It Takes a Wolf

Chapter 27: Choices that Shatter

Ellen and Fenris entered the Fade hand in hand, walking through their memories of the past two days. He showed her the night of the hunt and they laughed, watching Dorian as he scurried to chase down nugs and bunnies. Ellen was astounded by Bulls strength in decapitating the bear. When the time came they watched Fenris go head to head with the white wolf, she was bewildered. The domineering presence he held as he stood face to face against such a wild beast with a fierce look of determination in his eyes, he was fearless.

When the memory finished and faded away she turned to him, hugging him tightly. "That was incredibly reckless." She whispered. "As much as I appreciate your gift, if anything would have happened to you," She squeezed him tighter, taking a deep breath. "Nothing in this world is worth you sacrificing yourself for."

    He pulled away, placing a finger under her chin and lifted her face to meet his. "You are worthy of every sacrifice I can make and more."

    She reached up, holding his face in her hands. "You are worth more than any sacrifice Emma lath." She whispered, kissing him deeply. He could feel a love and happiness within him that was not his own, it was warm, powerful, it was hers. Overwhelmed with so many emotions he wrapped both hands at the base of her neck and pulled her closer to him, pressing his lips firmly to hers. She smiled into his kiss as tears welled in her eyes. She could feel his adoration for her burning in her chest, it was something they would soon never forget.

    They continued to walk through the Fade hand in hand. She showed him her night with Josephine and Sera and how she had accidentally revealed the partnership of Cullen and Dorian staging the bet. They laughed, guessing what Sera might do to punish them when they were approached. "It is good to see you again, Vhenan." Ellen froze, her bright smile slowly shifting into a tight inexpressive line. Her hand clamped tightly onto Fenris's, using his presence as an anchor for her emotional apprehension. Fenris looked ahead ahead of them, seeing Solas standing tall with his hands resting behind his back. However, his face was not expressing its usual calm.

    He peered at Fenris with eyes like piercing daggers waiting to strike. He glanced down at their hands clasped together, fingers entwined, how he use to hold her hand. The sight of another man touching the one he loves sent feelings of jealousy and rage surging through him. Though he was able to contain it, mostly, he knew his eyes would betray him, showing his true emotional grief. He didn't plan to reveal himself at first, he knew she wasn't alone when she had entered the Fade. The moment the Fade accepted them a rush of purity and raw positive energy ignited the world of dreams. He felt her energy radiate across the veil, but something about it was different, it was strengthened.

He thought of leaving, he even tried, but he couldn't bring his body to wake, not without seeing her. It had been too long and his very soul ached with longing for the sight of her. The last time he saw her she had declared him her enemy, leaving him with a deep sadness that has lingered ever since. He needed to rectify it.

    Fenris stood in front of her protectively, his markings immediately glowing a bright bluish white. He could feel Ellen's whirlwind of mixed emotions, she was sad, angry, confused. No matter what came he would not let this wolf sink his teeth into her, he would kill him first. Ellen could sense Fenris' anger boil in her stomach, it was deep and strong. As much as she appreciated his protection, Solas was her problem. She put a hand on his shoulder with a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Emma lath." She stood next to him, not letting go of his hand. "Why are you here Solas?" Her eyes filled with that fierce determination both wolves had come to love.

    Solas stiffened slightly from the sound of her speak so sweetly to another. He felt his jaw become sore with the consistent tension. Then he heard it, Emma lath. A name with so much meaning in their native tongue and it was being spoken from her, to another. He gripped his wrist tightly behind his back, taking a deep breath through his nose as he tried to collect his thoughts. Perhaps this is for the best. No! She is your Vhenan, this is not acceptable, you cannot, you will not give up. He argued with himself silently, contemplating what to do when he finally met her gaze. He couldn't, no matter what he told himself, he just couldn't let her go. "I felt you enter the Fade, I wanted to see you, to talk. The last time we spoke you declared me your enemy, I assure you, I am not your enemy." He said, managing to keep his composure.