Finding Home (Completed)

Chapter XXX

Fenris opened his eyes to find Lotheriel still sleeping, her breath softly brushing across his chest. He smiled, taking in the way the early morning shadows danced across her sharp features. Reaching out, he pushed a strand of hair from her cheek, lightly tucking it behind her ear. He rested his lips against her forehead and inhaled a deep breath of her scent, closing his eyes he allowed his thoughts to wander. His mind was plagued, though he knew it was no fault of his own, he couldn't help but feel that he'd abandoned her. Left his heart to a world filled with chaos and hatred, alone, to fend for herself with no knowledge of who she truly was. And worse yet, he had found another and offered his love to him. True, it had taken some time, but Lotheriel had only devoted herself to Fen'Harel, even when she knew him as Solas, she had not truly strayed from her path. To love the Dread Wolf was a compulsion, for both of them, it was to be expected.

His grip tightened around her when she stirred, a soft groan passing her lips. She wriggled herself closer, limbs draping across his body, flooding him with warmth. "Good morning, ma'fen." she murmured. "Good morning, Vhenan." he replied, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Why do you allow such uncontrollable things to haunt you, emma lath? We have an eternity to make up for the few short years we have lost, it is a small price to pay when compared." Fenris chuckled quietly, "How do you read my mind, Vhenan?" he asked, this not being the first time she seemed to do so. She giggled, lifting her head she kissed him deeply, hungry even, leaving him breathless when she pulled away. "I will show you, but we have other things to attend to now, we will revisit this when we return home." she replied, pushing herself to her feet.

The air smelled of morning dew and the ground was damp beneath their feet. The majority of the camp was silent, but for a few elves who had duties to tend to at the early hour. Marethari approached them as they were gathering their things. She eyed Fenris for a moment, "I must apologize again for yesterday's behaviour, I misjudged you. Though your methods could be less aggressive, I understand." Fenris smiled at her for the first time since they'd arrived, dissolving the hardness in his features. "Thank you, keeper. I should apologize as well. I may have been over zealous, I am still sorting out this new world. Making sense of the knowledge that had been lost, has proved difficult combined with what is to come." Marethari dipped her head, "A clean slate than." she stated. Fenris nodded in agreement as he fastened the buckles on his pack.

The rest of the clan had risen and Marethari had asked them to eat before they set out. Gathered in the centre of the camp, Iri moved to stand before the crowd of elves. The voices faded out and all eyes landed on her, "Some of you may be aware, that I have come here seeking aid. There is much that lies before us and I can not promise that you will all live to see this to its end. The people have lost so much, it is not as you have been taught to believe, in time, you will see the truth. But for now, you must make a choice, you have suffered and for that, I am sorry. You must understand that we have a great feat ahead of us and we must put aside our differences and unite." She paused, eyes scanning the faces, revelling for a moment in the hope she found in them.

"Lotheriel is your empress, but she is no tyrant! She is the embodiment of devotion and she would not see your hand forced. So I ask you, will you follow?" Fenris' voice boomed with conviction as it echoed off the mountain side. Iri had intended to say more, but her words were lost as heat rushed down her spine. Watching Fenris take his role was exhilarating and sexy beyond words, causing her to drift into distracted thought. She refocused as Marethari stepped before her, she dipped into a deep bow and held out the arulin'holm as an offering, "I will follow, my lady." she said as she caught her eye. Iri reached for the arulin'holm, a warm smile coming to her lips. "Will you follow?" Fenris boomed again. The clan responded, raising their weapons into the air and cheering loudly.

"I owe you many thanks and welcome you as the first of the people to unite and reclaim what should have never been lost. Prepare yourselves, it appears we have plenty of time, but unfortunately, if we are to be ready, that is not the case. The keeper can explain more throughly so you will better understand what lies ahead." Iri finished, dipping her head in farewell. With that they made their way out of camp, beginning their journey back to Kirkwall with Merrill at their side.