Note : Ok just took a year, sorry about that. RL work and writers block has been a challenge but here we go a hopeful funny light chapter before we get by to feels next chapter. I do want to thank you all for your support and hope you continue to enjoy!
They arrived at the Dalsih camp near Sundermount at sunrise, his hand gripped tightly to Arya's, he was glad she could not see this place. It was no camp of Dalish, no this was home to war refugees, mainly the ones fleeing mess in Krikwall. . . As Solas, Arya and Lynais made their way through the crowd a surge of dread filled him. They had lost everything when a mage murdered the Grand Cleric the rouge mages were not kind the red Templars had been worse.
What was it that made groups turn on and torment the helpless and down trodden Their homes lives destroyed in a moment, gone. And to make things worse, he was planning on using one of their own to do it to them again. A sickening feeling came over him. He wanted to take Arayn and run away no plots no plans no scheme just him and his heart.
But it was for these people he was doing it for. Perhaps when it was done with his meeting. "My friends" Lynais voice broke the silence Solas watched his old friend slightly bowed to short dark haired Dalish girl she could not be over 25 in his estimation. "By the Dread Wolf, Harel I did not expect you back so soon." the young woman said putting her staff in one hand looking around and hugging Lynais with the other,
Solas back stiffened as this young girl invoked his old name. . . It was a not only a name but a curse forced upon him by the all father. It was all he could do to not reach out and tear her throat out. As his fist clenched and his muscles tightened into rock hard knots he felt some warm gently touch his back. He looks back to see Arya rubbing his back gently. She knew how he felt about that name and as always, the slightest gesture, her gentle touch melted away the anger. . . As always, she changes everything, he smiles softly at her then caresses her cheek gently. "Aww! They are so sweet like you said ma Vhenan," she crooned looking back to the younger male elf. "Oh me, where is my manners. I am Merrill, I guess you'd call me a guide for the people here. "
Solas noticed out of the corner of his left eye "Harel" as Lynais was called here turned red from head to toe. Solas remarked it as a feat seeing as Lynais once was known for bedding as many maidens as the dread wolf himself. "The old apostate watched the two-body language for a moment. It would seem, there was genuine affection on his old friend's part as well as the young ladies. Solas turned back facing the two Lynais looking like a marbi that had just eaten the master's dinner. "Thank you for allowing us to visit and stay amongst your people. I am Solas," his words rolling off his lips like sweat honey, he kissed her hand looking into the young girl's eyes like a kind father. She giggled as he straightened up and turned to Arya "And this is my lovely wife A- Dashanna."
Merrill jumped slightly as Solas moved and revealed the small red head behind him. "Oh, my pardon me, where are my manners I'm Merrill." Merrill said extending her hand out to "Deshanna" as the woman stared seeming at her unmoving. Merrill looked for a moment strangely at her.
It took the two men a moment to realize why Arya was not responding. "Oh, ma vehanan, lady Deshanna is blind. Shem's." "Harel "replied grabbing Arya's only hand and guiding it to Merrill's. "Oh dear. By the Dread wolf forgive my rudeness! You poor dear, we get many refugees through here with similar stories. Is there anything I could do to help?"
Stop saying by the dread wolf, so my love the dread wolf doesn't lose his head, would help, she thought. Arya smirked slight "No thank you, I fear my husband has exhausted every possible lead on a cure. It's just one of many things I have learned to deal with since the world went mad."
"Well it is nice to meet you." Merrill shook the only hand she could see. Arya just smiled "Thank you."
(While Merrill and Deshanna were speaking)
Lyanis looked at Solas cringing at that one phrase, quickly the younger elf grabbed his friends pulling him to the side, he thanked well, he was glad Merrill's back was turned so she could not see the fact that the dread wolf wanted to tear her apart. "Easy, she does not mean disrespect. Merrill is a good gentle hearted girl. I love her Solas."
The elder elf looked at his friend "You have gotten to be kidding!?" Solas whispered back, "She's unrefined, ignorant, disrespectful- "As Solas grew angrier Lyanis could not help but notice a rather large vein in the wolf neck popping out as his eyes darkened to match the elder's mood.
"Is it any different from you and the Inqui- Deshanna? The other think you have lost yourself, your mind over that girl. They think you have gone soft, but I know better. She's makes you happy, and I will stand by you, but you owe me the same. "He looked at the raven haired elven maiden and smiled "Merrill may be different but she is good and good for me. I will talk to her by her use of the... that phrase, but please Solas let me have this one thing. . .
"What are you two doing planning to get into trouble? Your awfully quiet over there." Arya half joked trying to get their attention. Solas took a deep breath and returned to his wife's side.
"Were just discussing what a lovely place you have here and you two were having such a lovely conversation that we did not wish to interrupt. But we are here for a reason." solas said as he laced his hand into his wife's long locks of hair,
"Oh yes, Feneryal it is good of you to come, Harel says you help dreams navigate the fade without becoming possessed, amazing really my keeper never believed it was possible, I hope you can help him his dreams have been out of control since all these rifts opened in the sky and they did not go away when it ended. He came home to protect his mother but if things do not change I fear we may have to send him away. "Merrill said as they began to walk into the encampment.
Solas looked around there was nothing but misery, many lived in fabric and wood tents that had tears and holes in them, it seemed they had some issues getting supplies "I have helped many with such I can assure you it is possible. I take it you are having issues getting supplies. "Solas spoke as he noticed a small child and a woman who looked worse for wear.
"Oh, that's Elanna and her son Toran they have just made it in from an alienage on the Feralden border. It would seem good king Alistar has begun claiming lands beyond his borders. More and more of our people have been forced to flee. I don't think he likes elves much anymore. I don't know why. Some say he even had the inquisitor murdered. It seems they always find a way to blame the us dalish for everything."
For a moment Arayn was transported back to Haven or what she perceived as Haven, watching Solas light the veil fire torch and him telling her about he believed whatever Corphyus used was a Dalish artifact. ". . I fear if they every discover the artifacts origins they will blame us." Solas said looking deep into her eyes "They always do." Arya replied as she watched the scene on. "No true words were ever spoken it seems." The Arya the watcher replied as she watched that moment where she lost her heart as she and Solas kiss as Solas appeared beside her. "You were right you know, for some insane reason the King of Fereldan is punishing the people for what was done. The people are blamed and punished."
"For something I did. I should have told you the truth long before the cross-roads. But-" Solas said as she turned to face him,
"You're an ass Solas you now that. What you do have done and what you want to do. . . If I had the strength I would stop you, or maybe not. I don't know. Void take me, I love you more than that first kiss. "Reaching up and stroking his face gently "And I have missed seeing your face. But, my people are suffering, your suffering as well, it's as if I can feel it. You play your part, I play mine but how many more must die? Is what once was really worth it?" She took a deep breath "If you had told me the truth before you did, I think I would have begged you to work with me. The people don't need the world torn apart, they need someone who knows the truth and what went wrong. People need leaders who's not perfect but truly wants what's best."
"Ma Vhenan," but she put her fingers to his lips," You hate the name Fen'harel so much. But the truth is the people, we need you both to save us all not burn the world. I need you." With that her lips ghosted over his.
"I need you too, vhenan'ara." He placed his forehead to hers, "We will speak of this again but we must head back. Lest our host feels insulted and tosses us out."
"Solas!" Merrill tugged on his shirt roughly "Is something wrong. "Perhaps a demon has taken their senses in hopes of keeping them from helping. What should we "
"I can assure you were fine, just distracted by the surroundings and all. "Solas replied causing the young girl to jump away "By the dread wolf!" She cried as Lynais caught her before she hit the ground.
"Perhaps miss Merrill a word of wisdom, my wife here was once part of a Dalish clan and she has told me of your lore on him. Perhaps it is best if you believe in that stuff if you do not evoke his name. You never know. he might hear you and take offense tearing your pretty throat out before you can blink an eye. That is if you believe in such a creature, now could you show me to my patient, please."
Merrill looked up and nodded at him "O-of course thank you for your words of wisdom Harhen. We must first speak to his mother for approval."
"Of course," He smiled grasping Arya hand. She got close to his ear and whispered "Ass." Causing Solas to chuckle.
"Elianna," Merrill called motioning for something behind them to come. Casting a look back he saw a wizened old woman slowly walking their way. "Oh, hello children, Merrill how can I help you?" The old woman's voice crooned softly.
"This is lady Dashanna and her husband Solas, I told you they were coming. Have you forgotten already?"
"Solas? Solas. . .. hmm nope I don't seem to WAIT Solas I remember the man who is going to help poor Fenryal. Yes, I remember now!"
Merrill smiled, "This is his wife Deshanna could you take her to the others. I hear Hirham is telling stories, and we can see to thing."
"Of course, Come with me child." The old woman said pulling Arya away.
"Don't worry shell be ok she harmless really... This way "Merrill said as they headed off the opposite direction, Solas followed Merrill in hopes he was about to get the key to fixing his mistakes.