Hello there everyone. I'm back with a new chapter. I want to thank you guys for all the support. This chapter will finally reveal some really juicy details about our main character, Elora. So I hope you all enjoy it. Here are the elven translations for this chapter. The next chapter shall be coming out in a few days or so. Remember to always be yourself! :)
Mi'nas'sal'in- I miss you.
Mi'durgen- diamond
Ina'lan'ehn- Beautiful
Ar lath ma-I love you
Nas'falon-soulmate
Lavellen found herself sitting under a giant oak tree. The leaves under her took flight on a gust of wind. The sun was setting in the distant horizon leaving the sky painted in hues of pink, blue, and orange. A variety of butterflies hovered around Elora trying to find fresh flowers to pollinate before the light of the day ended. The valley looked as if it was straight out of an old fairytale the keeper would tell her at night when she was a child. Not a soul was around to disturb Elora's place of serenity.
Elora's ears picked up on footsteps crunching through the leaves. An elven woman stepped out from behind the oak tree as if playing hide and seek, startling Elora. The mysterious woman wore a heartwarming smile. Her long locks of blond hair, almost looking white in the setting sun, swayed in the wind. The woman walked forward to Lavellen, donning Dalish armor. "Elora, my mi'durgen." Her words danced in Elora's mind creating goosebumps along her skin. The mysterious elf seemed god-like to Elora. Her beauty was unmatched to any being in all of Thedas.
"Elora please, stop hurting your heart with the past. It has been done, there is no changing that fact. Go to her." Elora was in awe and shock. She stood frozen with disbelief. Her gaze met the mysterious woman. Lavellen wished that she could stand in this moment of time forever. All her worries washed away as she stared into the eyes of the elven woman.
Lavellen finally found her words, "Mi'nas'sal'in." The woman joined hands with Elora, eyes still locked on each other. Elora's heart raced faster thinking it would burst from her chest in any minute. "Don't leave me again. Stay here in this place with me." Passion flooded Lavellen's lips.
The woman released Lavellen from her grip. "I'm sorry Elora. You must understand why I can't stay. Go to her and mend your scarred heart." The mysterious woman proceeded to wrap Elora in a sympathetic hug. Lavellen held the woman as close as she could possibly manage. She wanted to merge her own soul with the woman's through this embrace.
As the woman lifted away from Elora, her face morphed into a different shape. A very familiar shape. Sera's face was now eye to eye with Elora. Sera leaned in next to Elora's ear.
"Take me, my Inky."
"Inky? Hey Inky wake up." Lavellen jolted awake, Sera shaking her right shoulder. Sweat dripping from her body and feeling moist in her nether regions, Elora was afraid to look back at Sera. "Ya okay there Inky? You kept yelling weird things in your sleep. You were even talking all elfy too." Sera placed a hand on Elora's shoulder who was now sitting up in her bedroll. As soon as Sera's hand made contact with Elora, her entire body shivered. An exhilarating feeling rumbled down in Elora's core. Yes. Touch me again. Anywhere. Just touch me again. Elora pushed the intimate thought out of her mind and shifted in her bedroll, trying to ignore her body's desire.
"Inky, did I do something wrong? What's with you?" Sera slid her hand down from Elora's shoulder to her bicep. I have to get out of here now. "I've been wondering Inky, who's Ilena?" Sera laughed, "Oh wait, let me guess she was some big, bad Orlesian whore you had fun with that night at Halamshiral."
The feelings of desire were gone in an instant and without hesitation Lavellen threw a punch at Sera. Hitting Sera in the nose she fell to floor, nose pouring blood. "What the fuck was that for Inky!?"
Reality finally sunk into Elora's eyes. "Sera… I'm…I'm…" Backing away from the injured elf, Elora let a few tears slip out. "I, um, have to go." Lavellen darted out of the tent and into the cool night running into the forest at full speed. Stupid! She doesn't know any better. I'm such a disgrace to this Inquisition! Fuck my horrible life. I just want to rip my heart out. Elora came across a flat boulder that looked big enough to sit atop of. Nothing but dead grass and the sound of chirping crickets surround the ancient looking rock. Lavellen took a seat and stared up at the stars.
"Why did you leave me all alone Ilena? I need you." An uncontrollable fit of tears overtook Elora. "Why? Why? Why? That's all I ever ask and I never get any answers. The world is counting on me but my heart has stopped beating and its cold without you." What am I doing? I look crazy talking to myself. Lavellen grabbed a long, sturdy stick that was lying next to her bare feet. She looked for the nearest tree with stick in hand. With all her might she swung the stick against the bark of the tree.
"You promised!" Another thud sounded off the tree echoing in the night. "You left me this mark. Is it to remember or is it to stab me with pain every time I see my reflection?" Anger resided in each swing. The swings sped up becoming more frequent with each passing echo.
Her weapon of emotions snapped in half against the tree. Elora dropped what was left of it out of her hand. She dropped to her knees, head down in the direction of the barren ground. "Mi'nas'sal'in ina'lan'ehn Ilena." The night was growing colder but Elora didn't care, she enjoyed the solitude. No one to see her lash out or cry from regret.
"Let me die here, Mythal. I have nothing to live for anymore. No one to live for." A second voice sounded through the air.
"Inky? You still mad at me? I brought you a blanket so your tits don't freeze off." Elora turned around to see Sera standing behind a tree looking as if Elora would stab her if she moved a muscle. Her nose was red and swollen but wiped clean of blood.
"No, I'm not mad at you Sera. Not anymore at least. I'm sorry for punching you. It just...well it's just that you said something about someone that I didn't like." Sera slowly treaded to Elora, draping the blanket over Elora's shoulders.
"That don't mean you can hit me Inky. That friggin hurt, you know. Nice swing though, you could kill a bear with that punch." Elora stood up and walked to the boulder and sat down. "Sera, how long were you standing behind that tree exactly?" What if she heard everything? Maybe I should tell her. What if she thinks of me differently after I do? Elora glanced at Sera. She is so beautiful, so full of life. Her freckles align her cheery thoughts and feelings. It's adorable.
"I heard you say elfy words and then I heard Ilena. That's the name you called me yesterday. Then I heard something about some Mythal thingy. Why do you want to die Inky? You have friends to stay alive for." Sera stared awkwardly at Elora waiting for a response. Elora wanted to believe if she told her friend that Sera would still look at her in the same, caring way she did now. Why did I have a strong desire for Sera to keep touching me? What if she doesn't like women that way? Who am I kidding, she is just my friend. Nothing more.
"Sera, come sit with me." Sera followed her friends order and used the other half of the boulder as a chair. The two were so close together their arms overlapped one another. Both blushed at the touch. "Sera, do you remember me asking you if you ever messed up real bad?" Sera nodded waiting for Elora to continue. "Well I messed up real bad Sera. I want to tell you something but I'm afraid you will think I'm some kind of monster." Tears formed in Elora's eyes again. She turned her head away from Sera so she couldn't see them fall.
Sera connected palms with Elora's, interlacing her fingers into Lavellen's. Elora welcomed the contact and squeezed Sera's hand. The tips of Elora's ears were marked red and her heart raced. "Inky, I know when you turn away like that it means you're crying. Its okay, I cry sometimes. Sometimes when I laugh because my pranks were too funny. Anyway, you can tell me Inky. I promise I won't run away. Cross my heart."
Elora smiled knowing her friend wanted to listen. "Do you remember when I called you Ilena yesterday? Well it all started when I was very young while in the Clan. My parents died when I was just a baby. The Clan raised me. I was an odd child, always wanting to watch the warriors of the Clan practice their skills. All the other children were playing with their toys their parents carved for them. One day a girl was brought to the Clan after our warriors saved her from slavers. Her name was Ilena. The other children always made fun of her because her hair was so blond it looked white. They would call her an old hag. One day I stood up for her and we became best friends. We grew up together, we trained together, and we would comfort each other in the hardest of times, and protect one another. She was chosen by the keeper to become a warrior on her sixteenth birthday and I was chosen to become a hunter. When we turned seventeen, I started to have feelings for my friend. I was afraid to confess my feelings for her thinking it would ruin our friendship. So instead, I tried dropping her hints thinking she would understand. Ilena surprised me and took me to a valley close to our Clan that was home to a giant oak tree. We stood under the tree and she confessed her feelings to me. She always was courageous and brave. We shared our first kiss under that tree. I felt as if I were on top of the world. When she turned eighteen, she chose the design of her vallaslin. When it was time for me to receive my vallaslin, she wanted me to have the same design and placement. Ilena said it would be symbolic of our love and companionship. Now I have it on my face until the end of time. Every time I look at my own reflection I can see her staring back at me and I try to remember why I chose the design. After the ceremony was over with, we met at our special place, the valley with the oak tree. She called me her diamond and I called her Beautiful Ilena."
Sera looked puzzled as ever, still holding Elora's hand while tears fell from Elora's grief stricken eyes. "If ya loved her so much where is she Inky?"
"Well Sera, it's like this. Years went by, Ilena and I still going strong. A year before the Conclave, our keeper instructed me and Ilena to go scouting to find our missing warriors, who hadn't returned from their mission to clear out a bandit camp. What we found was a scene of death. All of our warriors had been slain in cold blood. We quickly realized these were no bandits, it was the remnants of the darkspawn. They ambushed us from behind. Ilena and I had quickly killed them off one by one until a hurlock wielding a great sword showed up. Ilena and I worked together to drop the sword from his hands. The sword dropped in front of me and I impaled the hurlock with his own weapon. I was so caught up in the battle, I didn't notice Ilena standing behind the hurlock. Until it was too late. The sword struck Ilena as well. She died in my arms. Her blood stains my hands. I killed her Sera! Her last words to me was to not blame myself and I was to promise her that I would find love again somehow. That night, I vowed to never love another person again as long as I live. I don't want to get attached and make the same mistake twice. Ilena still haunts my pleasant dreams. Apparently, she is trying to give me a message but I don't understand half the time Sera. I'm a murderer, if you want to run from me I won't take offense to it."
Sera went silent trying to figure out what say to her friend. She seemed content that Elora told her the about the past but her physical emotions told another story, almost as if she was disheartened. It was clear she was devastated about some unknown matter.
"Inky, I'm sorry to hear that. I had love before but stupid people were stupid. They were no fun. If you were a baddie you wouldn't have tried to save my arse yesterday. Inky, I'm glad you have a big heart and you're a not a stupid leader either."
Sera quickly averted her gaze from Lavellen and their hands disconnected. An innocent teardrop entered the night through Sera's eye. She quickly wiped it away using the sleeve of her red shirt. "Sera? What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just have something in my friggin eye. Stupid dusty, dirt. I have to go, Elora." Sera got up from the boulder and slowly walked away, her head held down. Elora could tell by how slowly Sera was walking that she didn't want to leave Elora's side. It almost seemed as if Sera was struggling against an unknown force to keep moving forward. Sera kicked a small pebble in front of her feet. "Stupid love is friggin stupid. Stupid everyone!" Sera's head still hanging low, she disappeared into the forest.
Baffled by Sera's sudden departure, Elora got a worrisome feeling. What did I do to upset Sera? Is she afraid of me now? Cole appeared out of thin air, startling Elora.
"No, not afraid just distraught. Hands laced together as if they belong but words hurt the heart. Her heart is in pain. Stupid love is stupid. Why can't I make words? My body will do the talking but in time. The sight of blue ink makes my heart race but does she even notice me? I'm just a big nobody. Hiding from sight, so no one can see my broken heart."
Cole's message hit her like a ton of bricks. "Cole, are you saying that is what Sera thinks of me?" Cole closed his eyes, reaching out to read Sera's mind. "Yes, but she is sad for you because you said you don't want to feel love ever again. That makes her cry. She is your guidance but you must forgive yourself first. When you are ready, go to Sera."
Elora shook her head in protest. "No! I vowed to not make the same mistake twice. Leave me out of this Cole. She will always be my friend. I will not sacrifice Sera to my misjudgment." Lavellen headed back to camp, leaving Cole behind under the starlight. "You cannot ignore your desire forever, Inquisitor."
Candlelight flickered around Elora's chambers. The elf walked outside onto the stone balcony overlooking Skyhold. The night was young and she listened to the sounds of the night. A tune of delight and cheer could be heard below resonating from the tavern. Sounds of chainmail armor clinking about on the battlements and the joy of laughter all throughout the main courtyard. Lavellen found peace in it all.
"About time you got your arse up here, I've been waiting for you." Arms wrapped themselves around Elora's tiny waist. Heat gathered on Elora's neck. It sent ecstasy through Lavellen. She turned to come face to face with Sera. "Inky, my love." Sera planted a kiss on her lover's lips. It was exhilarating and overwhelming. A familiar desire was building up between Elora's thighs.
"Sera, take me. Ar lath ma."
Elora opened her eyes to be greeted by the sight of a dull, brown tent. She felt undeniably moist between her thighs and sweat was glistening over her skin. She ran her hand through her red hair. What the hell kind of dream was that? Is it wrong to say I never wanted it to end? I need to stop thinking so inappropriately about my friend. Speaking of which… Elora looked over at Sera's bedroll and it was empty. Not a soul had touched it. Maybe she's already up and about. Elora searched her travel bag for fresh clothes and quickly dressed herself.
Elora exited the tent and immediately noticed Bull sitting by the fire, drinking a pint of mead. "Morning Boss. Care for a drink? Nothing like a mead in the morning to grow some hair on your chest." Elora politely declined the offer, taking a seat next to Bull. "Bull, where is everyone this morning?" Bull took a swig of his mead and wiped his mouth. "Well, Solas is in the tent sleeping, probably dreaming of magical crap. Cole is out for a morning stroll around the camp. He said that he was feeling cramped up in the camp. I haven't seen Sera since last night. I figured she was sleeping."
Elora's heart sank at Bull's observation. "Sera wasn't in the tent when I woke up. You're sure you haven't seen her?" Bull looked puzzled at Lavellen's question. "I'm positive Boss." Fuck. Where could she be? Is she still upset from last night? "Keep watch over the camp Bull, I'm going out to look for her." Bull agreed to the order.
Elora grabbed her trusty daggers just in case and headed off into the wilderness. Could she possibly be where we met last night? Mythal watch over her. Please let her be okay. Elora approached the valley from last night and was surprised when she didn't see Sera at all. Elora had to fall back on her tracking skills she learned back when she lived in her Clan.
Lavellen faintly detected outlines of a small footprint in the grass from where Sera disappeared too the night before. Elora followed the best she could. She came across a small patch of blond hair caught on a branch about Sera's height. She must have not noticed the branch and her hair briefly got caught. Elora followed the direction of the branch. A small whimper came from behind a large tree trunk.
A flash of yellow and red caught Elora's eye. Sera was huddled under the tree trying to keep warm. "Sera! Thank goodness you're okay. Let's take you back to camp, everyone's worried about you." Elora outstretched her arm and grabbed Sera's shoulder. Sera violently jerked away. "Go away Inky. Leave me alone. Your friggin shite, you. Stupid brain making me feel stupid feelings. I…just…wanna..." Sera started sniffling and tried to hide the fact she was crying.
"Sera what do mean I'm stupid shit? Everyone has their own feelings, what are you feeling? You can tell me, I'm your friend." Sera glanced back at Lavellen, shivering from the chilly morning weather. "That's just it Inky. That word friend, I don't like it anymore. I'm not good with words, I'm good with arrows and pranks. Why can't you love again Inky? Ilena wants you to be happy."
Elora let out a long sigh, "Sera I just can't and I won't. I'm too messed up to love again. I'm also the Inquisitor. I don't want to have any more blood on my hands. I don't want the same pain again. Since Ilena died, my heart is incapable of love. Why do you want to know? Did I hurt you in some way last night?"
Sera stood up and walked over to Elora. What is she trying to say? Elora gazed into Sera's eyes and found herself lost in her own world again. Her eyes, pure beauty. She has that same twinkle in her eye that Ilena had when she looked at me. She has always seen me as a caring friend. Sera didn't run away after I told her of my tragedy. I think I understand now why she is my guide.
"Inky, I just wanted to say sorry for your loss." Elora nodded and thanked Sera for her condolences. She is beautiful but I don't want to hurt her. Elora turned to walk away, regret boiling in her stomach.
"No, wait that's not right Inky. What I really wanted to say is… is...well..." Sera tried to put her words together and took a deep breath. "It's simple Inky. I like you." Elora stopped dead in her tracks, eyes wide and heart beating at the sound of Sera's voice.
"I'm not real good with telling people my feelings, ya know." Sera awkwardly scratched the back of head. "Inky, I'm sorry. It's just...well…um…Fuck this sounded better in my head." Elora raced up to Sera and grabbed both of her hands. "Inky?"
"It's okay Sera, I believe I know what you're trying to say and to be honest I like you too. I want more than friends. I simply cannot ignore you anymore. You were hurt last night because I told you I vowed to never love again right?" Sera happily agreed. "It's my fault, Sera. I should have known when you held my hand last night and you didn't run away or look at me differently. I now know why you are here to mend my heart. How could I have been so blind? Please, forgive me Sera."
Sera was grinning from ear to ear. "I thought you never were going to take the friggin hint. Come here you." Elora and Sera leaned in and shared a loving kiss, embracing each other. The kiss was gentle but yet full of passion. Passion Elora thought she would never feel again. I now know why I desired you. The twinkle in your eye was all for me. Just like Ilena. You are the guide to mend my broken heart by loving me and making me remember a long, lost compassion. A feeling that was lost with my sanity. But now you have brought it back. I was lying to myself this whole damn time. I am still capable of love. Thank you Ilena, for guiding me to Sera. An unknown but familiar, serene voice whispered into Elora's ear.
"Your welcome, my mi'durgen."
Finally coming up for air from the kiss, the two elves couldn't help but blush at each other. Elora embraced Sera once more. "I will promise to protect you and never falter. Now let's get back to camp before you catch a cold. I can't believe you stayed out here all night."
Could it finally be true that you are my nas'falon?