Elissa's Song
(inspired by Leliana's Song)
Elissa and her ragtag group of rouges, warriors, and mages entered Denerim to restock and resupply. The city was large and Elissa had never seen it from the Market District, Elissa had always been confined to the Palace District with her family.
The stalls in the Market District were makeshift structures of wood and cloth. This was clearly a lower Market, one not expected to be visited by the nobles. Elissa browsed the stalls. There was a crafts merchant from Orzammar, a perfume trader from Orlais, a magical items seller, and many more.
"What do you think?" Zevran asked holding up a ruby pendant necklace. "It would look lovely around your neck, no?"
Elissa smiled, she was used to Zevran's flirtations which were little more than playful quips at this point. "How much?" asked Elissa.
"A mere 30 sovereigns," Zevran declared knowing full well the party barely had 20 sovereigns as a whole. Elissa quirked her eyebrow.
"Perhaps not then," Zevran said. "Ah well, it would have looked lovely on you though."
Elissa smiled at the compliment. "Thanks Zev."
Everyone continued to browse the stalls when Leliana spotted a stringed lyre. She gazed longingly at the instrument and Elissa couldn't help but wonder if she missed her old life as a minstrel.
"Ready for some dinner?" Alistair had come up behind Elissa without her notice.
"Huh?" Elissa said startled. "Oh yes." She cast one last look back at the instrument. "You know what, you guys go on ahead I want to look at something."
Alistair was immediately suspicious, "Alright."
Alistair turned and headed toward the Gnawed Noble Tavern with the entire party in tow. Everyone began to exaggerate the amount of food they intended to eat in the space of the next half an hour. When they were all out of sight Elissa approached the merchants stall.
"Greetings Traveler," the merchant said. "Anything I can do for you?"
"How much is that instrument?" Elissa asked indicating the lyre.
"Ah a fine choice," the merchant began. "This piece has been crafted in Orlais by-"
"Merchant," Elissa interrupted. "Just the price please."
"50 silver," He stated not at all perturbed by her frankness.
Elissa weighed her purse in her hand. She knew they didn't have a lot of coin for luxury items. Still the way Lel' had looked at the instrument begged Elissa to find a way.
"35," Elissa offered.
"Can't, bought it myself for more than that." The merchant stated. "Still, I like your attitude and I see your a Grey Warden. I had an uncle in the Wardens, good lot. How about 42 silvers and I throw in these extra strings."
Elissa pretended to ponder for a moment, it was all for show though she knew that she couldn't get a better price. "Here you are," Elissa said handing over the coin. It would mean no more luxury items for herself but it would be worth it to see the look on Lel's face when she saw it.
"Pleasure doing business with you," the merchant said. "Please come again."
Elissa walked into the Tavern carrying the lyre in her arms. Her companions were engaged in a heated conversation about who left their weapons laying around. Wynne insisted it was Zevran and Zevran denied the accusations claiming he looked after his weapons as carefully as his woman. The debate made Elissa smile. Even though they were facing some of the worst years of their lives, with a blight and an archdemon ahead, they still found ways to laugh and have fun.
One by one they all looked up to her in curiosity.
Leliana gasped when she saw the lyre, "Look at it, it is beautiful."
"It's for you," Elissa said holding out the instrument.
"I-I don't know what to say," Leliana stumbled.
"That is most interesting," Morrigan said. "You at a loss for words."
"Look at the carvings," Leliana cooed. She played a chord, "And it's in tune. What is it for?"
"It's for you Lel'," Elissa said. "I saw you admiring it and I thought you'd like it. Plus we don't really have much in camp as a way of relaxation and I thought it would be nice to hear music. If you would consent to play for us that is."
"Play for you!" Leliana exclaimed. "Of course I'll play for you. I could play now if you like?"
Elissa smiled, "That sounds perfect."
"Hmm," Leliana hummed in thought. "What shall I play."
"What about 'I am the One'," Zevran suggested.
Leliana began to strum slowly, getting the feel of the strings and sound. The sound of the instrument, and that song particularly, brought back memories of Elissa's childhood. It brought with it the feel of simpler, happier times and without even realizing it Elissa began to sing along.
It was an elven song about a hero who fights an epic war. The war has ended and the hero is standing in the aftermath vowing to live on. Elissa sang it with a near perfect accent, her voice remembering the proper lilts as taught by her elven teacher.
When the song was over everyone stared in amazment at the two musicians. It was only at their stares Elissa realized what she had done. Her face darkened in a blush and she cast her eyes down. She was not often embarresed by much but this was one secret she had not divulged to her companions. She did have a lovely voice but she had not sung since her last lesson, back in Highever.
Leliana was the first to break the silence, "That was beautiful. I never knew you could sing like that."
Elissa allowed a small smile, "I haven't sung like that since… in a long time."
The rest of the meal was ate in companionable silence with occasional spurts of conversation.