What Secrets Await

Chapter 5: Leathers and Apples

Maeva smelled morning air and elfroot salve. She opened her eyes and found herself lying in a cot in the infirmary, fresh linens between her skin and the bear pelt. A middle-aged human woman saw her wake and came over to sit on the side of the bed, placing a hand on Maeva's forehead. She wore a white robe and long healer's apron.

"Good morning, how are you feeling?"

Her voice carried a northern accent and spoke quickly, as if being tired and irritated were her constants. The woman withdrew her hand and Maeva sat up in bed, pulling her fur to her chest.

"Alright, I think. How... Did I...?" A yawn interrupted her.

"Middle of the night, Commander Cullen wakes me up bringing you in here, shivering and fevered. In nothing but your smalls and that blanket, I might add." She looked closely at Maeva, judging her reaction. "He said he found you in the snow and trees outside the walls. That true?"

Fragmented memories of last night came back to her as the woman explained.

"Yes, I remember," Maeva started slowly. "I woke from a dream, and I was burning hot, so I went outside... Then there were stars and the moon, and snow. After that, I'm not sure."

The nurse raised an eyebrow at her curiously then stood and busied herself around the infirmary while she spoke. "Right, then. Anyway, soon as the commander puts you down and tries to leave, you start thrashing and kicking."

"What?"

The woman nodded, a smirk tugging at one side of her mouth. "You kept pushing me away and trying to get up and walk out. Maker knows I tried to keep you down, but you're stronger than you look! The commander had to restrain you until I could get a potion down your throat."

"I don't remember any of that..."

"Your fever last night was hotter than any I'd seen all year, but short, too-- it broke only a few hours later. You've been sleeping since. You seem alright now so you can leave, but eat something soon and don't exert yourself. I think the tavern's still got some breakfast porridge."

Maeva got up with haste and wrapped the pelt around her as conservatively as possible.

"Oh, and master Varric stopped by earlier when he heard you were ill, said he had to leave for the day, hopes you feel better, that stuff," the nurse said, trailing off.

Maeva stopped at the door. "Thank you for everything." The woman wiggled a hand in reply without looking up.

Outside the morning sun was low over the mountain peaks but she still felt its warmth on her cheeks. She hurried along the dirt path, mildly irritated at her feet getting cold and dirty as she dashed into her cabin.

What in the world was I doing outside in my smalls, and rolling in the snow? I remember being hot, but, gods...

Her entire body felt weak, not just from the fever but guilt and embarrassment as well. Resolved to make amends, she dressed into her leggings, leather tunic, and boots, then shouldered her backpack and left, leaving the bear pelt on her bed.

Outside, she noticed Solas was not around and she figured he was off adventuring somewhere with Varric and the Herald.

Inside the mostly empty tavern, the bartender was a woman named Flissa that Varric had introduced her to the night before. Maeva asked after the porridge and was served a bowl without comment. She thanked her and ate hungrily. A few minutes later when the bowl was empty and her stomach settled enough to be suited for work she left and headed towards the village gate.