Chapter 4

The vallaslin had told him she was Dalish, but he did not grasp the extent until he watched soldiers cheering and carrying a ram through the town. He almost turned his nose until he saw the wound where the arrow had struck; right through the eye. A quick and clean kill.

Well. It was impressive. He had to give her that.

He found it amusing that the humans had risen her up to be the Herald of their prophet because she carried his mark on her hand.

He watched her enter the town. Even when she was simply walking she held such grace. Back straight as the arrows she carried, deep red hair tightly pinned up in an intricate braid. She was shorter but more muscled, likely from years of drawing a bow, and somehow just as lithe. Her deep sun-kissed skin told the tale of how far north her clan was from.

And that was far too much noticing. Solas shook his head for what felt like the hundredth time, telling himself it was because she held his mark, it was natural to be curious but that's all it was.

She was, unfortunately, making her way towards him and he could not stop himself from calling out to her.

"The Herald of Andraste blessed hero to save us all." he quipped.

"I have misplaced my shining steed, unfortunately. Do you have a spare, hahren?" she responded deadpan, but with a hint of a smile playing at her soft lips.

He smiled. "Ah, I am afraid I have forgotten my griffin in another millennium." he paused then continued, "Joke as you will, posturing is necessary."

At that, she sobered. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, looked out at Haven and said almost harshly, "It's strange to be the Herald of a shem prophet."

Her expressions and tones were always so muted, like watercolors. He stared at her for a moment before also turning to face the town. Humans were running back and forth for errands and tasks. Then he spoke.

"I have seen ancient ruins and battlefields, and hero's of all manner in memories and dreams. I am curious as to what kind you will be."

"You study ruins hahren?"

"Yes. Any building that has stood against time and battlefields steeped in death have a deep history. Both draw spirits close that press against the Veil. When I dream in such places, I slip into the Fade and can bear witness to moments in history, both great and small." he spoke with a slight wistfulness. When he turned he found her staring at him with those piercing eyes and had to stop a quick intake of breath. In this light, they appeared blue.

He waited for her to speak. She was the first to break eye contact and looked back at the town. She stayed silent for a moment. Then,

"The violence of the shem wars is a bloodstain stretching across the world." she said quietly, "It needs to be stopped lest it swallows the world." She paused before turning and looking at him again.

"Among my clan, I was an apprentice to the Warleader, leader of our hunters and protectors. It is a position of honor among the Dalish, much like a First. It was always my duty to protect my clan, my family. These shems are not my family nor my clan," Her eyes flashed green and she continued with a slight sharpness in her voice, "But they do not deserve to die." she shook her head slightly as if she was warring internally and then looked out to the town that she spoke of.

"Does that answer your curiosity about me hahren?" she softly spoke.

No, it most certainly did not. Solas did not know what to think of this quiet Dalish. But it was a respectable position. Commendable, even after the treatment she had received. After a moment he said, "I will stay then. At least until the Breach is closed."

She looked over at him,"Thank you hahren."

"Cassandra has been accommodating, but I am an apostate among a Chantry organization." he continued,"You understand my concern."

A small furrow formed between her eyes. It was fascinating. "You came to help Solas. I will not let that be used against you."

He almost scoffed, "How would you stop them?"

Then she turned fully to face him and look him in the eye. She was a good few inches shorter than him, but her eyes now shone green with determination.

"However I had to."

"I-", he was taken aback slightly. "Thank you."

She simply nodded. After a short pause, he picked up the conversation again.

"So. Your name. I am assuming it was not chosen by your parents?"

"As much as I doubt any mother would name their child Pride?" was her response. Though she did not show any emotion he did not think he had offended her with his question.

"Why that name? How exactly are you a Blade of Vengeance?"

"The same reason you chose Pride. A memory of a day that need not be brought up, but never forgotten," she said solemnly.

Her tone surprised him. It was serious and though she still showed no emotion… she had guessed correctly the reason of his chosen name. What was the cause for the sorrow she must also feel?

"A name is indeed a powerful thing."

"That it is Pride." he winced at hearing his name in common.

"I suppose then, it would be too much to ask you to not use the Common form of my name?"

"We are speaking Common." And then she shot a sideways look at him, mouth just slightly upturned, "You may call me Blade of Vengeance if you wish."

He returned her smirk, "That is rather a mouthful isn't it?"

Her hint turned into a full smirk, "Blade for short then."

At that, he laughed outright, "Da'mi."

It was as if someone had wiped her face clean of emotion and whatever small warmth he had received from her so far receded almost instantly. She only gave a short curt nod.

Solas noticed this and was about to ask if he had offended her when she spoke in a cold tone.

"I will be leaving for the Hinterlands with Varric and Cassandra tomorrow to meet with a Mother Gisele. Would you come?"

Though her tone was cold and close to commanding he had a feeling that if he refused she would respect his decision.

"I would be honored Da'mi." and he gave her a slight bow. He was testing the waters with his new nickname and though she tensed, she did not tell him to stop.

"Ma serannas hahren. We will be leaving at first light." And she walked away into the apothecary.

He stared after her. He couldn't help it. She was a mystery.

Her shook his head, again, and went inside his cabin.


They are so cute. Salty little elves that distrust everyone. Perfect for each other.

This chap was a little dialogue heavy and a little short. Sorry. Hope you guys liked it!

Girls don't want Valentines chocolates, they want reviews on their stories (but if you give me chocolate I'll love you like you left a review)

Thanks, lovelies! See you next chap!

~Amythyrst