AN: Leliana/Katalia with Josephine commentary. Leliana has problems with her lover's hair.
~I…have I ever told you I really like the way you wear your hair?~
"We need to do something about your hair." Leliana suddenly remarked, eyeing her lover's head critically. Seated beside her in Skyhold's garden, Katalia looked both confused and entertained.
"Oh? If memory serves, my hair was one of the first things which drew you to me." Her words were teasing, and a touch fond. Leliana's cheeks pinked from the memory. It admittedly had not been one of her more articulate moments, struggling to find a way to compliment the moody Dalish in a way that wouldn't be seen as offensive or too forward, while at the same time struggling with her feelings for the other woman.
"That was then." She retorted. Reaching out, she took some of the long, silver strands between her fingers, grimacing and wrinkling her nose as she rubbed slightly. "Now it's… oily and looks as if you cut it with a knife."
"I did, actually. There weren't many mirrors in the Deep Roads. Or sources of water." Katalia reminded her. She didn't seem offended by her lover's reaction, only amused.
"Well you're not in the Deep Roads anymore, and I refuse to let you be seen like this." Leliana stood up, a determined look in her eyes. "Come on." She started walking.
As Katalia watched her, slowly standing up herself, she thought back to how ten years ago, nobody – especially not a human – would have been able to order her about as Leliana did. 'I suppose this is what love does. And we're not even married.' She mused, and ran to catch up.
The Skyhold baths were situated beneath the great fortress itself. Large squared basins were built into the stone structure, with rune-heated water filling them, casting a light fog of steam about the torch-lit room. The pair stripped down and Katalia slid into the water, groaning softly as the heat encased her body.
"I'll admit this is slightly better than a river." Katalia confessed, leaning back against the edge of the bath. "Though you may have to drag me out, later." Leliana giggled and slipped in beside her, momentarily distracting the elf as condensation formed against her fair skin.
"I'm glad you approve." She noticed her girlfriend's staring and purposely arched her back in the guise of a stretch, pushing her chest out. Katalia's teeth bared in a reflexive grin at the gesture.
"That's not the only thing I approve of." She informed her, suddenly moving to stand in front of Leliana. One long leg shifted between the bard's thighs, providing a firm pressure that made the red head's lashes flutter with pleasure, and her lips to part in a gasp.
"Oh?" She managed, the word sounding more like a moan than a question. Smirking, Katalia ducked her head slightly to kiss her.
"Leliana?" Katalia's face immediately flushed bright red as a new voice echoed the room. She tried to move away, only to be stopped by Leliana's hands, which firmly gripped her arms, her panicked look in response thoroughly ignored.
"Over here, Josie!"
The Antivan Ambassador made her way over to their pool, a small woven basket in her hands. She looked slightly startled at the position they were in, but other than her cheeks darkening and a slight smile, she kept her composure well.
"I am not interrupting anything, am I?" She gave a slight bow in deference to Katalia. "Milady."
"Ambassador." The Dalish hero returned. She swore she could feel her ears burning, and not from the water. Leliana giggled at her discomfort.
"You're just in time to help, actually. Care to join us?" She gestured with one hand, and Katalia took the opportunity to duck deeper into the water, down to her chin.
"Oh, I would hate to intrude."
"Nonsense, neither Katalia nor I mind. Right, mon coeur?"
"Mythal ma las'suledin." She grant me strength.
"Well, if you insist." Katalia turned away as Josephine undressed, though noticed with slight jealousy that Leliana did not. Then again, she had claimed them old friends. And Leliana was far less conservative in ways that Katalia was.
"What's in the basket?" She asked, at last deeming it safe to turn around. She was suddenly grateful the water wasn't very clear. Leliana reached in and retrieved a few bottles, and some glass vials. Uncorking one, a sweet, floral scent emitted into the air.
"This," The Spymaster raised the vial. "is one of the things which will help us fix that hair of yours." She pointed the spot before her. "Now come here."
Katalia eyed her wearily, but obeyed. "I get to keep my braids." She stated, turning her back to the other women.
"Of course." Leliana agreed. Katalia had told her of the importance the twin braids on either side of her face were. Not merely fashion, she had adopted the look after her mother, whom she had never met. She had to beg Ashalle – her mother's sister, and the woman whom had raised her – for days before she agreed to show her how, and had continued doing so ever since. Even on the days she allowed Leliana to brush and toy with her hair, she still insisted on returning to the style once all was done. The same would be expected today, as she carefully removed the worn string and set it aside, running her fingers through the wet hair a bit.
"Cold!" Josephine laughed beside them as Katalia jumped, accepted the vial as Leliana passed it over and applying the substance to her own hair. As the red head's nimble fingers worked it into a lather, she started to relax, enjoying the sensation.
"Duck under." Leliana ordered, and she obeyed, reaching up to shake out the remains of the soap. Resurfacing, she was surprised to see Leliana retrieving another bottle.
"There's more?" She hummed an affirmative.
"The first was to clean you up a bit. This will help with the oil." Orlesians… She rolled her eyes, but submitted to another round of washing and rinsing. Bringing a hand to her damp locks, she had to admit they did feel better than they had before.
"Now for your body." Leliana's tone and grin were far too mischievous. Katalia blushed to the tips of her ears, and quickly moved to the other side of the bath.
"I can do that myself!" She tried to ignore the laughter of the other two.
An hour later, Katalia examined herself in the mirror within Josephine's quarters. Off to the side, the Ambassador stood proudly, a set of scissors and a comb in her hands. She had claimed to help cut her sister's hair while growing up, and had proven decent enough. Now the long, silver locks were at least even, and the braids re-done, albeit with bright blue string rather than the worn bits she had used before. Leliana had put her foot down on that, at least.
"Mas serannas, Lady Montilyet. It looks much better." She looked to the door just as Leliana arrived, having had to tend to her Spymaster duties. "What do you think, ma vhenan?"
Leliana smirked, and moved to wrap her arms around the shorter girl's waist, pulling her into a kiss. "Much better. Now you look more like a Hero, and less like some wild beast."
Katalia growled playfully. "A beast, am I?" She made to grab at the bard, who laughed and ducked from her grasp. "Don't you run from me! I'll show you a true beast!" The lovers escaped the room at a mock-run while Josephine remained behind, shaking her head and smiling. It was good to see that love still existed, even in such times of strife.