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By now, they had kissed twice.
Their first kiss had been in the Fade. The air there was sharp with memory - of warmth, of first meetings. Haven, where she had first learned to laugh with her new comrades. Where she leaned too close as Solas told her stories of places he wandered beyond dreams. She had kissed him first, shy and uncertain, not expecting him to return it. But his hands found her - first her hips, then her chin - trembling as though the act itself defied the world. When he kissed her back, it was desperate, consuming, as if the world itself might collapse should he stop.
The second came weeks later, upon the balcony of her quarters. Her laughter had startled him into honesty; her presence had stripped away his careful restraint. He cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing the warmth there, and pressed his mouth to hers with a hunger he cut off too soon, as if afraid of what it might become. It was the first time he called her vhenan.
But never more than that.
No lingering touches. No arms around her waist when they walked. No trace of the boldness she saw in Iron Bull’s bawdy stories or Sera’s cheeky innuendos. Solas treated her kisses like something precious and fragile, like glass he mustn’t break. And for all her longing, Evune had begun to wonder if he didn’t want her that way at all.
So, when the four of them sat at camp in the Emerald Graves that evening - Sera fussing with fletchings, Bull polishing his axe - she decided to be bold.
Her heart raced. Her palms were sweaty. She glanced at Solas, who was sketching idle glyphs in the dirt.
—Do you… ever get tired of sleeping alone? —Evune blurted.
Silence.
Sera’s head snapped up. —Oi. What?
Heat rushed into Evune’s face. —I mean.. when we’re out traveling! Alone. In tents. With no… company.
Iron Bull’s grin spread slowly.
—Heh. Now that’s the kind of question you don’t ask unless you’re hoping for a certain kind of answer.
Evune wanted to crawl under the log she was sitting on. —That’s not! I just-
Sera snorted and cackled, before she fell back into the grass.
—Maker’s saggy ass, I knew it. She fancies Chuckles. Did you hear that, Bull? She’s practically begging him to warm her bedroll!
—Loud and clear, —Bull rumbled, clearly entertained—. Tell you what, Elf. I’ll let you borrow one of my tents. Just… not the sturdy one.
Evune groaned and covered her face with both hands. —Please stop.
Through it all, Solas did not lift his gaze from the dirt. But when she dared to peek between her fingers, she caught the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth. It was not mockery, but something warm, almost tender.
At last, he set aside the stick and leaned toward her. His voice dropped low, meant only for her ears. —Da’len, —he murmured gently,— you need not worry. If you wish me in that way, I do not lack for the desire to answer.
Her breath caught, her golden eyes widening. —You don’t?
His gaze flicked down, briefly, heated, before he smoothed it away again. —Not in the least. But… —He glanced at Bull and Sera who were both watching them like hungry hounds. His lips quirked wryly.— Perhaps not in this company.
Evune laughed nervously, her face still burning, but her heart leapt with relief. He did want her.
The rest of the outing was torture.
Every time Evune tried to focus on scouting or looting a chest, she could feel Solas’s eyes on her. It was not brazen or bold, but lingering in a way that left her chest fluttering. When their hands brushed while climbing the same ledge, he didn’t pull back as quickly as usual. When he steadied her after a stumble, his palm lingered at her waist for a moment too long.
And every time it happened, Sera or Bull was right there.
—Oi, careful with your hands, Chuckles, —Sera crowed, nudging Evune with her elbow.— Looks like he’s warming up. Finally!
Evune flushed and glared at Sera, causing the archer to lift her brows up and down before trotting ahead.
Iron Bull was worse. At one point, when they stopped to drink water, he leaned against his axe and smirked at Solas. —So. Our Inquisitor wants you in her bed, eh? That’s a rare prize. —He winked broadly.— Lucky man.
Solas, to his credit, did not rise to the bait. He only inclined his head, his face carefully impassive. Although the tips of his ears betrayed him, burning faintly pink.
Evune nearly choked on her water. —Bull!!
—Hey, I’m just saying, —Bull rumbled, clearly enjoying himself.— You’ve got half the people in Skyhold wondering if you’ve got the balls to take what’s offered. Personally, I’d say don’t wait too long. A woman like that doesn’t stay lonely forever.
Evune made a strangled sound and busied herself with tightening the strap on her bracer. «If only the ground would open up and swallow me whole.» She thought to herself.
Later, they made camp again, Sera leaned close with a wicked grin. —You know, you could just crawl into his bedroll tonight and be done with it. Save us all the agony of watching you moon over each other.
—Sera! —Evune hissed, scandalized.
Sera cackled, tossing a twig into the fire. —What? I’m doing you a favor. You both look like you’re about to burst.
Evune threw her cloak over her face, mortified. But when she dared peek out again, Solas’s eyes were already on her across the flames. His eyes were steady, warm, and undeniably full of something more.
It was agony. It was wonderful. And it only made her want him more.
The next skirmish came fast. A band of highwaymen, poorly armed but desperate enough to attack anyway.
Evune fought with her usual fire, staff flashing, spells arcing bright. But one bandit slipped past her defenses, blade raised high. Before she could react, Iron Bull barreled in like a battering ram, knocking the man clean into the dirt.
—You alright, Boss? —Bull grinned, offering her a massive hand as she caught her breath.
—Yes, thank you. —she managed, cheeks flushed as she allowed him to pull her up.
Bull’s grin widened. He glanced past her shoulder, straight at Solas, who was walking over with a tight expression. —Don’t worry, Chuckles, —Bull rumbled, clapping Evune’s shoulder with one enormous paw.— I’ll stop touching your woman now.
Evune nearly choked on air. —Bull!
Sera howled with laughter from behind. —Oh, that’s gold! Did you hear that, Chuckles? She’s yours. Your woman.
Solas’s jaw tightened. It was not a scowl, not a smirk. His violet eyes flicked to Evune, lingering long enough to make her stomach turn, then returned to Bull with cool composure. —Your assistance was noted. And unnecessary. —he said flatly, though the faint pink at the tips of his ears betrayed him.
Bull chuckled, hoisting his axe back onto his shoulder. —Yeah, sure. But admit it, you were about to run yourself ragged if I hadn’t stepped in. Can’t have you distracted when you’re busy pining.
Evune buried her burning face in her hands. —I regret everything.
Sera threw an arm around her, grinning ear to ear. —Oh no, don’t regret a thing. This is the most fun I’ve had in weeks.
When Evune peeked from between her fingers, Solas was still watching her. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were warmer than she’d ever seen them in front of others. Beneath the torment and the teasing, she caught the truth. He wanted her, even if he’d never admit it in front of the others.
The torment didn’t stop after the fight.
At dinner, Evune tried to pass Solas the salt.
Sera piped up instantly. —Careful, Chuckles. She’s hand feeding you now. Next thing you know, she’ll be licking it off your fingers.
Evune dropped the salt with a clatter. —Sera!
Bull nearly choked on his stew from laughing. —Don’t give him ideas. We’ll never get him back to camp on time.
Later, when Evune adjusted the straps of her armor, Bull raised his brows. —You need help with those buckles, Boss? Or should I let lover-boy handle it?
Evune turned scarlet. —I swear by the Creators….
—Oi, don’t get cross, —Sera cut in with a wicked grin.— We’re just trying to help you along. You two are making enough goo-goo eyes to sicken the lot of us. It’s either push you together or go blind.
By the time they broke camp the next morning, Evune was ready to combust. Every glance, every brush of Solas’s hand seemed like fuel for Bull’s knowing smirk and Sera’s endless commentary.
At last, when Sera loudly suggested they should —Just shag behind that tree and get it over with! —Evune spun on her heel, braid whipping.
—That’s it! —she burst out, throwing her hands up.— I’m never taking either of you out with us again! Ever!
Sera cackled so hard she nearly fell over, clutching her stomach. —Oh, that’s adorable. Look at her all flustered. She's serious!
Bull grinned, utterly unrepentant. —Don’t worry, Boss. You’ll thank us when Chuckles finally makes his move. Which, by the way… —He shot Solas a pointed look.— Any day now, pal.
Solas’s expression remained carefully neutral, but the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth gave him away. His eyes found Evune’s, lingering a moment too long, and her blush deepened until she thought her skin might catch fire.
She turned away with a groan. —Never again. Never, ever again.
Of course, Sera and Bull only laughed louder, already plotting their next round of torments.
At last, they returned to Skyhold.
Skyhold felt almost too big after so many nights on the road. The hurrying of soldiers, the sharp clatter of armor, Sera’s laughter echoing across the courtyard as she bragged about the trip. It all faded into the background as Evune stood outside Solas’s rotunda, her palms wet and a tray in her hands.
She had spent the better part of the afternoon in the kitchens, shooing off Cullen when he tried to ask what she was doing there, and enduring Josephine’s knowing smile when she’d seen the herbs Evune had selected. The cooks had been kind enough to let her work, even if they’d raised their brows at her insistence on specific roots and spices rarely used outside Dalish camps.
Now, with the meal arranged carefully on a small tray, she drew a deep breath and stepped inside.
Solas was bent over a map, quill scratching steadily. The lamplight turned his features sharp. He didn’t look up at first, but she could feel him sense her.
—Inquisitor, —he greeted softly, that infuriatingly smooth tone making her heart flutter.
She cleared her throat, clutching the tray a little tighter. —Evune, —she corrected gently. Then, with more shyness than she meant to show— Would you… like to eat with me tonight?
That made him pause. He glanced up, his violet eyes curious, and then fell to the tray she carried.
—I… —her voice faltered, but she pressed on.— I cooked. Well, I tried to cook. It’s… traditional. From my clan. Dalish. —She bit her lip, suddenly self-conscious.— I know you don’t think much of the Dalish, but I thought maybe….maybe you’d try it. For me.
The silence stretched long enough that her stomach did backflips.
Then, slowly, Solas set aside his quill.
—For you, —he murmured, his voice low but steady,— I will eat anything.
Her heart leapt out of her chest.
He cleared the scrolls from his desk, gesturing for her to set the tray down. And when she did, her hands trembling only slightly, she felt the weight of his gaze.
Evune carefully set the tray on the desk. Steam curled from the bowls, carrying with it the rich, earthy aroma of herbs and roasted root vegetables. She’d included warm flatbread brushed with wild garlic butter, a thick stew with a tang of wild greens, and even the spiced berry compote her mother had always made to sweeten the end of a meal.
Solas studied it in silence, his expression thoughtful, but she caught the lift of his brows at the smell.
—You have been busy, —he murmured, lowering himself into the chair opposite hers.
She smoothed her hands over her skirts, forcing a nervous little smile. —I thought… you might like a meal that wasn’t ink-stained bread and hard cheese.
That earned her soft and low chuckle, and the sound warmed her all the way to her chest.
When they began to eat, she fumbled in her chair, waiting for his verdict. He lifted a spoonful of stew, and took a deliberate bite. Then, then stopped. His gaze flicked up to her, purple eyes steady.
—It is very good, —he said at last, his voice softer, almost surprised.
Relief flooded her and she laughed, her shoulders loosened a fraction. —I told you Dalish food wasn’t all bark and berries.
His lips curved faintly. —Perhaps I judged too quickly.
They ate slowly, the room filled with the quiet sound of spoons and the occasional soft laugh. As they shared the food, Evune leaned her chin into her hand, and watched him with a smile.
—My mother used to make this stew for the clan on festival nights, —she said, her voice gentle.— We would gather by the fire, and she’d sing until even the children sat quiet to listen. It always felt like… home.
Solas’s spoon stilled. He regarded her carefully, his expression unreadable, but his eyes glimmered with something deeper. —And you wished to share that with me.
She flushed, biting her lip. —Yes.
For a long moment, neither of them moved. Then, slowly, Solas reached across the desk, his fingers brushing the back of her hand.
—Thank you, vhenan. —he said quietly.— This is… more than food. It is trust. And that is rarer than any spice.
Her chest tightened with warmth, her heart pounding. She didn’t look away. She squeezed his hand back, whispering, —Then I’ll make it again.
The quiet between them had turned warm, delicate, the air filled with more than the scent of stew. Evune’s hand lingered in his, her heart fluttering like a moth against glass. For once, Solas looked as though he might abandon restraint. His eyes softened, his thumb brushed along her knuckles.
Then came the whispering.
—…you do it!
—No, you do it, you’ve got the better entrance!
Evune frowned, pulling her hand back just as the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairwell. Then, with a shove, Sera pushed Dorian out into the rotunda. He stumbled forward, clutching two glasses and a chilled bottle of wine, his expression caught somewhere between sheepish and unrepentant.
—Ah… good evening, —he drawled, straightening his collar as though nothing were amiss.— We thought you might enjoy a little something to accompany your… dinner.
Sera peeked her head out from around the corner, grinning like a cat with cream. —See? I told you, they’re having a date. Look at ’em, all moon-eyed and handsy.
Evune nearly choked on her own breath. —Sera!
Dorian wiggled the bottle. —Well, I wasn’t about to let decent Orlesian wine go to waste on a staircase. Besides, —his gaze turned to Solas, sly and knowing.— our dear apostate here looks like he could use something stronger than soup.
Solas’s jaw tightened, though his face remained composed. —You are intruding.
—Correct, —Dorian said cheerfully, setting the glasses on the desk.— And yet, somehow, I don’t regret it.
Sera leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes gleaming. —So, when’s the wedding? Or did’you want us to clear out so you can get to the good bits?
Evune groaned, covering her face with both hands. Solas exhaled slowly, but when his eyes met hers again, she saw the glimmer of humor there, faint but unmistakable.
He reached for the bottle, uncorking it with practiced ease. —If it will prevent further interruption, —he said dryly,— perhaps a glass.
Evune peeked through her fingers, cheeks blazing, and couldn’t help laughing. —Fine. One glass.
Sera crowed triumphantly, and Dorian poured with all the smugness of a man who’d just orchestrated the scandal of the year.
Dorian filled their glasses, handing one to Evune as though he were officiating a ceremony. —There we are. Properly civilized now. Romance and vintage.
Evune tried to stifle her smile behind the rim of the glass, cheeks still flaming. —You’re insufferable.
—Thank you, my dear, —he said smoothly, taking a sip from his own conjured cup.— I do try.
Sera was already halfway back to the stairs and cackled. —Don’t drink too fast, yeah? You’ll need your strength later.
—Sera! —Evune sputtered, nearly choking on her drink.
Dorian sighed dramatically, setting his glass aside. —Well, we’ll leave you two lovebirds to your… culinary delights. —He bowed elaborately to Solas, who only lifted an unimpressed brow in reply.
Then, with a wink at Evune, Dorian added, —Do call if you’d like another bottle brought up to your quarters before the night is through. I promise, the cellar is very well stocked.
Evune dropped her face into her hands with a groan. —Out. Out now.
Sera cackled all the way up the stairs, and Dorian followed at a stately pace, still wearing his smug grin.
Silence fell again in the rotunda. Evune dared peek up at Solas, who, for all his composure, was watching her with a look she’d never seen on him before. It was soft and fond… and perhaps just the faintest amused.
They finished the meal slowly, conversation meandering into safer ground — tales of Sera’s pranks, Bull’s relentless training, even Dorian’s absurd flair for Orlesian theater. The wine warmed Evune’s cheeks, loosened her tongue, and even coaxed a few rare laughs from Solas, low and quiet but genuine.
When the last of the compote was gone and the lamplight flickered low, Evune rose to gather the tray.
Solas reached out, brushing her wrist lightly. —Leave it, —he said.— I will see it returned in the morning.
Her heart fluttered at the simple touch, and before she knew it, they were ascending the tower stairs together, the cool night air of Skyhold sweeping around them.
They walked without speaking at first.
Every time his sleeve brushed hers, her stomach flipped. The wine buzzed gently in her blood, urging her to say something, anything, before she lost her chance.
Suddenly, she stopped.
Her golden eyes lifted to him, wide and uncertain, her white braid slipped loose from the evening’s nerves. —Solas?
He turned to her, the lights of his eyes catching the lantern light. —Yes, vhenan?
Her throat tightened, but she forced the words. —Do you… do you feel the same way for me as I do for you?
Solas blinked, his composure faltered.
—I need to know, —she whispered quickly, her hands twisting together.— I don’t want to….don’t want to push myself onto you. If all those little touches and looks were nothing more than kindness, tell me, and I’ll… I’ll stop hoping.
Her breath caught, tears threatening the corners of her eyes.
She looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. —I just can’t pretend anymore, not when my heart feels like it’s going to break every time you smile at me.
For a long moment he said nothing. The courtyard was still, the whole of Skyhold holding its breath.
Then, slowly, Solas stepped closer. He lifted a hand hesitantly, then cupped her cheek with reverence. His thumb brushed the warm flush there, and his voice was hoarse when it came.
—You should know by now, da’len, —he whispered, eyes burning— my restraint has never been for lack of feeling.
Her breath hitched, her heart flying with relief and trembling all at once.
Her breath came fast, chest rising and falling as his thumb lingered on her cheek. His words had softened something in her. And yet, even as her heart soared, doubt crept in.
She swallowed hard. —Solas… —Her golden eyes searched his, uncertain and trembling. —I know I’m the Inquisitor. And you serve as my advisor. That means I have power over you, whether I like it or not. And I… I don’t want you to ever feel trapped. Like you owe me something.
Her voice cracked, —And I’m young. Nineteen. You’re… —she faltered, her cheeks burning,— you’re older. Experienced. And I’ve never… I don’t want you to say yes just because I’m foolish enough to ask.
The courtyard hushed around them, lanterns flickered. The wind pulled at her cloak.
Solas closed his eyes, as though her words pressed hard against a wound.
When he opened them again, silver fire glimmered in his gaze, steady and unflinching.
—Evune, —he said softly, her name rich and reverent, —your age does not make your heart less true. And your title does not bind me to you. If I have held back, it is only because I feared this very moment… that you might doubt your worth, or think I pursued you out of obligation.
His hand slid from her cheek to rest gently at the side of her neck. —But understand this: if you were no leader, no Inquisitor, no great figure at all… if you were simply the girl I met in a tavern, or in a Dalish campfire’s glow… I would still look at you and find myself helpless.
Her breath caught.
—So you… you do want me.
His composure cracked, just slightly, and a rare, wolfish smile curved his lips. —More than you know, da’len.
Something inside her burst, relief and longing all tangled into one. She lunged forward, pressing her lips to his.
Her doubts dissolved in the heat of the kiss.
They parted long enough to breathe, their foreheads pressed together, the lanterns of Skyhold flickered far behind them. Evune’s heart raced so fast it felt like it might burst.
Without words, she led him to her chambers. Quickly, breathless and half-dizzy with the wine and the weight of what they were doing, until at last she fumbled with the door to her quarters.
The latch caught.
She muttered under her breath, nearly dropping her cloak, and then laughed at herself, —I’m not usually so clumsy, —she said.
Solas closed the door behind them, the room quiet except for the crackle of the fire. —It is… endearing, —he murmured, watching her with that steady burning gaze that gave her goosebumps.
She turned to him, her braid slipping loose, and her voice trembled.
—I want you, Solas. I’ve wanted you for so long.
Her hands found his shoulders, tugging him close.
His arms circled her with care and reverence. His mouth claimed hers again, deeper this time, his restraint fraying in the heat of her kiss.
But before things went too far, she pulled back suddenly, her breath ragged, her golden eyes wide and uncertain. —Wait…
He froze instantly, searching her face. —Da’len?
She swallowed, her hands tightening against his tunic.
—I need to tell you the truth before… before we go any further. —Her voice dropped to a whisper, trembling with nerves and resolve. —I’ve never… with anyone. I’ve never done this before. You’d be my first.
The words hung heavy in the air.
Her cheeks flushed hot, her stomach twisting as she forced herself to meet his eyes. —I don’t want to lie to you. And I don’t want you to think I don’t know what I’m asking for.
For a long moment, he stared at her. Then, his hands rose to cradle her face. His thumb carefully brushed her cheek. His voice was hoarse but steady.
—Evune… you honor me with your trust. —He leaned close, eyes burning, his breath warm against her lips.— And I will not take what you do not freely give. If this is what you want, I will be gentle. Patient. Yours.
Relief and desire surged in her chest.
She smiled shakily, her golden eyes shining. —I want this. I want you.
Solas bent down to kiss her again, slow and tender, as though sealing her words into both their hearts.
Her hands trembled slightly as her hands tangled with the laces of his tunic. He caught them, hulding them to his chest. Then, rather than moving into the kiss, he lowered her onto the bed gently.
The firelight cast gentle shadows over his expression as he knelt in front of her.
He moved slowly, his touch reverent as he helped her shed her dress, treating the removal of each layer as if it were sacred. When her body was naked beneath the light, Evune felt heat rush to her cheeks, but she didn't look away.
Solas lifted his hand, tracing the delicate curve of her hip. He gently squeezed her bottom. Finally, he moved his attention to her soft mound. He touched her first with caution, his thumb brushing lightly, before he pushed a single finger in.
Evune’s breath caught, her whole body tensing. It was an overwhelming rush of new sensation, too much and not enough all at once.
His eyes darkened, searching her face.
—Da’len, tell me if it is too much.
—No, —she gasped, gripping the sheets. —Ahh…wait yes. It feels like too much.
He nodded once and withdrew his hand slightly.
Then, he changed his method. He used the lightest, most coaxing pressure, concentrating on easing her fear. His fingers rubbed her apex until her entrance was wet with desire. He whispered soft encouragement to her in Elvhen. Then, he slowly and carefully eased his finger inside of her again.
She let out a startled low moan.
Her hips arched. she buced her hips slightly in response to the pleasure. He was close to hitting that spot, she felt pressure building in her lower abdomen. She let out a loud moan.
Mortified, she slammed a hand over her mouth.
Solas smiled. It was a rare, sensual curve of his lips. He gently took her hand away from her face, kissing her palm.
—Do not hide your sounds from me, vhenan. They are the truth of your body, and I wish to hear them all.
She nodded, looking up at him with round eyes.
He eased a second finger in.
Solas began to move with a slow rhythm, pulsing his fingers in and out to stretch her. He allowed her body time to mollify.
Eventually her breath became shallow, her golden eyes closed as the discomfort melted and the pleasure rose.
Then he curled his fingers. He touched the exact point of sharp and dizzying sensitivity. Evune cried out. She was instantly more wet, her breathing ragged.
He watched her face transform into pleasure. In response his own expression softened into awe. To see her, so pure and trusting, experience this sensation for the very first time…. and for it to be with him…. cracked the composure he fought so hard to maintain.
Deep, primal pride swelled in his chest. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
Her eyes were half-lidded and hazy with new sensation, but she still looked straight into his eyes. He saw a new and bold confidence in her gaze. She pushed up onto her elbows, her small frame trembling, and her hand shot out to clasp the back of his neck.
She roughly pulled his head down as she captured his mouth. Her kiss was messy and desperate, as she shoved her tongue inside his mouth. Solas let out a choked sound of surprise, his control momentarily shattering.
He braced his arms firmly on either side of her petite body, his weight pressing down as he quickly surrendered to the fierce, untrained passion of her kiss.
When they finally parted, both of them gasping, Solas shifted his weight, his eyes blazing in the dim light.
His cock was leaking with precum now. He could no longer hold back, he needed her. He brought his hardened cock to her entrance. He teased her warm, slick seal. He let her feel his size and heat. Evune whimpered, her hips rising as if to coax him forward.
Solas’s let out a low and rough rasp, edged with the last fragments of his self-control.
—Vhenan. I am right here. I want to be inside of you. Are you ready for me?
—I trust you. —Her lips trembled, but her eyes did not waver. She nodded quickly, gripping his hips. —Yes. Now.
He pressed his forehead to hers, exhaling slowly as though bracing himself, and moved carefully.
Her breath hitched, her hands clutched his shoulders.
He guided himself forward, easing his tip inside her. Evune winced, a sharp intake of breath, and her fingers dug into his shoulders. Solas froze instantly, his eyes flying open to search hers, the raw fear of having hurt her overriding his own need.
—Vhenan?
She forced a shaky laugh, her golden eyes closed. —It’s just… different. Hurts a little. —She bit her lip, trying to steady herself. —But don’t stop. Please.
The plea almost undid him. He brushed a strand of silver hair from her face, his thumb tracing her cheek as he kissed her softly, coaxing her to relax.
—Breathe with me, —he whispered.— Let me ease you through it.
She nodded, clutching him. He took another slow and controlled push, easing deeper until he was completely inside of her.
He bottomed out. Evune let out a powerful gasp, her head falling back against the pillow. Her eyes snapped open, instantly seeking his in response to the sensation.
Solas stared down at her, the blood rushing in his ears. The tight, perfect fit was agonizing; it was too much, too good. He felt a sudden wave of pleasure that threatened to break his remaining control, causing him to let out a choked sound. He was fighting to remain still. He wanted to move, to bury himself deeper, but he held himself captive to ensure her comfort.
But Gods, she felt so fucking good.
Her discomfort turned into warmth, then to something that made her whole body hum.
Her breath stuttered.
Her cheeks flushed red as her lips parted in a soft, surprised sound.
Solas felt the shift at once. The way she arched into him now, no longer resisting but seeking. His control wavered, his own breath catching as he watched her expression transform. Tension turned into wonder, pain replaced by pleasure.
He finally allowed himself movement. He started with a slow, careful glide. She was slick and warm, allowing him to move with ease. He established a consistent rhythm, pumping in and out with increasing speed.
Her fingers tightened against his shoulders, and she let out a gasp that turned into a broken moan. —Solas!!
His eyes darkened, his heart hammering at the sight and sound of her.
—Yes, vhenan, —he rasped, pressing his lips to her jaw, her throat. —That’s it. Let it come to you. You are safe. You are mine.
Her head tipped back as her golden eyes glazed. her body responded with instinct she didn’t know she had. He kissed her temple, her flushed cheek, whispering praise in Elvhen that trembled with awe.
At first her sounds were hesitant and uncertain. But as the moments stretched, her body learned what to do. What to want. She moved with him, shy at first, then with growing confidence, her cheeks flushed deep rose, her lips parted as soft cries spilled.
Solas’s chest constricted at the sight. «So young, so new, so trusting.» The Wolf in him prowled with pride, but he held it back, channeling it into reverence. He bent to kiss her temple, murmuring in Elvhen between breaths.
And when her cries grew louder, unrestrained, Solas nearly broke, undone as much by her vulnerability as by the pleasure written across her face.
—Ma’vhenan, —he breathed again, almost in disbelief. As though revering not just the act, but the trust she’d placed in him.
Her breath came fast, shallow, her fingers curling tight in his shoulders as though she needed the anchor.
—You are perfect. My vhenan. Breathe… yes, just like that.
Her back arched, her hips shifted to meet him, and her cry rang louder, surprised, almost startled by the rush of sensation. Solas stilled for a heartbeat, eyes searching hers, but she clutched at him desperately.
—Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop!
His restraint cracked. His movements grew deeper, careful but more insistent now, matching the rising climax in her. She clung to him, trembling, her golden eyes wide as though she couldn’t believe what her body was feeling.
The pleasure built, sharp and overwhelming, until she tipped her head back with a broken moan, her whole body tightening around him.
Solas watched, awe written across his face, as she reached the peak.
Her cry tore through the chamber, muffled against his shoulder as she buried her face there, trembling, overwhelmed.
Solas held her through it, kissing her hair, his breath ragged. —That’s it, vhenan. Let go. I have you.
He felt her quiver and melt against him, her body softening. Her lips brushed against his neck as she whispered his name like a prayer.
The sound undid him.
His control finally broke, and with a groan torn from his chest, he followed her into release.
When it passed, they lay tangled together, her flushed cheek pressed to his chest, both of them breathless. Solas threaded his fingers through her loosened hair, still trembling faintly with the enormity of it.
—Ma vhenan, —he whispered again. —You are mine, and I am yours.
Evune’s lips curved in a small, drowsy smile. —Always.
The room was quiet again, the crackle of the hearth the only sound besides their uneven breaths.
Evune lay against him, flushed and trembling, her hair spilled across his chest. For a moment, she only listened to the steady thud of his heartbeat, letting herself believe he was truly hers.
Then, softly she whispered, —Please stay with me tonight.
Solas stilled. She felt his breath catch where his lips rested against her temple. For a moment, he didn’t answer, and her chest tightened with sudden fear.
«What if he slips away? What if he regrets this?»
Her fingers curled into his tunic, —I don’t mean just for this, I mean… stay. Don’t leave me to wake alone. I don’t think I could bear it.
Slowly, Solas lifted his head. His eyes found hers in the dim light, and what she saw there made her throat tighten…. It was not distance, not coldness, but something raw, something he could not disguise.
He brushed a hand through her hair, tucking it back behind her ear.
—Vhenan, do you truly know what you ask of me?
—Yes, —she whispered back, her golden eyes unwavering. —I know. And I want it.
His composure broke. He bent, and kissed her softly.
—Then I will stay, —he said, a promise.
Evune let out a shaky breath, relief washing through her. She nestled closer, her body curling into his, and felt his arms tighten around her in answer. The night pressed on, and for the first time in years, Solas allowed himself the simple, dangerous luxury of holding someone he loved as sleep claimed them both.