Pride, Wolf and Rebellion

Respite

The sun licked the contours of Fen'Asha's room, warming it in spite of the snow outside.

She lay with her memories of the night before, noticing Solas' lithe form still slumbering in the bed beside her. It wasn't some sort of cruel cosmic vision after all. She studied his face, his full lips, his eyelids, the contours of his nose. Was he walking in the Fade?

The door creaked its greeting and the chambermaid entered with her bucket of supplies. She trudged up the stairs, her stout figure lingering on each step for a moment as though she was polishing the rough banister with one of her ratty towels. Soon, her head peered up over the upper railing and her big eyes widened.

"Oh," she sputtered.

"Oh," Fen'Asha murmured as she rolled to face the maid.

"I have your clothes pressed and..." the maid was sputtering. She looked at Fen'Asha, looked at Solas, looked at the pelt, the wrinkled sheets, the clothes on the floor. She blushed.

"Oh," Fen'Asha repeated.

"Excuse me," said the chambermaid. She backed down the stairs, her massive head dipping as she went. She was in no great hurry.

Solas stirred.

"Your bath is ready," said the maid quickly before the door thumped shut.

Fen'Asha looked into the light of the sun as it peered back at her.

She embraced him, laying on his chest.

He stroked her hair.

"Morning came too early," she grumbled. She closed her eyes, cherishing his scent, his skin, his touch. "You know..." she said trailing the line of his abdomen. "I was supposed to show you my techniques."

"Forgive me, Vhenan," he chuckled. "I lose myself with you," His hand caressed the curves of her figure. "There is much I can..."

She sat up quickly, "No. It's my turn."

He smiled, eyes settling on the exposed fullness of her breast. "Ma nuvenin, Inquisitor. As you will."

Fen'Asha brightened and licked her lips. "The bath is ready."

After an extensively stimulating wash, Fen'Asha proceeded to convince her fellow mage to join her for lunch in the tavern. It was an easy sell and they settled in at the wooden table, chatting about what was to come.

Sera sat beside her, a mess of blonde hair and frustration. "You just missed Vivienne," she said. "You missed your lessons." She waved a finger.

Fen'Asha pulled a rather large sausage off the generous plate in front of her.

"In fact," said Sera. "Where the hell have you two been all morning?"

"Studying," said Fen'Asha.

"Sure," laughed Sera. "Studying the far points of the galaxy, I bet."

"It is none of your business," said Solas.

"Easy, droopy," said Sera. "The elf always takes the elf anyway. Big surprise."

"This is not a subject for discussion," said Solas.

Fen'Asha bit the end of her sausage.

"Please," said Sera. "Like I'm interested in the two of you figurin' out new shit to do with your pointy bits."

Solas frowned. "You have no tact, do you?"

"Don't be ridiculous," said Sera. She belched. "I'm made of tact, innit."