Dragon Age Origins: The Tale of Solana

Chapter 6: Savior

Solana saw her mother's long hair blowing in the warm, summer wind. She turned and looked Solana's way and smiled bright as she tucked a piece of her black hair behind one pointed ear. "Solana, my baby. What are you doing up so early?"

"I had a bad dream," Solana whimpered running into her mother's warm embrace. "A human noble had kidnaped us all. You were gone. I was getting married, it was a whole mess of things. I just needed to see you."

Adaia smiled sadly. She lifted up Solana's face so her eyes met Adaia's. "Honey, there will come a day when you won't be able to run to me for everything. You must learn to fight and survive all on your own. This world is a cruel and unforgiving place, especially for our elven people. You must learn to hold yourself with a pride, while at the same time still remaining soft and loving. Learn that just because you were born so, doesn't make you so. Be safe, be wise, and love. You will do just fine, baby girl."

"Mama..." Solana held on tight as the vision blurred. Somehow, she knew it was the last time and it pained her so much.

The steady chant of Elza could be heard a far off. "Maker keep us, Maker protect us, Maker keep us, Maker protect us—"

"Stop it! You are driving me insane," came the next voice, Shianni's voice. Solana's vision was blurry and her head pounded more than it ever had. Before Elza could begin again, Shianni voiced again, "Shush now, Elza! She's coming to! Oh, thank the Maker you've come around! We were so worried..."

Solana sat up slowly, with the help of Valora. "Where are we?" She looked all around and it did not appear as any home she had been in before. "Where is this place? Where is everyone?"

"We're in the palace, of course. Doubt were getting the tour," Shianni looked downcast, looking very similar to her brother. Her eyes stared at the floor.

Valora brushed back Solana's hair with a weak smile. She was trying to keep it together, but she was really scared. She missed her home in Highever, where her younger siblings were. She recalled Soris' poor face when they dragged off the women. He reached out to her but missed. Oh, how she missed him already!

"They locked us in here to wait until that... Evil man is ready for us," Valora whimpered with angry tears coming down her face.

"Then we need to get out of here!" Solana stood too fast and fell back onto one knee. Another elf bridesmaid, who was never fond of Solana anyway, shot a teary glare at her.

"Forgive me if I don't hold my breath. The door is locked and solid, and we're unarmed!"

"Maker keep us, Maker protect us--"

"Awe, not this again, Elza!" Valora huffed, shielding her ears from the torrent of chanting. "What are we going to do?"

Solana got to her feet and rushed over to both doors and gave a few tugs. The bridesmaid huffed from her corner. "I told you they were locked, idiot! Look, we'll... Do what they want, go home, and try to forget this ever happened!"

"She's right." Valora looked down at the ground. "It'll be worse if we resist."

"It'll be worse if we don't!" Shianni stepped forward, her red hot temper showing. "Do you hear yourselves!"

There were sudden footsteps outside one door. The girl to Solana's right gasped and shook in fright. "S-someone's coming!"

"Be quiet," Solana took a protective stance. She gave a reassuring smile, "Don't do anything until I say."

The door kicked open with a thump! Six heavily armed shemlen men walked in. They all appeared to be drinking rather too much.

The one leading them was more sober, and had a meaner look to him. He smiled devilishly. "Hello, wenches—we're your escorts to Lord Vaughan's little party."