#Him laughing after the Adelaide song is genuinely one of my favorite moments in the show

[dancingdaffodils08]

EVERYONE SHUT UP A NEW WIRT LAUGH JUST DROPPED

[fallinallincurls]

Home Again

this is SO much fluff, but warms my heart

word count: 2.8k

~~~~~

"I'm getting in the car right now Aaliyah! I'll be there soon." A light giggle escaped my lips as I unlocked Shawn's jeep and opened the driver's side door, stepping up carefully into the car.

"Finally! It only took you forever," Aalyiah joked, her beautiful smile evident in her words. "But in all seriousness, how are you?" She asked, her tone becoming concerned as she waited for my response. Closing the door and sticking the keys in the ignition, I thought about it for a moment before speaking.

"If I'm 100 percent honest, not too great but it's alright. It seems to get harder and harder not to miss him every time we get off FaceTime, ya know? We're going on almost seven months apart and it just sucks." I admitted with a light sigh.

"I love you, okay? We all miss him but I know it's especially hard for you. I'll see you soon though. Mum is making the best brunch yet so you better be hungry." Aaliyah reassured me before laughing airily.

"I love you too, Liyah. See you soon." We both said goodbye and the call ended, the loud city noises filling the car. Since we started dating four years ago, every Sunday when Shawn was on tour, I've gone over to the Mendes' for brunch. It began as an accident one day when I showed up on their front porch crying so hard I could barely breathe because I missed of how much I missed Shawn. Karen pulled me inside immediately and made brunch for everyone and it quickly became a tradition. I looked forward to the family brunches more than anything when Shawn was away not only because I loved spending time with his family, but because they were as close to him as I could get when he was across the world.

Turning the key in the ignition, the Jeep roared to life and I hooked my phone up to the aux cord to play the newest playlist Shawn had made me. The familiar tune of "Still In Love" by Thirdstory started playing and after securing my seatbelt, I pulled out of the parking garage and onto the bright Toronto streets.

Shawn had been on tour since March, embarking on his longest and biggest world tour yet. I couldn't be any prouder of him for what was to come and what he had already accomplished, but both of us knew how hard it would be to be apart for so long. Over endless FaceTime calls, sometimes lasting every minute of his days off, constant texts and surprise gifts we sent each other, our love was only growing and the pain of missing each other seemed to not exist in those moments we spent with each other over different timezones.

Turning onto Adelaide Street, I began singing along to the song while keeping my eyes on the road, looking for the exit to Pickering. The perfect autumn weather settled over the city and I couldn't help the small smile that appeared on my lips. It was my favorite season even though the weather in Canada started to get colder on the first day of October. Flicking my blinker on to change lanes to catch the right exit, the music stopped playing abruptly instead being replaced with the loud, familiar ringing of an incoming call. Not bothering to check the caller ID, I pressed the accept button on the screen on the dashboard.

"Hello?" I questioned, brows furrowing a little as both my hands returned to the steering wheel.

"Hey babygirl! How are you?" Shawn exclaimed sweetly, nothing but happiness evident in his words. My heart soared with pure love just at the sound of his voice.

"Hi Shawn," I let out a light giggle as a soft smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "I'm alright, what about you?"

"Mmm, I'm okay. Better now that I'm talking to my girl. You're going to brunch, I'm guessing?" Shawn asked even though he knew every Sunday included brunch with his family. I nodded before I realized he couldn't see me.

"You already knew that, but yes I am. What are you up to, love?" The question fell off my lips with genuine curiosity. Every city was different and hearing Shawn get all excited when he talked about his tour adventures made me so incredibly happy.

"Nothing really. It's almost midnight here so I'm all snuggled up in bed watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine and missing you. Did you watch the new episode yesterday?" Shawn explained, a hint of sadness in his voice now.

"I did. You were FaceTiming me during it, duh." I joked playfully and Shawn laughed adorably through the phone. Instantly, a wide smile bloomed on my lips at the beautiful sound. "Shawn, I miss you so much it's unbelievable." My voice was soft and for a moment it was quiet as the busy streets passed the car. The road stretched on in front of me, Pickering getting closer by the second as the autumn sunlight illuminated the city beautifully.

"Me too, baby. My heart hurts so damn much all the time and the only thing I want is to kiss you again and wrap you up in a big tight hug. Only two more months, sweetheart. I'll be home again before you know it," Shawn spoke gently as if the sadness was going to break his heart. "I can't wait to see you again. It's literally been the only thing I've been thinking about since I left," Shawn chuckled warmly and I could tell blush was creeping into his cheeks.

"You're blushing right now. Shawn, we're engaged and you're still blushing at little things like that?" I pointed out with a giggle, a wide smile plastered on my lips as I quickly glanced at the sparkly engagement ring on my left hand.

"No, I'm not!" Shawn laughed heartily, drawing his words out even though I had caught him through the phone and my heart fluttered with happiness. "And being engaged gives me even more a reason to blush! I'll be blushing at little things like that for the rest of my life because I'll be with you." He admitted boyishly and I noticed the 'Welcome to Pickering' sign on the road.

"You're too cute. As much as I don't want to, I've gotta go. I'm almost at your parents' house. I'll call you later okay, babe? I love you." My smile faltered a bit at having to end the call, I just wanted to talk to him forever.

"Okayyy. Tell everyone I said hi and I'll talk to you later. I love you," Shawn responded fondly and I heard him blow a kiss through the phone. "That'll be for real before you know it." He added softly before mumbling one more 'I love you' and the call ended, my playlist playing where it paused before. In a matter of seconds, I noticed the absence of Shawn even though he wasn't here to begin with, but the sadness was completely erased as I pulled in the Mendes' driveway. Turning the car off and grabbing my phone, I carefully stepped out of the Jeep and headed towards the front door.

Aaliyah stood at the door, practically jumping up and down with excitement. When she spotted me, she ran out of the house and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. "Hey Liyah," I giggled, hugging her back and a huge smile played at my lips. "You're extra excited to see me today."

Aaliyah shrugged before pulling away, her beautiful eyes shining brightly in the sunlight. "I'm always excited to see you. Plus you were kinda upset when I called you before so extra smiles always go a long away." Aaliyah said happily before reaching for my hand and leading me inside. "Do you wanna help Mum with the waffles? I'm on egg duty." She asked with a laugh as we walked down the hallway that opened up to the living room and kitchen.

"Um, yes!" I said enthusiastically just as we entered the kitchen and the delicious smell of breakfast foods filled the air.

"Y/N, so nice to see you!" Manny exclaimed happily, placing his fresh mug of coffee on the kitchen counter before hugging me lovingly. "How's my future daughter-in-law?" He asked and instantly, the only feeling coursing through my body was pure joy.

"I'm much better now that I'm here." I chuckled lightly before Karen appeared at his side, abandoning her spot at the stove and hugging me as well.

"Hey Y/N! Did Aaliyah already assign you to help me with the waffles?" Karen asked, raising her eyebrows like she knew what Aaliyah had said earlier.

"She did, but I don't mind. I really need to spend time with you guys today." I admitted quietly, placing Shawn's keys on the counter. Karen and Manny's eyes softened at my words.

"Well that's why we're here. Today's been a little rough, huh?" Manny questioned, a touch of concern in his voice. I nodded a little but offered a small smile.

"Guess so. Shawn just called me on my way over here too so I thought it would be a little better, but I'm putting all sadness aside right now. Let's make some brunch!" A bright smile appeared on my lips as Aaliyah brisked past me to claim her spot of the counter next to me by the waffle maker and Karen. Manny was making banana blueberry smoothies, Aaliyah's favorite since it was her week to choose. 

Every one of my worries melted away underneath the fresh smell of waffles, sizzling of eggs and buzzing noise of the blender. The kitchen was filled with tons of unsaid love and it always amazed me how fast Shawn's family had also become mine.

Suddenly, Aaliyah looked up from the pan filled with eggs in front of her and gently touched my arm. "Hey Y/N, are you free on Thursday? The championship game is that day and I'd love if you could come." She asked, eyes dancing and I couldn't help but smile along with her.

"Of course, Liyah! I wouldn't miss it for the world." I responded cheerfully, grateful for the offer. Not only was hockey one of my favorite sports but Aaliyah's games were my favorite and her team had been doing so well this season. A smile spread across my lips at the memory of when I first met Shawn's little sister and how ecstatic she was over the fact that I liked and understood hockey.

"Alright! Smoothies are all done." Manny announced, the hum of the blending stopping as he poured four glasses. Aaliyah chimed in, letting the kitchen know her eggs were ready and Karen shut the waffle maker off, signaling the stack of fluffy waffles were complete. Placing all the plates full of homemade food and smoothies on the dining room kitchen, I helped Karen set utensils out before returning to the kitchen to grab the syrup. A soft stream of music floated out of the dining room and everything seemed perfect.

"Do I smell waffles?" An all too familiar voice called down the stairs. My body froze completely. There was no way. It was just in my mind. Shaking my head slightly, I closed the cabinet carefully with the maple syrup bottle in hand and I heard it again. "And blueberry banana smoothies? No one even told me!" 

Shawn. That was unmistakably Shawn's voice. But it couldn't have been. He was in Australia and I had talked to him just over an hour ago. Playing it off as some crazy mind trick, I turned towards the entrance of the dining room, completely bewildered, and placed the maple syrup on the table.

"Everything alright?" Karen asked worriedly, noticing the look of confusion on my face. Nodding and smiling gently, I sat next to Aaliyah ready to eat. I took a sip of the amazing smoothie and Manny put two waffles on my plate before passing them to Karen. Aaliyah handed the syrup to me, humming along quietly to the song and I poured the delicious liquid over the warm waffles before giving it to Manny.

"Is it okay if I join you guys?" A sweet voice broke the moment as Shawn stood in the doorway, adorably peering into the room. My head snapped up from my plate, the fork holding onto a piece of carefully cut waffle as my hand froze.

"Oh. My. God." I muttered in complete disbelief, the wind was knocked out of me at what I was seeing. It was him. Shawn. Shawn was actually here. "No way." I stood up from my seat quickly as my mind raced, trying to put all the pieces together.

"Hi sweetheart." Shawn said softly with a breathtaking smile, opening his arms widely and scooping in for a warm, tight hug. Squeezing him tightly, I felt tears prick at my eyes as my head rested against chest and I listened to his heartbeat, something I missed for the last seven months. "I've missed you so much." He whispered, running one of his large hands through my hair before pressing a light kiss to the top of my head. Pulling away, tears running down my cheeks, I met his mesmerizing eyes before gathering my words and speaking.

"I can't believe you're actually here right now.” My words were quiet and paired with a bright smile. Shawn, with tears pooling in his hazel eyes, gently wiped away my happy tears before he closed the small space between us with a long, sweet kiss filled with all the unspoken words we were thinking. The feeling of home washed over my body as Shawn's arms wrapped around me and happiness spread throughout my body. Pulling away a little, his eyes dancing excitedly, Shawn pressed another kiss to my forehead.

"You have no idea how badly I've wanted to kiss you, baby." Shawn spoke quietly and pulled me in close again for another hug. A small sigh of relaxation escaped my lips. Being in Shawn's arms was home and the feeling had been missing for months. Finally breaking the hug, my heart fluttered with pure bliss and I took every detail of my fiance. 

He was wearing a dark green tshirt with his usual black skinny jeans and boots; the look was simple but he looked amazing. His brown curls were a little messy, a few strands falling over his forehead like always and his cheeks were extra rosy as a beaming smile spread across his face. Suddenly, a thought disrupted my admiring and I slowly intertwined our fingers, Shawn watching me fondly before I moved to his side and eyed his family suspiciously, each of them eating breakfast like nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.

"Okay, why am I the only one shocked by this?" I asked incredulously, genuinely confused. Manny chuckled a little and Aalyiah smiled widely, but Karen was the one who finally spilled.

"We knew he was here. He got here really early in the morning, but we had to swear not to ruin the surprise when you came over. So we did everything we could to make sure you didn't find out until Shawn surprised you," Karen explained enthusiastically, her eyes flicking between Shawn and I.

"Wait, so how did you get here? And when you called me on my way here, how did you not give everything away?" My brows furrowed trying to figure out how everything had happened around me. Shawn laughed heartily, the corners of his eyes crinkling and the beautiful sound making me smile.

"I planned everything out probably about a month ago and after talking to the team about it, I caught the first flight after the show in Australia last night. I obviously didn't tell you, but didn't want my family to ruin it. So I told them but honestly, I have no idea how I didn't give anything away on the phone earlier. I was bursting with excitement so it's a surprise I didn't ruin anything." Shawn chuckled as he rubbed gentle circles on the top of my hand and never breaking eye contact with me.

"Well, it definitely worked. This was the last thing I expected today, but I'm insanely glad you're home again even if only for a little bit. I missed you so much, it's unbelievable. I love you." I said happily, running a hand through Shawn's curls, the warm feeling of pure love course through my veins.

"I love you more than anything, baby. There are literally no words to describe how happy I am to be home again." Shawn whispered softly before kissing me gently. The whole world seemed to stop, as if it was just the two of us. The last seven months of constant calls, texts and countless 'I miss yous' seemed a thing of the past as we melted into each other. Everything was perfect and there was no where else I would rather be.

taglist: @imaginashawnns​ @ellalynnrose​ @curlsofshawn​ @shawnwyr​ @serendipitousshawn​ @snowflakeparker​ @particularstrings​ @curiouslycryptic​

[lexfritterwrites]

Let Lips Do What Hands Do - Part 12

Wrapping it up!

previous

It's warmer than it should be as Addie runs her finger along the countertop. Most of her belongings have been sold, some have been donated, and the majority of her books is packaged in boxes waiting for the used bookstore to collect. 

"You ready?" Taron asks as he picks up the bag off the floor. It's the last few things of hers to go as she's staying with him until he drives her to the airport in two days. She's graduated with honors, earned her certificates, hugged her students and packed up her flat. Her life in London is winding down and she’s doing her best to cherish her time with Taron.

“Yeah,” she says, slipping beneath his arm. He kisses the side of her head as she pulls the door behind her and locks it. “One last time.”

They attend a party at the pub hosted by Jack where Addie takes the time to reminisce with and say goodbye to all of her London acquaintances. Taron stays by her side, supportively squeezing her side when he feels her waning.

“Looks like it’s just us, kid,” Jack says, slipping his fingers into Addie’s. “I love you so much and I’ll see you in two days.”

Taron settles the bill while Jack and Addie hug, their warmth enveloping them.

“I love you,” Addie says before she kisses his cheek. She exhales deeply as she slides beneath Taron’s arm. “Let’s go home.”

Taron wasn’t sure if he should have planned more. He thought about getting a hotel room so they could live like royals, but the thought Addie leaving his space sooner than necessary didn’t settle. He wanted her smell to linger on the couch and in his bed, he wanted to see the imprints of her fingers on the doorway, he wanted to hear her laughter echoing up the staircase. He didn’t want to let her go.

He landed on a bottle of her favorite wine and plate of her favorite British sweets. Tears well in her eyes when she sees it, and she wraps her arms around his neck.

“Taron, this is too sweet!”

“It’s really nothing,” he says, pressing a kiss to her hair. “I am glad you like it though.”

“Taron, I think I’m making a mistake.”

“No, Addie,” he says gently. “You’re chasing your dreams and I’m chasing mine. If we’re meant to be together, we will be.”

Addie sighs and leans into him. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Pulling the plug from the sink, Addie closes her eyes and exhales. She’s been doing it a lot over the past week, but it’s the only thing she can do to calm herself.

“You okay, cariad?” Taron asks, dropping the towel he’d been using to dry the dishes onto its rack. He rubs her back deftly and she leans toward him.

“I think there’s an Adele song for this,” she says softly, turning so her nose is against his chest.

“That’s possible. There’s an Adele song for everything. She’s a queen.”

“Undoubtedly.” She curls her arms around his neck, breathing in all that he is. Taron in turn let’s his arms fall around her hips. They’ve had a day of this, sleeping in far too late for young adults in their prime but neither able to let the other out of an arm’s reach. “Taron?”

“Yes, Adelaide?”

“Take me upstairs?”

“It would be my genuine pleasure.”

She nods against his chest, kisses his neck and smiles as he looks at her.

It’s a slow journey to the bedroom they’ve shared for months, each step a countdown to the demise of their relationship as it stands. When they reach the door, Addie puts her hand to his chest.

“Will you give me a minute?” He nods. “Get comfy.”

Taron follows her request as she closes the bedroom door behind her. He tosses his shirt and lounge pants to the chair, and he quickly climbs under the covers where it’s warm.

Addie knows after the day they’ve had, falling into each other time and time again, it’s silly to get dressed up, yet she does it anyway.

Taron chuckles as a foot in a fuzzy sock sneaks past the door into the bathroom and slides sexily up the frame. Addie follows her foot with her arm and swings around the corner in a sheer, lacy little thing. Her breasts are snug in satin and the panties are held on by ribbon.

“Fuck, Adelaide,” Taron says as she pauses by the foot of the bed. She crawls toward him and kisses him.

“Thank you,” she says.

“For what?”

“I needed that reaction,” she says, “I need to remember just the way you looked at me.”

“I’ll always remember you,” he says, kissing her again before pulling her to straddle his lap. “My gorgeous girl.”

She watches the gleam in his eye as he gently loosens the ribbon on her right shoulder and gingerly traces the line of skin it reveals. His lips press lightly to the underside of her jaw and move slowly down her chest. Moaning as he sucks her nipple into between his teeth, Addie threads her fingers in his hair and shifts her hips. Taron grips her hip and makes quick work of the other ribbon. Tossing the frilly garment aside, he bends to kiss her other breast, his body aching to be with hers.

Cradling her neck with one hand, he unties her underwear and slips the lace away from her skin. Addie pushes the sheet around his waist just enough to slide onto his hard cock. He sighs as she moves, his thumb brushing across her cheek. Her skin is wet and Taron’s sob is muffled against her lips. She stills, and instead they cling to each other.

Moments later, Addie nods, takes a deep breath and moves again. It doesn’t take long for them to come together, and Taron brushes her bangs from her face.

They settle into bed with Addie draped across his chest, and he twirls her hair around his finger.

“It’s funny,” Taron says. “The odds of me ever having sex with another woman who wears socks is slim to none.”

“I am a rare duck,” Addie laughs. “Are you already planning on sleeping with other women?”

“It’ll happen, won’t it? If you’re not here and I’m not there, I’ll see other people and so will you.”

“Well fuck. I didn’t know you would already be thinking about it when we literally just finished.”

“It’s your socks, Adelaide! I love that you wear sex socks.”

“Yeah, good luck finding someone willing to tweak your bum hole how you like it.”

“Addie!” Taron gasps before stifling a laugh. “You did that yourself and I just happened to enjoy it.”

“I know,” she says, “and that is why no one will ever be able to compete with me.”

“No one could ever compete with you anyway."

“I know,” she says before gently biting the skin over his rib, “but I am going to make sure you remember my skills.”

Taron groans as her lips wrap around his cock.

A quick doze later and Addie wakes to Taron between her thighs, both of them giggling as he takes her apart. It’s a marathon after that, revisiting all of their favorite positions and sometime in the early morning, they give into sleep and curl around each other.

Taron makes breakfast in the morning and Addie checks her belongings one last time. She never thought a man would be the reason leaving London was so hard, but Taron wasn’t any man. Soul mates weren’t something she believed in, but she knew He was the great love of her life, and it would be nearly impossible to fill the ache leaving would cause.

But, as he said, they would be together if they were meant to be together.

The ride to the airport is nearly silent; Jack can’t even bring himself to say much. The two men help her unload her suitcases and Jack kisses her cheek.

“So long,” Addie says, “to you both. You have my heart and I will miss you dearly.”

Taron kisses her again, trying to convey how much she means to him with the press of his lips. “I love you.”

Addie nods, feeling the bubble in her throat. She thought she was finished crying, but it gets harder to resist as she looks at his face.

“My boys.” She says, hugging them both again.

Taron squeezes her hand as she turns away and doesn’t look back.

“You want to go get pissed?” Jack asks as Addie fades into the crowd.

“God yes.”

And the days of Taron Egerton and Adelaide Lee are over.

[cedarmoons]

I know it's an older one, but I'd love a director's commentary on les mots, and in particular, how you picked which poets/poems to go with what scenes. The conversation about D’Onterre's translations in particular (chapter 5)

Eee!! Thank you! 

The way I chose poems for les mots was based on two categories:

Whether it could apply to the current situation in the fic (i.e. the plot point)

Whether it could apply to an individual character

If it met both criteria, I kept it. For example, in Halamshiral, I use a poem that was my #1 reason for deciding to start les mots, “She Walks In Beauty” by Lord Byron.

She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place. And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!

So:

Does it apply to the plot point? Yes!

Can it apply to an individual character? Yes! This poem refers to Adelaide, and Solas uses it to get into her pants at Halamshiral (not really, but spoilers for when I post that chapter 20 years from now.)

I actually have a doc full of unused poems that had a chance of being incorporated into the fic. I found websites, such as poetryfoundation.org, which had a wide database of poems and which American high schoolers may remember as the source for their yearly Poetry Out Loud competitions. Then I’d filter through the poems by category, such as grief or love or lust (sadly, there are very few non-modern erotic poems that I know of :c), and find poems that fit the two criteria outlined above.

Now, director’s cut meme below!

“Uh. Okay. I take it the poem’s not actually about—” she leans over to glance at the poem, “—‘an unquenchable fire under my skin, between my legs and within my heart, as I gaze upon your smoldering eyes’?”

He had not even thought to glance at the Common translation, and so her words take him aback. “What?” he asks.

He skims D’Onterre’s words. Every Common couplet grows more lecherous, and by the end, it is no better than a bawdy tavern song. He grits his teeth and reaches for his quill, itching to do Vhenaeris justice, but at the last moment, he stays his hand. He balls his hand on his desk instead and shakes his head, unable to keep his disgust from his tone. “No. This translation is poorly done.”

Man, I don’t remember where this came from, but I have a headcanon that Orlesians just… butcher elv(h)en culture. All the freakin’ time. Some are genuine accidents, and others are just deliberate choices to elevate Orlesian culture and compare its civilization and sophistication to the “wildness” of the elves. They also fetishize elves, a bit, by associating them with so much sex in the woods. So, of course an Orlesian dude would interpret ancient Elvhen poems as raunchy erotic ballads. Why not?

And, of course, this rightly pisses Solas off to no end, because Elvhen poetry was classy and sophisticated. It was not so base as to talk about sex, at least not outright, and if it did talk about sex, it did so in a classy and sophisticated manner. What D’Onterre does is reduce Solas’s favorite and most admired poet (Vhenaeris)’s poems to bawdy things you’d hear in a crowded, sweaty tavern, when these poems were performed for the Evanuris and their courts. 

Talk about a downgrade.

Vhenaeris is an OC of mine, but she had been one of Solas’s closest friends when he was in Elvhenan, so this is like… double the insult.

An empire further destroyed because of a single man’s incompetence.

His frown deepens at his trail of thought. It would not have been destroyed in the first place were it not for me, he thinks, bitterly.

A touch of her hand brings him back. “Read it to me,” she encourages, rolling onto her tiptoes to straddle the edge of his desk. “What it actually says.”

GOD, I forgot how cute Adelaide was they were. I want to go write more lm now. :(

But, moving on, Adelaide is important here because she is the first person that Solas acknowledges as real, and a lot of that is because of her kindness toward him, like in this moment. Yes, at this point he still thinks she is naive and childish, but she is also the first person that makes him stop thinking of these characters as “creatures” or “shadows” or epithets (“the oxman,” “the dwarf,” “the da’len”) and start thinking of them as people. And so, he says things like “she brings him back” or “she draws him from his thoughts,” because that is her initial role: to ground him in the present, not the past.

Of course, because I love my ladies way more than I’ll ever love Solas which is why I put them through so much angst, I shift that role over time so that the reader eventually realizes that the story isn’t about Solas, it’s about Adelaide. I did try very hard to get that across for Adelaide, though I recognize the story isn’t advanced far enough for that realization to be as robust as it could be. :c

Solas watches her for a long moment. It is an innocuous poem—and, if nothing else, he would not mind sharing what remained of his people’s art with her. She is a worthy recipient of it.

He’s smitten already, can you tell? Lmao. What a nerd. I love him.

He settles into the chair and pulls the book closer. “He’s equal with the gods, that man who sits across from you, face to face, close enough to sip your voice’s sweetness. And what excites my mind—your laughter, glittering. So when I see you… for a moment, my voice goes. My tongue freezes. Fire, delicate fire, in the flesh. Blind, stunned, the sound of thunder in my ears. Shivering with sweat, cold tremors over the skin; I turn the color of dead grass, and I’m an inch from dying.”

He lowers the book and looks at her. She blinks when they make eye contact, and quickly breaks it to glance down at her cocoa. Her cheeks are pink.

This is Sappho. There can be no proper poetry fic without Sappho. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. I imagine that an Elvhen Sappho would be way more flowy, because while this is nice, it’s also kinda… idk, disjointed? (Probably because all that’s left of her poems are fragmented remains. Damn.) 

Still, Adelaide finds it very romantic, as shown by her pink cheeks. This viewpoint is 100% caused by listening to Solas’s voice. Can you imagine Gareth-David Lloyd reading poetry in Solas’s voice? Same, Adelaide.

“Huh,” she says. “Well, something got lost in translation.”

“Indeed,” Solas replies, and looks back at the poem again. If only the humans knew what they had found. If their historians truly cared about the past, their scholars would have scrambled to preserve this poem’s original copy.

But far be it from the knife ears to have some semblance of creative talent.

Again, Solas is super bitter about humans and their view of elves in this fic. This fic was after Trespasser, so I had to find a way to get Solas to both a) hate himself and b) hate humans, because if he didn’t, the premise of her “winning him over” (as requested by the original kinkmeme, courtesy of @sansbanshees ) via poetry wouldn’t really make much sense. 

Doing A was easy, but B would be more difficult, especially since he blamed himself for the fate of Elvhenan. I accomplished B by connecting the final collapse of Elvhenan to be the fault of the humans; Solas makes several metaphors of Elvhenan being like… a dead body, and humans were the carrion that made sure nothing was left of that body.

“Okay, so clearly D’Onterre didn’t know what he was doing. What about this one?” She reaches over again, flipping through the pages. Solas sits back in his chair to get a better look at her face. There’s a faint hint of a smile in the bow of her lips, a shine of anticipation in her eyes. It makes him—curious.

She finds her poem, and shows him the page. Solas skims the first Elvhen stanza, then the translation, and clears his throat. His ears burn as he looks back to her. “Ah.” He stops, staring at her, and she raises an expectant eyebrow. “Yes. That is—that is the gist of it.”

That Elvhen poem was erotic. He got flustered.

She bites on her lower lip, her eyes crinkling in the corners as she smiles. “Good to know. I’d like to read your translations of these someday, Solas. You clearly know more Elvhen than D’Onterre ever did.” Her smile falters. “If that’s all right with you.”

Adelaide questions herself constantly in this fic. She’s gotten better about her own self-confidence, but especially in the beginning, she was very uncertain about everything. This uncertainty was definitely caused by her own reliance on her sister in Ostwick Circle, and her lack of independence there, which carried over to her initial time in Skyhold. It breaks my heart.

“I do not mind,” he says, after a long moment. She grins again, her cheeks dimpling, and pushes herself off his desk. She takes a long sip of her cocoa and pats his shoulder.

“Don’t forget to eat, Solas,” she calls, heading for the library. “The cooks made some sweetrolls this morning. They’re delicious!”

Solas watches the sway of her body as she walks, then shakes his head and laughs quietly.

He “watches the sway of her body as she walks.” That is 100% code for he was looking at her ass. 100%. The man is doomed.