((Yay for stolen chapter headings. This one was ripped out of the song Never Ending Story by Within Temptation.))


Chapter 2
In Her Light We'll Awake

It had all been a nightmare. It must have been, because what he thought he remembered, he couldn't have survived. And that of all people Dorian should show up at Haven … He had simply exaggerated his training, and that was why he was aching all over. He'd open his eyes and see the wooden building he'd picked for himself in Haven.

Fenris looked. Above him was the face of the same Dorian Pavus, lips slightly parted, eyes wide and warm. 'Good morning. Or should I say welcome back among the living? You gave us all a scare, you know.'

'What happened?' Fenris hardly recognised his own voice.

'And here I'd planned to ask you that. You were caught in the avalanche, and yet, you are alive.' Dorian frowned. 'Our healers are still having you under spells and potions, I suppose you'll have an easier time remembering after a good night's sleep.'

'Our healers?' Fenris echoed.

'Ah, well. Yes, I suppose so. Unless you intend to force me to remain here in the wilderness alone. Where I would die. For obvious reasons.'

'Don't be a fool.'

Dorian smiled at him. Fenris tried to find the condescending look he had so often been graced with, but it wasn't there. He couldn't remember Dorian ever looking at him like that, not even when … No. That wasn't a good thing to think about. The mage seemed to be struggling with something, his expression nervous and fretful. 'What? Bad news? Am I dying?'

'Maker, no!' the other man said sharply. 'I just … I was scared for you. Just so you know. Rest, Fenris. Get well. These people … they need their leader. We will talk later. Now isn't the time.'

'No. Too many people.'

'That, too. Don't fight it. Sleep. When you wake up, you'll be better.' Dorian resisted the urge to caress his cheek. 'You told Cullen you trust me. I won't let anyone hurt you and I'll be right here when you wake up.'

Fenris didn't answer, but at least he closed his eyes. The promise that Dorian would be there helped, although he found it shouldn't. He was nothing to him, he told himself. Nothing. And he would never let the mage shackle him. Not him, not anyone, ever again.