The Lavellans arrive! SFW
Of Mages and Sisters
The next day, Miriel was back in meetings, but this time she had an agenda. She informed her advisors that several of her clan members would be joining the Inquisition. To her surprise, the news was met with happiness and welcome. Perhaps she shouldn't be so surprised, her advisors had done all that they could to protect her clan and had never been negative about her being Dalish. Shit, Solas had been more critical of her heritage than Cullen or Josephine or Leliana. They agreed and decided that they could travel with the soldiers when they finished defending the city from the other Marcher cities. Leliana sent out her ravens, Cullen notified the reinforcements destined for Wycome, and Josephine penned formal invitations to the clan, allowing for anyone who had the desire to join the Inquisition.
It was a week later when the next letter arrived from Wycome. Miriel was sitting in the garden, enjoying a book on a rare day off when a messenger suddenly appeared next to her.
"Word from Wycome," he said before handing her the scroll. She tore into it quickly, unceremoniously breaking the seal and reading.
Da'len,
It seems it was fate that took you to that Conclave. We are safe, as are the city elves. Your Inquisition soldiers defended the city and allowed for cooler heads to prevail over this precarious situation. Injuries have been minimal and there have been no deaths – miraculously. Surely Mythal has protected us, blessed us by allowing you to become Inquisitor.
Ma serannas, lethallan. You have saved our people.
I along with several other city elves and human merchants have been elected to serve on a council that will rule over this city. We have a home, lethallan – thanks to you.
As for those who wish to join the Inquisition…we have three mages that need a safe place to grow their talents, one whom I am informed you knew of. I would reprimand you, but Maren has saved countless lives these past few months with her magic – so that is one more thing I must thank you for. Ileth and Tonlen are the other mages and they shall travel with her. As much as we are indebted to your soldiers, many of the clan are leery of sending their children with a group of humans to a place they have never been before. I too worry for them, and as such, there are adults who will be accompanying them. Since Maren is leaving, Theron volunteered to help escort her and the others. Elsain also volunteered. Then Rana demanded she go, and since both of his parents are going, your nephew will be heading to Skyhold as well.
I do hope that once this is all over you will return to the clan. I could not be prouder, da'len.
Dareth Shiral.
Keeper Istimaethorial Lavellan
PS: your sister is insisting on bringing her Hart, the Royal Sixteen, with her. I understand, a woman as far as she is in her pregnancy should not be marching as hard as a soldier. I write you this to make sure you have the necessary supplies for taking care of a Hart of its stature. Once again, ma serannas, lethallan.
By the end of the letter Miriel was shaking. Her heart was thundering in her chest as a great weight seemed to be lifted from her shoulders. They are safe…because of me. She had done it; she had protected her clan even as removed from it as she was. She was not without her clan, not truly and they would be there, waiting for her, when this was all done. As different as she was now, as much as she had changed, grown, it was a massive comfort to know that her clan was well and there if she so chose to return. Perhaps Solas would be amenable to coming with her. The clan was in Wycome, and they could live there, with but separate from the clan.
Miriel smiled at the idea. Clan and love all in one place? It was too much to hope for, but she could not help but fantasize a bit. They would own a little house in the outskirts of the city. They would travel into town every now and then to trade, accepting little quests and jobs. They would travel often, she doubted that either of them could stay in one place for too long, but they would always have that little house to come back to. And in that little house they would begin a family together, with the clan in such proximity they would surely help out. Their children would be Dalish and free, with his freckles and her hair.
They're alive. I saved them.
Out of all the people Miriel had saved, saving her clan was the one that made her cry with pure unrestrained joy.
It was another ten days before the Inquisition soldiers and Lavellan clan members returned to Skyhold. Miriel had been running around for those days preparing. The large hall underneath the keep would serve as the makeshift quarters for the clan members (though she was pretty sure Maren would end up stealing her own private official Inquisitor quarters). The Halla stables had plans for expansion, and the Circle Mages had been told to prepare for three new apprentices of varying ages and skill levels.
But today was the day. The day when Miriel saw part of her family for the first time since…it had been eight months since she had left the Free Marches for the Conclave. So much had changed in so little time: the explosion, the Mark, becoming the Herald of Andraste, Corypheus, becoming Inquisitor…Solas. She smiled at that, Maren probably already adored Solas. Rana would be wary of him at first, on principle, because hey, overprotective big sister, but she would grow to reluctantly like him.
Today was the day. A weird anxiety had taken over Miriel's body, an anticipation of sorts of what was to come. She fluttered all over the keep, doing various things, talking to various people. Her body was full of excess energy that needed to get out somehow, and that somehow was doing menial tasks for just about everybody in Skyhold.
But the letter had unfortunately not specified the time in which they would be arriving. Miriel proved to be unable to properly sit still and wait, so she put herself to work at the stables. While Miriel was busy in the stables, a small, thirteen-year-old elven girl walked into the biggest fortress she had ever seen.
Maren of clan Lavellan stood on the old stone bridge, staring up at the large fortress. The Fade seemed to waver over it, as if the entire place was shielded by those who would do it harm; spirits pressed against its walls in a silent vigil. Skyhold stood tall and weathered time well, and it was to be her new home. A home that doesn't have wheels, how odd, she thought staring at the keep. She strode toward that old keep, a smile spreading across her face.
Josephine stood tall with her most dignified and diplomatic smile. The arrival of the Inquisitor's Dalish clan members sounded wonderful, particularly to Miriel, but with the elves came a whole host of potential diplomatic issues. For one, these were true apostates they were accepting into their ranks. They had placated the Chantry loyalists in the Inquisition by saying that they were children and therefore not true apostates and that they were acting in the Maker's name by giving these children a new chance at life. Mother Giselle was more interested in converting the elves, Cullen was worried about the potential risk of strain on the already overtaxed former Templars, Leliana was hoping that the new archers could become potential informants, and to add to all of this, several prominent Orlesian families were very disgruntled over the Inquisition's blatant support of the Dalish elves. It was a mess, but a mess that Josephine could deal with as long as there weren't any other issues or drama.
She stood in front of the Great Hall watching the gates open for the troupe and felt the ominous feeling that there was something missing. She nonchalantly checked her surroundings and realized that the Inquisitor was not there. Maintaining her smile, she leaned over to a nearby runner that appeared to be on his way to Leliana.
"Find the Inquisitor, now." She commanded, the runner's eyes went wide but did as he was told as he ran off in search of the Inquisitor.
The troupe of Inquisition soldiers and Dalish elves was certainly an interesting sight to behold. The soldiers had clearly shined their armor the night before, and they all marched in sync, showing their pride of being part of the Inquisition. Josephine was pleased that their soldiers were still proud to be part of the Inquisition, even after fighting a dangerous battle, it spoke highly of their organization. As the Inquisition soldiers filed into the courtyard, the elves became more visible in their clearly foreign garb and tattooed faces. There were four young elves, two of which who were very obviously children while the other two looked more like teenagers. There were three adults, two men and one woman riding astride a large white Hart. They held their heads high, proudly displaying their tattooed faces in the sun. The two men both wore Mohawks, and Josephine remembered that signified Hunter or Defender status. The woman had short, dark brown hair that was mussed and frizzy from the journey, but that did not lessen the defiant pride she wore in her face. The children all had wild hair that was left unrestrained, their ears sprouting forth from the muss in a sort of comical way.
The Dalish had also spruced their leathers to appear as proud as possible. Even surrounded by allies, Josephine could see them strutting defiantly proud, automatically pressing against any expectation or prejudice people could hold towards them. It was defensive, Josephine knew, but it could prove problematic.
The soldiers finished marching into the courtyard, filing in perfect form. Josephine stepped forward.
"Inquisition soldiers, we are ever so grateful for your mettle and sacrifice to further the Inquisition's battle at restoring peace and order in Thedas. Your contributions will not be forgotten, and today you shall be rewarded with free food, drink, and baths. You have the day off tomorrow, as ordered by Commander Cullen. So go and celebrate this momentous victory for yourselves and for your Inquisition!" The courtyard erupted in cheers at her words, good, boost the morale, happy people accept changes better than unhappy people.
"Furthermore, the Inquisitor would like to thank you on her personal behalf for escorting her clansmen to Skyhold safely. The Inquisitor should be here momentarily to welcome all of you home." Stall them, Josephine, stall! "In the meantime, I would be honored to give you the grand tour of Skyhold!" Who doesn't like tours of ancient keeps? The elves gave each other looks that Josephine could not quite decipher, but the woman eased her halla forward, hand resting protectively on her stomach.
"I think it would be more prudent to find out exactly where my sister is. We were assured she is safe, yet I do not spy her anywhere," ah, this must be Rana, Josephine recalled from the debriefs with Miriel. Familiar gold eyes bore into Josephine and the ambassador had to remind herself that this was the Inquisitor's sister and not the Inquisitor herself. The large pregnant belly helped.
"Of course. The Lady Inquisitor is safe and most likely currently busy, she has quite the inordinate amount of work to do, I assure you." Josephine felt like she was grasping at straws. Negotiations with the Dalish elves had never been covered in her schooling and experience. One did not negotiate with them, they talked about them. Josephine now realized how problematic this practice was since she now did not know how to properly talk with them. Speaking with the Herald was different – she was one woman, but a group was could always act differently.
"RANA! Are you harassing my Ambassador already?" A cheerful voice resounded through the courtyard. Heads turned, all smiling when they peered their Inquisitor…in a dirty smock. Josephine sighed, just for once, Miriel, could you look like a true Inquisitor the guests? Do it for me, please. Miriel's hair was pulled into a messy bun-like construction on top of her head, making her large, jutting ears even more prominent. She wore none of her usual makeup, or if she had, it was gone now, so her tattoos were glaringly the focal point of her face. She wasn't even wearing shoes! Oh Maker, please preserve us.
Rana and the other elves turned to see the Inquisitor walking purposefully and happily toward them. Josephine saw Rana arch an eyebrow and then all four children were running ecstatically to Miriel.
"MIRI!" They cried as they practically threw themselves at the Inquisitor. Even the oldest looking teenager was hugging Miriel tightly. The Inquisitor was beaming, but with the smock and gloves she was wearing, Josephine was willing to bet that the woman had been working in the stables. Maker, she must smell awful. Despite the aroma that she was most likely emanating, the elves were ecstatic to see and be near her.
The men reached up and helped ease Rana down from the large halla before making their way to Miriel. The men strode silently, elegantly in a way that resembled Miriel's own gait – silent, prepared, with the barest hint of predator. They were hunters, the true guardians of the five other elves.
Miriel held Maren close, not caring about their mingling awful scents of road, sweat, and stable. Nothing really mattered in that moment, because she was holding her baby sister who had almost died far away without her other older sister to protect her. There was no room for doubt that her sister was alive and well now that she was in her arms. Miriel could almost cry at the relief.
Maren pulled away as Fenavan cooed cutely to be picked up.
"Ohh," Miriel cooed back at the four-year-old as she hoisted him up and onto her hip. He had gotten bigger in the past seven months, so Miriel wasn't expecting to be quite as heavy as he was. Despite the muscle strain, Miriel held him close. The boy cuddled Miriel back, warming her heart.
"Miriel? Oh thank the Creators you are well!" Miriel's eyes snapped open as she saw Dhavon approaching her quickly. He looked the same with his dark skin and hair, eyes that perpetually conveyed overbearing concern. His voice was smooth and felt like a once pleasant but now hollow memory. Dhavon. He was here. At Skyhold. Shit.
"Dhavon! I didn't realize you were coming! The Keeper said Elsain would come," She said in a friendly but panicked voice. Fenaven began to squirm as little boys were wont to, and she let him down slowly back to the ground.
"Of course I came, as soon as I heard that some of the clan was allowed to come here I volunteered. Deshanna wanted to send Elsain, but I showed her that my arm is healed and I am fit for guarding our people," He stepped close to her, smiling at her as if she were the light of his world. Miriel quickly turned form him and to her older sister, who had been helped down from the Hart and was now waddling over to the little group.
"Rana! Look at you! Look at my little niece or nephew growing in there!" Miriel cooed as she skipped over to Rana. The two women hugged each other tightly, Miriel ever mindful of Rana's large stomach.
"By the size, I am guessing it's another boy," Rana said, rubbing her stomach affectionately.
"Well, whatever the sex, a spring birth promises blessings of Sylaise for certain."
"Just like you, sister," Rana smiled. "Hopefully the baby won't be as rebellious and prone to danger," the older woman chastised playfully.
"It's not that bad!" Miriel scoffed.
"You drew the Dread Wolf's gaze then ran off and became a shemlen prophet then became the leader of a shemlen organization. Mythal protect us from that kind of luck," Theron, Rana's husband, chimed in. He leaned in and hugged Miriel briefly.
"It is good to see you, Miri," he said and she smiled. Theron was the type of man you could always count to be at your back with a bow raised. His kind blue eyes crinkled in a smile as he pulled away.
"And you as well, Theron, I see you are expanding the family."
"Right now it's just my stomach, but hopefully in two months it'll be a baby," Rana said and Theron looked over at her as if she was everything in the world to him. He bent down and kissed his wife on the cheek. Maren rolled her eyes.
"The shem lady said she would give us a tour, Miri," the young mage said and Miriel pursed her lips at the thirteen-year-old.
"We don't use that word here, it is as offensive as 'knife ear'. Also, please refrain from calling any of the non-Dalish elves 'flat ear'," Miriel asked. Rana and Theron shrugged, not concerned about refraining from using the slurs. Dhavon and Maren, however, crossed their arms and quirked brows.
"After they have dealt us insult after insult, Miri? I would not expect you to go so soft on them," Dhavon said, voice low.
"Sympathy and respect are not indications of softness or weakness, Dhavon," she replied, staring him down. He maintained the eye contact for a moment before blinking and sighing.
"This is your Keep, we ought to respect your rules, I suppose."
Maren wrinkled her nose, "But they're-
"Not so different from us," Miriel finished the sentence for her sister. She understood the young mage's position. It made more sense when you're young and you don't see all the bad and good perpetrated by all sides. It is a nice world to live in, all blacks and whites with little grey in between.
"Now with that out of the way…the tour!" Miriel announced and the two young boys, Fenavan and Tonlen, stomped their feet happily as they headed off to the main hall.
The rest of the tour went well. Ileth had loved the rookery, the boy had always had a thing for birds. Maren loved the garden, much to Rana's surprise since it was adjacent to small Chantry for the humans to pray to their Maker. Miriel had promised Rana to show her the stables on the morrow and to bask in Rana's envy at all the rare Harts Miriel had been able to collect over the months.
Dhavon had remained surprisingly quiet throughout the tour, but she could feel the scowling glare on her back the entire time. She still couldn't believe he was here, at her castle in the mountains…with humans roaming freely. In all honesty, she should have expected this, Dhavon was nothing if determined to see her and keep her safe. And she was just as determined to show him that she didn't need his protection anymore.
While they were touring the garden, a servant had approached them, announcing that the cook had prepared a special dinner for them and they were to go back to the Great Hall.
"Oh thank the Creators," Rana whispered, arching her back. Miriel turned to her sister, concerned.
"Are you feeling alright?" She asked but Rana waved her off.
"Pregnancy ankles, I'm fine, just want off my feet for a while." Ignoring her sister's protests, Miriel took Rana's hand and helped her to the Great Hall. Theron kept an eye on Fenaven, allowing Rana to take as much as time as she need to waddle to the decorated tables.
The servants were all beaming at the Dalish, their bare faces a stark contrast against the colorful lines on Miriel's people. They pulled the chairs out, extending their arms, inviting them all to sit. Dhavon stiffened next to her and she could feel the air prickle with his indignation.
Dhavon finally turned his gaze from Miriel to frown at the servants, "How quickly you make servants of your people, lethallan," he sneered. Miriel narrowed her eyes in response.
"How quickly I employ refugees left homeless from the Mage Templar war. How quickly I was to feed, clothe, house, and pay them generous wages," Miriel all but growled back.
She then turned to the servants, "Are all of you aware that you are free to leave if you wish, with no ill will felt, yes?" They all nodded.
"Yes, Inquisitor, we know, but we do not wish to leave. Messere…the Inquisition protects us, and I'm learning how to read. My son will know how to read and write because of the Inquisition." A woman spoke proudly, her chest puffed up a bit as other servants nodded with her.
"And how much did you pay them to say that?" Dhavon scoffed, but one servant took it in stride.
"Enough for me to feed and clothe my five children and my wife's elderly parents." Another said. Miriel beamed as her servants backed up her word, just in time for Josephine to intervene once more.
"I believe we can we be seated now. The serving staff is paid well, Messere Dhavon, and the Inquisitor has ensured that all people in Skyhold are fed well." Miriel made a metal note to buy something nice for Josephine next time they were in Val Rayoux. Dhavon was still scowling, but he sat down with the rest of them.
Dhavon had grown progressively more sour as the tour went on, frowns turning into scowls that really did nothing for his face. And as his attitude declined, Miriel's annoyance towards him increased. Why had he come here? He had made it crystal clear that he had wanted nothing to do with her "tempting the Dread Wolf ways" as he had put it. And now he was here and acting just as pissy as the day he left her.
"What have the cooks prepared for us today, Wes?" Miriel asked the servant pouring her wine.
"Roasted boar with potatoes, apples, and a tomato soup."
"That sounds delicious."
"Should I fetch Ser Solas for supper, Lady Inquisitor?" Wes asked and Miriel automatically blushed. Maren perked up and answered for her, unfortunately.
"Yes! We are all so eager to meet Miri's new boyfriend!" The girl cried and all the heads turned to Miriel and she closed her eyes in an attempt to keep herself calm. This was not how this should have gone down.
"Lady Inquisitor?" Wes asked again and she sighed, there was no point in hiding her apostate lover anymore.
"Very well, he is probably in the library by the Under Hall, he wanted to be out of the way for the arrival of my clan," this was going to be stressful, but it would be worse if she had not invited him. She was not ashamed of him in the least, more like she was concerned about Dhavon.
"Is this true, Miri?" He asked softly and Miriel sighed. This was all happening sooner than she planned.
"Yes, I am in a relationship." She answered cautiously. Dhavon's brows furrowed as he exhaled.
"I…I don't know what to say, I always thought that we would be together." He said lamely and she looked at him equal parts confusion and frustration.
"Was this before or after you broke off the engagement?"
"I never wanted that, you know that," he said softly, leaning over to her to caress her cheek. She batted his hand away.
"If it wasn't what you wanted, then why did you do it?"
"I thought it best! Maybe it would scare you into start acting like a normal person!" He raised his voice and some part of her wanted to back down like she had when she was twenty, but that was no longer her, she would not be silenced for "her own good" or "her protection." She had a voice, and he would listen.
"I was acting like who I am!"
"Crazy and irresponsible? You were all over the place, wandering from camp and staying out all night. You volunteered for that ridiculous offering to the Dread Wolf-
"What, and you would have preferred me to stay in your aravel, not exploring the world or embracing who I am?"
"That isn't what I meant! But taking all of these risks, surrounding yourself with human men…do you not see that this isn't you?" He pleaded but she would hear none of his excuses.
"That is not for you to say! Just because you didn't understand didn't mean you got to emotionally blackmail me into being the person you had always idealized me to be! I am not that helpless little girl, Dhavon. I can take care of myself, I have taken care of myself. I am not some creature you get to take in for the benefit of your conscious. I am a person, and I am your equal, it is about time you treated me as such."
"I never said or did otherwise! But I know you-
"You clearly, in fact, do not know her," a calm voice interjected and Miriel turned to where Solas was standing by the stairs to the Under Hall. The calmness in his voice belied the intensity in his eyes as he strode forward.
"And this is your new lover? A man who could double as your father-
"That is enough, Dhavon, if you cannot say anything kind to my sister, leave. That is not a request," Rana suddenly said, taking on her "mom" voice in extreme effect. Dhavon glowered furiously before shoving himself from the table and walking off. Solas quirked a brow as he left but took a seat next to Miriel. Rana then turned to Solas, her face going from angry mother to happy, inquisitive sister. She smiled brightly at the mage and leaned forward.
"Is what Maren says true? Are you truly in a relationship with my sister?" She asked and Solas smiled softly before turning his gaze to Miriel's. She returned his smile and they both blushed.
"Yes, Solas and I are in a relationship," Miriel answered.
"Oh please, it's more than that. Rana, he called her 'vhenan'," Maren interjected once more. Theron's eyes went wide and a large grin over took his face.
"That is quite serious! Be welcome, then, Solas!" The Dalish elf went in for a hug but Solas shook his head, politely declining.
"Thank you. I admit I was unsure of how I would be received," Solas said nicely. He was being polite and welcoming but Miriel could see the little lines of stress around his eyes.
Rana waved him off, "Don't listen to Dhavon. He is bitter about messing everything up with Miri. You are welcome as long as you treat my baby sister well."
"He does," Miriel commented happily, lacing her fingers through Solas's on the table. He looked down at their hands then back at her. The lines around his eyes were still there but they were beginning to lessen.
The first course was then served, servants filing in and presenting the warm tomato soup. Solas let go of Miriel's hand as he adjusted the setting around him for the soup.
"Josephine, where exactly is everyone else? People are normally here for supper by now." Miriel asked and Josephine smiled.
"I arranged to have them dine at Herald's Rest tonight, I thought this would give you a chance to catch up with your clan without having Varric or Iron Bull intrude overly much."
"Oh, well, thank you."
"That and there was a game of Wicked Grace going on."
"And I'm missing it? Dammit," Miriel muttered and Rana scowled.
"Language, Miriel," the elder sister's words were met with barely concealed laughter from Theron. She turned to her husband with sharp eyes.
"And what exactly are you laughing about?"
"Oh nothing, ma'lath." He leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. Seemingly placated, Rana returned to her soup. Theron leaned forward and smiled at Solas.
"So, Solas, tell us about yourself. You bear no Vallaslin, but you do not have the countenance of a city elf," Theron asked and Solas's ear twitched slightly at the prodding.
"I am an apostate. I grew up in a village to the north and learned a great deal from the Fade and the spirits that dwell there," Solas replied.
"He is the Inquisition's Fade expert and advises me on all things spirit and ancient magic related," Miriel elaborated.
"So like Maren and her odd spirit friend," Rana said and Miriel blinked in surprise. Maren turned to her eldest sister in shock.
"How do you know about Widdy?" She asked and Rana laughed.
"You two were not so discreet with hiding Maren's magic. What, you think I wouldn't notice? Maren would wake up screaming from nightmares! I ran interference with the Keeper to keep her off your backs, I didn't want to lose more of my family any more than you did, Miri," Rana explained and Maren's jaw dropped. Miriel touched her chest overcome in emotion. Rana once again giving so much of herself and demanding almost nothing in return.
"Now that the sisters are together, Solas, I have to warn you. They will either be very sappy and emotional with each other like now, or throwing objects at each other," Theron interrupted and all three women turned to look at him with a singular irritated expression.
"We were having a moment," Rana said and Miriel nodded.
"You ruined it."
"You always do this," Maren commented. Theron threw his hands up.
"I rather be the target than you guys going after each other." While Rana and Maren berated Theron for his interjection, a small hand patted Miriel's thigh. She looked down to see her little nephew, Fanaven trying to crawl into her lap.
"I missed you, Miri," the small boy said. She bent down and picked him up, he huddled close to her chest, clinging to the fabric of her shirt. The boy was normally rambunctious and loud as any child could be, but she supposed now after all that had happened with the clan and moving here to this new place, it made sense he just want to be held. She held him close and stroked his hair.
"I missed you too, da'len," she snuggled into him and felt him turn his head toward Solas. She followed his gaze to find Solas watching her intently.
Miriel smiled, "That's Solas. Can you say 'Hello, Solas?'" She prompted and the boy moved his hand to wave at Solas.
"He'o, Solas," he murmured and Miriel giggled. Solas smiled in return, making eye contact with the child.
"Hello, how are you?" Solas responded.
"Bien," Fenaven answered, clearly shocking Solas. The apostate looked up curiously at Miriel who grinned and shrugged at her lover's shock.
"We roam a good bit into Antiva and most of the traders speak it along with Trade Tongue. The clan ends up speaking a bit of Antivan, fluent in Trade, and then whatever Elven we can scrape up," she explained and he nodded.
"Ah, that explains it then," he then resumed speaking to Fenaven, "Yo tambien, da'len."
"Of course you speak it," she sighed happily and he smiled.
"Not as well as I wish, but yes, I do. What is your name, da'len?"
"Fenavan," the boy answered and Solas's eyes crinkled.
"That is a good name. Do you like it?"
"Yes," Fenavan answered, sticking a finger in his mouth to suck on. Miriel continued to pet her nephew's hair, happy to hold the boy again. He was much bigger since the last time she saw him and she mourned not seeing him grow these past few months. The sadness was brief though as she considered that she had most likely saved his life by being away. When put in that perspective it was difficult to regret any of her time spent with the Inquisition. It was even more difficult to regret it when she saw the tender way Solas was looking at her as she held the child. For a brief moment she considered what it would be like if she were holding their child instead of her nephew. A little babe with freckles and ears to grow into. Blue-grey or gold eyes with long lashes and narrow noses. A warm fluttering sensation kicked up in her stomach and perhaps even lower, but it wasn't an arousal sort of state – more of a keen awareness of her body that had her being equally as aware of Solas and his eyes and how much she needed him. It wasn't a sexual need but something even more base than that – she wanted him, all that he had to offer.
Miriel suddenly realized that the rest of the table had gone quiet while Solas, Fenaven, and her had been interacting. She looked up to see Theron smiling like the goof he was while Rana had a small, knowing smile. Josephine looked just so damn happy and Maren looked borderline horrified. Ileth and Tonlen were too busy eating to notice.
"Que?" Miriel asked, shooting a stare at her older sister. Rana shrugged and leaned back as she patted her stomach.
"Oh nothing," Rana murmured, and quickly in her their clan speak, "a baby looks good on you, little bird." Miriel rolled her eyes while Solas sat straighter in his seat.
"What did she say?" He asked, genuinely surprised that he couldn't understand them. Miriel waved him off.
"Clan speak. Rana, you're being rude, we shouldn't use our language while everyone around us can't tell what we're saying," Miriel chastised.
Rana cocked her head to the side and smiled sweetly, "Fine. I said that Miriel looks good with a baby, don't you agree, Solas?" Miriel dropped her fork in surprise and a blush spread up from her neck to her cheeks. Miraculously, Solas took the question in stride.
"I have been unable to find anything that does not look good on her," he replied.
"You clearly haven't seen me in orange," Miriel quipped,
Theron nodded and raised his hands to clap, "Good save, lethallin." Rana slapped her husband's arm with a scowl but Theron kept smiling.
"Ugh! Enough with the baby talk, you're going to make me sick," Maren scoffed as she pushed the food around on her plate. Miriel shook her head as she smiled. Her eyes slid over to her not so aloof apostate lover and found his eyes were still upon her. His hand under the table slid over to affectionately grasp her knee.
"So were you really trained by spirits?" Maren asked softly.
"I learned a great deal from the Fade and the spirits that live there, yes." He answered. Miriel quirked an eyebrow, but said nothing. By this point she knew when he was avoiding the question with half-truths and vague statements. She didn't press him, though, if he wasn't comfortable with answering, then he shouldn't be forced to.
Maren perked up at his words, "So spirits can be just as good teachers as a physical person?"
"It depends on the spirit and what you're trying to learn. For instance, you may gain information from a spirit of knowledge, but not the ethical implications of such knowledge."
"But other spirits, like wisdom, would know, yes?"
"Yes. That is why it is always important to seek out new perspectives when pursuing knowledge," he smiled kindly at the thirteen-year-old. She leaned over her food, her long hair landing in her food but she didn't seem to notice.
"What other spirits are good to seek out then? I know you have to be careful because of demons, but…I want to learn," Maren was beaming as she watched Solas.
"All spirits have knowledge to give, they just may offer in differing ways. You may be able to have a lengthy discussion with Wisdom on existentialism while Valor may challenge you to a duel which results in acquiring new swordplay techniques."
"Then what of magical study and application?"
"Again, what is it you wish to learn? Knowing how to lob a fireball is very different from knowing how to mend broken bones," he explained, clearly ready to launch into a full discussion of magic and spirits with Maren.
"Da'Mare, eat, you can discuss magic with Hahren Solas after dinner," Rana interjected, guiding her sister back to her seat. "Elgar'nan, Mare, your hair." Rana lamented as she looked at the ends of Maren's hair, now covered in gravy.
"Let it go, Rana, baths are readily available if any of you have a need."
"Thank the Creators. Fen, Theron, and I can bathe after dinner while Maren speaks with Solas, then," Fen whined in Miriel's lap but Rana stared her child down.
"Mamaaaeee," Fenaven whined.
"You stink and you know it, now eat, da'len. Miriel, you have barely touched your food, if you are going to be saving the world, you need all the energy you can get, eat," Rana instructed and Miriel giggled before complying, eating the delicious meal the cooks had prepared. Solas shook his head, his shoulders shaking slightly as he repressed his laughter.
"What are you laughing at? You are thin as a twig, eat," Rana then instructed Solas. Solas looked at her shocked. She was Miriel's older sister, yes, but Solas was still clearly older than her and yet here Rana was, nagging Solas to eat more.
"I wouldn't argue with her," Miriel told Solas and he nodded before turning to his food.
The rest of supper was relatively uneventful. Rana and Theron gabbed about happenings in the clan while Miriel had been away, occasionally slipping into their dialectical clan speak that Miriel had to gently coax them out of. Fenaven remained in Miriel's arms through the supper and Maren would every so often try to talk about magic or spirits.
The more he heard from Miriel's little sister, the more Solas liked her. She was unlike any of the other apprentices at Skyhold, which should not have surprised him given who she was related to. Maren was completely unabashed about her interest in her magic and pursuing in furthering her abilities. If anything, the girl was a little too impatient about starting her magical training regimen.
"So, when do we start?" She had asked.
"You will meet with your trainers tomorrow and set up a schedule for your studies then," Miriel answered. Maren's brows furrowed in confusion in a gesture that was completely reminiscent of his sister that Solas could not help but smile.
"What do mean, 'trainers'? I thought Solas would be teaching me," Maren said and Miriel sighed in sympathy.
"Ir abelas, da'Mare, but Solas is extremely busy with his current duties. It would not be fair to either of you for him to take you on as his apprentice," Miriel explained.
"Then who is going to teach me about spirits and the Fade?" She huffed in indignation.
"The mages here are knowledgeable in many areas, and this isn't to say you can't ask Solas questions-
"They won't understand! I am an apostate elf with spirit friends and he is an apostate elf with spirit friends! We aren't exactly common, Miri," Maren went from whining to insolence quickly, crossing her arms stubbornly over her chest. Solas leaned forward.
"Da'len, I would be happy to teach you what I know, but right now my talents are best served at your sister's side to defeat Corypheus. When I am at Skyhold, I will answer your questions and train you. You must understand that sometimes we have duties that surpass our desires," he explained calmly, staring her down.
"Ugh, fine, whatever."
"Maren! Be respectful, Hahren Solas has offered you a great service," Rana chastised. Maren sighed, rolling her eyes before Rana said something quick in their dialect. Maren's eyes narrowed but she uncrossed her arms and hung her head.
"I apologize, I was rude. Ma serannas, Hahren, I am very grateful for your offer and I look forward to learning from you," she began. Rana whispered another unintelligible phrase and Maren nodded.
"Ir abelas, Miriel. You have done so much for me and I was quick to forget and disregard it, ma serannas," the girl continued.
Miriel nodded, "Ma serannas, da'Mare. Apology accepted. Are you going to finish your pudding?" Maren shook her head and handed her sister the half-empty bowl of chocolate pudding.
"Want some?" Miriel asked him and he shook his head, content with his own bowl of pudding.
"No, but thank you."
Solas and Maren were in the rotunda discussing magic while Rana, Theron, and Fenaven were bathing in Miriel's quarters. Perfect, this left Miriel time to go find Dhavon and talk to him about…well, everything.
She made her way to the stables. He always liked to be with the halla when upset. Sure enough, there was Dhavon, sitting in a chair with Miriel's sweetest Hart, Boo-Berry, eating out of his hand. He was petting her neck when he saw Miriel.
"Hey, Dhavon," she said and he sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"Aneth'ara," he replied. She walked further into the space, feeling smaller than usual. It was odd seeing him like this, upset and seeking the halla for comfort because of her. Back in the clan she would have been comforting him, or he would have been holding her, protecting her from whatever thing he had deemed unsafe or bad for her. Now it felt as if they were miles apart. She was no longer that scared little girl who needed to be protected. She was the Inquisitor, a badass dragon slayer who could hold her own in a drinking contest with a giant qunari and counted the Champion of Kirkwall one of her best friends. Amazing how much things could change in such a short amount of time.
"We need to talk," she began. He sighed and then turned to her.
"What is going on, Miriel? I don't understand…you've been so different recently that I feel like I don't know you anymore," he was clearly distraught over how they had grown apart. Part of her wanted to feel guilty about not being the girl he always thought her to be, but the rest of her was glad to be where she was now.
Miriel grabbed a chair and pulled it up next to his.
"I don't think either of us knew who I was, who I am."
"And who is that? Help me see this, Miri, because none of this makes sense," he sighed, pausing in petting Boo-Berry who nuzzled his face.
"I think we got stuck in the mindset that I was this helpless little girl who needed to be protected. I was so afraid for so long…" it was still amazing to her how different she was from when she was with the clan. She was her own person now, separate from Dhavon and even Rana and Maren…separate from the clan. It was bittersweet, this independence.
"But you can see why we were terrified for you? Every time I tried to picture you here-
"You only saw me in that aravel with that shem standing over me," she finished for him. He nodded solemnly.
"I never wanted you feel that again, so I did everything I could to keep you safe. Miri, I…I really was only doing what I thought was best."
"I know, and I'm not angry about that Dhavon. We were both young and scared, we made mistakes. I was upset that you were trying to put me back in that place of acting out of fear instead of helping me fight it," she explained hoping he would understand. He leaned back, rubbing his hands on his knees, exhaling.
"I understand. It was…automatic, seeing you, seeing all the humans…I guess I reacted before I thought. Ir abelas, lethallan," he paused briefly before smiling and giving a little laugh, "so…your new man. Kind of went in the opposite direction there, didn't you?" His joking manner belied his residual bitterness about Solas being obviously very different from himself.
"Oh I don't know, I've always liked older men."
He barked out a laugh, "Yeah, but there is a pretty big difference than my five years on you and his, what, twenty?" She shrugged.
"Give or take." He shook his head but he was smiling broadly before his expression turned serious.
"He treats you well, no?" Dhavon asked softly. He looked up at her, dark eyes intense.
"Yes, he treats me well. More than well, he…he makes even the most horrid days bearable, and the good days?" She smiled softly, "I wouldn't trade those for the world." Dhavon sighed and nodded.
"Good. It may not be what I had planned, but I always wanted you happy. I just had hoped…well, you know what I hoped. Creators, I sounded like an ass back there, didn't I?" He asked and she pursed her lips as she nodded.
"Yeah, you can apologize in the morning, I think he has had a lot of stimulation tonight. That and I think Maren just may kill you if you interrupt them now."
"Really?" He asked with a small entertained laugh.
"Oh Dhavon, you should've seen it. I don't think I have ever seen her so excited as when Solas said he was happy to talk to her after supper about the Fade and spirits and anything else she had questions about."
"Huh, I would have thought she would ask you to talk after dinner. She's missed you these past months, Miri. But I suppose her fascination with Solas makes sense."
"Alright, so I have to ask, what happened while I was gone?" She asked and then Dhavon launched into a whole conversation on how Vathoren and Elsain were trying to convince the Keeper to let them bond even though neither of them were women. Apparently they were actually making positive progress. Shayla was pregnant again, no shock there. When they had left, widower Elthir had been working up the courage to propose to widow Ghilleth. A hundred other things had happened, including the raiding and the taking over Wycome, and she was eager to hear all of them. It had been so long since she had been able to carry out a full conversation about her clan or the Dalish without having to explain every aspect of her clan life, much less speak in her native pidgin. She didn't have to monitor her speech at all, and that was a blessing in itself. They spoke for hours, laughing and reminiscing about the clan and all the people they had left back in the Free Marches.
Many hours later and Miriel was making her way back to her quarters through the Great Hall when she noticed the candles still burning in the rotunda. She quirked her brow and walked into the space, shocked to see Maren still awake and talking avidly with Solas about spirits or the Fade or about magic.
"Spirits embody aspects of mortal nature. Compassion, pride, wisdom, generosity – they all have spiritual counterparts." Solas was saying.
"And then those counterparts are also counterparts of another spirit, yes? Like Pride is to Wisdom, Rage is to Passion?" Maren asked, hazel eyes bright with intrigue.
Solas nodded excitedly, "Yes! Those counterparts are more common because the mortals in the physical world have become more attuned to those aspects of mortality – and also because they expect spirits to be that way."
"So spirits are not the only ones gravely affected by the Veil, then. Mortals are also to a certain degree mad without the balancing act of the Fade being actively present." Maren surmised and Solas looked so happy Miriel thought he may shed a tear.
"I know you two are having fun, but it is very late and Maren needs to head to bed."
"But Miri-
"You can speak more in the morning, I am sure. You are here to learn and train your magic, but you need to do normal mortal things too – you know, eating and sleeping and such." Miriel pulled out her older sister borderline mom voice and Maren sighed.
"Fine, but I won't like it."
"Remember, da'len, with sleep comes dreaming, and dreaming brings you to the Fade." Solas instructed softly. Maren's face lit up and she quickly headed to the rooms the rest of their clan were sharing. Once she was gone, Miriel turned to the beaming Solas.
"I take it you two get along?"
"Your sister is a prodigy! I never thought I would come across another elven dreamer. You…you are aware that is what she is?" He chattered enthusiastically.
"I had suspected, but didn't know for certain. I am then glad that she has someone so closely aligned to her to help her develop her magic then." She replied, voice filled with exhaustion. Solas placed a finger under her chin and raised her face to look at his.
"It sounds like it is late for you as well, vhenan," he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips before taking her hand and leading her to their now shared room. She leaned into his arm happily and sighed.
"Did everything go well with your former betrothed?" He asked softly and she looked up at him, surprised to see his face had reverted to its unpleasantly polite neutral expression.
"Yes, actually it did. He understands that he can't control me, that I am no longer interested in pursuing a relationship with him, and that I am happily in love with you," she leaned up and then pulled his face down so she could kiss him on the cheek. He blushed slightly and leaned back into her.
"Good," he had that dopey look on his face, the one he got every time she referenced she loved him. It was the look that made her want to kiss every little freckle on his face…and in other places too.
They headed up the stairs and began their preparations for bed, which included her stealing another of his tunics after stripping out of her own clothes and breast band while he laid back in the bed clad only in loose cotton breeches. Miriel snuggled up to him resting her head on his chest while he rested his head on top of hers. They were quiet for a few minutes before Miriel began to speak softly.
"I have to head to Emprise du Lion in two days, there are reports of people being taken by Red Templars."
"I thought we didn't talk about work when we're in bed," Solas replied.
"I am bringing it up because I think you should stay here, help Maren and the other mages get acclimated to the Inquisition." She nibbled at her bottom lip, worried how he would take this.
"Is that an order?" He whispered.
"No, I know better than to give you orders. I am asking if you could do that? For me? Maren is taken with you and I worry about her and the others. I can't stay and help because of the whole Inquisitor thing, but they know and like you, and I just…" he kissed the top of her head and that quieted her.
"Yes, vhenan, I will stay and help. This way I will be able to prepare a welcome back present for you."
"Ooo, a present?"
He laughed softly, "You will have to wait and see, vhenan."
This chapter got rewritten so many times, omg. But we're about to enter a plot arc! Yay!
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please review.