Chapter 8

Ih'tal felt the weight of anticipation as the appointed time drew near. Solas would soon join her in her chamber, a space that had become a sanctuary of her thoughts and reflections. She busied herself at the desk, formulating plans for safeguarding her clan in The Free Marches. A message was dispatched to Cullen, a contingency plan for any unforeseen challenges that might arise.

She sought solace in distraction, but the wait was short-lived. A soft knock echoed, and the door under the stairs creaked open. She didn't rise from her seat, her gaze locked on her work, as Solas descended the stairs. The moment she sensed him standing before her, she remained still, allowing the atmosphere to settle.

In silence, he walked away, and she followed his movements until they stood side by side on the balcony, gazing out at the horizon. The mountains etched against the canvas of the sky as the sun dipped below the edge of the world.

"What were you like before the anchor?" He asked while he turned to face her.

She felt it was a question that was rooted in a more than just the obvious wording.

He continued "Has it affected you? Changed you in any way? Your mind, your morals, your… spirit?"

She turned and looked over the railing, focusing on the mountain ahead she answered, "if it has, do you really think I would have noticed? She heard him huff a laugh "No I suppose not" He joined her at the railing, copied her movements and looked out over railing as the sun was setting and above them the stars began to twinkle forth on the darkening night sky. "You won't ask me why I'm asking?

Ih'tal remained silent.

"You continue to surprise me. You won't let anyone, or anything define you, not for your past, present or future. When you lack the knowledge, you seek it out, when you need to hone your skills, you train, and when you come upon injustice, you rally". He turned toward her and stood so close that she could feel the heat of him seeping into her skin. In a voice almost like a caress he continued "You show a wisdom I have not seen since… Since my deepest journeys into the ancient memories of the Fade". He moved away. "You are not what I expected".

Ih'tal couldn't help chuckle over the irony. She was definitely not what he had expected. But his words moved her. She really did like him and believed him to be sincere. He was known as a trickster god, but he wasn't known to get emotionally involved. Still, she couldn't help but ask. "You say it like it is a bad thing. I am sorry to disappoint".

"It is not disappointing it is… Most people are predictable. You have shown subtlety in your actions, a wisdom that goes against everything I have expected". Again, he turned towards her. She felt compelled to at least meet him halfway. As the next thing was important for him to convey. "If the Dalish could raise someone with a spirit like yours, have I misjudged them?".

While she loved her clan, the Dalish still clung to ancient traditions. And some of their texts were simply wrong. However, there was a purity that bespoke their actions. And she had tried to discreetly implant stories about the great ancient empire which these traditions originated from. She chose to be honest with him.

"The Dalish did not make me like this. The decision were mine. I wasn't born into my clan. I am not Dalish by birth, but I love them much the same. So, though they may have influenced me to some degree, I am still guided by my own conscience".

She felt an unspoken understanding, a bridge formed by shared sentiments. "And you, Solas, are you ready to share the truth with me?"

His eyes never wavered from hers, and in his gaze, she glimpsed turmoil and resolution. "I will strive to be honest, despite the complexities that veil my past."

Her heart swelled with warmth, and a small smile curved her lips. "That's all I ask."

A comfortable silence enveloped them, and she felt his presence beside her like a calming current. The connection between them deepened, the understanding unspoken yet profound.

"Solas, I need to understand," her voice broke the silence, and he turned to her, his expression open. "After our conversation before, I want to know what this means. You needed time to think, and I respected that. So, please, what does it mean?"

He stepped closer, his fingers grazing her cheek. "It means I haven't forgotten our kiss." His voice held a weight of emotion, a vulnerability she hadn't expected. "Losing you would…"

Before he could finish his sentence, he closed the gap between them, capturing her lips with his in a fervent kiss. Emotion and unspoken words flowed into the connection, a claim of unspoken longing.

He swept her into his arms, their bodies pressed together as the world blurred around them. But a sense of urgency brought her back to the present, and she gently broke the kiss.

"Solas, we need to talk before anything else," she said, her voice soft yet resolute.

He paused, still holding her close, and his eyes searched hers, awaiting her continuation.

"There's more we need to discuss, and it begins with trust," she emphasized, her words carrying the weight of their future. "No more secrets. Before we can let this continue, I need your promise."

His lips parted as if to speak, but then he seemed to consider his words carefully. "I will try," he said finally, his gaze unwavering. "While I can't share everything, I'll strive to be honest with you. I would never withhold anything to cause you harm."

Her heart swelled with a mix of relief and understanding. She nodded, accepting his pledge.

With a gentle touch, Solas brushed his lips against hers, his closeness a reassurance. "But now, vhenan, I want my next kiss."

In his arms, she felt a blend of emotions—passion, tenderness, and the promise of an uncharted future. It was a beginning, a fragile yet profound connection that transcended their pasts.