Miriel Lavellan

Miriel at Haven

Born in 9:19 Dragon, Miriel was a hunter for Clan Lavellan; a nomadic Dalish elven clan residing in the north of the Free Marches. A quick and quiet hunter, she was chosen to spy for the clan at the Divine Conclave, and thus was caught in the subsequent explosion: sparking the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition.

## Overview

### **Physical Appearance**

Miriel has a lithe, lanky figure as many of her kin do. Her hair is wavy and red, reaching her shoulders for the duration of the events of *Inquisition.* For the majority of the game she sports the full Vallaslin of Mythal in a reddish-brown that matches her hair, and her eyes are almond shaped and green. She has a slight overbite and downturned lips that reveal her top incisors slightly when she speaks.

### **Personality**

To those observing the Inquisition, Miriel may seem stiff and carefully diplomatic, but those who know her have witnessed her fierce temper and mischeivous personality. She enjoys poking her nose into other people's business and causing problems for entitled Shems, making her a great fit for the Red Jennies and as Sera's friend.

However, she has a strong sense of justice and a stubborn streak that can cause her to get in her own way as much as anyone else. Her sense of duty and responsibility is a front for the heavy weight of guilt she feels for allowing her lover to come with her to the Conclave, leading to her death, and that feeling only intensifies after the losses at Haven.

### **Talents and Skills**

Miriel is adept at duel-weilding daggers and has a sharp eye for details. She is observant and quick to make judgements on people that are generally correct (though her bias against Shemlen clouds that at times). Her long-time interest in magic and the Fade gives her surface knowledge of the history of Andrastian faith which gives her an edge in diplomacy -- though her short temper is difficult to keep in check.

## Biography

### **History**

Growing up, Miriel was a sickly child. Though sharp-witted and dextrous, she was liable to aches and pains as well as catching any disease that may have passed through their clan, and thus learned very young to push through physical difficulties in favour of working for the clan. By her mid-teens she was learning to hunt and fight for her people, eventually growing to become an accomplished hunter finding food and resources for them.

The clan wasn't far from Kirkwall when the Chantry Explosion happened and the Rite of Annulment was called, and when the First of the Keeper went missing shortly thereafter, Miriel was among the hunters tasked with searching for the boy. As a result, she witnessed the violence of the mage genocide in the city and the death of the First who was caught in the violence. This intensified and focused her already-present fascination with magic and the Fade, but also left her with a lasting fear of humans.

In light of the Mage-Templar war intensifying, the Keeper of Clan Lavellan, Deshanna Istimaethoriel, saw that this war would change the future of not only Mages and Templars, but of all elves alongside them. Recognising this, she sent Miriel to spy on the Divine Conclave called to seek an end to this war, and Miriel's lover Elana agreed to come with her as a buffer against her fear of so many Shem in one place -- not knowing that there would be a fateful explosion there that would wrap Miriel into a whirlpool of grief, danger and responsibility.

### **In-game**

#### Major Choices

* Sided with Mages
* Celene rules, reunited with Briala
* Stroud left in the Fade
* Wardens Rebuilt
* Drank from the Well of Sorrows
* Leliana is Divine
* Pledged the Inquisition as a Peacekeeping force under the Divine
* Clan Lavellan was killed

#### Other Choices

* Sutherland's Company was successful
* Dorian reconciled with his father
* Saved the Chargers
* Cassandra rebuilt the Seekers
* Cole made more 'human'
* Leliana Inspired
* Reched the Inner Sanctum of the Temple of Pride
* Judged Mercifully

Waking from a daze, memories hazy and a painful glowing green mark on the palm of her left hand, Miriel finds herself held captive by Cassandra Pentaghast, a Seeker and the Right Hand of the Divine -- who is believed dead in the explosion. With no memory of what had happened, she agrees to help find a solution to the great Breach that was torn into the sky by the explosion, spilling out demons across Thedas. Discovering that the mark on her hand was capable of interacting with, and even closing, the breaches through the Fade, Miriel was pulled into a fate she did not intend. Branded a 'chosen of Andraste" despite her Dalish upbringing, she agreed to join the new Inquisition and close the Breach however she could. She was wrapped up in this now -- might as well finish it too, before it finished Thedas. Seeking alliances, she first travelled to the Hinterlands, to reclaim the land from the mage-templar fighting and secure safety for refugees there. Mother Giselle, a member of the Chantry, encouraged her to speak with the Chantry themselves in Orlais; and after a little persuasion, Miriel did so.

In Orlais it became quickly apparent that Miriel was not welcome. The Chantry declared her a heretic and a murderer, and the Templars renounced both the Inquisition and the Chantry -- declaring both weak and broken. At the same time, the Grand Enchanter of the free mages approached Miriel, asking her to meet in Redcliffe for negotiations. Not seeing a way to speak to the Lord Seeker of the Templars, she agreed to the negotiation -- only to find that a Tevinter Magister had taken over the village of Redcliffe and indentured the mages to his service. Fearing Tevinter from the stories she had heard of demon summoning and human sacrifices, she investigated further and quickly learned that this threat ran deeper than she thought. The Magister had discovered a way to manipulate time itself, threatening the very fabric of the Veil and the reality surrounding it.

### In Hushed Whispers

Though the Templars still remained a threat, this was far too large to ignore. Knowing she would make an enemy of the Templars, Miriel pushed for an alliance with the mages -- and to free them from Tevinter control. In a last-ditch attempt to get rid of the Inquisitor, the Magister opened a rift that pulled her through and into the future; where a terrible darkness awaited. In this future, the entity who had created the Breach -- only known at this point as the Elder One -- had succeeded in his plans and taken over Thedas, and Miriel was forced to witness her friends tortured and killed before she could return to the past to change things.

Shaken by what she had seen and exhausted by the journey and battles she had endured, Miriel was racked by the fatigue and pain she had struggled with since birth, but resolved to keep working with new determination, allying herself with the rebel mages and returning to their current shelter, Haven, to finally plan their assault on the great tear in the sky that threatened all of Thedas. With the newly gained power of the Mages channeled into the Mark, Miriel was able to finally close the Breach and return to celebrate -- but Miriel was on edge. The Elder One would not let this loss fall lightly, she knew.

### In Your Heart Shall Burn

As if on cue, a signal echoed through Haven, alerting them to a great army of Templars approaching through the mountains. Miriel was able to save and evacuate the people, but had to bury Haven in the process: using trebuchets to create a great avalanche that buried both the army and Haven itself. In the process, she learned that the Elder One was an ancient Tevinter Magister-turned-Darkspawn known as Corypheus -- and he had what seemed to be an Archdemon at his disposal.

Thrown into passages underneath Haven by the avalanche, Miriel stumbled to safety; limping through snow and frozen hills to eventually, thankfully, be reunited with her friends. They carried her to the safety of a camp of the Haven refugees, where the people pledged their faith and allegience to her through song -- desperate to keep up morale through hope. Solas pulled her aside, confessing that the orb Corypheus had used to open the Breach and give Miriel the Mark, was of Elven design. Though the revelation that yet more could be held against the People was troubling at best, Miriel found herself taken aback by Solas' kindness towards her; his politeness and ability to speak with her as an equal unlike what felt like everyone else. Solas led her and the refugees to safety: Skyhold, an old abandoned fortress in the mountains, far from civilisation, where Miriel was officially named Inquisitor -- the leader of these lost refugees. *No pressure.*

The upcoming weeks were dedicated to rebuilding and gaining power, something Miriel was grateful for as it gave her time to rest on occasion. Over time, she grew close to her fellow Inquisition agents -- a romance beginning to blossom with Solas, even. He took note of her physical condition, and often took it upon himself to see she rested and recuperated when she was working herself too hard. Miriel quickly grew accustomed to his presence, taking solace in his calm demeanor and stories of the Fade.

### Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

When finally they felt their influence was strong enough, the Inquisition began their investigation into one of the many events Miriel had seen in the cursed future -- the assassination of Empress Celene of Orlais. They learned of peace talks and a ball happening soon, and put into motion their invitations to join the ball; certain this would be where the assassins could strike. Though her presence was hardly appreciated at first, being an Elf, Miriel knew how to talk her way past Shemlens and was able to gain the court's approval enough to weed out the assassin and restore peace to Orlais without bloodshed, reuniting the Empress with her Elven lover Briala in the process.

The events of the ball were exhausting. Nightmares plagued her sleep and her waking hours were troubled by the pains and weakness she thought she could shrug off. Still, the world did not wait for the Inquisitor to recover, and the Inquisitor refused to bow to the weaknesses of her mind. With little time to rest and recover, Miriel finally received word on where the Grey Wardens, who had been missing for some time, were last seen, and set off immediately to investigate and seek them out with help from Hawkeand a rogue Grey Warden known as Stroud. Their investigations led to uncovering a sinister plot -- to unleash an army of demons upon the world in Corypheus' name, using the Grey Wardens who had been brainwashed and swayed to his cause without knowing that he was one of the very things they live to fight against.

### Here Lies the Abyss

Confronting the Wardens had them pulled into the Fade: *physically.* It shouldn't have been possible, but there they were, thanks to the Anchor. Confronted by hoards of Fearlings and the terrifying Nightmare, Miriel was finally able to retrieve her lost memories with help from a spirit posing as the dead Divine, learning that the Anchor on her hand was left there by accident, when she distracted Corypheus and disrupted his plans -- plans he was using the Wardens to achieve.

They escaped the Fade, just barely, but at a terrible loss. Forced to choose between the Champion of Kirkwall and the only uncorrupted Grey Warden, Miriel left the Fade with one man down -- Stroud, who sacrificed himself to buy them time to escape. Furious and exhausted, Miriel almost banished the Wardens then and there, but was forced to take pause and think about her decision. Reluctantly, knowing that the Wardens were and always had been needed, she gave them a second chance.

Returning to Skyhold was the most she could do from thereon out. Pushing herself from problem to problem was forcing her body further than it could manage, and on the way up to her room,she collapsed. Though Solas did his best to smooth the response those at Skyhold had, there was no doubt now that everyone knew Miriel was ill. Great, more fretting and coddling.

### What Pride Had Wrought

Finally, Corypheus' plans had been weakened. He would be forced to find another way to fulfil his purpose now that his demon army and the assassination of the Empress had been thwarted. Miriel reluctantly took time to recover in the knowledge of this, helped by her inner circle returning to investigations and sending out scouts and troops without her. When she was finally on her feet again, Morrigan told her of the Eluvians: ancient Elvehn artifacts created as gateways to travel between worlds, and expressed that this may be what Corypeus will come for next.

With this in mind, the Inquisition planned an assault on Corypheus' known location: the Arbor Wilds. Soldiers pressed forward, clearing a path for the Inquisitor to enter the Temple of Mythalthat Corypheus was raiding. Once inside, the Inquisitor was faced with a choice: follow Corypheus' forces directly through the holes they had blasted into the temple, or follow Morrigan and Solas' advice and respect the old rituals guarding this place.

Terrified of angering her Gods (particularly Mythal), Miriel agreed to respect the ancient Elvehn rituals and found herself reaching a large chamber, where she was confronted by a strange group of elves -- ancient guardians of this place, perhaps the last remaining true Elvehn in Thedas. They told her of the Well of Sorrows, an ancient pool containing the memories and collective knowledge of the ancient elves. It became quickly apparent this was what Corypheus was here for. That kind of knowledge would be impossibly valuable to him -- and as such, it would be impossibly valuable to the Inquisition.

Driven by determination to defeat Corypheus and a new motivation to discover the history of her people, Miriel delved deeper into the temple, reaching the Well at last and drinking its power. Immediately, the voices of thousands of ancient Mythal devotees filled her mind, overwhelming her with new information and knowledge like she'd never seen before.

Corypheus' plans were disrupted once more, and Miriel knew what she must do next.

### The Final Piece

The voices were overwhelming, but something about them was comforting -- knowing her ancestors were there beside her. She finally felt worthy; if exhausted. Before she could continue her plans, however, she was called to Morrigan's aid. Her mother, Flemeth, had taken her son and planned something with him, though they knew not what. Morrigan moved to retrieve her son, but at a single command from Flemeth, Miriel no longer held control over her own body. Something was commanding her, and the voices quickly confirmed what: Flemeth *was* Mythal, and having drunk from the Well now Miriel was bound to Her will.

It should have been a good thing. Miriel had devoted her life to honouring Mythal; her Vallaslin showed such to all who saw her. But something about this was very wrong, and she didn't need to see Morrigan's heartbreaking distrust for her mother to feel that, even as Flemeth returned the child to Morrigan, claiming he was never truly in danger from her.

Still, there was no time to process or question. Time was short and Corypheus would not let this final slight against him stand. Miriel knew the secret to defeating him was to destroy his dragon, and to do that they needed a dragon of their own. Travelling to an Altar of Mythal in the Arbor Wilds, Miriel summoned a dragon: a Guardian of Mythal. Defeating it in combat earned its respect, and it agreed to fight by her side.

The final piece had been laid. Everything was ready.

### Doom Upon All the World

Corypheus wasted no time in making himself known. The Inquisitian approached in force, the Guardian of Mythal immediately engaging Corypheus' dragon while Miriel handled the old Magister himself. It was a long fight, bloody and exhausting, but the Inquisition reigned victorious at last, banishing Corypheus to the Fade for all eternity, and breaking his elvehn Orb in the process.

Finally, the battle was over, and the Inquisition could celebrate -- but Miriel could not. Solas had left after the battle, with no explanation. She was without her love and her friend, and exhausted.

### Trespasser

Two years later and there is no sign of Solas, but Inquisition life continues. Miriel struggles daily with her sickness, forcing herself forward for the sake of the Inquisition until she is called to a new Exalted Council at the Winter Palace, where Orlais, Ferelden and the new Divine: Leliana, would decide on the fate of the Inquisition,

It was not so simple however, as things quickly went south. Qunari found dead, Eluvian being used within the Palace... The Inquisition quickly uncovered a plot to destroy the Palace by the Qunari, and something far more powerful lurking in the shadows... And atop it all, Miriel's Anchor was slowly killing her, making her weaker than ever.

Convinced this would be her last mission, Miriel followed the trail of blood and mystery to an ancient Elvehn archive, uncovering horrible truths about her people: the Old Gods were slave-owners, and Fen'harel the rebel who freed them all, but also created the Fade which destroyed the ancient elves forever.

Worse still, it was evident who Fen'harel was, and finally catching up with the Qunari leaders solidified that certainty. The Dread Wolf of her people's legends... was Solas.

He spoke his truth, admitted Corypheus was his fault: confessed his plans to right his wrongs by tearing open the veil and resetting the world... He took her arm, saving her from the Anchor, gave her his love... and left. Perhaps forever.

### **Post-game**

Miriel would not give up. Even between excursions with the Friends of Red Jenny and her duties as Inquisitor, Solas was the first thing on her mind at all times. Bitterly, she sought him out in her dreams; to save him from himself, but her searching was in vain.

One night her burnt-out exhaustion, stress and pain brought her into a dark frenzy, permanently scarring her own face and vowing never to rest until her vhenan is safe and well in her arms once more. These days she secretly refers to herself as Fen'harel's Reprieve, and works in whispers and shadows to find her love and free his heart from its bindings.

## **Relationships**

### Cassandra Pentaghast

Though the beginning of their friendship was rocky at best, Miriel grew to deeply respect Cassandra and her fierce, solid moral compass. Though they may not see eye-to-eye on everything, the mutual respect and admiration between them has forged a tight bond. Miriel greatly supports her friend's desire to rebuild the Seekers and will do whatever she can to help her achieve that goal.

### Varric Tethras

Though they rarely found a chance to truly get to know each other, Miriel has held a special fondness for Varric from the very beginning, recognising him as the only member of the crew who cared enough to check in on her as a person, even after becoming the Inqisitor. Though his Andrastian belief in her makes things awkward from time to time, Miriel is always ready to embarass Cassandra with him.

### Solas

Her Wolf, her protector, her vhenan. She knows the truth of who he is should have changed her feelings for him, but it didn't. Ancient God or no, she sees him simply as Solas, the gentle Fade-walker who treated her so carefully and yet with such respect. When he placed a hand on her back she did not feel the hand of one who was frightened she might break, but a firm support ready to keep her upright should she need it. Miriel is determined to save Solas from himself, sympathising with his pain after so long in desperate slumber, and she will do whatever it takes to make sure they pull through together.

### Sera

Sera was never an agreeable girl, and Miriel loves that about her. Though her attitude towards Dalish customs and culture are frustrating at best, Miriel understands the pain and conflict behind it and knows there is something within her that will come around to her own heritage given time and patience. For now, they are partners in crime -- Miriel is a proud Friend of Red Jenny, glad to be making a difference from the ground level again and getting in some mischief in the process. Anything to inconvenience the rich Shemlen hoardes.

### Vivienne

Though Miriel is sympathetic to the mages' cause, she still maintains the natural fear of Shemlens, especially those weilding power. Vivienne is exemplary of this. There is respect for someone of her power, but Miriel feels patronized at best and threatened at worst by Vivienne's every word. While she appreciates her advice and respects her perspectives, Miriel's friendship with the mage is a professional one for the most part, though her company can be enjoyable so long as they do not talk politics.

### The Iron Bull

As a rule, Miriel respects anyone who treats her as a person rather than a symbol. Bull is such a pleasure to have around -- from his straightforward attitude to drinking with the Chargers, she loves the chance to blow off steam with him and his crew, and considers him a great friend and a valuable ally.

### Blackwall

Thom Ranier is a frustrating case. Though Miriel respects his determination to do good and atone for his past, there is something about a Shemlen continuously self-flagellating for his own decisions that makes him exhausting to be around. She wishes him well and supports him where she can, but his attitude drains her and she hopes he find his peace for everyone's sake.

### Dorian Pavus

Self-important. Shemlen. Tevinter. Part of the Magisterium. Dorian is everything Miriel should hate, but over the time they have spent together he has become one of her closest friends. She sees a genuine humility and need for positive change behind his outgoing, cocky nature and having him around is both a breath of fresh air and a reminder that nuance and goodness exist in the darkest of corners.

### Cole

From the very start Miriel has felt nothing but protective over this strange spirit. She is fairly certain he was looking after her during his time in the Inquisition, though she remembers nothing of it. Though she hasn't seen much of him since defeating Corypheus, having let him loose to learn to be human on his own terms, he returns from time to time to check up on her and make sure she's coping alright, especially since her scarring.

### Leliana

Miriel never expected herself to look up to a Shem, let alone an Andrastian. Yet the Left Hand has won her respect and admiration -- and support as Divine Victoria. Knowing of her time with the Hero of Ferelden during the last Blight was admirable enough, but after seeing her grow and change through her grief and her duties as well as witnessing her give her life in the cursed future... Miriel fears and respects Leliana in equal parts, seeing her as the ideal of leadership.

### Josephine Montilyet

Though their relationship mostly remained professional, Miriel respects the level of calm Josie is able to keep while under so much pressure. She enjoys the brief moments she can spend unwinding with Josephine, knowing that under the professional surface is a loving and fun human being -- if very deep inside.

### Cullen Rutherford

Miriel was never certain how to feel about Cullen. Knowing so little about his past as a Templar always put her on edge, but she respected his determination to break free from it and continue for a just cause. He is a valued ally and she hopes he enjoys his time with his new Mabari companion

## Trivia

* Miriel allowed Solas to remove her Vallaslin, in part due to the revelations about Flemeth
* All companions were recruited and stayed to the end
* Though in-game only gives us the option for British or American, Miriel's accent is actually a Welsh-Irish mix, closer to Irish
* Miriel suffers from a Chronic Fatigue/Pain disorder

## **Links**

### Twitter

Creator's DA Twitter

Creator's art/writing Twitter