It Takes a Wolf

Chapter 9: Arlathvhen

Ellenwen woke from a restless, hollow sleep. She decided to listen to Varric's words of wisdom and take a break from visiting the Fade. As hard as it would be, she couldn't let Solas in anymore, he had made his choice, so she had made hers. She got up lazily from her bed and got dressed before making her way down stairs. As she walked through the throne room she started to pass Fenris' room when she stopped and looked at the door. She desperately wanted to apologize, to make things right and though it had only been a few short months since he had started as her bodyguard, she felt a pestering loneliness without him at her side.

Still unable to face him she walked pass when she found Cullen and Josephine talking excitedly amongst themselves. "Inquisitor!" Josephine said, walking up to her with a bright smile, Cullen right behind. "We were just discussing some exciting news!"

"Oh? What would that be?" She said, giving them a small smile.

"Well, we know you have been out of sorts lately and so, we thought maybe it would be a good idea for you to get away and have some fun." Josephine squealed excitedly, clapping her hands together with delight.

"Some fun?" Ellenwen questioned.

"Yes, we thought perhaps you would like to attend Arlathvhen!" Josephine gushed.

"Arlathvhen?" Ellenwen said with disbelief. Arlathvhen was a gathering that took place once every ten years. Dalish clans from all across Thedas come together in unison, spending weeks of dancing, singing, feasting, and being merry. The elders would tell stories of lore and teach their heritage from the old to the young, preparing the next generation.

"I-I..." She was so shocked she struggled to find the words. "I appreciate what you guys are trying to do, I do, but Arlathvhen is all the way in the Brecilian Forest. I would be gone for two months! No, I am the Inquisitor, I can't leave my post for that long. What if something happens here?"

Josephine huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "Allow me to speak freely Lady Inquisitor, but who do you think I am? I am Josephine Cherette Montiliyet of Antiva! Ambassador of the Inquisition! I have planned government downfalls and revolutionary uprisings! Do you not think I have poured over every single detail to this trip before bringing it to your attention? Of course not! Two months will be nothing and I will not be taking no for an answer, you will be going, so I suggest you start packing! Understand?" Ellenwen looked to Cullen for help, but he just shrugged and smirked at her, silently telling her she was on her own.

"There is no immediate danger, besides Cullen and I will be here in your stead, we will also be keeping Iron Bull and Sera. If there is anything of importance we can send you a letter by raven and you can leave immediately, Dorian and Varric will be accompanying you." With that she turned on a heel and left.

Cullen walked up to Ellenwen with a smile. "I assure you, everything will be fine Ellie, every great leader needs a break. Leave it to us."

"I know, it's just..." Ellenwen began to protest again when Cullen raised his hand to quiet her.

"I suggest you make your peace with this, Josephine already has the chambermaids packing for you as we speak, there is no way you are getting out of it." He chuckled before leaving with a smirk.

—*—

Fenris was in the training yard practicing his archery skills. He walked along the yard, shooting an arrow into each target as he passed. When the arrow sank into the last target a catalpa leaf danced before him. He watched it as it whipped through the air, threatening to fall to the ground only for the wind to lift it back towards the sky. The familiar sight reminded him of Ellenwen. When he closed his eyes he recalled the fierce gaze of determination her eyes held as she challenged him. He chuckled, remembering his defeat. When he opened his eyes he aimed his bow for the evasive target. He inhaled deeply and released the string of his bow, feeling the arrow glide through his fingertips like water when it made its mark.