Fandom: Dragon Age Inquisition
Rating: Explicit
Pairings: Solas/Elvhen OC, Felassan/Elvhen OC, Male Lavellan/Dorian, Others To Be Added
“Oh! I expected you would be in the courtyard already.” Iveani stood at the entrance to Era’las’ chambers, confusion and concern etched into her expression when she saw her laying in bed. “Did you not sleep well, my lady?”
Era’las smiled at her friend and shrugged, letting a trace of her exhaustion flow into her aura. “I did not sleep at all,” she admitted, picking at the sides of her nightdress with her fingers. “Would you please advise the priests that I will not be joining them today?”
“Of course. Are you troubled? Shall I make you some tea?”
“Tea would be lovely, thank you.”
Era’las shifted to lean against her pillows, glad that she’d arrived back at her chambers just before Iveani did. While she didn’t want to lie, she also couldn’t tell her friend where she’d been all night. It had been difficult to say goodbye to Massaran - there was certainly a connection with him she couldn’t deny, and the gaps in her memory were troubling. Before she left the cells, she had at least gotten the assurance from the new guards that he would be treated better going forward. Unlike the av'ahnelan, they respected her as a loyal servant of Mythal’s and would heed her request that Massaran be given a mattress and better meals.
Amelanen’s warning came back to mind, and with it the inference from him and Marassan about her lost time. The memories, the pain of trying to recall even the smallest detail, frightened her. There was a danger in looking for answers within her own mind. The thoughts connected and a new idea was born. Her own mind and the two sides of her heart weren’t the only resources available.
“Iveani, when did you last visit Arlathan?”
The handmaid paused, kettle halfway in position to pour. “It is hard to say, my lady. Years, at least.”
“I barely remember its beauty.” Era’las sighed and twisted the edge of her blanket between her fingers.. “We should ask Mythal when she returns if we may be permitted to take some time there. I miss the singing winds and bustle of the marketplace. Our temple is beautiful, but there is more to life than contemplation.”
“That might not be wise, my lady. First Mother has many things that require her attention.”
Era’las pulled up her knees and rested her chin against the soft blankets. They were cool and soothing against her skin, even as the light of day began to filter in through the windows. Perhaps her friend was right. Her whims weren’t that important, but neither were her duties. She could be spared for a few days at least without anyone else suffering.
“You may be right, but I will never know if I do not ask.”
Iveani tapped her shoulder lightly to draw her back from wandering thoughts. “Your tea, my lady.”
As she placed it on the table beside the bed, the delicate cup clattered slightly against its saucer. Era’las noticed that Iveani’s hands, always so steady no matter the task, were shaking. She gently clasped them in her own.
“Iveani, what troubles you? Are you well?”
