into rooms still unmapped by the current residents. Cole even managed to create a room just for them. He’s filled it with the comfiest pillows he could find and the softest blankets in the keep.

Every time Ari finally gives in and falls asleep against his side is another victory on his record. They spend so much time and energy helping others that its important to remember that they matter too. Solas keeps having to remind them that they can’t help anyone if they don’t take care of themselves.

Good friends take care of each other, and he takes pride in being her best friend. Though the teasing grins and confusing jokes from the inner circle during missions make him feel strange. How did so many butterflies make their way into his stomach without his notice? How many has he swallowed without realizing?

Chapter 67: All for a smile

The day had started off so well. Aridhel woke up early, did her daily routine of answering prayers and finished all her godly duties in record time. Honestly, she’s still not sure how everything went so wrong so fast.

If she had to guess where things started spiraling out of control, she’d say it was around the same time Youth had convinced her to force Abelas to have some fun. The spirit hoped that some quality tlc would do wonders for the sourpuss.

Like most things, it started off with good intentions. Abelas was a miserable ancient elf and Youth refused to be around so much angst for extended periods of time. The fact that Abelas is just like that as a person, even going so far as to name himself sadness during a depressive stage, was spitefully ignored.

Of course, Youth could not be trusted to do anything alone. Duty caught the mischievous spirit trying to train nugs to fight five times in a row. Seeing as how the stubborn little brat was entirely unrepentant, they were no longer aloud to wander alone. They keep muttering about the third nug battalion coming in clutch one day.

Abelas had no real intention of going along with anything Youth might have planned. The only reason he bothered to stick around was because Aridhel had promised to keep Solas away from him for the day. The two men couldn’t stand each other, and both were petty enough to make it everyone’s problem.

The ancient elf sends a long suffering look to the sky in askance before directing his only question towards the spirit responsible for his added suffering, “what’s the signal for when something goes wrong?”

“Don’t you mean if?”

“No.”

“Could you be a little more optimistic? Would it kill you to not be such an angsty bean for two minutes?”

“Well?”

“Fine.” Youth pouts as they stomp down the hall towards the chantry garden, “we yell ‘oh shit’ and make a run for it.”

“That’s it? That’s the plan.” The elvhen man’s brows are furrowed and he looks as though he’s swallowed a lemon.

“I wouldn’t worry too much. If we have to run, we won’t be the ones caught. Youth loses every race, even when they try and cheat.”

“Yeah. See no problems here. Wait a minute. Hey!”

It was at this point that they should have known things weren’t going to go well. They set out looking for trouble and boy did it find them. Aridhel swears they only went into the room with Andraste’s statue to show Abelas the mole on her left ankle. It was so weirdly specific they wanted to know if he had any thoughts on it.

Besides the trip was supposed to give them time to come up with a way to make Abelas a little less angsty. The man was bound to start growing mold with how he skulked about the place. She should have known better than to think it would be an easy in and out.

Youth in their excitement goes darting toward the statue and they keep gaining speed. In fact, they start moving so fast that Aridhel only has a second to make the horrified realization that Youth is using a move. A very specific, Disastrous move.

The idiot has unknowingly thrown themselves forward with a double edge. Abelas quickly catches on to the fact that shit is about to go down and like an asshole slows down so he can watch. The two watch as Youth slams full force into the statue and collapse at the stone woman’s feet.

For a moment, Aridhel thinks they’re in the clear. Then she hears it. That eerie creaking noise right before the ankle that inspired the trip cracks and gives out. This is so bad she can’t even find it in her to react. For a good five minutes she sits on her haunches and just stares.

Abelas on the other hand, reacts immediately. The stone cold façade melts away as the man laughs so hard he cries. She can’t even take the time to notice anything beyond the fact that he has a wonderfully deep laugh before the nervous giggling starts.

This is so not okay. They just broke a statue of Andraste, the only statue specifically sent over by the chantry to ensure the credibility of the Inquisition as an Andrastian organization. This wasn’t going to look good at all. There was no way she could make this look good.

They needed damage control and fast. From the panicked footsteps quickly making their way towards the room, she figured they only had about ten minutes before they had to explain themselves. Something tells her they wouldn’t accept that an elf and two spirits didn’t do this on purpose.

“Abelas stop laughing, this isn’t a laughing matter.”

He can’t even look at her, he’s slumped over holding his arm across his stomach. He’s laughed so hard he probably pulled something. They don’t have time for this.

“You’re old as shit right? Please tell me you have the equivalent of magical super glue? Or a spell that could put her back together again?”

“First of all, that was incredibly rude. Second of all, why would I know a spell for that? I was a general not an artisan.”

“Then what’s the point of being old as dirt if you cant even prevent our upcoming death by a religious mob.”

“I believe this is the part where we make a run for it.”

“We can’t just leave it like this. Leliana’s gonna know. Then she’ll kill us. She’ll probably turn me into a fursode!”

“How will she know?”

“She just will! That’s her whole job. To know things.”

The steps are getting louder. Whoever it is, is steadily making their way towards the scene of the crime and they still don’t have a solution. Youth is desperately trying to piece the woman back together, but they aren’t getting very far. In fact, it looks like their trying to attach the toes to the hand.

Just before Aridhel starts crying from the stress, Abelas pulls himself together. He helps her to lay out the statue in a shape that looks mostly correct. If you were to close one eye and tilt your head to the left. He uses a quick ice spell to hold the woman together before carefully placing her back on the alter.

They lean the woman against the wall and quickly dart out of the way just before the unlucky scout bursts into the room. They watched in horrified awe as the man reaches out for the statue only for it to immediately collapse. Well. That’s one way to deal with this.

The trio doesn’t stick around much longer. In fact, they make an immediate retreat to Aridhel’s hidden room within the keep. Luckily Duty is too deep in the fade to wake when they enter. Faith takes one look at them and immediately says she doesn’t want to know.

Later on, Youth finally collapsed after the adrenalin had run out. They were so exhausted they didn't even do a single turn before passing out. Abelas turned to Aridhel and offered her the first smile she’s ever seen from him. Its small and only lasts for a moment or so, but its enough. Its more than enough.

“Please don’t tell Solas about this.”

“And let him know I was involved? Never. He’d take it as a point in his favor.”

Chapter 68: Awkward Family Reunions

From what Aridhel could remember from the game verse, this confrontation wasn’t anywhere near as awkward as it is right now. Granted she was now technically related to this train wreck so that should have been factored in.

Their darling children are oblivious to the growing tension of course. They’re too busy giving a very emotional goodbye to the old god that up till this moment lived alongside Kieran.

Good on them. Aridhel sure would like to be talking to them right now. Unfortunately she’s an adult now and adults have to deal with their problems. It’s a shit deal really.

Instead, she gets a front row seat to Morrigan’s realization that her mother is the elvhen god that she just so happened to bind herself to a month ago. She should have taken Abelas’s word for it and let him destroy the well.

Poor woman would spend the rest of her life in service to a mother she can’t stand. Talk about unhealthy relationships. These two are stuck with each other and Bitch of the wilds was so sure her mother’s murder would stick.

Oh wait. Morrigan didn’t even know the best part. Aridhel is now back in the conversation, she can’t believe she almost missed the part where Morrigan finds out they’re family now. Any ideas of running off with her child to meet her warden would need to be reworked.

After all, Morrigan was no longer her own person. Flemythal was going to need her when the time comes to get her revenge. Solas isn’t enough to take on the rest of their family. Even Aridhel would have to get involved, young as she is.

It’s a good thing Herah already left. She’d given the woman the option to make her way out once she realized this conversation would take awhile. Now she gets to hear the clip notes from Aridhel without any of the added drama. Aridhel really does spoil her inquisitor.

The sudden screech of pure anger draws her attention. It’s kind of impressive to hear. Morrigan’s doing her best impression of nails on a chalkboard and Aridhel hates it. Can’t she keep her emotions to herself? One would think that Orleis would teach her better emotional control.

Oh would you look at that. Flemythal’s gone and Aridhel’s the only one left to deal with this. Wonderful. Her family is just the best. Sure, leave the youngest to deal with all the emotional shit. There’s no way this could go wrong.

The only thing left to do is guide her family out of the fade and back to the mirror. There’s no way she’s having this confrontation in the fade where rules don’t exist. They’re gonna have their beat down in the waking world with onlookers.

At least that way Morrigan won’t be able to just kill her. There would be enough witnesses that she wouldn’t consider it worth the trouble. Unless Solas finds them. Then they’re both gonna be stuck listening to an hour long lecture about how they’re “perpetuating the cycle of violence” and “being a terrible example for their children.”

Chapter 69: It Continues

“Absolutely not.”

“Are you still on this?”

“I refuse to believe we’re related!”

“Unfortunately, facts don’t care about how you feel.”

Morrigan releases yet another screech as she continues pacing before Aridhel. It’s all very tiresome. Does she not know that there are other things Aridhel would like to do today? Why can’t she just move on? Was it really that terrible?

Aridhel didn’t think things were quite so dire. Morrigan was a relatively decent human being. For a woman raised in the wilds by an old hag at least. So really, if anyone should be upset it should be her! After all, she’s the one who has to deal with an uptight witch that isn’t known for her empathy.

If this is how she’s acting right now, how will she take finding out the truth behind Solas’s identity? Not well apparently. So Aridhel’s going to go ahead and tap out on that conversation real quick. Someone else can deal with that shit show. Preferably Solas himself. He’s the one who can turn people to stone.

Just imagining the dramatic woman frozen in a state of enraged shock for a few months is enough to calm Aridhel back down. That’s one crisis averted. Which means her schedule is open to another one. Good, never know how Monday’s are going to go.

“There’s no way I’m related to a mangy stray!”

“Listen woman, if anyone’s the stray around here it’s you! I’m fucking pedigree bitch.”

Chapter 70: The Descent

Well this certainly wasn’t how Aridhel thought her day would go. Not that this was a bad experience, it would probably rank somewhere on the list of top 10 coolest things she’d ever done. It’s just, she didn’t think Titans spoke to anyone but the children of the stone.

Now she might have been on the shorter side as a human, but she’d never been considered a dwarf. Besides her sense of direction was shit and becoming a god hadn’t made it any better. Unfortunately.

So here she is, sitting in the same cavern where the inquisitor fights the fade Titan’s heart. She died so many times in that fight. Her go to group had been Dorian, Bull and Cole. Herah wasn’t a healer and the party suffered for it.

The strangest part isn’t that the heart pulses with lyrium. The strangest part is that the Titan speaks in concepts and pictures. There hasn’t been a single word exchanged for the past hour and her mind was breaking. This was like playing Pictionary on steroids.

Honestly, Aridhel thinks things are going pretty well. The emotional link is still positive and there’s yet to be any annoyance or frustration from the Titan. Eight out of ten would talk to this being again.

Herah had already moved on. She was currently speaking to Valta about moving other people in. While Aridhel is curious over whether this will be a new home for any who need it she has other things on her mind. After all, if anyone could help her bring Samiya to the waking world it would be a Titan.

She lucks out with this one because apparently there’s already a Titan hidden beneath the waves of the Amaranthine ocean. Now she just has to talk to that Titan about how they feel about co-creating a new island. Hopefully this Titan would put in a good word for her.

Herah really does give her the best gifts. She deserves so much. Aridhel will give her the best view in the temple once it’s built. That way Herah will finally have a permanent home to call her own. Something that she doesn’t need to work to maintain.

Chapter 71: Cole: problem solver extraordinaire

Cole was hands down the unsung hero of Skyhold. His days are spent moving from one problem to the next doing what he can to solve them.

He takes care of things personally, like the plums in the windowsill and the healer who learned how helpful spiderwebs could be. Or the barrel full of daggers. Or the turnips in the fire places. Or the cook and her dancing cats.

It’s a different approach, certainly. And while it might not always be successful the intentions are good. Herah gave Cole the go ahead to tell people about what he does. Some people have even begun to recognize him as he moves through the keep.

When Aridhel had been in control of the inquisitor, she’d taken Cole with her everywhere. Herah doesn’t. In fact, more often than not Cole is left behind. While the woman may claim it’s due to her own belief that Cole is too young to travel too far, she knows better.

It’s nice that Herah leaves Cole behind because she knows how sad the pair would be for however long they were apart. What kind of shipper would she be if she got in the way of her otp? So really it was in everyone’s best interest that the spirits of Skyhold stayed together.

There are always problems with any decision. Sure there are some missions that Cole would have been a great help. He’s well suited for stealth and information gathering. Well, when he doesn’t get distracted by the next hurt.

Luckily, there are more pros than cons to letting him stay behind. Firstly, the entirety of Skyhold is completely invested in the slow burn that is their relationship. Varric’s started a betting pool on just how long it will take for them to figure out their feelings aren’t platonic.

Secondly, she gets to overhear their conversations. She had a few favorites that help her feel all warm and fuzzy or make her chuckle to herself. Her memory has always been one of her best abilities. Herah wouldn’t be very good at her job if she couldn’t remember most of the things she absorbed during the day.

She has a running list of her favorites:

1) Overheard in the mage tower
“Don’t worry Ari, I have a few knives up my sleeves.”
“Don’t you mean cards?”
“No”

2) Overheard in the kitchens
“You know, not every problem can be solved with cake.”
“That’s why I like to make two!”
“Have you ever forgotten to turn into a human to bake?”
“A few times yeah. The cook keeps thinking she’s being poisoned when it happens.”

3) Overheard in the library
“Don’t worry Cole! I know exactly what to do!”
“No you don’t. Your thoughts are racing. That only happens when you’re panicking.”
“Would you let me live in my denial for one moment Cole?”
“Oh. Sorry. You’re right. Everything’s going to be just fine.”
“Thank you.”

4) Overheard in Herah’s bedroom
“Can I brush your hair again?”
“Sure. I’ve got to ask though, what’s the appeal?”
“It makes you happy”
“That’s all it takes?”
“I only ever want you to be happy. Especially if I can be the reason for it.”
“Oh. Well. You make me very happy Cole.”

Chapter 72: Unforeseen side effects

Did you know that by sending out statues that allowed spirits easier access to the waking world you can weaken the fade? Because Aridhel certainly didn’t. Not until the inquisition started receiving messages inquiring into the uptick in mages.

It turns out that by opening up pockets of the fade she had inadvertently exposed children and pregnant women to the spirits. They could get attached just as much as any being and let’s just say that their attention leaves a mark whether it’s known or not. Oops.

Solas was sent to one of the villages and when he returned he spent at least an hour just holding her. It’s a good thing this whole god thing gives her an understanding of all languages because otherwise she’d have no idea just how emotional her father could get.

In her innocence, she had done what her father believed impossible. The main difference between now and then was the people’s connection to the fade. Through her statues she’s managed to open the door once more. It wasn’t much compared to what they were, but it was a start.

With each new generation the connection would grow. Until eventually the statues wouldn’t even be needed to act as a catalyst. However, if anyone asks about this later it was totally planned. She knew what was going on the whole time.

Chapter 73: The Ocean Titan

All things considered, this was going remarkably well. No one was angry or aggressive. This is one of the most pleasant conversations she’s had with one of the local deity’s in weeks.

Aridhel had managed to find the ocean Titan in the fade after some helpful tips from the other Titan and some of the older spirits. They were hidden pretty deep. Aridhel wasn’t aware Thedas had such deep oceans. It brought back some pretty terrifying memories of the deep ocean creatures from earth.

The ocean Titan had been asleep for ages and was incredibly slow to respond. Speaking to them was a lesson in patience that’s for sure. On the bright side, the Titan was curious enough about how the world had changed to tentatively agree.

They were willing to give life as a living island a try. She had shared stories with them about how early legends from her home contained giant lion turtles that carried the world on their shell. It was a familiar enough concept that it inspired some degree of comfort. The Titan missed being a home for it’s people.

All that was left was to include the Titan on her various plans and ideas for the temple. Innovation would be psyched. They’ve been looking forward to this from the beginning. It’s always so nice when things work themselves out.

Chapter 74: Aridhel is the last to know

Today was the day. There was no more denying the inevitable. Aridhel was definitely head over heels for her best friend. What a disaster.

It finally hit her during their nightly ritual. She was enjoying Cole’s gentle touches as he braided her hair for the night when her heart burst. Her mind made the jump from platonic affection to romantic yearning.

The poor girl startled so badly she fell of her bed. Being the otherworldly godly being that she is, she pulled herself together and immediately confessed. Except that’s not what happened. Not even close.

For a good ten minutes she sat there on the floor as the redness bloomed across her cheeks all the way down to her collarbone. It was a total system reboot as her brain fried under the influx of stress.
How embarrassing.

Cole being the wonderful young man he is immediately joined her on the floor. He didn’t even question it. He just sat next to her and waited for her to get her thoughts together.

It only gets worse when the words finally come. All she managed to spit out was a high pitched, “I really like you Cole!”

“I really like you too!”

“No Cole I like like you, as in I’d like to move our relationship further.”

“It’s a little soon for marriage though. Varric said we needed to wait at least a year.”

Oh boy. If Aridhel thought she was panicking before it had nothing on this. She went ahead and choked on that one. Of all the responses she didn’t see that one coming.

“Marriage?!?”

“Well we’re already dating you know? So the next step is marriage.”

“What do you mean we’re already dating?”

Cole just keeps looking at her with those too blue eyes guileless as can be.

“You didn’t know?”

“Obviously I didn’t know!”

“Ari we spend almost all our time together.”

“That’s cuz we’re best friends.”

“We sleep together every night.”

“We don’t even need sleep. We just lay around and talk through the night.”

“We’re already raising kids together.”

“Oh my god.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t know.”

“OH MY GOD!”

She throws herself onto his lap and immediately pulls his face closer to hers. Her hands are squeezing his cheeks just a little too hard and it’s forced his lips into an exaggerated pout.

“Do you know what this means?”

“That my girlfriend doesn’t know next week is our first anniversary?”

“No! Well yes, but no. It means I could have been kissing you this whole time!”

Chapter 75: Jaws of Hakkon

Oh boy was Aridhel having a bad time today. You’d think that being able to go out on another fun filled adventure with Herah to meet some Advaar would go swimmingly. Unfortunately, wired shit is just part of her life now.

There are a lot of things Aridhel’s willing to put up with okay. And looking back on it all she’s done an admirable job of rolling with the punches. She can think of three major life events that she handled just fine.

1. Forcefully transformed into a Pokémon; not the greatest but she got over it.

2. Accidentally starting a cult and becoming a god; really fucking weird but whatever.

3. Building her own family and snagging herself an adorable boyfriend; fuck yeah she lives for that shit.

But this! This is too much. The world has officially gone off the deep end and located the end of her comfort zone. Today she draws her line in the sand because what the fuck.

This whole quest has been pretty terrible. Shes had a front row seat to so much heartbreak in this place. Tracing Ameridan’s steps was a slow kind of torture. Oh just interacting with the spirit that promised to wait for Telena was hard. But to actually meet the man? That was so much worse.

Ameridan’s reaction to the realization that the world went to shit without him and his love died waiting for him was heart wrenching. Then she had to stand there as this broken man turned to dust before her eyes. There was nothing she could do about it. The kindest thing she could do for this man was let him go. He’d done more than enough for the world.

So there she is, standing beside Herah as her poor little hero speeds through all the stages of an existential crisis. The only thing keeping everyone around her from knowing she was full on ugly crying being that she didn’t have a humanoid face.

That’s the moment where things go from worse to apocalyptic. Hakkon, free from his binding, just leans over and sniffs her. Aggressively. How is he so much worse than any noble that’s tried to marry her? How is that physically possible?

Can anyone explain to her why Hakkon, the god of winter and war, keeps proposing to her mid fight?One minute she’s dodging a giant dragon wing and the next the fucking mad man is complimenting her fur. Why is this her life right now? Why is he literally hitting on her?

Obviously she has to kill him. What kind of lady would she be if she let that kind of insult stand? Now if he could only die quicker so that she wouldn’t have to suffer his horrible pick up lines. It’s one thing to go after her when she’s alone, but in front of her father and her boyfriend? That’s ballsy as hell.

Now she’s in a race against time to defend her own honor because the two best men in her life are looking murderous. If she isn’t the one to kill the creep she’s going to be furious.

Chapter 76: Inner circle learns the truth kinda

Being the intelligent person I am, I know that the secret of Solas’s identity shouldn’t be kept as long as it was in the game. Even I know that our pantheon was too young and small to take on the corrupted evanuris alone.

An eldritch wolf, the shade of a god, an enslaved daughter, a young god and two children wasn’t really the dream team when it comes to world ending battles. Regardless of how good of a soap opera found family they may be.

When I finally managed to talk Solas into bringing in the inner circle we both agreed to make some changes to the original story. Sure Solas would have to deal with being the butt of plenty of canine jokes what with corypheus stealing his orb, but that’s better then admitting he gave it to him expecting him to die.

Instead solas would only be accused of underestimating his thief. How was he supposed to know the blighted magister was able to respawn after death? Besides with how old solas is he was probably so confused to be forced awake from his nap that he didn’t even register the orb was gone till much later.

I’ve got to give the inner circle major props because they took that reveal pretty well. But that might just be because they didn’t have time to really take that information in. What with the follow up about the creators. So there was that.
I could see that some of the andrastian members had some questions about their own god. Unfortunately I don’t know shit about that guy beyond what they already do know. No codex entries disguised as omnipotent information this time.

Herah of course took a moment to digest the information, nodded her head and made her decision. She made her way out of the room with a distracted call to not bother her for the rest of the day. Of course, she threw Josie over her shoulder as she passed so I’m pretty sure I know how she’ll be dealing with this newest mindfuck. Good for her.

The rest of the inner circle take their sweet time leaving the room. Some of them have taken the information more gracefully than others. Dorian and Bull had taken to messing with Solas. Varric jumped in every so often with another horrendous dog joke. The dwarf was mostly distracted giving his condolences to Cole for his horrific luck regarding the family he might be joining later in life.

Cullen, for example, started the meeting really hoping we were playing a prank on him. The only reason the poor man hadn’t left the room was because he had slumped into his seat and refused to move. He just sits there muttering to himself. Cassandra sat beside him for a moment or so before deciding that the only way she was going to work through this was by beating the shit out of some unlucky recruits.

Leliana left soon after her, probably to go see if she could verify the information. I’m sure one of the spies Solas slipped into her flock will miraculously find the missing pieces that prove Solas has always been more than he seemed. My favorite reaction had to be the combination of Sera’s vehement refusal of reality paired with Blackwall’s resigned acceptance as he drags her to the tavern to drink their problems away.

That’s when I feel it. That shiver down your spine when someone’s measuring your worth and value against the new information. Vivienne has a look in her eyes I hate. So like the adult I am, I make a tactical retreat to the garden. I’m sure the children could use another story. There’s no way I’m helping that woman take over the world any faster then she’s already going.

Notes:

Sorry for the longer than usual wait. I was finalizing the way I want this story to go and it took a few tries to get it the way I wanted. I should be able to stick to the usual updates now that everything’s where I want it to be.

Chapter 77: This wasn’t the rematch Aridhel expected

Even though I’ve come to accept that the timeline from the game isn’t entirely reliable, I still struggle with the time differences. As someone who experiences the most anxiety while waiting for things to happen, this has been hell on my nerves.

The game has you jump straight from the arbor wilds to the end game battle. But real life doesn’t work like that. Who would have thought that the route I took to finish the game would apply to this reality? Herah was able to visit the deep roads and the avvar to fight Hakkon before the breach was reopened. How convenient.

Honestly, seeing the breach reopen was more of a relief than it should have been. I was just so ready for the inquisition to come to an end. The organization has reached the point where things can only really go down hill from there.

Just because Solas’s spies are relatively harmless didn’t mean that everyone else’s are too. The orlesian ones in particular are real assholes. They walk around with their noses so high up in the air I’m surprised more of them haven’t drowned during the occasional rain storm.

Besides, the island is ready and fully functioning. All that’s missing is the people. I’m so ready to just disappear on my floating island and take a well deserved vacation. Can’t do that until the bad guy with a god complex is taken out. That includes his creepy infected dragon.

That’s right. I’m talking about my well deserved rematch. There’s no running away from this one you overgrown lizard. This time I win. Solas might have stolen Hakkon’s death from me, but this one’s all mine. I called dibs first.

Of course being pumped for the fight of the animal mascots doesn’t make it any less terrifying. I’m still fighting a giant dragon. Infected or not, I’m only about the size of this things head. It’s kind of hard to intimidate something when you’re the same size as their paw? Hand? Whatever they have.

I prepared for this fight okay. I was ready for just about anything. I’d practiced my fairy type moves. I trained alongside my spirit trio to get used to fighting along side them. I even practiced using dazzling gleam enough times to stop accidentally blinding myself mid-fight.

You want to know what I wasn’t prepared for? Hearing the dragon pleading with me to save it. Or end it. Whatever it would take to restore it to it’s previous state. It wanted so badly to be whole again. To be healthy and blight free. It never wanted any of this.

How am I supposed to fight someone who’s already in so much pain. This isn’t revenge or a beat down. I don’t know what it is, but I hate it. This wasn’t how I thought I would feel during this fight. Not that I expected to enjoy it, but this hurts.

I’m supposed to help people. I only ever wanted to help those around me and apparently that includes infected dragons. There has to be something I can do. I’m sure there’s a move that can end this without too much pain.

She’s not even fighting back at this point. Duty managed to tear a whole through her wings and grounded her. Youth managed to hit her in the side with a double-edge and knocked her off her feet. Faith froze her limbs to the ground and now they’re all just staring at me.

Even the dragon’s looking at me. She’s just so tired and defeated. Dragons are fierce and untamed, but she just lies there panting from the strain of breathing. This isn’t a fight. This is a mercy. I have no cure for the blight bar one. I can make the pain stop.

I use yawn. She immediately begins to feel drowsy. Her eyes struggle to stay open and her breathing evens. I’m staring at my enemy, but she wasn’t really my enemy was she? I stare at the being in front of me and decide that the least I can do is give her a gentle end.

I take a deep breath and breath out the strongest icy wind I’ve ever managed. The frost crawls across her scales, seeping deep within her body. It takes a few minutes, but the being of fire made flesh rests easily before me. It’s with a gentle meeting of my forehead to hers that the ice shatters and the dragon along with it.

As the breeze scatters the ice shards across the landscape I can just make out the shape of a dragon taking wing.

Chapter 78: Pokémon celebrate too

So I know Solas planned on leaving before the party. He spoke with the advisors about it, explaining that certain things needed to be set in motion.The problem is, I kinda need him here. It’s not an emergency emergency, but it’s pretty bad.

When I saw everyone celebrating in Skyhold I didn’t account for everyone celebrating you know? Because let me tell you, going through my nightly check ups on the eeveelutions wasn’t supposed to give me heart palpitations.

Who in the world is expecting to walk into a room full of Pokémon eggs. Not this gal that’s for sure. I’m just going through the motions okay. And before I even realize the room is empty of Pokémon I’m tripping over eggs.

I didn’t even get any warnings from Cole seeing as how he’s so distracted bonding with Silea. He hasn’t been pulling his usual spirit antics. Being a dad really fills up the schedule. Fuck. What am I going to do about this? Where did all these eggs come from?

Let’s be honest here guys, spirits have no sex drive. They’re all a bunch of aroace legends okay. So there shouldn’t be any eggs. Good lord, those Pokémon breeders were right when they said they don’t know where they came from. I though it was a poorly disguised adult joke this whole time.

Guess I’m the idiot in the end. Fuck. Now I have to go have a super embarrassing conversation with my dad about where eggs come from. Is this what happens when I decide to drink? That’s a shit deal right there. I mean really. Who thinks this shit is funny?

Chapter 79: I’m gonna need a Pokédex at this rate

The eggs hatched and I’m just so confused. Why in the world are there more than eevees in this clutch. Of the forty eggs, twenty of them are just random Pokémon. They don’t even look like eevees.

Seriously, why am I face to face with a happiny right now. Who’s responsible for this fuck up? Which Pokéspirit pulled off this shit? And how? Honestly I’m pretty curious how they pulled it off. Is it just the power of ignorance and willpower? That’s wild.

Are they just stealing all my Pokémon knowledge from me? Or have I been reliving my many Pokémon adventures in the fade? You know what, I’m pretty sure I have. I was excited to show off snom to Cole. I just knew he’d love the hungry little critter.

Alright, so maybe this might just be a little my fault. Here’s the next question, do I even bother explaining egg groups to the Pokéspirits? I kinda wanna see how this plays out you know? Besides I’m definitely not interested in giving them the breeder guide.

I’m gonna need to do something about this. Good news is the island is more than big enough to stash all these Pokéspirits. The Titan decided that it would be the best island it could be and is about the size I can remember the Sinnoh region being.

It’s a good thing I’ll have time to settle all these Pokéspirits first. I’m gonna need the extra time to recreate the Pokédex. Maybe I can moonlight as a Pokémon professor? That would be hilarious. I just greet my people like,

“Welcome to the Bermuda Traingle. This island is populated by mysterious creatures known as Pokéspirits. Im Professor Alice and I’ve dedicated myself to studying these amazing creatures!”

This is gonna be great. Oh yeah, it’s all coming together now.

Chapter 80: Stumbled my way into immortality

I’ve been running myself ragged getting my island ready for habitation. At the moment, it’s populated solely by Pokéspirits. Until I manage to get some eluvians set up the only way into the island is by ship. It’s an uncomfortable experience dig you’re not used to sea travel.

They’re doing great though. They’ve spread out across the island and no longer need my direct assistance to cross through the fade. The fact that they can now create their own eggs only adds on to their growing numbers. I wonder if they’ll create some new Pokéspirits or regional variations.

I still haven’t created a name for my island and I feel like that’s a pretty big step to just skip over. I mean, sure, I could just let the island name itself over time but what if the name doesn’t fit the vibe? I want nothing but good vibes on my island. It’s practically the most important part of creating your own island. Why didn’t animal crossing new horizon prepare me for this?

You want to know what else is upsetting? I haven’t changed. At all. I mean, I did turn into a ice fairy fox but that’s not what I mean. I had just turned 20 when this isekai portal shit happened. Yet when I looked in the mirror today I looked exactly the same.

This isn’t like the game, the inquisition’s been around for a while. The conclave was in 9:41 and it took two years to defeat Corypheus. The game talks about the exalted council being held in 9:44, but from what I’ve seen it’ll take at least till 9:47 for the chantry and the other countries to get their act together.

Just last week the chantry was still arguing over who would be the next divine. Of the six potential women, I only know four of them. I wasn’t expecting one of mine to be a potential choice. It was a real trip to find out that one. Solas, the ass, waited to tell me until he could see my reaction in person. I tripped over nothing and face planted. Hard.

Anyways. I was expecting to see some changes okay? Nothing to major, but it’s been three years here. Yet there’s no fine lines. There are no bags under my eyes despite the truly atrocious lack of sleep. My cheeks are as full as ever and my skin soft and clear.

Apparently I’m the last to know that spiritual adoption is a thing in thedas. When Solas acknowledged me as his daughter our magic made sure to make it a literal change. I might not look like him, but my person form is distinctly more elvhen than elf.

Wild. I was looking forward to seeing my appearance change. There were a few morbid thoughts on whether seeing an older face would jog memories of Alice’s mother up from the depths. This is gonna take some adjustments. I don’t actually know how I feel about it you know?

On the plus side, my goal from day one has finally been achieved. Nothing better for continued survival than immortality.

Chapter 81: Staples of the Pokémon world

“You can’t be serious.” Abelas looks at me as though I’ve just spilled wine on his favorite cloak. Again.

“Oh but I am.” I can feel the smirk spread across my face as I watch the delightful combination of despair and absolute rejection of reality fall over his face.

“You can not use Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy as the official titles of those two departments. How could anyone garner any respect under such ridiculous monikers?” I can see the pain it causes him just to say the names.

He’s begun to pace the room and I make a mental note to thank Cole for having the foresight to remove our rug. The sulky emo would have ruined them in his tantrum. Just watching him makes me jittery. Now I feel like I should move too.

But I can’t. Because I have a much harder time pulling off smug asshole when I’m not sitting down. It’s heavily dependent on how obnoxiously I sip my tea. That I hate. The dedication it takes to be this extra is exhausting, but well worth it.

This is why I wanted him to be the first to know. I enticed him into spending time with me tonight with the offer of naming our new home. I even bribed him with his favorite tea that’s just as bitter as he is.

Little did he know that all I really wanted to do was make sure he would know that when he took over as captain of the guard he’d be referred to as Officer Jenny. The range of emotion he expressed in that moment was glorious.

The shock came first. Then there was this delightful little smile that lit up his face. Right up until he realized that he would be referred to as Officer Jenny for the entirety of his career. Boy was that a scary glare. His teeth are so much sharper then I thought they were.

I think I’m gonna let him spiral a little longer before introducing him to his Pokéspirit companion. I’m sure he’ll like the growlithe I have in mind. The bold spirit of Loyalty deemed Abelas worthy of its support. And let’s face it, the man really just needs a puppy to cheer him up.

“Is your life’s purpose to annoy me?” He gripes, dramatically flinging his arms over head.

“You can growl and hiss as much as you like Abby, we all know I’m your best friend.”

He groans before dropping listlessly onto his cushion. He continues to play the act of tortured soul, but I know better. The lazy contentment of his magic contradicts his actions. I’m pretty sure that’s a smile he’s hiding under his arm too.

Chapter 82: Cole’s just trying to be a supportive boyfriend

“Varric?” Cole asks with a focused determination, so different from his usual dreamy gaze.

“What’s up kid?” Varric takes his time organizing his papers. Even when focused Cole tends to struggle to find the right words.

“You know a lot of words right?”

The dwarf finally locks eyes with his younger friend. Briefly wondering where this conversation is about to go and if he’ll need any alcohol to cope.

“I’d say so yes.”

“Do you know a good tree name. Ari really needs one.”

Varric looks at Cole for a moment and waits him out. Surely there’s more to it than that. He’s going to need a little more context. Unfortunately, Cole seems to be waiting for Varric to continue the conversation.

“Is there any particular reason she’s looking for a tree name? Doesn’t she already have six?”

“It has to be a tree name. Every Pokémon professor is named after a tree.” Cole just looks at him as if that answers every question Varric could possibly have.

It doesn’t. But if there’s one thing Varric is known for it’s his willingness to help his friends. Regardless of how strange their requests might be. He supposed it made some sense. He created characters that he had to name all the time for his books.

“Wouldn’t Solas be a better source of names? He’s her father isn’t he?” Varric hopes he can just pass this one off to the grumpy old wolf. Give him something to do other than stare at the walls and brood.

“I’ve already asked but he doesn’t understand! It needs to be something everyone understands!” Poor Cole looks distraught.

Damn there goes that plan. Solas is known for being a pretentious snob. Every name he offered up was probably complicated elvhen. It’s so on brand for the guy and so incredibly unhelpful for the situation.

Varric wonders just how long the kids been running around harassing people for tree names. It’s hard to tell what with the kid being a spirit and not showing the typical signs of exhaustion.

Guess he’ll be helping the kid and his girlfriend find a good tree name. What ever that means. While he may not be sure why Aridhel is so insistent that it has to be a tree, he’s going to help. Or at least try to. He’s a rogue not a gardener. How many names could there be?

Notes:

Do you know how hard it is to find a tree name for her professor persona? I honestly didn’t think I’d have such a hard time picking one out. Let me know if you have any ideas in the comments. It just has to be a tree.

Chapter 83: The Welcoming Committee

When the inhabitants of Skyhold found out that the inquisition had been disbanded, there was a growing sense of unease. People were scared of what would happen to them. They wanted to know if they had to leave and if they did, where would they go.

Cole had nearly run himself ragged trying to soothe as many souls as he could. The Pokéspirits were helpful in that regard. They were much better at providing comfort without unintentionally creeping out their targets.

Luckily, Aridhel had been preparing for this moment for a while now. She began sharing dreams of a new island, a new home. A land hidden within the Amaranthine ocean. Soon enough those fears transformed into curiosity.

They didn’t start migrating all at once. Nothing would freak the countries of Thedas out more than a mass exodus. The growing population may not be made up of any one race in particular, but humans weren’t the majority.

Of course, Aridhel made sure that there was a village waiting for them. It might not be the glowing city of an established civilization, but it was perfect for what it was. A new start.

Every new arrival was introduced to their new home and its inhabitants through the welcoming committee. It was made up of people and Pokéspirits. There’s a lot to learn about their new home and the journey is half the fun. But everyone needs the basics.

Nurse Joy cheerfully describes her hospital alongside her gentle Blissy. All people and Pokéspirits are welcome in their halls. She explains that while her name may be Eve, there will be a Nurse Joy to welcome them in every hospital.

Officer Jenny gives the same stern speech about how people and Pokéspirits are meant to be treated and that crime would not stay hidden long in their home. The glower on his face only makes the open friendliness of his Growlithe more apparent.

Pokémon Ranger Belraj guides them from the beach and through the woods. Their first village is hidden between the trees. Hanging bridges and towering tree houses slip seamlessly through the leaves. An Absol walks beside him keeping a careful watch over it charges.

Shielani and her umbreon show off their teamwork to awestruck children. If they so choose, they can meet Pokéspirit partners of their own and explore their new home personally. Going on an adventure with your Pokéspirit is a rite of passage in these lands.

The tour comes to an end as all things do. They find themselves before a large building. Unlike the others in the village, this one is made from stone. Above the large door is a carving of a nine tailed fox with a small snake-like creature coiled before it’s paws.

Walking out the doors is a young woman in a long white coat. She greets everyone with a chipper smile and a glint of mischief. Laughing at a joke no one else knows. She opens her arms with enough energy that she sends her brown curls bouncing.

“Welcome to the island of Ariathra! I’m Professor Hawthorne and I’ve decided to devote my life to studying these amazing creatures known as Pokéspirits!”

There’s a Florges perched in her hair, the crimson bouquet of flowers striking against the white stone behind her. A pleasant floral scent wafts from the petals and adds to the welcoming aura. This place already feels like home.

Notes:

I'm just having fun with this. So if there is anything you think might be fun to read let me know. This isn't meant to be taken seriously. I've read a lot of fics about MGIT changing forms and I figured I'd take that one step further.