A/N - It's long again! I'm going to stop apologising because it's starting to look like I'd be doing it every chapter. Clearly I have completely lost any ability to edit myself which is unfortunate but oh well. Maybe it will come back. We can hope.
"But that doesn't make any sense. Everyone else seems to be completely paralysed by their fear of demons; surely you must worry at least a little?" Ellana questioned Solas as they walked.
The two lagged behind the others making their way through the city streets of Denerim. He had insisted on coming with them and given how he felt about their task, she didn't have the heart to argue. Time had managed to heal much of their wounds. The pain of loss still affected Ellana but that pain no longer extended between them. It had taken work but they had managed to return to some form of normalcy.
"Of course I do," he responded with a laugh. "But I know what I'm doing so it's not a real concern." She didn't look convinced so he continued, "It's like if you're using a dagger; you don't constantly worry about inadvertently stabbing yourself, do you? For the inexperienced it could be a very real possibility but you are skilled, you know what you are doing so it is not a concern."
"I get what you're trying to say but it's not really the same," she replied. "There aren't people out there trying to trick me in to stabbing myself, are there? Yes, I have an opponent but there's no real manipulation. It's entirely different. You could be off, thinking you're doing the right thing and then, bam, possession."
"But it's not that simple, Ellana," he responded. "Even with the variable of a more calculating aggressor I still know how to approach it. I am well versed in the situation and I'm in control of myself…"
"You're in control, are you?" she retorted with a doubting laugh. "You? The guy who explodes furniture every time he gets pissed off?"
"Well, it does get a bit more difficult the more power you have…" he replied somewhat sheepishly. "But that is not the point! The point is I am not worried so you don't need to be either."
"I know you aren't worried!" she responded angrily. "But that doesn't give me much comfort! You can't just…"
"Aww look at you! Your concern for me is just too adorable, vhenan," he teased, a smug smile plastered across his face.
Her nose crinkled with annoyance. "Oh shut up!" she whined. "Here I was trying to have a nice, intelligent discussion and you just had to wreck it."
"You started it," he said with a wide smile. "And for the record, it is not every time I get angry!"
Ellana let out a loud laugh which drew stares from the surrounding citizens. They likely weren't used to seeing elves displaying happiness so freely but she couldn't care less.
"Whatever you say, my love," she said as she kissed him on the cheek.
He kept on trying to convince her as they proceeded through the streets. In a particularly rough neighbourhood they came upon a nasty looking group of men and Ellana hoped for silence as they passed. Judging by the looks they threw her way, she was not going to get her wish.
"Hey baby! Bring that arse back over here!" one of them yelled after her.
"I'd pay to get on that, even for a knife-ear!" commented another.
Ellana kept going, praying Solas hadn't heard but he had already stopped in his tracks. His expression darkened.
"Solas… Don't!" she whined.
Her pleas went unheeded. He turned on his heel and marched confidently towards the gaggle of lechers.
"What was that you just said?" Solas asked the ringleader.
The bearded man looked completely taken aback. He likely wasn't used to being challenged by an elf; certainly not one so self-assured. Ellana ran over to try and diffuse the situation. She grabbed Solas's arm desperately.
"I'm sorry, sir. He meant nothing by it," she said as she tugged at him.
"No, I definitely did," Solas added much to Ellana's annoyance. "Even scum like you should know it is not acceptable to speak to a lady in that way. Apologise and I might consider going on my way."
"Fuck you, knife-ear," the bearded man spat. "I don't owe you or your whore anything!"
Ellana closed her eyes and sighed in exasperation. This man was an idiot. While she accepted that he was likely blinded by past prejudice his inability to put two and two together amazed her. Solas was just an elf but anyone with half a brain should have been able to tell that he was not one to be trifled with. He was confident for a reason after all.
"Scum and an imbecile; isn't that something!" Solas said, pulling free from Ellana.
Getting closer to the man he let out a belittling laugh which only added fuel to the fire. The bearded man took the bait, swinging a fist out in anger. Solas reacted but Ellana shoved him out of the way before any damage was done. She caught the man's fist easily in mid-air and her own smashed in to his face. Releasing his hand sent him thudding to the dirt at her feet.
"Well… That'll do it," Solas remarked gleefully from her side.
She grabbed him again and dragged him away.
"Gentlemen, hopefully you and your unconscious friend will learn from this!" he shouted back at the dumbstruck group.
"You are the worst!" Ellana exclaimed as she continued to drag him towards their concerned entourage. "You know, this is why no one wants to let you out of that damn tower!"
"You're probably right," he said, still sounding amused.
"Well I'm glad you're having fun!" she yelled angrily.
With a sigh she released him in front their people. She fixed him with a glare as the others rushed round.
"That was awesome," Shivra remarked with a glee. "Probably would have been better if you'd burned them a little though."
"I like her," Solas said, nodding to his admirer with another infuriatingly smug smile.
"What is wrong with you?! That was so reckless!" Ellana yelled.
She had waited until they had been shown to their assigned room before chastising Solas further. For the rest of their journey to the Alienage she had made sure to keep close to the others. In greater numbers they were less of a target and thus Solas would be less likely to get himself in to trouble. It had been a long time since they had been out like this together but it was clear that he'd become a lot more detached from the real world than she had expected. She worried what would have happened if she hadn't stepped in.
"It was. I guess I didn't really think it through," he casually replied.
"Well that's pretty clear!" she scoffed. "You of all people should be old enough to know better! If they come here looking for us then that could blow this whole thing!"
"You're right. I'm sorry. It was careless of me," he placated. "If they do come then we'll deal with it. They're nothing we can't handle."
"That's beside the point!" she exclaimed crossly.
"I know! I could not just stand by while someone was disrespecting you like that!" he yelled back, throwing up his hands in frustration. He took a calming breath. "Look, I got angry and made a mistake. I'm sorry. I don't know what else you want me to say!"
"Well I…! I don't know! You've already gone and done it so there's nothing to say!" she replied. She let out a long sigh. "Just don't do it again okay? I'm already nervous enough and I don't need this on top of everything else."
"I am sorry, vhenan," he said taking her in his arms. "I've given you so much to deal with already."
"No, I brought this one on myself. If you'd had your way I'd be nowhere near this place," she added with regret.
"That is true," he replied, lightly kissing the top of her head.
A raven at the window caught their attention and he left her to see to it. She slumped down on the bed as he read.
"Looks like our charge will be in the city by nightfall," Solas remarked, still reading intently.
"Wonderful. Just what I wanted to hear," Ellana declared sarcastically as she lay back.
"He won't be visiting the Alienage tonight, vhenan. He always lets them know and we've heard nothing so you're safe for now," he said, looking up briefly to give her a reassuring smile. "They say his entourage is much smaller than I expected. That's good," he continued trying to sound hopeful.
He put the letter down and sat down beside her.
"It will be fine, you know? Not pleasant by any stretch of the word but I have every faith in you. You'll be fine," he said, placing a hand reassuringly on her thigh.
"I'm glad you're here," Ellana uttered. "At least then if I mess it up…"
"You won't!" he exclaimed as he turned to face her. "You will be fine! So stop your worrying and…"
She reached up and kissed him.
"…have faith," he finished breathlessly.
"I love you, you know?" she said sweetly.
"Indeed I do," he replied with a sly smile.
"Even if you can be a complete twat at times," she finished with a sly grin.
He pushed her playfully back on to the bed and she let out a yelp of surprise.
Seated on a chest of drawers Ellana looked out of the small window on to the streets below. She didn't like being in the Alienage. Seeing it in the morning light was an unwelcome reminder of the squalor her people so often faced. She wouldn't openly admit it but she much preferred the times she could forget it all from the heights of her ivory tower.
"You're already awake?" Solas asked from the bed.
"I couldn't sleep. We seem to have noisy neighbours," she responded with a laugh.
"Since when has that stopped you? You're hardly a light sleeper," he remarked sleepily.
"I guess I can't let my guard down here. I'm just not comfortable," she added as she got down from her perch to join him on the bed.
"You're sure that's the reason?" he asked with a yawn. "You're too agitated, are you not? Distraction can be a heavy burden."
"I do have a lot on my mind," she agreed. "Places I'd rather be…"
"You know we can't, vhenan," he said as though he could read her thoughts. "While she's protected there is nothing we can do. You know that."
Ellana let out a frustrated sigh, "I just wish…"
"We will get her, vhenan. She's much too proud to stay hidden for long and when she breaks, she's ours," he stated firmly, taking her hand in his. "The time for your vengeance will come but for now, you must wait."
"I know. You're right of course," she replied dejectedly. Thoughts of Areina plagued her mind. "Being here without her just makes it hurt more, you know? She was the only one who really gave this place a chance. She always saw the positives even when there appeared to be none. I always admired that about her."
"It sounds like she was an extraordinary individual," he uttered.
"She really was," Ellana responded sadly.
He sat up and ran a hand through her hair. She lay back against him.
"I have a question," she eventually said. With a sound of affirmation from him she continued, "I know what I've got to do but what happens after? When the guards realise their boss is gone won't they ask questions? Maybe even harm the residents to get answers?"
"Definitely but that's the best part," Solas mused with glee. "There will be no one left." In response to Ellana's thoroughly confused expression he continued, "By the time they know what has happened this place will be empty; a complete ghost town. With no one left to ask or harass there is nothing they can do about any of it."
"But how is that even possible? People can't just vanish?" she asked.
"Of course they can! If they have somewhere else to go," he replied with a slight laugh. "This has taken months of planning. We needed the entire district on board before we could carry out even the initial stages. Any one wrong element could have ruined everything and we would only get one chance at this. When we eventually thought to plan our exit, the work was already done. It was easy to convince them all to leave along with us. Besides, what better way to head off those that would hunt us than leave them with absolutely nothing to go on? They will have no idea why it happened or who we are and no way of finding out."
"That is pretty brilliant," she conceded with an impressed smirk. "So we're taking the whole Alienage home with us?"
"I'm afraid so," he said noticing the apprehension in her tone. "I'm not sure how useful they'll be in the long run but we shall owe them a great deal if this all goes to plan."
"True…" she responded. "But please tell me they won't be opening up a place for the dancing girls outside our window."
"Maybe not right outside our window," he said with a laugh. "But as far as I'm concerned they can do as they like. Their lifestyle choices are their own."
"Well as long as I don't find you there then I guess I can make my peace with it," she replied with a playful glare.
"You won't. Dancing girls don't interest me," he said. "You're what interests me."
He ran his hands down her shoulders and on to her arms sending a shiver down her spine. He stopped when he reached her ebony arm, touching it thoughtfully.
"You know…I think they've limited this," he mused with a thoughtful stare.
"What do you mean?" Ellana asked.
"There's power there that is hidden from you. It has the potential to be stronger but for some reason those that made it have chosen to limit it. Curious," he continued as he got up and started to dress.
"Why would they do that?" she asked, subtly watching him out of the corner of her eye.
"I don't know. Maybe they didn't like the idea of giving too much power to the almighty Inquisitor. After all, you had just defeated some of their countrymen. You were a very real threat," he mused. He came over to her, part dressed. "May I?"
She held out her hand to his waiting grasp. He took it and sat down beside her to examine intently. His hands glowed as he ran them across it.
"Hmmm, my hypothesis seems to be correct. I think I can see what they've done but... Do you mind if I try something?" he asked hopefully.
"Go right ahead," she replied but she started to doubt. "Be careful though, won't you?"
"Of course," he muttered, not really listening anymore.
He ran a glowing finger along its length which came to rest in her palm. The feeling, although slightly duller than if it had been her other arm, sent a tingle through her. He clasped her hand in his; fingers entwined. His eyes glowed. A shooting pain ran through her ebony arm and up in to her shoulder but it was mercifully brief.
"Ow!" she yelled, reflexively pulling her hand away and getting up with a start.
"Sorry, I thought that might happen," he said, looking concerned. He took her hand to examine again. "I think…that has actually done it." He released her hand back to her with a smile. "No more limits."
Ellana looked disbelievingly at her arm. With the pain gone it felt no different.
"Why don't you try it out?" he suggested.
She strode over to the nearest wall and struck out at it. To her complete surprise her fist went straight through without as much as a sting.
"Not like that!" Solas exclaimed, getting up to help her free.
Her hand had left a rather large hole in the wall and their neighbours screamed unappreciatively.
"Sorry!" Solas called uselessly through the hole before both descended in to laughter.
"Have I mentioned that I hate this," Shivra remarked angrily from the other side of the room.
The others ignored her whining. Ellana and her friends had been spending their time laboriously practicing again in the dance hall. She had left Solas to his own devices which he seemed quite happy with. He had shown no desire to involve himself in this part of the plan and Ellana couldn't exactly blame him. Even though the display itself would probably have pleased him greatly, the thought of what it was leading to would inevitably hurt more than amuse. At first Ellana was annoyed with herself. She had lost so much of her ability since their last visit. While this was likely due to her own avoidance of any real practice, she still let it frustrate her. Her long suffering instructor did nothing to hide her disapproval which only added to her already high anxiety. She fumbled uselessly through the movements but with time she slowly regained what she had lost. The others, however, had managed to maintain their own steady levels but in some cases that was not a good thing. Shivra remained useless; much too high strung to really learn; whereas Miris and Lis danced with the same gentle grace that everyone had come to expect.
As they continued, a hush seemed to descend across the room; each of them inadvertently thinking on the same bleak topic.
"This is no fun without Ari," Lis remarked sadly to no one in particular.
Ellana stopped, face downturned in sadness. The others in their silence looked equally depressed. Ellana's instructor took her by the arm.
"I'm sorry about your friend. She seemed so young and it's hard to lose someone so early," she said blonde hair obscuring part of her face.
"How did you…?" Ellana asked uselessly.
"I'd know that look anywhere," she replied. "Gone but not forgotten. Try and keep that in mind even when the remembering hurts."
"Thank you?" Ellana replied, still taken aback.
The sound of the main door opening behind them interrupted their conversation and to her surprise Solas entered. He stayed by the door seeming unwilling to traverse further in to this world.
"Is that him?" the blonde elf asked teasingly. "Not what I expected."
Ellana ignored her to go and speak with him. He looked exceedingly uncomfortable for a change and the sight amused her to no end.
"I have some good news," he remarked as she neared. "It seems you are free for another night. I have just been told the Magister has other plans and so will not be gracing us with his presence."
She let out a happy squeal and hugged him with glee. There was a small part of her that wished that it would all just be over but it wasn't enough to dampen the prospect of a night free from worry. Remembering their audience as her glee faded, she released him rather sheepishly.
"Thank fuck for that! Well then, I'm out!" Shivra exclaimed as she made her own way towards the doors.
"We're nowhere near done! You can't walk out now!" one of the dancers yelled after her.
"Try me!" she shouted back as she marched past the couple and out the door.
"Sorry ladies but I think that's us done for the day," Ellana added. "Thank you so much for all your efforts."
The others filed out to find Shivra with Ellana and Solas following behind.
"Rough day?" he asked once they reached the outside air.
"Not the best but fruitful, I guess," Ellana replied. "You have no idea how relieved I am that we've got another free night! Now we can actually have some fun!"
"I really hope that means what I think it does," he commented slyly.
She nudged him playfully in the ribs and together they made their way back to the welcome solitude of their quarters.
Despite the sun still shining through the open window Solas lay in pleasantly dreaming sleep. He wandered the Fade with no real goal in mind but such times were always the most enjoyable. It was an infinitely fascinating place even after all the years he had spent within. Little gave him more joy than to explore its expanse without a care. Unfortunately he was broken from his wanderings by the rather loud closing of the bedroom door.
"Sorry… I woke you didn't I?" Ellana said as he rose.
"It's probably for the best. I shouldn't really be sleeping during the day," he remarked, trying to hide his dissatisfaction.
He stretched out an arm and taking the invitation she sunk down beside him.
"I wanted to talk to you actually; about tonight," she said as he pulled her in closer. "The others and I thought it might be fun to go to this inn and have some drinks."
The thought of a night without her disappointed him but he wasn't about to let it show. She had every right to spend the night with her friends and he didn't want to make her feel any less for doing so. Besides, he had so much more he should really be doing and the lack of distraction could be welcome.
"I'd love it if you would come with us," she continued to his surprise. "Now I know it's probably not really your sort of thing but even still, I thought it might be enjoyable. We haven't really had a chance to do anything like this since we…" She stopped; struggling with how best to phrase their reconciliation. "…got back together and I guess I've missed it."
"I'm not sure I should," he replied carefully, not wanting to hurt her feelings. "Things are different now and I'm not sure it's really appropriate for me to…"
"You are allowed to have fun, you know? Sure you're this great leader now but that doesn't mean you're not just a person. You're allowed to let them see the real you, Solas. You don't have to keep it hidden away just for me," she said.
"I know that but there is still a line. I don't think seeing me drunk is really going to help anyone," he added, chuckling.
"I never said you had to get drunk. It doesn't have to be exactly like it used to be," she teased. She got up from the bed, stopping by the door. "Think on it but for what it's worth, I really hope you do come. I think it would be really good for you. You need a chance to let go of all of this just as much as I do; even if it is only for a night."
She smiled at him as she left, closing the door behind her. She leaned against it before moving off. She truly did hope that he would throw caution to the wind and join them. Although the others had with relative ease, Lis still hadn't forgiven him for the way he had dealt with Areina's death. She hoped that spending some time together may help mend the situation and possibly with time, they might see him the way she did; not as their leader but as a person.
Making his way through the Alienage Solas couldn't help but enjoy it. He was so used to prying eyes but here he didn't have that issue. Few beyond his own agents knew or cared who he was. As he walked no one stared or muttered; he was free to do as he wished. It was a surprisingly pleasant feeling to know that no one cared. Rounding a corner the inn came in to view and he could hear music playing from within. Passing through the door his nose wrinkled as the smell of sweat and cheap liquor hit him but he powered through. He found Ellana amongst the crowd. She danced joyously with her friends in the heart of it all. Seeing her in such a blissfully lost state was oddly moving. So much so that he simply stared, a smile forming on his face. As one of her companions pulled her in, she turned and saw him watching her. She ran to him with a look of utter joy, wrapping her arms around his neck when they met.
"You came!" she exclaimed as she held him.
He closed his eyes appreciatively at the embrace.
"For you, my love, anything," he replied.
She released him and took his hand.
"Do you want a drink? We're about due for some more," she said with a giggle.
"Why not?" he replied.
Ellana waved a hand at her friends as she led him towards the bar. Lis glowered in their direction but she chose to ignore it. Lis's feelings were her own and she didn't want to provoke confrontation without proper cause. They all met at the bar and Ellana ordered the drinks. They had already had a pretty hefty head start. In the back of her mind she hoped a bit of inebriation might make for a less awkward encounter.
Right on cue Miris jumped straight in, "So, I've always wanted to ask; you're the actual Dread Wolf? The one from the legends. The real Fen'Harel?"
It was nice to hear the normally quiet Miris making the effort but the blunt question made Ellana start. She'd never really heard Solas tackle this topic with anyone but herself so she didn't know if he would take offense. Miris had never questioned her about it despite numerous opportunities so hearing her ask was surprising to say the least.
"I am indeed. Although, the legends aren't what I'd call accurate," he answered with no hint of offense.
"Then you don't spend your nights chasing children through the Fade and making fool's bargains with strangers?" Miris added, seeming not at all fazed.
"No… I can't say I have ever chased a child through the Fade, as of yet," he replied with a laugh.
"Well that is reassuring," Miris responded with her own amusement.
The drinks arrived and Ellana presented each one to their charge. When she handed Solas his to her astonishment he downed it. He was clearly more nervous than he was letting on. With drinks now in hand the group went to find a seat.
"But that would make you ancient," Miris continued; prompting a frown from Solas. "You must have seen some remarkable things."
"You have no idea," he said, smiling knowingly.
"Then why don't you illuminate me? We have time," she prodded as they sat.
Ellana smiled as she watched the look of admiration spread across his expression.
"Very well," he replied with an enthusiastic grin.
Ellana stumbled back along the corridor in a bit of haze. She had wisely decided she was done with drinking for the evening but the effects were still being felt. The night so far had gone well. Miris seemed to really hit it off with Solas. The two had happily mused together about the world with surprising ease. The revelation that she too was a mage started a whole other conversation that kept them happily occupied for even longer. Shivra also hadn't needed much encouragement to get involved with their illustrious leader. She already thought he was brilliant; she'd made that much clear already; and she definitely was not one to hold back so the conversation came easily. Lis was the only issue. She wasn't rude by any stretch of the word but she still held back. Ellana couldn't help but wonder if talking it out may actually be the best course of action.
Finally she reached the main hall. Through her haze she could see Lis and Miris still on the dancefloor. Solas had declined to join the women for now so she wasn't surprised not to see him there but Shivra's absence was odd. She staggered towards where they had sat but as she neared she saw an unexpected sight. Solas sat where she had left him but Shivra was now opposite looking uncharacteristically emotional. Ellana slowed her gait, her haze lifting with sudden curiosity. She kept to the shadows hoping to hear what was being said.
"For what it's worth, I think we should all take whatever chance for respite that we can," she heard Solas say. "The world can be cruel and unforgiving. We all need something to make it worthwhile."
"I know you're right but it's just so fucking hard. I don't know if I can ever make it work and maybe it would be better if I didn't even try. I just don't know if I'm hurting more than I'm helping," Shivra replied sadly. "Maybe I don't…"
Solas shook his head before cutting her off, "No, do not sell yourself short. You are worthy of happiness, Shivra. Don't ever doubt that."
Ellana stopped her sneaking, too overcome by warmth at his words. Shivra looked down as her cheeks reddened lightly. She smiled sheepishly before her expression darkened again. Solas looked up at precisely the wrong time and immediately caught sight of Ellana. He didn't openly react but she saw no point in remaining in the shadows any longer.
"So what are we talking about?" she asked once she reached them.
Shivra looked shocked by her arrival; struggling to regain her composure as fast as she could. Solas stepped in to cover for her.
"Nothing important, vhenan," he said as he got up. He took her hand. "Dance with me."
She glanced at Shivra who wore a look of utter gratitude.
"All right, I guess it's about time we showed them how it's done," she replied with a smile.
He led her on to the dance floor and pulled her in close. It had been so long since they had danced together but it still felt so natural. They moved so easily with one another; each anticipating the other's movements without hesitation.
"That was really nice, what you said to her," she remarked.
"I knew you were listening." he declared smugly.
"Well… I was worried. Shivra has a bit of an infatuation with you and I wanted to make sure it wasn't crossing a line," she replied.
"An infatuation? You've got that completely wrong," he said with an amused laugh.
"Wrong? How?" she asked, with sudden suspicion.
He sounded so certain but that must mean he knew something she didn't. He stuttered uselessly; realising his blunder. A thought occurred to her.
"There's someone else?! You've got to be shitting me!" she exclaimed with glee.
"Well I suppose you were going to find out sooner or later," he replied, defeated. "But don't tell the others. It worries her enough without you lot getting involved. And for the record, it's not 'someone else'. This infatuation you claim is entirely in your imagination."
"Who is it?" she asked eagerly.
He stopped dancing to glare at her in response.
"Fine! It's none of my business. I'll stop asking," she conceded.
With the topic dropped they resumed their dance. Ellana could feel the eyes of nearby elves on them but she didn't mind. In this setting she actually enjoyed their admiration. They danced for a long time but it passed with such ease that she didn't notice.
"You know, this is not a place I would normally choose to be. The smell alone is enough to put me off," he remarked as he spun her into him. "But being with you makes it all worthwhile."
She turned herself to face him; looking up in to his eyes intently.
"And I don't just mean here. You make everything worthwhile," he continued.
She reached out to touch his neck feeling his pulse beating beneath her hand. With the slightest caress up her arms and onto her shoulders he sent a shiver down her spine. The sound of bouncing footsteps raced in the distance but both were too engrossed to notice. He pulled her in closer as she slid her hands up his neck.
"Just fucking kiss him already!" Shivra yelled as she bounced past.
"I actually agree with that sentiment," Miris added, following close behind.
Ellana let out an exasperated sigh.
"Fuck you guys!" she shouted to their retreating heads.
She turned back hopefully but Solas had already descended in to laughter.
"You're sure you want to start drinking again?" Solas asked with some genuine concern.
"One more before we go," Ellana replied determinedly.
Solas looked doubting but he knew better than to argue. The rest of the gang were chatting happily beside them as they waited on the barmaid.
"Do it now." Shivra said, elbowing Lis in the ribs.
Lis sighed, breaking off from the others to stand before Solas. He looked at her with surprise and an unusual hint of worry.
"I wanted to apologise," she said. "I'm sorry for being such a bitch. I…"
"Please stop," Solas interrupted with a raised hand. "An apology is entirely unnecessary. You were being protective of your friend and given who your friend is to me," he put an arm around Ellana, "I am grateful for it. Your reprimand was entirely warranted and, to be honest, insightful. I hold no ill will towards you for it."
Lis looked confused.
"In short, I deserved everything you gave me," he added.
"Oh…! Thanks I guess?" Lis replied, looking taken aback.
Lis outreached a hand to him and with a look of relief he shook it.
"You're quite welcome," he responded.
The barmaid came with their drinks distracting the others and Ellana took the opportunity to kiss Solas appreciatively on the cheek.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He looked down on her with a gentle smile.
Distant but instantly recognisable, the sound of yells hit them the second they stepped free of the inn.
"Trouble," Solas stated, stopping in his tracks.
An elf approached; the agent who had greeted them during their last visit. He nodded to Ellana in polite recognition before turning his attention to Solas.
"A group of humans are harassing the residents and it's getting ugly," he explained. "They're demanding we find 'that bald little shit' so they can 'deal with him'. Their words not mine. Excuse me for repeating it but…"
"It's quite alright; I get the picture," Solas interrupted. "Where are the city guards? Should they not be dealing with this?"
"From what I understand it is quite common for individuals to bribe the city guard to look the other way during disputes such as these. They have no love for the elves so I'm sure they're only too happy to take the money," the agent mused.
"Charming," Solas remarked, his lip curled in disgust. "I suppose in this instance it will work to our advantage at least. How many are there?"
"Six at my last count," the elf responded.
"Very well. Clear the area as much as you can. If they want me then they can have me," Solas replied as he moved off.
"No you fucking won't!" Ellana shouted, catching up to him.
He didn't break his stride but he did look taken aback by her tone.
"I'm not going to kill them, Ellana. They may be complete fools but that would be a bit extreme," he responded, sounding hurt.
"I don't care about that! You can't be spewing off magic here! End of story! The guards may be willing to ignore elves getting beaten but they won't ignore that!" she continued.
"What else do you expect me to do? Leave others to deal with this? Hide away and wait for them to tire and go home? Not likely," he replied as they reached the furore.
"Of course not but it still shouldn't be you!" Ellana responded.
"This is my doing vhenan, you said so yourself. I understand your concern but they deserve to get what's coming to them," he said.
"No! You're staying right here," she said, grabbing his arm to stop him before he could break through the concerned crowd. "Let us! We can deal with this."
She looked around at her surrounding friends who each nodded in approval. Solas still looked thoroughly unamused.
"But…" he tried.
"I said no, Solas! You are not to move from this spot. Do you understand me?" she interrupted.
"Fine," he conceded, rolling his eyes. "But if there is even the slightest hint of trouble…"
Ellana ignored his protests as she strode through the crowd with her friends following behind. She could see a group of dancing girls was trying to placate the men but it appeared to be having little effect. One of the girls was knelt on the floor holding her face as some of the others comforted her. Those in the crowd simply watched but Ellana couldn't judge them. Attacking a human, even one that was a direct threat, was not something to be taken lightly. Elves had rotted in prison for much less. Hush fell as Ellana and her entourage brought themselves in to view. Drawing closer she could see that the men were armed which made her pause. Unfortunately her and her companions were not so well prepared. She stopped a small distance from them and was met by the unwelcome but familiar sight of the bearded man, sword in hand.
"It's not you we want, bitch. Our quarrel is with him, not his whore," he said, pointing at Solas who had annoyingly made no effort to hide.
"You really don't want to be having this conversation with him, trust me on that," she replied coldly.
"Oh really? What the fuck is that little shit going to do?" he slurred.
"Absolutely nothing I hope but that is beside the point. You're dealing with me now so let's try and focus on that," she added.
"Fuck off you stupid whore," one of the men uselessly interjected from behind; drawing laughs from the others.
"Lovely. Are you quite done?" Ellana asked, her patience wearing thin. "Because the way I see it you've got two choices. Either you keep this up and end up getting your asses kicked by a bunch of girls or you leave now with your tails between your legs like the pathetic cowards that you are."
The bearded man closed the distance between them. Towering over her he should have been intimidating but Ellana wasn't bothered in the slightest.
"So what's it going to be?" she questioned with a sideways smile.
He hesitated, looking back at his companions for the briefest of moments but Ellana already knew what was coming. Suddenly he swung his sword down on her but he was still far too slow. With her gloved hand she caught the blade in mid-air. He stared disbelievingly at it as he tried in vain to force it further.
"Well that was short-sighted, wasn't it?" she remarked, tightening her grip. She could feel the metal cracking under the pressure. "So…very…short-sighted…" she continued, advancing closer with each word.
Unable to take the force any longer the blade fragmented beneath her ebony fingers. She smiled up at him as she let the pieces fall free from her hand.
"Ladies!" she called out to her friends as the man gawped uselessly at the fallen shards. "I think it's time we showed these boys what we're made of, don't you?"
"Finally!" Shivra exclaimed, running forward and immediately punching the nearest man square in the face, kneeing him in the crotch and throwing him to the floor in one fluid movement.
Ellana followed suit, kicking the bearded man's shin out from under him. As he fell she brought his head down hard on her knee. Miris and Lis entered the fray with similar fervour and together they took it down to the last man in a matter of moments. The last one standing engaged Lis while the others recovered. He swung his blade dangerously close and in her inebriated state she failed to dodge in time. Ellana gasped in anticipation but seconds before the blade struck it suddenly shattered in the man's hands. He looked down at it in complete confusion and Lis took her opportunity to finish him off. Ellana looked around, finally seeing Solas with eyes still glowing as he came forward. The crowd cheered as the group met around Ellana.
"Thank you," Lis said, looking up at Solas with genuine gratitude.
"Don't mention it," he replied.
"So what do we do with them?" Ellana asked, gesturing to the unconscious men. "We can't just leave them here."
"We could throw them out of the Alienage but that might provoke more attacks. Not ideal for what we need," Solas mused. "The best option is probably to keep them locked up here. Then once our work is done we can just release them. It won't matter by that point."
"Sounds like a plan," Ellana agreed.
Solas gestured to the nearby agent who came dutifully over. Ellana turned to her friends.
"Nicely done ladies," she said with a smile.
"Yeah, that was pretty great," Shivra remarked with her own grin.
Having finished relaying his orders Solas was back at Ellana's side. He put an arm around her, his expression beaming with pride.
"That hand you've got, didn't know it could do that! Pretty fucking amazing isnt it?" Shivra continued. She turned to Solas with a sly smile. "Wouldn't be letting that thing anywhere near me if I was you. It crushed fucking metal! Imagine what it could do to your…"
"Shivra!" Ellana exclaimed, her face bright red.
"Oh no…" cringed Solas as he tried to hide his equally red face in the crook of Ellana's neck.