Pride, Wolf and Rebellion

Foraged

Fen'Asha walked the bridge to the altar, thinking of Cullen's hands and Fen'Harel's fur in one singular breath. The worlds were melding together in a fashion and she shook her head, disbelieving the surges from below.

Parched flowers remained in the offering plate, the wolves imposing above. Her silver wolf was gone, the suggestion of a right offering. She warmed at the thought of it.

And she warmed as the thought of Cullen once more invaded. It felt different to consider him in her dream, in her sleep. He was handsome, kind, attentive. He was tender. She considered him, considered the weight of his hands and how they would feel on her form, how they would feel between...

"Come here often?" came a voice.

She turned quickly, face flushed. "Dread Wolf?" she said.

"Am I not welcome in my own shrine?" he said. He stood tall before her, close.

"Of course," she said. "I am surprised to see you."

He exhaled, breath hot.

"How can I serve you, Fen'Harel?" she said, bowing her head in supplication before him.

"Why are you here?" he said.

"I am here for you," she said.

"Why?"

She blushed again, looked down. "I confess to having rather selfish motives," she began. Her hands twiddled. "I was lost after Haven, but I felt your guidance. And I was lost in the Crow Fens...after Solas...but again I felt your comfort. I have found you, your sanctuary, and I feel as though I belong. With you. Serving you. I mean..."

"You have been faithful without confirmation," he said.

"Cole..." she began, looking to him. "He spoke of you."

"And you trust this spirit?" said Fen'Harel.

"Yes," she nodded. "Perhaps I was clinging to hope, but..."

"What is it you wish?" said Fen'Harel. He stepped closer.

She exhaled. "I...I wish to serve," she said. "I wish for what you wish."

"And what do I wish?"

"For freedom," she said. "Equality."

"Is that so?" he said. He was so close.

"I...believe so," she faltered.

"This is your faith, Fen'Asha," he said. "Be secure in it."

She nodded.

He stretched for her with one hand, grazed her face and drew her ponytail over her shoulder. His fingers foraged the chain, sketched it down to the arch of her bosom. Touched the stone that lay over her drubbing heart. He lifted it. Examined it.

The Wolf's head hung down, red eyes glistening. The soft fur, his figure, his energy, his lips... It was all too familiar and yet... She wanted...

She touched his hand softly, then pulled it against her chest so he could feel her heart pounding. She closed her eyes, feeling the condensation crease around her. She could feel his regard, probing her, inspecting her. Her breast rose and fell with her quickened breath. She could feel his heat. He was so close. The energy sizzled. Her lips parted as she inhaled deeply.

"Fen'Asha," he said at last. "...Wake up."

"You are looking absolutely ecstatic, aren't you?" said Vivienne.