Author's Notes:
Hooray! Finished this chapter!
Hopefully you'll like it!
'Italics' - thoughts
Night to Remember
As she walked in, his room smelled of elfroot, old parchment papers and ink. She looked around, a bed on the side, fireplace to the left, a desk filled with papers and runes that they collected, a table and a pair of chairs next to the window. Solas closed the door and made his way to the campfire, and put more logs into it. He motioned towards one of the chair by the window and she obliged and sat on it. She looked at him as he boiled some water and poured some tea. He set a cup down for her and sat on the opposite side, staring at her. Lavellan grabbed the cup and put it near her face, hoping to hide her blush as she stares at him. Solas looked at her calculating, pondering. Lavellan, feeling uneasy with the silence and him staring broke the silence.
"No tea for you?" She asked, still taking sips of her tea.
Her voice broke his trance and shifted a little on his chair. "No, I detest it." He replied.
"Oh…I see…" She looked down on her tea. "I love it…makes me feel calm and…relaxed."
"I gathered." He said smiling weakly.
"Solas-" "Lavellan-" They said in unison.
"Sorry you-" Again in unison. They chuckled together, both went quiet, waiting for one of them to speak. Solas broke the silence.
"Did…did you really time travel?"
The question made Lavellan's stomach churned, and she felt like heart had been stabbed. The memory of Solas dying infront of her eyes echoing in her mind. She took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm a mage, I should know." She replied, looking away from him.
Solas noticed she has been avoiding him ever since that day in Redcliffe. He couldn't help but wonder what did happen that had her even more on edge with him?
"Lavellan…" He said her name so soft and kind, that it made her look at him disbelief with the tone of his voice. "I can't help but notice you have been avoiding me." He paused searching her face for any reaction. Lavellan just stared down on her tea, hiding whatever emotion is showing on her face. "What did happen in the future you saw?"
'Well…fuck…that is the question I did not want you to ask Solas! Egghead.'
'HAHAHA EGGHEAD?!'
'Now that I think about it…it does look like an egg…'
'STOP! You're going to make yourself laugh infront of him.'
'FUCK! TOO LATE!'
Lavellan burst out laughing from her own thoughts. Solas stared at her in bewilderment. Here he was trying to have a conversation but yet here she is laughing like a lunatic. Lavellan wrapped her arms around her stomach and tried to stop herself from laughing, but failed miserably. She laughed until tears fell from her eyes. She knew that Solas probably is watching her like she is crazy. It took a moment for her to compose herself. Solas crossed his arms over his chest and looked disapprovingly at her.
"Sorry…I…uh…my mind thought something…funny." She replied, trying to control her last laugh.
"I'm glad you found a way to amuse yourself." His voice was flat. She stayed quiet looking down. Solas sighed and unfolded his arms, got up from his chair and walked over to her. He cupped her chin and tilted it up to look at him. "What happened in Redcliffe." He repeated but this time a little more demanding.
"I…there…was red lyrium everywhere, the breach spread and…" Once she started talking about the events she could not stop. "Dorian and I saw the destruction, demons were everywhere, venatoris in the castle torturing and giving everyone lyrium." Tears started to pour from her eyes. "I saw…I saw everyone…in our group corrupted by red lyrium that was forced on them. I wasn't there to save them! Leliana was tortured! It was awful! After finding and defeating Alexius…all of you sacrificed yourselves to give Dorian and I time to return. Solas…I saw…you die…you died…infront of me…all of you died…for me!"
She let all her emotions took over and cried like there was no tomorrow. Solas couldn't help but feel remorse, he wrapped her around his arms and started soothing her. As much as she wanted to stop herself from crying, she couldn't. All the emotions she had built up from Redcliffe till now burst like a dam. Solas felt her shaking, as she cried on his chest. He repositioned himself and lifted her up bridal style and put her on his bed. She was clutching on his tunic hard and he had no choice but to lay down next to her and caressed her back as she cries.
After a long while, Lavellan fell asleep on his bed, drained and tired. Solas slowly got up and put a blanket over her as she sleeps peacefully. He looked at her one more time, he pushed a strands of hair from her face behind her ear. She stirred a little bit but never woke up. Solas leaned close to her face, letting his emotion get to him, he softly planted a kiss on her lips. A kiss that she would never know, when she wakes up. He stood up and walked towards his table full of papers. He could still feel the warmth on his lips and touched it lightly.
'You let your emotions get to you. What have you done, you fool.'
'You are a fool, letting a mere Dalish woman into your heart.'
'Don't get yourself tied up Fen'harel. Remember your duty and why you are in this.'
'To feel her warmth again…her soft lips…'
His thoughts were interrupted when a soft knock came. He looked over at Lavellan who is still sleeping soundly. He shook his thoughts away and walked over to the door. Erelan stood outside the front and he let her in. He closed the door behind her. She looked over at his bed and found Lavellan sleeping. She looked back at her brother and raised an eyebrow. Knowing his sister, he assured her nothing happened.
"I just asked her a question about what happened in Redcliffe." He said.
"And…she suddenly just ends up on your bed?" She asked.
"She…was crying as she explained…and exhaustion took over. I just laid her down."
Erelan eyed her brother and walked near him. She grinned and nodded her head.
"Well…if nothing happened nothing happened. But I did not come here to tease, I was actually looking for her, as you may have heard Haven is going to have a Gathering in the courtyard. I wanted to ask her something. When she wakes up, please let her know I am looking for her…brother." She whispered the last part, only Solas could hear.
"Of course." He said as he nodded in acknowledgement.
"Oh and…You will be there or I will drag you myself, and I know you don't want to cause a scene…and you know…I can cause a scene." She said, her eyes looking at him gravely. He nodded.
Erelan walked towards the door and opened it. Before she left she turned around and looked at Solas.
"And…by the way…you might want to change…I smell her scent on you." With those words she winked at him and left. Solas stood there stunned, and started smelling his clothes. She was right, he did smell like her. He smiled to himself and went back to his desk. He didn't mind smelling like her, in truth he enjoyed it.
The sun has started to set and everyone in Haven is bustling with movement. Excitement chatter all around the area. Men and women giggling as they pass by eachother. The training ground for the first time was empty. Soldiers were now building a platform infront of the Chantry door. They cleared out the area that was once the space for the quartermaster's tent had now become empty and people were piling up logs. It has been a long time since everyone have ever seen a gathering like this before. Josephine, as always is writing down everything that needs to be done with Leliana beside her trying to calm her down when something did not go quite right. Cullen and Erelan walking side by side and talking about what kind of events will happen or should happen.
Lavellan slowly woke up from her long nap, she sat up and stretched herself. She looked at her surroundings and noticed she is not in her cabin. She looked down and found herself on someone else's bed.
'Shit…good going Lavellan. Falling asleep on someone else's cabin. Totally lady like.'
As she looked around she saw Solas, sitting on his desk reading something. She slowly got off the bed and walked towards him.
"Solas." She said. Solas stopped reading and turned to look at her.
"Feeling better I see." He replied, smiling at her.
"Thank you…and I'm sorry I fell…asleep on your bed…" She replied shyly.
"Don't worry about it, I'm glad you're feeling better." He stood up from his chair as he walked to grab a cup, poured tea and gave it to her. She smiled and sipped.
"I…didn't mean to break down…that was…I mean…I apologize for my behavior." She said as she looked down at her cup.
"Please, no need to apologize. I understand completely. You have been fighting to keep all the emotions at bay since Redcliffe."
"I…saw you die…for me…" She whispered. Without hesitation Solas pulled her in an embrace which shocked both of them. She dropped the tea on the floor.
"I would gladly do it again…" He whispered back into her ear. Lavellan was shocked and didn't know what to say. She wrapped her arms around him, clutching on his back. They stayed in that position for what felt like forever. Both unmoving, and silent, enjoying the warmth of eachother's heat. Heartbeats beating together as one. Solas was the first to pull away slowly. She didn't want to let go but she knew it would be best not to resist.
"Erelan…is looking for you." He said, his arms still around her waist.
"Do you know what she needs?" She asked looking at him.
"No, I did not question her. It's probably best for you to find her."
"Ah…okay. Thanks Solas." She replied smiling at him.
They separated from eachother as she walked towards the door and bid farewell. As she closed the door, he looked at his hands.
'This is...getting hard to control.'
He sighed and sat back on his chair, and started reading.
Lavellan walked around and asked people if they have seen Erelan. Each of them pointing different directions. Apparently she is everywhere, but she just can't find her at all. She spotted Josephine and Leliana and walked over to them.
"Herald!" Both women greeted.
"Josephine, Leliana." She smiled at them.
"Erelan is looking for you." Leliana said.
"So I heard…Solas told me. Do you know where she is?"
"The last time I saw her she was with the Commander talking to him, that way." Josephine pointed towards the right side of the Chantry building.
"Thank you. Seems like everyone is excited about the whole gathering tonight." She said looking around.
"Yes, it's the first time we see everyone actually enjoying themselves." Leliana replied. "They have Erelan to thank for this. It was her idea of course."
"Yes, I agree. She seems to have the Commander wrapped around her finger as of late though." Josephine said.
Lavellan chuckled. "Or the commander just likes to be bossed around by a beautiful elf woman." She jests.
Josephine giggled. "Well…who can say no to a woman like her."
"A woman like who?" Josephine and Lavellan yelped in surprise. Leliana tried to hide her laugh. They turned around and saw Erelan standing behind Lavellan.
"By the maker! Erelan you scared us half to death." Josephine said as she calmed herself.
"Sorry, I couldn't help but sneak up and see your reactions." She replied giggling.
"Please…don't do that again." Lavellan said. "So…Solas told me you needed me?"
"Ah yes, actually…how…good is your dancing?" She replied with a grin.
"Uhm…good…why?" Lavellan replied raising an eyebrow.
"Excellent! Come with me!"
Before Lavellan could protest, Erelan dragged her away from Josephine and Leliana. She mouthed 'help me' but both ladies just giggled and went on with their business. Erelan dragged Lavellan to her cabin and closed the door as they went in. Lavellan looked around and saw clothes everywhere on the floor, the chairs, and bed.
"Don't mind the mess, it took me a while to figure out what costume to wear for tonight's gathering." Erelan said.
"Uhm…what exactly are the costumes for?" Lavellan asked.
"Oh! Right so…me and you are going to put on a show! A dance show!" Erelan said excitedly.
"Excuse me? A dance? Me and you? Dancing? Infront of everyone?"
"Yes. Dancing."
"Everyone is going to watch?"
"Yes, everyone."
"…EVERYONE?!"
"Yes."
Lavellan shocked and confuse fell on the bed, without thinking she asked. "Will…S…So- Solas be there?"
"Hmmm?" Erelan busying herself with the clothing pile picked some clothes and put it on the bed. "Solas? Ah yes, he will be there. He promised to be there." She responded, calculating the clothes on the bed.
Lavellan felt her throat tighten, she made a 'gulp' sound as she swallowed whatever got stuck in her throat. Erelan looked at her, seeing her distress she sat next to her and took her right hand on hers.
"Don't worry, It'll be fine. I'll be there with you." Lavellan looked at her, smiling weakly.
"I'm not sure…this is a good idea for me dancing…I haven't danced in forever."
"Don't worry I can teach you! Right now!"
Erelan pulled Lavellan up and kicked some clothes on the floor to clear the way.
"So, tell me, do you know the dance to the music of 'Mage Pride song'?" She asked.
"I…remember some of it…but…isn't that a little…uhm…too sexy…? Lavellan asked, blushing slightly.
"Nonsense! We are here to give everyone a good show! To remind them that you are just a regular elf, not Andraste's prophet or whatever they call you." She replied smiling. "Besides…Solas will pay attention to you more after this." She winked at her.
"Wha-!" Lavellan's face was now pure red. Erelan giggled.
"Don't worry, I'm cheering you on. Now, let's see how well you remembered the steps."
Lavellan and Erelan practiced their dance for an hour, and two more hours to perfect their synchronizing together. When they left Erelan's cabin, everything was dark now. The moon's light shining down. Erelan had another plan up in her sleeves. Lavellan was surprised at how easily she could manipulate Sera, Vivienne, Josephine, Cassandra, even Leliana to join her and herself at a 'spa treatment' as she calls it. They walked around the back of the chantry and there they found a huge tub filled with water fit for seven people. Everyone had towels over them as she told them.
"Well…this is…a surprise." Vivienne said. "How on earth did you manage to have time to do this my dear?"
"Easy, I asked Cullen a favor." Erelan replied smiling.
"So the rumors-" Erelan cut Vivienne off.
"No, we are not together."
"If you say so my dear."
"Right, so it is friggin cold right now and we are only wearing towels! And I bet your arse that water is freezing!" Sera said.
Erelan smirked and with a wave of her wrists, fire started under the tub and soon steam started filling the area.
"Shall we?" Erelan lead everyone towards the tub.
One by one they all settled on a spot around and soon relaxed.
"Oh my dear, you have outdone yourself." Vivienne commented.
"Indeed, this is very…relaxing." Leliana agreed.
"Ah…I could get used to this all day!" Sera exclaimed.
"This is…oddly…feels…nice." Josephine said, letting out a sigh.
"I agree." Cassandra said.
"I don't know how you managed doing this without going crazy. But this is wonderful. Thank you Erelan." Lavellan said.
"My pleasure. I aim to please." She replied smiling.
Everyone let out a relaxing sigh and let themselves go. It has been forever since they felt at peace. With all the wars, and wrongs going on, this is a much needed break.
"Just a thought…wouldn't anyone wonder where we are?" Sera asked.
"Oh that part is taken care of, I asked Cullen to guard and made sure not to disturbed us." Erelan replied.
"You and cully-wully seem very close…are you sure nothing is goin on." Teased Sera.
"Sera, you know Cullen would never…make his move." Erelan replied smirking.
"That is true." Josephine agreed. "The Commander is…not forth coming when it comes to the matters of the heart."
"Really?" Vivienne chimed into the conversation.
"Oh yes, he doesn't really know what to do when it comes to that." Leliana added.
"The commander only knows how to lead an army, than how to woo a woman." Cassandra said as a matter of fact.
"Well…that sucks. I guess it's up to you pretty lady." Sera said smiling.
Erelan blushed and slid down to where her face is almost under water. Everyone giggled at her reaction.
"Come on guys, let's stop teasing her. She did all this for us." Lavellan said
"I agree, let's talk about…Lavellan's admiration for our dear unwashed hobo apostate." Vivienne teased.
"What?!" Lavellan shouted in surprise.
"It's obvious you have strong feelings for him my dear. Everyone knows it."
"Yea, with the way your eyes flutter when you see him or talk to him." Sera added.
"I am curios, what is it with Solas that made you…like him." Cassandra asked.
Everyone was now looking at her, waiting for her answer.
"I…I'm not…sure myself…I just…found him interesting…then…I don't know." She replied shyly.
"well…love has a way to make itself known in the most peculiar time." Josephine commented.
They chatted for the remainder of the time they had. Josephine talked about the time she was a bard, that surprised everyone. They couldn't picture her doing that, seeing as she is now an ambassador and her sweet character. Leliana opened up about her nug collection. Cassandra even talked about the first time she killed a dragon. It has been a long time since everyone could relax like this. Lavellan has a feeling that tonight will be a night to remember for everyone.
An hour passed, all the ladies had left to prepare for the gathering. Haven is now full of people gathering around the courtyard. The big bone fire in the middle spreading warmth across the area. Music playing in the background. Everyone was dancing, singing, drinking, eating and being merry. Their fears were set aside for one night and all the troubles left behind. Blackwall, Varric, Sera, Bull and his chargers sat in one of the tables, drinking and daring eachother to do something embarrassing. Sera is clearly losing as she is seen almost passing out and yelling something that no one could figure out. Vivienne and Dorian are chatting away about the circle and tevinter beliefs. Cassandra, Cullen, Josephine and Leliana are standing not far, are chatting away and clearly talking about what to do next. Solas has not arrived. Lavellan and Erelan are preparing for their show, inside Erelan's cabin.
Cassandra noticed Cullen's eyes have been wandering, searching most likely for Erelan.
"Looking for Erelan, Commander?" She teased.
"Yes…I mean no! yes…? Yes…" Cullen replied.
"I hear she is putting on a show with Lavellan. No one knows what though." Leliana added.
"I thought you would know commander, seeing how close you two have become." Josephine said.
"Yes…well…she doesn't exactly tell me everything she plans." Cullen admitted.
"So everything is a surprise for all of us then. This should be interesting." Leliana said.
Back at Erelan's cabin.
"Erelan! This is really really revealing!" Lavellan used her arms to cover her chest.
"Oh hush, this will make Solas notice you!" She replied.
"Are you mad?! I…I don't…want Solas to see me like this!"
"Please…it's not that bad!"
"This is not bad?!" Lavellan pointed at herself and Erelan.
Erelan had dressed Lavellan in a two piece. Red velvet bra embroidered in gold crystals around, bottom; Pale shade of red sheer fabric skirt cut all around with a gold metal holding it in place on her hips. Gold crystals hanging around making a soft jingle sound any time she moves. Erelan wearing the same but in blue color.
"Oh stop fussing. It's not bad." Erelan grabbed a thin red fabric and put it over Lavellan's head, and pinned it in place. It flowed all the way to her ankle. "There! Almost done! Now for some last pieces of adornment." Erelan picked up some ankle and wrist bangles and put it on Lavellan. "Done! My…you love LOVELY! Solas will never take his eyes off you!" She cheered, looking at Lavellan with awe.
"Not as lovely as you…" Muttered Lavellan. It was true, Erelan looked elegant and majestic compared to her.
"No, you are more enchanting that you ever know. Well then…we should go! We can't keep everyone waiting!" She put on the same fabric over her head and put on the bangles.
Erelan opened the door softly and a soldier was waiting outside. She whispered to him and he left with a slight bow. She grabbed Lavellan and they sneaked pass everyone in the courtyard to go behind the platform. The same soldier went up the platform and cleared his throat as he announced the surprise for the evening.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Please Gather around for the event for this evening. One of the highlights that will not be forgotten!"
Everyone gathered infront of the platform, chatting and questioning eachother about what's going on. Sera, was woken up by Bull and picked her up towards the platform. Cullen, Leliana and Josephine made their way to the crowd and stood in the middle. Solas had apparently sneaked his way and stood next to Cullen. As the conversation quieted down, and silence filled the air. The musicians started playing 'Mage Pride Song'.
The Platform lit up and two shadows formed from behind the curtain. The figures swinging their hips from left to right, arms swaying behind them as shadow of flames danced on their hands. Suddenly the lights went out and just as it disappeared, the lights went back and Lavellan and Erelan stood infront with fire emitting on their hands. As the music continued they moved in sync together, swaying their hips and swaying their arms with elegance and grace. The both moved in unison as they both do hip drop. Bending down they bent back and did a belly roll. Everyone was entranced with both women as they danced. Even more entranced are two particular men, Cullen and Solas. Both jaws were open, stunned to see the women they love in a very revealing, and enticing clothes and dance. Solas shook his head in disbelief.
'I forgot…how manipulating my sister can be, when she wants things done.'
'The Dalish should have called her Goddess of Manipulation than Dreams.'
Solas chuckled at his own thoughts. Cullen on the other hand, could not keep his eyes off Erelan.
'Maker…she looks…divine.'
Both women turned around as they lift their hips together, then gracefully did a travelling twist move. As the music starts to fade, they both do the piston hips with the snake arms combined together. The music stops and they posed with both arms up and on bended knees, breathing heavily from their dance. Everyone shouted 'encore' whistles can be heard. Bull's shouts were louder than most. Lavellan and Erelan bowed and exited the stage. The music began again and everyone started talking about the show they had just seen.
Lavellan and Erelan emerged from behind the platform and joined their inner circle of friends, who were together and talking about the performance. Varric was the first to see them, and clapped his hands, the others joined as they see both of them walking towards them.
"That was awesome!" Varric shouted.
"Very sexy ladies!" Dorian squealed.
"I agree; it was very different." Cassandra added.
"It's not every day you see something like that at all. Well done my dears." Vivienne said.
"Thank you everyone." Lavellan and Erelan both said in unison. They were still wearing their outfits.
"Where did that dance come from?" Blackwall asked.
"It's a mage dance. Elvhen culture." Erelan answered.
"I like it, and I LOVE your outfits!" Bull exclaimed.
"Why thank you bull!" Erelan twirled around, showing off the outfit.
"The show was quite impressive. Never thought I'd see it perform." Solas said from behind the group. Erelan smirked and pushed Lavellan forward. Lavellan blushed as Solas stood infront of her, looking at her.
"What do you think of our dear Herald's performance Solas? And her clothing." Erelan teased.
Solas raised an eyebrow, knowing what his dear sister planned. "I think it was lovely, and she looks exquisite." He replied smiling. Lavellan turned instantly red. Everyone made an 'oh' and kissing sounds.
'Two can play your game sister…they don't call me Fen'harel for nothing.'
"Tell me Commander what do you think of Erelan's dance and…her clothing?" He asked looking at Cullen. Erelan surprised at her brother's comeback went wide eyed. Cullen who had been standing quietly by the sideline.
"Oh…uhm…I…it was breathtaking…and she looks…divine." He replied looking at Erelan. She blushed at his comment. Everyone giggled and made kissing sounds. Solas smirked at his sister, who is now glaring at him.
'Fucking dread wolf…bite yourself!'
"Thank…you Cullen." Erelan replied. Cullen smiled, rubbing his neck.
"Okaaay, enough with all the mushy stuff! Let's get this party started!" Sera shouted in excitement.
As the music started playing loudly everyone gathered around the bonfire and started dancing around. Erelan laughed and dragged Cullen and Lavellan, who dragged Solas on impulse, joining the dance around the bonfire. Sera dragged everyone else and they all danced around. The night was filled with laughter, and good cheers. The gathering was successful.
Author's Notes:
*GAAAPSSSSS* Did Solas just kissed Lavellan?!
Sneaky sneaky wolf!
This chapter was fun to write!
Here is the music that I went on youtube
watch?v=nxUrz7ZLCp8
