The Wolf and the Halla

Outside of Haven

The Dalish have never been too trusting of nearby human towns. Some humans search out the elves and cause harm, sometimes wrecking their camps, burning down their aravels. And Adani had even heard stories of kidnappings. Pathetic. Though she hoped such was not true. What could humans possibly need with Dalish elves, let alone Dalish children?

When the Keeper said they needed someone to keep an eye on what was going on in a nearby town called Haven, Adani didn't hesitate to volunteer. She didn't hate humans, but she definitely didn't trust them so spying on them seemed reasonable and she wanted to do it. Curiosity killed the cat.

Adani was strapping on her leather boots as Revansa came and sat down beside her. "It's so cold here. I do not like it." He stated, wrapping his fur coat around him more snuggly.

"I don't mind the cold, it's the slushy snow I dislike." Adani said. "I do not enjoy cold, wet feet though" she looked up at him. His cheeks were red from the cold and his nose looked like a little cherry. She smiled.

"I know I look just dashing in the snow, but that's not why I came by." He said cautiously. "I wished to ask you to let me go with you. Or in your stead." He knew it was a futile attempt. She would never accept that.

She snorted. "Not likely, Revansa. You would only slow me down. I must go, and I must go alone."

Of course she'd said no. But he had to try. He had been courting her awhile, and they  had been friends even longer, he had strong feelings for her. He needed to make a move now. He reached out and grabbed her hand. She froze and looked back up at him. Too late now. I have to go forward from here he thought. So he pulled her hand up to his cold lips and kissed it. "Be careful, Vhenan." Fenedhis. Vhenan? It just came out.

"Vhenan?" She looked troubled. She thought through all the past times they'd spent together. This is just.. "I will, Revansa." Was all she said. She cared about him. But wasn't sure about all that "love" stuff. She removed her hand slowly. And finished lacing her boot. Then stood and left.

By the Creators! Why did I say that? I ruined it all. He ran to catch her. "I'm sorry I said that. I mean I care about you a lot, I'm sure you know this much, but I.. Well, I just.. I..."

Adani smiled softly. She reached out and grabbed his hand and lifted it to her lips. "Be good, lethallin". And with that she left camp, and left him standing there. She didn't feel guilty exactly. She just wasn't sure what to think. Luckily she had plenty of time to think on her trip.

***
She reached the outskirts of Haven in two hours. It wasn't exactly an easy journey, with all the snow and sharp gusts of wind that chilled her to the bone. The snow stuck to her hair and stung her cheeks. She pulled her hood up over her head. What good it did.

She was nearing a temple of sorts. She could see it down the hill from where she stood. No one was there. Maybe its abandoned. As she came closer she heard voices. Nothing to be concerned about really. She continued on. Walking away from the muffled voices.
"Someone, help me!" A woman? But how? No time to think she turned and ran towards the sound of her voice. She burst through a door startled at the scene.

"What's going on here?" Was the last thing she remembered.