I kicked off my boots at the water's edge and brushed my sweat-soaked hair out of my face. I sat on a flattish rock near a waterfall that dumped liquid into a decent sized pool. Cullen had soldiers guarding the lake's borders and scouts had said the water was clean and clear of any dangerous critters. Which meant it was time for a much needed bath. I was sure I smelled like the backside of a halla right now.

We were in Crestwood for a mission with Varric's friend Hawke. I had had to separate Cassandra from Varric when she found out about Hawke, but they were both calmed down by now. Hawke's friend, Loghain, had said a lot about the Grey Wardens–none of it good. To think that every Grey Warden was feeling their deaths and that Corypheus was even capable of such a feat. We needed to speak to Warden Commander Clarel and pray that she listened to us about Corypheus. I grimaced and let loose an annoyed huff.

I groaned as I reached my arms over my head, stretching out my sore muscles to their full extent. I stripped off my armor, grumbling at the numerous straps, and freed my limbs from my clothes until I stood on the bank in my underclothes. I inhaled the night air deeply, relishing in the smell of our nearby campfire.

Timidly, I dipped a foot in the lake's waters and shivered when the crisp liquid met my skin. The roar of the waterfall was rhythmic and pulled me forward like a moth to a flame. I stepped deeper into the water until my hips were covered. I hugged myself and lifted my head to the moon that hung in the sky above us; it was massive tonight, shining all of its light down on the Hinterlands. Stars speckled the clear sky and shimmered as if they were breathing–in and out.

It was calm.

This moment of calm felt like a wild card in all the chaos of the world. I dipped my hands down into the water until I had a decent cup between my palms. Then I brought the liquid up to and splashed my face. I sputtered slightly when the chilly water met the sensitive skin of my face, but it felt refreshing nonetheless.

A twig snapped and I glanced over my shoulder. A small smile pulled my lips up as the moonlight exposed Solas on the side of the bank near my clothes.

"You showed up," I said with a laugh.

He had a hand over his mouth and his eyes were looking anywhere but at me. Most adorably though, his ears were burning red, the sight of which made my heart clench.

"I did not know you would be…I apologize…I should not have come," he rambled.

I glanced down at myself. I was decently exposed, but I wasn't naked. Was the sight of my body really such a thing to make this man blush?

When he moved to back away, I rushed forward as if I could grab him even though a considerable distance separated us. "Don't go."

"Vhenan, you are…"

"Come here," I demanded.

Solas let out a strangled sound and finally his eyes met mine.

"Come here," I said again, more forcefully this time. I crooked a finger at him, motioning for him to step in the water.

Solas released a shaky sigh and began stripping down to his underthings. I would be a liar if I said I didn't watch with keen interest. Solas was not a large physical presence by any means, but his entire body was lithe–wired with muscle and smooth skin. His chest was smooth planes of sharp muscle and his hands were strong and agile as he removed his clothes. When he was in nothing but his underwear, he turned his face away from me again.

"Are you sure, vhenan?"

"It's just a bath, Solas," I said innocently.

"You're wicked," he hissed through clenched teeth.

I laughed, tossing my head back with mirth. The dynamic in our relationship had never been shifted so much in my favor and it was invigorating. His awkwardness was only egging me further on.

"Don't be silly. Come here." I turned away from him, sure that he would step into the water after me.

I tried to scrub away most of the grime while I waited. I even sank deeper into the water to rinse the sweat from my hair. By the time Solas appeared at my side, I was somewhat clean. Or at least I didn't smell like a creature.

Solas's ears were still burning when I turned to face him. It was so adorable I felt my heart race in my chest, my fingers twitching with anticipation. I stepped up to him carefully, as if I would spook him at any moment.

I wrapped my arms loosely around his neck, my fingers tangling behind him. "See, nothing to fear here."

Solas's gaze slid to me and I went breathless for a moment when I spied the longing there. It mirrored my own. My grin slipped for a moment as we stood face-to-face, our breathing and the sound of the waterfall the only sound between us.

He sucked in a ragged breath and I closed the distance immediately. I touched my lips to his chest, the base of his neck, the edge of his sharp jaw. He tilted his head back, allowing me to explore further. I kissed the underside of his chin and sucked his earlobe between my lips.

Solas cursed in elven and he brought a hand to cover his face, his throat bobbing as he swallowed.

The effect I had over him was intoxicating. I could lap this up all night and still feel at my utmost tomorrow.

When I reached a hand up to swipe my fingertips across his chest, Solas captured my wrist gently. He brought my hand to his lips and brushed soft kisses on each of my fingertips. I giggled against the sensation and pressed my own lips to the hollow of his throat.

We stayed like that, timidly exploring one another until I had had enough. I turned his face toward mine and kissed him feverishly. He returned my kiss with equal fervor, a soft moan escaping his throat as I traced my fingers down his spine slowly. He arched into me and I smiled against our kiss, loving the reaction.

I pressed my hands to his lower back, guiding his hips toward mine. Solas broke away, pushing me back by my shoulders.

"Why do you pull away," I whispered, afraid that speaking too loud would push him away further.

"I…" he seemed at a loss for words.

I let loose a small sigh with a smile on my face. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"You do not make me uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, actually," he replied quietly.

I held out my hand and he took it. I led him over to the waterfall and slipped behind its falling waters. There was a small space between the water and the rocky cliff that it tumbled over. Just enough space for us to fit closely. I pulled him into me and placed my hands around his waist.

"There, the world cannot see us. We are alone," I said.

Solas chuckled softly and pressed his forehead to mine. "You are adorable."

I kissed the tip of his nose and pressed a hand to the side of his face. Solas's smile vanished as he leaned his face into my palm, his eyes closing as if he were relishing the feeling. My heart stuttered at the sight and in the moment I felt that I would give this man anything he asked for.

"Ar lath ma, vhenan," I declared quietly but purposefully.

Solas's eyes opened and met mine, he looked as if he might weep. "It has been so long."

"Since?"

"Since someone has touched me with kindness."

My thudding heart shattered and my grin slipped from my face. "Solas…" words failed me.

Instead I brought my lips to his in a gentle kiss, no meaning behind it other than to convey my love.

Solas's hands found my waist and he bent down until his chin was nestled between my shoulder and neck. "You are my home, vhenan," he breathed.

I blushed furiously and stroked his back as soothingly as I could.

"What kind of life have you led if this amount of kindness reduces you to this?" I jested without much bite.

I pressed my lips to his temple and whispered words my Keeper used to utter when I was in the clutches of despair.

"I have not always been kind, so I'm afraid kindness has been rightfully denied me," came Solas's answer.

I furrowed my brow. My perception of Solas was that he was distant and aloof, but never malicious. Could I be wrong? He was basically telling me as much.

"The man I know is deserving of kindness," I whispered finally.

"The man you know is…" Solas sighed and pressed his lips to my neck. "Forgive me. I must go."

"Did I…say something wrong?"

"No, vhenan. You say such fantastic words. I don't know if I can handle hearing them."

"Then I won't speak. Just please don't go," I pleaded.

Solas looked as if he wanted to run away, but he stayed put and wrapped his arms tighter around my middle. "You may speak, my heart. I would never tell you not to."

"Sometimes I feel like you might slip through my grip at any moment," I murmured.

"And if I do?"

"Don't make me think of such a thing," I chastised. "Please stay with me at least for this moment."

"I'm right here, vhenan," he murmured.

I thought to ask him about himself again, to beg him to open up fully and release the information I wanted to know. Instead, I said, "Do you like music?"

"What an odd question," Solas said with a startled laugh.

"Answer me," I prodded, playfully splashing him with chilly water.

"I love music."

"Have you heard the song about the Empress? I love to hear that in the tavern when I visit. Do you have a song you love?"

"You would not know it. I'm afraid it has fallen out of fashion."

I laughed. "You make yourself sound ancient."

"I feel ancient at times," he replied, with a lilt of humor in his voice.

In one swooping motion, Solas had scooped me up by the thighs and lifted me. I instinctively wrapped my legs around his hips and my arms around his neck. I immediately placed a kiss to his neck and bit softly at the tender flesh.

"You will be the death of me, vhenan," he groaned.

"I like to think of me more as your salvation," I teased.

He huffed before kissing me. I returned it easily and felt my heart swell with love.