It Takes a Wolf

Chapter 14: Vir Malava Sahlin

It was the middle of the night as Fenris laid beside Ellen, watching her sleep peacefully in his arms. She breathed softly through her nose, resting her head on his shoulder, her arm draped across his chest. A lock of her hair had fallen across her face, the strands danced around to the rhythm of her breathing. He chuckled lightly, gently sweeping away the hair with his fingertips, tucking it behind her ear. He stifled a yawn trying not to wake her. He was exhausted, he couldn't remember the last time he had a restful night sleep, but no matter how hard he tried, sleep would not come to him. Even after multiple rounds of their 'training exercises', he was still afraid that this was all a dream, he didn't want to risk waking up. His mind began to grow restless as it started to wander to what she told him earlier,

"A man by the name of Morvain."

"In charge of every slave ring from here to Tevinter."

"Morvain"

"Morvain"

"Morvain"

    The name echoed through his mind, pulling at him with an unknown familiarity. He racked his brain in every way trying to figure out how. Did he know him? Did he hear of him in his travels?  But it was of no use, his weary mind kept coming up empty. He began to grow irritated with himself, he hadn't felt this puzzled since he had regained his memories. Could there still be some he hasn't recalled? Whatever the case, he needed to find out.

    He gently removed himself from Ellen's embrace and began looking for his clothes. He tiptoed around the tent, searching for his trousers and tunic. Once dressed he leaned over Ellen and kissed her lightly on the cheek before he went to the tent flap and untied it. Luckily the ward she had used to aid in their privacy had worn off hours ago, or he would have had to wait till morning. He quietly stepped outside and made his way to Dorian and Varric's tent, tapping on the flap.

    "Varric!" He whispered urgently when he heard someone rummaging around inside. Suddenly Varric popped his head out from behind the flap, his eyes half open, his clothes disheveled from throwing them on quickly.

    "Is everything all right? Is Ellie awake?" He yawned, rubbing his eyes.

    "Uh...yes...I mean no...I mean sort of..." Fenris sighed, running his fingers through his hair, trying to figure out how to explain. "I need to speak with you."

    Varric could hear the tension in his tone, something was seriously wrong. "Yea, just give me a second to find my pants, I think I accidentally put on Dorians." He said sleepily, turning back into the tent.

    When Varric finally emerged they sat in the chairs just outside by the small fire. Fenris leaned forward, rubbing his hands together staring into the flames, trying once again to figure out his connection with Morvain. Varric watched him curiously, waiting for him to speak. After several moments of eerie silence Varric sighed, rubbing his hands over his thighs. "Sooo you gonna tell me why you dragged me out of bed at this hour, or are we just gonna sit here and practice our brooding?" He asked.

    Fenris snapped out of his trance and looked at him, uncertain of how to even begin to explain. "Ellen...she...I," his head fell in defeat, this is getting nowhere, he thought. He decided he should just come clean and tell him everything, well, almost everything. "Ellen has woken up." He started.

    "Really?" Varric exclaimed, jumping to his feet. "I should tell Gallevorn!"

    "Sit down!" Fenris hissed, trying not to wake the others.