In A Manner of My Choosing
By Pyreite
Warning: This chapter contains coarse language and crude references to bits of elven anatomy. Discretion is advised.
Teachers and Pupils
Ellana felt better after her bath. She would have cleaned and oiled her own gear if the Iron Bull hadn't stolen it out from under her nose. A few minutes to don fresh clothing and she'd returned to the washroom to find her gear gone. She'd found it later, after a panicked search, beside the tavern's hearth. Bull was cleaning metal and leather whilst Krem honed and oiled her silverite daggers.
Ellana watched them sullenly as she downed the last of her stew. She winced every time she heard the gravelly slide of her whetstone against metal. Krem was trying to sharpen her blades careful as a mother tending her own child. The noise set Ellana's teeth on edge. She was annoyed that Bull had taken the initiative.
He had chosen to clean her gear without her permission.
Ellana was touchy about others touching her things.
Another noisy grind and her patience was at an end.
"You're not doing it right, Krem!" she cried. "Just let me take over and I'll sharpen the blades myself!"
She was trying to wriggle out of her seat when Bull barked.
"Stay there!"
Ellana froze like a mouse in the sight of an eagle.
Bull clucked is tongue disapprovingly.
"You promised to follow my orders. And I asked you to take it easy. Just eat a hot meal and get a good night's rest. No fussing. You should be relaxing while Krem and I see to your gear".
"But those daggers mean as much to me as my tools!" protested Ellana. "Only I know how to take proper care of them!"
She was disappointed when Bull shook his horned head.
"We're fine. Go back to your meal".
"But I can help!" insisted Ellana. "It'd be easy! I've cared for my daggers a thousand times! I need to restring my bow too! And check the fletching on my arrows!"
Bull gave her a long hard look.
"I said we're fine. Now sit there and eat".
Krem snickered when Ellana scowled.
"Sorry, but I do believe the Chief has spoken".
Bull grimaced.
"Krem! Don't rub it in! She's new to the band! You know we don't tease the new recruits! We want them to stay on with us not scare them off!"
Krem cleared his throat with a hoarse cough. "Ahem. I mean. Sorry, Chief. Er-I'll just go back to sharpening this dagger".
"You do that", grumbled Bull. "You kids these days. No manners. Honestly. If I wasn't the leader of this band you'd probably be out on the streets causing all manner of trouble".
Ellana retook her seat with a mumbled curse. She glowered at her half-filled bowl of stew. Her lip curled when Dalish fished out her spoon and offered it to her handle first. Ellana accepted it with a sigh and a muttered thanks in elvish. She resumed eating as if each spoonful was painful to swallow.
Dalish was full of advice tonight.
"It'll only get worse from here on out".
Ellana swallowed another mouthful.
"It starts with Bull cleaning your gear and then he'll be singing you a lullaby as he tucks you in for the night".
Ellana was horrified by her suggestion.
"I was joking, Lethallan!"
Ellana wasn't so sure. "You call yourself an archer when you're a mage".
Dalish smiled. "I'm not a mage".
"Liar. I'm an archer, a thief, and a locksmith. I know what a bow is because I use one. I've been inside the Fade more than once and I've had conversations with actual spirits. Several of my closest friends are mages so I know what I'm talking about".
"Do you now?" asked Dalish.
Ellana frowned when she leaned across the table. Her pale hair and eyes glinted in the firelight. The lime lines of her vallaslin marked her as a devotee of Dirthamen. The elven god of secrets and knowledge had safeguarded his share of magical mysteries. Ellana wondered if Dalish hoarded any of her own.
"And I suppose you know everything there is to know about that mark on your hand".
Ellana didn't like the way she cackled in the self-satisfied way mages tended too.
Knowledge of the arcane was their bread and butter.
"Or not", goaded Dalish. "He always did like to draw things out to the point of pain".
"He?" retorted Ellana. "Who are you talking about now?"
Dalish winked cheekily.
"Ma fen'elgar".
Ellana frowned when Dalish slid a thumb over a fishbone-shaped line on her cheek. A tiny point of her vallaslin smudged leaving behind a lime smear. Ellana stared when Dalish nodded to her bowl. The stew was lukewarm until the self-proclaimed archer rapped her fingers on the tabletop. A simple heating spell made the stew bubble.
"My clan's Keeper was a knowledgeable sort", Dalish told her. "And probably still is wherever he may be".
Ellana gasped. She recognised the subtlety of that spell. Fen'Harel had done the same thing inside the tavern's washroom to heat the water. She had spent the better part of an hour sharing an intimate bath with him. Ellana brought the spoon to her mouth.
She ate the last of her dinner in silence.
Dalish had given her plenty to think about.
When she was finished Ellana noticed another member of the Chargers badgering Krem. She was too dazed to care, her head full of questions, when Dalish took her empty bowl. A steadying hand upon her shoulder and Ellana was encouraged to leave her seat. She had a full stomach. Ellana leaned on Dalish as she was led past Bull, Krem, and an irascible Skinner.
"The Shewolf's right", groused Skinner. "You're doing it wrong".
"I know how to sharpen a blade", said Krem.
"A dagger is not a sword".
"It's close enough".
Dalish snickered when Skinner demanded Krem fork over his prize.
"It is not. Now give it to me".
Krem snorted, but didn't argue. He relinquished Ellana's silverite dagger, inscribed with dwarven runes, into Skinner's capable hands. Dalish was unsurprised when her friend snapped her fingers. Krem groaned in annoyance and gave Skinner the whetstone too. Dalish grinned when Ellana sighed in relief.
The unpleasant grinding was gone.
In its place was a silken whisper of steel on stone.
Skinner didn't hesitate to educate Krem on how to sharpen a dagger.
Properly.
"This is how you sharpen a dagger. A whetstone is not a hammer, Krem. You don't grind the blade against the stone like you would a sword. A dagger should glide across it like silk. You have to watch the runes too, especially if they're fire like this one, or you'll charge them with heat".
"Charge them?"
Skinner struck a spark.
Ellana glanced over her shoulder. She saw the fire runes, engraved into the blade's spine, glow white-hot. A wave of searing heat made the air shimmer. Krem swore. Skinner teased her fellow Charger.
"You have to be just as careful with lightning and frost-runes too".
"Or let me guess", said Krem. "You risk frying something important or turning yourself into a snowman".
"Just so. An enchantment on a weapon like this is meant for the enemy. If you're stupid, well, than it's easy to kill yourself instead. Magic is dangerous, Krem. For a Vint, I'd thought you'd know more about this shit, but you're more ignorant than most".
"I've never owned a lyrium-inscribed weapon".
"Neither have I", revealed Skinner. "They're too expensive to buy and it's generally better to have one made for you instead. A normal dagger does the same job without all this magical bullshit. It's overkill if you ask me. Still, the Shewolf's blade, is a beautiful example of dwarven runework".
Skinner eyed Ellana.
"Dagna made this blade for you and did the runework herself".
"She crafted both daggers and my bow too", explained Ellana. "They're modelled after the Hakkon's Mercy daggers used by the Hakkonites. My bow is inscribed and reinforced with lyrium. Dagna replicated the design from an old schematic I brought back from the Deep Roads. The Sha-Brytol design for the longbow is a stroke of pure genius".
Skinner whistled her appreciation.
"You're one lucky bitch, Shewolf".
"That's not my name", growled Ellana.
"It is now", countered Skinner. "You can't travel with us under your birthname. Every prick from here to Tevinter will know who you are the moment they hear it. Those tattoos on your face will make the shems and city-elves think you're a dalish runaway. Your pet wolf will make them think twice about asking invasive questions".
Ellana's eyes narrowed. She studied the Iron Bull. He was listening to the flow of conversation. The knowing twinkle in his eye confirmed her suspicion. He had planned this from the moment she'd agreed to join the Chargers.
"Shewolf", repeated Ellana. "Really?"
"It's what Loranil named you", replied Bull.
"He called me Fen'Asha. It means Wolf Woman in elvish".
"I told you it wasn't a literal translation", reproved Dalish.
"It's close enough", stated Bull. "And considering the newest member of my band has a pet wolf. I think it'll do".
Ellana noted how he'd stopped calling her Boss. The title was so familiar it sounded odd not to hear it said in Bull's gravelly voice. Ellana wasn't sure if she liked the change. It would be difficult, she realised, not to take the lead anymore. She was used to running into battle with Bull on her heels not ahead of her like a seasoned mercenary captain.
"Fine", groused Ellana.
Bull was surprised by her capitulation.
"You're not going to argue?"
Ellana gestured around the room to the various members of the Bull's Chargers. Krem and Skinner were sharing a bench beside the hearth. Grim and Rocky were still at the table eating their dinner in companionable silence. Stitches was on a stool near Bull, nursing a mug of hot cider.
The company healer preferred to stay sober.
"If I did", deduced Ellana. "I'd get shouted down in a heartbeat".
Grim chuckled.
Rocky hid a smile behind his spoon.
Stitches grinned from ear to ear.
Skinner laughed.
Krem smirked. "Watch out, Chief. She's a sharp one".
"I did serve as a hunter, scout, and tracker for my clan", teased Ellana. "If I wasn't smart enough to know when I was beat. We would have starved every winter. Besides, I lived my entire life with Clan Lavellan. I know from experience when it's pointless to start an argument I can't win".
"Locked horns with your Keeper did you?" asked Bull.
"All the time", affirmed Ellana. "Deshanna always said I was like a druffalo".
"Stubborn?"
"No. Druffalo are gentle creatures until you do something to annoy them".
"Ah", said Bull. "Like pulling out a sword or shooting arrows".
Ellana nodded. "Then the druffalo charges".
"And you run like hell".
"If you're smart".
The Chargers watched their Chief and Ellana banter. They were tense, anxious, and quiet. It could go either way. Bull was their friend and leader. Ellana was the Herald of Andraste and the retired leader of the Inquisition.
The Chargers wondered if there would be a fight for control of the band.
Bull hadn't defeated Corypheus.
Nor could he close rifts in the Fade.
"So", Bull broached with an air of casualness. "You'll put your horns down like a druffalo then?"
"If you'll let me", remarked Ellana.
Bull gave her a winning smile.
"Course I will. I'm not that much of a hardass. It will screw up our group motto though, but so long as you know what it means. I can let the horns down thing slide. For now you'd best get back to that wolf of yours before he starts tearing the bed apart".
"I was lucky the taverner allowed me to bring him inside", admitted Ellana. "He wasn't too happy despite my reassurances that his patrons wouldn't get eaten".
"It got us free food and board for a week", Bull declared with a straight face. "I'm not complaining. Once word gets out that the Inquisitor stayed here that stuffy old man's business will treble. We've filled his coffers for a good twelve months and more. He'll probably rename this place after you".
Ellana grimaced. "Maker's balls. I hope not. It was hard enough drinking inside the Herald's Rest in Skyhold. The way Maryden kept looking at me while she sang made me wonder if she'd write a song about me too".
"I think she did", recalled Dalish. "Something about taking back the sky and you leading us to even the score against Corypheus. Which you did. So I guess the bard was right. Odd that it's like she has a seer's sight".
Ellana groaned. "Sometimes I hate that woman. No wonder seven people wanted to kill her. Andraste's knickers. I'd have broken her lute too if I wasn't afraid she'd have sung a song about it".
"It was good for me and the Chargers", quipped Bull. "You couldn't have drunk all the beer, mead, and wine people bought you. We drank for free for months. It was great. Again, Shewolf, I wasn't complaining".
Ellana struggled to keep a straight face when Dalish took her by the elbow. She bid Bull a fond farewell as she was ushered upstairs. She'd intended to bed down with the Chargers, but the taverner had insisted she have a private room. Bull had accepted the man's hospitality when he'd waived their fee too.
Dalish knocked on the door.
Ellana was unsurprised when she heard an irritable bark.
"You'd best go in", advised Dalish. "He sounds a bit tetchy".
Ellana rolled her eyes when an even more irritable voice barked inside her mind.
Vhenan! Come inside at once! I cannot believe you left me in here all by myself for an hour! I was so worried! You will cuddle with me for the rest of the night in recompense!
"I'd rather stay out here", grumbled Ellana.
You will not!
Dalish turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. She snickered when she spied a naked elven man lying in the middle of the room's only bed. He was wrapped in blankets and feigning reading a book. The tome was open in his lap, but his eyes weren't on the page. He was gazing across the room at Dalish and his beloved lurking in the hallway.
Fen'Harel smiled at the sight of his former student.
"Aneth ara, da'len".
Dalish bowed her head in respect. "Aneth ara, hahren".
Ellana gave her a hard shove. Dalish stumbled inside with a curse. The retired Inquisitor was quick to shut the door. She leaned against the wood panelling and glowered at the elves sharing her room. Fen'Harel hadn't told her he had spies of his own.
"You know each other?"
"We do", confirmed Fen'Harel. "Arille was once my pupil".
"Your pupil?" hissed Ellana. She rounded on Dalish. "Your name is, Arille?"
"It is", answered Dalish. She eyed her mentor. "You set the wards?"
"Of course I did".
"Just checking, hahren".
"I am several thousand years your senior, girl. Mind your manners".
Dalish grinned whilst Ellana fumed.
"It's good to see you, hahren".
Fen'Harel smiled. "And you, da'len".
"Someone better tell me what's going on here!" demanded Ellana.
Dalish winced. "Is she always so shrill?"
"She is", affirmed Fen'Harel. "If not for the silencing wards she'd have this tavern in an uproar".
"Probably".
"Stop talking about me like I'm not here!" snarled Ellana.
Dalish regarded her teacher. "We should put her out of her misery".
Fen'Harel sighed. "Indeed. She is getting awfully moody".
"You first?"
"I suppose we do have to start somewhere".
"The beginning would be a good place!" hissed Ellana. "Maker's breath! How do you know each other?" She glared at Dalish. "Are you even one of my people? I already know your vallaslin is fake!"
"A glamour", explained Dalish. "It's simple magic".
"My Keeper and her First didn't know magic like that", argued Ellana.
Dalish smiled impishly. "They weren't trained by the Dread Wolf".
Ellana gaped at her. "You're somniari".
Dalish shook her head.
"I dream like all mages, but I'm no dreamwalker. I can't flit around the Fade like a bird. I prefer to stay firmly rooted like a tree. Spirits can get pushy if you let them. You're more somniari than I'll ever be".
Ellana didn't like way Fen'Harel smirked.
"Don't get any ideas".
"I would not dream of it, vhenan".
Ellana scowled.
"Ass".
"My love".
"Stop calling me that!"
"It is the truth. Would you prefer I lie?"
"No".
"Ah", laughed Fen'Harel. "So you like me fawning over you. Very well, ma vhenan. I will continue to love you as I always have. I am rather fond of making you blush too".
Ellana huffed in silence.
Fen'Harel preened like a cockerel. He enjoyed needling his beloved. She was such a delightful spitfire. It was a pleasure to stir her embers until she blazed in outrage. It amused him to think Solas would have had his hands full trying to keep her fiery nature contained.
"Hahren!" scolded Dalish. "Stop baiting her! You'll drive her to distraction. We need to focus on what's important. Fen'Asha wants clarity so we'd best start by clarifying a few things".
She shared a conspiratorial look with Fen'Harel.
"Very well", he agreed. "From the beginning. Come and sit with me, vhenan. No doubt. You have many questions. Arille and I will answer what we can tonight".
"And tomorrow?" urged Dalish.
Fen'Harel's red eyes glinted. "We plan".
Ellana swallowed nervously when both elves glanced her way.
"To do what?"
Dalish gave her a calculating look. "To save the people of Thedas".
Elvish, Tevene, Qunlat Translations: Courtesy of the Dragon Age Wiki
Ma fen'elgar – Your wolf-spirit.
Fen'Asha – Wolf Woman – Loosely translated as Shewolf.
Aneth ara – Welcome to my safe place. A Dalish greeting.
Vhenan – Heart.
Ma vhenan – My heart.
Solas – Pride.
Da'len – Little one.
Fen'Harel – The Dread Wolf – The elven god of Rebellion, Betrayal, and Trickery.
Hahren – Elder – A term of respect for an older person, usually a teacher or mentor. Also used by the City elves to address the leader of an Alienage.