Chapter 8: I Did What?!

Solas was the first to awaken. He had a mild headache, and his head was still cloudy. He also couldn't remember how he had gotten home from the tavern or how Eka had ended up sound asleep next to him. He glanced lovingly at her sleeping figure and gently brushed her hair behind her ears.

Why was there dried vomit trailed all the way down his shirt and all over Eka's sleeve, he wondered. Then he noticed the bucket and deduced that the vomit was probably his, given the circumstances. It also explained why he woke up hungrier than usual.

He began to probe his memory for missing pieces as he laid awake, Eka's arm still wrapped loosely around his waist. He had played Nimble Hazard with Sera and obviously drank excessively, then he remembered the pangs of jealousy as Eka rode on Cullen's back. He also remembered feeling very lustful towards her. No surprise there, given that she was always desirous to him, and alcohol almost always magnified his passions.

As he scanned further, panic suddenly set in. Oh God. He kissed her in front of everybody and had her pinned on the floor. He could feel his cheeks blushing in embarrassment. What else did he do?! The last thing he could remember was laying down on the couch with his head spinning, drinking horrible-tasting tea, and gazing into Eka's eyes. Nothing else. There were huge gaps in his memory.

Upon sniffing his shirt, he realized that he desperately needed to bathe and get out of his filthy clothes. As he gently pushed Eka's arm over to her side, she awakened with a yawn. "Good morning, vhenan," greeted Solas with a loving smile. Eka leaned over and hugged him affectionately. "How are you feeling," she asked.

Solas briefly bit his bottom lip before responding with, "I feel alright, but I do not remember much after kissing you at the tavern." Solas smiled mischievously. "Did you and I...?" It took Eka a few seconds to register what he was asking, then she simply shook her head with a smile. He returned the gesture, glad that they had not engaged in any corporeal activities. Making love for the first time and not remembering any of it would have been terrible.

Eka filled him in on the rest of the details before scurrying off to get ready. As it turned out, he needed to thank Sera for being merciful during their game and apologize to Bull for throwing up all over him. Though he was embarrassed and not looking forward to the barrage of teasing he would surly receive from his companions, he also didn't regret his actions. He remembered being quite happy, and it was one of the first times that he didn't feel like an outsider.

Dorian looked over the railing from the library and hollered, "Looks like the two lovebirds are awake!" Solas replied with, "And thanks to you, everyone else in the castle is as well. If you are looking for Eka, she left to get ready." Dorian disappeared for a few minutes and then reappeared in Solas' doorway. "Actually, I was looking for you," Dorian exclaimed.

Solas glanced at Dorian irritatingly and said, "Eka already filled me in with the details of last night." Dorian smiled deviously at the realization that he had just been presented with a golden opportunity. "There's a pretty big detail that she probably skipped," he said coyly. "Did she tell you that she wasn't the only one you kissed last night?"

Solas looked at him in disbelief. "What?! No, she said nothing about that," Solas answered rather loudly. "I don't know how to tell you this," Dorian added, "but we found you in the stables making out with Eka's prized hart. You then urinated all over it in front of Eka, Bull, and me, and said that you were claiming it as your mate. When you told us that you were going to spend the night in the stables with your new love, Bull tried to take you home, but you charged at him angrily and tripped, knocking yourself unconscious against his knee."

Solas' mouth was wide open at this point, an expression of pure horror permeating his face. Solas screamed in a shrill voice, "I did what?!" loud enough for anybody within earshot to hear. Dorian chuckled casually. "I know... I totally didn't have you pegged for the animal-loving type." Solas was now in complete disarray, pacing back and forth across the room in a panic as he stuttered, "But I do not remember... How could I... Why did Eka not say anything?" He was so flustered that he could barely speak.

"Because you completely embarrassed her," Dorian chided. "Then you said horrible, vulgar things to her in front of everyone. Even after all that, she still took care of you and was up for hours making sure that you were comfortable and safe." Solas buried his face in his hands, not quite knowing how to react.

About that time, Eka walked back into the room eating a banana and tossed an apple to Solas. "Why were you just yelling, Solas," she asked innocently. Solas didn't even want to look at her as he answered, "I believe you know, Eka. How could you not tell me," Solas questioned with a frown. "Tell you what? I'm quite confused," stated Eka.

Solas immediately looked over towards Dorian, who was hunched over, no longer able to contain his laughter. Solas scoffed, "I presume that everything you just told me was a lie?" "Not everything," answered Dorian through laughs. "The part about Eka staying up half the night taking care of you was true," he said with a grin.

"

"So what just happened," Eka questioned. "Nothing worth your time, vhenan," muttered Solas timidly. Dorian was still laughing. "How could you fall for that," he howled. Solas was red in the face with embarrassment as he looked at Dorian and stated calmly, "I hate you."

"

It was well into the afternoon, and Eka was ready to head out with Dorian to work on her fade step combo. "Are you ready to go," she asked. As Dorian grabbed his pack, Solas interrupted, "I need a quick word with Dorian. He will meet you outside shortly."

Dorian raised an eyebrow as he looked at Solas. "I suppose I do not need to remind you of the potential dangers when developing new magical talents," Solas lectured. "I would prefer to do this with her myself for safety concerns, but since the two of you already planned it together, know this: If anything happens to her... If she comes back with so much as a scratch, you're dead," Solas threatened. "I'm quite aware of the potential hazards, but thanks for the vote of confidence," Dorian retorted as he left the room.