(no subject)

[virborassan]

Three months. So much can happen in three months.

Corypheus was dead and gone and this time, they were sure. Elareth had opened a rift atop him and had made sure he wasn't coming back even if it had cost her life. They'd all survived the battle, bruised and battered, but time would heal that. Solas had disappeared just after the battle and while she'd pondered going after him, there was no need. If he ran, he ran for a reason and she knew he wouldn't found unless he wanted to. As far as she was concerned, she had questions for him but for now, she was content to give him the space he seemed to need.

The Inquisition took time to heal both its members and whomever in Thedas welcomed their help. For a while, they were all spread thin, soldiers off helping to rebuild town and farm alike while the leaders of the Inquisition took steps to stem any possible threats that might seek to take advantage of the end of Corypheus' reign of terror.

There was joy and sadness at Skyhold. Trusted friends left, some for home and some for higher purpose while others pledged their intent to remain. Varric left with Elareth's blessing and a few tears, which he'd chided her for. Leliana's rise to the new Divine hadn't been a shock to anyone in the know, but she was still sad to see her friend leave. For now, she knew Cassandra would be staying on, as was Dorian and Bull, but that was no real surprise to her. After all, they'd been growing close for some time now and she was not so secretly pleased to see them happy.

Well, bickering at times, but happy.

Once she'd been allowed some time at Skyhold, Elareth had fallen into a routine and she was glad for it. As much as she liked traveling, having some time to enjoy the comforts of home was downright night. Having Jove at Skyhold a good deal of the time only made it better. Things were nowhere near as strained as they had been at first, thankfully, but they'd made certain to take things slower this time. While Elareth was still herself, she'd learned to stop and think a bit more before acting, but there were times she needed to be reminded.

A few days after her most recent return from visiting Redcliffe, Josephine informed her of a grand idea she'd had to cement relations with some of the higher ranked families of Oralis. Elareth was less than impressed when she found out she'd planned a grand ball, right there in Skyhold. She knew Josephine was right, but the idea of having to play dress up and dance and be a very censored version of herself wasn't exactly an ideal evening for Elareth.

At least she'd be able to just wear what she'd worn to the Winter Palace. A shame Josephine had something else in mind.

The ball was in full swing when the Inquisitor made her entrance. Anyone that knew her well enough would know she'd hate being so dressed up, but the look was impressive to say the least. Hair half in intricate braids, the rest loose and curling along her shoulders. Her dark eyes were lined in green and gold to match her dress and to hear the ladies in attendance, the bare shoulder and the cut was a rather daring choice. She'd wanted to forgo shoes but that idea had quickly become an argument only to be solved by allowing not the heeled formal shoes Josephine wanted but soft flats threaded through with gold and green.

She held audience like a queen atop her throne, smiling at all who spoke to her, but every now and again, her gaze wandered the crowd as if looking for someone in particular.

Comments

It's either that or the overtime I'll end up with this week.

[virborassan]

She might be patient, but she'd never admit that it was frustrating walking away from him each night they saw each other. Life had changed so much and she wished she could share some of it, but she wouldn't. Not anymore. Not until he was ready. If he was never ready, then so be it.

She knew why he'd wanted to retreat to the balcony. Not to long ago, their conversation might've been joined with quick, stolen kisses but now, once they were outside, she stepped back from him a little. It wasn't avoidance, but polite distance. After all, just a glance at the wrong time could start up rumors and she had enough to deal with at the moment.

"I'll be sure to let her know. I'm sure she's already figured on it, though. The mages might be hard to bring along, but I'm hoping they'll listen. In the end, I'd like to be able to have some peace between the mages and the Templars. It would go a long way toward easing some of the recent strife."

And then there was holiday and stuff to do.

[weatherthestorm]

"If people can put aside their zealotry for a few minutes and talk, perhaps," he said as he leaned against the heavy stone rail.

He didn't let her walk far. He reached out and gently took her wrist in his hand. He drew her close to stand with him, within reach. The distance between them didn't need to be as far as she put between them. He was not a visiting dignitary.

"I feel I should mention a conclave wouldn't be amiss but Maker knows what that started last time. I don't know if we should risk it."

Happy hearts day, by the way!

[virborassan]

There was a pause when she felt his hand around her wrist but there was no hesitation when he pulled her closer. She would rarely protest such a thing, especially now. After a moment, she let her gaze drift away from his hand, not even realizing that she'd looked down.

"I don't think I'd want to be at the next one but it I doubt I'd have a choice, if it happened. Creators know what I'd end up with if that one messed up."

He was right, though. Things could work if people would just stop and listen to each other. Hadn't the Inquisition proven that?

All the chocolate and wine!

[weatherthestorm]

"I think people will insist you be there. They have see the Inquisitor save the world. They expect you can end this foolish war between the mages and Templars," he said gently as he stroked his thumb back and forth across her wrist. "And maybe we would be better prepared. I hope there aren't any more old magisters running around."

The idea of more like Corypheus is terrifying to Jove. The war against him was hard enough. To fight another one would be draining. Did they have the resources and men? He didn't know the answer.

"Until then, perhaps the new Divine can do something."

Which I have both of right here and no plans to work tomorrow, so yay!

[virborassan]

Chuckling under her breath, she shot him a soft smile. Once the war with Corypheus was done, she figured things would calm down and after some time, she'd be able to go back to just being her. Oh, how wrong she was. If anything, she was busier now. People wanted her attention. Crimes demanded judgement. Crises needed solving and apparently, she was the only one fit to do it. People had no idea just how many people had worked behind the scenes to make the Inquisition work in the first place.

At least the Divine knew, yet she still called on Elareth for assistance.

She'd taken the changes with grace, for the most part. Oh, there'd been some grumbling, but she wouldn't be Elareth without some grumbling.

"I'm only one person, though. That particular war has been going on for far too long. I hope it can be resolved now that the Divine has started to implement her changes. I know they're not very popular to some and neither am I for backing them and her. I'm starting to think another Corypheus might be easier to deal with."

Best Valtine's Day.

[weatherthestorm]

"Corpyheus was very clearly the bad guy. The fight is easy in that case. This war is much more complicated. There are good and bad people on each side."

There were shining examples of mages like her, Vivienne and even Dorian when Jove wasn't inclined to punch him. There were good Templars like himself, Cullen and Lysette. Yet, the Templars would be seen as good first, long before mages. It was unfair.

"Before all of this begins, you should go off and see that clan you mentioned," he said softly. "Do something for yourself."

Cheers.

[virborassan]

"There are good and bad on every side."

That was part of the hardship of war, no matter what side you fought for. Add on years of animosity and that just made it all the more complicated. Old minds would never be changed, but perhaps they could still salvage their efforts with younger minds. Change the way things were seen before youngsters could be taught to hate and fear.

She knew that in the end, it would be her life's work.

"... I might. There are still things to work out, but... I think I'm owed a little selfish time. I won't come back the same, though. I'm thinking of doing something I put off before I left for the Conclave. I never had a chance to go back and finish it."

[ooc: You know this evening won't go well, don't you? I've got dastardly things in mind.]

[weatherthestorm]

"That makes it sound incredibly ominous," he said, trying not to sound too worried. "I'm sure it's not though?"

He hoped it wasn't because things should be better now. There was more peace than ever. Even the Hinterlands were quiet compared to how they were when they first traveled through them.

"I sound like a horrible mother hen don't I?" Jove rubbed his free hand across the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly at her.

[virborassan]

He did and it was charming. For a moment, she did her best to look serious, as if the situation could indeed be most dire. It didn't last, though. Not when he shot her that smile. Even now, after everything that had happened between them, it never failed to make her smile.

Chuckling, she shook her head and reached up to lay her hand on his raised elbow.

"It's nothing dangerous. I'm going to get my vallaslin. The blood writing that adorns most adult Dalish. I should've had mine earlier but I'd never decided on what until it was almost time to leave for the Conclave. I never had a chance to go back after. Not too long ago, I petitioned a clan that allied itself with mine in the past and asked their Keeper if they would be amenable to performing the ritual for me since Deshanna can't anymore."

Annnd I'm the moron who thought they replied to this.

[weatherthestorm]

"That's going to be a change," he said, trying to imagine her face with the tattoos he'd seen on other Dalish out there. "What are you going to get? I mean which vallaslin?"

His accent on the elven isn't close to being proper but he tried. He was not very good with the Elvish language. He wasn't very good with the Elven Gods. He was simply trying his best to be respectful.

It's all good!

[virborassan]

She's used to hearing people mangle things like that. With him, she doesn't mind too much. She knew he was trying and respectful in his efforts. If he wanted, she'd be willing to teach him a few things, when they had more time available. As it was, they'd cut into sleep if they tried at the moment.

"When I was younger, I wanted Mythal but now that I've grown up a bit, I think Falon’Din would be a better fit for me. The God of Death and Fortune... fitting, isn't it?"

She'd let her hand drop again, but there was no move to step away.

"It'll be a quick trip. A week or so at best. Maybe ten days if the ritual takes longer than I expect."

[weatherthestorm]

"Death?" He frowned a little at that. "Are you sure?"

Death didn't suit her if she asked him. He thought beauty or grace might be better but he didn't know if there was an Elven God that fit those traits and in the end the choice was not his.

It was her that picked and the Dalish that would support her choice. He would have to adjust and accept.

[virborassan]

Her smile softened as her hand still in his grip shifted, settling with her palm against his. It was one of the most daring things she'd done since they'd reconciled, as she'd done what she could to respect his want for a bit of distance and time.

"Falon’Din is a friend to the dead. It's mercy. Before the elves quickened, they never died. They went on to enter uthenera, the long sleep where they'd walk beyond the Veil with Falon'Din and his brother Dirthamen, the keeper of secrets. I wasn't the most merciful of people when we were fighting Corypheus. This is a reminder to me that grace and mercy can still be found in judgement."

[weatherthestorm]

"Ah, I see." That did sound much better that what he was imagining.

Friend of the Dead had made him think of necromancy and those strange priests from Nevarra, not someone escorting the dead through the Fade.

"We will keep things from falling apart while you're gone." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "We won't let the walls fall down."

[virborassan]

She was glad it was evening already. Thanks to the darker air, he likely wouldn't be able to see the faint blush coloring her cheeks. Still, he'd likely know by the way her smile quirked a bit to one side and the quick drop of her gaze.

"I have no doubt, good Ser. You've done well holding things together in the past and I trust you implicitly."

She paused as if to say more only to be interrupted by someone just off the balcony clearing their throat. This time, the smile turned wry as she glanced away only to smooth out completely.

"It seems I need to reappear in public for a bit. I promised someone a dance, but I plan to make it a quick one. Shall I slip back out here in a bit?"

[weatherthestorm]

He looked around her shoulder at the person interrupting them. Of course it was some noble. It was always some noble who wanted her time.

"If I am not out here I'm sure you'll be able to find me." He did tend to stand out in a crowd. Or he could go stand next to the Iron Bull and that would make him very noticeable.

He let her hand go so that she was free to leave. These days he trusted that she would return.

[virborassan]

"I'll always be able to find you."

With a parting smile, she turned to duck back into the great hall only to fulfill her earlier promise. As always, someone was wanting her attention and she'd long since grown used to it but most days, it still irritated her. Tonight, she'd promised Josephine she'd be on her best behavior and so she had, actually mingling and smiling at people.

She let herself get swept up into the dance, silently thankful that at least her partner was graceful. The last one stepped on her foot twice and that was enough to make even her most polite of smiles falter. She'd finally become comfortable enough to be able to enjoy conversation while dancing, so they were chatting about the possibility of aligning yet another noble family with the Inquisition when the air snapped behind her.

She faltered only a moment, but that was all it took. Something hit her back and she felt the air leave her body as something burned along her back. The crowd erupted in screams as she twisted to face someone in head to toe back, face cowled and hidden from her. Grimacing in pain, she called the storm to her hand only to go down under the man's blades, and this time, fire bloomed in her belly.

Sparks lit the room, then died as she lost any sense of focus thanks to the burning pain her back and stomach.

[weatherthestorm]

The screaming sent him charging into the ballroom without a second thought. He had no sword, no shield and no armor but he could see everyone panicking and a masked man standing with daggers.

Elareth was at his feet.

"Hold!" He yelled and cast a heavy stun across the room. He cared little for the nobles that fell around him. It cleared the way for him to charge across the ballroom to get the assassin.

The other members of the Inner Circle were also moving to respond. Vivienne was fastest, casting a freeze that trapped the man in place. Jove dove past him and swept Elareth up into his arms. "Get the healers! Now!"

[virborassan]

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't catch her breath. What little she managed rattled low in her chest and each moment found her fighting off the urge to cough. Jove pulling her up let a gasp free and the motion burned, but still, she wrapped one arm around him, clutching him with what strength she had left.

Gritting her teeth over a hiss at being jostled again, she managed to tell Bull to drag the would be assassin to a cell and had planned on more only to feel her stomach lurch and her slipping strength waver. Shivering, she tried to reach up to wipe at something slick along one corner of her mouth, afraid it was blood. That was the last thing the crowd needed to see.

"-my quarters. Now."

[weatherthestorm]

The Inner Circle closed ranks around them as Jove stood with her in his arms. Cullen led the way towards her quarters with Blackwall, both men easily parting the crowd. Dorian and Varric took position at the back.

Cassandra and Bull took the assassin down towards the dungeons and Lelliana was close behind. Josephine swept in to the disaster left behind to clean up the mess.

There were guards posted outside the room immediately as he laid her down on the bed.

[virborassan]

As soon as she hit the bed, she rolled to her side, instinct leading her to try and curl up as she fought to keep from coughing up more blood. She knew it wouldn't take long for the healers to get there but it certainly seemed like it might take forever when she was concentrating on each breath and cursing herself for thinking that she'd been safe since Corypheus was gone.

Groaning, she reached up to muffle cough against her palm and felt her stomach knot up again. In the back of her mind, it reminded her of how she'd felt after spider bites when they were all out in the field and she spared a breath to mumble that to Jove. She knew he'd be close enough to hear her and he'd know what that meant.

[weatherthestorm]

The healers were quick to arrive and shoved him back to get to work. He stumbled out of the way and stormed off to punch the wall.

It was a brief relief but for now he was helpless. He had to wait. "She mentioned something of spider bites," he managed calmly.

If he could do more he would but he had no power here and it was the most frustrating feeling in the world.

[virborassan]

Elareth had always been one to brush off healers when she could, but this time, she didn't dare. Truth be told, she didn't have the energy to spare so she let them move her as necessary, groaning when they pushed too hard to moved her too much. Staying awake and aware was growing harder by the moment as they worked and when they started to stitch up the wound in her stomach, she finally had a good reason to pass out.

The healers worked quickly to finish up while she was still out, then took the time to clean away the blood while her bedding was changed. Everyone in Skyhold was very efficient thanks to experience in caring for wounded soldiers and as was to be expected, the Inquisitor's care was just as precise. An hour after they'd started, the healers left her to her guards and the multiple potions to help counter the poison they suspected she'd been dosed with, only pausing to inform Jove they'd be back to check in on her in a while.

It didn't take long for her to come to, face sour as she shifted in the bed, then tried to sit herself up.

[weatherthestorm]

It was widely accepted that when Elareth was away Jove was the one sort of in charge. It meant he was forced to leave and deal with the assassin while the healers tended to the Inquisitor.

He did what he thought was best and left him to Lelianna's 'tender' care. She would get the important information out of the assassin.

When Elareth began to awaken he was at her side, staring off in to the distance, a clearly unhappy man.

[virborassan]

I'm fine was her usual response to the look on his face. She'd seen it before but this time felt different. Sure, they'd both been hurt before, but this was a closer call than it should've been and she knew it. In all honesty, she didn't feel fine and wouldn't insult him by saying it. Not when her body ran hot with fever and her gut and back ached from the new injuries. Her back had been nothing more than a scratch, really, just somewhere to get the poison in quickly. The belly had been to finish things off.

Muttering under her breath, she wriggled as best she could but there was no energy for her to expend on getting more upright. With a hiss, she settled back, her hand moving to settle by his arm. The last thing she wanted was for him to feel how her hand shook or how weak her fingers felt at the moment.

"Was anyone else hurt?"