SolavellanHellChallenge2020

Day 9: Dalish

"Race me!" Declared the young starlight-haired elf, hands confidently placed on her hips as she looked determinedly at her elder sibling. Theron chuckled as he ran his hand through his auburn hair, pushing a few strands out of his face.

"Not tired of losing yet, Rainie? This is the fifth time today already."

"Bold of you to assume I'm going to lose!" Arana huffed.

"With your losing streak?? I think not!" Another laugh sounded from Theron's throat as he ruffled her snowy hair. The little elf pushed his hand away, sapphire eyes staring up into his emerald hues. The siblings had always made a game of seeing who could climb the fastest- ever since he'd taught her how. She had lost countless times and yet still she insisted. He had to admire his sister's tenacity, at least.

With a defeated sigh, he smiled. "The usual place?"

The young mage's eyes lit up. "Where else??" She laughed.

The two struck out from camp to their usual spot a little ways through the forest. And, on the count of 3, they began their race. Theron, being much taller, started out ahead- poking fun and playfully antagonizing the stubborn little elf.

"Hope you're ready to add another tally to your losing streak!" He laughed.

"We'll see about that!" Arana retorted.

On and upward they climbed, until finally there were only a few branches between them and the top of the tree. When Theron finally poked his head through the leaves and reached the top, he paused- mouth hanging loose in surprise. Arana was already sitting there waiting with a triumphant grin on her face. His surprise slowly turned to a proud smile.

"You actually managed for once." He chuckled.

Arana crossed her arms, grinning proudly. "And don't you forget it! ...Ass."

The older elf feigned a hurt expression and placed his hand over his heart. "Ohh, ouch, ma solas!" He grinned, semi-dramatically expressing his wounded ego.

The starlight-haired elf laughed so hard that she lost her balance, falling down a few branches. Her brother quickly jumped down to her.

"Arana?? Are you alright?"

"I'm okay! I'm fine!" She laughed, adrenaline pumping through her veins from the sudden fall and making her a bit giggly. A snicker left the red-haired elf. His eyes wandered over to a small, bleeding cut on her arm. With a sigh, he shook his head and helped his sibling back down the tree. Once their feet were firmly planted on the ground, Theron looked down at her, messing her hair.

"I think that's enough excitement for one day."

"There's no such thing as enough excitement!" Arana pushed his hand away again and smoothed her hair.

"Stubborn brat." The older laughed as he picked her up over his shoulder by the legs like a burlap sack.

"Hey-! You big oaf!" She whined in mild protest, but didn't resist.

"Nu'tua'len."

"Dahn'direlan."

The two laughed at each other's playful insults as they made their way back home. Only to find Keeper Deshana waiting for them with a disapproving look plain on her face.

"You're late, Da'len."

"Ir abelas, Keeper.." Arana rubbed the back of her head as Theron put her down.

The Keeper sighed and relented with a smile, reaching out a hand to touch the young mage's shoulder. "Come along, we have much to do, Da'len."

"Alriiight.."

And with that, the siblings parted ways to continue their daily tasks.

Translation Notes

•Nu'tua'len - little troublemaker

•Dahn'direlan - bee puncher