"Solas.."Daere nearly whispered as they made their way further away from the elvuain, the sun lingered high in the sky while a small breeze brush back some strands of her if he was holding onto her hand Daere felt the uneasiness that lingered between the two while the made their way towards the gathering carts close to the gates, without looking at her he muttered"Something wrong?"
"Look it is not you it is just you cannot expect someone to say yes this quickly..." Daere started, Solas stop to look at her causing her to he spoke while he took her hand"I am not mad, it was my fault for asking the question to begin with. "
"But you need a reason do you not? " Daere inquired, part of her was relieved not to see the disappointment that had lingered since they had arrived, but it pained her to see the sadness despite his charming forced spoke gently to her"It would be nice to have one but i want you to do so when your ready not when Taliesin decides she needs to get down your throat because you told me no."
"You heard?" Daere inquired,Solas admitted while he nodded "You two were not trying to keep it quiet going down the halls, but it seems even if the two of you had a night things will take longer then expected for the both of you to get along."
"Solas i don't think we will."Daere blurted, he replied as the inquisitor noticed them."I fear you may be right on that but she has always been with me since the beginning, I am not going to choice between you two."
"I don't expect you to…"Daere started but stopped,the inquisitor walked over to them with one of the emerald knights by her turned around to see why, he calmly asked "what seems to be the problem? "
"Fen'Harel, forgive me i know you wanted them gone but how can we trust them to not return?"a emerald knight inquired causing the inquisitor to sigh,Solas looked at the covered weapons that were freshly stocked he then looked back not hiding his frustration in his tone"That is why i am sending Craven with a few of you."
"Are you certain that is wise Fen'Harel, we are running low on watchers ourselves because of those things out there. "another stated, Daere groaned as she wondered' i really pray i don't end up in Solas position.'
"I gave you an order do not question it, beside we already work things you return to tarasyla'an te'las, we had discussed that you are to gather any information you can on the enemies weaknesses then find the closest elvuain to return here."
"Tarasyla'an..excuse me" the inquisitor inquired,Solas explain"forgive me tarasyla'an te'las is what we call Skyhold."
"How would you know about Skyhold if you never been there?the inquisitor Inquired,Daere let go of Solas while he replied" That temple you shemlens have been using close to that castle used to be own by myself and Mythal, we abandoned after we saw no use for them."
"You won't have to worry about a thing Fen'Harel, we would have left but they were giving me an earful about being in charge."Craven replied as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously while he approached them,Solas nodded slightly while Craven turned his attention to remarked"Try to stay out of trouble will you."
"I promise your people will be treated with the same respect as my own. "The inquisitor tried to insure him,Solas replied"the only thing I can do is hold you to your word."
"how far is this..place Solas?"Daere inquired, they watched as Craven and the Inquisitor started to walk back to the answered while he turned to look at her"Maybe three or fours days if they don't run into any trouble,Craven knows how to fade walk so there should not be any problems to get any word from them if there we proceed?"
'now i am curious why you were insisting to return here,what thoughts do you have going through that head of yours Solas?'Daere wonder, he tugged on her hand gently as they made their way into further towards the enclosed did not take long before she heard him say with relief"Ma serranas vhenan."
'Did he just thank me.'thought Daere, she looked at him and asked"Why are you thanking me? I did not realized i did something to be thanked for."
"I was worried you would have taken this chance to run off. "Solas admitted he squeezed her hand gently his thumb stroked slightly while she remarked"I did not think i was that predictable or problematic..alright maybe i am a bit naive and pulls some stupid stunts but i just...i don't think i would be ready to be out there facing the threats just yet."
"I was hoping you would say you were not wanting to face the dangers period vhenan."Solas remarked, he stop then pulled her close,Daere blinked a couple of times then smile softly as she spoke"i don't think i could ever get used to this, even if i know i should just all of this feels odd..am i really alive or was i never brought back from the dead?"
"Don't think about it, but if you want an answer yes this is real both the good that is here and the bad that's beyond these walls."Solas remarked, he brought her close to her in a embrace as in the distance the sound of elven children playing could be heard listened while he pressed his back against the tree,Solas tightened his grip then loosened while he spoke"Try not to shy off, part of me is still hoping that mind set of yours changes once we arrive."
"Fen'Harel i figure you must be resting, I did not think you were serious bring her back this quickly after last the two of you need help arranging the ceremony?" a elven woman voice caused Daere to look up at Solas, she pulled away from him as he stiffened his did not hide his disappointment."We are not Flidais, she turned it down."
"I thought for certain..ir abelas i didn't mean.."Flidais face grew red from embarrassment, she cleared her throat then held out her hand firmly while stating"I am Flidais, and seeing that your with Fen'Harel i am assuming your Daere..unless he decided to pick up another elven woman on the way down."
"Wait...how often does exchange bed with people."Daere inquired, her eyes went wide then narrowed while she turned to look at cleared his throat while he remarked in defense"It is not what you are thinking."
"relax Fen'Harel is more trustworthy to be in bed with then the others."Flidais remarked, she grabbed Daere quickly added as they made their way towards a clearing"even if you had turned him down we are still having the festivities."
"Festivals?what are you celebrating?Daere inquired,Flidais paused then looked at Solas with questioning in her bright blue she asked"Fen'Harel…"
"Don't look at me falon, it seems Anthony has been skipping on a lot of our history and went straight to teaching them to hate us."Solas stated,Flidais shook her head then explained"Today marks the century anniversary this place was built for us, those who oppose being captive to the others called upon Mythal. Fen'Harel lead us to these lands with the help of…"
"Why are you looking at me like that, if that is the case then why is Taliesin not down here?"Daere inquired, the village came into view as Flidais explained" Because if it was not for the help of Sarff Fen'Harel may not have this place built before more of our people suffered, it is still sad Craven sister could not last one more day in Andruil's hates having to be reminded of all we have lost, she blames herself for those who died while they tried to make their escape with herself and Craven."
"All of you are close, aren't you?"Daere inquired she stopped suddenly, her thoughts quickly drifted 'If that is the case i really don't belong here.'
"Vhenan,i know that looked."Solas remarked,Daere looked at Solas. She replied as Solas wrapped his hand around her waist."What look?I am not going to shy off or anything just…"
"Then stop thinking and relax there is nothing for you to worry about."Solas softly scolded,Flidais remark"You two won't be able to enjoy yourself if your thinking about the things outside."
"I know..just..forget."Daere stated, she tried to relax as they entered the busy nestled in the trees not disturbed by the slight wind, the bridges slightly danced while she muttered"How...this place...Solas.."
"I think she is speechless Fen'Harel."Flidias remarked,Solas added playfully"Honestly this is more of a reaction i got from her since i brought her back, i guess i should not have to expect much realizing now the timing was bad."
"The cities i have never seen then t this...lively..and the spirits how is it possible they sustain their forms being down here?"Daere inquired, she turned to look at Solas.A smile pressed on his lips, he looked past her to the village while he answered"It was not easy in the beginning but over the years we managed as the others feuding amongst themselves for power, welcome to Revas a place no slave nor servant has to worry about the evanuris rule.
"Why didn't he tell me about this place?"Daere asked more to herself,the confusion crossed her face as children ran by shouted out loud"Can't catch me."
"If your talking about Cecil i have mention we had our problems, but Anthony there was not much of an excuse we had offered for him to stay after she had died."Solas explained, Flidais gasped softly then asked"Fen'Harel did you tell her what happened?"
"She needed to know sooner or later what had happen, in truth i am glad June made a comment because i don't think I could have held it back myself"Solas admitted, there was a pause before he conture as his eyes shifted slightly while he changed the subject" Flidais is there anything I can help you with to finish getting things ready."
"Yes of course...just tell me what to do and I can help as well."Daere stated, she turned to look at remarked while looking at Daere
Carefully she replied"It won't be necessary for the two of you, but if you like I think there is a small issue with the wolves we found that survived the other night."
"Very well"Solas remarked, Flidais wasted no time adding as the three started to walk."There is one more thing, some of the emerald knights have been reporting of a strange creature roaming close to the forest spirits and animals don't seem bothered by it, but our people are concern that the creature is not friendly."
"Solas if there is something these people are worried about should we not check it out?"Daere asked, he looked at her then did not hide his annoyance in his tone while he muttered"You cannot rest can you."
"Emma lath you should know that answer by now."Daere remarked,Solas stated"Very well it will wait, the wolves won't though."
"Ma serannas Solas, i know i should not tell you how to run things here"Daere start but stopped herself,Flidais started laughing at wasted no time commenting "She really does have you on your toes doesn't she Fen'Harel, a lot more than Taliesin did"
"Ir abelas."Daere muttered, her cheek grew warm slightly not even the cool fall breeze could ease her noticed her discomfort then reassured her"Your ok, it just shows you can be a wise leader when you want to..we just need to get over whatever brought you down to begin with."
"Nothing brought me down...i just..try to stay out of everyone's ways so not to do the wrong thing."Daere remarked,Flidais looked at muttered as few of their people watched them "Taliesin was not kidding about you, even if you have her facial features you seem more beaten then Sarff was."
"Isolation with a lot of discipline even if not noticeable can do alot of damage to anyones mental state."Solas explained,Daere remarked" it was just a way to live...to not be afraid to lay down your life when the time came."
"And Anthony taught you two this?Fen'Harel is this the very same Anthony that you snagged from Dirthamen?"Flidais inquired in surprise,Solas answered"Sadly yes, and that is not all he was teaching the two."
"That is right where is…"Flidais started, Solas quickly replied sharply, but Daere knew the question before she could finish "Don't ask that,Flidais "
"If Taliesin told you who i was then you should already know he never made it here, for some strange reason Dirtheman threatened his brother to bring me back from the dead."Daere felt her words quickly change to the lie as she spoke,Flidais replied grumbling the last part as they reached the kennels"I thought it was just rumor, i would be concern if Dirtheman is the one that wanted to spare be told any of the others you should be concern, they hardly do anything out of the goodness of their heart..if they had one."
"Fen'Harel, i was not certain you were going to be able to make it." a emerald knight remark, he made his way to the three as they stopped. Daere looked at Solas as he replied" please explain to me why I would not check on everyone's well being."
"Forgive me, you must want a report... some of the wolves that were brought back are not doing so good, i don't want to euthanize so many but we don't know what will happen to those that were infected since we already seen what happen to our own men."the emerald knight explained,Daere walked on past gaze rested upon a massive black fur seperated from the kennels, slowly she made her way once realizing it was one of the wolves. The massive beast laid there with his eyes closed, Daere noticed the chain rested around his neck as she got she got to her knees, she observed the wolf breathing before reaching out to emerald knight voice warned from his spot "I would not stand too close to him, the wolf is seperated for a reason."
"Why, I thought all the wolves were the same…."Daere replied with her hand just inches to his nose, without warning the wolf snapped open his eyes then lunged at fall back quickly, her heart pounding in her ears as the chain held the wolf jaws inches from swallowed while her body slightly trembled, she could hear Solas demanded"move away before he hurts you."
"It is ok.."Daere muttered more to herself then to the other, she checked her arm then looked back at the lowered his head and growled deeply, baring his white fangs at could hear the knight remark"This is probably the fifth one that has turn violate like this even if there is no noticeable wounds,I know you don't like the idea but we might have to put that one down with the rest.
"Is there no other way to help them?"Solas asked,he turned his attention back to his emerald knight as Daere took a deep kept her eyes on the animal as she slowly advanced to him, she softened her tone while resting her hand on his head"There…you can relax, there was nothing you could have done to save your company .I know it is hard but you need to gather that strength, there are people here that still need you to protect them."
"How did she…"she could hear the emerald knight muttered but stopped as the wolf opened his mouth, without warning the wolf bite down on Daere flinched a little upon feeling the teeth scraping on her skin, their eyes met as he let out another growl. Solas ordered dryly as they watched the wolf bite harder"Daere please move away from the wolf"
"Solas it is ok...he is just depressed, i don't think he really want to do any harm"Daere replied softly, she ignored the pain in her shoulder as he finally released his grasp on her. The wolf whimpered softly while she got to her feet, he licked her hand and wagged his tail as she muttered"It is hard but you will get through this."
"Your insane."the emerald knight muttered, she walked over to them then reached out, his fingers touched the loose fragments then looked at her"You got lucky, the wolf didnt break the skin but that was incredibly foolish to is because you expect me to let you fight with the others and two Taliesin is not going to be happy this is the third blouse you ruined."
"Honestly would prefer torn clothes over a innocent life lost."Daere stated,the emerald knight quickly suggested"Do you think you can do that with the others we have."
"Absolutely not. "Solas growled, he glared at the knight for his question as Daere replied"No...if they are injured they will soon succumb to the disease...but this one here there is nothing physically wrong...could you please consider removing the chains off of him."
"Fen'Harel.."the knight started, Solas quickly replied"We will come back for him, i don't mind taking him with us when we way i can watch how he recovers and so no one here has to get hurt."
"Of course Fen'Harel."The knight nodded, Flidais looked at Daere then shook her they started to make their way to the center of the village, the smell of roosted nug quickly filled the air as the sun set in front of air quickly filled with elven chatter the closer they got, no one pay them much attention as the made their way to a secluded area close to the forest remarked as Daere took a sit on a rottened log."I will be back."
"Is this a common thing?"Daere inquired,Solas replied as a elven woman came by"Even if i had asked them not to they still do this each year, sometimes Mythal is present when she is not to busy."
"here you go Fen'Harel."The woman muttered,she handed Solas a couple of cups then looked at Daere as she spoke"Aneth ara falon."
"Aneth…"Daere tried to say back but the elven woman walked off as Solas handed her the second cup, she blinked a couple of times at the odd took a drink as she asked"Did i do something wrong?"
"No."Solas remarked, he turned to look at her then asked "Don't the shemlens do things like this, you seem nervous..I know the dalish tried to keep things close to tradition as much as they can."
"Even if they did we avoided it after a small incident."Daere admitted, there was a pause before she asked"I am assuming this is one of those 'I was milking the truth and trying to make up for it' sort of moment?"
"Yes,i see you remember more than what you are letting on...so it seems we are both guilty of something,what caused you guys to avoid it." Solas remarked, Daere looked down at her softly admitted"It was my fault, we were with the dalish when things just was talking to the keeper trying to seek out some help while Darcy and myself were playing with the others in the surrounding forest, it did not take long before the keeper apprentice got bored and started to show off his magick just was not impressed by it so we just started to head back to where the others were, but...i guess i was just the closest person he could reach so he grabbed me by the arm…"Daere stopped herself, she shook her head then muttered as she shoved the memory back "After that things just is a blur..just i learned they were right it is better to be on my own"
"Vhenan, did he do something to harm you?"Solas asked,Daere slowly looked at him she knew her eyes were cold as she answered"Tried would probably be the key word you're looking for, he was the first person i had to kill..even if it was self defense when they found his body they knew i did were forced to leave because they even thought I was a demon because of the abilities they could not begin to describe, a few days after that I overheard Cecil talking about taking Darcy and me off his hands…"
'Cecil..how could have forgotten that? I wonder if there was anything…'Daere thought as she stopped again, she studied Solas face while she remarked"Solas i think we need to head to Amaranthine tomorrow...there is somethings I think you and the others would want back, hopefully they are still there"
"Alright, I did promise we would go back...do you remember what they were talking about?"Solas pressed, she could see something in his eyes dim as she lied"No, ir abelas after that it is a blank."
"i should be the one to apologizing, in truth i brought you down here to enjoy yourself but so far you have been bitten by one of the wolves and made you remember something unpleasant."Solas remarked,Daere leaned in and kissed him on the lips as she muttered"Solas this is fine, besides even if that did not happen there is so much i can take being around about being in a crowd just does not feel right for me, even at times i know it can be fun."
"Want to go explore a little more?"Solas inquired, their nose touched each other gently as she forced a soft smile."I would like that but is it not rude to leave your own party Fen'Harel."
"I should bite you for the Fen'Harel comment since i thought we were making progress, but seeing something already beat me to it i think other things are in order."Solas muttered,Daere snickered as she sat the cup stated playfully"Your horrible, I am starting to see why Craven is such a pervert."
"there is a difference between what i do and what he does vhenan, lets go."Solas remarked as he gently help her up to her feet, no one noticed while they vanished back into the kept her pace with him as best as she could while they ran further away, suddenly the ground gave way underneath them. She burst out laughing once she realized she was on her back,softly she asked"Solas how much did you have to drink?"
"Not much, but it is good to hear you laughing and not having that scold."Solas replied, he crawled on top of her then pinned her arms above her he leaned in to kiss her on the lips, Daere tasted the wine from earlier linger on his lips as he pulled looked at each before he leaned in again,softly he muttered"I want to see more of this from you, i wish you realize how much it makes this job more easier just by coming back to see your smiling face."
"As long as i am with you..you will always see it."Daere murmured resting her hands on his chest,Solas whispered back as he started to kiss her neck"Good."
Daere turned her head slightly to give him easy access then stiffened her body, her gaze fall upon a fox like creature staring at the both of them from a she remarked"Solas i think i see what the others are afraid of."
"impossible, there should not be.."He muttered while he followed her gaze, the fox slowly turned away then vanished into the darkness as she sat sat there for a few seconds before Daere commented"I guess we were not alone after all."
"As much it is against my best interest, i would like to know what that was and how it got in."Solas stated, he got off carefully then crickets chirped in a distance as Daere sat there, she remarked softly with a sigh "I know dont move."
"I will be back, if anything rejoin the others if you sense something wrong"Solas stated, he looked back at her then back to the direction the fox had another word he left her sitting in the grass to investigate ,Daere brought her hands to her arms and looked up at the stars that had appeared in the clear night sky .