Mistress Lavellan returns to Skyhold after a tough mission in a state of shock. She is straining under crippling self-doubt and a colorful past. Solas offers support and comfort, but it is clear that Lavellan is bothered by something beyond the strain of helming the Inquisition. Despite Solas' efforts to comfort her, she is profoundly haunted by her past. Unable to suppress the truth any longer, she makes several weighty confessions - including her true status within her clan and the fact that she is a blood mage, though an unwitting and reluctant one. After showing her some revelations in a Fade memory, Solas attempts to confront her with the truth in a way meant to bring comfort. He is only partially successful, but the two come to understand that the calm before the final storm - and their showdown with Corypheus - can be a source of hope, not only despair and dread. {originally posted on AO3 under my fandom name, Firjii} [Please note: originally posted with a "teen" rating since most questionable content elements are implied rather than directly described, however Wattpad only has 2 rating categories so I bumped it into "mature" to be on the safe side]