Doom Upon All The World

Chapter 10: To Be Reminded

      Maeve shot through the doorway as they rode up and began to dismount. Cullen was first off his horse. He walked to Cassandra's steed and pulled Anthony off behind her. Cassandra climbed down, swinging her leg from the saddle. The moment she touch the ground, Maeve was on her, hugging her tightly. Cassandra laughed as she was attacked by the Elf's embrace. She hugged Maeve back, wrapping her arms around the other girl, stealing what little warmth she had.  The ride across the Dales to Halamshiral was awful and freezing. Everyday she felt as if she might collapse from the cold. She couldn't imagine how Anthony must feel. He was so small and while he had the body heat Cullen did, he still shivered like a teetering lamp post in the wind. 

     Cullen seemed unaffected by the cold aside from the redness of his nose and cheeks. He rode across the plains on his horse swiftly and with glee. Cassandra thought he looked happier. It was good for him to get out of the clinic. He didn't get out enough. No one could say he wasn't determined to help his fellow Templars. Maeve's arms were still around her, rocking from side to side with a happy squeal. "It's good to see you, Maeve." She uttered with a slight chuckle. Maeve thought back to the times when Cassandra wouldn't call her by her given name. It was always Herald or Lavellan or Inquisitor. Now it was Maeve.

     Solas and the children walked to them with no swift motivation to disrupt their reunion. Mythalus was on Solas' shoulders, holding onto his father's ears for support. Nicolynn held Solas' hand, looking on the rest of them with curiosity. She was looking for something, or someone. Cullen stepped forward, shaking Solas' hand and nodding respectfully. "It's been a while, Solas." He greeted with a smile as Anthony hid behind his cloak. "Commander," Solas nodded and looked over his shoulder. "I believe you have a tail." He added with a grin as he spotted the dark haired child behind him. Cullen laughed as he stepped aside. Anthony grinned shyly as he was made way for. His cheeks flushed and his eyes flashed with curiosity. 

     There was a moment that he didn't look up at the adults but at the girl in front of him instead. This was why he'd been excited for this trip. She was a Goddess, perfect and beautiful in every way. Her long black hair was straight and flowing, cascading over her lean shoulders. Her blue eyes held his gaze, piercing his soul and drawing him to her. She smiled sweetly at seeing him again and waved a tiny wave to him. The point of her ears stuck out just a little through her hair. Her skin was a light contrast to her dark hair. He was utterly stunned by her. He had never met the Divine but if he were to use the term in its literal sense, he could not imagine a person more divine than the creature standing before him. 

     He felt like he had been staring for hours when it had really only been a few moments before his eyes shifted to her father and the child on his shoulders. Solas' eyes were the same glorious color as Nicolynn's but they were not nearly as soft and welcoming. They were stony and cold, though he wore a gentle smile. Cullen chuckled ruffling his son's hair. "And it seems you have a monkey on your back." He replied as Mythalus blushed brightly at being pointed out. "Greetings, Mr. Commander." He muttered in a shy, quiet voice. Maeve released Cassandra and looked up into her frosty face. It was pink and shivering with cold. 

     "It's been far too long, Cassandra." She said. Solas put his hand on her shoulder, releasing Nicolynn to do as she pleased. "Perhaps we should go inside, lest we all freeze." He suggested as Maeve smiled in agreement and showed their friends inside. Solas could feel the joy of seeing their company radiating off her. She was happier than he'd seen her in a while. Perhaps he had seen that look recently, but it was a different kind of happy; one he generally saw when they were in bed. Solas felt the glow of excitement in his bones, rattling his one frame with the beginnings of it. Their bond made it stronger. She looked to him with a smile as they went inside. 

     Cassandra thought Maeve's home odd. It reminded her somewhat of the Circle. Their home was undeniably impressive but it looked like a librarian's study everywhere or perhaps a college of sorts. There were books shelves on nearly every wall. Works of art plastered many sides of the house and multiple Elven artifacts they collected through the years were on display through out. She couldn't complain; the house was homey and comfortable. It was much like what she was used to. It was not the fanciful Orlesian estate Josephine's family lived in. That kind of home was too spacious and eerie and they made her uncomfortable. Thus she rarely visited Josephine.