The Wolf and the Halla

Travelling Along

She stepped out of her tent slowly. Not ready for the cold that would welcome her. The wind bit her face and made her cheeks numb. She blinked away tears from the cold and pulled up her cowl to cover her, if only a little.

She had decided while traveling with Varric, Cassandra, and Solas that she would sleep with Cassandra. Even though they had a rough start she trusted her more than the others. The dwarf seemed okay, but she wasn't sure she trusted him. And the elf.. Well, he remained a mystery.

During the first few weeks she had tried to get to know him. Catching him near a house he was staying at in Haven and asking him about his life. To no avail, however, most of his answers were directed outward. He would tell her how he spent his life sleeping and dreaming of the fade. But never told her anything personal. Despite that, she still felt drawn to him. Drawn like a moth to a flame.

Today they were going to the hills of the Hinterlands to look for a man, a grey warden, known only as Blackwall. They had planned to be there yesterday but a storm caught them just a few hours outside of Haven and they had to set up camp until it passed.

As they walked, she fell to the back of the group to chat with Solas.

"Where are you from Solas? I don't believe you've ever told me." She asked.

He raised a brow. "Why?" He says defensively.

"I was just wondering. Maybe I've been there! We have traveled to all kinds of places. I'd love to know how you grew up."

"I came from a small village in the North. As for how I grew up, I told you, I spent most of my time in the fade."

"Well, yes, of course. But I meant, like, what were your parents like?" Then added, "What was the village called?"

He looked at her then. It seemed like forever in her mind's eye, but it was just a moment. He laughed. "What were your parents like?" He asked changing the subject.

She told him that she hasn't seen her parents in years. Then remembered the problem they'd had with her parent's clan just a month ago. She wondered how everyone was back at Lavellan. The thought was gone as quickly as it came. Interrupted by Solas' sincere apology for her having to go through that.

"Why are you sorry? It isn't your fault, its just how things are." She stated. But he said nothing. Instead he just walked onwards. That was all they would talk about at this moment, she thought.

Adani walked back to the front of the group and chatted with Cassandra about the chantry. Adani was curious about what the humans believed. Ever since she had been named Herald of Andraste, she felt she should learn a little about their beliefs. Though she didn't believe in them, she thought it only respectful.

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They stopped at a small camp to have a bite to eat and drink. As Adani was finishing her soup, Solas came and sat beside her.

"My mother," he said cautiously, "Was a hard woman. Stern. She wanted only the best for me, I know. I took her lessons to heart. Even so, I let her down, as I let them all down." He had sadness in his eyes. And Adani only wished to reach out and touch him. She resisted.

"I'm sure you didn't let her down Solas. She is your mother, she will love you regardless." She said sincerely. He smiled sadly. They sat in silence awhile before he got up and left. She watched him go across camp. So mysterious. I want to know him better. But he's hiding something. He doesn't trust me. He caught her gaze in his. She felt her face grow hot. Had she been staring? She looked away. But not before seeing the faint hint of a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth.