Chapter Text
Do you even think you should be moving this much?”Daere could hear Taliesin voice down the hall as she cracked her eyes, the water rippled a little while she listened in while Craven spoke “does it matter we still got a job to do, where is Daere so i can talk to her about personal space.”
“bathing and have not heard a word from her since Fen'Harel left this morning, i don't think we have to worry about anything else after what Falon'Din did to her .”Taliesin explain, Craven asked not hiding his concern“What happened? “
“I overheard Fen'Harel talking to Dirtheman after he brought her back, apparently there was a small conflict between the two and Falon'Din lost his temper. Daere manage to get a couple of good slashes but it was not enough to do any real damage to him,if Dirtheman was not there chances are we would be looking for two bodies instead of one. “Taliesin explained, Daere could tell the voices were getting closer as Craven asked “What do you mean two bodies.. did she find him?”
“To late i am afraid, throat was slit ear to ear or so i heard from them… Falon’Din claimed the brother was to far gone and she was starting to show small signs, or that was his defense was,” Taliesin answered.
Daere sighed as she slowly stood in the water and made her way out of the stone tub.Water dripped from her body as she made her way towards her torn armor,it did not take long before she heard Craven remarked with disgust“sadly i don't believe that, Falon'Din has always been known to do things rash just so he could have another body to study.”
“Best Daere not hear you say that, ir abelas falon. Tell Felassan i will help him in about just want to drop these off. “Taliesin replied.
Daere paused as she thought, ‘Felassan? Why does that name sound familiar…?’
“Taliesin try to ease off for awhile on Daere, she did just lose everything she had down there at least we were lucky enough to have each other when we escape.” Craven remarked as his footsteps faded.
Daere bent over to pick up the towel close to her torn armor. Carefully she dried herself off while her mind drifted”Would any of them still be alive if I did not freak that day?Would he even had listen to me if I said yes back then?”
“Fen’Harel, you did not have to rush back.” Taliesin voice did not hide her shock, Solas spoke gently while Daere tied the towel around her sore body.”I know but both of you don't have a good track history.”
“We would have been fine it is not like i don't understand how painful it is to lose someone, or understand what type of shock she might be in for something she brought upon herself.Taliesin nearly snapped,Daere creaked the door as they reached the room. She lowered her eyes to the ground while she muttered”Give me a bit and I will be out.”
“Your not planning on putting that rugged thing back on are you?”Taliesin replied,Daere stepped away from the doorway allowing them to entered.She walked away from them while Solas inquired”Are you still in pain?”
“Having my ribs smashed in after having to fight against those things, I am just peachy.” Daere muttered as she stopped, slowly she turned to look at him while her tone changed as she stated, “You really did not have to rush back, I would have just stayed out of your Sentinels sight once I got down.”
“if your going to be here with us you cannot expect to stay here.”Taliesin growled as she stood by Solas side,Daere eyes fall on the clothes resting in her arms while Solas slightly ordered”I need to see how bad it is, I know Sylaise did some of the weak but i know there was some restraint.”
“You want me to strip right in front of your Sentinel or does she need to leave. “ Daere replied as she studied her.
Taliesin rolled her eyes and muttered “Please who do you think treated your wounds the first time, Fen’Harel could not get himself to touch you for fear you would have woken up and accused him of gropping.“
“I did not realize, I should have question more when he kept avoiding his gaze...thank you.” Daere replied.
Taliesin softened her gaze a little as she muttered, ”You’re welcome. Just don't get use to it.” Then to Fen’Harel she added, “Where would you like me to put these?”
“What is wrong with what I have?” Daere inquired as she let the towel to drop to the ground,Solas studied the bruises on her body while Taliesin remarked not hiding her shock”Your kidding right? Fen’Harel did you not tell her anything when you two got back last night?”
“I had not had time to,vhenan it is better for you to wear these clothes where we are going and not that armor you have been wearing since you first got here.”Solas explained as he walked over to her,his hand gently rested on her on her waist while his eyes shined lightly.Daere turned her head and thought as she felt the familiar warmth of the mages power.’I can’t keep depending on others power like this.’
“Your going to love being with the rest of our people, vhenan. Especially the city of Arlathan.” Solas could not hide his enthusiasmethosem as he spoke, it faded as he noticed the the solemn look hiding in her eyes. Quickly he stated, ”We don't have to go through if you are not feeling up to it.”
“No it sounds fine, just i wonder if things would have play out differently that day you came to help the dalish.”Daere slightly blurted,Solas stopped as the room grew slightly. Taliesin remarked”I think Dirtheman may have held her in a false memory.”
“No if she is talking about that day then I should have done something sooner to stop you, both of you left after the keeper told you to leave before they moved.”Solas explain calmly,Taliesin replied as she held out the clothes”if that is the case you know Mythal would have had an issue with her bring up here.”
“Doesn't she already?”Daere inquired, she looked at the clothes before taking them from her.The silk felt odd touching her bare arms causing her to scrunch her nose ,Taliesin saw her discomfort while she explain”Mythal is abit concern Fen’Harel has you here true, but there is a none spoken rule that anyone we…wait what is wrong with what I gave you”
“it is silk.”Daere replied dryly,Solas sighed as Taliesin snapped”Of course it is silk, what is it you think we wear down here?”
“Do all the elves wear this? “Daere inquired,Taliesin remarked”No just those with certain importance…”
“Solas please don't make me wear this, title or not the colors alone on this thing would draw attention to me.. “Daere replied sharply as she cut Taliesin off,Solas pressed his finger gently onto her lips stopping her.Softly he spoke”you will be fine, we don’t have what you are use to so please just for this evening”
“if it won't cause you any more trouble, then i guess i just need to comply.”Daere muttered as he stepped back, he turned to leave the two causing her to ask in shock”Where..where are you going now?”
“i will be back,Dirthamen did say you needed that mix so I can get it ready..Taliesin.”Solas stopped in his tracks as he looked at her,Taliesin quickly muttered”There is nothing you need to worry about falon, we will be in the kitchen as soon as she is dressed.”
“No not the kitchen go ahead and head to the studies, i want to leave as soon as she finishes.”Solas replied,Daere tilted her ear up as she asked”What is so important that you want me to go?”
“Here change now, my arms are getting tired from holding these.”Taliesin sneered as Solas left them,Daere looked at Taliesin while clenching her teeth together as she closed her eyes. Slowly she looked at her then asked “Are they always that aggressive like that...the twins i mean?”
“honestly i am trying to figure out if you got lucky to have one kill you will the other manages to trap you spirit in a memory or you royally pissed them off to have their attention now focused on you.I thought the only reason Dirtheman wanted you was because of Anthony, but Falon'Din going to this extent actually using that spell after it was made clear to them by Elgar’nan purge out all the tainted..what makes you so special for Dirtheman to take so much of an interest?” Taliesin inquired as her green eyes harden again, she sighed as she softened her tone”I bet you would not be able to answer, even so here is a lesson since you will be with us. Falon’Din, Andruil, and Elgar’nan are three you don't want to see you without Fen'Harel present...if they do then you're screwed .
Ghilan'nain and Sylaise the only thing you will have to worry about them doing is making fun of your fashion unless you manage to piss them off,June does not care much as long as he finds he ways to find his kicks.Mythal pretty much lives up to what people say about her and Fen’Harel ...there is just days even you will have to question if he is himself after spending time in the fade.” Taliesin explained.
Daere head poked through the shirt as she asked out of curiosity“What do you mean by that?”
“I have a feeling you will find out for yourself soon enough.”Taliesin remarked, there was a slight silence between the two before Daere asked“What about Dirtheman?”
A“He is still a mystery to me even after all these centuries ,Fen’Harel does not seem to have an issue with him but there is days I wonder if he should put so much trust in him with everything he is doing for Mythal. “Taliesin explain, Daere muttered “That is not much of an answer, but thank you for letting me know...and for these.”
“I want you to know i still don't trust you and wished Falon’Din did finish the job...but i would hate to see Fen'Harel in pain.”Taliesin stated,Daere nodded her head as she finished getting dressed. Without realizing it Daere asked softly ”You still have feelings for him, don’t you? I mean, that is the reason why you took pleasure stabbing me in his temple, is it not?”
“I didn’t say that.”Taliesin snapped,Daere looked her in her eyes as she replied”You don't need to, that is the only reason you would feel threatened by me despite i haven't done any harm to anyone.”
“You curse my friend, if that is not causing harm to people who are trying to help you or EVEN like you then please explain to me what is.”Taliesin growled,Daere started to walk then stopped as she muttered”I was wrong, part of me wanted to stay but i could not be comfortable here while not knowing what was going on.Now i got more questions, who was it that we ran into in Denerim.”
‘What is Cecil up to with the twins, how can i stop more bad things from happening to those i care about..’Daere thought as she left Taliesin standing there, she could hear the door lock behind her as she made her way down the hall.It did not take long as she reached the stairs did she hear Taliesin calling out”You were suppose to wait.”
‘I don't need an angry bitch to be my guide, even when I am not going anywhere.’ Daere thought while her bare feet touched the first flight of steps.She ran down the halls as Taliesin barely got to the top floor, Solas stepped out of the room to see what the commotion was causing Daere to run right into him.He nearly dropped the cup that lingered in his hands,She blinked of times while he stated”Taliesin, i thought i asked for no problems.”
“She did not do anything, just figure you were in a rush so i ran.”Daere remarked,Taliesin slowly closed her mouth as Solas spoke.”we are not in that much of a rush, but i do appreciate your coming in such a hurry.”
“I will be here in case Mythal needs anything.”Taliesin muttered, Daere took the cup from his hands and drank the mix.She tried her best not to gag by the faint new smell that started to rise from with in the liquid, her body felt like it could not as she retched.As he took the empty cup from her, Solas muttered”It will take some time to get adjust to it but Dirtheman thinks it would be better to slowly mix things in..you look lovely if i had seen you just on the crossroads i would not have had a second thought about you.”
‘Did he just insult me… why should it matter what i wear?’ Daere thought as he started to guide her towards the active eluvian,she turned to see if Taliesin was going to stop them only to watch her disappear into her room that was station across the hall from his.They stopped in front while she looked forward, the reflection was nothing she had ever seen.Daere begin to wonder ’why are there so many books?’
“Step through, you don't have to worry about something jumping out to attack you I promise.” Solas remarked,Daere looked at him as she replied” i don't see you so willing to throw me to the spiders this quickly after what Dirtheman did, but then I still don’t know much about you.”
“Hopefully we can change that, vhenan.” Solas muttered, he leaned in to kiss her.Daere allowed his lips to brush against hers as the slight desire to be touch started to stir, he pulled back slowly while they kept their eyes closed.He muttered as they slowly looked at each other”We should go or we won't be going at all.”
“not going sounds like the bes option but i know how much this means to you.”Daere murmured, she looked back at the eluvian with hesitate.She reached out and touched the smooth glass causing the images to ripple as she slowly walked forward,her eyes went wide in disbelief at the rows of books just in front of her. Solas walked up behind then planted a kiss on her neck while he muttered ”Welcome to the Vir Dirth…”
“Oh Lord Fen’Harel maybe you can help Lord June straighten this out.” a woman voice inquired, she cut off Solas while he stiffened his body.Carefully he inquired while he looked at the young servant.”Can this not wait,certainly Dirtheman or another is present.”
“Forgive me Lord Fen’Harel but Lord Dirtheman made it clear he does not want to be bothered by none sense and suggested you were more likely to be willing to help, since the attacks are becoming more frequent Lord June needs some suggestions for the temples walls.”
“i wont be long.”Solas remarked as he looked at Daere then followed the servant, she stood there with discomfort and looked around.The place was almost empty but for a few spirit that drifted past,Daere held onto her elbows while she started to walk down the rows of bookshelves.
With a sigh she stopped and started to look at the cover of the old books, some of the titles she was familiar with but it did not take long before there plenty she did not recognize.Daere moved her lips as her fingertips brush against the fading golden writing in front of her while she wondered’ why is there books in qunlat and Tevinter here?’
“ still have not learn from wandering off on your own now have you.”Dirtheman stated right behind her as he reach his hand past her own,Daere eyes went wide while she thought’ Why did i not hear him approach...it is just like when Falon'Din attack i did not see or feel their presence.’
“I am not a child so i don't need him watching over me or you in the matter.”Daere muttered, she tried to keep herself calm while his hand touched over the book leathering her own hand was once rested.Dirtheman muttered”that would be true if you were not so cocky.”
“What do you want?”Daere growled as she turned around sharply,Dirtheman grabbed a book quickly from beside her while he replied”You were just in my way da’len, make certain it does not happen again.”
“I can be where I feel i need to be Dirthamen.”Daere stated, he smirked then shook his head while he muttered”and that will be the reasoning why you will have problems up here, just for future reference you will address myself and the others with our respectable titles.”
‘I am really starting to hate this place and see why we avoided it as long as we have.’Daere thought as she watched him walk away, with a slight annoyance she grabbed a book without looking back then headed to the closet empty table.Quietly she sat down as two Sentinels came walking through,Daere opened the book expecting them to move on but froze while she heard one muttered”It seems one of the new ones is lost, shall we see if we can’t help her on her way back.”
‘Why could they not just keep walking.’Daere thought, she listen as the armor cluttering got closer.One rested his hand on her shoulder while his companion sat in the chair next to her, softly she spoke”Please refrain from touching me.”
“you should know the rules by now, tell us who you belong to and we will see to it you get there safely.” the one behind her replied, the other rested his hand on her leg as he stated”We should not be in that much of a rush to return her, besides I don't think June would care if we took some time…”
“what part of don’t touch me do you not understand you Sentinel shit.”Daere snapped as she put the book down and glared at him, he blinked then narrowed his gaze while he muttered”Sounds to me you need some manners beaten into you.”
“Gearoid don’t you remember what Lord June said,you cannot afford another warning.”the one behind her remarked with alarm.Gearoid sneered”Then go back to him if you want, no one ranked under me is going to talk to me in such a manner.”
“Fine but if you get into trouble don’t say i did not warn you,” his companion muttered,she could hear him walk away as Daere started to stand.Roughly without warning Gearoid grabbed her wrist, he demanded her as he tightened his grip”Where do you think your going,I don't care how new you are to this place but you will learn respect me.”
“You’re kidding me right.”Daere busted out laughing as she yanked her wrist free, his glared at her while she muttered as her eyes rested on a small blade to his side ”You know i might not do so we in a fair fight but I think i can handle just one cocky-ass, Sentinel bastard.”
“you must have been dropped on your head after you were born to think you can take me on, I am one of Lord June best fighters…”Gearoid started to rant as he stood,Daere took the opening while she reached for the handle.She freed the blade from his side then embedded right on his exposed hand,Geariod stopped talking instantly as he looked at the table.The blood creeped across slowly on the table as Daere picked up the book.Slowly she started to walk away as he shouted “You crazy bitch..you just fucking stabbed me.”
“I told you not to touch me, besides keep your voice down this is a library after all.”Daere remarked as she stopped to look at him, Gearoid work tirelessly to free his hand while Solas and a few others came within their sights.She innocently brought the book close to her while June stood by Solas side while inquiring”what is going on.”
”That bitch right there.”Gearoid growled as he pulled the knife out of the table,he held his hand as the blood dripped into the stone floor and growled as he marched over towards her, Solas sighed before he turned to June while he ordered”Gearoid if you were not so bent on provoking maybe you would not have someone give you that hole in your hand, go back hopefully Sylaise is already home.”
“But...but..what about her? All i did was offer to return her to her master”Gearoid protested as he stopped by Daere,Solas spoke up quickly”She does not belong to anyone so go, I will talk to her if June needs me to.”
“Don't think your getting away with this, so wipe that smirk off your face.”Gearoid threatened, June quickly snapped”That is enough out of you.”
“Ir abelas June, Daere is still trying to adjust.”Solas replied as they watched Gearoid leave,June turned to him and remarked”Why apologize it is about time someone did something to him, besides he will soon forget about her once i get done with him. ..you said her name was Daere? Nice to finally see the one that been causing so much problems in our meetings, but don't you think you could have picked someone better?Ii mean look at her skin her brother was a lighter color then her.”
“Ouch.”Daere muttered,June continue as he looked her over”in fact i got to know Fen’Harel are you trying to keep yourself reminded of the veneration you killed for us back then?If I had seen her while talking to June I would have just gave her up without a fuss, good thing by the looks of it i had to stop”
‘veneration...you...was that why I was so afraid when we saw you...’Daere thought as she looked at Solas,he clenched his teeth together while remarked sharply”June no need to bother her with that after all she did just lose her brother.”
“Your right, my apologizes now if you excuse me I have a Sentinel that needs some discipline.”June state with a nod,Daere stared at Solas as June left them.Their gaze met as she whispered slowly”Your were the one responsible?”
“I can explain..just please not here.”Solas remarked while he tried to reach out to her, Daere pulled back away from him a little. Her thoughts drifted back to the fragmented memory as she thought she thought.’Is this some sick joke for the ancient powers?Is my family line destined to die by them..’