The Wolf and the Halla

Halamshiral

Halamshiral was stunning. She had never really been there, her Clan had usually avoided the Dales and surrounding area at all costs. Sticking close to the mountains and forests, instead.

On the way there Josephine had filled her in on all of the things she needed to know. The Game, the Grand Duke, the Empress. She was just trying to make sure that Adani was prepared, but she wasn't sure she could ever be really prepared.

A man approached her as soon as she had entered the front yard. "Hello, Inquisitor Lavellan, we meet at last." He smiled under the metal mustache of his mask. "I have heard so much about you." Of course you have. "Siding with the mages was a wonderful and strategic choice. Though some may not approve." She nodded her agreement.

"What a sight we will make, hmm?" He smiled again.

She laughed coyly. "Yes, quite a sight."

---

On her way through the gate Solas saw her unease and gave her a reassuring smile. She opened her mouth to tell him something, but was cut short by Josephine pulling her away to tell her more about The Game. She told her to watch the tongue, to be sure to never reveal her hand. She would oblige, but said that Josephine should probably make sure the Iron Bull knew as well.

The naming of the Ball's important guests started with Gaspard. Her name followed as "Gaspard's guest, Inquisitor Adani Lavellan, First of Lavellan and leader of the Inquisition." Blah blah blah. What had really grinded her gears was when they had called Solas her "elven serving man." She had bit down on her tongue as they said it, nonetheless, Solas seemed right at home, he walked down the isle with his head held high.

She had been polite when the Empress talked about her castle in her people's land, Halamshiral. Even though she really wanted to slap the accent out of her mouth. Halamshiral was the home of the Elvhen, or should have been once again, but just like Arthalan, it was lost forever. The woman to her right, the Duchess looked on in disinterest. When Celene introduced the two, the Grand Duchess told Adani and Gaspard that they must go and that she "hoped they enjoyed her party."

.....
She had spent quite some time walking about, eavesdropping, and looking for clues that may lead to who planned to assasinate the empress. So far all she had found was that there were alot of foreign visitors in the castle. She was wandering about in frustration when she found Solas. He smiled at her from his position, leaned against the wall near the snack buffet.

His smile only grew wider as she approached him. "Are you having fun, Solas?"

"Yes. I am enjoying myself." He looked around still smiling. His eyes settled on her though. His blue eyes glimmered in the dull light as he admired her appearance. He nodded forward a small bit. "You are so beautiful." He said to her quietly, as if it were a secret just between the two.

His attire was simple, like his daily outfits. Red and blue velvet over black bottoms. He had been forced to wear shoes, but he didnt seem very bothered by them like she was. His mask was simple, a silver mask with grooved carvings of lightening and swirls of what she assumed was for his affinity with Spirit. The mask had small ears as well, like a wolf. The rest of the mask was normal though, stopping right under his eyes, like the mask of a superhero.

She blushed and butterflies beat around in her belly. "Are you being treated well?" She asked him seriously.

He nodded before taking a sip from a goblet of red wine. "The servants have kept my glass full. And I have ate my share of sweet cakes."

She looked around the room. Talking to him too long may pull attention. People may start to wonder what the Inquisitor had to say to this "hedge mage". She opened her mouth to speak, but he spoke first.