Holding Hands
Natia was scared of nothing; not the darkspawn she battled everyday (not including the broodmothers), not the deep water that flowed topside - that took a little getting used to - not tight spaces - unless they were really squeezy - and not pesky spiders - save for those small hairy ones that sneak up on you. Nothing stopped Natia dead in her tracks.
That is why on the dreadful trip up through and past the village of Haven, into the steep and snow covered Frostback Mountains, it came as such a surprise when the brave dwarf tucked herself against the wall of a mountain and refused to move.
"Oh no, the dwarf seems to be afraid of heights!" Morrigan mocked, rolling her eyes. The witch was a true scoundrel when she was put in an uncomfortable position, though she would never let it be known to the others that even she often looked over the edge with a queasy stomach, tempted to take form of a bird in that moment.
"Come now, Morrigan, your bitter words are of no help. Why don't you go stand with Sten and let me speak with her," Leliana said calmly, her rosebud lips forming a smile. Morrigan clicked her tongue in annoyance before turning, her hips swaying as she walked away.
Leliana turned her attention to Natia, who was still firmly gripping the side of the mountain. She crouched down beside her and cocked her head. Natia slightly turned her face, so she could meet Leliana's gaze.
"I love you, but nothing you can say will move me from this position. I'm not scared, I just don't feel like moving," Natia said, cheeks flaming as red as the hair on her head. Leliana's lips turned upward at the corners, her blue eyes looking lovingly into a deep sea green that you could easily get lost in.
"You know I won't let anything happen to you, right?" Leliana said sincerely, her hand cupping Natia's exposed cheek. Natia leant into Leliana's hand, her eyes closing over.
"I know," she whispered. They often shared moments like these, when they were happy to be in one another's company despite the horrors happening around them. They were accustomed to being alone or doing whatever was necessary to get by, but together they were themselves, and they weren't alone.
Leliana took Natia's hand in hers and slowly drew her away from the rocky mountainside, "We will get to the top together, love," Leliana murmured.
And that is how they did it, together, hand in hand. Of course when they got to the top they were greeted by the fiery breath of a dragon, but Natia wasn't frightened of the huge beast that was ten times her size - well maybe a little, but wouldn't you be? But that is another story altogether and for another time.
