#solavellanhellchallenge2020

Arana looked up, leaning her head back against Solas's shoulder and quietly studying his features as his head lay resting against the tree. A smile curved her lips as she silently traced her fingers over the shape of his ears. They were long and subtly uneven with a few freckles. Truth be told, she thought he had very handsome ears.

Her thoughts were interrupted as his chest rose with a deep breath. Silver eyes opened slowly and peered down at her as a red tint touched his cheeks.

"Like that, do you?" Arana laughed.

"I do not." Solas responded, failing to suppress a faint smile tugging the corner of his mouth as his arms hugged her tighter.

"The blushing says otherwise, Solas."

"I am doing no such thing." He protested through a light chuckle as he laid his cheek against her head.

"Lies." Arana grinned, letting out another laugh as she leaned into his cheek.

Solas abruptly turned his head, voice lowering as his lips brushed gently against Arana's ear. "Then perhaps we should see how you like it, Vhenan.."

[Next Part]

"Race me!" Declared the young starlight-haired elf, hands confidently placed on her hips as she looked determinedly at her elder sibling. Theron chuckled as he ran his hand through his auburn hair, pushing a few strands out of his face.

"Not tired of losing yet, Rainie? This is the fifth time today already."

"Bold of you to assume I'm going to lose!" Arana huffed.

"With your losing streak?? I think not!" Another laugh sounded from Theron's throat as he ruffled her snowy hair. The little elf pushed his hand away, sapphire eyes staring up into his emerald hues. The siblings had always made a game of seeing who could climb the fastest- ever since he'd taught her how. She had lost countless times and yet still she insisted. He had to admire his sister's tenacity, at least.

With a defeated sigh, he smiled. "The usual place?"

The young mage's eyes lit up. "Where else??" She laughed.

The two struck out from camp to their usual spot a little ways through the forest. And, on the count of 3, they began their race. Theron, being much taller, started out ahead- poking fun and playfully antagonizing the stubborn little elf.

"Hope you're ready to add another tally to your losing streak!" He laughed.

"We'll see about that!" Arana retorted.

On and upward they climbed, until finally there were only a few branches between them and the top of the tree. When Theron finally poked his head through the leaves and reached the top, he paused- mouth hanging loose in surprise. Arana was already sitting there waiting with a triumphant grin on her face. His surprise slowly turned to a proud smile.

"You actually managed for once." He chuckled.

Arana crossed her arms, grinning proudly. "And don't you forget it! ...Ass."

The older elf feigned a hurt expression and placed his hand over his heart. "Ohh, ouch, ma solas!" He grinned, semi-dramatically expressing his wounded ego.

The starlight-haired elf laughed so hard that she lost her balance, falling down a few branches. Her brother quickly jumped down to her.

"Arana?? Are you alright?"

"I'm okay! I'm fine!" She laughed, adrenaline pumping through her veins from the sudden fall and making her a bit giggly. A snicker left the red-haired elf. His eyes wandered over to a small, bleeding cut on her arm. With a sigh, he shook his head and helped his sibling back down the tree. Once their feet were firmly planted on the ground, Theron looked down at her, messing her hair.

"I think that's enough excitement for one day."

"There's no such thing as enough excitement!" Arana pushed his hand away again and smoothed her hair.

"Stubborn brat." The older laughed as he picked her up over his shoulder by the legs like a burlap sack.

"Hey-! You big oaf!" She whined in mild protest, but didn't resist.

"Nu'tua'len."

"Dahn'direlan."

The two laughed at each other's playful insults as they made their way back home. Only to find Keeper Deshana waiting for them with a disapproving look plain on her face.

"You're late, Da'len."

"Ir abelas, Keeper.." Arana rubbed the back of her head as Theron put her down.

The Keeper sighed and relented with a smile, reaching out a hand to touch the young mage's shoulder. "Come along, we have much to do, Da'len."

"Alriiight.."

And with that, the siblings parted ways to continue their daily tasks.

Translation Notes:

•Nu'tua'len - little troublemaker

"Because I am not a monster. If they must die, I would rather they die in comfort."

Arana stood quietly for a moment, staring into his familiar stormy grey hues.

"Ir abelas, ma vhenan." She began quietly, holding his hands tightly in her own. "But so long as you walk this path, I will find no comfort."

Her winter-blue hues reflected sadly in the light of the setting sun, becoming somewhat glassy as she forced her tone to remain even. A small slender hand reached for his face, cupping it lovingly as her thumb stroked his cheek. "You could get yourself killed, Solas. Nevermind me or the rest of the world.. I know you hurt for your people. I've seen the guilty expression you try to keep from me- from everyone. But think about this. There could be another way.. You just haven't found it yet. Let me help you.."

"I will not have you see what I become, vhenan."

"Whatever that is, you are still you. You don't need to hide yourself from me. Whatever happens, I can't let you go through with this. Not this way. This affects everything. Not just us. Not just them. Everyone."

Her other hand came to hold his face as she pulled him closer to lay her forehead against his, her eyes closing for a long moment as she tried to convey her feelings through both her voice and her touch. As she spoke up once more, her voice began to crack faintly under the weight of the emotions her words carried. "Ma sa'lath, you don't have to be alone. We can find another way.."

"Arana, I..-"

Before he could utter another word, she spoke again; the weight of sorrow in her chest far too much to bear as the words flowed like rushing water from a broken dam. She needed him to hear her- and all the things she had left unsaid before. She needed him to know the true weight he held on her heart- for fear that she may never have another chance to tell him.

"Lasan ara'sal, sule ha'lam'sal'shiral. Juame mar shalasha, la ane emma. Ma lath suledin tel'melana."

A long, painful silence settled between them as her words hung heavily in the air. Slowly, she pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes as she uttered a final whisper.

"Please, vhenan.. Come home.."

Translation Notes:

*Ma sa'lath - Lit. "My one love." Similar to "my one and only."

**"Lasan ara'sal, sule ha'lam'sal'shiral. Juame mar shalasha, la ane emma. Ma lath suledin tel'melana." - "I give you my soul until the journey of life is through. I will be your armor, as you are mine. My love endures beyond time."

[Next Part]

"Keeper! You have to let me help him!" The young elf, no more than a mere 15 years of age, pleaded with her elder as she remained knelt at the side of her unconscious older brother with a look of determination in her sapphire hues. "We both know there's a way to do it. Please!"

Keeper Deshana looked down at her with a deep frown. "There are many risks in this ritual, Da'len. The clan could not bear to lose you both.."

"But, Keeper!" The starlight-haired teen urged. "It has to be someone close with him, right? Someone he trusts. He's my brother! Who else could wake him??"

The elven elder remained quiet for a long moment, her mouth creasing as her frown grew. Finally, she let out a sigh. "We will put it to a vote, Da'len. Let the clan voice themselves in this matter. Whatever they decide, it will be done."

"But-!" Arana began to protest, cut off by a gesture from the Keeper.

And with that, Deshana called the clan to gather for the vote. Everyone looked at each other; some saddened, some confused, others solemn and stone-faced all waiting for their leader to speak.

"Everyone." She began. "As you may know, our dear Theron has fallen into a wakeless sleep. There is a way he may be returned to us and Arana has volunteered to perform the necessary ritual; however, this is not without risk. There is no guarantee of her success. And should anything go wrong, one or both could be taken hold by demons."

The clan all shared various looks, some whispering amongst themselves for a moment until she spoke again.

"I urge you all to consider these options carefully: do we allow her to accept the risks in trying to save his life? Or do we send him to our Creators and negate any further risk?"

There was a long, bated silence as everyone thought heavily on the matter. Arana glanced around at each of their faces, heart pounding rapidly in her chest. She could only hope they would allow her to help him. She had to help him. Theron was all that was left of her little family- he raised her after the deaths of their parents. And she would be damned if she didn't try something- anything- to save him.

After several moments of deliberation, Keeper Deshana finally spoke again.

"All in favor of allowing Arana to perform the ritual, speak now."

Another anxious glance around, a few of them had raised their hands. A timid and cautious joy filled her heart. Would they let her save him??

"All who oppose?" Deshana's voice broke her from her brief thoughts. A sudden realization hit her and her heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Far more hands opposed the ritual than those who favored it.

No.. No! They weren't really going to kill him- just like that.. Were they? They couldn't!

The Keeper's saddened gaze turned to her crestfallen apprentice. "I'm sorry, Da'len. The clan has made their decision. And we must abide.."

The elder approached Theron's resting form. A rush of burning anger and panic surged through Arana's veins.

"Don't touch him!" She shouted in protest, rushing to her sleeping brother's side. The clan looked on in bewilderment.

"Da'len-"

"No!"

Deshana looked to two nearby members of the clan, asking them forth to move the distressed mage away. Arana futilely struggled against them to return to her elder sibling, shouting with tears stinging her eyes; watching in abject horror as the Keeper ended Theron's life with a blade to the heart.

All fell silent. Arana's arms were released as her legs gave out beneath her and she fell to her knees, wide eyed and heartbroken. The clan looked upon her in quiet grief.

Deshana stood, turning her saddened gaze to Arana. "Ir abelas, Da'len.. Truly.."

The young elf slowly got to her feet, arms slack at her sides as her hands balled into tight fists until her knuckles turned white.

"Tel'abelas!" She lashed out despondently. Turning on her heel, Arana fled from the camp toward the forest. The Keeper opened her mouth to say something, but remained silent. Her apprentice would calm within the forest and return when she was well. For now, there was much to do.

Running as swiftly as her legs could carry her, Arana ran. And ran. And ran. Until her legs could run no more and once again gave way beneath her. Pushing her back up against a nearby tree, the elf pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them tightly as she buried her face- sobbing in her grief.

How could they? To one of their own?!

Her sobbing continued until her eyes were left red and puffy, unable to produce any more tears. And yet she did not move from where she sat, silently listening to the voices of friendly spirits whispering in her ears.

[Next Part]

It had been almost a full year since Coryoheus's defeat. The world had begun to heal and settle from the events he had caused. However, in light of their victory, there was one who did not celebrate.

Moonlight seeped in from the windows on the upper floors, faintly illuminating the Rotunda as Arana stood staring at the walls. Her eyes stinging and red, she traced her fingers over the lines of the various paintings covering the room; pausing when she came to one that had been left unfinished.

Her hand lingered over it, sliding down the wall's surface as the Inquisitor fell on her knees and shut her eyes tightly as they burned and her cheeks dampened again with tears. What was once her favorite room in all her castle was now nothing more than a silent, painful reminder. Her heart hung heavily in her chest.

Where had he gone? Why did he leave?

She had no way of knowing. All at once and all too suddenly the man she loved had gone without a word. It had been almost a year.. and no sign of him had come. Not a trace left to be found. Nothing but the jawbone she clutched in her hand and the paintings that stained those towering walls.

[Next Part]

Day 5: Skyhold

By attacking the Inquisition, Corypheus has changed it.. Changed you.

Arana looked back at the long trail of people following behind her, a frown tugging at her lips. They'd been walking for at least a couple weeks. So many injured.. Some didn't make it. Exhaustion loomed over them and supplies were running low. Yet they all marched on, putting their faith on her shoulders.

Scout to the north. Be their guide.

The elven mage turned her cerulean gaze forward and pressed on, clambering up some large rocks to get a better view. Looking out over the endless expanse of snowy mountain peaks, the task at hand seemed daunting and impossible. A hawk cawed in the distance as the sun peeked out over the mountain tops. Arana turned her attention to Solas as he too continued just ahead of her.

There is a place waiting for a force to hold it.

Hopping down from where she stood, Arana quickly caught up with him. She could only hope that they would reach their destination soon. For the sake of all who now followed her lead. Several long minutes passed as the two lead on.

There is a place where the Inquisition can build… Grow…

Coming upon the edge of the mountain pass, the two shared a brief glance. And once they reached the top, Solas stopped and looked out into the distance. With bated breath, Arana followed his gaze. All at once, she saw it. And in that instant, she knew: they made it. Standing in awe and staring at the grand fortress ahead, she slowly took a few steps forward; Solas watching her as a single word passed his lips.

Skyhold

[Next Part]

"Why here?" Arana looked around curiously, her eyes greeted by the familiar town as she reached the top of the stairs.

With a gesture of his hand, Solas replied. "Haven is familiar. It will always be important to you."

The elf quirked a brow as she followed close behind him. "We talked about that already."

Without another word, the two made their way past the smaller buildings towards the Chantry and the all too recognisable cell. Blue eyes scanned the area in which she had first awakened- her first clear memory after having gone to investigate the Conclave.

"I sat beside you while you slept, studying the Anchor."

Arana's thoughts broke and turned her focus to the much taller elf at her side, a smile just beginning to form on her lips. "I'm glad there was someone watching over me."

There was a short silence between them before Solas finally spoke again.

"You were a mystery.." He turned and met her gaze, an expression of what could only be thought of as determination on his face. "You still are- I ran every test I could imagine, searched the Fade, yet found nothing."

Solas took a quiet breath before allowing himself to continue speaking. "Cassandra suspected duplicity. She threatened to have me executed as an apostate if I didn't produce results."

'That did sound like Cassandra alright,' Arana thought to herself, failing to hold back a chuckle.

"Cassandra's like that with everyone. There've been a few moments where I thought she was going to do the same to me."

"Yes.." Solas spoke through a brief laugh as the two turned to leave the cell; venturing up the stairs, through the main hall, and out the large chantry doors.

Solas's faint smile faded as he finally began to speak again, replaced by a frown that tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"You were never going to wake up.." He began. "How could you..? A mortal sent physically through the Fade?"

The mage stopped, turning again to look at the woman beside him. "I was frustrated.. frightened. The spirits I might have consulted had been driven away by the Breach." A vague, saddened light reached his eyes. "Although I wished to help, I had no faith in Cassandra… nor she in me. I was ready to flee." He admitted.

The smaller mage crossed her arms and quirked a brow. "With the Breach threatening the entire world? Where would you have gone?" She couldn't help a smile creeping onto her features, her voice wavering with a half-chuckle.

"Someplace far away where I might research a way to repair the Breach before its effects reached me." He found himself returning her smile. "I never said it was a good plan."

Solas took a few steps forward, reaching a hand out towards the tear in the sky above them. "I told myself: one more attempt to seal the rifts… I tried and failed.. No ordinary magic would affect them." He lowered his hand as he stared upwards. "I watched the rifts expand and grow.. resigned myself to flee- and then…"

For only a second, she saw it. The memory of his hand at her wrist, reaching out towards a rift hovering threateningly above them. The sight was gone as soon as it had appeared. No more than a quick flash before her eyes. Solas's words rang in her ears as he faced her.

"It seems you hold the key to our salvation.." Grey eyes studied her face in silent awe. "You had sealed it with a gesture… and right then, I felt the whole world change.."

"Felt the whole world change?" Arana tilted her head, her smile growing into a curious grin.

"A figure of speech."

"I'm aware of the metaphor." She took a few steps closer, never breaking their shared gaze. "I'm more interested in 'felt.'"

The two now stood only a pace from one another, the view of the frozen lake before them fading into the background.

"You change… everything.." He breathed, still taking in the sight of her bright blue hues.

"Sweet talker.." Arana finally averted her gaze for only a few breaths, looking up again to find that he had done the same. Without a second thought, she stepped forward and reached out- pulling him in as she pressed her lips to his.

When they parted, he held a look of both shock and curiosity in his gaze. Her heart sped as her mind began to race and panic.

She shouldn't have done that. She should not have done that.

Arana began to turn on her heel but, before she could flee, she felt hands grip her waist and pull her in close. His lips crashed against hers, parting eagerly. All her thoughts suddenly quieted as her eyes closed and her arms reached out; one hand cupping his cheek, the other gripping the side of his shirt as she was leaned back.

Time seemed to stand still as they drank each other in; but the moment ended all too soon as he pulled away, grey hues shining silver in the light as he planted one more hungry, longing kiss on her lips.

Releasing her waist, he stepped back.

"We shouldn't.." Solas breathed, trying to regain his self control. It was more him telling himself than her. "It isn't right.. Not even here."

Curious eyes searched his face as she too regained her breath. "What do you mean, 'even here?'"

"Where did you think we were?" Solas tilted his head.

Taking a moment to look around, it finally clicked. The town shouldn't be here.

"We're.. This.. isn't real." Her voice trailed off as everything sank in.

"That's a matter of debate…" He smiled down at her. "Probably best discussed after you wake up."

As his voice lowered to just above a whisper, Arana found herself jolting awake in bed with the sound of his voice still hanging in her ears. She brought her fingers up to her mouth. She could still feel his kiss on her lips..

[Next Part]

"No peeking!" Arana grinned as she stood on her toes behind the much taller elf.

"I wouldn't dream of it." Solas replied with an amused and curious smile spreading over his lips.

Small, nimble hands made quick work of tugging something around the other's neck and fastening it securely in place.

"...There! Alright, you can look now." Her grin widened as she walked around to stand in front of him, watching his expression as he opened his eyes and peered down at the object placed about his neck: an orb-shaped pendant covered in vines. In the shape of Mythal's markings.

A puzzled expression covered his features as he turned the pendant over in his hand.

A chuckle left her throat at his perplexion.

"I don't know what sort of gifts your people would give, but for mine.. one makes a pendant bearing the markings for the goddess of love."

His confusion slowly melted away as she spoke. He held back an amused grin.

"Do they all glow like this?" He mused, admiring the soft blue glow emitted from the orb within the vines.

"Actually, no.." A pink hue touched Arana's cheeks. "I enchanted it myself with a few protective magics."

Silver eyes lifted to meet her gaze as he allowed another smile to finally cross his lips.

"Thankyou, Vhenan.." The thought she put behind it was endearing, and deeply appreciated. And the implications with it more so.

Solas's hand moved from the pendant and reached for the leather that fastened the wolf mandible around his neck. Lifting it from his shoulders, he placed the jawbone carefully around her neck. Arana looked down and held the object in her hands, running her fingers over its smooth surface. The teeth still seemed as sharp as they would've been in the mouth of the wolf. It was remarkably well kept with very little wear to it over the years.

"Not so thoughtful as your gift, perhaps. But.. I would like you to have it."

Arana lifted her eyes from the mandible in her hands to look into Solas's silver hues, smiling wide and crinkling the outer edges of her eyes.

"Nonsense. I will treasure it."

[Next Part]