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lightwithinthedarknessu · 3 years

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A Crown to Adorn

Starting off #sokaiweek2021 with a fluffy one-shot!

Wrote a little fluffy one-shot for Day 1 of @sokaiweek Prompt: King and Queen. Childhood memories for #sokai and a cute flower date! A time of healing and reminiscence, adorned with flowers fit for a King and Queen.

A03: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32511775

Fanfiction. net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13918369/1/A-Crown-to-Adorn

A Crown to Adorn

*.*.*.*

“Wear a crown of flowers on your head, let its roots reach your heart.” – Kabir

*.*.*.*

The smell of the grass, the warmth of the sun on their faces, and the slight scent of honeysuckle wafting through the canopy above was the perfect complement to an otherwise ordinary day. Ordinary, that word seemed to slip into her mind with a lithe bump, nestling into her heart but leaving behind a tinge of anxiety. Was it good to cherish something even if you knew it wouldn’t last? Those words danced within her mind as warm rays of light kissed her cheeks.

Living in the moment. Cherishing those small moments of reprieve-sometimes Kairi had to keep reminding herself to do that. Whether it be taking in deep breaths of the salty air or cherishing the soft sensation of sand squished between her toes- those small insignificant moments she needed to hold close. The way the wind hit her face as Sora and Riku rushed past her in one of their many races or the sensation of cold droplets hitting her face during one of their many water fights. Those moments, they would rush back at her all at once during those times she was alone, listless, and longing for their company.

Somehow, Kairi knew that today would be one of those many moments she held close to her heart. She took in a deep breath, savoring the crisp air hitting her lungs.

The Kingdom of Corona was as beautiful as Sora had claimed it would be. Filled with flora and fauna, clean air, and warm bathes in sunshine. Even the few heartless around were, she had to admit, cute in their own way. Made her almost sad to pummel them, but once she found herself attacking in unison alongside Sora- every thought she had just melted away. He always seemed to do that, make her feel as if she could do anything, be anything. It sounded silly but- his light made hers stronger somehow. It radiated within her a warmth that felt so comforting she never wanted it to leave.

After clearing the area, they had decided to take a quick swim in the spring nearby and were now sunning themselves like a couple of lizards on the forest floor. They had taken off their shoes and fully let themselves relax for what felt like an eternity. Peaceful, it was so peaceful that Kairi felt she could fall into a sleep here without a care in the world.

“I’m glad you brought me here. It’s so pretty.” Kairi turned to Sora, her eyes welling with shimmering light. After hours of training, Sora had dropped by unannounced, unattended by the other two little half-pints, to whisk her away for a “well-deserved break” as he put it. At the time he had a shy grin on his face, letting her know that really, he had just wanted to see her. Not that she minded. She wanted to see him too.

“I had to! I mean you love flowers and well the beach back home isn’t as green as this. Heck, I hadn’t even seen some of the plants here before. It’s really something- all those worlds we wanted to see- just there’s always something new.” Sora blurted out, his excitement burgeoning behind an uncontrollable grin. He rubbed the back of his neck and leaned forward. “Sorry, I’m getting a bit too excited. I’ve been wanting to show you all these new things for so long. Every time I see something I think, “Kairi and Riku need to see this!”

Kairi giggled. Sora did seem to be holding in boundless energy every time she saw him. “I want to see it all with you. I mean, we always wanted to travel and learn everything we could. Even just seeing this world makes me want to go to all kinds of places with you- and Riku too…” Kairi tucked a stray piece of hair from her face. She felt almost embarrassed to say anything more- to tell him that really, she wanted to just run away with him right now. Leave it all behind. But that would be selfish, wouldn’t it? They had to face Xehanort. Even if that meant risking their lives. Still, that incredible wanderlust creaked within her bones. Even now her heart began to beat faster at the thought of Sora whisking her away to world after world. She could just picture it-brisk walks on stardust touched beaches, huddling close in frigid snow-kissed air, or dancing on the tips of their toes across warm cobblestones-

Everything. Just experience it all-together- hand in hand in a world all their own.

Kairi felt something lightly fall on her head. A light gasp escaped her lips at the sensation. It tickled her eyelashes as she looked up to greet Sora’s impish grin. Her hand reached up to touch the delicate petals of a ring of flowers he had placed on her head. Her eyes widened. “When did you…”

“Oh just while you were humming to yourself earlier. Did I do a good job? I mean I’m not as good at connecting them together as you…but I did have a good teacher.” Sora winked.

Tears pricked the edges of her eyes. When they were children, Kairi often spent her time near the shore picking small wildflowers and clover. One of the few things she remembered about her grandmother was her love of flowers and the way she used to weave together flower crowns. It used to make her feel like she was almost home again, weaving the flowers together, creating something from nothing. It was cathartic. For hours she would lose herself in the action- maybe that was why piecing shells together also soon became second nature. Once, Sora sat down next to her, and watched intently as she connected each stem of clover flower without asking any questions. When she was done, he told her how pretty it was and how “he wanted one too.”

For a few days after school, they would go down to the shore, make flower crowns, and pretend they were a King and Queen of the flower people. Well, the last part was entirely Sora’s idea. When she thought back on it- Kairi wondered if Sora did that to help her feel better about being homesick. She had missed her grandmother so badly back then. Every day she felt so alone. But then…Sora was there. And Riku…and the three of them found new things to do together.

Back then, Kairi hadn’t paid a second thought to the idea that most boys wouldn’t find what she was doing that interesting. Thinking about it now, Sora probably only said he wanted one too so she wouldn’t feel lonely- after all…she wasn’t the fastest runner or could hold her own at the time in a mock sword fight. What she was good at was making things, connecting flowers, shells, and bits of shattered sea glass into stars shapes or crowns. Her room back home was filled with makeshift stars, unfinished and marred imitations of the charm Sora now held close as an oath to her. Her childish fantasies of an unbreakable connection, made real and whole through a brush of their fingers as she passed the charm to him. Her fingertips warmed as she recalled his touch.

Now, with the newly coronated flower crown atop her reddened locks-Kairi felt that same bubbling joy well up inside her.

Kairi couldn’t believe Sora had still remembered that time or well had even retained his “flower-tying skills” as he used to call it. Sora had remembered a time that even she had pushed back deep into the depths of her heart. “I think that you retained some skill.” Kairi puffed out her chest. “But I think I’m still the master. So, I’m going to work my magic! It’s only fair that you have one to match.”

Sora chuckled and placed both hands behind his head. “Well, I guess we’re off flower picking then huh?” His hips swayed from side to side, his legs acting listless as if they hadn’t moved in hours.

Kairi bounced up on her heels, feeling a renewed vigor in her veins. “Yep! Lead the way, King!”

“King?” Sora’s jaw slacked. “Gosh, when you say it like that it only reminds me of “the King.”

Kairi lightly patted Sora on the shoulder. “Now, now.” Kairi chided. “There can be more than one King and Kings of different things. He may be “the King” but you- you’re my Flower King right?” An impish grin filled her cheeks. Sora blinked a few times before averting his eyes. She could swear a tinge of red was on the tips of his ears.

“Geez flower King? Don’t tell Riku, or Donald or Goofy- I’ll never live that down.”

“But I’m the flower Queen- we have to match!” Kairi pointed an accusatory finger at him. Sora jumped back a beat, his deep blue eyes tinged with uncertainty. Soon, his eyes swirled with glimmering sunshine, his smile so subtle she found herself itching to gently brush her fingers across his lips. Her cheeks heated at the thought.

“Okay, I mean if you are I have to be then.” Sora put a hand over his mouth to muffle a laugh. Though clearly uncomfortable, there was a hint of joy in those words. Poking fun at him like this was almost too nostalgic. With ease, she slid her hand into his and gave it a tight squeeze. He recoiled slightly before sheepishly squeezing her hand back. His eyes wouldn’t meet hers, but she knew- he was just a tad shy still.

Hand in hand they traversed the woods searching for violet, azure, and fuchsia hues. Their still bare feet brushing against rough patches of dirt and slick grass, staining their toes a light green as they went. The morning dew, still kissing the tips of their hair, kept them cool against the ever-rising sun. Every flower they came across seemed more beautiful than the rest- they gathered until they were spilling out onto the ground beneath them. Sora sneezed a few times, sending them flying much more than he would have liked. The air filled with laughter as they collected them all again, each time regretting having over-prepared their bounty.

They returned to the clearing in no time at all-and she set about her work. Connecting the flowers together wasn’t hard- but choosing which flowers suited Sora best- well that took some thinking. Baby’s breath, delicate and kind, hydrangeas as blue and calming as the sea, red carnations brandishing the passionate courage in his heart, and yellow calla lilies to represent his happy disposition. When she was done- it was a crown only befitting him. When she held it up against the light, the shadows cast across her face danced- truly she could think of it as her best work yet. Smirking and a bit too proud, Kairi stood up and delicately laid the crown atop her “King’s” head.

“I, Flower Queen Kairi dub thee- Sora- Flower King.” In a grand bow, Kairi placed a hand over her heart, glancing up at him with mischief and mirth.

Sora’s wide toothy grin greeted her. “It’s an honor!” He paused, searching his mind before snapping his fingers in the realization of something important. “Does it look Kingly?”

“I think it suits you, just as mine suits me.” Kairi spun on her heels, dancing as she delicately brushed the petals she adorned. She gave Sora a taunting wink as she thrust out her hand. “I’d say a dance is in order, sire.”

A deep laugh escaped his chest as Sora jumped up to grab her hand and pull her close. Their eyes connected as if a thread between them became taught, sure, and certain that the entire world around them could just melt away into nothing, and it would all be alright. One step, then two, a sway and a swish, he even threw in a twirl or two as they danced to the bubbling brook and twilling birds. The melody in their hearts flowed and swirled at a tempo that pulled her into a sense of weightlessness. The countless times she dreamed of the two of them, blissfully dancing, suddenly made it real.

It was real, him, her, this moment. It was a sensation, a scent, a feeling she wanted to bottle up and keep close- like an herbarium filled with preserved flowers. Bright, opulent, and ever so warm. As their dance slowed, and her heart settled, Kairi leaned her head on Sora’s shoulder, letting herself melt into his rising chest. It was then Kairi knew that home wasn’t ever far anymore. That homesickness had long flitted away like petals in the wind once she let Sora into her heart. Now, every time she thought of their memories, these moments, the rise and fall of his chest, his heartbeat…Kairi knew somehow she was always closer to home.

Years Before

*.*.*.*

The bluff at the edge of town was filled with clover flowers. Though she had been warned with a stern shake of the mayor’s finger, and a disapproving huff or two from the town elders, Kairi always found herself foraging for flowers here. The wind blowing through her hair, and the misty salt air gently caressing her chubby cheeks made her feel more at home here than anywhere else on the island. In the afternoon quiet, only the rumbling low roar of the waves had been keeping her company. Lightly and carefully, she hummed a melody as she worked, losing herself in knot after knot.

*.*.*.*

“What do you think she’s doing?” Sora muttered in a hushed tone, trying to keep his usually loud voice as quiet as possible. He was huddled on his haunches behind a large hedge, practically wiggling to keep himself from falling over. He and Riku had followed Kairi from a distance like two ducks up the winding hillside. When they had seen her leaving the Mayor’s house she had been stomping and letting out a long-winded sigh or two. Riku had said that she was “probably angry” and that it mostly had to do with her going off alone. Sora, being extremely curious about Kairi ever since she had arrived on the beach, had never not kept watch over her. So, Riku being Riku had suggested they follow her, knowing well that Sora would have found himself trailing after her absentmindedly.

Riku let out a sigh and shook his head. “She’s going to make something again. The last time she came back down from here she had a crown of flowers in her hands. That’s probably what she plans on doing.”

“Hmm, that seems more lonely than fun. She’s all by herself.” Sora pursed his lips, his nose scrunching up. He crossed his arms and readjusted his drooping bum with a light hop. “Seems like it’d be better to do with more people.”

Riku raised a brow, then smirked as he realized something important. “You know, if you want to join her nothing’s stopping you. We can go back to the play island any old time.”

“But it feels like if I go over now, I’d be like- I don’t know- I’d um make her mad…”

“Mad?”

“You always say I talk too much. Kairi seems a bit scared when I do that.” Sora looked down at his fidgeting toes. “Still, I think she’s lonely.”

“She just doesn’t know much about us yet. And well you do talk a lot. My dad says sometimes though that just being near someone without saying anything is enough.” Riku crossed his arms, and nodded, certain his father’s words were true.

“Really Riku?”

“Yeah, Really.” Riku put a hand on Sora’s head and gave his hair a quick ruffle. “Now, no more waiting!” Riku placed both hands on Sora’s back and pushed him forward- not even worried if he would fall over on his face. Usually, he did, and Sora had to brace himself for a fall that didn’t come. Instead, he found himself balancing on one foot and staring into the wide cerulean eyes of a frightened girl.

*.*.*.*

When a rustling bounded behind her Kairi gasped and found herself on her feet, her hands clutched close to her chest. A familiar head of spikes was what first caught her eyes, then the twigs and leaves sticking out every-which-way, followed by the shy grin of a boy caught doing something he shouldn’t.

“Geez, Sora! You scared me!” Kairi tucked her hair behind her ear as if she were suddenly aware of her own messy mop.

“Sorry, Kairi! Me and Riku were just…” Sora paused to look behind him. Not a soul was in sight. “Aw man, where’d he go? We were just talking about…ugh never mind.” Sora stood up straight and puffed out his chest as he shook the stray twigs and leaves from his head. Once he was done, he placed both hands behind his head. “So…what-cha doing?”

“Making flower crowns…” Kairi mumbled under her breath, feeling herself carefully enunciate each word. Sora was nice, after all, he was the one who found her on the beach that day. But a part of her felt scared, nervous, and a bit rumbly in her tummy when she talked to him. He was always so bright, and his grin was wider than his face. Kairi didn’t know how to be around him. Kairi turned her back to him and smoothed the ends of her dress.

“Okay.” Sora uttered. He continued to stare at her, unmoved until she decided to sit back down among her work. As she picked more flowers, she began to take more glances over at Sora. He watched her intently, swaying from side to side on the edges of his sandals. He stayed that way for a beat then promptly plopped down next to her. Kairi’s breath hitched in her throat at the sudden invasion in her little bubble. But Sora didn’t say anything, although his face was twisted into an unnatural frown, alerting her he really did want to say something.

Kairi tried her best to get back to her crown, but she fumbled with shaky fingers as she tied the tiny stems together. Her lips moved into a fine line, her teeth biting down into the corners of her cheeks. Again, soon she became lost in the motions, not even noticing Sora get up and go look around. Moments later he dropped back down next to her, this time, with a handful of clovers.

“It’s really pretty.” Sora blurted out. His eyes were wide, expectant.

A shivering jolt went through her back, and Kairi shyly looked back down at her completed crown. He said it was pretty, what she made. A slight hint of pride wafted through her chest. “Thanks…”

“I-I want one too!” Sora’s voice was louder than he intended, for Kairi almost fell back at the sudden noise. She made sure to quickly put on a smile for the boy looked almost as if he would cry if he knew she was scared.

“Okay, I’ll teach you.” Kairi found a new strength in her voice. She was more confident now. A voice inside her heart, but from where she didn’t know, whispered caressing words.

Whenever you feel lonely, look to the flowers. Surround yourself with them, let them take root in your heart. Every moment may seem small, but you can make them bigger and more beautiful. For those moments when you’re alone, the flowers will remind you of me and of those who love you. That light in your heart will continue to bloom and grow, as long as you let it. Adorn your head with a crown of flowers, my dear. Adorn the head of the one you love. Find that light, never lose sight of it.

Notes:

Thank you for reading! This fic was inspired by the prompt King and Queen for SoKai Week 2021. Visiting Sora and Kairi's childhood and what they meant to each other during that time was pure joy. I hope that this little bundle of fluff reminds you of the wonder of picking flowers as a child, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can mean the world to someone else. I tried to add in some of Sora's flowers from his herbarium by super groupies as well as flowers that spoke to his personality. Fun fact: Clover flowers were something that I would gather when I was a child, and luckily they do grow at least in Hawaii at high elevations, so it's possible they could be on the mainland in Destiny Islands!

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#sokaiweek2021 #sokaiweek #kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts fanfiction #sokai #sora and kairi #kairi #sora #kingdomheartsfanfiction #KH #kingdomhearts

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blancheludis · 7 years

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Not What It Looks Like - Ch. 1

Dragon Age Fanfiction Pairing: minor Dorian / Iron Bull, mostly Inquisitor & Dorian friendship You can also read it on AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/6633355/chapters/15177451/

Summary: "That corpse thingy you're doing," Evelyn asked sweetly and was met with a raised eyebrow. "You mean necromancy, I presume?" "Yes that," she agreed impatiently and grinned. "How lifelike can you make them?"

The rotunda was thankfully empty when Evelyn hurried through it on her way to the stairs. Solas had way too good a hearing for what she had planned, and she had even made sure that Leliana was absent from her tower that night. The less witnesses there would be the better.

She was not even fully up the stairs when she called, “Dorian,” into the darkness of the library. Two lights were still on in the mostly deserted area. To one side Helisma was working diligently on something or other they had brought her from their latest excursion. But there was no need to worry about her. Tranquils were reliably unbothered even by delicate matters.

The other light was, as Evelyn had hoped, coming from Dorian’s corner, complete with the telltale clinking of a bottle he had no doubt raided from the wine cellar. No matter how often he bemoaned the pitiable quality – and quantity – he was a frequently seen guest down there.

“Dorian,” she called again, coming to an abrupt stop just outside illuminated circle of flickering candlelight. Grudgingly, he looked up from whatever book he was reading and, upon seeing her standing there with the expression of an overeager child waiting for a new toy, he raised an eyebrow at her.

“Inquisitor,” he greeted entirely nonchalant as if they had agreed on meeting in the library at night, when most sane people were already asleep. Her features automatically rearranged themselves to a baleful glare at hearing her title, but all it did was earning her a twitch of one perfectly-groomed moustache.

“Anyway,” Evelyn said, foregoing the opportunity to remind him of using her name. She had something better, after all, to throw him off-balance. “I need to ask you something,” her voice had dropped to a hushed whisper of its own volition, thus successfully piquing his interest.

“My expertise it at your disposal,” Dorian answered with his usual flourish, not yet knowing that he would soon regret his eager response.

Still outside of the lightened area, Evelyn shifted slightly until her face was only half-covered by shadows. That had not been planned but she was not going to let this opportunity for added drama go to waste. She had learned from the best, after all.

“This corpse thingy you’re doing –“ again she was met with a raised eyebrow, although more sceptical this time. And the moustache was utterly silent, too.

“You mean necromancy, I presume.” Of course, she did and she knew the right term for it, having decided against pursuing this branch of magic a couple months earlier. She regretted that decision a little bit by now. It was good, therefore, that she had an expert at hand.

“Yes, that,” she agreed impatiently and grinned. “How lifelike can you make them?”

“How – I – what?” at any other time Evelyn would have found it hilarious to see him this flustered – not many people could boast to have rendered the great Altus Dorian Pavus speechless – but it was a serious matter. And, to give credit where it was due, he regained his composure quickly.

“No,” the Tevinter said curtly, a finality in his tone that would have sent lesser women running, or at least made them change the topic quickly to never speak about it again. Well, Evelyn Trevelyan, Herald of Andraste and leader of the Inquisition, was not that wise.

“You haven’t even let me expl-“

“Listen,” for once Dorian did not sound secretly amused, nor haughty or too self-confident. “I don’t care what kind of great plan you have thought of. Necromancy is nothing to trifle with, as is every other kind of magic. I won’t raise an army of the dead for you, nor can I revive someone. I thought you knew better than to ask such a thing.”

“You can raise enough corpses for an army?” as it did so often, Evelyn’s mouth spoke before her mind had a chance to catch up, leaving her to curse herself while the damage was already done.

Exhaling slowly, Dorian grew very still for a moment before declaring in a decided tone, “I appreciate our friendship which is why I am going to let this pass. But leave me out of whatever you’re doing.”

Death was not a subject any Tevinter would skirt around like a nervous maiden her bed on her wedding night. It was going hand in hand with slavery and blood magic. But it was not something he would ever treat lightly. Choosing the path of the Necromancer meant to respect death.

“Good night, Inquisitor,” he said and, this time, meant the title. The book he had been reading peacefully until Evelyn had interrupted him landed on his seat with a dull thud as he rose to his feet. After blowing out the candles he strode out of the suddenly crammed alcove he had all but claimed for himself.

“Wait,” Evelyn called, sounding apologetic. But he did not slow. His decision would not sway. “Oh, Andraste’s knickers,” she swore and hurried after him. Throwing worried glances at the dark library around them, she blurted out, “I need to learn how to stab people and I would prefer if they didn’t try to kill me back.”

The utter ludicrousness of this statement caused Dorian to come to an abrupt standstill, almost resulting in Evelyn colliding with his back. When she opened her mouth, no doubt to spin her little tale on, he raised a hand, effectively rendering her silent.

“Let me see if I’ve got this right,” he drawled, eyeing her with an incredulous expression. “You want me to raise a corpse to attack you so you can have a go at it with a sword?”

“Daggers, actually,” Evelyn supplied helpfully, cursing herself when Dorian turned away again.

“Far be it from me to judge your idea of stress relief,” his tone conveyed the complete opposite of his words, “But I suggest going to Cassandra or the Iron Bull with this. They seem to enjoy getting beaten up.”

“I already have –“

“Then I don’t see why you would need me or my necromancy,” there was a clear dismissal in his tone as he started walking again.

“I need to learn how to defend myself,” Evelyn explained quietly, falling back into step beside him.

“The last time I checked you were quite proficient with your staff.” No snarky comment on how he was, of course, more proficient, no upwards quirk of the moustache. Just a couple cool words. Had she misinterpreted him that badly?

“At Emprise du Lion,” Evelyn started and there must have been something of note in her voice, because Dorian turned his head towards her, even while he kept walking. “One of the Red Templars hit me with a Holy Smite. And without Varric there to put a bolt through his head I –“ she swallowed audibly.

It was not a good thing to remember. The nausea, the sudden weakness of her legs, the world around her swirling into a single grey mass. There had been panic filling her, reaching deep into the spaces usually filled with her magic. She had been lost, afraid of being cut off of this integral part of her. And, in that moment, she had not even minded that the Templar had been closing in on her, his bloodied sword raised, ready to strike her down. The fear had come later, and the anger, too.

“It did not matter how many spells I know or how many enemies I have already successfully felled with fire and ice dripping from my fingertips. All it took him was an ability everyone one of them has, and I was utterly defenceless.” The mere memory left her breathless, panting for air that she knew was not filled with what she had needed most back then: reassurance, safety, a way to fight. “I don’t ever want to feel like that again.”

Evelyn had known about the Smite, of course, had even felt it before, back in the Circle of Ostwick. But she had always followed the rules, the important ones, at least, and if she had not, she knew better than to get caught. So before this dreadful battle with the Red Templars she had never been hit with a Smite with the sole intention of harming her and taking her down.

She really could have done without the experience, but at least it had been eye-opening insofar that she knew now that something needed to change. Even her wish to live put aside, as little as she liked the mark on her hand, she was a head figure in the conflict threatening to rip their world apart. She could not allow herself to be this vulnerable. She was not expendable.

Dorian kept silent for a while as they made their way through Skyhold’s empty halls, neither of them knowing where they were headed. At least his face was not as closed off anymore, but rather pensive.

“What do you want with corpses, then?” he eventually asked, a weary sigh hidden beneath the words.

Trying her best to tone down her recovered enthusiasm, Evelyn replied eagerly, “Cass and Bull showed me the basics and even Cole came to help but –“ Going up against straw dummies and people she definitely did not want to accidentally stab could only get her so far. And the mere thought of testing her newly-formed skills on a real, breathing enemy, bearing down on her with plate-mail and a sword, intent on killing her, was enough to send her into another panic attack.

“I understand,” Dorian spoke up, gentle again all of a sudden, which only resulted in getting Evelyn irritated. She had asked for help, not pity.

“Do you?” she asked harshly. “Tell me, Altus, have you ever been hit by a Smite and been cut off from who you are?” She spat out his title as if he had been the one to steal her magic, just because, in Tevinter, no Templar would dare to raise a hand against a mage of his position. It was unfair, indirectly blaming him for being free while she had been caged in the Circle of Magi for almost all her life.

To her surprise, though, Dorian’s expression did not change much, only growing a tad more wistful. “No, you’re right. I’ve never had such an unfortunate run in with a Templar. I have, however,” here a strange smile appeared on his face, one that spoke of incompletely buried bitterness, “Been force-fed Magebane by my father to keep me from interrupting the lovely little blood ritual he had planned for me. So, yes, I do understand.”

Feeling blood rush into her cheeks, Evelyn dropped her head in shame. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to –“ Dorian waved her apology away but she still refused to look at him. His exuberant personality made it easy to forget that he, like everyone else, was carrying scars.

“Now, why corpses?” he returned to his earlier question. But Evelyn did not answer at once. She had somehow imagined this to be easier and almost regretted asking, now.

“I’ve never had to deal with close-range combat before and I’m not ready for it. I also can’t stab my instructors, no matter how much they are calling for it at times,” still avoiding Dorian’s eyes, she shrugged. “I thought you might be able to manipulate a corpse to come at me like an enemy would. But without the killing me part if I miss or lose my nerves.”

Dorian sighed in response, causing Evelyn’s shoulders to slump in defeat. After a moment of contemplative silence, he spoke again. “I hope you have not already taken it upon yourself to procure a suitable corpse for this and hid it in your wardrobe. I assure you that you’ll never get the stains out of your clothes again – not that they could actually get worse.”

Immediately offended on behalf of her fashion sense – what was he expecting from a sheltered Circle mage anyway? – Evelyn looked down at herself only to freeze abruptly when the possible implications beneath his words finally registered in her mind. “Wait. You mean you’ll do it?”

“I would have preferred to skip the drama,” he scoffed but smiled. “You should have just said, Oh, Dorian, help me learn to kill things. I just know you’ll be more brilliant at it than my current instructors and-“

Finally grinning again, Evelyn interrupted his self-praising runt with a well placed hit on his shoulder.

“I really don’t understand why you appear to have problems. You’ve got such a violent streak that this should be quite easy for you,” cocking his head to a side, he added, “Now, how do we get a corpse into Skyhold? Without anyone noticing, that is. I doubt your advisors would approve. Not to speak of the poor servants having to clean up after we’re done. The stains, remember? Horrible.”

“Yes,” Evelyn smirked. “That would be something you know everything about.”

Raising his chin defiantly, Dorian clicked his tongue. “And here I thought you were asking for my help.”

“I do,” she turned her best puppy eyes on him, pouting like she had seen spoiled Orlesian girls do on the market in Val Royeaux whenever they wanted something their companion was unwilling to buy.

“How could I ever say no to you, dear,” he rolled his eyes but smiled.

“I love you, Dorian,” Evelyn said, her voice saccharine, causing him to nearly choke on suppressed chuckles.

“Of course, what is there not to love, after all,” he smirked, but turned serious again soon after. “Now, where do we get that corpse?”

Evelyn shrugged nonchalantly, “Just take one, I suppose There are enough lying around. And we can always make new ones.”

“You know,” he remarked in a long-suffering tone, “This is one of the many things that will be used against us if we’re ever being put on trial, by being taken out of its context to depict us as heartless monsters doing unspeakable things to dead people.”

She raised an eyebrow at him, “Opposed to what?”

“Us doing unspeakable things to dead people with a good reason, of course,” Dorian answered haughtily, causing Evelyn to laugh, feeling a good bit of weight drop off her shoulders. She had known that she could count on Dorian to help her out. “I suggest we do this outside of Skyhold. There will be less prying eyes. And we certainly come across enough suitable corpses there.”

Evelyn nodded pompously. “It’s almost as if we knew we could use them some time.”

Tired all of a sudden and right at his limit for inappropriate jokes – at least on this subject – Dorian altered his course, intent on getting down to the wine cellar again before he would retire to his room. The unexpected way his night had taken certainly warranted alcohol.

“You should go to bed now, Inquisitor. I’m sure you want to be well-rested for your next excursion. I, for one, will make sure to have all necessities packed.”

Happy with their apparent agreement, Evelyn hugged Dorian’s side even while he was never slowing down, before bouncing off in the direction of her quarters. “Good night, my friend,” then she smirked to herself. “And don’t forget the moustache wax.”

Indignant at her daring, he watched her go off with an exasperated but fond head shake. “As if that would ever happen.”

#writing #my work #dragon age #inquisition #bioware #fanfiction #trevelyan #dorian #friendship #necromancy #training #magic #iron bull

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