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Solas watched from his spot near the fireplace at the front of Skyholds great hall as the Inquisitors advisors shuffled from the war room hall one by one before Eli’Yah exited. They stood in a circle near the door and seemed to be wrapping things up in hushed whispers. He could tell from her stance that whatever they had been discussing was a taxing subject, her brows furrowed as her hands clenched tightly on her hips.
Moments later the advisors dispersed, leaving the Inquisitor standing with her arms folded in front of her, the harsh burden of her title on her face. As he approached her, he could see her features relax, a smile spreading across her face. “Vehnan, are you free from any further burdens for a day or so?” He asked, taking her hand in his and pressing her knuckles tenderly to his lips in a silky kiss. It had been a while since he had been able to steal her away from Skyhold and the ever-needy advisors. They could make do without her for a short time.
“I don’t have another meeting for two days; I can be all yours if you’d like.” Her honeyed eyes meeting his as she spoke, her curiosity clearly peaked.
“I have something in mind, perhaps just the thing you need; if you’d allow me the pleasure, my heart.” As he spoke, he watched the excitement on her face blossom. He could tell she knew roughly what he had in mind based on their previous escapades. “Pack your sack, find me in the rotunda, and off we’ll go.” The Inquisitor was practically squealing now, as he pressed his lips lovingly to her forehead before pulling his hand from hers, watching her turn and make for her quarters. Turning to go pack his own sack Solas couldn’t help but smile to himself. Few and precious these moments were, especially in the grand scheme of things.
They had left Skyhold in the brisk, airy morning; the sun just barely beginning to peek over the mountains. The sky was still painted in soft lavenders and vibrant pinks as they made their way, Solas hardly able to keep his eyes from peeking over at her. The further they strayed from the stronghold the more Eli’Yah relaxed, quickly lacing her fingers in his, her grasp a welcome comfort. With each step he watched as she seemed to transform from Inquisitor Lavellan, heavy under burdens to save Thedas into Eli’Yah, vibrant and curious; most happy surrounded by trees and open air. Herself.
In no hurry at all they reached the destination Solas had picked for them. Deep in the forest, the trees had opened into a clearing that lay atop a small overlook. From where they stood, they could see out into the distance, a rushing stream surrounded by greenery and flora. Animals could be heard going about their days in the distance, the sun peeking through the trees to speckle the forest floor. As Solas set his sack down and began rummaging for their tent he heard a dreamy sigh from his lover’s lips, turning to watch as she held her arm outstretched gently, and at the tip of her finger a small, red bird. She was heaven personified.
“This is exactly what I need, thank you my darling.” Her words soft and laden with love as she joined him at his side, helping to set up their tent.
He couldn’t help but to smile, for he knew his heart well; knew what she needed to set her soul on fire, to reinvigorate herself after drowning in her obligations. “The pleasure is all mine. You have been busy with your duties for too long. I am, however, grateful you’ve allowed my distraction.” Truthfully, he was grateful she had agreed, the closer they got to the inevitable battle with Corypheus the more difficult things would become, and he still had much to tell her. Solas looked over as she stretched the hide over their tent frame, his eyes tracing her features. Never had he thought he would meet a soul such as hers, nor how lured to her he would be. Eli’Yah had been the first of this world to truly see him. She had thoughtfully asked him questions and listened eagerly to all he had to say. In the few moments, they had been able to steal he always held himself back, though those moments meant so very much to him. Often, he would visit them in the fade, just to see the wonder in her eye or the way her arms held him so adoringly. For all the doubts he had about this world, her love wasn’t one.
As Eli’Yah secured the covering she met his navy eyes, a wide smile on her lips. “As if I could ever turn you down, Solas. If you ever wanted to run away, all you’d have to do is ask.” Her tone was silken and flirty, eyes sparkling in the sunlight as she spoke. Those eyes tugged so deeply at his heart and made his legs feel feeble. He could get lost in those eyes and never want for a way out.
“Don’t give me ideas, Vehnan. Your advisors wouldn’t be pleased to learn I’ve made off with you in the night.” How he wished he could whisk her away, to simpler lives. “I shall keep your eagerness in mind, however.” A coy smile crept upon his lips, his chest swelling with elation at her words.
They spoke playfully of their escape from the Inquisition as they finished setting up their camp, the warm air replaced with a cool breeze. Clouds began to dot the previously clear sky, dimming the sun's vibrant rays. Surely it wouldn’t rain, not today of all days. As they settled around the fire Eli’Yah had made for them the wind began to pick up, no longer a soft breeze but more of a low howling gust. Solas watched as the tall flames flickered in the wind, his eyes shifting over to Eli’Yah whose face held nothing but a smirk as she met his gaze.
“What’s a little rain?” Her voice soothing and melodic as she raised an eyebrow, that damn smile still on her lips as she leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder.
As if taunted by her words the heavens seemed to open, droplets of water began to fall, softly at first. Solas pressed a kiss to her temple as she snuggled closer, the sprinkling of rain hardly a threat to their fire. Tender, quiet moments passed as they held each other, Eli’Yah moving to sit between his legs and leaning back into his chest; his arms wrapped snuggly around her. His chin came to rest in the hollow of her neck, her sweet and musky scent putting him completely at ease. She felt like home. In his lap, she told him stories of her time in the forest as a wee child, as dew fell from the sky.
Again, the wind picked up, this time giving a great wail; the trees swaying gently in its wake. What was previously a gentle sprinkling quickly became a heavy downpour, their fire dying swiftly; steam rising from the embers. Swiftly they rose to their feet, Solas attempting to usher her towards their tent, however, Eli’Yah pulled away from him, stepping directly into the heavy rains. He watched as her face tipped up to the sky, arms outstretched above her, a magnificent smile on her face. What a glorious sight to behold, her slowly spinning in the downpour, her clothes soaked but not a care in sight. She looked so beautiful. Eli’Yah came to a stop in front of him, clasping her hand around his and pulling him further into the rain, placing his free hand on her waist and leading him in a slow waltz as the heavens continued to pour.
“Dance with me, my love!” She said her voice a delighted song as he pulled her close and granted her wish.
Resting his forehead against hers as they continued their dance, he wrapped her in his arms fully, holding her close. Only the sound of the rain and her lax, melodic hum could be heard around them, one of her hands resting tenderly on the back of his neck. He could feel his chest surge as she smiled against his lips before following it with a delicate kiss. Dancing evolved into holding each other tightly against one of the surrounding trees as the rain continued, his back pressed against the bark. As she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him closely, he felt bliss settle over him in a thick, heavenly blanket.
“Ar lath ma, vhenan” the words poured from his lips like honey, thick and rich; sweet. He meant every word; never had he experienced a feeling as euphoric as this. Little else held the same pleasure of having her in his arms, all to himself. The words were a declaration, but also a promise. Through his mistakes she had come into his life, a shining beacon amidst a bleak and callous world; and made her mark and whatever may come she would always be his heart.
He watched as she beamed up at him, her nose crinkling as she pressed it gently to his, closing her eyes. Fully soaking in this shared moment, one of the few they’d been able to have. Impulsively he placed a lingering kiss to her forehead, her eyes fluttering open as he pulled away.
Their eyes met and held each other’s momentarily before Eli’Yah kissed him softly, then laid her head against his chest, allowing him to pull her tighter to him and rest his head atop hers. As he held her, he allowed himself to be fully swept up in the moment. No Inquisition, no Corypheus. He could just be Solas and she just Eli’Yah. Nothing else mattered. He could ignore everything bearing down on them for a little longer if it meant she would be right there with him, tangled in his arms.
As she softly hummed against his chest, he made up his mind; he would tell her. Tell her everything, the whole truth. Surely, he could lay the truth before her, and she would understand. She had always asked him to share his burdens with her; to let her see behind his polite facade. Solas pressed his lips to her temple again, feeling her settle deeper into his embrace. She knew he had secrets and chose to love him anyway. A rare and marvelous soul indeed. He would tell her soon.
The rain continued to fall, Solas taking in the moment fully. Though it more than he deserved he would gladly bask in all the glory. For now, he was content to just be Solas, and she just Eli’Yah; nothing else. Just the two of them.