The Sun Warrior, The Inquisitor.

17. The Emerald Graves

Early the next morning, Feyhel seemed to wake with more energy than normal. "Hey hey! Dorian wake up!" He whined as he tugged Dorian's arm. The mage groaned as he opened one eye. "Don't you know how to lie in?" He asked with a huff as a yawn slipped past his lips while he rubbed his eyes. "What? Why would I do that? It wastes a good day!" The elf said excitedly as he rolled out of bed. "How's your ass?" Dorian asked with a chuckle. "A little sore but I had a couple of potions in my bedside table." He said causally as he rummaged through his wardrobe. "I'm not going to ask why." Dorian groaned as he flopped back onto the bed. Feyhel chuckled, deciding to let him sleep a while longer.

"Come on! We need to get moving!" Feyhel complained an hour and a half later. He'd already been to the war room, gardens and kitchens before returning to Dorian. "Seriously how are you so happy?" The man huffed as he begrudgingly hauled himself out of the bed. "Well... last night was probably the most amazing night in my life and I woke up very tightly in your embrace. So I'd say you're how." Feyhel stated as he looked over the paperwork on his desk. Dorian blinked slowly as he looked at the elf before chuckling. "Not even a good morning kiss?" The mage teased.

With a chuckle, Feyhel walked over and pressed a soft kiss to Dorian's lips, his hands resting on Dorian's shoulders as he stood on his toes. He felt Dorian smile against his lips as a pair of arms wrapped themselves around his waist to pull him close. "So what part of Thedas are you dragging me to today?" He asked softly as he rested his forehead against Feyhel's. "The Emerald Graves. Where Cullen's lyrium smuggling routes are." Feyhel hummed as he moved his hands to cup either side of Dorian's neck. "Though we've been warned about Freemen, Giants and Templars." Feyhel added causing a huff from Dorian. "You had me until that sentence." He teased before kissing Feyhel's nose.

"Come on." Feyhel laughed as he stepped away. "Feyhel, after last night I have more of a reason to follow you to that forsaken place." Dorian complained as he began pulling his armour on. "You're a mage yet you charge into battle like a rogue or warrior without a second thought..." he sighed as he rubbed his forehead. "Half the time I only just manage to get a barrier around you before you come to any major harm." He confessed as he looked at Feyhel "I don't know you cared so much." Feyhel teased as he cupped Dorian's cheek. "I know what I'm doing. I promise. I'll stay in range for you, if that makes you feel any better." He hummed as he ran his fingers over Dorian's jawline. "It's a comforting notion, thank you." Dorian whispered before smiling.

It was half an hour later when the pair finally left the room. "So who's coming with us?" Dorian asked as they walked to the stables. "Fenris and Varric." Feyhel stated as he brushed his fingers through his own hair and ruffled it back into place. "You know Fenris hates mages right?" Dorian asked with a raised eyebrow. "He offered." Was all Feyhel said as they entered the stables, the elf quickly running to Talla to greet her. "You look less asleep than normal today, Sparkler." Varric teased as they walked in. "I had an overly happy elf to thank for that." Dorian teased in return as he stole a glance at Feyhel. Varric smirked knowingly as he crossed his arms over his chest. "That'll definitely wake you up." He commented. Fenris just grunted unhappily as he climbed onto his horse.

The rest of them mounted up and left for the Graves. The three day journey was mainly silent apart from Varric saying a few comments around the surrounding areas and telling tales over the campfire. Dorian was happy to share a tent with Feyhel as it meant both spending more time with him and lessening is chances of spending time with Fenris. Who sort of scared him, not that he'd admit that out loud. As the inquisition camp came into view, so did the lush green forests.

Feyhel blinked slowly as he looked around the area. It was breath taking. "Ah! Inquisitor. Good to see you again, and in one piece too." Scout Harding's voice called, breaking him from his thoughts. "Welcome to the Emerald Graves. Legend as it these forests are occupied by the spirits of the Emerald Knights." She explained. "Well, that will explain the Wolf." Feyhel muttered as he looked at the carving. "At first we thought it to be a statue resembling Fen'Harel but on further inspection it pointed to the Emerald Knights and the wolves they'd keep as companions." Harding rambled. Feyhel hummed to himself as he looked over the statue. "I bet Chuckles would love it here." Varric commented.