It Takes a Wolf

Chapter 11: Taking the Leap

Ellenwen awoke just before dawn to breath tickling against her cheek. When her eyes fluttered open she found herself in Fenris' arms, her head rested on his shoulder, her nose lightly pressed in the crane of his neck. With every breath she took her senses filled with his scent. He smelled of the forest, sweet woodruff and teakwood, it was comforting to her, he smelt like home. She lightly pressed her face further into the nape of his neck, breathing him in when he started to stir. She moved away quickly, resting her head back down next to his. She studied him for a while, admiring his childlike appearance when she started to think of Solas' words.

                    "You, love him."

     She couldn't believe he would allow such a thing to escape him. Sure she was attracted to him and has grown to trust him implicitly. She would even admit she cares deeply for him, but is that love? She had only ever had such feelings for one other man, but it was different with him. Suddenly his arms tightened their grip around her and pulled her to his chest. With her ear flush against him she could hear his heartbeat, it was strong, consistent. She closed her eyes, allowing the deep alluring rhythm to lull her. Maybe it is, she thought before swiftly drifting back to sleep.

    When she woke again Fenris was no longer beside her. She sat up lazily, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she looked around the tent, but he wasn't there. She got dressed in a hurry and walked outside, shielding a hand over her eyes from the sunlight that shined brightly through the trees.

    "Don't fret my dear, Moody just went for a walk, he will be back soon." Dorian said, wiping the bottoms of his feet with a damp cloth.

    "What are you doing?" She chuckled.

    "Listen, you may be use to your footsies being tracked around in filth, but mine however, are use to the highest standard of supreme cleanliness." Dorian said, grabbing a boar bristle brush and began to scrub his feet thoroughly.

    "Where is Varric?" She asked, looking around.

    "Still with Gallevorn I suppose. Your uncle seems really interested in your endeavors as Inquisitor. So, Varric has taken it upon himself to tell him every story he knows of your little adventures." He said, inspecting his work.

    "Yea, more like my uncles way of keeping tabs on me is more like it." Ellenwen sighed deeply, plopping down in the chair next to him.

    "Oh I'm sorry. Am I boring you?" Dorian asked, finally looking away from his feet long enough to acknowledge her. "Or is it that you prefer the company of a certain moody elf, hmm?" He asked with a devilish grin.

    "My dearest Dorian, whatever do you mean?" She said, putting her hand to her chest, mimicking him.

    "HA! I'm flattered! Who knew your impersonation of me is so exquisitely done." Dorian laughed when Varric and Gallevorn approached them with smiles on their faces.

    "Ellenwen, the Keeper has asked if you all would attend breakfast with her and the rest of the clans?" Gallevorn requested.

    "Of course, but Fenris is still not back." Ellenwen sighed, looking around worried.

    "Oh Broody? He's already there." Varric replied.

    They waited for Dorian to finish his morning foot care routine before they finally made their way back to camp. When they arrived Ellenwen gazed over the numerous tables, aligned neatly with log benches on each side. Along the center of each table were bouquets of elfroot and crystal grace. The arrangements were so wonderfully detailed and perfectly placed Josephine herself would be impressed. Keeper Melda sat at the head of the table with Fenris to her side. When Ellenwen saw Fenris she felt such happiness she couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. He stood, giving her a gentle close lipped smile, letting her sit next to the Keeper as he took a seat beside her.