Summer Solstice
Solas studied the Anchor for just a second before he wrapped his arms fully around her, pulling her close. "Ennaly, that was reckless," he reprimanded, but desperation bled through. "You could have died. This power... You were never meant to carry it. It might have killed you before, do not... do not tempt fate."
Ennaly gazed up to him, pressed against his chest. "But you could have died," she said quietly, her voice almost breaking. "I couldn't let that happen."
Solas sighed and released her in favour of gently cradling her face. The anger in his eyes calmed down to a vulnerability that reminded her of the night after Adamant, in their dark tent, him whispering the thought of losing you... "Promise me to not use the Anchor again. We will have to wait until we are out of this place before I can do anything about it."
A reassuring smile crept over her lips as she tip-toed to kiss him. "I won't. And I'm not going anywhere," she whispered, before she remembered they weren't alone.
Judy downed a potion that Loranil just handed her, and she sighed with relief as the slash on her shin started to knit back together. It didn't fully heal the wound, and upon seeing it, Solas left Ennaly's side to offer help with his healing magic.
All the while, Briala stood to the side, silently observing Ennaly and Solas with an impassive expression. When Solas left, she turned her full attention to Ennaly. "It seems I owe you two apologies. The first one for my words when we met in Halamshiral." She had compared Ennaly and Solas to the Empress and herself. "And secondly, I did not anticipate encountering a foe like this. It may be time to give the bodies of those poor Elves a proper rest. They should no longer be required to dance to any master's tunes."
Ennaly smiled at her. "I agree. They should be allowed a peaceful death."
She looked at Briala, trying to judge her character, but she was never very good at that. Had she heard the passphrase correctly, and if she had, what was the full meaning? Briala seemed oblivious to her accidental eavesdropping, and for the moment, Ennaly liked to keep it that way. So instead, she kept a friendly smile on her face. "Luckily, it all turned out fine."
With Judy's leg healed, they were all in a condition to continue, Solas keeping a watchful eye on Ennaly. This road was a little shorter than the first one and it wasn't long before the platform with their final Eluvian emerged from the void.
Relief washed over them as they entered the waking world again, in Dirthavaren. It wasn't as if the world inside the Eluvians wasn't real air, but this was true real air, soft summer breeze playing with their hair and carrying the scents of pine trees and wildflowers. Ennaly had never seen anything resembling this place before. Strange, weathered stone spires rose from the plains like ancient watchers, eroded by ages of wind and rain.
"Home," Loranil said contentedly.
"And with an Elven Marquise now," Judy added, smiling towards Briala.
Briala returned the smile. "I doubt they have interest in that, and besides, that is not the reason for our visit."
They took a short break where Solas finally calmed down the Anchor. It worried him that it took longer than it had before, which wasn't quite a surprise since it had never grown as large as this before either, engulfing her entire hand.
After half an hour they continued on their way. Judy returned to her cheerful chatter, and with all strife behind them, Ennaly started to feel excited for what the rest of the day would bring. It was the summer solstice, after all.
It was an hour before noon when they gazed at the Dalish camp in the distance, situated in a flat area between towering rocks and flanked by tall pines.
"Your clan is larger than mine was," Ennaly noted to Loranil as she saw countless aravels, structures, and little dots of people, easily twice as many as clan Lavellan.
"Oh, did I not mention it?" Loranil replied. "We have a clan visiting us. It's clan Nomaris, do you know them?"
Nomaris?
Ennaly turned to look at Solas, her face filled with shock as her heart dropped towards her toes. Yes, she did know clan Nomaris. So did Solas. Anarel was their Keeper, and the last time they had seen each other, they had fought.
"Damn," Ennaly cursed. "Yes, and unfortunately, I know their Keeper, and have very little desire to ever face him again. We... do not have a great history."
"Keeper Anarel? Tall, blonde hair, green eyes, Elgar'nan's Vallaslin?" Loranil asked.
"That's the man," she continued apprehensively. "Though you could add asshole and vulgar to that list."
Loranil stared at her in disbelief. "Are you sure we are talking about the same man? Anarel is the most pious man I know."
Ennaly let out a small contemptuous laugh, the same disbelief on her face at hearing those words. "Anarel, pious? I don't believe it."
A sound escaped Solas, something between a scoff and a chuckle.
"Do you find this funny?" Ennaly shot at him, thinking Solas would support her in this.
Solas wasn't without apprehension as he spoke. "You left that man shattered between the statues of your Gods, with all the weight of your words crushing down on him. I believe that if an event exists that can make a man re-evaluate his life and turn pious, that is."
Ennaly stared at him. "Do you really think he can just change?"
"I am saying it is possible," Solas said, almost casually.
Ennaly sighed. "Damn him," she cursed. "I won't let him rob me of this day. If needed, I've defeated him once, I can do it again. Let's continue."
She had sent him a letter, not too long ago, informing him about the death of his son, but she wasn't sure if he had received it. It would be another painful confrontation that she did not look forward to.
Although... She looked at Loranil. Likely Anarel had gotten her letter, told the news to Loranil's clan, and Loranil told Briala. It made sense.
"I really think we might be talking about a different man," Loranil remarked and Briala and Judy shared an awkward look before they continued on.
The knowledge that Anarel could appear from every corner diminished Ennaly's experience of being in a Dalish camp again. The surroundings might be different than what she had ever experienced, but the aravels and the lined faces were all that was home, once.
The sparse trees that this landscape knew were decorated and flowers threaded on string hung from aravel to aravel. Young children ran around laughing in anticipation of this day when they were allowed to stay up late. If they were like Ennaly, they would curl up to their mother not long after dinner started, too full of snacks, and fall asleep, exhausted from the day's games, to be awoken just before sunset.
Solas remained near her as they traversed the camp, his arm brushing against hers. The Elves looked up, curious to see their visitors, greeted Loranil and nodded to her, recognising her as another Dalish.
The smells of familiar foods made her forget about her worries for just a small moment. The scent of summer stew was in the air, and so was the scent of the honey cakes she loved so much. They passed a cookfire where a boar was being slow-roasted with a cook preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Elves brought them in front of a white-haired man wearing a Keeper's coat and Andruil's Vallaslin. "Andaran Atish'an, Inquisitor," he said to Ennaly with a little nod of his head. "Be welcome, friends," he added to the others. "I am Keeper Hawen."
"Aneth ara, Keeper," they greeted back.
"May Falon'Din guide your kin to their peace," Hawen continued. "I am sorry to hear of their passing. I knew Deshanna, once. It grieves me to hear of their fate. We shall remember them tonight."
"Thank you," Ennaly said softly. "And thank you for inviting us."
"We are pleased to have you here on this special day. Please, make yourself comfortable and at home."
Elves wearing flower crowns offered them drinks and comfortable floor pillows to recline on. At home, Hawen said. But what did that mean? Ennaly realised that even before the news of her clan's death, her concept of home had been shifting. Currently, it evoked images of evenings around a campfire, her head on Solas' lap as he sat in silent meditation, listening to Varric's stories or Dorian's antics.
Only when Solas squeezed her arm and rose did she notice the two figures approaching them.
She tensed up as green eyes regarded her from a blonde face. She rose as well, not wanting the height difference between them even larger. Yet Anarel looked… different. It was hard to say what caused it. He was dressed like he always was, beaded necklaces and decoration in his long braid, but he somehow appeared... less rugged? More dignified? Was it something in his expression, his posture?
Next to him was Lamaira. And Lamaira wasn't alone. Clutched close to her chest was a stirring bundle of colourful fabric. She was shushing it as it made quiet gurgling noises. Her baby must have been born, Ennaly realised with a pang in her heart. She could have been her, in a different life, ten years ago.
Anarel supported Lamaira as all her steps were paired with pained expressions. He helped her sit down on the floor pillow and Lamaira huffed in relief, gently rocking the baby.
"Apologies, Lady Inquisitor," Anarel spoke, and the words didn't carry anything of his usual sarcastic tone. "And... Solas, was it? Our baby was born only five days ago, and my wife still requires her rest."
Wife? They were bonded now?
They exchanged their congratulations and Lamaira removed some of the wrapping to present the smallest baby head, complete with white blonde hair. "Elgara'var," Lamaira declared. Our sun.
Ennaly wasn't quite sure if she wanted to cry or smile. Judy immediately sat down and cooed at the baby, but Ennaly couldn't join in. Resolute in hiding her emotion, she conjured a happy expression.
She would never be able to experience this for herself, clutch a baby to her breast.
Anaral caught her eye, and for once, he wasn't the most painful sight around. "I want to thank you for the letter you sent me, Ennaly," he said. "And my condolences for your loss."
She averted her gaze. She didn't want him to say her name, didn't want him to look at her. "You deserved to know," she said to a nearby pine tree.
"That is more than my behaviour towards you could have hoped for," came his reply, and Ennaly jerked her head back, eyes narrowed. Was she supposed to believe...? "I want to extend my apologies towards you."
She took an angry step closer towards him, ignoring Solas' fingers brushing against her. "Fenhedis, Anarel, are you kidding me? Am I supposed to believe the birth of your daughter changed you this much?"
She didn't know if he was simply playing another twisted game. He had played enough mind games with her to make her never trust him again.
"He changed months ago," Lamaira replied from her place on the ground. "After we met you in early spring." The girl looked up to Anarel, and Ennaly could trick herself that the expression was loving. Anarel returned it.
It was as if by passing through the Eluvians, the world had turned upside down.
"I cannot excuse my past behaviour," Anarel continued with genuine remorse in his green-lined features. "I owe you an apology."
Ennaly had vowed never to let herself be fooled by this man, and sharply folded her arms over each other. "The very last thing you said to me was an apology, if I remember correctly."
"A sincere one this time," Anarel said, almost a plea. "And you as well, Solas."
Ennaly glanced at Solas and found displeasure in his eyes, mixed with measured scrutiny. "You do not owe me anything," he replied sharply. "You do owe her, however."
Anarel faced Ennaly. "Can we speak alone?"
"The last time we spoke alone, you tried to do several things I did not want you to do," she sneered.
Anarel sighed and lowered his eyes. It was then that Ennaly noticed his necklaces. Amulets and beads depicting their Gods and holy symbols, which she was certain he hadn't worn before. "I greatly regret my actions. You showed me that you were stronger, that day, and I acknowledge it now. You can attack me if I take any action that displeases you."
Solas took a step closer to her, protective, as if he didn't want her to talk to him alone. Ennaly exhaled. She could just imagine Anarel's taunting words if he realised that she was too scared to face him alone. Really? You couldn't face me yourself after you left me? You still need those older men around you, don't you, little fawn, like you once needed me? And really, he is your lover now? You are so predictable. She could almost hear his laugh echoing in her mind.
"No," she said quietly to Solas. "This is something I have to do by myself."
"Vhenan..." he whispered softly, so only she could hear, and grabbed her hand.
"I will be fine, ma'arlath," she muttered. "I defeated him once before."
Solas slowly released her arm, but it wasn't without apprehension, and for a moment... a flicker of fear. It was unexpected. He didn't have to be afraid for her and she smiled reassuringly.
"Leave your staff," she demanded of Anarel while she grabbed hers. He did as she asked, and she shot a final glance at Solas before following him, aware that Solas' eyes followed her until she left his vision.
Anarel came to a halt in a secluded area nestled between rocks and the backs of aravels. Ennaly kept her distance and clutched staff tight, her eyes fixed on Anarel. His posture, his body language, everything had changed from what she had known. He still stood tall and upright, but with less arrogance in his steps, his shoulders less squared, and his gaze softer than she thought possible from him.
"You have every right to be angry with me," he said, his hand slightly extended and open, as if to say he was unarmed.
"Really?" she asked scornfully as she straightened her shoulders, her body on high alert.
Anarel's green eyes pierced her, filled with a sincerity she had never seen in them. "You have made me think, after I foolishly tried to attack you. You told me that you were chosen by our Gods. And I tried to attack you, in their sight. There is nothing I can do to make up for it."
"Am I just supposed to believe you?" Ennaly mocked, still wondering if she wasn't somehow trapped in a bizarre dream.
"You don't understand," Anarel said, taking a cautious step closer towards her. Ennaly raised her staff, ready to defend, and Anarel halted, sighing deeply as he turned his gaze downwards. "Ennaly. I have never told anyone about this, but you deserve to know." He turned his eyes back on hers, intently, like he was staring into her soul. "You know, don't you?"
Ennaly tried to maintain a steady face. "What?" she bit back, having no clue what he was talking about.
Anarel smiled faintly and gestured towards her left hand. "You carry their power. I…" He took a deep breath. "I had a dream, that night after we last met. A dream, or a vision, I am not quite sure, but I knew it was something… important, something significant. You know how our dreams are, being a mage. But this was different, this was... Real, almost."
Unease grew within Ennaly. She was all too familiar with real dreams. How many times now had she shared them with Solas?
"A wolf visited me," Anarel continued, and for once, Ennaly couldn't keep her eyes off him. "It was a massive white wolf. I cannot possibly begin to describe the power it radiated. It… spoke to me, Ennaly. You know what this means, don't you? He shot my words back at me. He named me the traitor. He gave a choice. He was feeling merciful, he said. I had to repent my sins, or I would be devoured."
Ennaly stared at him, her mouth slightly agape, but her body rigid. And suddenly one of his necklaces stood out from the others. A wolf head, carved from bone.
"A wolf spoke to you?" she repeated, as an image of a wolf entered her own mind. Her body was cold on a cave floor, nearly dying, while her mind was in a forest clearing in the Fade. A white wolf approached her, nudging her until her body awoke.
"Yes," Anarel replied, again with that raw sincerity. "Ennaly, you carry their power. I can never apologise for the pain I have caused you, but I will let you know that I sought to better my life since."
Ennaly scoffed. "Because you were threatened."
This was absurd.
"I am ashamed to admit it took a threat for me to see reason. But I have bettered my life. I say my prayers. I bonded with Lamaira. I take care of her. I try and make amends." He took a step closer. "Ennaly. Lady Inquisitor, is there anything you want from me, any amends I can make, anything at all? If it is within my power, I will grant it to you."
Ennaly averted her eyes. She didn't want anything from this man, no matter what he told her. His unexpected words confused her. She wasn't sure if she believed them, but it was something… And if she wanted nothing from him herself, there were other things she could demand of him. "I want you to spend every single second of your life caring for your daughter, for your wife, for your clan. That is all I want from you. Raise Elgara'var to recognise what an honest man looks like. You don't ever want her to be treated like you treated me and have her accept it."
Some doubt entered Anarel's face. "I –"
"Promise me," she interrupted.
The doubt slipped away. "Of course. I promise it. And I apologise for how I –"
She cut him off. "I don't want to hear it."
He looked at her. Those green eyes, the green lines she knew ran over his entire body, all the things he'd done to her. She wasn't afraid of him. Instead… She felt shaken. And truth be told… A new fear entered her mind as she remembered the words from the nightmare demon.
Silly little Dalish girl pledged herself to the Dread Wolf. Careful! He's already breathing down your neck. He'll take everything you value.
"You have his protection, Ennaly," Anarel said as she remained silent, as if he knew what she was thinking about. "You are chosen. I believe in you."
She still didn't say anything and he turned around to leave, but halted at the last moment. "It is good to see you in good health, Ennaly. I hope Solas gives you the happiness I never could."
When she finally looked up, Anarel had left the area, leaving her alone. She remained there, unaware of her surroundings, as the image of the white wolf entered her mind. She knew she wasn't chosen. She knew she received the Anchor as an accident. What had the Dread Wolf actually told him, and what blanks had Anarel filled in himself?
But the thought that the Dread Wolf had mentioned her at all…
Had he actually kept an eye on her? He had nudged her awake when she lay dying on the cave floor. Had he only contacted Anarel because she evoked his name in their fight? Had he heard her, even when his statue wasn't around?
Anarel said she had his protection. Was he here now, watching her, listening?
A sudden touch on her shoulder made her yelp and she spun around, staff raised, expecting the Dread Wolf to loom over her...
But it was just Solas.
"I did not intend to startle you," he said. "You did not hear me calling. Are you... alright?"
Her heart still beating fast, she relaxed the grip on her staff and rested her head against Solas' chest. His familiar scent and warm presence calmed her. "I'm not sure," she replied truthfully.
A hand found its way towards her back. "Did he do anything?"
"Anarel? No..." she said quietly.
Solas gently placed a finger under her chin and lifted her head. "Vhenan?"
A sound to their side made them both turn around to find Loranil standing nearby, a faint blush on his face. "I can come back later, if you want some time alone..."
Ennaly took a step back. "Is something wrong?"
"Not quite," Loranil continued. "My Keeper wanted to talk to you. You know how the summer solstice festival is usually led by the First? Well... Our First, Taven, is away, and Lamaira isn't quite restored from giving birth. Hawen thought... If you'd like, we'd be honoured to have you lead the ceremony."
Well... If she wanted to feel a closer connection to the Dalish again, perhaps this was her chance. Wasn't that why she was here? Smiling, she agreed. She could talk to Solas later.
He let her go reluctantly and Ennaly left with a group of women to follow the customary traditions before ceremonies. The women helped Ennaly bathe and rubbed her skin with fragrant oils. None of them was quite her mother, but they were kind, and she had to accept the fact that her mother would never be able to do this anymore.
Since Ennaly hadn't brought anything, they offered her the appropriate clothes, an undyed linen dress, fastened with woven belts at her waist. To finish, the women braided her hair and intertwined fresh flowers to celebrate the summer.
Meanwhile, the clans finished constructing a large pyre, the centre of their rituals. During the day, the Elves came one by one to say their prayers and enclose a small token as an offering. Those in poor health might wish for strength, a couple might wish to be blessed with a child, and there were always pleas for a prosperous forage.
Ennaly returned just before dinner and was surprised to find Solas among the Elves, engaged in conversation. The moment his eyes fell on her, he detached from the others and whisked her away to the side of an aravel.
"Flowers suit you well, vhenan. You look beautiful," he said as he adjusted the position of a small wildrose. "Are you certain you are alright?"
She could see the concern in his eyes. "This is not the moment to talk," she muttered. "I have to concentrate on this ceremony, and..."
Her voice trailed off. She was scared that if she started now, her emotions would sweep her away and fear would prevent her from performing the ceremony.
"Later?" Solas asked.
"Later," she agreed. But the concern hadn't left his face, and wanting to reassure him, she plucked a flower from her hair, twirled it between her fingers, and placed it behind Solas' ear. "You have to dress up for the occasion."
He smiled, took another flower from her hair, and channelled magic through it to transform it. The flower that emerged was familiar, since he had given it twice before. "If that is true, you have to wear the prettiest flower of all," he said, tucking it behind her ear.
That evening when he first offered it, the night before they kissed, they had been standing near a statue of Fen'Harel. He might just give you flowers in return.
Ennaly felt her smile glide from her face as uncertainty entered her heart again. "Solas? Do you still have that little token that Judy gave us this morning?"
It was rather strange to think that had been the morning of this very day, since it felt like it already spanned a week.
"This one?" Solas said as he took the small wooden token from a pocket, depicting a wolf in front of a tree.
"Yes. I need an offer," she stated and took it from him.
He glanced at her, concerned. "That is your offer?"
Ennaly didn't want to face him, afraid that her fear might surface again if she answered. "Yes," was all she said, before she tip-toed and planted a kiss on his lips. "Try to enjoy this, alright? It's actually a nice ceremony. It was always my favourite."
Like the many Elves before her, she knelt down at the pyre and placed the wooden icon between the twigs. She prayed for understanding, to know what the Dread Wolf wanted from her.
Not long after, it was time to start dinner. The scent of food had been wafting around all afternoon, was presented beautifully on carved wooden dishes and tasted as delicious as it smelled. Each bite Ennaly took was a small memory. Her clan members used to prepare these dishes, and she knew their favourite, made exactly to their liking. It used to be her mother that braided her hair instead of friendly strangers. She would wear the beads she had carved, little prayers of love and luck. She had been so very proud when Ennaly was finally old enough to fully lead the ceremony for the first time when she was fifteen.
Perhaps they would be looking from the beyond, radiating their love from beyond the Veil.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the camp grew hushed with anticipation. Eight large torches were positioned around the centre pyre, still unlit. The silence grew absolute as Keeper Hawen and Keeper Anarel stepped forward, sharing the task between them. Each walked a semi-circle and ignited the torches with a gesture of magic.
Hawen and Anarel finished their circle, signalling the start of Ennaly's solitary journey around the still unlit pyre. She still remembered the steps, and she gracefully spun from torch to torch, her skirt billowing out and the borrowed beads clattering in rhythm to her dance. She paused at each torch and extended her hand to collect a flickering fragment of the flame, guiding them with concentration to hover above the central pyre, patiently awaiting to be united. The hovering ball of fire grew as she glided from torch to torch, chanting a prayer at each passing.
"Elgar'nan, give me strength.
Mythal, clear my heart.
Falon'Din, guide my soul.
Dirthamen, show me wisdom.
Andruil, steady my aim.
Sylaise, warm my home.
June, keep me sharp.
Ghilan'nain, lead my way."
There were only eight torches, and eight lines to speak, and it was finished as she reached the top of the circle again. Her eyes met Anarel's and she could see them filled with religious fervour. Anarel, who had been visited by a wolf in his dreams.
This didn't feel right. Why were there only eight torches, when the one God that still roamed this realm was not included, the God that both she and Anarel had seen, whose name had been mentioned so often, lately? It felt wrong to Ennaly, as if the lack of acknowledgement might invoke wrath, rebel or not. She might have made her private prayer, but that hardly seemed enough. As her right hand kept the ball of fire afloat, she called forth a new flame in her left hand.
"Fen'Harel, grant me mercy."
As her plea echoed through the twilight, fire erupted in her left hand, not normal fire, but tainted green, as if the magic of the Anchor bled through. Surprised, Ennaly realised she had called forth Veilfire. But it was too late, and as she finished her ninth twirl, the emerald flames merged with the ordinary fire, like the eight torches before it.
But the hovering ball rejected it, their essence too different. With a soft hiss, the Veilfire shot up, ascending into the skies like fireworks, exploding into a dazzling rain of sparks. It was Veilfire and it didn't hurt, but at first, the Dalish were taken aback at the unexpected spectacle, before their surprise turned into awe. With a collective gasp, the children jumped up and down into the air, trying to catch the dissipating sparks.
The pyre blazed to life, and with crackling force, the flames swallowed the offers, and sound filled the once-silent clearing. The Dalish chanted, took their instruments and laughter rang in the air.
But it wasn't all laughter. A strange hush washed over the Elves, wondering why the strange Lavellan First had invoked their God of betrayal during such a holy ceremony, had caused them fright with her green flames. Her eyes met Anarel's, and he nodded at her before a nearby Elf grabbed his arm for a fast-paced dance.
Ennaly stared at the flames. As a merry chaos erupted around her, there was only one sight that kept her entranced. Within the fire was a wolf, its gaze fixed on her, waiting with patient anticipation, like it was beckoning her closer.
She gasped again as something touched her shoulder, and for the second time today, she realised it was no wolf, but Solas. Her heart still racing, she turned her head back to flames.
But the wolf was gone, nothing more than a figment of her imagination. The only sight greeting her were flames and the silhouette of the dancing Elves in front of it. She felt a stranger amidst them, like she was a spirit, floating alongside but not with.
"Vhenan?" Solas asked again.
She turned back to him and grasped his hand. "Let's talk." She navigated their way through the sea of Elves, but they stepped away from her with strange expressions on their faces, and soon they walked through the desolated outskirts of the camp. The cheer slowly faded into the distance, overtaken by the buzz of crickets and night-time insects. She continued further, until she found a natural incline between some rock formations, flanked by tall trees.
She released Solas' hand and took a deep breath. Focus on your surroundings, her late Keeper always said. It was a cloudless, balmy night with many stars shining down upon them. The insects were a more peaceful tune than the loud music and laughter of the Elves. With a deep breath, she drew on magic from her core to call forth flames, little dancing lights to illuminate the clearing.
This time she didn't startle as Solas drew nearer, for she was perfectly aware of his presence, calm and comforting.
"This has been quite a day," he said quietly, his hands resting on the small of her back.
"It has," she murmured in response. She leaned back and absentmindedly started to play with the leather cord of his amulet. "Earlier today, I stood next to Briala when she activated the Eluvian. She said something right before it started to ripple, and I believe I heard it again when she closed the mirror after we passed through. Fen'Harel enansal. The Dread Wolf's blessing. What does that mean, do you think?"
He stared at her with unseen eyes, still holding onto her as moments passed by. He did not move, as if he was frozen in time.
"Solas?" Ennaly asked, confused.
He exhaled, shook his head slightly, released his hold on her and took a step back. He stared to the side, to one of the dancing flames. "It must have been a password," he stated. Whatever mood had passed over him, had not yet left him.
"Why that phrase, though? It seems so odd."
"It is certainly unexpected."
She took a step closer. "I don't think I was supposed to hear it." She paused, still confused by Solas' current demeanour. "Solas, is something wrong?" At those words, he turned to her, but as she took another step closer, he took a small step back. And slowly, fear and unease began to overtake her. "Solas, please?"
Her plea shook him out of his contemplations and he took a deep breath. "I am sorry," he apologised and took a step closer to her. "This day was... I had never expected to travel through the Eluvians like this, and then to see all those bodies..." His voice quieted to a whisper, so soft that Ennaly wasn't sure if she heard it at all. "What a terrible mistake."
Glad that he was talking again, she embraced him and put her head on his chest. His arms wrapped around her and for a moment, she felt safe, grounded again. "I wasn't supposed to call on Fen'Harel during the ritual."
"I thought as much," Solas whispered in response.
She couldn't face him, afraid that he might think her silly. "Anarel said all these things. A wolf that visited his dreams. He said I have his protection. That I was chosen. But I wasn't. This was an accident."
She leaned back and held up the Anchor between them. Green light illuminated their faces in the darkness. Solas remained silent, his eyes fixed on her hand. A shiver passed over Ennaly. It wasn't a cold shiver, since the evening was still warm and balmy. Shaking it away, she pressed herself close to Solas, and stared up at his face.
"Solas?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I am scared."
The dancing lights reflected in his eyes as his expression slowly changed. Shock, guilt, distress. It was as if her confession released his greatest fear. He cradled her face and gently wiped stray hairs behind her ears. "No, Ennaly," he murmured quietly. "You don't have to be afraid. There is nothing to be scared of. I am here. You have my protection. I will not let anything happen to you."
A small tense laugh escaped her as she sniffled. "I don't think even you can stand up to a God."
Solas' expression grew serious, and for a moment he stood frozen, looking at her with unseen eyes. A spike of power emanated from him, the ripple causing the hovering flames to dance and flicker.
"Solas?" Ennaly asked, almost a plea. She raised her hand to cup his cheek, hoping to alleviate any fear her words might have unintentionally caused.
At the sound of his name, he stirred, and the flickering flames reflecting in his eyes echoed a burning flame within him. He wrapped his arms around her, protective, strong. "Ennaly, for you, I would stand up to anything."
He said it so genuinely that Ennaly didn't doubt the words. She smiled and tenderly moved her hand to the back of his neck. "That sounds like a sure way to get yourself killed. I would rather keep you close to me." She leaned in to plant a small kiss on his lips. "You're my safe space," she muttered, parting briefly before she resumed her kiss.
It took Solas a moment to respond, but when he did, he clutched her close against him like a lifeline. Slowly, the fear melted away, to be replaced by a sense of safety in this serene clearing.
"I love you," she breathed, their lips parting. "Today is the day of change, but that remains the same."
Emotions lingered in his eyes that Ennaly could not decipher. "I love you too, vhenan," he replied sincerely, caressing her face.
She kissed his fingers and they traced her lips. "I don't want to feel afraid anymore, and I still want to enjoy the summer solstice." Wanting to feel at peace again, she took a deep breath and extended her hand. "Dance with me."
Solas smiled, and it washed away all his lingering doubt and unease. He took her hand and spun her graciously as she had twirled around the pyre. After several steps, Ennaly broke away, a mischievous grin spreading across her lips. "Did you see the skies? Both moons are above the horizon."
He gazed upwards, seeing the crescent moons shining down upon them through the stone pillars and fir trees. When he returned his gaze to Ennaly, she was untying the belts at her waist. "We can't let Dorian down, can we?" she teased.
Uncertainly, Solas kept his eyes on her. For a moment, Ennaly expected him to decline and she halted her undressing. A few seconds later, Solas' smile grew devious and he unclasped his own belt. "I suppose we cannot."
He removed his amulet from his neck and the smooth bone shimmered, reflecting the light of the flickering flames. It drew Ennaly's eyes, and curiously, she realised it was yet another symbol of a wolf.
But then they were both naked and Solas took her hand to continue their dance, all wolves forgotten, as the summer solstice crept towards midnight.