Ok i'm sure you guys and gals are wondering by now what Elora keeps thinking about. Well at the end of this chapter you may have somewhat of an idea but Elora's secret will be sure to come out in a later chapter but for now here is chapter two enjoy!
Finally some air! Elora took in a deep breath. The scent of elfroot hung in the air, coming up from the lower courtyard from the surgeon's tent. The sounds of the spymasters ravens could be heard off in the distance. Until a familiar but unfamiliar smell drifted into Eloras nostrils. What! It can't be I haven't smelled that since… Her thought was cut off when a friendly voice chimed in. "Hey you! What are doing just standing there like you just saw a baddie?" She turned to be greeted by Sera who held a cookie in her hand. Crumbs plastered all over the front of her bright red shirt. Elora smiled sheepishly, "Good evening Sera." Elora scratched the back of her head awkwardly. She never knew exactly what to say to this strange woman. Talking to Solas was even easier then it was with the archer. Sera wasn't like Elora's people. Elora was Dalish. Sera being a city elf, she didn't quite understand the way Elora looked at certain things.
Lavellan didn't want to ever upset her friend by talking about her elven beliefs or accidentally let something slip out she thought was crazy gibberish. Then it finally occurred to Elora that she didn't know Sera quite well. All Elora really knew is she was a skilled archer and wasn't like other elves. That and she loved cookies. Sera broke the silence, "Wanna go get a drink at the tavern?" Surprised by the invitation Elora agreed to come along. As the elves walked along the main courtyard Sera looked up at the night sky which was woven with thousands of little lights. "Nice night, yeah?" Elora ignored the question, lost in her own thoughts again. It can't be, this scent. It's coming from Sera. I never noticed it until now but why now? She shook the thought away. I must be going crazy but still it smells just like-
"Why are you staring at me like I grew ears and a friggin tail? You don't talk much do ya?" Elora chuckled, "I'm sorry Sera, I was just thinking about the meeting and all the reports I had to go over." She looked towards Sera who was opening the tavern door. "All work and no play, let me show you how we little people play." Sera strode over to the bar beckoning Elora to join her. Walking through the tavern made her feel like a normal person for once in her lifetime. No responsibilities, no meetings, no reports. Just her and a friend having a good time. But a pang of loss and guilt also swept over her when she got closer to Sera as the all too familiar scent filled her nose.
"Two meads over here." Sera shouted to the bartender while pointing to herself and Lavellen. The bartender quickly fixed them two mugs and bowed to Elora. "Enjoy your mead Inquisitor." Sera crackled with laughter. "What's so funny Sera?" Elora was confused, nothing was out of the ordinary as far as she could tell. "You." Sera continued to laugh and almost fell over in her barstool. "Just how am I funny, I may ask?" Sera perked up while holding her sore ribs from laughter. "You're the big hat now and you have everyone one of these arses eating from your pretty little hand and you're an elf. An elfy one too!" Sera chugged down her mead and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Puzzled at first about what Sera was talking about the more she thought about it the more Sera made sense.
In her clan she was nothing but a hunter, gathering whatever meat she could find. Daggers and stealth were her choice of weapons. She may have been the best hunter in the clan but no one not even the keeper acknowledged her presence. They only acknowledged her when they were low on food or needed extra help on a job. That's how she got to the temple of Sacred Ashes. Elora chuckled and then it grew into fun laughter. "You know that is surprisingly true once I think about it. I have always liked helping people but it's never been put to me in that way." Sera's eyes twinkled with curiosity, "So inquisitor, you're a pretty one for an elfy elf, different too. Not like baldy that's a different story." Lavellan almost choked on her mead, a fit of coughs washed over her. "Wha-What!" Eyes wide and focused on the small framed elf before her, Elora couldn't make words.
Is this woman flirting with me or is this just her being Sera. "What's wrong, cat got your tongue?" Elora shook her head in disbelief. Her chest falling faster and her breath shaky. "Too much mead already or did I say something wrong?" Elora finally got the courage to speak. Setting her mug down on the bar Elora thanked Sera. "Thank you Sera for the drink but something has come up I uh…have to be going now." Without giving Sera a chance to object to her quick departure, Lavellan was quickly out of the tavern in a moment's notice. Cole if you can hear me meet me up on the battlements across from the tavern. We must talk. Elora quickly rushed up the stairs not making eye contact with anyone but the destination in front of her. Breath still shaky and palms sweaty she stood on the battlements overlooking the tavern and main courtyard. Along with the garden she found this a place of solace. The air hung heavy with a chill from the snow covered mountains upon the horizon. Soldiers on guard paid no attention to the weary elf.
It can't be. No one has ever made me smile or laugh for years and that quirky smile. Is this what Leliana meant? I really do have friends here. "Smell of freshly harvested embrium. Ghostlike presence but yet hopeful. The keeper won't see me he never does. I want, no, I yearn for companionship. Eyes meet in lustful comparison. Hearts exploding with laughter. What's wrong does the cat have your tongue? Gone. Afraid to treasure and protect again but something familiar in the keep. Should I chase it?" Startled by Cole's sudden appearance Elora turned around to see the pale young man in his droopy hat standing behind her. "I heard you needed me Inquisitor. I can feel your pain." Hearing her thoughts spoken aloud sent chills down her spine. Burying her face inside her hands and trying to rub away her stress, she inhaled deeply, "Cole, I know you are a spirit of compassion and you help the hurting but I don't want you to take it away. I see that face in my dreams and for once I'm happy. At the same time afraid of what I'll become. I wanted you here so you could listen. You can help me by giving me pointers." Cole decided to take a seat next to her on the edge of the battlements their feet dangling against the stone.
"You want to know what she feels don't you, Lavellen?" She turned her saddened face towards Cole. Mouth parted to say something but all that came was a nod of gratitude. Out of the corner of Elora's watery eyes a candle ignited in Sera's makeshift nook. Elora squinted to see Sera's face illuminate in the candles light. She looked distraught almost depressed even. "No one understands. I'm different can't they see that. Running from rooftop to rooftop. Alone. Someone had me but they didn't keep me. Too childlike, too many pranks. Well I say fuck em. The soft touch of skin on my face while I dream. Outstretched arm, please don't leave, I love you! Can't make words, arrows do the talking. Feelings speak louder than my words."
Elora noticed goosebumps rising on her skin. "That's what she feels then. I can relate in a way. Cole can I ask you something?" Cole now staring up into the night sky counting the stars, "Yes Inquisitor." A single tear fell upon Lavellans cheek glistening with guilt. "Is Sera-." Cut off by Cole forgetting he can read her mind like an open book. "Yes Elora she is but you must be victorious first with the battle within yourself. It is up to you if you want to achieve your goal." Cole stood up and started to walk to towards the stairs that led to the courtyard. He stopped at the first step. In a hushed whisper though loud enough to reach Elora's pointed ears Cole stated something that Elora never thought would ever cross a person's lips. Cole was full of surprises. Surprises that were serene but scary at the same time.
"Ilena would like for you to be happy and not afraid anymore. It never was your fault."
