AN: Warning for sexual content as well as light BDSM

Chapter 8 - Orlesian Silk and Secrets

Ellana sat on the cold stone floor of the veranda, her feet dangling through the railing into the night air below. The bedsheet was lazily draped over her shoulder as she sat with her face to the moon. Since the battle at Adamant, she had kept herself apart from the others. She didn't know what to say to them. Varric especially. She couldn't bring herself to look at him. The happiness in his expression had vanished, and Skyhold felt very cold.

"May I join you, Vhen'an?" She looked up at this soft, handsome face. His kind grey eyes. Solas in the moonlight was wonderful.

"You don't need my permission to sit with me,"

"No, but you have been distant since Adamant. I haven't been able to reach you in the Fade." He sat down, resting his back on the stone of the wall. His legs sat open as he pulled her between them, wrapping her in his arms.

"Len, alas lath'din," She let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "That is what they used to whisper behind my back." She brought her knees to her chest feeling her heart grow heavy. "When I was born, I was dying. The Clan healers tried their hardest but it was determined that I was for Falon'Din, that he was meant to guide me to the Beyond." She looked up to the moon. Solas gently ran his fingers through her hair. "My mother didn't want to lose me, she didn't know what Arrel would do without the other half of his soul if I was taken to the Beyond. So she turned to the Dread Wolf for help. He saved my life, brought me back from the brink of death." She paused, taking a deep breath. "When my mother returned to the Clan, she was shunned by the others but as the Keeper's First, she could not be exiled, therefore we stayed."

"My brother was untainted, I was the cursed child that brought the Dread Wolf to our doorstep and my mother was called his whore." Solas felt rage building inside of him, even his kind deeds were considered a curse. "Arrel didn't always know how cruel the others were to me but he did his part to protect me. I had no friends, no one to turn to other than him."

"How was it that you came to the Conclave? Your clan must have had faith in you to send you there in their stead." She laughed at his question.

"I was only ever sent to the Conclave in the hopes that I would be taken by the Templars or captured by some slaver and carted off to Tevinter, or in the best-case scenario, killed." He looked down at her. How could her people be so heartless? "I remember you told me once that I wasn't like any Dalish that you met. That is because I feel almost no attachment to the People. In my experience Solas, I am just as much an outsider to them as you are."

"I am so sorry, Vhen'an," He said as he nuzzled into her hair. Guilt ate away at him, after all, ultimately it was his fault for the way that she was treated by her people.

"I didn't want to admit it, but it was right, I am not a leader. I am just a lost, lonely, stupid girl that has been caught up in a storm that I have no control over." Ellana grabbed her knees tighter, curling herself forwards. "I am suffocating under the weight of their expectations, Solas. I cannot be what they need. I feel like my head's underwater and I am drowning." He held her tighter, she needed to let this out. "I never wanted to be Inquisitor" He heard tears in her voice. She had been so determined to keep them from falling that he could feel her shaking in his arms. "I never intended to be the Herald of Andraste nor am I some divine saviour," Ellana sobbed. "I..." she sobbed. He turned her around to look at her, her face buried in her knees. "I can't do this Solas. I am not strong enough,"

"Ellana, in all my travels through the Fade I have never met a spirit like yours. Your soul is as bright as the sun. The strength in your fortitude, the compassion in your heart, your ability to love and forgive." He placed his hands on either side of her waist. "Every time, I resign myself to walk away as I know it would be kinder for you in the long run. The thought of losing you pulls me back," He kisses her head. "You are etched into my soul. I cannot be without you," He held her again "Let me bear your burdens Vhen'an. You can be an Inquisitor out there, but here, just be mine. Submit to me completely and utterly and I take away all of the crushing weight of your responsibilities." Ellana stared into his dark eyes, a burning passion in them that both frightened and excited her.

"Take it Solas. I am yours"

"Ar lath 'ma vhen'an," He purred, twisting a strand of her hair between his fingers.

"Ma'sal'shiral Solas," She replied nuzzling her face into his chest hiding from the world in his arms.

They spent the night on the balcony, sleeping under the stars intertwined in each other's arms. If the sky was to crack open and eat the world whole neither of them would have cared.

The warm, soft light of the sun touched Ellana's skin, creeping silently over her body until it reached her face. It lingered on her eyelashes causing them to flutter like the wings of a butterfly before opening. She took a breath of the morning air into her lungs feeling like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The sheet was gently laid over her as she lay on the bed. It was not the place where she remembers falling asleep. She rolled over finding him missing from the bed. She had gotten used to him rarely being there when she awoke. Ellana purred as she stretched. A smile painted her face as she remembered the night before. It was rare to find Solas like that. He would be passionate, flirtatious, even insatiable but he was rarely so emotional. She got up and dressed. Leaving her quarters, she wandered down the steps to the main hall. There was something that she needed to do. Something that she had been putting off for far too long.

Varric was standing, his face looking into the fire before him. Ellana approached him.

"Did I ever tell you about the time that Hawke was on a Merchant Guild hit list?" He asked, not taking his eyes off the flickering flames.

"No, I don't think you did."

"Hawke's uncle got into an investment scheme with a couple of Merchant Caste Businessmen. Organizing the import of wandering hills from Anderfalls required a lot of people's money. A delicacy, I'm told." He slowly turns to face the Inquisitor. "Their weird foreign foodstuff arrived...alive. And one of them, true to its name, wanders off in the middle of the night." Varric looks down, sorrow darkening the normally cheerful features. Ellana embraces him, hugging him tightly. "Shit.." He mutters, she lets him go and he continues "The Guild...Traced the shipment to Hawke's Uncle but as usual, he was so far in debt that he couldn't see daylight, so they chased after Hawke instead. They sent guys from the local Carta to Hawke's Estate one night. Five big dusters, armed to the teeth. They kick in the door and Hawke drags them over for a game of Wicked Grace." He chuckled, smiling slightly. "They played for two hours before the City Guard showed up. A few of them became regulars in our weekly games." His smile faded. "Hawke just has that effect on people." He sighed, wiping a tear from his cheek. "I always wanted to tell that one. Thank you, Red."

"I am sorry that I haven't been there for you, Varric" Ellanna looks at him.

"You've done more than enough. I have some letters to write. Excuse me." Varric walked past her, she stood watching him leave.

"Inquisitor, you are needed in the War Room," She nodded and left the main hall.

Solas found himself getting increasingly bored as he stood on the sidelines people watching. The palace and this Grand Game they liked to play reminded Solas of the old days, the treachery, the politics, the sex, the secrets. They have been sent here for two reasons: the first to secure some political ties with the Orlesian court and the second to track down one Coryphues's assassin. The mage found himself yawning as he tugged at the high neck of the Inquisition Dress Uniform. It was uncomfortable and irritated him.

"Lord and Ladies, may I present the Herald of Andraste and Leader of the Inquisition, First of Clan Levallan, Lady Ellana."

Solas turned his attention to the stairs watching as she emerged. His breath was taken away at the sight of her. Her hair was pulled away from her face in a series of elaborate braids, each laced with a shimmering ribbon. Her dress hung loosely down her back, the fabric draping just short of the base of her spine. Across her back thin gold chains hung from the scaled shoulder piece, a long train of sheer silk hung from each pooling on the floor behind her. The adornments continued to flow over her collarbone touching the top of her cleavage. The dark green and olive fabric plunged down her chest exposing Solas's favourite part of her, the trail from her neck to her sternum. It hugged her perfectly, showing off her flawless form. The hem was nearly see-through, he could see that she was barefoot, her feet and ankles wrapped in golden chains and emerald jewels. He licked his lips in admiration of her. He wanted to rip that dress off her and have his way with her on the cold marble floor. He wanted all the men that looked at her lustfully to know that she belonged to him.

"Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath. Commander of the forces of the Inquisition. Former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall." Cullen walked to her side. Solas's face soured as he came into view. It had been Josephine's idea for him to escort her to the ballroom. Ellana had protested but it fell on deaf ears.

Ellana's whole body stiffened as she looked down at the sea of masked faces gazing back at her from below. She suddenly felt extremely exposed in her finery. Cullen placed a hand on the small of her back, sensing her nerves.

"Inquisitor, relax and smile. Take my arm." He whispered to her, "The sooner we get this over, the sooner we can focus on why we're here. She nodded, placing her arms over his as they descended the staircase. All around her she could hear hushed whispers. She felt like she was on display, an exotic curiosity wrapped in fine fabrics and precious stones. Once they had reached the bottom of the stairs Cullen bowed to her before disappearing. Ellana felt lost as she fiddled with the fabric of her dress.

"You are a goddess," Solas bowed, taking her hand gently. She was thankful that he was here.

"I feel like a fool." Ellana laughed looking down at herself.

"Then you are the goddess of fools." He snuck a kiss on the back of her hand, she reached out to take his hand. He pulled back. "My lady you mustn't, after all, I am just the Lady Inquisitor's serving-man," He teased, Ellana laughed. "I'll worship you faithfully later, I promise." He smiled a dark, seductive smile. She felt that familiar ache at the thought of what he would do to her later.

"Vyn alas'niremah i'em?"

"Later my Lady, you have all of Orlais to charm first." He bowed once more, letting her hand fall out of this grasp. She stood there alone again.

"Who knew that you were such a ravishing creature?" Dorian asked as she crept behind her, placing one arm around her waist. She turned to face him as he placed a glass of spiced wine in her hand. "You look like you need a drink."

"You do know we are not just here to enjoy the party Lord Pavus" Ellana smiled at him feeling her nerves easing slightly.

"I know but we can still enjoy ourselves. Would Lady Levallan care for a dance?"

"Can you imagine the scandal, a Dalish elf in the arms of a Tevinter magistrate's son?" She laughed.

"I know, it would be unimaginable" He held out his hand and bowed. She took his hand and led her to the ballroom.

Solas watched as Ellana dazzled and gleamed. She danced in the arms of Duke's, Prince's and Generals, charming every one of them. Even amongst all the nobles and royals, she was the most regal creature here. He watched as Cullen took her into his arms as they started to dance. Her face was alight with smiles and laughs as he held her close, his hand resting on her back. He could tolerate other people touching her, but not him as anger rose from the pit of his stomach. He wasn't sure if it was the wine or the dress but Solas's lust for her was driving him insane. He needed her under him moaning his name. He drained what was left in his glass and crossed the ballroom to them.

"I am sorry to interrupt, Inquisitor I do require your attention" Solas stood between the two of them, his back to the man. Ellana could see the intense passion glowing in his eyes.

"Of course Solas, be my guest," Cullen bowed to Ellana "My Lady,"

"Thank you, Commander," she said, noticing the mage grabbing her wrist, pulling her. Even though it was gentle she could sense the urgency in it. They moved away from the main hall, finding an empty corridor. As soon as they were alone he pushed her against a door. She gasps as his mouth touches hers, hungry and rough. She could feel his need for her as he pinned her to the wood with his body. He pulled away, breathless. He turned the handle, finding it unlocked, he opened it and shoves her inside, locking the door. It was a small private room with a desk, a bookcase, and a sofa, all that the room provided. Ellana stands in the centre of the room, watching him walk towards her unbuckling the belt around his waist.

"Sol.." He covers her mouth with his hand. He couldn't wait any longer.

"Desk." He pulled the belt free, letting the sound of it crack in the air. "Now." He commands, his voice making her shiver. Ellana does as she is told and stands in front of the wood desk. "Bend over,"

"Ma nuvenin," She turns around, resting her face on the wood of the desk. Solas takes off the velvet gloves he was wearing and throws them on the table next to her. Pulling at the blue silk of his sash around his waist it comes free using it to cover her eyes. He grabs both of her wrists tightly and binds them together with the leather belt as he braces himself against her. He pulls the fabric of her dress up exposing the naked skin beneath it as he leaves it to rest on her back. He growls, dragging his fingernails over the bare skin of her backside. He watches in amusement as goosebumps appear over her skin. Every tiny sensation was only intensified by her lack of vision. Elanna purrs squirming under his touch. His face twists into a wicked grin. He slaps her, seeing the red mark on her pale skin caused by his hand. She squeezes her legs together in response to the change in sensation, yelping as she feels her arousal rise. She shivers as he growls in her ear, "I watched you flaunt yourself all night, having all of those men lay their hands on what you know is mine. Did you enjoy watching me watch?" He kissed the nape of her neck, before laying kisses down the rest of her spine. Ellana didn't answer, feeling herself melting under him. "Do you need reminding who you belong to?" His fingers invaded her, stretching her open as they parted, his thumb lazily playing with her clit, the sensation sending waves of pleasure through her.

"Yes Solas, please!" She cried. He ran his nails up her spine leaving the faintest of scratch marks on her alabaster skin. He removed his fingers from inside her and listened to her whine in protest. It was obvious she wanted him, she was dripping. Taking a moment to enjoy seeing her completely at his mercy, he pushed her legs open.

"Look at you Ellana. I have barely touched you and you are already soaking." He frees himself from the breeches pressing himself against her entrance. "Is this what you have been waiting for?" He presses into her, only slightly, just enough for her to feel him. Ellana tries to push herself on his cock. He pulls away not giving her what she so desperately wants. "So impatient." He slowly pushed himself inside of her making her feel every agonizing inch of him. He remained still, not moving as she whined and whimpered in protest.

"Fuck Solas please!" She struggles against the leather binds. He tuts, pulling his member out of her again. Ellana cries in frustration.

"Language Da'len. That is no way for a lady to talk, any more of that and I will be forced to gag you." He lets himself slide through her slick folds grazing against her most sensitive part. He chuckles as she wiggles.

"Pala em.." Ellana mutters. Solas takes hold of her bound wrist pulling her body off the table until she is pressing against him. He grabs one of his discarded gloves.

"Open" He demands, she does as she is told. Gently he stuffs the glove into her mouth before lowering her back on the table. "Are you planning to behave now?" he asked her, seeing her nod in agreement. He sank deep inside, causing a muffled cry to escape through the fabric. Solas' pace wasn't sweet or sensual, but animalistic, full of lust and insatiable need. Ellana feels herself clamp around him as she groans. He knew she was close. Pulling himself away from her, he grabbed her wrists and rolled her over, pinning them above her head. He had to exercise all his restraint not to rip the dress open to get to all of her. Grabbing her legs, he placed them over his shoulders, thrusting back into her to continue his punishing pace. The gag softened Ellana's screams as she bucked and arched her back, clawing at the table's wood with her nails as she came. Solas watched her coming undone feeling himself reaching his limit as well. "Fenedis...Ellana!" He growls before finally letting himself give into his orgasm. He drops her legs from his shoulder and leans over her. He kisses her ear as he removes the blindfold from her eyes. She squints as the light hits them. He removes the glove from her mouth before kissing the corner of her lips.

"Language, Solas," Ellana says breathlessly, smiling up at him. He grins as he kisses her forehead.

"Be careful, Vhen'an, I haven't untied you yet." He chuckled gently biting her neck being extra careful not to leave a mark. His hands reached above her head, pulled at the leather belt freeing her wrist bringing them to his lips seeing red welts had already started forming. He kissed each one sweetly.

"How am I going to explain those?" She chuckled, resting on her elbows watching him pull himself off her.

"You're cunning, Fenor. You'll think of something." He winked at her retying his sash and his belt before opening the door. He checked the corridor before slipping away. Ellana lay back on the table. She sighed contently a large smile plastered on her face.

Translation:

Len, alas lath'din - Dirty child that no-one loves

Ar lath 'ma vhen'an - I love you

Ma'sal'shiral - You are my soul's journey

Vyn alas'niremah i'em? - Do you want to dance with me?

Ma nuvenin - As you wish

Pala em... - Fuck me...

Fenedis - Shit

Fenor - Beloved