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Published:
2021-01-25
Updated:
2024-10-09
Words:
986
Chapters:
36/?
Comments:
94
Kudos:
293
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10
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1,575

Solas Haiku (#SolasHaiku, SolasHaiku)

Summary:

A collection of poetry about Solas in 17 syllable haiku format.

Notes:

Hi, and thanks so much for stopping by!

This is my first time writing anything, so feedback and comments are very welcome. I've been in #SolavellanHell for so long and just need to get some of it out!

I mostly post infographics about Dragon Age lore, find links to my work here: andarateia.carrd.co

Chapter 1: #SolasHaiku 1

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 1

 

Freckles smattering,

eyes kind. But no kisses fall

from full lips. "I can't."

 

- andarateia

Chapter 2: #SolasHaiku 2

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 2

 

Hands finding purchase,

I cling to her, my anchor.

Now only in dreams.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 3: #SolasHaiku 3

Notes:

This week's haiku is dedicated to @Noire75161285 and @DSErathen on Twitter.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 3

 

Toes crunch on crisp snow,

frost in her breath on my cheek.

"You change... everything."

 

- andarateia

Chapter 4: #SolasHaiku 4

Summary:

This week's haiku was inspired by Matthew Goldman's (@SerGoldman) Lunar New Year posts and Thedas' two moons.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 4

 

Wolf and maiden dance,

as two moons, circling, spinning.

Bliss is their eclipse.

 

- andarateia


Update:

Oh my goodness! Look at this beautiful piece Anna Henrie (@AnnaHenriArt on Twitter and Instagram) made inspired by this poem. I love how the figures in the scene could be regular size or interpreted as giant, celestial bodies manipulating the stars. So magical!

You can find Anna's work here on Twitter and here on Instagram. Re-posted with permission.

What an amazing, ethereal moment and a gorgeous composition! I love it so much. Thank you, Anna!

Chapter 5: #SolasHaiku 5

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 5

 

Her lips brush the crumbs

on the corners of his mouth,

from those frilly cakes.

 

- andarateia


Update:

WOW! Look at this beautiful art Avia (@aviakey on Twitter) made inspired by this poem, featuring their Inquisitor and Solas enjoying a sweet moment with a frilly cake! The frilly cake is based off Patrick Weekes' description in the Gamers for Groceries 3 charity stream from 2021.

You can find Avia's beautiful work here on Twitter. Re-posted with permission.

I love this soft scene and the uplifting colors - Solas' expression is perfection! Thank you so much for making this, Avia!

Chapter 6: #SolasHaiku 6

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 6

 

Chasing wolves in dreams,

I reach for him, my lost elf,

"Our love will endure!"

 

- andarateia

Chapter 7: #SolasHaiku 7

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 7

 

The word. It echoes

on silent lips, consuming

his old soul: vhenan.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 8: #SolasHaiku 8

Summary:

"Forgive my melancholy.."

Solas is guilt-ridden and so depressed about his mistakes that a demon of Regret possesses his frescoes post-Trespasser 😭

“I am the heart of what was here. I am Regret. There is so much of me that’s here, so much Regret behind these deeds.” - Lukas Kristjanson, "Callback", Tevinter Nights

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 8

 

Green cracks in her palm,

wide and deep, like the ocean

of my endless guilt.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 9: #SolasHaiku 9

Summary:

I had fun playing around with dual meanings for this one. Here, Solas reflects on what he told Lavellan in that moment... but also his belief that he doesn't deserve her because of who he is, what he has done and is about to do. I hope we can prove him wrong!

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 9

 

"Come with me, vhenan!"

I should have told her the truth.

Could never be hers.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 10: #SolasHaiku 10

Summary:

"Joke as you will, posturing is necessary."

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 10

 

Hands behind his back,

posturing necessary.

She sees his sad smile.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 11: #SolasHaiku 11

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 11

 

Kisses in shared dreams,

not a matter of debate;

what we had was real.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 12: #SolasHaiku 12

Summary:

"He did not want a body. But she asked him to come. He left a scar when he burned her off his face."

Lavellan thinks Solas' scar deserves lots of soft, gentle kisses. I agree!

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 12

 

The scar on his brow,

a token of duty. Now,

where lips press gently.

 

- andarateia

 

Update:

Wow! Look at this beautiful art by @AshalleLavellan on Twitter. She captured this moment perfectly.

You can find her work here on Twitter. Here are links to her social media. Re-posted with permission.

This is wonderful, thank you so much, Ashalle!

Chapter 13: #SolasHaiku 13

Summary:

In which Solas finds Lavellan sleeping soundly at his desk, veilfire writing practice in hand. A tray of now-cool supper rests nearby - two bowls of Fereldan stew, a bottle of Antivan Sip-Sip, and one frilly cake.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 13

 

The door clicks softly.

He smiles at her sleeping form

in the rotunda.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 14: #SolasHaiku 14

Summary:

What more can I say? Lavellan loves Solas' freckles. I do, too!

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 14

 

I like the way his

freckles hide between the soft

creases when he smiles.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 15: #SolasHaiku 15

Summary:

"The veil is thin here... can you feel it on your skin, tingling?" aka the Harbinger of Doom for Lavellans everywhere.

Cole: Why? She is bare-faced, embarrassed, and she doesn't know.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 15

 

"The veil is thin here...

Ar lasa mala revas."

Then you turned away.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 16: #SolasHaiku 16

Summary:

On Solas' hands, and his responsibility for Lavellan's feelings, inspired by some deep-hitting dialogue:

"He smiled sadly. "I know that feeling well. I am not a god, Charter. I am prideful, hotheaded, foolish, and I am doing what I must. When you report back to the Inquisitor... " His voice faltered. "Say that I am sorry."" - Patrick Weekes, "The Dread Wolf Take You", Tevinter Nights

"My people had a saying long ago - "The healer has the bloodiest hands."" - Solas, banter with Blackwall

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 16

 

Bold, she takes my hands,

these foolish, bloody, proud hands,

and places her heart.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 17: #SolasHaiku 17

Summary:

"So... you've found me at last. I suspect you have questions."

What do you think Solas will say to Lavellan when they finally meet in DA4? In what state will we find him? Will it be a happy meeting?

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 17

 

"You've found me at last."

He smiles, broken, bittersweet,

"You changed... everything."

 

- andarateia

Chapter 18: #SolasHaiku 18

Summary:

Cole: "Solas doesn't want to hurt people! He's not that kind of wolf!"

But apparently he IS the kind of wolf that will put his duty above all else, even if it means hurting his heart.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 18

 

I'm sorry, my heart.

This is all I've ever been;

not that kind of wolf.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 19: #SolasHaiku 19

Summary:

Cole: "You're real, and it means everyone could be real. It changes everything, but it can't."

Playing with Solas/solace/soulless sounds this week. Not sure if I like the alliteration - what do you think?

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 19

 

Seeking solitude,

this sad wolf sits, surrounded

by soulless sinners.

 

- andarateia

 

Update:

WOW!!! Look at this amazing art by @LadySunderlyn on Twitter / @ladysunderlyn.art on Instagram. It captures the scene perfectly!

You can find her work here on Twitter and here on Instagram. Re-posted with permission.

This made my week! I am truly humbled that you read my poems. Thank you!

Chapter 20: #SolasHaiku 20

Summary:

Cole: "Wisdom knows enduring is pain. He hurts for her, another of many he couldn't save. He carries necessary deaths."

Solas struggles with his duty and his guilt. Will this mean we can save him?

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 20

 

Veiled Pride hurts. For them.

The People he tried to save,

and those he has doomed.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 21: #SolasHaiku 21

Summary:

Inspired by Matt Rhodes' art, "Dread Wolf", and all the amazing fan art I've seen of glowy-Solas and crying Solas. Thank you for the inspiration!

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 21

 

His eyes blaze with light,

but all I see is the shape

of his many tears.

 

- andarateia

 

Update:

Oh my goodness! Look at this beautiful art by @ashabellanarX on Twitter / @dora.draws on Instagram. This is so beautiful and sad!

You can find her work here on Twitter and here on Instagram. Re-posted with permission.

I'm speechless! Thank you so much for reading my work!

Chapter 22: #SolasHaiku 22

Summary:

I love listening to Solas' iambic dialogue, especially his tales of his journeys in the Fade. I picture him softly whispering about the wonders of Elvhenan to Lavellan as she rests her head on his shoulder at the party camp fire, or while she is curled up on his lap on the sofa in the rotunda. Maybe she can still hear his quiet voice even after he leaves :(

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 22

 

The lilt of his voice

sings of ancient memories

as I drift to sleep.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 23: #SolasHaiku 23

Summary:

At the end.. as the world burns and we witness the terrible cost of Solas' plan, I will remember the soft-spoken, caring, intelligent and passionate man that captured my heart and bound my soul to his.

Var lath vir suledin!

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 23

 

The Dread Wolf rises.

He was Solas first. But I

still call him vhenan.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 24: #SolasHaiku 24

Summary:

The wolf chews its leg off to escape the trap:
"There is no glory here, only a price I alone will pay."
"I would not have you see what I become."
"Sometimes terrible choices are all that remain."

Oh, Solas. Let me fix you!

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 24

 

A cruel twist of fate;

becoming that which you hate

to save those you love.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 25: #SolasHaiku 25

Summary:

After the balcony scene, morning light streams in through the leadlight windows of the Inquisitor's quarters, and Solas contemplates the wonders of the waking world.

Written for the prompt "Gold" from the #StoriesOfThedas3 prompt list by @Nuka_Honey on Twitter/Stories of Thedas 3 prompt list by Manuka here on AO3.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 25

 

In the morning light,

dust motes glint gold; real treasure

slumbers in his arms.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 26: #SolasHaiku 26

Summary:

Solas reflects on his countless mistakes. His biggest: leaving the woman he loves so he can carry out what he blindly believes is right.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 26

 

Vast across the Veil,

no mistake cuts deeper than

the void in his heart.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 27: #SolasHaiku 27

Summary:

Mage!Lavellan: "Indomitable focus?"
Solas: "Presumably. I have yet to see it dominated. I imagine that the sight would be… fascinating."

Playing with alliteration again to talk about Fen'Harel's feelings.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 27

 

Forgotten feelings,

fervour and fascination,

fill his faded heart.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 28: #SolasHaiku 28

Summary:

"Only by omission."

What a heavy burden both cord and silence carry.

What does it represent? Is it a reminder of his duty? A promise to someone or something? A badge of his pride, like the mantle?

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 28

 

Hidden in plain sight,

the truth always hung from the

cord around his neck.

 

- andarateia


Update:

Ahhh! Look at this wonderful piece that @Nuka_Honey on Twitter / Manuka here on Archive of Our Own wrote inspired by this poem. I love this playful moment. Nuka writes Solas perfectly, and I love how they capture him and his dynamic with Lavellan!

You can find them here on Twitter and their beautiful writing here on Archive of Our Own. Re-posted with permission.

I love this piece so much. Thank you for writing it, Nuka, and for reading my poems. I'm so grateful for your kindness and support!

Chapter 29: #SolasHaiku 29

Summary:

"I would not have you see what I become."

Lavellan sees the Dread Wolf for the first time. Inspired by Cole's heavy hitting banter about Felassan 💔

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 29

 

Wings like eldritch fire,

six eyes aglow. Her heart breaks

in the sad wolf's jaws.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 30: #SolasHaiku 30

Summary:

"I broke the chains of all who wished to join me... and in so doing destroyed their world. I will save the elven people. Even if it means this world must die."

A continuation of the themes from the last haiku (#SolasHaiku 29), this time from Solas' POV.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 30

 

By breaking their chains,

I broke the world. Fixing it

means breaking her heart.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 31: #SolasHaiku 31

Summary:

Life imitates art.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 31

 

I can not escape

the loneliness of this crowd,

all my whispers, drowned.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 32: #SolasHaiku 32

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 32

 

Caught up in your wake

but I'm drowning in silence

waiting to be loved.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 33: #SolasHaiku 33

Summary:

I can fix him! I can fix him? BioWare, anything but this!

Ir abelas, vhenan.

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 33

 

I dissolve slowly,

washing your blood from my hands

till nothing is left.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 34: #SolasHaiku 34

Summary:

When did I say that I would save you?

Inspired by Nipuni's beautiful painting:
https://twitter.com/NipuniDraws/status/827310031305637892

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 34

 

Your love is poison,

a slow knife that cuts deepest

when our hearts collide.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 35: #SolasHaiku 35

Summary:

Lavellan's mantra after she encounters Solas in Dreadwolf:

He is still that man.
He IS still that man.
He is... still that man?

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 35

 

He is still that man,

soft and kind, wise in spirit,

my lonely lost elf.

 

- andarateia

Chapter 36: #SolasHaiku 36

Summary:

"Imagine instead spires of crystal twining through the branches, palaces floating among the clouds. Imagine beings who lived forever, for whom magic was as natural as breathing. The subtle beauty of their magic was the effect, not the cause, of their nature. Some spells took years to cast. Echoes would linger for centuries, harmonizing with new magic in an unending symphony." - Solas, Dragon Age: Inquisition

Chapter Text

#SolasHaiku 36

 

Silent symphony,

songs in every part of him

yearning to be free.

 

- andarateia