I wish everyone the best for the year 2018.
I hope you all survived the Holidays in good health (and still love your family ;p ).
Like everyone else, I hope to hear more about the next release of Dragon Age this year. (Crosses fingers that they will continue with the Solas story arch)
As for this chapter, it is sort of an intermezzo before the gang heads out again. I had so many ideas for dialogue and scenes that I decided to spend an extra chapter on it. In the end, our heroes have a life outside from following the Inquisitor around.
As always enjoy :)
Chapter 14
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"Vishante kafas! Whose idea was it to go out here." Ploughing through the snow Dorian pulled his cloak tighter around himself.
"What's the matter? Not enough slaves to rub your footsies?" Iron Bull slapped Dorian lightly on his back sending him almost tumbling into the snow.
"My footsies are freezing. Thank you very much."
"I could warm them for you." Iron Bull grinned broadly, raising his eyebrows suggestively a couple of times at the shivering mage. Dorian ears turned a shade darker and quickened his pace, muttering something about preposterous and barbarian.
"You guys have it way to easy." Varric huffed behind them, the snow reaching far past his knees.
"Need a piggyback ride?" Iron Bull laughed.
"No thanks. I am good." he looked at Solas and Eirlana leading the way. "I have always wondered. How do you elves do that?"
Solas looked around. "Do what, master Tethras?"
"Getting around without shoes. I always thought Daisy and Broody to be crazy for walking around barefoot in Kirkwall, but to have no shoes on out here."
"May I suggest you broaden your definition of shoes."
"You can't call it a shoe when your toes are sticking out."
"You should give it a try." Solas smiled.
"No thank you. I love my toes."
"At least someone does." Krem snickered. "But Dorian is right. Why are we out here anyway?" He, Dalish and the others had left Skyhold in the early morning. They had already walked a good hour deeper into the mountains.
"Well, for bow training of course." Dalish gestured with her 'special' Dalish bow.
"Not all of our current allies appreciate our particular talents." Solas agreed. "I can't imagine the current residents of Skyhold would be thrilled if we would train in the courtyard. Out here we will not be disturbed." He walked further. Initially, he had planned to come out here to explore his current limits of his powers. He had asked Eirlana to accompany him, but Varric had overheard them, and it somehow had turned into a group endeavour.
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They had a few days free to rest and train before they would travel to the Dales. The civil war raging in Orlais had hit that region hard, and the Inquisition hoped to gain more allies and information to prevent the planned assassination of Empress Celene. There was a temporary cease-fire, but the reports coming from that region were strange. Fearing Corypheus was somehow interfering they had decided to go there next.
Apart from this small outing, Solas had used this short rest researching the condition of the Veil and Corypheus movements. He had received several reports from his agents throughout Thedas, informing him about the Venatori exploring many ancient ruins. He was relieved that his agents had been able to save some artefacts and that crucial ruins still lay hidden and protected, away from prying eyes.
They reached a shallow valley and spread out to train their skills. Dorian focussed on his lightning spells. Dalish and Eirlana sparred with Varric, Krem and Iron Bull, to improve their defences. Varric fired blunt arrows at them, while Krem and Iron Bull charged them with wooden sticks.
Solas walked a little further and sat down under a tree. He let out a sigh; he should have made up some excuse to go alone. He closed his eyes, blocking out the chatter and distractions around him. In the past few weeks, his magic was coming easier to him and was less exhausting. It was a sign that finally, his body was stabilising after his long slumber. Because of his aid to the Inquisition and the constant fighting, he was adapting more quickly to the presence of the Veil. With a few breaths, he emptied his mind and went into a meditative state. He focussed his will on the Veil, the barrier he had created so long ago. He could feel his connection to it, and beyond it, the endless realm of the Fade. It was time to test the limits of this connection and his control over it.
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Moving her staff, Eirlana forced snow up over her forcefield to block Varric's vision.
"Nice one Snowflake." Varric laughed firing more arrows at her and Dalish. Dalish had more problems keeping up her defences while trying to block Krem's attack. Her concentration wavered, and she grunted when Varric hit her in the shoulder before she was tackled to the ground by Krem.
"You need to focus more on your right." Krem laughed before pulling her up. They both stood and watched Iron Bull charging Eirlana. Varric was now focussing his fire solely on her, but he had trouble to make even a dent in her forcefield. As Iron Bull came closer, Eirlana dodged to the side and attempted to strengthen her shield in his direction. She wasn't quick enough. Iron Bull grinned as he breached it and tried to hit her with his improvised weapon. Just as he thought he had her, he suddenly felt a snow-cone colliding with his exposed ribs. He jumped aside as a reflex and Eirlana whirled around him and tapped him on his back with her staff.
"Did you see that Krem!?"
"Sure thing chief. If she had been serious, you had a scar you couldn't brag about for once."
A little shaken and out of breath, Eirlana was leaning on her staff. She couldn't believe she had managed to fend off Iron Bull and Varric at the same time.
"Good job." Varric laughed and holstered Bianca after giving her a loving pet. "By the way what is Chuckles doing? Varric asked as he joined the others. "Did he drag us out here so he could just sit in the cold?" He looked at Eirlana for an explanation, who stared at him intensely. There was a strange sparkle in her eyes he hadn't seen before.
"No, he did not."
"What is he doing then?"
The moment Varric asked, Solas stood up and grabbed his staff. Reaching out to the Fade, he called forth a piece of its raw, primal matter. Quickly he formed it into a fist and fired it at the closest tree. Satisfied he watched as the bark shattered from the impact. It shook the whole tree, and all the snow fell from its branches.
"Shit what was that?" Krem asked, shocked by the magic he just saw.
"Now that was extraordinary." Dorian stepped towards Solas. "Was that a manifestation of pure Fade energy? Interesting you seem to manipulate it without converting it. How are you able to stabilise it?"
Solas flexed his fingers. At last, some of this old strength was returning. He had succeeded to bypass the Veil and draw raw power from the Fade. Although he was still a long way to go, it was a start.
"It is not that much different from manifesting fire." Solas explained to Dorian, though it was far from the truth. "I simply didn't focus on a specific element and shaped it to my will."
They were all gathering around Solas. "Do that again."
Now he had more control it was a simple feat. It felt good to have a part of his strength back.
"Krem you should try to block that with your shield." Iron Bull laughed.
"I think I have to pass on that one chief."
Suddenly there was a crash behind them, and they all turned around.
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Eirlana had sensed how Solas' energy reached out. Concentrating on the Veil, she saw him forming a soft spot. She felt him pulling, calling out to the Fade. She had never seen anything like it. Curious she had tried to mimic it, and what she experienced was extraordinary. It was like she was in direct contact with the Fade, her second home. It was similar to the time she stood directly under the Breach, back then it was as if the Fade reached out to her. Her mind and hands moved on their own. Almost natural she shaped the raw energy that appeared at her fingertips and let it propel forward.
Everyone was staring at her as the small tree she had hit fell over, broken at his base. Especially Solas looked dumbfounded, his eyes big with surprise.
"All right, so both of our elven friends are Fade manipulators." Dorian broke the silence. "Is this an Elven thing? If so, you better keep this quiet from my countrymen."
They all started to chat and joke as they made their way back to Skyhold. Solas kept to himself mulling over what he just had witnessed. It troubled him that Eirlana's magic was developing so fast. How could it be possible she manifested an art that hadn't been seen in ages? He also felt a little jealous. It had taken him months to regain some of his abilities, only to see her do it in a blink of an eye. She shouldn't be able to do what she does, yet her techniques felt oddly familiar. They had a touch of effortlessly, something that he once took for granted. Had she really learned this level of skill from the spirits? It was ironic that he to some extent claimed the same as a cover-up. But to see someone do it, it almost seemed impossible.
Eirlana walked silently next to Solas. She had the feeling she had done something wrong. She was surprised like the others about what she could do, but the look in Solas' eyes had been different. It was one of disbelief and something darker she couldn't place.
Was he angry at her that she copied him?
"I am sorry." she whispered after a while.
Solas could almost feel her nervousness physically. Realizing something was wrong, he stopped and held her by her hand. He waited until there was some distance between them and the others.
Noticing they weren't longer following them, Varric looked back. He saw them standing close together and had to smile, clearly they wanted some alone time.
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Eirlana's was growing more anxious by the second. Solas' silence made her fears only worse. Not knowing what to do she looked at her feet. Solas heart ached, seeing her so fearful and frail. Gently he touched her chin and lifted her head until their eyes met.
"Vhenan, what are you sorry for?" he asked her calmly.
"I..." as usual she bit her lip when feeling uneasy. "You didn't like that I did that."
Solas couldn't deny his brief moment of jealousy. "I was taken aback. The spell you cast is not some common feat. It has taken me many years to master it."
He studied her intensely. "How did you know what to do?" He knew she was very sensitive to magical energies. She had copied him before, but that were much simpler spells. Manipulating raw Fade energy shouldn't be something you could replicate after seeing it only once.
"It is hard to explain. I saw how your magic influenced the Veil. I could feel the call of the Fade beyond it. It felt right, and I tried to do the same."
Solas thought about what she said, and he remembered her earlier comments about the Anchor. "You saw what I did to the Veil?"
"Yes."
"No one can see magic to that extent."
"It is not exactly seeing, it is more like sensing the magical energy, and it's effect. I learned from the spirits how to recognise this energy. That is also how I was able to find you when you were hurt."
Thinking back, Solas remembered all those times she had found him in the past. He had wondered how she did that but never asked. "How?... Could you try to explain it please?"
Eirlana was silent for a moment. "Did you ever wonder how spirits can find mages in their dreams? It is not like they simply wander around and find you by accident. They can hear the magic. For them, spells are like whispers, soft melodies, strange music or loud roaring sounds." She had to smile thinking back at how the spirits tried to teach her. "I tried to hear it and of course, I couldn't. I am no spirit. But as I spent more and more time in the Fade something changed, I began to sense something. Slowly I became aware of the shades of magic. It is like I can feel their colours. I have to concentrate to sense them, but every mage, every magic has its own flare, its own unique mixture of tints. It is not something I can do all the time; it has its limits. For example, I can't be too far away, and it is more difficult if there are many different effects. When you went missing in Haven I almost didn't find you, there was too much chaos, and you were so wounded." she squeezed his hand, glad he was alive. "Sometimes it helps me to understand a spell." she continued. "When I saw you preparing your magic, I wanted to try to do the same. Like you, I was as surprised that it worked."
"It must be wondrous to see it with your eyes." Solas smiled at her. In part, it explained a lot about her magical sensitivity. He had heard stories about people developing strange abilities from prolonged lyrium exposure before, but even in his time, that practice was shunned. The risk of death or insanity to the subject was practically guaranteed. It horrified him when he imagined what she had endured, how much she must have suffered. She had paid a horrendous price for her uniqueness.
Her ability worried him. To be able to sense magic to this extent was a very powerful and dangerous talent. If anyone, especially the Chantry and it's templars, would ever find out what she was capable of, she could be forced to find every mage alive. It also brought risks to him. He wondered if she could notice he was regaining his strength. He needed to be careful and come up with another plan if he ever had to leave.
"It would be wise to use your skills with caution. With our current allies, it is hard to tell when they could turn on us." It was the same warning he had given her before, and he was grateful she agreed with him that a certain level of secrecy was needed towards the others.
"I know. I will be careful. It is just..."
"What is it?"
"Cassandra already knows I can sense magical energies. I have revealed some of it by accident during our escape from Haven. She doesn't know everything, only that I can sense clusters of mages. She doesn't know too what extent, and she hasn't brought it up since then."
"As far as we can tell she isn't one to exploit others." Solas softly kissed her forehead. "We should return here soon and explore your ability to manipulate Fade energy. It is an old art with countless possibilities." Placing his arm on her shoulder, they started to walk again.
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After a short hike, they found the others waiting for them.
"Already finished?" Varric grinned at them.
"Come on some alone time is important" Iron Bull tried to sound very seriously.
"Says the Qunari." Dorian shook his head. "I still find it wondrous that they have allowed you to stay. An actual Ben-Hassrath, just walking around unchecked and that doesn't strike anyone as a bad thing?"
"Says the Vint, when we're fighting Vints. Maybe I should pay you some special attention. Who knows what you have hidden under those fine robes of yours."
Dorian sputtered "Nothing you would know to appreciate."
"Oh, I can appreciate a whole lot."
Varric shook his head. "Flirting Qunari, what's next?"
"It's been a while since I saw you pull out your moves chief."
Eirlana giggled, she enjoyed listening to them. The talking and laughing continued on their way back to Skyhold. Even Solas had to smile at their amusing banter.
They walked past the training area at the edge of the village that had formed outside Skyhold. Sweaty and bruised a group of soldiers were just leaving it. Ryan was among them proudly wearing his new templar insignia, the flaming sword of mercy. Eirlana felt uneasy seeing it on him.
"Iron Bull, Solas, Eirlana. I have something for you." Ryan called out to them. They followed him to the stables located between the trees, next to the training grounds.
"Woo where you get one of those." Iron Bull walked towards a massive horse standing in one of the enclosures. It was the biggest horse Eirlana had ever seen in her life.
"It's an Asaarash a special breed from Seheron. Never thought I would see one out here." He patted the horse's neck carefully.
"Now you can ride something decent." Ryan smiled. "Solas, Eirlana. We have also been gifted some mounts you might be interested in." He led them past the still growing numbers of horses and oxen. In another enclosure away from the bustle, two harts were eating hay. Nervously their ears twitched when they came closer. One of the harts was dark brown with light brown markings and dark antlers; the other one was grey with white markings, his antlers were a light grey colour.
"Until now, no one has been able to get even close to them. I have heard that they have a liking for elves. Maybe they can serve you. Otherwise, I will set them free. There is no reason to keep them if no one can ride them."
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"They are beautiful." Eirlana stared at them, her eyes big.
Slipping under the fence, Solas walked slowly towards them. It had been a while since he had seen these magnificent creatures. He reached out to them. "Welcome watchers of the deep forests and great planes." The harts ears twitched as he spoke to them in Elvhen. Slowly they came closer smelling his outstretched hand. Letting them get familiar with him, he stroked their noses. He turned towards Eirlana "Come vhenan, let them get to know you. They are magnificent creatures and can form bonds for life."
Hesitant Eirlana slipped into the enclosure. The harts noticed her nervousness and shied back. "Ssshhh she is a friend. She means you no harm." Taking her hand in his own, he carefully placed in on the nose of the grey hart. It took a deep breath, smelling her scent.
"He is so soft." Eirlana slowly stroked her fingers over the harts nose, who seemed to like her ministrations and stepped closer. She smiled broadly completely taken in by the animal.
Solas stomach fluttered, seeing her so joyful. "We can go for a ride later if you like."
"I would love that."
"I thought only the Dalish could do that." Varric had heard stories from Daisy about how they spoke to their halla, but now he saw it for the first time.
"I have never seen a flat-ear done it." Dalish said, looking suspiciously at Solas and Eirlana. Their Elvish sounded fluent, and she could barely make out half of the words they were using. Even among the Dalish, the Elven language was an almost dead language. Too much had been lost and only common phrases and words were used nowadays. To have a casual conversation in it, she didn't think even the First of her former Clan would be able to do that. How could they know the language so well? Something was strange, especially with Eirlana. One thing she knew for sure, Eirlana couldn't have learned it in Tevinter. She left Varric and Krem to seek out the chief. This was something he would be interested in.
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That evening Solas and Eirlana took their new mounts for a ride. Solas had fitted them with a simple leather bridle and a riding blanket. He would ask Dennet later to make a custom light saddle and harness for them. For now, this would suffice.
Eirlana stood next to the grey hart wondering how she would get on it without a stirrup.
"Here, let me help you." Solas stood behind her, with his hands around her waist he lifted her up onto the mount. "They are more sensitive than horses. You can ride them better without heavy saddles." he explained.
Together they rode out of the valley. The harts were fast and sure-footed, both following their light instructions. Eirlana had to get used to riding them a little, after all, it wasn't long ago that she had learned to ride a horse. They rode up the mountains until they could look out over the valley and Skyhold, glowing warm orange in the setting sun.
It was a beautiful sight, but it went unnoticed to Eirlana as she stared at Solas. He looked almost majestic sitting on his dark hart, his back straight, looking at the fortress with piercing eyes. Somehow his whole demeanour had changed, it was more cold, sharp, primal, determined. For a fraction of a second, she envisioned him, standing here looking over the valley she had seen in the Fade. It was both right and impossible. She made her uncomfortable, and a shiver ran through her.
Solas noticed it. "Are you cold vhenan?" His eyes turned softer, back to the warm, caring, loving gaze she knew so well.
"No." she shook her head wondering why she had that thought. A gust of wind tugged at their cloaks covering them with fine snow that fell from the pines. She laughed when Solas brushed it from his head, shivering when some of it slipped into his neck.
"What was your hair like?"
He stopped brushing off the snow. "Pardon?"
"You hair. What was it like? I can't imagine you were always bald."
He chuckled. "No, I was not."
"How did you lose it?"
After a moment of silence, he answered. "A magical accident."
Eirlana couldn't believe it. "You and accidents?"
"Mistakes and accidents pave the road of learning. Even the wisest make them in their lifetime." His eyes twinkled. "How do you think my hair was like?"
She attempted to look like she was thinking seriously, but Solas could see at her hold back laughter she was picturing him with ridiculous hairstyles. He loved to see her so free, enjoying life. With each passing day, he noticed small changes. She was growing, coming out of her shell, finding her true self.
"I don't know. Maybe..." She turned her hart. "Maybe you had two enormous buns at the side of your head." she giggled.
To retaliate Solas had prepared a small spell to push the snow from the branch above her head, but before he could do it, she did the same covering him in snow. Laughing she rode fast away.
He shook the snow off him. With a predatory grin on his lips, he spurred his hart on and chased her. Being more practised in riding he quickly overtook her laughing. Eirlana felt her stomach flutter, seeing him so relaxed, so free. This was the Solas she loved the most, the Solas that was the most real.
Laughing, they chased each other through the woods, using magic to cover each other with snow.
Suddenly from the corner of his eyes, Solas saw movement.
"Vhenan! WATCH OUT!" he reined his hart.
Not having his riding reflexes, Eirlana flew past him. She saw the snow in front of her disturbed and tried to stop. All of a sudden a net was pulled up in front of her and her hart reared. With force, she was thrown off his back into the snow.
"Vhenan!" Solas called out to her, but before he could reach her arrows flew in their direction. In a blink of an eye, both of them had their forcefields up, deflecting them. The air filled with lightning as Solas attacked the archers. Eirlana shot ice-shards at two men who tried to sneak up at them. Before the fight started, it was already over. Five men lay dead in the snow.
Quickly Solas dismounted and ran to Eirlana. "Are you hurt?"
"No, I am fine." she accepted his hand as he helped her on her feet. "Who were they?" alert she looked around in case more would show up and attack them.
"Solas!?" he had picked her up and put her on his hart. "Wait here. I am going to look who they were." They both were cautious as Solas walked towards the archers. He pulled one of the arrows out of the snow and noticed the slight discolouration. Poison. Carefully he smelled at it and discovered they were coated with a sedative. His face wrinkled with concern, why would they try to knock them out. His concern grew when he saw that their attackers were Venatori. Why were they here? And why were they here in such a small group? Quickly he searched their pockets, and one had a crude note on him.
'The elf is rarely seen alone. Often accompanying the Inquisitor. If a chance presents itself, proceed with capturing. The Elder One commands it'
"Solas did you find something?"
"No nothing." he crumbled the note and set it aflame. "They are Venatori. They probably are trying to scout our new stronghold. Let's head back and inform the Commander." He mounted the hart behind her, taking the other at his reign. On their way back Solas noticed the tracks of the Venatori, they had followed them up the mountain. What could they want with either him or Eirlana.?
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Back at Skyhold, they informed a messenger about what happened. The information spread like wildfire. As they walked back from the stables, many people asked if they were all right. Though Solas also got his share, most questions were directed towards Eirlana. In just a few months she had not only captured his heart but had found a way in many others. As more and more people asked them, he noticed that she was getting anxious. Just when Solas wanted to ask what was wrong, Cullen ran towards them.
"I heard you were attacked. Are you hurt?" he asked them out of breath.
"We are fine, thank you." Solas answered. "I believe we surprised some Venatori scouts."
"I will send out extra patrols. There probably more of them out there." Cullen saw that Eirlana kept quiet and avoided his eyes. Concerned he stepped closer. "Eirlana are you sure you are all right?"
"Enough!" she suddenly yelled. Both Solas and Cullen and the people around her fell silent. Everyone was staring at her; she felt cornered. "I... I am sorry. I am okay." quickly she walked away. Not thinking, she entered the great hall and stopped in her tracks. It was full of people eating their evening meal. She was trapped by a wall of people; her panic was rising.
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"Vhenan?" Solas placed his hand softly on Eirlana's shoulder and turned her around. She was upset about something, but he had no idea why. He bowed his head to capture her downcast eyes. They glistened with unshed tears. Quickly he guided her away into the empty rotunda. He sat with her down on the sofa, but she was still avoiding his eyes.
"What is the matter?" patiently he waited for her to answer.
"I don't know." she whispered.
Solas stroked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Talk to me vhenan."
"I... I am not used to this."
"To what?" he asked confused.
"All of this." Eirlana still didn't look up, fidgeting at her sash. "You, Cullen, everyone asking. I don't know what to do. Why does everyone worry? I am just..." she fell silent, and tears fell on her hands. Why would anyone care about her? She was no one, just a former slave.
"Vhenan." Solas whispered taking her in his arms. He could see the rabbit-hole she had fallen into on her face. Her self-esteem was healing, but the scars and memories remained. She had been treated as an object all her life and learning her own self-worth was a confronting and difficult journey. She was so strong and yet so vulnerable. He held her tightly, hoping she would calm down to understand his words.
"I was worried about you; we were all worried about you. It is normal for people to look after those they care about. Think about all you have done for these people; they want to give something back."
Eirlana freed herself from his arms, but still avoided his eyes.
"Wouldn't you do the same if Varric or Iron Bull would be hurt?" he still didn't get a response.
"Eirlana!" Hearing Solas speak out her name was unusual. Startled she looked up directly into his eyes. "You are not a slave anymore." he took her hand and slowly brought it to his lips. "You are kind." he kissed her hand. "Smart, talented, beautiful, loving." he kissed her hand and fingers each time with each word he said. He heard her breath hitch when his lips lingered on her fingertip. With a grin, Solas continued placing kisses all over her fingertips "Book stealer, snow thrower, blanket snatcher, apple devourer."
Suddenly he had a pillow in his face, and he let himself fall back, Eirlana on top of him. Laughing he added "Pillow bandit" and pulled it off his face. He caught a glimpse of her smile before she captured his lips in a tender kiss.
"Thank you." she brushed his nose with hers.
"I have to add the sweetest kisser." Solas mumbled and captured her lips again in a long deep kiss.
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A young elven servant walked in on them, and they reluctantly let go of each other. "Miss Eirlana, Lady Montilyet asked if you wanted to look at these for tomorrow."
Eirlana sighed and took the folder, thanking the servant.
Curious Solas took it. "May I?" he opened it and saw different sketches of dresses. "What are these?"
"Josephine told me I have to come to the fitting tomorrow." she groaned.
"For the imperial ball?" he hadn't paid much attention to the preparations for the event. He had just agreed when Josephine told him that he would have to wear a uniform. He flipped through the drawings; one dress was more hideous than the next. It was apparent that Vivienne and Josephine both had a hand in these designs.
"Why do I have to go? There already have enough other people that are going." She felt uncomfortable to go there. The Game of power and intrigue of the Orlesian court was legendary. She knew it was important for the Inquisition to be there, but she had no idea why she had to be part of it. Seeing the sketches made her even more reluctant to go. It would display her like a peacock to people that saw elves as pets, playthings, lesser beings. "What if I do something wrong?"
Solas could understand her apprehension, but he also wanted her at his side. He stood up, and with a bow, he knelt before her on one knee.
"Solas?"
He took hold of her hand and gently touching her with his lips.
"My Lady, would you grant me the great honour to accompany you to the ball?"
Eirlana blushed at his formal display. She smiled shyly as he looked expectantly at her. His gesture and assurance he would be there, made her feel like she could handle the world.
"I would love to." Her eyes went back to the folder. "I guess I could also wear a uniform like you."
He laughed. "I agree those creations are not your style. Do you have no idea of your own?"
"The only clothing for a formal feast I know are from the past."
He brushed another lock behind her ear and could imagine how beautiful she would look in a gown of his time. "Why don't you take those as an inspiration." he stood up and bowed before her. "And if I have to accompany you. I will have to choose something that matches your radiant presence."
His words made her blush, timid she mumbled. "I am just me."
And I would spend an eternity at your side if I could, Solas thought. Painfully aware that that never could happen. Quickly he suppressed the thought. "And I wouldn't want anyone else at my side. Let's show them that we are not mere servants."
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The door to the great hall opened, and Varric and Iron Bull came into the rotunda. "There you guys are. Come the party is starting without us."
"Coming." Dorian called from the library above them.
The Herald's Rest had it's opening night. Eirlana stood up to join them, but Solas walked to his desk.
A little surprised she asked him "You are not coming?"
He could hear her disappointment. "I am sorry. I have other plans for this evening." He didn't want to go; already he was growing too attached to some people. It was becoming difficult for him knowing that he couldn't save them. The world as they knew it had to end and he needed to keep some distance to be able to fulfil his responsibility. He started to arrange the contents of his desk.
"Then, I will see you later." she heard at his voice that she couldn't change his mind. Although she knew he had this strange habit of distancing himself, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. It was odd that he was encouraging her to be more outgoing when he was often staying behind.
Solas could feel her eyes lingering on him as she followed the others. It tugged at his heart that he was disappointing her, but he had no other choice.
"If you change your mind Chuckles you know where to find us." Varric called out to him.
Dorian hovered for a few moments longer in the rotunda. "You know if you are afraid about the Inquisitor spoiling the party you don't have to worry. A little bird told me he has a more private arrangement with our dear ambassador."
"I am sorry, I have work to do. Have a good night Dorian." Solas replied and began to unpack his special delivered supplies.
"Your loss." Dorian said before closing the door.
Solas let out a sigh and shook his head to clear his mind; he needed to stay strong and not forget his purpose. From a distant, he could hear the laughter and cheering of the party. For a while, he closed his eyes. Then with newfound determination, he stared at the empty walls around him. Grabbing his new brushes and special pigments that had finally arrived. Focussing his mind, he started the, to him, familiar procedure of preparing and mixing the colours.
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It was crowded and noisy in the Herald's rest. Iron Bull paved a path to the Chargers and Sera. They had kept a corner free, and before Eirlana could feel overpowered by all the people, Varric sat her down on a chair against the wall. He joined her with Iron Bull, Dorian and Sera. The chargers kept partying outside of their small circle, so Eirlana had room to relax.
"I heard you had a run in with some Vints." Iron Bull passed her a mug of wine.
It was okay they were her friends, Eirlana thought. Remembering Solas' words. "Yes, they ambushed us, but luckily it was only a small group."
"Tsss, how stupid of them. Bet you showed them who's boss." Sera balanced two mugs in one hand. "Where is mister elfy elf anyway. This place to human for him?"
"I don't know if you noticed Buttercup, but this is the non-human corner." Varric laughed.
"Hey and what am I?" Dorian protested.
They all laughed. When Iron Bull suggested, he needed to check him first. The evening went on, and Eirlana was enjoying the company and laughter. Animated Sera and Varric told outrages stories, Iron Bull kept flirting, and Dorian displayed his incredible talent of describing the various flavours of the drinks they consumed. As the party went on singing contested were held, and the groups mingled.
Varric returned from the bar and flopped in the chair next to Eirlana, giving her another mug of wine.
"So tell me. How are you two doing?" he asked after a while
Not knowing what to say she sipped at the wine.
"He makes you happy. Doesn't he?
She nodded and started blushing. Yes, he made her happy. Happier than she ever thought possible.
"That's good. A blind nug can see you love him." Varric was silent for a moment searching for the right words. "Hey Snowflake I know you had a shit life until now. I have seen what it can do to people. If you ever feel like you want to talk to someone, I am here for you."
"Thank you Varric. I will." Grateful she gave him a small hug. The first hug she had given to someone other then Solas. It was strange to do so but rewarding. Solas was right she was a slave no longer.
.
The rotunda was lit with candles and veil fire. Solas sat on a scaffold painting the wet plaster on the wall in broad strokes. Quietly Eirlana stepped closer in awe of the mural he had created of a giant eye filled with eyes. He was now painting beams that shot out from it. She had seen many such paintings but never how they were made. "May I?"
Solas looked down at her holding the ladder. Her cheeks were red from the wine she had consumed.
"Of course." He held a hand out to her to help her up.
She sat down behind him. It was strange she instantly felt calmer when she was with him, now even more in her slight intoxicated state. She had enjoyed her evening with the others, but something had been missing. With a sigh she leaned against him, taking in his scent, his presence.
"I missed you." she kissed his neck.
Solas shuddered and tilted his head back. Her arms encircled him as he leaned into her touch. He could smell the alcohol on her breath, and he told himself he had to be careful and not take advantage of her intoxicated state. "Did you enjoy yourself?" he turned towards her.
"Yes." she kissed him, and he kissed her back. She pressed her body more against him, sparking every cell in Solas' body to react. Swallowing down his desires, he broke the kiss.
"How was it?"
"Crowded and loud. Especially Iron Bull and Varric were very enthusiastic. I have heard a lot of new stories involving bars.
"I can imagine." he laughed and freed himself from her arms. "I am sorry vhenan, but I have to finish this before the plaster dries."
Not wanting to be in the way she climbed down. Sitting in his chair, she watched him paint. "It is beautiful." she whispered, hoping that these murals wouldn't suffer the same fate as those in the Fade.
"It is an old hobby." Solas explained. "Sadly I don't have the opportunity very often." By the time he had finished Eirlana was asleep in his chair. Carefully not to wake her, he carried her to their room.
.
The Inquisitor's quarters had been transformed into a makeshift atelier. Racks of cloth, samples and tables with other materials had been brought in. Master Amar was busy to get his seamstresses to hurry up and arrange the patterns and everything else.
"Master Amar I hope everything is to your satisfaction." Josephine addressed him, her clipboard in hand as always.
"Thank you, Lady Montilyet. It will suffice. Now, where are the customers? We don't have much time before the Grand Masquerade."
"I agree. Some of us are desperately in need of your talents." Vivienne was the first to join Josephine.
"Madame de Fer." he bowed. "It is a pleasure to see you well."
One by one the whole inner circle joined them, some were more hangover and reluctantly than others. Sera had refused altogether to go to any noble prick gathering. And most advisors had agreed that it would be better if she wouldn't attend the ball.
Josephine coughed politely, to get everyone's attention. "I would suggest for the men to go first, so the ladies have more time to decide on the fabrics. Most of you will be fitted with a uniform. To be recognisable, the clothing will be embroidered or feature a decorative pin of the Inquisition's insignia ."
Slowly the group spread through the room, looking at the choices.
Cullen for once not wearing his armor was muttering. "Is this all really necessary?"
"Do you have anything in pink." Iron Bull asked one of the seamstresses.
Blackwall and Ryan both chortled at the thought of seeing Iron Bull in that colour. Varric scribbled down another note for his book.
Dorian looked shocked at Iron Bull. "Pink? You can't be serious."
"What? I like the colour."
"We already decided on a red fabric." Josephine intervened. "Cassandra, for you we were thi..."
"NO!"
"But I haven't."
"I will NOT wear a dress." Cassandra's eyes were hard as she stepped towards Blackwall whose measurements already were being taken.
"Dress uniform it is then." Josephine sighed making a note. She was clearly disappointed.
A young seamstress standing on a stool squealed when Iron Bull flexed his muscles and snapped her measuring tape out of her hands.
"Show off." Dorian muttered while he and Varric were looking at the fabrics for their formal costumes.
"Hey, Hero couldn't you shave. They need a few inches more with all your back hair." Varric joked.
"Says the dwarf with a carpet of chest hair."
"Please, this is a trademark. The ladies wouldn't buy my books without it."
Vivienne sighed dramatically at their unprofessionalism and Josephine tried to refocus them on their task. No one was paying any attention to Solas. Within a few minutes, he had found the fabrics he wanted and had sketched a design.
Master Amar looked at it. "Yes, we can do that. Nolana take his measurements. Then he is finished." His voice was loud enough for the others to notice.
Vivienne and Dorian both raised their eyebrows sceptically.
"Right the hobo suit is finished first." Vivienne muttered.
Josephine quickly walked towards him. "Solas I don't think... Oh, my." she looked at the sketch and fabrics "That is an unusual but exhalant choice."
"Let me see that." Dorian asked and was quiet for a moment. "So tell me when you can do this. Why do you dress like an escaped woodsman all the time?"
Solas looked down at himself. Even though he had gotten new clothes, he always chose the poorer, more rougher fabrics for his daily attire. They often frayed at the edges given him an unkept appearance. He suppressed a smirk. If only they knew how familiar was with this whole procedure and courtly business. "Because it suits me." he smiled at Dorian.
.
With the men finished it was now the ladies turn. Vivienne was first to demand Master Amar's attention, and Josephine was already handing Leliana's measurements to a seamstress.
Eirlana looked at the racks. She had never seen so many rich fabrics. Beautiful silks, satin, brocade in a variety of colours. Some sparkled, embroidered with glittering jewels, silver and golden threads. How could she choose among all these? She remembered what Solas had told her when he braided her hair that morning. "People dress to express themselves. Remember the feasts you have seen in the Fade. Remember the feeling those people reflected. For example in the spring people tend to wear more vivid colours. Autumn calls for browns, rich reds, yellow, orange. Or they want to convey a message like Vivienne who wants to express power and wealth."
What do I want? She thought, and her eyes wandered to the softer lighter fabrics.
"My dear. I see you will match Solas in your attire." Vivienne commented when Eirlana was finished.
"I am sure you will look lovely in it."
As always Eirlana found it hard to pinpoint if Vivienne was being serious in her remarks.
"Now you need some jewellery." she guided Eirlana to an elven servant who was a jeweller.
"What can I do for you?" he asked politely. His eyebrows raised when she asked for an earpiece. The elf smiled at her. "Of course My Lady." and he quickly sketched a beautiful design for her. He was clearly enjoying her unusual request. When Eirlana was finished having her ear measured, Solas returned with a sealed letter. He had a special order for the jeweller.
When I thought about an out of character hairdo for Solas, my mind went to Princess Leia. Beware Fen'harel with headphone buns XD