#All positive opinions on these poor excuses for tiny fruit are wrong

[miz-orque]

This is an anti-raspberry blog.

[ahrorha]

Flame of Winter

Chapter 12

“Just a little more to the right.” together with Iron Bull and a couple of others Solas heaved the big heavy table into the rotunda. He had decided to turn the room into his study. He had convinced Josephine, who managed and oversaw the reconstruction efforts of Skyhold, that it was perfect for his research being so close to the library. What he didn't tell her, that the main reason he had chosen it, was to be accessible to his agents. They had successfully infiltrated the ranks of the Inquisition the last couple of months. Acting as servants, messengers or even spies for Leliana, who had taken her station in the rookery above him. It would be easy for them to pass him reports and messages and have in return his own smuggled out undetected. After all that happened, he couldn't longer rely solely on his dream communications with his key-agents. He needed to get his word out on a larger scale. 

Satisfied about his workspace Solas spread out his reports, books, letters and maps. There was much work to be done, things needed to change. He had greatly underestimated Corypheus, one of many miscalculations he made. The defeat and desperation, he had felt after his escape from Haven was a humbling experience and one he couldn't afford to happen again. Also, he had misjudged the people living in this world. A few months ago, he wouldn't have spared a second thought for them in his plans to take down the Veil and restore the world. He had only seen the ignorance and barbarism of lesser people. Now he lived as an apostate amongst them this had changed. He began to see their lives, their joys and sorrows, their determination, their hopes and dreams. He was even starting to form friendships with some of them. It didn't change that what was unavoidable or what must be done, but it was adding weight to the burden he already carried. .

His eyes scanned the different maps in front of him. All his knowledge and centuries of experience hadn't prevented his mistakes, but if he had learned one thing during the ages, it was patience. Yes, patience was the key. He needed more information about this world, needed to better understand the different mechanisms, the people, the various groups of power and their potential reactions and threat to his plans. He had underestimated their will to live, to fight. Not that they could prevent the inevitable, but he needed to be several steps ahead of them so he could react faster. But first things first, the threats to the common people should be erased. They shouldn't suffer unnecessarily from the mistakes he had made. They should be able to live relatively peaceful for the time that was left. The Inquisition could fulfil this role as protector and provider, even when this meant to spread the Chantry's doctrine in the process. Their current policy of supporting the common people suited his plans even more. Elves were, as always, largely overlooked in their support or were even threatened to cooperate. They wouldn't benefit much from the Inquisitions call for justice and freedom, but the message was a strong one. To work and fight against the oppression, to band together in this time of need. Recruitment for his own cause would be ripe for the picking. It was time he learned more about the elves of this era. If Eirlana and some of the other elves he had met were any indication, he had judged them too quickly and harshly after he had awoken. Also, he needed to study the Veil. What had influenced it over the centuries, its effects on the waking world and the Fade. With the Anchor lost, for now, he needed to study, and process a plan to take the Veil down even without the Anchor. With new determination, Solas took his quill and began to write his orders and new directions. . Enjoying the fresh evening breeze, Eirlana walked back to Skyhold. She had visited the makeshift clinic outside its walls and had stayed much longer than she planned. On her way up to the fortress, she needed to catch her breath several times. Her body felt drained and weak. It reminded her she needed to recuperate more from her own illness. Taking a short rest, she looked up at the fortress. It had only been two weeks since their arrival, and already it had changed dramatically. A lot of the rubble had been cleared, roofs fixed and a crew of masons was now working feverishly on repairing its walls. Slowly Skyhold turned into a functioning base. The gears of the Inquisition were turning again and wagons with supplies, new recruits and volunteers arrived daily. With newfound determination, everyone was gathering and uniting under the banner of the Inquisition, to fight against the evil Corypheus stood for. Though Eirlana wasn't feeling much of the hope or faith, the others felt. Rather it was the opposite, she was worried how things were developing. It began the day Ryan was made the Inquisitor, their official leader. They had only been a couple of days in the fortress. Riddled with fever, she leant against Solas to hear Ryan's speech. What he said was not a surprise. He would serve his faith and would lead the Inquisition true to Andraste's teachings and the Chantry's beliefs. It was the reactions of the crowd, their cheers and devotion, that ran as a freezing chill through her. With Ryan's opinion about magic and the heavy presence of templars it already wasn't easy to be a mage within the Inquisition. Now it was known, that they were fighting against an ancient magister, with Tevinter followers and former Circle mages, wielding a magical orb of Elvhen origin. It strengthened and confirmed the prejudice and fear the people had about mages and magic. With the rebellion and the mage-templar war in the background, the future of magic-users and elves looked even bleaker than ever. The path the Inquisition was now on, could lead to a dark future for her and everyone like her. She wasn't alone with her thoughts, she felt Solas stiffen as Ryan spoke. She knew he shared her concerns.

.

Walking through the courtyard, Skyhold was settling down for the night. Training sessions ended, weapons were set aside, soldiers went to wash, smiths and workers lay down their tools, women were serving out stew and bread. Greeted by a few people Eirlana made her way to the rotunda. She found Solas at a desk writing, surrounded by papers and opened books. On the edge of the table was a plate of bread and fruit hardly touched. She shook her head and smiled, seeing him so focused, forgetting the world around him. When she walked closer, she saw a templar patrolling the library above them. Keeping an eye on the mages studying there, to keep them safe. She was glad that Adan had banned them from the clinic after she and a few other healers became nervous by their presence. As of yet she and Solas had been spared the honour of their security. It was one of the advantages of being part of the inner circle of the Inquisition.

“Solas, you have been here for hours.”

He looked up when Eirlana touched his shoulder lightly, bringing with her the scent of healing herbs and salves. “You were at the clinic this whole time?” he said concerned.

“We both need to watch our working habits.” she smiled. “What are you doing?” she leant forward, studying the map with different markers and dates written on it.

Solas watched her, her eyes shining with interest. To his relief she looked a lot better, the dark circles under her eyes had vanished, her pale skin had regained some of its colour. But he couldn't help but feeling worried, the memory of him waking up next to her shivering was still fresh.

.

It was in the early morning when Solas awoke. Only a few noises could be heard outside, most people yet asleep after their exhausting long journey to Skyhold. Half asleep, he closed his eyes and turned around to find a more comfortable position. He could feel Eirlana lying curled up next to him.

Memories of what happened between them last night flooded his mind. With mixed feelings of warmth and apprehension, he opened his eyes. What had he done?

In an instant, he was wide awake when he noticed her shivering. Touching her forehead, he felt she was warm with fever. Her breath sounded raspy, her lungs struggling for air. Draping his blanket around her to keep her warmer, he rushed outside to get fresh water and medicine.

.

“One moment Chuckles. I need to have a word with you.”

Solas met Varric at the gates. Feeling irritated about the delay, he snapped. “Not now! Varric.”

Varric raised his eyebrows, surprised by Solas' tone. “What's wrong?”

Not ten minutes later Varric and Iron Bull were helping him cleaning out the room, collecting elfroot and firewood. Solas was grateful for their help. Eirlana in the meanwhile sat huddled in a corner, a little drowsy and coughing. They made quite a racket, throwing rubble and broken furniture down into the gardens. Dorian, who had slept next door, looked around the corner, wondering what all this bustling was about. It was far too early in his opinion.

“Excuse me. May I suggest getting her out into the sun. With the dust you are whirling up, no wonder the poor thing is coughing her lungs out.” Dorian waved his hand in front of his face to make a point.

Reluctantly Solas saw him taking Eirlana outside. He didn't know if he could trust this newest addition to the Inquisition.

It took them only two hours, to make the room livable. It was scrubbed clean, blankets aired out, a brew of fresh elfroot was cooling off, and Eirlana lay bundled up on the field bed Varric had arranged. They were all dusty and sweaty from their task.

Varric grunted and wiped off his forehead. “Five sovereigns for the one who can get me a warm bath.”

“I can throw you in the snow.” Iron Bull suggested with a grin.

“You Qunari have clearly another definition of warm Tiny. It explains why you run around half naked all the time.”

Iron Bull played with his eyebrows and flexed his muscles. “Trust me not everyone is complaining about it.” He gave Dorian suggestive look.

Dorian looked quickly away muttering “Barbarian” under his breath.

A warm bath? The dwarf deserved another credit Solas thought. That was exactly what Eirlana needed. “Gentlemen, if you please would follow me.”

Varric and Iron Bull looked at each other puzzled. Bull shrugged before following Solas down into the courtyard. They walked into one of the smaller buildings filled with rubble.

“Don't tell me you want to have this cleaned out as well.” Varric sighed.

Climbing over a fallen beam, Solas found what he was looking for. “Not entirely master Tethras, not yet.” He tried to open a rather large door at the far end of the room. “We need to get this open.”

Iron Bull shoved some of the clutter out of the way. “Here, let me try.” He pushed and pulled at the door with little effect. “Do you really want to get this open?” Solas nodded. Iron Bull scratched the base of his horn. “Alright. Wait here, I get the Chargers.” With their help, the path to the door was quickly cleared, and the dwarf Rocky had an excellent idea for opening the door.

.

Left behind Dorian and Eirlana got curious where the others had gone to. They went looking and found them walking in and out of the small building. Sitting down on the wall of the upper courtyard they watched them. Suddenly there was an explosion, and big clouds of dust blasted out of the damaged building. Alarmed people came running from all sides, some had drawn their weapons fearing another attack. Varric, Solas, Iron Bull and the Chargers came outside coughing, completely covered in grey-white dust. The Chargers were laughing and cheering, giving Rocky pets on his back, whirling even more dust into the air. It was a very amusing scene.

“Now that's a sight.” Dorian started laughing, followed by Eirlana and several soldiers around them.

Solas spotted her laughing and coughing, wiping tears from her eyes. It was the first time he saw her laughing so freely, and it was the most beautiful thing he had seen in ages. In a few paces, he was beside her, pulling her up into his arms.

“Solas no, stay away from me.” she shrieked joyful, trying to free herself from his dusty grasp.

Iron Bull nudged Varric. “Told you, they just needed some time.”

“WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!” Cassandra shouted. Everything fell silent around her. She stared venomously at Varric and the Chargers still standing in front of the building.

Varric raised his hands in defence. “Don't look at me Seeker. I have no clue. You have to ask Chuckles.”

Her eyes immediately shot in Solas' direction.

“I can explain.” he took Eirlana by her hand. “If you would follow me.”

What was left of the door, hung on the warped hinges. Behind it, stairs let down into the mountain. Solas summoned a light to show the way. After a few steps, they could hear running water. The stairs ended in an open cavern with a small underground lake, fed by an underground stream. The excess water spilt out over the edge, creating a waterfall. Next to it, lay several stone pools, filled with steaming hot water bubbling from a hot spring. Structures of several baths filled the cave, along with mouldy wooden screens, broken pipes, rotted benches and moth-eaten curtains.

“I'll be damned.” Varric broke the silence. Grinning, he took his pouch. “Here Chuckles a deal is a deal.” and pressed five sovereigns in his hand.

.

Leaning over the table, Eirlana saw the reports of rifts discovered. She studied the map where Solas had marked them down, several were circled, others were connected by lines. Solas had marked them with dates and short descriptions. History books lay open with several bookmarks between the pages. As far as she could tell, he was trying to link historical events to the locations where the rifts had opened. It looked like there was a connection between great events in the past and the appearance of the rifts. Leaning closer, she traced their travels, marked by a path of closed rifts. Written down, the scale of the problem looked enormous. The ones they had closed a mere drop on a hot stone. How many more were there or hadn't even been discovered yet?

“There are so many of them.” she mumbled.

She traced one of the lines. “Solas I can help you with these.”

She looked over her shoulder and saw his mind had wandered off. “Solas?”

He blinked a few times before she had his attention.

“I am sorry.” a smile formed on his lips. “Your presence is distracting.”

The warm look he gave her made her body tingle, a slight blush crept onto her cheeks. Solas leant forward, trapping her in his arms and pulled her on his lap. He was relieved her health had dramatically improved with rest and care, but he couldn't help worrying. Her body and physique were so different from his own. “What did you say vhenan?” he kissed her shoulder.

.

Eirlana needed a moment, cursing at herself for the fear and panic she felt as he pulled her into his arms. She exhaled and let her body relax against his warm chest.

“I said that I can help you with these dates. You are going to investigate those locations in the Fade, aren't you? You are trying to find a cause why these rifts are appearing in these places.”

Solas' eyes shone with admiration, during the day others had criticised his work. Dismissed the significance of plotting out the past against the locations of the rifts. They questioned why it was relevant or that they just needed to focus on the closing of the existing rifts, whatever the cause. He felt pride that she understood what he was trying to do. She was so much more than he could ever hoped for, her spirit bright, her instincts sharp, her intelligence shining in this dark world. Her very existence seemed impossible, yet here she was defying everything he thought he knew about this era.

.

Solas stretched his neck, brushing the tip of his nose against her sensitive ear shell. Eirlana inhaled sharply at the sudden contact and shied away, shivering lightly. She turned her head towards him, smiling shyly. Her small nervous gestures, the warm look in her eyes, her tongue wetting her lips, they were calling out to Solas, luring him. He slid his fingers into her hair, curling them around the back of her head and pulled her closer. His lips graced over hers giving her time to pull away. When she didn't resist his touch he captured her lips again, kissing her tenderly. His tongue darted out, teasing her lips. Timidly Eirlana parted them, giving him access. Solas let out a soft groan and deepened the kiss, feeling her warmth, tasting her sweetness.

Eirlana's heart soared by his sudden affection, her body shuddered as their kiss deepened. Aside from soft touches, they hadn't done much after they acknowledged their feelings for each other. His sudden passion took her by surprise. She could feel the vibrations in his chest as he softly groaned, it made her hum in response. She enjoyed the tenderness of his touch. It felt strange, yet natural, not forced upon or compulsory demanded from her. It was her own free will that gave and took.

For a moment Solas forgot all his troubles. He knew it was selfish of him, but he couldn't resist the feelings she ignited in him. She was too warm, too sweet, too bright. His passion for her was growing, it washed over him and made him feel alive like never before.

.

The doors to the rotunda burst open with a crash. Startled Solas and Eirlana broke apart, catching their breaths. Varric stormed inside, muttering curses, looking angry and grim. They both looked puzzled at each other, they hadn't seen Varric so mad before. Freeing herself from Solas' arms, Eirlana stood up. “Varric? What's wrong?”

Varric took a deep breath, calming himself down. “It's nothing.” he frowned. “I just have survived a pissed off Cassandra and his Inquisitorialness.” His voice was loaded with malice. “Damn it! Why of all the things that could have knocked at our door it had to be Corypheus?”

For a moment Varric was silent, hoping he hadn't just made his biggest mistake in his life. When he looked up and saw their worried looks, he let out a deep sigh. Judging by their stares, he had to be a sore sight for eyes, but that wasn't important at the moment.

“Hey, are you guys free this evening?” he asked them with a sad smile. “I want to have a few drinks with Hawke, and I could use some friendly company before he has to take off again.”

Solas had heard rumours and grand stories about Hawke and his dealings with Corypheus. This could be valuable information he needed. He nodded towards Eirlana. “Varric, of course, we will join you.”

.

A few hours later Solas and Eirlana entered one of the empty towers. Varric had managed to change it into a cosy gathering. Two braziers were burning in the room providing a comfortable warmth. Crates and blankets lay spread out in a circle serving as tables and chairs. Iron Bull and some of the Chargers already had opened a keg of beer and were passing around the drinks. Varric sat next to a man that had to be Hawke. He was a broad-shouldered man with a dark, full beard and messy hair. His bright blue eyes were sharp but twinkling with curiosity as they joined the circle.

“Hawke, these are Solas and Eirlana. A couple of not so crazy mages.” Varric introduced them. Solas felt a small sting. If they knew the truth about him, they would name him differently.

Hawke's face was marked by scars, small furrows and wrinkles, there was a lasting sadness and weariness in his eyes as he smiled at them. Evidently, he hadn't lived an easy life.

“Welcome.” he greeted them with a warm voice. “Any friend of Varric is a friend of mine.”

It didn't take long before laughter and talking filled the room. Varric and Hawke telling stories of their adventures and misadventures. How they had met, the first time Hawke visited the Blooming Rose, how they tricked slavers, smugglers and templars, the crazy bar fights and how often Fenris won at Wicked Grace. Varric told Hawke how Eirlana almost stripped Cullen out of his knickers at her first game. Hawke couldn't believe it, and Eirlana started blushing fiercely with everyone's attention on her. Iron Bull and Krem jumped in on the tale, describing in great detail Cullen's awkward moment.

Hawke had to catch his breath from laughter. “I would pay to see that.” he wheezed.

“Oh, I am planning to lure Curly into another game. Just wait and let me work my magic.” Varric grinned.

As the hours went by the Chargers left, and the talks turned more serious. Feeling sleepy Eirlana leant against Solas, enjoying his warmth. She listened as they talked about Corypheus. How Hawke had found him, bound by some sort of bloodmagic. How he seemed crazy and disoriented, thinking that it was still the era of the Imperium. How they had killed him after a long battle, leaving his cold death body in the underground prison.

Solas listened thoughtfully. It was troublesome Corypheus had survived that encounter and the explosion of magical energy at the conclave. His mind raced over the possibilities, his survival could point to one thing, and he hoped he was wrong. He had always assumed the taint and the magical stasis Corypheus was kept in had prolonged his life. Now it was possible the crazed magister had uncovered some form of immortality. A corrupted one, judging by the state of his mind and body. The effects could be unpredictable and potentially unstable. What kind of foul magic had mankind developed out of the ruins of the People? And how was it all connected?

Dawn arrived too soon and with it, Hawke's departure. He would scout ahead for the Inquisitor and contact his friend within the Wardens. A part of Solas regretted that Hawke was leaving. He wanted to know more about the magic that had bound Corypheus and the method of his imprisonment. Hopefully, he would have another chance to talk to him. Aside from the information, Hawke's observant, easygoing and humorous nature made for a pleasant change compared to the many other humans he had to deal with. Hawke rode out at first light, after giving Varric one last bear hug.

.

The Inquisitor and his advisors hustled the next two days, to get everything ready for their departure to Crestwood. It was decided Solas would join the team. Cassandra insisted on bringing a healer after Ryan had returned wounded from a scout mission a few days earlier. Blackwall and Sera would also join them. Eirlana would stay behind this time, giving her more time to recover.

While Varric complained, he wasn't going, Solas wasn't thrilled to go. The choice of companionship would make this a tiring experience. He also felt reluctant to leave Eirlana behind, and that worried him. His primal possessive instincts were resurfacing more rapidly than he expected. Especially after he overheard Cullen talking with her the other day, asking after her well-being. He recognised the look Cullen gave her, and it made him want to snarl as jealousy swept over him.

'Back off! She is mine!' the wolf in him growled. He was startled by his own thoughts.

'How is she yours?' He argued with himself. They had kissed, so what? He had kissed so many others in the past. Women had come and gone in his life with the passing of time. Often he didn't even notice their departure. This jealousy and possessiveness he felt was dangerous and selfish. Even if he cared about her, he had to control his emotions. He couldn't afford to act impulsively, to much was at stake. His role within the Inquisition was a calculated one. If he started to act on his true feelings, all would be in peril. It would only complicate his plans in the long run. He sighed inwardly, he really was too used to do what he wanted. Maybe being away from her for a time was for the best. It would give him the opportunity to recollect himself, regain control of his emotions and refocus on that what was important.

.

It was early in the morning when Solas and the others were preparing to depart.

“Solas?”

He turned around. “Vhenan.”

Eirlana stepped closer and took hold of his hands. “Have a safe journey, please be careful.” she leaned towards his ear and whispered in elven. “And good luck with them.” hinting at his companions.

Solas huffed a laugh at her remark. He brushed her cheek before he pressed a kiss on her forehead.

“I will vhenan. Promise me to get well.”

“Bleeeeeeeh. Can you please stop with all this mushy stuff, mister elven glory?” Sera interrupted them.

Ignoring Sera, Solas pressed his forehead against Eirlana's and let out a small sigh before he got on his horse and followed the others out the gates. This would be a couple of long weeks.

Eirlana watched them until they disappeared into the distance. It would be a new experience spending her time without Solas. Aside from her feelings for him, his presence and guidance had become an anchor in her life. A life that still felt strange, even after all these months. He made her feel safe and secure in this world. Looking around, she felt vulnerable, alone with her opinions and views. Shaking off her discomfort she walked towards the library, she needed to become stronger and learn to live her life on her own feet.