AN: Several things before you read. I have used songs down below that are not mine though I did tweak them to fit what I needed them for. First I got my inspiration for the fire dance after having witnessed such a one in Hawaii. Second round of inspiration for the women's dance you can find it on youtube. For some reason it won't let me post the links

Next I used a Celtic Women's Song by the title of Tir Na Nog.

And third I used Turn Me On by Kevin Lyttle, though I did use a cover more that the original. Again these all can be found on youtube.

Ayla and Bull returned to the cave they were camping in with Solas' horse tethered to her mare. He had left him at the clearing. She wondered if he meant to. That night Ayla again practiced the Waltz with Bull, and though she was more comfortable her heart wasn't in it. Her mind was too focused on the elf that had stolen her heart. He clearly was in a rough state of grief with the way he left.

They stayed in the cave for three days waiting for him to return before she couldn't stand it any longer. They packed everything up and Ayla left him a note explaining what their plans were.

Bull and Ayla spent the next two days helping the troubled armies that were originally fighting each other but soon ended up being over run with undead and demons. Turned out that there were Arcane Horrors taking over the war camps. They were tough to beat with just the two of them, and Ayla was cursing herself for not bringing her full team along.

They had gotten through all of the ones that were on the mainland, having helped both sides of the army as well as setting up a temporary truce between the two factions. All that was left was one rift that was near to where they had encountered Solas' spirit friend.

She and Bull were traveling through the more forested area warily looking for the rift. Ayla felt movement behind them and whirled around. The path was clear, but she knew they were being followed. Bull looked at her questioningly. He thought she was being paranoid, hoping that it was Solas. But she knew they were there and that it wasn't Solas.

Ayla looked at Bull and spoke calmly. "We are being followed, there is no mistake I assure you."

"How do you know this?" Bull asked, eyes scanning everywhere around them but seeing and sensing nothing. "I can't sense anything."

"And you wouldn't since you are not familiar with the Dalish hunting techniques we are all taught since the age of five." Ayla grinned before her face turned back to being serious though more tender now than it had over the last several days, as she looked out into the trees surrounding them. Her voice echoed out loud, "An'eth'ara, Ir Ayla Tyr'ala'sylis'ettln. Ir tolo'o Gyssa Lavellan, Gyssa'o Onna'Alas'ettln."

Ayla looked at Bull and translated in English keeping her true title out of it. "I am Ayla of Clan Lavellan, the Inquisitor."

"An'daran Atish'an, Lethal'lan." A familiar voice called out to her right.

"Aviselan is that you?" Ayla shouted out with a laugh of excitement.

A small elf woman with spiky shoulder length black hair appeared from behind a tree. She wore an outfit that had camouflaged so well that Bull's eyes widened as he looked around. He could see them all coming out of their hiding spots to come stand with the woman Ayla had called Aviselan.

Ayla squealed when she saw Aviselan's brothers Souren and Ladarvise. They grasped her in a huge bear hug, making her laugh breathlessly as they crushed her between them.

"We are out scouting and taking out any rogue demons. There have been a lot of them since the hole in the sky appeared." Aviselan explained after the reunion was concluded. "What are you doing out here and what the heck is an Inquisitor?"

Ayla told her the short story of what had happened, starting with how she ended up at the Conclave in the first place. All of the elves eyes widened in horror at the gruesome details that she allowed them to know. It took only a few minutes to finish.

Bull noticed the elves faces turn emotionless as they examined the mark on her hand. Even Ayla's had changed as well making him wonder if they knew more about it then they let on. He kept his observations to himself as the elves offered her their condolences on the tragedy of her clan.

"So what brings you to these lands?" Ladarvise asked, his voice a sensual tenor. Bull saw the spark in his eyes as he looked at the Inquisitor. This man was in love with her and it seemed he had been for a while. He observed his friend's face and saw a little interest and knew they had a past.

"We were here on Inquisition business. We are waiting for a friend to meet back up with us." She replied. "So how have you all been? How's Datishan?"

"She's good. Getting ready to retire as Keeper though. Soon Ladarvise will take over." Aviselan told her.

They talked for a while like this, catching up with Dalish gossip. Eventually the elves invited them to stay with them for a night and Ayla accepted but told them they would meet them later that night. The elves smiled at her and Bull before leaving to their camp.

Ayla saw Bull looking at her with suspicious curiosity. "What?" She asked.

"You have more secrets than anyone believed. You hide them really well." Bull stated with respect but still with suspicion.

"Of course, but doesn't everyone have something they keep hidden to protect their people?" Ayla answered with another question.

"I don't disagree with that but tread carefully Inquisitor. You seem to know more about that mark on your hand then you let on."

"That's because it's Elvhen." Ayla told him honestly. She knew he was a spy for his organization that had him offering his services. He had admitted as much when she met him. She suspected that the Qunari were keeping an eye on everyone's movements to eventually wade war over all of them. For what purpose she didn't know. She and Leliana had discussed this at some length one night when they had met for dinner.

Bull stayed silent, his face expressionless at this revelation. They continued on trying to find the last rift she could deal with for the moment.

They located it in the late afternoon in a small ruin of some kind. Ayla could tell right away that it was of Elvhen origin but quickly ignored it as they attacked. To her frustration they were soon outnumbered by the demons. This rift was stronger then the other ones and had demons spouting out of it like a leaky roof.

Ayla cursed as she felt herself becoming drained fast. She should have had her elven friends accompany them but they were on their own mission. They were out searching for several of their missing clan members. Fendhis! She only had enough mana for one last attack. She let it build inside her, hoping she would be able to give a huge punch.

As soon as it was ready she held her arms open wide and let loose with an agonized cry, the electricity bursting out of her in an imploding wave that blasted her back. She fell on her back with a hard thud, truly afraid for hers and Bull's life.

Solas returned to the cave finding it empty. He wondered if they had already started back to Skyhold when he saw the note. He read it quickly and rushed out, hoping to catch up to them before he moved on.

He spent the next day and a half searching for them. He could sense his mark when he slept in specific locations but by the time he got there they had already moved on to another spot.

Solas found them in the late afternoon on the second day. He was in a state of panic as he sensed her failing to close the rift near to where his friend had been bound. He reached the ruin as an agonized cry came for her as she used the rest of her magic. It blasted out of her and whipped her back, slamming her to the ground. Though it killed several of the demons, it didn't help much when the ones that had just appeared out of the rift quickly replaced them. He saw her fear as her eyes flickered to Bull who had about fifteen of them on him.

Solas slammed his staff down and sent a angry electric arc that incinerated the ones nearly on top of her. Next he sent an equally ferocious fireball at the ones fighting Bull. Her head jerked to him with a gasp. He ran to her blocking the new set of demons from attacking her. He let of a series of different attacks fast and efficiently. Ayla rose from her place on the ground and unsheathed her daggers. Though her magic was depleted she could still fight. She slashed with a fury, war cries coming out of her, as she ended some of them. Within moments they were killing them all and Ayla felt her mark flare with a burst of energy. She thrusted her hand forward and up sealing the rift, killing off the last of the demons.

They all came together in the middle the Inquisitor studying him through heavily veiled emotions

"You came in just the nick of time." Bull said with a thankful laugh as he put his ax on his shoulder in a relaxed manner.

"I have been searching for you two for the last day." He told them looking around the ruin. He couldn't tell what it had been but he did know it was from Ancient Arlathan. "I seemed to miss you by several hours every time I got close to finding you."

"We decided to help the people in the land while we were here. We managed to create a temporary truce for the armies that were originally fighting each other." Bull informed him.

Solas looked over at Ayla wondering why she hadn't said anything. She was still studying him.

Her voice was soft and gentle as she spoke. "How are you, Solas?"

"It hurts. It always does, but I will survive."

"Thank you for coming back."

"You were a true friend. You did everything you could to help. I could hardly abandon you now." Something flickered in her eyes but it was quickly hidden away before Ayla could determine what it was. She was still treating him with polite chatter.

"Where did you go?"

"I found a quiet place and went to sleep. I visited the place in the Fade where my friend used to be. It's empty, but there are stirrings of energy in the Void. Someday something new may grow there."

Ayla nodded and then looked into his eyes tenderly after she warred with herself over something. It was the first time she had looked at him like that since their argument.

"The next time you have to mourn, you don't need to be alone." She said hesitantly.

"It's been so long since I could trust someone," he replied, looking down at his feet. She wasn't sure how he would react and he knew that it was his fault. It had been too long since he had someone like her.

"I know."

He met the Inquisitor's gaze again, not able to resist. He didn't want to lose her friendship, even if he couldn't return her feelings. Solas had thought a lot after grieving for his friend. He could keep his feelings for her to himself, and would soon address it when the time was right. He had put enough distance between them to hopefully turn her down gently. He smiled at her. "I'll work on it. And thank you."

"I'll work on it." Solas smiled at her. "And thank you."

Ayla smiled at him and then at Bull. "Well, shall we head to our accommodations for the night?"

Bull nodded his head as he mounted his Hart. Ayla mounted Seranni and jerked her head for Solas to join her since they had allowed the Dalish to take his horse to their camp so they could find the rift quicker.

Solas frowned at them. "Where are we going?"

Ayla sighed, not know how he would react to spending the night in a Dalish camp. His reactions regarding her people was still a sore spot between them and she hadn't known if he was even going to return at all. After four days of not hearing a word from him she had assumed the worst.

"One of my sister clans have a camp just a little ways from here. They invited us to stay the night and I accepted." Ayla answered.

"Ah." He replied. He understood her hesitance to tell him. But for tonight he would keep his opinions to himself to keep the new found peace between them, as well as not to disrespect the open welcome her people had offered. He climbed up and settled behind her. She looked back at him in surprise, her face close to his as she met his eyes. Her green ones held a silent question, 'are you okay with this?' "I am not one to turn down hospitality when I wasn't even there during this invitation and even then I wouldn't deny you a chance to spend some time with your people."

Ayla's eyes softened and then did something that caught him off guard. She twisted her body further and planted a soft kiss to his cheek before turning back around. Then she kicked the horse's sides lightly to begin their way to the camp. He almost fell off and grabbed a hold of her waist in a panic as he still felt the burn and tenderness of her kiss.

A half hour later they arrived at the Dalish camp. He looked at it in surprise, it wasn't anything like the camps he had been to. There were similarities of course but this clan were all welcoming and their Vallaslin were all a form of Sylaise's marks. They also had huts rather than arravals which meant this clan lived in this spot permanently.

Solas saw Ayla's eyes light up as she three black haired elves came forward. Two men and a woman that all shared looks that made him believe they were siblings. One of the men's eyes sparkled at the Inquisitor and held up his hands to help her down. She grinned at him and took his offered help, slipping effortlessly into his arms. He hugged her tightly before she was yanked from the man's arms. He noticed the man glare at his siblings.

Solas met Bull's eye with a question as he dismounted. Who were these elves that seemed to know the Inquisitor personally? And why did he feel angry at the attention of the long black-haired elf's regarding the maroon haired elf?

Once the hugging session concluded Ayla grabbed two of their hands and bounced up to Solas smiling brightly.

"Solas, I would like to introduce you to some friends of mine. They were my playmates at the Arlathvhen growing up." She explained. "This is Aviselan," she pointed at the short black haired female elf, who regarded Solas with curiosity as she looked between the Inquisitor and him. "And theses are her brothers Souren and Ladarvise."

The male elves bowed their heads in respect though the one name Ladarvise looked at him with a frown. Once the introductions were done Ayla grabbed Solas' arm and dragged him excitedly to meet the Keeper. She was an interesting woman and Solas wondered why he had never seen clans like this one. They were more true to the old ways he noticed then the ones he encountered. They all spoke fluent Elvhen and did so as they talked with each other, only speaking in English for Bull.

"We will have a celebration tonight in honor of our guests." The Keeper said with a smile, her eyes focused on Ayla as she spoke. There was something secretive within them that had Solas wondering what the Dalish knew of the Inquisitor that they didn't. She had both her Vallaslin showing and it was clear that they knew about it and her abilities as a rogue and a mage.

As the day turned into night he watched as she spent time with her people. She played with the children laughing and truly enjoying them. She talked with everyone and caught up with those she had known from her own clan that had moved to these. It seemed any of the elves that got Sylaise's marks moved to this clan. It was a new custom and one he was curious to learn more about. She joked and caught up with her childhood friends, never noticing that one of them was completely besotted with her. Ladarvise watched her and held on to every word she spoke. He would occasionally glare over at him when Ayla would look over at him every now and then, smiling brightly, eyes glowing with joy that he was there.

Once it was finally dark and they all had been fed, better food then Solas had imagined them eating, drums sounded and Ayla came skipping up to him eyes shining with excitement.

"Have you ever seen Dalish dances?" Ayla asked Solas.

"Other than the one you showed us in the tavern at Haven, no." Solas said, giving her a slightly sarcastic look, which made her scowl with hurt before shaking her head to dismiss it. She knew his views of the Dalish weren't very high. He regarded them as no more than savages and bandits and that look said it all. "I was never interested in staying for the night. I only sought to trade with them and offer any history they were willing to accept. They didn't care much for my tales, as you well know." He looked at the people, the unit that made them. Had he been wrong about them? "What were you like? Before the Anchor and the tragedy of your clan, I mean? Has it changed you? Affected you in any way? Your mind, your morals, or your spirit?"

Ayla sat next to him looking at her hand, and thought about it. Though some part of her had changed, her being more weary of people now due to the traumas of what happened to her before the Conclave, but her kindness and love for all the life the world had stayed the same. She was still the same woman she had grown into when she reached adulthood. Still had light, hope, and could see the beauty in the world even when those that tried to destroy it dampened it.

Solas watched her face, trying to read her emotions as she debated it but they were a mystery. He waited in anticipation, gazing at her intently. She had his full attention.

"In some ways of course, I am more weary and not as trusting towards people now but not the part of me that you or anyone has come to know since I reached adulthood. It may have altered a bit with each new experience I go through, but my morals and spirit have not." She answered a few minutes later. She arched an eyebrow and asked. "Why do you ask?"

"You show a wisdom I have not seen since my deepest journey into the memories of the Fade. You are not what I expected." He answered smiling in surprise, making his features seem younger than he was at his excitement of having found such a person living in this age. Someone that held his attention in reality than in his dreams.

"I'm sorry to disappoint." She teased him, lips quirking up with poorly veiled amusement.

He scowled, not really at her, but at her amusement, at the fact that he wanted to smile with her at the slight but serious jest. "It's not disappointing…it's…" He huffed, his thoughts befuddled, as they often were when she was vibrant, happy, and kind to everyone around. Focus you fool! Get through what you are trying to say already. He chastised himself. "Most people are predictable but not you. You show subtly in your actions, kindness when others would take advantage. You have a wisdom that goes against everything that I expected. If the Dalish could raise someone with a spirit like yours, have I misjudged them?"

Ayla's eyes widened in complete surprise at what he just said. She shook her head to clear it of the sudden cobwebs that had taken hold from the shock of his question. Her face was a whirlwind of unreadable emotions as she processed his statement. He saw anxiety and fear, as well as a wary hesitance before she spoke.

"You have told me that the Dalish always held on to the fanciful legends of the past, always clinging to the memory of the Evanuris." He nodded his head, recalling the argument that had ensued after it. "Are you willing to listen to me now on what mine and this Clan's views are?" She asked. He nodded, face eager and full of curiosity.

"What you said is true to some extent but there are clans out there that have lost their way, most of them are now bandits. We have tried to reach out to them in much the same way you did but it didn't end well." Her face darkened with memories of the few that her clan had encountered over the years. "True Dalish clans have an idea as to what happened and began as one clan first before splitting off. Overtime we all became our own clans all representing the elements; earth, fire, water, wind, or sky. This is Clan Onnaise'ettln, the Keepers of Fire Magic. Each clan has a specific element they represent which means their abilities for fire are stronger than any other elements. I come from Clan Onna'Alas'ettln." Ayla said quickly as her attention became drawn away by some of the clansmen getting into some formation for their set of dances. "One of the things we created for ourselves is our dance customs."

Solas' face changed to that deep frown as he processed what she had said. This was the most she had ever talked to him about her People since their argument. It would seem his impressions were more wrong than he thought. He looked at Ayla questioningly wondering at the dances that were going to happen. "What does Onna'Alas'ettln, I have never seen any elf, human, or dwarf use earth magic before?" He asked but she shushed him with a secretive smile.

"The men are beginning a dance of fire to represent the element." She said as smiling secretly, choosing not to explain his question. "Enjoy the show."

Ayla rose from her seat and walked into in a hut close by. He felt awkward with her not sitting there but Bull came to sit beside him, just as curious as he. He felt slightly better that the Qunari was there since he was familiar. But both of their awkwardness soon fell away as the drums started and the men began their dance. It was Ladarvise he saw, who started by lighting one end of the stick with his hand, before twirling it around his body and bringing it to his mouth and lighting the other end with it before separating it to reveal two sticks. Solas watched in fascination as he began doing an acrobatic dance of throwing and twirling the fire sticks all around while his body stayed in one place all in tune with the drums. Two other men joined in shortly after, one being his brother and the other person whose name he couldn't remember, all timed perfectly as they danced in sync tossing extra sticks making them all dance with two fire sticks all ends glowing with fire. Twirling up, down, and around them as they danced, fires spinning fast. Solas felt himself enthralled with the strange custom; amazed at the energy and spirit these Dalish seemed to have. The louder the drums got the faster the men twirled and danced until suddenly it stopped with the Ladarvise eating the fire and then blowing it out like a dragon. When the dance ended he was surprised he wanted to witness more and felt a little disappointed.

But then the women of the camp circled around all dressed in red, a symbol for their clan. Ayla came out of the hut wearing a light leafy green top and a matching long skirt; her midriff was left bare. Her hair was straight and left down other than for the two small braids, one on each side of her head with red string woven in with black eagle feathers.

The women in the circle began singing in an elven dialect Solas didn't completely understand. His eyes caught Ayla the moment she walked out of the hut and stood proud at the entrance, as if waiting for something. It came a second later when one of the women crooked her finger at her in invitation. Her emerald eyes gleamed sensually as she slithered into the circle with the other women, adding her voice to theirs, a secret smile on her lips. His eyes were riveted on her as she took her place in the middle.

Solas didn't understand why she was in the middle or what the nature of the dance was since he could barely understood the dialect, something he thought would never happen, always priding himself on being well distinguished in all Elvhen dialects. It was like the Dalish had created their own language, much to his surprise. He watched in fascination as their hands began moving in the air signing to each other and the men who stood watching in respect. Ladarvise moved over to Solas' side.

"This is a dance the females of all clans know and it honors all the elements on this earth. You saw before the dance of fire. This dance in particular is to honor earth magic, the purest of all since it creates life. Ayla is from Clan Lavellan or Onna'Alas'ettln. They were Earth Mages and since Ayla is a visitor of that clan, it is custom for her to be asked to be in the middle. This is her native dance and its is more important for her to be in the middle since she is now the last of the young woman of her clan." Ladarvise explained to both Bull and Solas. Solas looked at him for a second, taking in the man's unique features. He had long black hair, dark skin, and chocolate brown eyes. It was the eyes he noticed the most since they had something hidden in them, a secret regarding Ayla. Solas desperately wanted to know what that secret was but knew he would have to be patient for her to tell him. The man looked back at Ayla, as did Solas.

The movement in their hands got more noticeable with the women circling Ayla beginning to make waves. Little bursts of energy and magic began building between the women as the chanting song grew more voices. This magic was different and new. Solas didn't know anything of what it was and he found himself wondering how the Dalish got it.

A drum started and within moments Ayla began dancing fluidly, twisting and spinning in front of the women, smiling and singing with them. She looked light hearted and free as she danced. Solas felt the magic building and it set his blood pounding at the power of it. It was strong, more powerful than his own. Ayla's eyes flashed a darker green as she danced. His eyes widened in surprise as vines began sprouting from the ground around her as she twisted her body like a snake, her fingers waving along with the growth of the vines. He knew instantly that this was the magic of her clan, something she had kept hidden from them. He looked at Bull and saw him smile at the beauty of her magic, not at all surprised by it. Solas frowned, had the Qunari man already seen her use such magic?

Feeling left out, he turned back to watching her and saw that she was growing plants from just her fingers as she danced. The energy built above them and halted there as they continued the dance. It swirled above them waiting and building, pure female energy representing the Earth. Then all of a sudden the whole song stopped, the singing and the drums. The energy stopped flowing above and came cascading down like a waterfall into Ayla who still stood in the middle of the circle, her head looking up and arms outstretched wide as she absorbed it all into her body.

Some of the women left the circle leaving only five of them including Ayla. All of their voices began singing again except Ayla and a blond girl with a violin.

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Sha ta co ti oh nugga tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Nug a tir na nog.

Ayla's voice chimed in with English as she brought her arms down, dancing alluringly as she spread the light magic she had just absorbed around.

Come my love our worlds would part,

The goddess will guide us across the dark.

Come with me and be mine my love,

Stay and break my heart.

From the shores through the ancient mist,

You bear the mark of my elven kiss.

Clear the way I will take you home

To eternal bliss.

Solas' listened to her singing and wondered at the lyrics. "What are they singing about?" He asked Ladarvise who was still standing there.

"They sing a song that was supposedly written just before the fall of Arlathan, that many of us believe is behind the Veil. It's a story about a couple who were once immortal. They fled the ancient city, trying to get away from the chaos that had ensued with whatever the Evanuris warred with each other over." Ladarvise told them. "As the elves battled a lot of the Dalish fled to escape it and came over to this side just before the old world and its magic was sucked up into the Fade."

The blood drained from Solas' face as he listened to the small representation of what he had caused. They remembered! Surprise flooded him, though he kept his cool mask. Not all of it, but they remembered the Veil being created. He had completely misjudged them. Though a lot of their memory was inaccurate, the part about some of them fleeing was truth, a truth not even Solas truly knew since he had been asleep afterwards. His heart pounded as he listened more intently. Though he grasped most of the Elvhen they were singing, some of the words were new. He decided he would ask the Inquisitor later what their meaning was.

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Sha ta co ti oh nugga tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Nug a tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Sha ta co ti oh nugga tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Nug a tir na nog

Tir na nog, oh, come beyond the ancient fog,

Tir na nog, oh, come with me to tir na nog.

Far away from the land you knew,

The dawn of day reaches out to you.

Though it feels like a fairy tale,

All of this is true.

Run with me, have a look around.

We built our life on this sacred ground.

Come my love, our worlds may part,

We'll be safe and sound.

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Sha ta co ti oh nugga tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Nug a tir na nog.

Tir na nog, oh, come beyond the ancient fog,

Tir na nog, oh, come with me to tir na nog.

The girl with the violin began playing passionately and the women all laughed and began a dance passed down since before Arlathan. He knew the dance and was surprised it had been remembered. He smiled wide at the passion in the dance. The song was a joyous one, talking about how the young couple had found happiness on this earth, though they were still scared to be parted. This wasn't like the botched stories of the Evanuris. This was completely a Dalish tale of their history they made after the ancient city was gone.

The short black-haired elf, named Aviselan came forward and sang the last English verse.

Time won't follow the path we came.

The world you left, it forgot our name.

Stay with me and be mine my love,

Spare my heart the pain.

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Sha ta co ti oh nugga tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Nug a tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Sha ta co ti oh nugga tir na nog

Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna

Nug a tir na nog

Tir na nog, oh, come beyond the ancient fog,

Tir na nog, oh, come with me to tir na nog.

Come with me to tir na nog.

The song ended and Ayla bounced over to him breathing heavily from the dancing. Her smile, so bright and happy, making her breathtaking had his heart thundering in his chest as she sat down beside him. He couldn't help but grin with satisfaction as Ladarvise scowled down at him taking her attention.

He could tell that the black-haired male elf had thought that she was coming to him. Bull laughed to himself as he caught the exchange, making Solas grin wider.

Ayla grabbed his wine cup and downed it instantly. She giggled as she also grabbed Bull's and downed his as well.

Another dance began and Ladarvise immediately bent down, grabbed her hand, and pulled her in with a sly, and seductive grin. She looked back at Solas to gauge his reaction but realized that he didn't know what the dance was. Hmm, she didn't want to accept Ladarvise's advances but since it seemed she was doomed to only be friends with her bald apostate, Ayla decided the handsome black-haired male elf wasn't a bad option.

His voice rang out to the crowd, starting out in a strong tenor and raising to a higher note as he pulled into the center of the gathering crowd of people. Some were paired in threes others in twos. She looked back at Solas once again seeing his indifferent expression he always wore. Sadness settled in her heart for a moment before she shook herself out of it. Well she could give in for one night. She was so curious to find what would happen between a man and woman. Scared to that it would turn out like the rape she had been made to endure before. But she needed to find out with one of her own so she could heal.

With this decision, Ayla allowed Ladarvise to swirl her around so that her back was facing him. He slithered up her body as he began the song. He began grinding and undulating against her and she felt her blood begin to surge forth as she felt his arousal pulsing beneath her. She grinned wickedly and gave in a little into the dance mimicking his moves, but making her body more fluid and sensual. Ladarvise sang in English so that everyone could understand.

For the longest while we grinding in this dance

And you're wining on me

Pushing everything

Right back on top of me.

But if you think you're gonna get away from me

You better change your mind

You're going home….

You're going home with me tonight

So Let Me Hold You

Girl caress my body

You got me going crazy, you

Turn me on

Turn me on….

Let me grind you

Girl wine all around me

You got me going crazy-you

Turn me on….

Turn me on….

The beat continued for a moment waiting for something. Aviselan had seen her questioning look towards the bald mark free elf. The utter hope that he might object to this other man who was offering her a night of pleasure. Though, she knew, in her brother's case he was actually trying to court her. But if the look on her oldest friend's face was any indication, this was to only be one night only, seeing as her heart and soul belonged to the elf sitting down watching the couple with envy. He clearly felt somewhat the same for her.

Aviselan walked over to the elf and sat down beside him. "Are you in love with her?" She asked.

"With who?" The bald elf asked as his gaze whipped to hers.

"With Ayla, who else would I be speaking about?" She laughed.

"No."

"Are you sure? Because the way you look at her tells everyone else otherwise." She told him with a raised eyebrow.

"I have a tender regard for her. She is a kind and amazing friend. I cherish her friendship."

Bull laughed loudly, "you are in some serious denial, Chuckles." He roared, using Varric's nickname for him.

"Why do you ask, anyhow?" Solas asked the female elf.

"Because this song is about sex. My brother is inviting her into his hut, usually it's for the night but Ladarvise wants her to become his wife." Aviselan explained to him. "He is beginning a courtship with her. If you have any feelings for her at all you need to interject yourself into the song by dancing with her in much the same fashion my brother is."

"What's the dance waiting on?" Bull asked, having noticed that the singing stopped and only the beat was playing.

"It's waiting on her to answer him."

A look to the musicians from Ayla came a moment later and it had them changing the music. It slowed down to a more slower and arousing beat. As the music changed, she moved in time to the beat flipping her hair in a seductive toss before she let loose with her heated voice that he recognized only changed to its sensual tone when she had kissed him in the Fade.

So Let Me Hold You

Boy caress my body

You got me going crazy, you

Turn me on

Turn me on….

Let me jam you

Boy grind all up on me

You got me going crazy-you

Turn me on….

Turn me on….

Solas felt his body flush hot with raging jealousy as she undulated into the other elf as he grinded into her. He wished it was him, that she was the one he chose. He felt his heart plummet into his stomach, feeling sick at watching her accept the elf's advances.

One hand on the ground & the other raised sky high

With you grinding hard on behind me

Got your Python

Hollering' for mercy, uh huh

Then he whispers in my ear "Wine harder"

And then I said to him

Boy just push that thing

Push it harder back on me

So Let Me Hold You

Boy caress my body

You got me going crazy, you

Turn me on

Turn me on….

Let me jam you

Boy grind all up on me

You got me going crazy-you

Turn me on….

Turn me on….

He needed to get in there. He couldn't stand this much longer. Couldn't stand seeing her with anyone but him. He observed the dance and noticed that not all of the couples were in twos. There were some with three or four people. Solas watched her in as she turned her front towards Ladarvise and started to grind into him that way. She repeated the chorus against the man's throat causing Ladarvise's eyes to darken with lust and a utter look of satisfaction, thinking he had won her.

Solas' gaze darkened and before he knew what he was doing, before any rational thought had him letting her give herself to another man, he had slithered up behind her grabbing her hips, pulling her hard against him, and instantly syncing to the beat of the song, her beat.

Ayla turned her head in surprise and her eyes widened further as she saw that it was Solas behind her. Her breath caught at the pure predatory look in his eyes as he breathed into her ear, sending shivers all up her spine. In an instant Ayla let go of Ladarvise as she felt her heart flip repeatedly as the man she truly wanted danced with her. She forgot about the other elf completely, only seeing Solas. Her breath rushed out as she continued on with the lyrics leaving out certain words, making them more private and intimate as the man she wanted put his hands on her bare waist in a possessive way that thrilled her beyond anything.

Hold You

Caress my body

Got me going crazy, you

Turn me on

Turn me on….

Jam you

Grind all up on me

You got me going crazy-you

Turn me on….

Turn me on….

The song ended on that as her voice lilted off, echoing into the night. Ayla turned then and looked Solas in the eyes. Her features frowned in confusion at his sudden appearance. What the heck was that? She wondered. Then she remembered Ladarvise and turned to see him glaring at the bald elf who had stolen her from him. Solas didn't allow her to apologize to the elf, pulling her away and into the forest surrounding the camp. He ran with her until they were far enough away that nobody could interrupt them.

Ayla felt so confused by his actions and was wondering why he was pulling her away from the celebration.

"What the hell was that about, Solas?" She demanded, a little irritated at him. For once since she had been raped she had felt no fear in another man's touch, that wasn't Solas'. Her blood had heated and thrummed vibrantly with arousal and freedom.

"I felt that you were making a foolish mistake, Inquisitor." He lied, trying to put back the distance he needed as they stopped in a small clearing.

"Oh! Is that why you pulled me out here?" She asked in fury. How dare he? He had no right! "To yell at me about spending a night with someone who actually wants to be with me, and then coming up behind me the way you just did only because you thought I was making a mistake!" Ayla raged, her fury whipping out at him. "For a man of an astounding intelligence, you are an idiot!"

She turned away, intending to go back to the celebration to hook up with Ladarvise.

"He was going to begin to court you." Solas said, beginning to feel panic at the look in her eyes, her mind was already wondering if she could go back to the man to accept him. The man she should go back to.

"So what? Do you think I can't handle myself?" Ayla's eyes narrowed trying to read him. He looked like he might be worried but it was hard to tell since he had that mask on he wore so well. "Did you not think that I might want to have a relationship with someone who actually seems interested in me? Since it seems you have come to the conclusion, without telling me I might add, that you don't want whatever was developing between us. I got the hint, okay, but don't ever confuse me with fucking mixed signals like that again! Make up your damn mind of what you want this," her hands gestured in the air, not sure how to describe whatever their relationship was. They were friends for the most part but a line had been crossed a while ago, conflicting it. "Whatever this is because I am about fed up with it."

"I haven't forgotten the kiss," Solas said, with no emotion. She tried to read him but shook her head.

"I didn't think you had, Solas." Ayla softened for a moment, smiling lightly at the memory. "I haven't either but as you so often seem to have to remind me, despite me being focused, I am the Inquisitor with duties more important than a beautiful moment shared in the Fade. I will not let myself over think what the kiss meant so much that it takes over my responsibilities. I have already done that enough on my personal time and don't want to do so anymore since you have clearly already said no."

"I did consider it, more than I should've." He admitted, his eyes softening. "But it would be kinder in the long run if we didn't pursue this any further."

"Then you have no right to come up behind me as you did. In Dalish custom you essentially staked your own interest, which you have no right to anymore." Ayla's tone turned cold as she rose her head high, not allowing him to see the hurt at hearing him say that. She would go and accept Ladarvise's invitation for a night and maybe after, if she survived the battle with Corypheus, she would allow herself to be courted by the man. He was a friend and had always been loving and kind towards her. He would make a fine husband and father to any babies they would have. Ayla turned then and started to head back to the camp.

He saw it in her eyes, the sad but quiet acceptance that this relationship would not go further. Her words to him explaining how he had tried to claim her sliced through him and his heart thundered in aching pains as she began walking back to the camp. Why did it hurt so much for her to even have one night with a man that wasn't him? She was right that he didn't have any claim to her but yet the thought of her being the beautiful kind self he had come to know and loved with another hurt him something fierce.

Wait! He had said loved! He loved the person he had come to know personally, her heart, beauty, and spirit. Everything. He loved her. Solas looked up and noticed that she was now a good distance away. Panic once again bloomed as she walked away from him.

Solas ran heart thundering; aware of the line he was about to cross. But there was no turning back now.

"Ayla," he called out to her, catching up to her before she made it back to camp. "I have not forgotten the kiss, I can't forget even though I have tried."

"Let it go, Solas." She pleaded, trying to walk faster.

"I can't, even though I know it will be kinder in the long run." Solas' heart clenched with hurt at her defeated plea but his gaze darkened as he grasped her wrist to stop her from getting away.

"Why prolong this conversation?" She shook her head not bothering to even look at him. "All it is doing is hurting me."

"Because to see you with anyone else…" He said tightening his hand a little on her wrist. "And loosing you without even fighting for you would…"

He couldn't even contemplate that thought at that moment and so he trailed off and pulled her back to him, clasping her face in his hands and locked her lips with his in a passionately desperate kiss.

Her eyes were wide with shock at his sudden words. Ayla's heart thudded and flipped inside her chest. After she got over her surprise at feeling his lips on her, Ayla's arms came around Solas' neck instinctively. She kissed him back just as passionately and sighed into him.

His lips were even better in reality. Smooth, warm, and plump against hers. He released her face and put his arms around her, pulling her against him tight as his tongue licked her bottom lip, seeking entrance into her mouth. She moaned and opened for him meeting his in a fiery dance.

Solas backed her up gently bumping into a tree as his senses became filled with her. Her scent of roses, earth, and honey spurred him on as he nibbled her bottom lip, before pulling it gently. He felt her breath hitch and a then a soft mewling came out making his whole body clench with sudden need.

His scent filled her nose and she felt herself drowning in it, in him. Her whole body thrummed with life, love, and joy. Ayla heard herself mew at him softly, pulling him tighter against her.

Solas held her against the tree hands now on her hips, his leg between hers. His body was against hers, chest upon hers breathing just as heavily as she was, his pelvis and hands holding hers trapped. Ayla could feel his arousal through the thin material of her skirt and it made her body shiver in reaction.

He pulled away from her then, opening his eyes to gaze in hers. But it took her a moment before opening her own, and when she did de grinned wickedly at the glazed expression he had caused. She was as aroused as much as he was and if he kissed her again he knew he could take her, learn her body and feel it shiver in interesting ways, but she wasn't ready and neither was he. He kissed her again, a more tender kiss that had her smiling up at him shyly. He smiled at her in return, his own tender and sparking all over his face, giving his features a more youthful look.

"Ar Lath Ma, Ma Vhenan." He whispered, looking into her eyes, his back to being serious as he studied her reactions. Surprise flickered in her eyes first before the enchanting orbs settled on happiness.

"Ma'sa'lath, Solas." Ayla saw his eyes widen at her words. The words she had been wanting to say since Redcliffe. "Ar Lath Ma, too."

Solas smiled wide after he processed her words, his heart soaring foolishly. He knew they were doomed but having her love was something he had never expected. He had earned it not as Fen'Harel, but as himself. He hugged her to him and inhaled her scent. It had since become his favorite scent in the world her realized with a smile.

He pulled away but took her hand in his. "I think it is time to return to camp now before Bull thinks we abandoned him."

Ayla grinned wickedly. "I don't think he'll miss us too much. I doubt he resisted the Dalish dance custom. I think Aviselan had an inkling to invite him into her hut."

Solas chuckled and nodded his head in agreement as they walked hand in had back to her sister camp.

When they returned from the forest, Ayla automatically saw the glare of Ladarvise flare onto Solas. She sighed. It seemed she would have to explain to the elf about her bond with the bald sexy elf. He was her life mate.

"I'll meet you in our guest hut." She said, turning to look at Solas. "It's the one I came out of earlier to join in on the dances."

He nodded, giving her a private moment with her old friend. She hadn't meant to hurt the elf. Though he didn't really want her near him, he buried it down deep knowing she wouldn't appreciate it.

He walked into their rooms where he found all of their things. He quickly shrugged out of his fennec fur vest leaving only his tunic and trousers on.

Meanwhile, Ayla approached Ladarvise.

"Do you have a moment?" She asked nervously. Now that she knew his feelings she felt slightly uncomfortable with her friend.

The elf nodded though he looked like he wanted to refuse. They walked to just the edge of camp for a little privacy.

She took a deep breath and looked up at him.

"I'm sorry." She said sadly. "I can't accept your courting me. I was only looking for one night at first but since the one I truly want and need has finally made his move, I can't offer that either."

"Why not me?" He asked.

"Because Solas is my bond mate. Though we haven't gone through the hand fasting ceremony my soul sees him as mine. Has so since I met him though I was in serious denial." She explained, hoping he would see why his courting would be useless.

"Explains why you hesitated so long into the dance." He stated more to himself than to her. "Does he feel the same as you do?"

"I don't know how it works for elves who aren't Dalish. So I have no way of knowing if he is as bonded to me I am to him. But he has admitted his love for me and that's fine for now."

Ladarvise sighed in defeat. How could he compete with a soul bond? He should have moved in on her at ten year meeting of the clans. But his Keeper had said it wasn't meant to be since they were both in line to be Firsts of their clans and with her special abilities and her title. Well Fendhis! He never stood a chance.

"Then I wish you the best of luck." He bowed to her.

"And I to you. I hope you find your own mate someday."

"Thank you." He said before walking away sadly.

She stared after him feeling a strain in their friendship and wondered if they would go back to the way it was growing up. But deep down she knew they wouldn't.

Ayla walked back, heading to her hut. On her way she saw Bull resisting Aviselan, clearly tempted but not wanting her advances.

"Da'len, please leave my companion alone. He had someone he wants at my home in Skyhold." Ayla said with a little amusement in her tone. Her eyes were serious though. Bull clearly felt more for Dorian than she realized if he was turning down a one-night stand with a very interested elf.

Aviselan flushed at her and looked back at Bull with longing before seeing that her friend was right. He clearly didn't want her and she bowed in respect to her friend before walking away.

"Thanks, Boss." Bull grinned at her before he turned and went to his hut. "See you in the morning."

Ayla smiled and said goodnight and then continued on her way to her hut. When she entered she saw Solas laying in one of the hammocks that had been provided. His eyes opened the minute she entered and found hers. The swirling dark ocean blue of his eyes captured her in an instant, sending her heart in overdrive automatically. She could stare in his eyes forever but a blush rose to her cheeks as she now wondered how things would progress from this point on.

She felt herself become redder when she realized that she couldn't change out of her top and skirt. She had no breast band or underwear of any kind on underneath her Dalish attire.

After a moment of debating on how to proceed, Ayla shrugged and chose a hammock close to his. Before she settled into it she unbraided the tiny braids on each side of her head. They gave her hair a light wave that had Solas wanting to sift through it to feel the silky waves of it.

Ayla laid down gently into the hammock, sighing contentedly as she settled down closing her eyes. Solas observed her face and noted the complete serenity upon her it. Her eyelashes lightly dusted her cheeks, her skin glowed like the moon with no hint of the blush that had appeared on her face only moments ago, and her lips were spread in a light smile. His eyes lingered there wanting to kiss her again but didn't dare, afraid that they might get carried away.

After several minutes her breathing took on a more heavy sound signaling to Solas that she was either asleep or pretty close to it. Smiling to himself and followed her into sleep, his dreams filled with her.