#THREE of whom are Dalish. they come to and see each other and basically go “HEY!! WHAT?? YOU DIED!!”

[attractthecrows]

what the hell are the rogue specializations in inquisition lmfao

[idontknowwhatsarcasmis]

Old Acquaintances Made Anew

A Morriana fanfic

Hellooooo!! And I’m back in the DA fandom! Hope you’re all keeping safe and reading and writing loads in this quarantine! Stay at home guys! ^^

I started writing this story… sooo many years ago I don’t even remember! Anyways, I know this has been written many many times, buut I wanted to present my take on these two lovely ladies meeting in Halamshiral. I do hope you guys like it, cause I am really proud of it and had quite a bit of fun writing it!

Also, I have already started a second chapter, on Morrigan’s POV back in Skyhold after this, but wanted to see if you guys liked the idea first!

So, do let me know yeah?

As aaaaaalways, thank you brother for beta-reading it ^^

Enjoy!

Ao3

Ff.net

Xxxx

“A distraction would help.” Ellana said, biting her lower lip.

“What kind of distraction? There are plenty of them around here.” Cullen said, looking around in displeasure.

Leliana held back a smile at that, and saw both Ellana and Josie doing the same. The Inquisitor shook her head however.

“No, no. It needs to be something bigger. That’d draw most people’s attention.” She paused and looked at her other two advisors to see if they had any ideas.

Leliana started considering what she could let slip to whom that might entice a duel, but didn’t manage to get far before she was interrupted.

“Oh!” Josie suddenly said. “I think I know what can happen.” She seemed excited (and… scared?) as she looked at Leliana.

Leliana narrowed her eyes slightly.

“Yes?”

“Well, it would positively draw everyone’s attention, and might even leave them quite a bit distracted afterwards.” She said, looking away while biting her lip.

“Josie…” Leliana’s voice was a warning.

“I’m listening.” Ellana said.

“Well,” Josie started, slow at first but gaining traction as she spoke. “As we’ve told you, Your Worship, everyone was staring at you and Lady Florienne while the two of you danced. Another high member of the Orlesian society and a high member of the Inquisition dancing once more might do the same.” She completed, almost casually. So casually, that it made Leliana freeze in place.

She couldn’t possibly mean-

“That’s an excellent idea, Josephine!” Ellana exclaimed excitedly, looking around the room, as if trying to find who could be the centre of attention. “Did you have anyone in mind? I think the only people here that know how to dance properly would be Vivienne, Cass and Dorian, aside from the three of you. Vivienne would not be a novelty really. And I was thinking of taking the other two with me… besides, I think either might do more harm than good down there.” She said with a small frown on her face, likely imagining Cassandra or Dorian insulting someone beyond repair while sharing a dance.

Which, Leliana mused, was very probable.

Still, she was quite sure that they were not who Josephine had in mind.

“Actually, Inquisitor. I did have two people in mind.” The ambassador started and paused to bit her lower lip, eyes darting quickly between Leliana and the Inquisitor.

“Oh?” She asked, eyes also finding Leliana. Less subtly.

“Speak your mind, Josie.” Leliana said. She had a good idea of whom Josephine wanted her to dance with. As much as she loathed to admit, the idea actually did have merit. Getting it to work would be another matter entirely, however.

Then again, 10 years was a long time…

“Well, it so happens that we have two veterans of the Fifth Blight here tonight. One of our own, and one of the Orlesian society.

Ellena looked confused as understanding dawned on Cullen’s face, his eyes now also focused on Leliana.

“Two?”

“I’ve told you I’d had dealings with her on the past, Inquisitor.” Leliana said, barely moving her lips.

“Deal with wh-Morrigan?!” She exclaimed a bit too loudly, and flinched at the look Leliana and Josie gave her. “Sorry. Morrigan? You know Morrigan from the Blight?” She asked in a hushed, excited whisper.

“Yes, we were both companions of the Hero of Ferelden. We fought side by side for many months.” Leliana said, her voice as if of its own accord taking a story telling intonation as she scanned the room, looking for red velvet.

As she focused back on Lavellan, however, she couldn’t suppress a small smile. The Inquisitor was always very excited to hear more about her time with Mahariel.. Lavellan probably heard a lot about her before in her clan, but it was different to have a first-hand account. It was not often, Leliana thought, that a Dalish elf was at the centre of history. Well, at the positive centre of history.

“You did?” Ellana looked like she was about to ask more when Josie cleared her throat, looking at her pointedly. “I-I mean, that is wonderful, though! Surely a dance between you two would draw everyone’s attention! I mean, I wish I could see it…” She mumbled the last part, and the three advisors smiled softly at her.

“While a good idea in theory, I am unsure if it’ll work in practice. Morrigan and I haven’t spoken since the Archdemon was slain. Even then, we never talked much. She… was rather reclusive. Mahariel was the only one she would actively speak with.” Leliana said, eyes once again sweeping the room in search for the witch. “Also, as far as I know, she never cared for dancing, either.”

Josephine tsked at that.

“Really Leliana, that was years ago. She’s been at court long enough to have picked up some steps. Celene would not suffer any member of her court to not know the basics, at least!” Josephine said ,and Leliana conceded her point. “Besides, as you said, you haven’t seen each other for a decade! I doubt Morrigan would not want to catch up.”

Leliana raised an eyebrow at that, face blank.

“W-well, she wouldn’t dare reject the Seneschal of the Inquisition in front of all these people? We are honoured guests!” She tried again.

Leliana maintained her expression. The Morrigan she remembered would have no qualms whatsoever about doing exactly that.

Josephine was suddenly looking very uncertain, and was about to say something when Ellana interceded.

“Well, I think she might surprise you, Leliana! When I talked to her before she seemed perfectly polite. Celene will likely be watching you two, so she won’t have to be concerned about any murder attempts during the dance, and I really need this distraction. I might be gone longer than before this time.” she said with a small, hopeful smile, and Leliana felt her icy heart melt a little. Ellana reminded her so much of Mahariel sometimes.

She so missed her dear friend.

Rolling her eyes, Leliana let out a small sigh.

“Well, time is of the essence, no?” She said, glaringat the whoop and smiles she received from her companions. “Wait for her to take my hand, if she does, before vanishing. You two” she said to Josephine and Cullen, “go to different corners of the room and look pointedly at the dancing floor once I, hopefully, get there. We want to attract as many people as possible. Ask one of the servants to spread word.” Leliana instructed as she started to push and pull at her uniform, trying to make it look more proper.

Stupid, ridiculous uniforms. Presenting a united front was one thing. Wearing this? It was an outrage. It’d help her play her part when asking Morrigan for a dance, however, so at least that.

The others nodded in agreemnt, and Cullen and Lavellan moved away to play their parts. Josephine, however, stayed behind. Leliana raised an eyebrow.

“Are you alright?” She asked, barely moving her lips.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Leliana felt her brow furrowing.

“Well, you seem nervous.”

“I…” Sometimes she forgot that Josephine knew her from before she had been the Left Hand. “It’s nothing, Josie, don’t worry. Go, time is of the essence.” She said, with a small smile. With a quick squeeze of her hand, Josephine motioned to the main balcony with her chin, before she made her way across the ballroom to the opposite side.

Slowly, Leliana looked to where Josephine had pointed. Right there, by the Empress’ side.

Leliana closed her hand into a fist. Was she nervous? Why, by Andraste’s name, was she nervous?

Visions of lingering glances flashed before her eyes. Words that were, day by day, week by week, less and less cutting and more and more teasing. Fond.

Taking a fortifying breath, Leliana minutely shook her head to focus, and started walking towards her target. She made sure her steps seemed casual, but wide enough to draw attention at the same time. People needed to be watching her as she approached the other woman.

When she was but a few steps away, Leliana finally was able to actually admire the ensemble Morrigan was wearing. The sight almost made her step falter. Red velvet. Gold details. Low on the front. Another vision entered her mind, one that almost made her skip a step. Maker’s breath. What was Morrigan playing at?

Another step made her come close enough to the Empress and her advisor to call the attention of those nearby. As the two women turned to look at her, something flashed in Morrigan’s eyes.

Time for a trip down memory lane.

“Your Majesty, my Lady.” She said in a clear and (appropriately) loud voice, taking a deep bow.

“Sister Nightingale!” Celene exclaimed, nodding her head and giving her a large and warm smile. Out of the corner of her eyes, Leliana saw Morrigan giving her a small courtesy, and her lips twitched upwards. “What a pleasure to have you at court once more. It has been quite a while.”

Leliana allowed her smile to become  larger.

“Too long, your Majesty. I’m afraid my duties have kept me away for longer than I wished.” She said, making sure her voice sounded just the right amount of sad, as if she were trying to hide it.

“’Tis all for a good cause, I hear. With your Inquisition, now.”

The voice washed over her like the first ray of sunshine on a cold winter’s day. An inexplicable tingling sensation spread from the tip of her fingers to the other.

All of which Leliana promptly ignored.

Morrigan’s voice hadn’t changed much. The same tilt. The same way of saying ‘tis’. The same tone that tried to impress on you that she knew much more than what she was actually saying. Leliana felt her smile become that bit more genuine as she directed her gaze to her old companion.

“Indeed. Being the seneschal to the Inquisition is a very busy job, but one I take to proudly.” Leliana said.

“I’m sure.”

Their eyes lingered on one another, but Leliana could not for the life of her figure out what was on the witch’s mind.

“Oh, allow me to introduce you-” Celene started, only to be interrupted by Morrigan.

“There is no need, Your Majesty. Sister Nightingale and I have known each other for many, many years.” Morrigan’s voice carried like velvet around Leliana, just like it had all those years ago. Her tone as she said her title, though, made Leliana want to wipe that smirk off her face.

Leliana could feel more and more eyes being drawn to them as the witch took a small step closer in her direction.“Indeed, your Majesty. There was a time when we travelled together. When we fought side by side with the Hero of Ferelden to defeat the Blight.” Leliana said, letting her old bard training take over as she turned to look back at the Empress. “Alas, circumstances made it so that our paths were separated shortly after we emerged victorious. Your magnificent ball, however, has presented me with an opportunity I have long since waited for.” Leliana let a happy and grateful smile grace her lips as Morrigan’s eyes almost imperceptibly narrowed.

“I’m very happy to hear that, sister. What opportunity have I unwittingly given you?” Celene asked.

“To make an old acquaintance anew. If you’d allow me, Your Majesty, I’d beg you to let me take your advisor from your side for one dance. It has been many years, and I find myself wanting to not let this opportunity go to waste. You’ll be able to keep your eyes on her all the time, of course..”

The fact that that line did not taste at all like a lie on her tongue was something that Leliana would stash away for later analysis.

Celene laughed, delighted. “Oh, but I would love to see such an event! As much as I’ve been trying to impart on Morrigan the importance of enjoying oneself on the dance floor, I have yet to succeed. Perhaps you’ll fare better than I did.” With that, their whole entourage focused on Morrigan, whose eyes had not left Leliana and were by now more perceptively narrowed. To her surprise, however, Leliana did not see anger there. What she saw exactly, she wasn’t sure, but it wasn’t anger. Nor disgust.

Clearing her throat for effect, Leliana extended her hand and gave a bow, eyes never leaving the witch’s.

“Well then, will you do me the honour of this dance, Lady Morrigan?”

Leliana more felt than saw that most of the eyes in the ballroom were on her hand at the moment. If this was a few years ago, she’d be exhilarated… as it was, she was rather glad for the gloves on her hand that’d certainly prevent Morrigan (should she actually take her hand) from feeling just how nervous she really was.

Which was ridiculous. 10 years. She was hardly the same ‘girl’ she’d been last time they’d seen each other. And yet here she was, as enticed as she had been back then with the mysterious Witch of the Wilds. As nervous as she’d been the first time they’d been left alone at camp. The first time Leliana realised that she had developed quite the crush on the younger woman.

But it had been 10 years. Lingering looks and teasing words had long since been lost to time. It was ridiculous to still be feeling this way.

“Well,” Morrigan smiled. A small  smile, for sure, but clear for everyone to see, and if Leliana was not very much mistaken (or counting too much on wishful thinking), quite the genuine one. “If I must.” She said in her usual brusque manner, making all those around them chuckle and Leliana’s smile reach her eyes. As their hands touched and Leliana straightened, her heart did double time, and she had to fight to keep a blush from rising to her face.

“Shall we, then?”

“I did just accept, did I not?”

“Indeed, you did.” Morrigan did. Which in and off itself was sign enough that Leliana was far too out of her game and need to get back to it

“Well, by your leave then, Your Majesty.” Morrigan said, exaggerating on her excitement for appearances’ sake, taking back control over her emotions.

“Oh yes, this is delightful! Go ahead!” The monarch clapped her hands, drawing even more attention as she went towards the balustrade to look down at the dance floor.

Taking a small, fortifying breath, Leliana started making their way down the stairs, Morrigan’s fingers gently clasped on her own.

Soon after they took the first few steps, Morrigan broke their silence. Morrigan did. Which in and off itself was sign enough that Leliana was far too out of her game and need to get back to it

“So, I assume you’ll be the one leading?”

Leliana almost laughed at that, but stopped herself just in time, letting only a smirk spread on her face.

“Well, I was planning to. If that’s agreeable to you, my lady?” She asked casually.

“Stop that.”

“Stop what?”

She could just feel her rolling her eyes at that, even if Morrigan had apparently learned to keep herself from actually going through with the motions in open view.

“The whole point of going to the damned dancefloor, aside from drawing attention to us, is that so no one can hear us. Stop the court talk.”

Leliana did laugh then.

By now they had reached the centre of the dancing floor, and Morrigan stopped right in front of her.

“How should I talk then?”

“We’re in a ball in Halamshiral! How many times have I heard you screeching about these situations?”

Leliana chuckled at that as she placed her free hand on Morrigan’s waist, the other grasping Morrigan’s more firmly.

“You want me to screech?”

“Of course not! But it is unusual to see you not making a single comment about everyone else’s clothes.”Morrigan said, placing her hand on Leliana’s shoulder, closer to her neck than one normally would.

Leliana masked her dry swallowing by giving the witch in front of her a once over, a playful smile coming up on her lips.

“I could start that right now with your dress, if you’d like.”

“Never mind then.” Was her immediate answer, though Leliana felt  Morrigan relaxing at that. Humming satisfied, she let herself join in her calm as they started the first slow, easy steps of the song.

“’I’d sooner let Alistair dress me’, I believe were your actual words.” She laughed as she picked up their pace slightly.

“I really didn’t mean what I said before. Go back to being your weird formal self.” Morrigan quipped, making sure to place a scowl on her face. She couldn’t fool Leliana though; she’d been on the receiving end of her real scowls far too many times to not be able to recognize them.

“I did describe these exact details for your clothes, no? 10 years ago! Did you keep me in mind during all these years? Did you miss me that much as well, my dear Lady Morrigan?” She wasn’t even trying to mask the tone of her voice, and barely even realized what she’d let slip.

Despite what Leliana had told the Inquisitor earlier about masks and playing a part, she’d been right; Leliana had felt more like herself here than she had in years, and even more now, with Morrigan in her hands.

It couldn’t be helped, she supposed; she brought her memories from other times… happier ones, perhaps, even with the Blight. That year travelling with the wardens and their merry little band had been the best year of her life.

“Blast and damnation, Leliana. Go back to making small talk. ‘Tis a better use of your time and mine.”

Leliana openly laughed at that, heart beating as fast as it ever had, throwing Morrigan on a little spin before bringing her back.

“That’s the first time you’ve said my name to me. Ever, I think…”

If Leliana wasn’t paying so much attention to their steps, they’d be both on the floor then and there. As it were, she managed to plunge them in the classic and very dramatic swing dip. By the gasps and coos from all around them, she had managed to do so successfully, and they had indeed managed to gather quite a lot of attention.

“Careful now, Morrigan. We wouldn’t want you to crease your pretty dress, yes?” She asked, and there it was; that famous glare that she so fondly remembered. Though it did lack the actual ill intentions behind it.

A very hard pinch on her neck made her quickly pull Morrigan out of the dip. She picked up the pace, making Morrigan work to keep up as she went for some of the more daring manoeuvres.

“I’m surprised that all your time away from the court didn’t make you lose your touch at dancing, Sister Nightingale.”

“I’m surprised you’ve acquired such skills at all, Arcane Advisor.”

She was sure Morrigan would have shrugged had they been doing anything else.

“One does what one must to survive.”

“Indeed.”

Their words went silent for a few seconds as they spun faster and faster around the dance, the only sound coming from their mouths being a slight panting.

“How’s Kieran?”

Something fiercely protective flashed through Morrigan’s eyes at that.

“I hope he adapted well to the court?” She continued quickly, watching as Morrigan relaxed once more.

“Yes, though he did prefer to have a wee bit more freedom. ‘Tis fine though, he’s doing well.” She said softly as Leliana spun her. Morrigan didn’t need to ask her how she knew of her child. She certainly assumed that Mahariel had told her, and that the name had been learned by spies. Which was true.

“Anything on Mahariel?” Morrigan asked, as if reading her mind (she used to be quite good at that).

“Not for a few months now. You?”

“Not for a few years.”

As the song drew to a close, Leliana smirked once more.

“You ready for the grand finale?”

Morrigan’s eyes narrowed at her.

“What are you planning, bard?

Instead of answering, Leliana quickened up her pace, twirling Morrigan under her arm, spinning her away and then back in to finish with a low and daring dip, following after her so close that their faces were just a scant inch apart, right as the song finished and a truly thunderous applause started.

“Now, that wasn’t too bad, yes?”

“I hate you, bard.”

“Not yet, you don’t.”

“Wh-“

Before Morrigan could finish her phrase, Leliana, in a show of courage and impulse that she could simply not explain, closed even more the distance between their faces and pressed a very deliberate kiss on the other woman’s cheek, right in the corner of her lips.

Not wanting to give her a chance to recover and kill her on the spot, Leliana pulled them back to their standing position, taking one step back for a small bow. Morrigan automatically answered, before lightly, very lightly, taking back her hand and directing them to the stairs, under the sounds of animated and awed conversation. On any other circumstance, Leliana might have allowed herself to be quite proud.

As it was… well.

The silence remained between them until they were halfway through the stairs, and Leliana had started to seriously doubt herself. Her hands, which had begun to dry, were going back to being quite clammy.

“You’re ridiculous, Leliana.”

The spymaster could have laughed with relief at that.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, my dear Morrigan!” She said, smirking as she saw the other woman actually rolling her eyes. “Also, second time.”

Her hand being crushed was quite worth the exhilarating feeling she was experiencing at the moment. It had been far too long since she’d felt this alive.

As they reached the top of the stairs, they made a show of bowing and speaking rather loudly.

“Thank you for gracing me with your company for this dance and for the riveting conversation, Lady Morrigan. It was indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance once more.” Leliana said, daring to bring the other woman’s hand to her lips for a brief kiss, barely touching her skin.

Morrigan’s eyes rolled again, a cross between an amused smile and a scowl on her face.

“The pleasure was all mine, Seneschal. It was good to converse with you once more. ‘Twas good fortune that fate brought us together once more.”

“May it not be the last time, my Lady.”

With a small smile for an answer, both of them turned away at the same time. But before Leliana could take more than one step, the witch spoke once more.

“I did, you know?”

Leliana stopped, turning around only partially. Morrigan was looking at Celene.

“Pardon?”

“Miss you too.”

Leliana froze, mind completely blank as she watched the witch make her way back to the empress.

She didn’t know how long she stood there, half hidden by the column behind her, rethinking everything that had been said on the dance floor.

Before long, what felt like a distant voice brought her out of her own mind.

A very, very excited voice.

“Leliana, that was amazing!” Josie somehow managed to sneak up behind her, Cullen right by her side. “Every single eye on this palace was on you! People actually rushed from other rooms for this!”

“They really did. Some of the guards even left their posts for it.” Cullen said, a small smile on his face.

Well, Leliana supposed, still utterly distracted, mission accomplished.

Now what?

Xxxx

Mission accomplished on all accounts, apparently. Lavellan had performed admirably, and pulled off something Leliana was not sure could ever actually happen. Brialla and Celene governing together was quite something. She allowed herself a small smile; Mahariel would have been proud.

She sighed as she overlooked the gardens, allowing herself to relax a little. Everyone was actually enjoying themselves on the ballroom now since all the mess was done with.

Light steps sounded behind her, but just a she began to tense up, she felt it. The smell of magic. Of wood, fire and wilderness that seemed to still be with her even after all these years away.

Morrigan.

Her heartbeat doubled again, but instead of nervousness, she felt light. Relaxed, even. Happy that she’d been reached out to.

“And here we are once more. Following a Dalish elf in events that shall change and shape the world.” Morrigan said.

“We also have a qunari, a dwarf, another elf, and a warden.” Leliana let an amused smile play on her lips as she leaned her hip against the balustrade, half turning to face Morrigan as the witch came to stand by her side. Rather closer than necessary, but Leliana would certainly not complain.

Morrigan raised an eyebrow. “And from what I heard, you also have an older mage that thinks she knows better than everyone else.”

Leliana let out a short laugh at that.

“We have you for that, my dear Lady Morrigan.”

Leliana was sure that the glare she received would have sent many running for their lives. Not her though.

Morrigan scoffed at her lack of response.

“I don’t think I know better than everyone else, bard. I know I do.” She said simply, and Leliana rolled her eyes.

“Of course.”

The two paused, looking out of the palace, to the far distance.

“And I’m not old.”

Leliana laughed at that, turning to look at Morrigan from head to toe, in a very deliberate way. The same way she had 10 years ago, which had almost earned her a fireball to the face for her trouble. Now, though, the only heated response seemed to be on the witch’s cheeks.

Was that a blush?

Leliana smirked, but said nothing.

“What?” Came, predictably, the cutting question.

“No, not old indeed.” She said lightly. “The years have served you well.”

“Stop your games, Leliana.” Morrigan said, rolling her eyes. Leliana allowed her smile to become truly open and genuine at that, wanting to hide nothing at the moment.

“It is no game, Morrigan. Also, third time.”

Blush still in place, Morrigan turned to face her.

“Are you gonna keep count now?”

“Is it going to become  a common enough occurrence for me to not have to?”

The question was not only about the name and they both knew it. Is this where they’d part ways once more? Or would they fight together again, side by side?

“Perhaps it shouldn’t. Maybe I’ll return to calling you bard. Or Sister Nightingale. Seneschal, even.”

Leliana felt a happiness she hadn’t felt for a long time settling deep inside of her.

Side by side it was.

She took a small step closer to Morrigan, their knuckles now brushing.

“I’ll stop counting, if you promise to keep saying it, Morrigan.” She said in a whisper, a little tremble in her voice at the boldness of her request.

Morrigan stopped for a few seconds, just looking at her. A look with so much feeling behind it that it reminded Leliana of how Morrigan had looked at her right before the fight against the Archdemon.

Without realising what she was doing, Leliana grasped Morrigan’s wrist as if to stop her from leaving again.

Once more, it seemed as though Morrigan had been reading her mind, because instead of recoiling as Leliana was expecting, Morrigan simply covered her hand with her own.

“Good. Seeing as I’m to live in Skyhold for the foreseeable future, it’d get tiring quite quickly.” She said, her dry tone failing to mask the fondness in her voice.

With a light squeeze on her hand (so light that Leliana thought she might have imagined it), Morrigan turned around and walked back towards the door, back to the party and to Celene’s side. Just before the witch crossed the threshold, Leliana recovered her senses, ignoring the blush on her own cheeks.

“I’m looking forward to working with you once more, Morrigan.”

The witch stopped.

“So am I. I guess wonders never cease.” She turned to meet Leliana’s eyes for one last time that night “Good night, Leliana.”

And with that, she was gone.

“Good night, Morrigan.” Leliana muttered to the empty balcony.

She turned to look over the gardens once more.

Morrigan had awoken something in her today, and she had no idea how the witch would feature in her day to day routine and responsibilities back home. This whole night had been almost an out of body experience for her; As if she was ten years younger again, flirting with danger, politics, lies, deceit, and with a wild apostate. And she’d loved it.

But tomorrow, they were to head back to the Inquisition. To Skyhold, where she was not a seneschal, but the spymaster. Where her responsibilities had weight, where her actions counted to their minimal details.

It had been a dream… a wonderful dream (full of murder, treachery and lies, but such was their life, and such was where she thrived in), but it had come to an end. Tomorrow, things would be back to normal.

Supposedly.

Leliana sighed.

What had she gotten herself into.

[lyriumlotus]

A New Dawn Asunder: Chapter three.

{ Out of place, but just what we are looking for  }  (AO3)

Amanita stood before the building.

As people from all around her, either entered or left the establishment

On their way here, before he left her out the front to go attend to his own business,

Ellas’elera had spoke of the building and its purpose in the city.

He had said,

When the ancient people woke… Many of them had been former slaves.

Under the cruel thumb of unrelenting often harshly severe masters.

These masters worked their slaves fingers to the bone, until their backs finally broke,

or they could no longer carry themselves at the jobs they were forced to do until their often early graves beckoned them to their forever rest.  

Now, they lived their lives for themselves, with no masters to whip them into bent knee and bowed head submission.

They, many, were skilled in various labour, in varied techniques and studies.

To the new world they awoke, and found themselves struggling to find their place.

And, to help them find purpose in this New World of theirs. A centre had been built.

One in which they were offered guidance and counselling, where their skills could bring them their own fortune, their own businesses. An Innumerable amount of them, were born leaders, given the chance.  And they took to leading the rest. Others? were happy to go back to what they once did, what they once knew, provided they were of course well fed and well compensated for their hard work and labour. Without being over worked to death.

Countless yet hated their old work and wanted or rather needed something entirely new.

Something different, as they carved out new beginnings for themselves.

So they acquired traineeships for the other kinds of work they wished to pursue.

Some trained others, in what they knew, passing on knowledge and experience they once loathed,

to those who seeked or yearned for it,  intentionally, whilst being traded a different skill in return for what was taught. Benefiting both sides.  

She had to stop at least three or four people to ask for directions when she’d finally wandered in,

before ultimately finding the right place.. And when she did, she found herself coming to stand right behind Abelas. The one that had escorted her to her class on her first morning.

“I beg your patience, but we have not yet, acquired the right guides.” One of the Elvhen women stationed at the desk, told the other.

“This is something we do not need.” He countered, clearly, they had been going at it for a while, before Amanita arrived.

“We have adequate enough maps of the area. Should need be, we could send a few ahead to scout the terrain and report back to the rest of us when need arises. Time could be of utmost importance”

“And, I understand this… “the woman replied, adjusting the eyeglasses to her nose    

“But I refuse to send a troop of our people, no matter how highly skilled they may be, into terrain they are not yet fully familiar with!”

Abelas threw this arms up in defeat. “The longer we wait… the more dangerous this could be,

for all our people..”

“Arihdela is still out in the field. It will take another three to five months, until he can finish his current mission, and return to us. By then we must insist he have a few days rest before we can send him scuttering back out there again”  She shuffled some papers about, waved a hand at him, to go

“I suggest, you find something else to occupy yourself with until such time. Because this matter is frankly, settled”

  Amanita cleared her throat “um.. excuse me.. but...”

Both the woman, and Abelas shot her a narrow-eyed look

Clearing her throat again, she continued before courage had time to leave her.

“If, I am to understand it. You are wanting to send an expedition outside, correct?”

Neither, answered. Just continued to stare. So she went on.  

“I… I am Dalish…. My people were always on the move.. I could -”

Abelas interrupted abruptly “No. This is between our people. It has nothing to do, with your own.” Turning his back on her, to continue discussing with the woman at the desk.

Not one to give in easily, she ignored his remark, instead focusing on the woman past him.

“My Clan were wanderers… We knew what places to avoid, and how to manage, in territory we had no choice but to cross… If I may be so bold as to suggest… I could be their guide.” Abelas’s scowl deepened more then its usual self from what she could see, as he peered at her from over his golden plated shoulder pad.

She continued. Chin high, ignoring his look of clear displeasure

“I am an excellent tracker… And I know the terrain quite well.. I have bartered and negotiated, even dealt with many of the Human, Qunari and Dwarven people on numerous occasions. I know my way around, and would be happy to provide my services as a fill-in scout. Should you have need of them”

The other woman peered at her from over the top of her glasses, mulling it over, to herself.

There was something akin to a small smile, tugging at the ends of her lips. As if she was trying to hide how well this good fortune was that had been thrown her way, or perhaps, she was just delighted in the fact that Abelas disliked of the idea.

“Very well…………...”

“You cannot be serious?” Abelas looked to the Elvhen woman flabbergasted.

“I most certainly am. Who else, after all….  Could be more qualified ‘out there,

then someone who actually comes, from out there?” She asked him.

To which he could only silently glare, then make some attempt to keep himself busy by focusing on adjusting the armour at his wrists in some endeavour to quell his own frustrations

“With all do respect, we do not know this woman. How can we trust her inten-” “She is of Clan Lavellan? If I am not mistaken...”

Amanita looked from him, to her.  Eyes wide.

“I hadn’t mentioned..-” “Of course not, Miss Lavellan. Yet it is what it is.

And, If I might say.  It is an honour to have another of Clan Lavellan here.

I usually make it a personal habit, of knowing each and every visitor to our great city.

However, as you can see, I’ve had my hands full…

& I hadnt the time, yet.. So I thank you for dropping in.

And also, who am I to say no, to such an offer?”

The lady smiled. Stood, dusted herself off then bowed her head.

“O-oh..”

Amanita bowed her own head lower in return,

as a form of respect to the older and undoubtedly wiser woman

“Thank you, Its an honour to be a guest here in your beautiful city..  

I hope to do my Clan justice, and look forward to learning a great deal“

Amanita silently cheered inwardly at her small victory.

Sure, it would mean she would be away from her newfound friends for abit,

but at the same time.. she finally had a use. A use that she could provide them.

Abelas. Silent and watching her like some gold eyed hawk might observe a plump nug, as she straightened again, realised he was outnumbered in this case, & turned about sharply, leaving the two of them abruptly.

She wasted little time over tottering up to the woman behind the desk.

“Pay him no mind...”

The lady replied, when he disappeared from view.

“Abelas means no real harm.. He’s just particularly extra protective of our people

since we have lost much and there remains so little”

Thinking about it, Amanita didn’t know if she could blame him of that fault.

Even her own people tended to remain guarded and tight lipped towards outsiders.

“Its alright… If our roles were reversed, I would probably be much the same...” She nodded, “So, if I may ask. What is this expedition about?”

It was after all, unusual for the Arlathanians to leave their region.

After the great war. They generally stuck to themselves. Behind a towering wall & magical protective wards. As much mystery to the outside world, as they had been before said war.

The woman, writing something upon paper in a flowing script, that Amanita couldn’t possibly read, took a while to respond her.  

“I’m afraid I will have to leave the telling of sensitive information to Abelas, as he will be leading the campaign.  However, the main gist of it, Is that we need to travel to Brandels Reach.

Not particularly far from here, though it will be, on foot I’m afraid.

To procure something of immeasurable value to us.”

She paused a moment to pass Amanita a slip of paper to sign.

Amanita, took the parchment, and jotted down her name.

“Do you think you can do it, Miss Lavellan? Lead them safely through there, and back?” “Yes. Most certainly” She said looking up again. “We will have to cross somewhere down the line, between the Vimmark mountains and Markam. Then take a ship from Ostwick, to get to Brandels Reach.. but it is certainly do-able, And I know the area well” Amanita nodded.

“Good. Then we will arrange the required papers needed, once we have done a background check on your credentials and trust-ability, we will then get back into contact with you, within the next few days or weeks, regarding the status of this trip”

Amanita bowed low again. “I thank you for your patience Harhen,  and your confidence in me. I do not intend to disappoint this valuable chance I’ve been given.”

“Before you go...” The woman collected a few sheets of paper from various different piles to hand her

“Basic laws and regulations.. regarding our city. Please do give them a read.“

“I will! Thank you” Taking the papers, She was grateful to see these were eligibly written specifically for those like herself, whom still struggled to read or speak the Arlathanian script,

she bowed once more, then left.

…......……………………………………………………………………………………………

Abelas made his way down the steps of the Guidance building and continued on into the City.

It was quite clear, and he knew the moment the Quickling spoke up,

that he would not be winning any arguments this day.  

Yai’abella’ar had something of a soft spot for the shemlen outsiders.

He had witnessed It himself when he saw her fighting so vigorously at high council to give them a chance at co-existing together. Foolish really, for they had tried this once already before.

Long ago, with the quick children of that time, and what had come of it? but disease and corruption.

He would not fault her naivety though, for it was a kind thing to want peace.

Only he had lived long enough to see such optimistic beginnings diminish into disastrous and deadly ends.

Yai’abella’ar could charm dragons to play with kittens though, it was part reason for why

he had caved to her requests the other morning by showing the quickling woman to her

classroom. She appealed to his pride in his own people.

He knew it and yet abided willingly all the same.  

A voice calling out his name, caught his attention, as he looked up and to the right to see a taller elvhen man cutting through the crowd and making his way towards him.

Ah.. His own eyes lighting up in recognition.  It was Telahmis, an old close friend and a long time brother in arms ever since Abelas could remember, which was saying something, because he was quite old.

His friend that had been out in the field the last month regarding sensitive materials, had finally returned this day.

“Abelas! Brother! I have missed you.”

Telahmis, with arms extended wide in welcome to his friend, hurried over resting his hands upon Abelas’ shoulders, then the two leaned in, pressing foreheads in close greeting.

An otherwise normal gesture amongst close kin, yet somehow comedic when the taller Elvhen had to partly bend knee for his mageling sentinel companion.

“It’s good to see you again, old friend”.

“Likewise. Telahmis ...Do you bring good news?”

“Straight down to business I see!” The larger elf laughed aloud.

Abelas beckoned to the side of the road, so that the two wouldn’t be blocking the path of others,

and also that they would be awarded some privacy.

Telahmis sighed deeply, pulling his mount along beside him.

“I’ll be brief then. We arrived too late.. The place was already empty.

It’d probably been that way for a time now. We are not too sure frankly, since we found nothing. No traces left behind to indicate if it were just random thieves, historians or treasure hunters. Nothing.”

“Ah. I had assumed as much.” He was disappointed, yet not surprised.

“Though it is a little troubling that whoever went there, left no trace?”

“I had thought so as well…” Telahmis nodded in agreement.

“Even a well meaning historian or a sticky fingered thief, usually tend to leave unintentional traces behind of some sort.. but the place was... literally ‘picked clean’.”

He watched on as Abelas went into classic ‘thinking’ mode.

Arms crossed, fingers under chin.  Expression stern.

He knew well enough not to interrupt his trail of thought in this time, for his friend would not hear him, so instead his gaze lingered past, to settle upon an attractive woman that had caught his eye a few seconds earlier, as she had just sat down to rest under a fountain.

Telahmis hoped absent mindedly that he would not be sent straight back out there, for he very much would like to visit the public baths to wash up, and be rid of all this grime, then unwind with food and plenty of drink and more importantly if he could be so fortunate, with women. He sighed again, forlorn.

This capturing Abelas attention enough as he snapped back to the present and followed his kins gaze to see where or what he was gazing so longingly upon.

A woman of course, & not just any other, but the very Dalish one he seemed to keep bumping into.

He said nothing, just cleared his throat and continued, looking back to him.

“We can do nothing of it for now, but mark it off the map and see to the next locations.

However, it may be wise to send in a few scouts just to keep watch over the area, in the event that

whoever it was, may well return again...”

Small chance of that.. but better then taking none at all. “In the meantime.. you should-” “Abelas?”

A young woman accompanied by a Wisp. Dressed in Mythal-patterned cloaks of blood orange and greens addressed him with a formal bow as she approached the two men, relief awash upon her young face at having found him. Considering the size of the City area, she had probably been looking for him, for quite the while.

“I apologise for the disturbance, yet Mythal wishes an audience with you immediately”

She advised, head still bowed. The wisp looked to her then panicked and bowed its formless

head to him as well.

The two friends shot each other curious looks and Abelas nodded to her as she straightened again

“Very well… One moment, if you please?” Turning back to Telahmis, he continued “We must convene tomorrow morning… If you could spare the time?” “Of course, I have to get Ella here fitted for a new saddle anyways”

Telahmis dipped his head in farewell “The Wolves den, little brother. I will meet you there after the morning supper. Try not to be late.”

Then the two parted ways.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Ellas’elera said he would take a while, so she’d be better off finding her own way back,

but being this far into the city, made her alittle curious.

So instead, she decided to take her time, sight-seeing again.  Well, she would be staying here for a few years after all. So it was best she attempt to get to know her way around alone at least.

This far in, provided a better view of the city further in as well… She could see from here,

the floating sections of the City.  Well hidden from the outside of the Elvhenan empire.

Some were entire grandiose buildings, gold wolf statues guarding shrines.. even a

few entirely aesthetic floating structures like random blossoms or waterfalls suspended in mid-air.

The water cascading down to a mist, which rose again into the air in an everlasting cycle to be repeated.

Large arch-shaped mirrors too, that made her realise these must indeed be those magical mirrors she had heard tales about. Used, no doubt, to transport them from section across section.

But what more, she could not see, for too much mist and cloud abstracted anyone from seeing further in, or in this case, up?. Which was without a doubt held their by magic also, it probably helped serve protection to those on the upper levels.

Come to think of it, she recalled the outside appearance from before she entered through the wall,

looked barely unable to fit and house all of this splendour of an entire peoples kingdom and its empire within too. Was magic then, also used to create or warp some kind of spatial flux as well?

It had not occurred to her, that magic could be capable of so many wonders aside from your basic elemental or energise-type spells.

She stopped by a little art store during her explorations,

hit by the powerful aroma of inks, paper mache and paints the moment she steps within.

Many pressed papers line the back wall, and shelves upon shelves of leather-bound notebooks,

decorated with symbols, words, and simple trinkets like jewels or stones, have her wandering over.

She settles for one of the plainest ones there. Less because it appeals to her,

and more because its within her price range. It is of good make though, she can tell the leather is hardy and the binding is good.

Along with a dozen varied lead pencils and a leather satchel pouch that can roll up into a tube,

keeping the pencils within it, safe.

The Arlathanian merchant, a short bald handsomely withered man with a twinkle in his eye, even throws in a few extra things, like charcoal pencils, and sharpeners, much to her delight.

Her next stop, is at a little stall selling pastries, and she buys herself a few of the cream cheese variety. Then finds a quite place alittle further on, and sits comfortably at the white marble fountain, to eat, then open up her new notebook, and sketch.  Testing out her pencils.

She sketches one of the female Arlathanians.

Hair as long and as white as a young hallas’ fur, reaching almost to her knees.

Dressed in flowing silk white skirts and a golden corset, complimented with golden jewellery.

She sketches two of the children, laughing joyfully as they’re chasing a spirit around and around a blue and yellow tree.

An older couple, walking hand in hand, glancing at each other with the kind of love

one only ever hears about in storybooks and love songs.

And an intoxicated woman being consoled by her friend over a break-up from what she can over hear.

It is,

during the final touches to this sketch, that a large shadow falls across her page,

and she looks up blankly into a mass of brown and caramel fur as it proceeds to bend its head

to sniff at her notebook then bite into it, ripping the page from the book.

The Hart started chewing calmly, like a docile Druffalo might, munching on hay.

“Oow!… HEY!” She yells, as reality kicks in too late.

The page is well and truly gone, down the belly of the beast. Literally.

“Mwarrr!!!”

The Hart bellows, hot breath blowing in her face.

“Mahhrrr!.. Yourself. I was working on that!” She scolds. Clutching the notebook, behind her back to protect its other pages.

“And, don’t even give me that look, you’re not having the rest”

“Ella?. Shit! Bad girl!”

Another towering height with eyes the colour of steel, wanders into her view, blocking the sun as they too scold the unfazed beast. “Sorry! I can repay you for the damages… I swear it.

I only took my eye off of her for a moment and the old girl just couldn’t help herself. Aishhhh~“

He runs a hand back through red silken tied hair and looks to her apologetically.

Amanita shook her head “Oh, Its perfectly alright, it was just a single piece of paper after all… and… I’d be more worried she doesn’t get upset stomach over it to be honest” She winced.

“Oh she’ll eat anything and everything, believe me. Even stole and ate one of my coin pouches once….  Shat gold and silver pennies for an entire week after that, which would have actually been funny, if not for my needing to collect them again” He sighed aloud.  

The Elvhen man before her was distinctively tall,

she noted, taking a better look up at him, as he spoke.  

Taller then the average Arlathanian at least. He appeared more closer in height to a Qunari.

Almost an entire seven-feet, if she had to guess.

Long red hair, tied back but he kept his head shaved to either side.

Red Vallaslin markings, of Mythal of course (most Arlathanians were) against rich olive skin.

Brawny, from the look of his build. He wore finely crafted armour too so wasn’t one of low ranking.

A scattering of tiny nicks and scratches across his face hinting at many battles.

Sheathed to his back appeared a large emerald green dragons tooth. Bound to a dawnstone tinted haft. A warrior? No, a Champion class sentinel. He must be.

“Mwwrrr!”

Ella protested as she was prevented from reaching anything else tasty to eat that did not belong to her, with a tight pull from her harness. “Nooooo No more for you. You’ve embarrassed me enough for the day.”

He turned his focus back to her “Names Telahmis. Miss???” He offered a large hand, which was unusual, since that seemed a more ‘human’ greeting custom, then what the ancient peoples usually did. She stood, taking it in her own though, shaking his, in greeted return.“Amanita Lavellan. Just arrived to New Arlathan very recently.”

“It’s just that I’d noticed you’d been sketching there for a while now, Miss Amanita”

“You were watching me?” A hint of a tease to her tone.

He grinned “No, well ..Yes ...In a sense. It’s just that its not usual we see Dalish people here, so you do kind of stand out.” He nodded to her Dalish garb.  “And I was waiting on a new harness fitting for Ella here, since her old ones suffered quite a bit of wear and tear, when I noticed you sitting here. Unfortunately, when I wasnt looking, Ella apparently noticed you too”

Ella was currently rubbing her head against Amanitas’ side to quell a persistent itch.

Amanita, for her part, took the opportunity to pet her eagerly in return.

If she knew her breeds correctly, and she usually did, then this Hart was one of the prized treasures of the Arlathanian people. Ridden into many a battle with their ancient Elvhen counterparts.

A close relative to The Pride of Arlathan that her own people knew.

This breed was larger by comparison, because Elvhenan people were larger, and thusly a more stronger  sturdier mount than any other.  

Its name, meaning something akin to ‘close blood of the Elvhenan’.

“She can probably smell the scent of Halla thats ingrained into my clothing, would be my guess as to why she wandered over… “ She half joked, rubbing the animal behind the ear.

Really though, animals had a keen sense of smell so it was more then likely possible.

“I still feel bad for your loss of work though.. You really sure I cant repay you?

Or at least make it upto you someway else?”

She shook her head “Its not a big loss… I was just resting my feet and testing out the new paper and pencils.. before heading back to my own district again.”

He perked up at this “In that case then, could we escort you home, atop Ella here?”

Her eyes widened “Really? I-I mean...I-!!!”

Telhamis laughed loudly. “Most certainly!, Ella won’t mind, and its the least we could do! Plus, you could tell me how her new saddle fits, because frankly, I’ve been riding almost non stop these past few weeks, and I don’t wanna mentioned where I have blisters at the moment.” He frowned before continuing. “just that I wouldn’t be able to tell how the new saddle is.”

It really wasn’t that big of a deal, but she couldnt help but to feel like a child in this moment.

Giddy happiness washing over her, as she collected her things up and nodded up to him.

Telhamis gingerly took her hand in his, helping her up into the saddle.

It had been quite a time since she had sat in any saddle, but there was always that sense of

comfort in it. Having a giant beast underneath you, one that you could feel breathing, one that was capable of such strength, and yet gentle to its rider. There was a trust there and a pleasance in that trust. She adjusted herself a little into the saddle as the new leather groaned around her.

“Where too lil lady?” Telhamis asked, taking the reigns, he took to leading.

Leaning back in the saddle abit, she grinned “First District. Outer quarter”  

“Ahhh … Of course...Silly question” Telhamis responded.  Ella snorted, clip clapping her hooves impatiently on the pebble pavement, then allowed him to lead the way. “So, Can I ask what brings you here Miss Amanita?”

“Dalish study.. really… I am supposed to represent the Dalish and teach our ways and history” “Ah. That, cannot be an easy task…..” “Oh, you cannot imagine...” She chuckled

He laughed some “It may surprise you, but I probably can.  My people are not an easy people to get to know.  We hold our kin very close and our ways even closer still… “ A short silence followed, before he continued again  “I suspect by your response, you are not finding much luck on either front…. Am I right?”

“Mmm” She nodded. “Though, I ‘have’ only just arrived.. so I don’t expect everyone to welcome me with open arms just like that… It would not be fair or realistic to expect such easy acceptance.

However.. I also hadn’t counted on the fact that there may be no one at all, interested in learning Dalish history…. I mean.. I know this is something of a sore point amongst your people.. but. Its just.. well, we have so much we could teach and learn from each other.”

“We are a prideful people...” He told her.

“Even if many of us were once slaves.. we were in our own ways, still prideful of our ways.

Still prideful of what we were. My people are very stubborn like that. We can’t come to terms with how far we had fallen….yet. From being once grand and mighty empires, to now, being all that is left after the deaths and losses of so many of us.”

He weaved them carefully through the smaller street ways as he spoke to her,.

“Also I suspect, It is because they, well, ‘we’” he pointed to himself in this “ Have a different way of looking at the world, then your own may do.. Everything we are, is changed within your own people. It’s hard for us, to want to bridge that gap.. because we are stubbornly holding onto that past, and only wish to see or think of ourselves as glorious people. Instead of look at another version of ourselves were we see what we have lost, and how far we have fallen, staring so starkly straight back at us… ”

“That’s a very .. honest.. answer...” She commended letting out a breath

“I hear how my people talk.. But unlike most of my people, I have also been fortunate to spend time outside of these walls.. Enough time that I have also heard how others talk… as well.”

He patted Elle as they continued walking through the streets.

A few stares were occasionally cast their way, at the sight of a Dalish on a prized mount being led by one of their own but otherwise the pace they kept was a peacefully slow one.

“Either way, I have no intention of falling into defeat just yet.. I’ve already been down to the guidance chambers earlier and may have already landed a job opportunity as a Scout for a party, if things go accordingly” Amanita smiled to him

“Thats great news then, I hope you get it.. It might actually go a long way in helping others warm upto you and get to know you better too if they have to depend on you looking out for them” He responded thoughtfully.

She nodded hoping much the same. “What about you, what do you do here?”

“Me? I’m working somewhere between scouting party and advance guard, depending what the situation calls for really..” Cocking a red bushy brow he mused “Who knows, we may end up working together sometime even.”

“I could be so lucky” She grinned. Really though, he reminded her a little of Ellas’elera, just that easy to get along with and feel comfortable around vibe. So she hoped that would end up being the case. Because then at least she would know somebody.

It didn’t take as long to reach her own district on mount & being led by an actual Elvhen whom better knew the way, not that she could have blamed Ellas’elera, for the few turn arounds they took on their way into town earlier that morning, since the City was not much unlike an actual maze at times.  Some part of her felt disappointment in arriving back again, since it meant she would have to dismount from this wonderfully beautiful animal already, like a child who wanted to go on the same ride again, However she was familiar enough with this territory to feel comfortable enough to find the remaining way back by herself.  “This is my stop...”

“You are certain?”

Telahmis led the Hart to the side of the Road then helped Amanita carefully down.

“Absolutely, I’m very grateful for the lift, but I know the rest of the way from here..”

Beaming at him, she patted Ella and nodded to the Saddle.

“Oh, and the saddle is a comfortable and sturdy fit, might need a little more breaking in obviously, otherwise its perfectly suited to her.”

He dipped his head in a bow “Thank you Miss Amanita, its been an interesting pleasure.”

She returned the respect “Thank you. And likewise. I really hope we do end up working together It’d be nice to have a friend I actually know to travel with”

He seemed pleased at this since his smile only grew all the more larger for it and he barked in laughter “Something tells me Ella wouldnt mind that either”

……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Mythals servant, although younger and shorter then himself, had quite the hurry to her step,

forcing him to worry for what he was being called.

An emergency surely? But how grand a one? He could not guess.

Had he thought the woman (or her accompanied wisp) knew for what he was being sent for,

he would have asked, but, he knew Mythal too well having served her loyally for the many centuries as he did, to know she would not divulge important matters to her servants.

For fear of spies that may be hidden amongst her own ranks.

The two travelled deeper into the city, past the bakeries and merchants, the factories and the occasional training forces or magical school groups.

The two, taking alleyways, lanes, passageways, and occasionally when the need called for it, Eluvians, to reach their destination.

This far in, was where the majority of the older, the weaker and the smaller, happened to dwell. For the Mother, Mythal, always protected her children, and like any successful species, the sicker and the weaker were always kept within the safest quarters possible. Closer to the heart of their empire in New Arlathan, While the stronger lived along the outskirts

The Castle itself, where Mythal dwelt with the Wolf and the Wolfs’ lady too, was always something that tugged at his inner heartstrings.

In all its glory, it stood tall and pristine, impenetrable and daring. It was the heart of his world,

of all he fought for, this castle was the embodiment of all of that, and yet, Mythal had turned him from this place, to be among the other of his kin below.

A punishment he could only assume for his continuous failings to truly protect her as he had long since sworn.

That she had called for him now however?

He did not know if it was hope or simple anxiousness that caused his heart to hasten its beat,

for he so longed to return to her side once again as her loyal Defender.

The Sentinels and other guards they passed on their way up the steps and into the fortressed Castle

would continuously bow their heads when the three passed, out of deep respect for the

older sentinel that had trained many of them since they were only youngfolk, well before Mythals return.

Coming to a massive well guarded door. The servant finally stopped as the Wisp left them to  disappear through the doors to signal Abelas’s arrival to their All-Mother.

“I will be awaiting you over there to escort you back later” She motioned to where she would wait, bowed and left him to it.

The Doors weren’t just guarded by sentinels, they were also imbued with powerful magics.

The kind that made breaking into the room almost impossible, unless the other was more gifted then the original caster. He could feel them brimming and vibrating vaguely within the air between them.

Now though, they lit up in a show of dazzling purples and greens, revealing the earlier invisible symbols diffused throughout it, as the doors opened. The three sentinel on either side, all took steps back and bowed in unison, as Abelas went inside, the door closing behind him.

The room he entered was large, airy and open. Few smaller golden statues decorated the room, as did magnificent paintings of themes usually representing dragons and famous or imagined battles, so lifelife you would think they could move, and there to the other end of the room, by a large opened balcony stood Mythal herself.

He froze a moment at the sight of her.

She was no longer the all mighty and powerful Goddess he once remembered, but she was also no less awe-inspiring or breathtaking for it.  

In times past, she had long hair the colour of blood red, now it was muted orange and fell in tiny ringlets around a wizened and withered face.  

Where before her eyes were a brilliant piercing yellow, they too were diluted to an almost milky white as she glanced over her shoulder to see him standing there.

Mythal was wrapped in less armour then her golden days, something that bothered him a little,

as now said armour was no more then simpler shoulder guards. a chest plate and her dragon-horned headdress. Her attire too, made of a simple mesh of chainmail shaped like a dragons scales, into a velvet green and red dress that partly hid knee high armoured boots shaped like a dragons clawed feet.

 “Come child, if you are quite done analysing my choice of garments...We must speak”

Her satiny highly amused voice spoke.

Clearly, he thought as he approached her, she had not lost her wit