Chapter 5

The Hinterlands lay sprawled before them, a picturesque backdrop to the chaos of their lives. Birds sang, leaves rustled, and the wind played its whimsical tune. Ih'tal sat on a rock, basking in a rare moment of tranquility. That serenity, however, was short-lived as Sera's voice pierced the air with a colorful barrage of curses.

"Shit! Arse-tits! Friggin flying buggers!"

Ih'tal blinked, a mixture of amusement and confusion painting her features. Across the makeshift camp, Dorian and Blackwall were nearly choking on laughter as they watched Sera's antics.

"You lot are a bunch of tits faces!" Sera shouted, punctuating her declaration with a not-so-subtle finger gesture aimed at her audience. With a huff, Sera stormed off, leaving behind a trail of indignant swears.

Ih'tal exchanged an incredulous glance with Dorian, both of them trying to stifle their laughter. "What in the Maker's name was that about?"

Dorian's lips twitched into a smirk. "Ah, the ever-eloquent Sera, expressing her displeasure with grace and poise. A true lady."

Blackwall chimed in, a twinkle in his eye. "Apparently, she had a bee in her bonnet."

Dorian burst into laughter, his amusement ringing like bells. "A bee in her bonnet, you say? I must remember to use that phrase in Tevinter. It has a certain charm, don't you think?"

Ih'tal grinned, the contagious mirth sweeping her away. "Indeed, Dorian. Who knew Sera's vocabulary had such depth and sophistication?"

As the laughter subsided, the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the camp. Sera returned, her face a mixture of defeat and determination. She fixed her gaze on Ih'tal, her expression a silent plea.

"Shiny make room, will ya'?"

Ih'tal smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Why, of course, dear Sera. But only if you ask ever so politely."

Sera's face contorted, her attempt at politeness akin to a cat attempting opera. "Bugger all of you! Will you please move that high and mighty arse before I change my mind, for asking nicely?"

Ih'tal chuckled and shifted to make space for the fiery elf. Sera didn't waste a moment, plopping down and promptly maintaining a healthy distance from the male duo. A chorus of chuckles followed her antics.

As the campfire crackled, Sera disappeared into the shadows, and Blackwall retired to his bedroll. Ih'tal found herself sharing a bottle of wine with Dorian, a companionable silence settling between them. The flask was, as usual, courtesy of Dorian's thorough preparation for any unforeseen circumstances that required liquid courage.

"Well, darling," Dorian began, his eyes dancing with amusement, "I must say, given how often Solas used to accompany us on our little escapades, it's quite curious that now he avoids you like the plague at Skyhold."

Ih'tal felt her cheeks warm, attributing the sensation to the spicy wine. "Ah, you know, the Fade's loss is the Hinterlands' gain. I'm sure the wildlife appreciates his absence."

Dorian chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "But my dear, don't you find it a tad peculiar? Especially after certain late-night rendezvous in your chambers?"

The wine worked its magic, loosening her tongue to confess her thoughts. "Well, you see, my astute Tevinter, Mr. Apostate can't decide if fade tongue counts or not. So, here we are, caught in the web of ambiguity."

Dorian's laughter joined the night's symphony. "Ah, this is why I adore you, my dear. You can be facing dragons, darkspawn, and tempestuous elves, yet still channel the energy of a young lady standing before her crush."

Ih'tal groaned, her face dropping into her hands. "Ugh, don't remind me. I just wish, for once, things could be simple. No thinking, no turmoil, just plain, uncomplicated ease."

Dorian leaned closer, wrapping his arm around her. "Ah, my dear, that's the dream, isn't it? But in our case, even the simplest things end up being a grand melodrama."

She found solace in his presence, leaning into the embrace of her dearest friend. Amidst the laughter and wine-induced banter, Dorian was the anchor she needed.

"Thank you, Dorian. It's a comfort to have you by my side through this madness."

Dorian's smile was both genuine and heartfelt. "My dear, when all else fails, you can count on your fabulous Tevinter to provide moral support and remind you that beauty is indeed worth fighting for."

Ih'tal smirked, giving him a sly look. "Speaking of beauty, Dorian, you are quite the sight to behold."

Dorian preened, a playful twinkle in his eye. "Ah, naturally. After all, who wouldn't be captivated by the most handsome man in all of Thedas, sharing wine with the most remarkable woman in his arms?"

Ih'tal's grin widened. "Well, I may be a tad biased, but Solas gives you a run for your money in the 'fine behind' department."

Dorian feigned contemplation, then nodded. "True, true. The man does have a rather splendid posterior."