MoonPriestess30: Thankyou, I'm very glad to be back and hopefully I will be around a lot more. I hope you're enjoying the story, I know it's mostly OC's and incredibly AU at this point but still, I hope it's holding interest. I also hope that you and your family are well and have had a wonderful year 3


Chapter 5: Yield.

There was disbelief across the glade with Makatza's statement. Fenris merely smiled bitterly, rubbing his eyes with the frustration. Reidhl snorted and looked around at the others. 'Ya cannae be serious, nae even the most experienced Keepers cannot control mana without a stave,' he said giving Silvanus a look. Her father returned nothing as he stepped out the way of the clearing that they had made. The only light was from the other Keeper's staffs and a few torches that they had lit. 'Well, this be an easy fight then,' Reidhl said with unearned confidence.

Fenris shakes his head, 'halam sahlin, ma halam,' he says simply.

Makatza turned her back on Reidhl, who stuttered in anger at the blatant display of disrespect. 'Ar tu na'lin emma mi!' He repeated stepping forward to follow her. She was walking into the forest, her wolves parting to let her through. Into the darkness she seemed to vanish and Reidhl paused in place, not wanting to leave the clearing. Doubt was starting to dampen his anger and he looked around at the others who watched with expressionless faces.

There was a slight breeze and the sound of branches breaking, Reidhl could hear his heart pounding deep in his chest as he glared helplessly into the darkness for any sign of her. In desperation he threw a small light orb into the tree line. It burned bright for a moment highlighting something massive before flickering out. There was only the sound of the wind moving through the leaves. The anticipation made the congregation look at one another, the tension and panic beginning to grow. Fenris merely held back his smirk, enjoying the cloying atmosphere. He could see the lad's fear manifesting in his shaking hands.

'Show yourself, Harellan!' Reidhl cursed into the shadows. The darkness wove deceptively between the trees, occasionally allowing him to see a glimpse of a shadow that caused a new spike of fear to imbed in his mind. Reidhl looked around, his panic became clear as his eyes darted to the Keepers that had previously supported him. Silvanus shared a look with Fenris, they knew that Makatza was taking her time to simply make her point. It was petty but also something they didn't begrudge her; seeing as the entire evening had revolved around her mother and what an "insult" Makatza was to the Elvhen.

Reidhl cried out in anger and began to concentrate his mana. He thought he could simply overpower her; he only needed to barrage her with magic and he would surely win. As his power grew the ground began to tremble. It fell to a beat as something seemed to be circling the area, most of the elves began to twist and turn in their seats. The trembling stopped and all stared at the tree line as a large paw stepped through the bracken, crushing bushes, and snapping off low lying branches, her immense size bending the canopy around them. Her wolves spread out, stopping anyone from moving in rash actions.

'Fen'harel!' Several of them cursed as the wolf stepped into the glade, her eyes bright with blue and bronze. She stood higher than the trees around them should she lift her head. Instead, she caught Reidhl in her gaze as she growled; a deep, deadly sound that made everyone's hair stand on edge. She walked forward, forcing Reidhl to dispel his mana as he had to take a step back to avoid being crushed. He breathes heavily, his chest rising and falling like a bellows. Moving slowly, the wolf leaned forward, her snout almost touching his head as the young lad's body froze in her proximity. Reidhl managed to turn his face away, a wince on his features as he felt her breath flow over him. She hadn't stopped growling and she knew it would be almost deafening at this distance.

The wolf opened her jaws, saliva dripped from her teeth and gums and Reidhl couldn't help but let out a yelp in fear as he simultaneously tried to not move and yet flee from this beast. The contradiction causing him to simply buckle and cower as he stared at her. 'You… are no mage,' he sobs. 'I ken of nae demon that be like you,' he adds, 'be it even possible?'

Makatza snapped her teeth shut inches from his face and several of the spectators let out their own cries of fear. Concentrating and ignoring everyone else around them, Makatza mentally connected her mind to Reidhl's; there was no resistance and she knew her words would come across clear. 'I am the Bellanaris Elgar,' Makatza said simply, daring him to deny her. He stared into her eyes, his lip trembling. He faltered in her presence, his mouth hanging agape. The other elves all stared in fear and astonishment. Makatza's waves of mana rolled off her fur, moving the tree branches and causing the fires to dance with the ripples. She breathes heavily, each exhale causing his hair to brush from his face.

The impasse did not last longer than a couple of minutes. Reidhl fell to his knees, his staff dropped from his hands and rolled away from him. He looked up at her impossibly large eyes once again. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he nodded. 'I yield,' he whispers, his voice breaking as he contemplated the death he would receive in her jaws.

Silvanus stepped forward, walking past the wolf as if it was nothing new to him. He spoke to the other Keepers and elves, 'be there anyone who deny this?' He asked simply. Now would be the time to voice suspicions of foul play or any other concern. Just as Silvanus thought, there was only silence. Silvanus nods and looks up at Makatza who turned her gaze towards him. 'Aye, da'len, tis been decided,' he said softly before addressing the rest of them. 'Makatza Lorias of the Faeren Clan has won. From here on out, there be nae insinuations nor talk of her inability to be our Keeper an' if I hear anymore of ya talkin' 'bout her mother the way ya were, well, then I cannae be held responsible fer my actions,' he said bluntly.

Makatza huffed at him and nudged him with her nose as she gave him a look. He had the decency to look at least a little scolded but she knew that he wasn't scared of her in the slightest and there wasn't a threat that she could make that would be of any consequence. With that over she lifted her head towards the sky. She took a moment and inhaled the scents that were carried on the wind, feeling relief that there had been no blood shed. With a deep breathe, Makatza let out a howl for her victory and the peace that would ensue; causing everyone but her father and Fenris to cover their ears. The other wolves picked up the cry and it echoed across the Hinterlands.

Reidhl was still slumped on the ground, he couldn't bear to look at anyone. The wolf call had finally begun to recede and Makatza saw no need to hold her current form. She exhaled and allowed her body to shift, there was a flurry of wind and leaves, a small amount of silver light as Makatza returned to normal. With nothing said, Makatza kneeled in front of Reidhl and opened her arms in offering. The young man stiffened before falling into her embrace, burying his head into her shoulder as he wept. She held him for as long as he needed, hushing him when he pleaded for her forgiveness.

Eventually she pulled him to his feet and wiped his face, 'da'len,' she said softly as she smiles at him. 'I know you're afraid, that you're angry and… with what's happened to you, it feels like the grief will swallow you whole. But, you're here now. We look after our own. I will keep you safe,' she assures as she hugs him again once more. He clung to her clothing, his hands grasping at her dress and catching her hair between his fingers as he sobbed.

Those that had gathered for the meeting swarmed forward towards Makatza. Fenris jolted forward to protect her but Silvanus stopped him with a gentle hand on his forearm. 'Nae, Lethallin. They mean her no harm,' he says softly as he forces Fenris to take a moment to look around. The older elves all had tears either falling or in their eyes, the younger ones, the less experienced, wore nothing but awe and relief. Makatza's mana felt only peaceful and embodied nature, causing those who doubted her to literally have their fears swept aside with her presence.

'Ne'er in all my days did I think you would walk amongst us once more,' one of the older Keepers whispered as she reached out a hand to touch Makatza's shoulder. Makatza smiles softly at her, allowing her mana to continue flowing. It was clearly providing a comfort for all of them and Makatza was swamped in gentle touches and embraces. She did her best to reassure them all, she wept for their losses, grieved with them, and reaffirmed she would do all within her power to keep her promises.

Fenris waited until there was a lull and stepped forward into the crowd to subtly pull her out their questions and grasp. He could see she was both emotionally and physically done. 'My Katza,' he says softly as he holds her tightly. Silvanus steps into the circle and diverts their attention, getting the Arlathvhen back on track. Fenris guides Makatza out the general area; still close enough to hear but not be seen. 'Are you well?' He asks her, brushing her hair out her face.

She sighs heavily and moans as she falls back against his chest. 'Oh, dread wolf,' she swore making him smile. 'I thought they would start cutting pieces off my hair with all their need to see that I was real,' she laughed lightly with exhaustion.

'In the end their fear was turned into reverence,' Fenris mused lightly as he stroked her head, enjoying the weight of her body against his. 'Should I be worried that another Keeper may try to kidnap you away for their own clan?' He teased, making her snort.

Makatza stood up on her tip toes and caught his lips with her own. He was surprised for a moment but wound his fingers into her hair around her and pulled her closer for a deeper kiss. 'Do not worry,' Makatza said as their kiss parted and they simply held one another. 'My place is by your side,' she said with a smile. 'But now they know, they know that all is not lost and there is still hope despite all that has happened.'

Fenris' heart drowned in adoration as she cared for their people. He tilts her chin up gently so that she looks at him. 'They know that you are perfection and deserve respect,' he said, his anger from the beginning of the meeting still simmering below the surface. 'That you are precious and need to be protected.'

She laughs and shakes her head at him playfully. 'I think you might be on your own with that one, my love,' Makatza teases making a small smirk dance across his lips. 'Thank you for being by my side tonight,' she whispers, giving him another soft kiss.

'I always will be,' Fenris assures, holding her close.

The rest of the meeting is constructive and they sort out the details of helping those in need and everything else that needed to be done. When it was all finished, Makatza leaned against one of the trees and sighed heavily. The atmosphere was a lot calmer and she could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Silvanus walks over to her stiffly, placing a hand on her shoulder as he comes close. 'Ma vehnan,' he says softly.

'Papa,' she replies with a weak smile. 'It's done. We'll travel together and help one another until I figure out what's going to happen with…'

'Corypheus,' her father supplies, earning half a nod. Makatza was thinking of Solas but she didn't want her father to be worrying about that as well. 'Aye, lethallan, ya were amazin'. Now, I can oversee all the itty bitty detailin', go ta bed an' tomorra will start again,' he teases making her smile properly.

She laughs and shakes her head before giving him a tight hug and then walking over to where Fenris was waiting. Together they returned to their tent where their children were sleeping, Makatza gave each of them a feather light kiss on the forehead before climbing into her pallet, Fenris' arm wrapping around her and pulling her close as if she was going to be torn from his grasp at any moment.

-x-

It had been a few weeks since the Arlathvhen and the settlement was ambient, a couple of the clans had merged, creating a new one. There had been a couple of deaths, not even Makatza's magical ability had been able to save them. While it was bitter; they all understood that some people couldn't be saved, those who had succumbed passed peacefully without pain. Makatza's duties had almost tripled with the new arrivals but she didn't care, she tended to thrive under pressure. Though she was adamant about sharing meals and the evenings with her family unless it was an emergency.

Elgon lazily watched over what seemed to be a sparring match. Makatza walks over to him with Leto wrapped up on her back. 'What's going on, boy?' She asks as she looks over the large circle of men. He growls, giving her a basic idea of what was happening. Makatza raised a brow and looked closer, seeing her husband in the middle of the circle. 'Ah, that type of thing, is it?' She teases, catching the scent of testosterone in the air.

She walks over to where a group of women were perched on the side of an Aravel. 'Ladies,' Makatza teases, 'anything interesting going on?' She asks, noticing that they look at her for only a moment before focusing on the men once more.

'It started off as a friendly joke, an' now, well, they tryna see who be the strongest outta 'em all,' one of the younger women laughed. 'Dinnae worry, there be no dangerous injuries,' she assured.

Makatza wore a cheeky smile, 'an' how has my bonded fared?'

Belle grinned at her; they were all women from different clans but they seemed to be getting on. 'He dinnae wanna fight at first, sayin' that he were too old an' that ya wouldnae like it,' she smirks.

'He is getting on in years,' Makatza teases making Belle snort in laughter. Leto squirms a little and Makatza begins to sway to settle him. 'How long did it take him to get involved?' She asked and Belle's worried grin said it all.

'I think he jus' be worried that he might nae be the strongest,' the young woman replied making Makatza shake her head in amusement. Leto seemed to settle and the women shuffled up on the Aravel to make room and Belle gave her a hand as she climbed on.

'Okay, what changed his mind?' Makatza said as she sat down and watches Fenris dodge and weave around the challenger. There was a clear look of concentration on her beloved's features and Makatza couldn't help the brief flush of desire that appeared at the sight of him sparring.

The women exchanged looks and one of them smiled while giving Makatza a cheeky expression. 'One of the other men said he were makin' excuses an' that maybe he were nae man enough fer the Bellanaris Elgar,' replied making Makatza snort and roll her eyes. 'That perhaps one of them might be better suited.'

'Aye, then he went all quiet an' just pulled off his tunic,' another piped up, her cheeks flushing red. 'Said he would fight all challengers jus' ta prove it,' she said in a high pitch, her excitement showing.

Makatza couldn't help but shake her head at Fenris' antics. Even after all these years, he hated even the implication of another man taking an interest in her, even in humour. 'That's pretty much a guaranteed way to get him involved,' she laughs. 'He hasn't hurt anyone too badly, has he?' She asks a little worried that while they were burning off stress, the men might be taking the chance to settle old grudges and that was something that she didn't need.

'Aye, all above board. Now, hush, da'len, I cannae concentrate with you lasses twitteri' like robins,' said an older woman who Makatza knew to be a Keeper and she was clearly enjoying herself. 'If I were twenty years young,' she sighs happily making Makatza share an amused look with Belle.

Makatza leaned over to Belle. 'How long has this been going on for?'

''Bout an hour, Fenris 'as stamina I cannae believe! I mean I ken that you've fought dragons together an' that he were with the Champion, yer cousin, fer years in the city,' Belle whispered back, 'But it's been fight after fight, an he jus' been movin' an' waitin' fer his moment ta strike-' she's cut off as Fenris ducks down and moves, landing an upswing on his opponent that knocked him clear off his feet. Cheering and whooping was heard through the crowd. 'Jus' like that!' Belle laughs as she jumps.

She whooped along with the other women and Elgon gives a hearty yowl as he wanted to join in. They all clap and encourage the next round; bets were being made and friendships formed. It was nice to feel an atmosphere kinship as many of the elves around were all from different clans. Makatza had no doubt that she would be asked to bless numerous future bondings as the weeks went on. Usually, it would only need the Keeper of the clan but most would jump at the chance of having their future blessed by the Bellanaris Elgar. She didn't mind, it was nice to see the young couples, especially if they were from different clans. New blood, new traditions and most importantly, open mindedness.

Seeing as everyone was watching the next round intently, Makatza took a moment to privately enjoy watching her husband fight. It took her back to the days of watching him brawl in the Hanged Man when Hawke would say something stupid and instigate an incident. Seeing Fenris swing a sword that was almost the height of himself was a technical wonder, and Makatza could appreciate his skill and training as he cleaved an enemy in two but there was something about the way a fist fight was so primal. The way he held himself, protective but with calculating eyes; waiting for an opening, any slip in defense that could be the moment of retribution. Predatory. Makatza felt a delicious shiver run down her spine in both remembrance and anticipation, her inner wolf reveled in the connotations of it all.

The next man went down just as easily as any other and the older Keeper looked over at Makatza, gaining her attention. 'Aye, da'len, ya had better keep an eye on yer bonded after today. I 'ave nae doubts about the other young lasses that be watchin' will want ta get ta know him after this,' she teases as Belle goes bright red and shakes her head at Makatza, worried that Makatza might worry. 'We may bond fer life but that willnae stop the rushin' of burnin' loins!' She continues to tease and Belle buries her head in her hands.

Makatza laughs brightly. 'I have no fear,' Makatza said and waves a hand at the current entertainment. 'If I asked him, he would conquer the world to make me happy,' she says with adoration and smiles at the Keeper. 'Not even the dread wolf could take him,' she said simply. 'Any lass that takes it into her head to even attempt to try to get my bonded to stray will simply be very disappointed,' Makatza smirked, knowing that Fenris would be very uncomfortable with any attention from another woman. Of all the insecurities that Makatza had, fearing Fenris would be unfaithful simply wasn't one of them and hadn't ever been. 'Not to mention that I fight dirty,' she adds in a conspiratorial whisper.

'Aye! I bet ya do!' The Keeper laughed and cheers loudly at the men. 'Keep that confidence, da'len. Tis the thing that our men like most,' she said with a saucy wink at Makatza, who laughs while shaking her head.

Leto gave a little wriggle and Makatza knew her time was up, she needed to move. She said goodbye and slid off the side of the Aravel, giving the other ladies a wave as she walked down to the circle. The men that had gathered gave her a respectful distance, moving out her way, wary of jostling her and her baby. As she passed, they bowed their heads in respect and there were soft addresses of 'Keeper'. Makatza smiles softly as they catch her eyes and she walked towards Fenris, whom was standing to the side of the circle.

He really was only wearing a pair of leggings and Makatza had to scold her inner wolf as she became distracted with want. Fucking hell, I'm almost thirty and still totally obsessed, she thought to herself in embarrassment. We literally have two children together, we're married, and I still feel like a teenager when I'm around him, she tried to mentally slap some sense into herself. Thank the Maker he has no idea what goes on in my mind. Fenris was breathing slowly and deeply, a skin of water in his hand; listening to the other men congratulate him. When Makatza got close enough they quietened down and backed away to give them a little privacy. 'Do you not think it's a little unfair of you?' Makatza said in a tease as she came close.

Fenris looked around to see her and he smiled widely, 'My Katza,' he said softly as he took a step towards her, his eyes lighting up. He places a hand on her upper arm and looks over her shoulder to check on Leto, making Makatza's heart melt at the smile he wore while looking at his son. Satisfied that their child was quite content to sleepily drool on his mother's shoulder, Fenris' attention returned to Makatza and answering her question. 'They all have fighting experience as I do, in one way or another,' he said squeezing her arm lightly before letting her go so he can pick up a cloth to wipe his face. None of them have fought in the Tevinter Arena, or Qunari, not to mention Dragons, Templars… the literal city of Kirkwall… she thought with a laugh. A little unfair I think to compare experience.

Makatza shook her head in amusement as she began to naturally sway once more, 'I meant that you don't seem to get a break between fights, it's just one round after another. That cannot prove that you're the strongest if you're taken down because of exhaustion.'

He merely shrugs a shoulder while drying his face with the cloth. Makatza allowed her eyes to follow the brands that wove over his arms and down his chest, feeling her mouth go dry with the definition of his shoulders and the muscles around them. She watched as sweat trickled down his stomach; distracting Makatza for the slightest of moments as she followed it along the curve of his hips. He caught that moment and her eye, causing her cheeks to flush heavily. Fenris smirked as he put down the cloth and leaned closer to whisper in her ear. 'Do not worry, wife. I will still have enough stamina to satisfy you after this,' he teases making her flush an even deeper red. He privately enjoyed the fact that he could still create such a reaction from her with just words.

Makatza places her hand on his chest, 'you're winding up a lot of the other women,' she teases back, leaning forward so that her lips only just touch his. 'I might have to make a rule that you need to be clothed at all times in camp,' she grinned. 'So that you're for my eyes only,' she adds.

Fenris chuckles and kisses her sweetly before standing up straight, 'I believe there is only one other opponent, after that I'll make sure that everyone knows which woman is on my mind,' he says with a smile as he strokes her cheek. He turned back into the circle and the next contender becomes clear as he steps forward, removing his tunic and throwing it to his friends. Makatza tilts her head, he was larger in build than the average elf, this would be a challenge at least, especially if he had been paying attention and learning Fenris' preferences when it came to close combat.

'Keeper Lorias,' he said in greeting, placing his hand on his chest. Fenris merely crosses his arms as he waits for his opponent to be ready. Fenris was content that Makatza had finally received the respect she deserved and was being treated better by the outsider clans.

'I am afraid to say that I do not know your name,' she apologizes and gently adjusts Leto on her back with a hand behind her back.

'Deon,' he said with another bow of his head.

'Well, good luck Deon. Be gentle with my bonded, won't you?' She replies, making Deon grin in reply and look Fenris up and down. 'I am rather attached to him.'

'I cannae promise anythin', Keeper. Though I be tempted ta ask fer a kiss should I win,' he chuckles making Fenris' expression darken. The crowd around them were enjoying the banter and there was clapping and cheering at Deon's audacity.

Makatza just laughed in response, watching Fenris' shoulders tense up and his brands briefly flash in annoyance. 'Aye, if you win, I'll give you a kiss,' she said. Fenris turned to look at her and his expression would have made a demon's blood run cold. Makatza merely smiled knowing that he wasn't upset at her – just the situation. She looks back at Deon, 'I feel in all honesty that you may have hastened your own defeat with that request though,' she added. Makatza took a step back feeling the crowd part around her once again. Fenris watched her and she smiles softly at him, 'be gentle,' she says.

Fenris inhales deeply and forces himself to relax. Makatza's words from the Arlathvhen meeting came back to him as he rolls his shoulders and raises his hands. "A threat from a pup is no threat at all". The thought warmed him and he felt his anger begin to settle, not everything was a serious threat. Deon senses Fenris' intent and moves, getting into a defensive position.

This time Fenris didn't waste any time with dodging and skipped forward, punching Leon solidly a couple of times before having to double step back to avoid being hit. He was feeling tired and a sore but wasn't going to let this one go. He was forced to be defensive for a few minutes before he saw his opening and ravaged the man's stomach with a flurry of jabs. Deon buckled over as the wind was beaten out of him; unable to recover in time, Fenris landed a solid hit on Leon's temple, knocking him out cold. The crowd cheered and there were some groans from unlucky betters while the rest of them celebrated. Deon's friends walked into the circle and helped him back onto his feet, he seemed a little woozy but wore a smile that showed no grudges.

Fenris wasted no time and strode over to Makatza who was wearing an amused expression. 'I believe there was a kiss for the winner?' He said pulling her close by her waist. He was careful of his hand placement and the angle that he tilted her as Leto was on her back.

She laughs, 'I did promise that didn't I?' Makatza grins, 'Ah, well, I just hope you aren't afraid of my bonded, he's the strongest warrior of all the Dalish,' she teased as she tapped a line up his chest with her fingernail, causing pleasant skitters across his skin.

'I'd beat him for you,' Fenris replied making her giggle. He stares into her eyes for a moment; enjoying her weight in his arms before pulling her closer, catching her mouth with his own. Makatza stood on tiptoes as she kissed him back and being quite surprised when he deepens the kiss, almost causing her to release a small moan. Fenris' fingers dig into her waist possessively and make it very clear that this moment was going to be continued later, in private. The elves around them made encouraging comments and continued to enjoy themselves with cheering and laughter. For the sake of decency, Fenris broke the kiss and grins softly at her, chuckling at her flushed complexion.

They're distracted from it all as Leto lets out an annoyed squeal, Fenris chuckles and turns her to take his son. 'He's been up and down all morning,' Makatza said as Fenris pulled him out the sling, his arms and legs waving around, happy to be free. Fenris chuckled and bounces him up and down a little in his arms, receiving a one-toothed smile as Leto stares at him. 'I've fed him and that's a fair nap he's had. He's probably just restless,' she muses.

Fenris leaned over and kisses her forehead, holding Leto firmly. 'Let us see what a fighter he is,' he said with a grin as he held his son up, who squirmed and clapped his hands in joy. Makatza can't help but feel her heart swell with love as Fenris carried Leto with pride, wandering back towards the crowd of competitors. The elves around their baby pretend to fall over or exaggerate dire pain when Leto hit them; making him squeal in amusement, his joy infectious. All the men joined in and it wasn't long before Leto stole his father's title.


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