Leliana

The sun had begun to set on the day after the final battle, and Salem still lay sleeping, face down on the bed, her skin pale, her eyes shadowed with exhaustion. I smiled and inhaled the pleasant scent of the warm herbal tea Varel had delivered not long ago. I drank, savoring the taste of honey and the immense sense of relief that had greeted me when I had awakened from our shared exhausted slumber not a candlemark ago.

The threat has ended, I smiled, thinking of the long days and nights Salem had been away, the fortnight that had passed as she battled in the Blackmarsh, fighting a long dead baroness whose grip was still felt through the Veil. She had returned, shaky, disoriented, a walking corpse at her side, uncomprehending of my worry…for to her, not a single day had passed.

You have fought so hard, my love, a smile played across my lips as I watched her sleeping, an all too rare sight. And, at last, respite is at hand. You can turn your thoughts solely to the governance of this province, tear your hands away from their swords, and know the true definition of peace.

A soft knock rang at the door and I hastened to answer it, before the noise became more insistent and roused Salem. I opened it to reveal the similarly exhausted face of the Dalish warden, Velanna. We had shared several awkward exchanges upon my arrival to the Keep, stepping silent around each other, avoiding eye contact. The uncomfortable tension had built to a crescendo, wherein the elf had drawn herself up to her full height, and in a tone quite reminiscent of Morrigan's acidic verbiage, told me emphatically that she would not touch my shemlen warden even if all she had lost were to be returned to her.

In a decided fit of feminine, umbraged pique, I had descended to her level, beginning an argument that ended with weapons drawn and magic being flung about the room. Salem had intervened, nearly snapping Velanna's staff and breaking my wrist in her ferocity. Then, with trademark dark humor, she had smiled the sweetest smile, her eyes had lit like a child's at Yule, and she had said "For me?" in the most saccharine, honeyed tone, before exclaiming, in a roar like thunder "Idiots!" She flung our weapons to the floor and departed, leaving Velanna and I stunned, staring at each other, lost for words.

We had descended into laughter, reconciled our differences, and parted as friends. I smiled at the elf, who had proven that she was wise, and, despite her blunt nature, that she cared for all life.

"Leliana," Velanna returned my smile, "I…everyone has been asking after Salem. Is she all right? Mistress Woolsey has managed to find me at least seven times, asking the same questions. Creators…I had to sneak past Varel in order to knock on the door."

I smiled, knowing that the seneschal had attached himself to Salem as a guardian, a father-figure, and a man who would walk through hellfire in order to support her in whatever manner he could. He felt that he still owed her the debt of his son's life and freedom. He had been a rock for me, a constant support when Salem was away, risking her life for her land yet again.

"She is sleeping off a profound case of exhaustion." I kept my voice low. "Bruised to hell, and several deep lacerations, but nothing life threatening. Please tell me there is no cause to wake her."

"No." Velanna shook her head. "Varel and Woolsey are keeping everything well in hand. Oghren and Sigrun returned this afternoon. Sigrun is still resting and Oghren has risen only to drink himself into yet another stupor. Nathaniel sent a messenger bird, saying that he is remaining with his sister for a time and aiding in the restoration of her home."

"What of Anders? Justice?" I asked after the mage and Fade spirit, the two wardens that Velanna had not mentioned.

Her vivid eyes darkened. "I believe it is best if Salem relays that particular tale."

A gnawing worry crept inside my heart and nestled there. Of all the wardens, Salem had constantly found herself on guard near the volatile mage. He had often stated his resentment of the warden title, though he was permitted to live outside the Circle, not fear the justice of the templars, and seek out his own enjoyment from life. He had turned his time to devising arguments against the Chantry, against the king's orders…plotting a revolution. And Justice…Justice had only encouraged him, as a spirit is absolute in its cause, with little open-mindedness as to the extenuating circumstances.

Not everything can be won with war. I shook my head. That which is corrupt must be cured from the source of its corruption, not fighting the soldiers it has cultivated. That can end in but bloodshed, loss, and pain. It is the reason the Maker has chosen…me. A bard, one with knowledge of poisons and their cures.

"I see. Is there anything you need?" I asked.

"No." she offered me a slight smile. "Now that I have news, I can keep the thronging masses from their endless inquiries."

"Thank you, Velanna." I reached out and squeezed her shoulder, imparting my gratitude, knowing that her magic had saved Salem's life on more than one occasion, that her keen eye for strategy had won many a victory.

"I have a new life." Velanna nodded. "Not one that I chose, but one that I am increasingly learning to be grateful for. I have much to learn from the wardens, and, if the Creators see fit, to bring back to my people. I have Salem to thank for that…a cruel mercy, turning me away to my pain, not allowing me to forget what has made me stronger, and more kind. My…my Keeper would have been astounded by her."

I nodded in silent affirmation. Salem had changed the world. Before she had come into my life, I believed that Thedas thrived from deceit, machinations, the pride and arrogance of those in power. But a single, simple woman, with humility, grace, and quiet, quiet strength, had managed to shake it at its very foundations. All races would be impacted by her sacrifices, by her words.

"I still find myself in that particular position." I admitted.

"As do I." Velanna agreed, reading my desires. "I will take my leave."

She departed and I shut the door, turning as I heard Salem's breathing change, quicken. "Andraste's blessed ass, I ache." Salem muttered, half into her pillow.

I winced as I heard the harshness in her voice, realized that her throat must be tender and raw. I sat on the edge of the bed and moved her tangled, dirty hair away from her face. "I am quite proud of you, my love." I spoke. "You managed not to return completely in shreds, though your collapse was quite over-dramatically rendered."

"Speaks the woman who barraged me with inquiries in a language that I cannot comprehend." Salem shifted, groaning as she used muscles that had to have been tight and torn.

"I worried for you." I confessed as heavy emotion choked my voice. "The siege of the Keep was so fierce…"

At that, Salem rolled over, her eyes wide and glowing with concern. "Are you all right?" she rasped, moving a clumsy hand over the bandage on my arm. "I…Maker's breath, but I am worthless."

"Quite well." I assured her, leaning down, pressing my forehead to hers, placing a soft kiss on her chapped lips. "You need not worry, my love. All is well, you are home, and safe, and here," I placed my cup into her hand, "this should soothe your throat."

Salem took the tea, sipping the hot, sweet liquid, a look of relief spreading across her features. She handed the cup back to me with a smile on her face. "My goddess." she whispered, her hand reaching up, fingers ghosting over my cheek. "You are too good to me."

"If I can even repay a measure of what you have given me," I breathed, setting the tea side and laying my body alongside hers, "I will forever be content."

Salem pressed against me, her arm folding across my waist, sending delightful shivers down my spine.

So warm. So strong. Strong enough to carry a world, fight monsters and gods…so tender. Gentle enough to break the hardest heart.

"Here, like this," her damaged voice whispered against my ear, "I have all that I need."

Her breathing evened, deepened, and I did not have to look to see that she had once again succumbed to slumber. I lifted the hand that held me to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss of gratitude and love to her scarred skin before returning it to its place.

I closed my eyes and joined her in a healing sleep, knowing that tomorrow would come, and that, no matter the circumstance, it would dawn bright, beautiful, and full of promise.