Sparkler and the Wolf

39. Red Lyrium

Fenris came awake as the sun crested the horizon, suffusing the room with a soft glow. Dorian slept, one arm over his chest, his head tucked close to Fenris' shoulder. His chest swelled with a happiness he'd not felt before, his eyes drinking in the sight of the handsome man in his arms. It was the soul of the man at his side which took his breath away and made him want nothing more than to see the mage smile. He brushed a hand through Dorian's ebony locks, the slight curl in his hair tugging a smile from him.

Dorian stirred, sighing as he blinked sleepily and snuggled closer to the elf's side. "Morning." He murmured, his eyes still closed.

"Morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Mmm." Dorian purred. "I did. Is there a reason for you being awake at this Maker forsaken hour?"

Fenris chuckled. "The sun is up mage. I believe the storm is over. There's the sound of activity happening outside these walls."

"In the snow?" Dorian grumbled. "I think I'll wait till it melts before I venture out again."

"Wasn't it you who said Corypheus won't wait on the weather?"

"I said no such thing."

Fenris sighed, extracting himself from Dorian's hold on him and got up. "Come my mage, we should check in with the Inquisitor."

"It's too early for that." Dorian growled, pulling the sheet up to his chin.

"It isn't. Now get up."

"Bloody elf." Dorian muttered as he rolled out of bed and reached for his armour.

Having dressed and stoked the fire, Fenris watched as the mage fixed his hair and moustache in place. Dorian turned and met his gaze, his face softening at whatever he saw in the elf's eyes. "You're staring Fenris."

"I am." He said, crossing to him and placing a gentle kiss on his lips. "You're a handsome man Dorian Pavus."

Dorian sighed at his touch. "And you're intoxicating. Stop that now, or we'll never leave this room."

Fenris chuckled and released him. "My apologies, but you're right. Let's go."

----xxx----

"So elf, Sparkler. You're both looking rather cheery this morning. You keep it up and the angsty elf will need a new nickname."

"I've told you Varric, I don't brood." Fenris retorted, helping himself to an apple.

"You're a champion at brooding elf, don't steer Sparkler wrong."

"Leave me out of this Varric." Dorian sighed, sipping his coffee. "Do you know what the Inquisitor has planned for today?"

"Not sure. I heard we might be heading back to the Hissing Wastes but I've also heard something about Emprise du Lion. I'm not liking the sound of that place."

"Why's that?" Dorian asked.

"Red lyruim and the river there froze solid overnight."

"Red lyrium? Venhedis." Fenris echoed, feeling a chill in his spine.

"There's more." Varric continued. "It seems the Red Templars might be mining the stuff."

"Mining Red Lyruim?" Dorian frowned. "That shouldn't be possible. Unless..." A look of horror passed over his features though it was gone almost instantly.

"Unless what?" Fenris asked.

"It's nothing. Forget I said anything."

"Mage." Fenris growled.