With Me Always: A Dragon Age Tale (Dragon Age Inquisition)

Chapter 1

Haylie Lavellan sat idly in the tavern at Skyhold, her eyes closed, her head resting in the palms of her hands. It had been almost a month since Solas disappeared, and Haylie wasn't taking it well. After the defeat of Corypheus she had more time on her hands, which made his absence weigh so much heavier on her than ever.
"What's up boss?" Asked a familiar voice. "Hello, Varric. Sorry I was just... Started Haylie "I know, boss. Let's say we have a drink together? How about some Antivan brandy? Great for easing your troubles." Interrupted Varric. Haylie was not exactly in the drinking mood, but seeing how eager Varric was to cheer her up, she couldn't refuse.
"Sure, why not?" Answered Haylie chuckling softly.  Varric passed her a warm mug, the warmth spread over her icy fingertips as she drank. "So Inquisitor. I know that you've been dealing with a lot lately, but I was thinking maybe you c-" suddenly the warm drink turned foul as an intense wave of nausea hit Lavellan right in the pit of her stomach, causing her to vomit profusely onto the tavern floor. "Oh- oh shit!" Stuttered Varric. The barmaid quickly ran over with a bucket and mop in hand and began to clean up the mess, much to the Inquisitor's embarrassment. "Hehehehehehe..." Cackled Sera from the balcony of the tavern. "Can't hold your liquor eh, wee herald?"
"I don't know... I must've eaten something bad." answered Haylie weakly. "You alright boss? Should I go fetch a healer?" Asked Varric, looking concerned. "No, that's not necessary Varric, It's fine. Really. I'll feel better once I rest a moment." assured Haylie. Varric was always concerned for Haylie, the kind of concern born of deep respect, and she was glad to know that someone had her back. "Alright boss, if you're sure." said Varric. Haylie thoroughly apologized for the mess, then exited the tavern and traveled up to her bedroom in one of Skyhold's towers. She proceeded to rinse her mouth with water and wipe the sheen of sweat from her forehead.
Looking at her reflection, she paused. She had not yet become accustomed to her now bare face, the cruel reminder of that night by the lake with Solas. "Solas..." Whispered Haylie, a few tears streaming from her honey-brown eyes and down her pale cheeks. Solas's departure and the events of that night were as fresh in her brain as ever. She couldn't rid her mind of the thoughts, no matter how hard she tried. Haylie peeled off her clothes down to her undergarments, her body was lean and slender, her hair fell like wisps of satin against her back and shoulders. She had always looked a bit childish, but something in her eyes was older now, hardened and tired, having lost the childlike hope that she once possessed. But hey, having the fate of the world depending on you, and on top of that being abandoned by the one you love will do that to a person. Filled with exhaustion, she carried her tired limbs to her bed. Feeling the comfort of the silken sheets and fluffy pillows, she drifted deeply into a slumber within moments, hoping to escape her grief if only for a moment.