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Twigs crunched under her boots. A pleasant noise. A stark contrast to the grotesque scenery they beheld. She didn’t remember killing that many venatori during the rescue. And yet, the mountainous piles of corpses would suggest otherwise. Best guess? Elgar’nan used them as a substitute after their rescue.
Haliya returned to Arlathan Forest. Perhaps the venatori left behind something — or even someone — that could be of use to them.
She found a campsite, backpacks left abandoned. Maybe they’ll find some information. She knelt down, inspecting it. Coins. More coins. A bottle of perfume. An apple. Aha! Her hand pulled out a leatherbound journal.
Haliya tugged on the twine that held it together. She cracked it open. Her eyes scanned through the pages. But what she saw wasn’t something she could’ve expected — even in a million years.
“What is it?” Lucanis asked. “You look like Taash whenever Emmrich does necromancy.”
“You remember that venatori who was asking how I smelled and daydreaming about turning me?”
“Yes. I offered to stab him for you.”
“It seems he has written down his fantasies about… me.”
Both her companions looked at her, flabbergasted. Bellara immediately rushed to her side. “Let me see!”
She tried to keep it from her reach but unfortunately the artificer’s arms were longer than her own.
Bellara’s eyes brimmed with excitement and curiosity as she opened it. She scanned the pages intently. This was nearly the most focused she’s seen her. Wow.
“He thinks you smell like strawberries. That’s cute.” She giggled.
“No. Smells like. Sea salt and mangoes!” Spite spoke up.
Haliya sighed. “Not to say that I’m unattractive but I’m surprised a venatori could develop a crush on me.”
“Pfft. You’d be surprised how popular enemies-to-lovers is as a book trope,” Bellara replied, flipping through more of the pages. How much did this guy write exactly?
Her eyes widened in realisation. “Speaking of which, you should join the book club!”
Haliya smiled. “I’ve been meaning to ask to join once I get the free time. When’s the next session?”
“We’re supposed to do it next week!”
“Perfect. I’ll be there.”
─── ⋆⋅⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆⋅⋆ ───
After a day of clearing out the last threats to the Arlathan Forest, they returned to the Lighthouse. Bellara sat down with Haliya to continue reading the journal.
“Am I insane or does this guy seem overly fond of using the term “Heaving bosom” a little too often with my character here?” Haliya raised an eyebrow.
“For once, I might ask Emmrich to raise him as an undead so I can stab him myself,” Lucanis said. His lips formed a tight line.
"You'd ask me to do what, exactly?" Emmrich's voice came from behind. They looked up from the journal to see him standing there. His posture prim and perfect. He gave off the air of a distinguished gentleman, as usual. Manfred stood beside him. He hissed. A friendly one. Haliya learned to tell the difference.
Haliya wore a sheepish smile. “Oh, we found this journal that a venatori left behind and decided to read it. Lucanis is just joking.”
“Joking… Right.”
“You all seem so engrossed in it.”
“The venatori was quite the fan of Rook.” Bellara held up the journal, flipping the pages. “Look how much he’s written about his fantasies about her! This could be a published novel.”
Haliya sighed, shaking her head. “I think I’d join him in the afterlife if the public saw this.”
“Don’t give him that satisfaction,” Lucanis responded, sipping on his fifth cup of coffee that night. “You’re too good for that.”
She chuckled. “Alright, then I better get some sleep. Best I stay in good shape so I don’t meet him any time soon. Goodnight, you two.”
“Sweet dreams!”
“May you rest well, dear Haliya.”
“Goodnight, Haliya.”
─── ⋆⋅⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆⋅⋆ ───
When Haliya opened her eyes, she was greeted with the vast grey sky. A sight she’s grown accustomed to over the month. Her once vivid dreams replaced by bleak ruins. She turned to see Solas sitting at a table. A chessboard in front of him.
She sat down at the other side.
“I always preferred card games.”
In the blink of an eye, the chessboard was replaced by a stack of cards. She hummed. When she touched the piece, it felt so real. Smooth ivory under her fingers. "So if you can just summon cards and chess, how come you haven't made this place less… miserable?"
“It’s a prison for the Evanuris, comfort was the last thing on my mind while creating it.”
“Right.”
He shuffled and dealt the cards. Five each. She held them, letting her arms rest against the table.
A couple rounds later and he came out on top.
“Not the wisest decision to challenge the god of lies to a game of deception.”
“I said I preferred card games, not that I’d win,” she said, shrugging. “I doubt I’d have better chances with chess, anyway.”
She had far more experience with it. Just the results of many nights with Isabela.
“You don’t know how to play,” he spoke as if it were a fact.
“I don’t.”
It was.
“How ironic that your nickname is a chess piece then.” He shuffled the cards. “How exactly did you come to earn that name?”
“I was new to the Lords of Fortune, forgot what the plan was because I wasn’t paying attention, and ran headfirst into battle.” She recalled the story clear as day. Not her finest moment. Luckily, she could afford to make those mistakes as a spirit healer. Anyone else in her position would’ve met an early grave.
“Didn’t know what it meant until I met Varric, who explained it to me.”
“It’s a wonder how you survived this long in spite of your recklessness,” Solas spoke, dealing the cards. Five each. Or so it seemed.
She grinned. “Guess I’m just lucky.”
“Luck runs out sooner or later. You’d do well to keep your impulses in check,” he responded. “If you took the time to learn chess, then you’d understand the value of a measured step.”
“Sure. But next time.” It wasn’t like their fade connection would be disappearing anytime soon. At this point, she’s grown more comfortable — well, as comfortable as she could be in a prison for gods.
A few rounds later and it’s still his victory. Her body felt lighter. She was waking up soon.
Haliya gave him a sly grin. “Thanks. Can’t wait to use these techniques in my next game.”
Learning how to cheat at Wicked Grace from the god of lies would surely give her an edge. Throughout the game, he employed several strategies she’s never seen from other players. She observed them closely. Took her a bit to get the hang of spotting when he cheated, but it impressed her whenever she found one of his strategies.
“So you did have an ulterior motive.” A glint of intrigue in his violet eyes.
She laughed. “You’re a bad influence.”
─── ⋆⋅⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆⋅⋆ ───
The next time they met in her dreams, Solas stayed true to his word. He waited at a chess table. She sat in front of him. Their lesson began immediately.
However, her mind kept drifting to that story the venatori wrote. To think that was just in his bag right before his death. The sheer length of the it made her wonder just how long he’s known about her. She finished it right before she slept. 160,199 words — assuming Bellara counted correctly. That’s so much. How long was he even writing all this? And why?
“Checkmate.” Solas interrupted her swarm of thoughts. “Focus, Rook.”
She blinked rapidly. When she looked up, she saw him staring at her. Annoyance contorted his features.
“Sorry.” She gave him a sheepish grin.
“What has you so distracted this time?” He asked. His brow raised. With a wave of his hand, the chess pieces went back to their original positions.
Haliya sighed. “It’s petty, but I found this journal left behind by one of the venatori that was talking about how I smelled and turns out he wrote down all sorts of romantic fantasies about me.”
“Romantic fantasies?”
“Yeah. It’s so weird! He wanted to “turn” me into one of them.” She groaned. “Bellara said enemies-to-lovers is a popular trope but I just don’t get the appeal.”
“Some may find it soothing to know that someone who has seen the worst in you could still fall in love with you in spite of it.”
She chuckled. “Is this some secret desire of yours, Solas?”
“You questioned the appeal of falling in love with an enemy, I simply answered,” he responded, “How I feel about it is not relevant.”
Haliya rest her weight on the table. “When you put it that way, it does sound nice.”
She sighed. “But I don't think that’s it. The story was mostly this depraved smut.”
“Then perhaps it’s simply lust,” he surmised, “A forbidden fruit beyond of his reach.”
Before she could respond, she felt her body getting lighter. She yawned. “Morning already? Time seems to fly when I’m with you.”
That came out more flirtatious than intended.
Solas nodded. “Time in the Fade works differently than what you’re accustomed to.”
Salamat sa Diwatas. He didn’t comment on it. She nearly let out a sigh of relief. “Anyway, I’ll see you later.”
“Until then.”
─── ⋆⋅⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆⋅⋆ ───
The next time she saw him, Haliya grinned with excitement. She sat at the other side of the table, equipped with new knowledge. She asked for a rematch. Solas raised a brow. He probably didn’t expect her to request one so early into the dream.
The game started.
It was far easier playing this time. She remembered how each piece moved, at least. And now, she even took a piece or two. Though, knowing Solas, this is probably just how he played. In battle or in chess, sacrifice didn’t scare him — as long as he won.
“You finally understand how to play,” Solas commented, taking another piece.
She nodded. “I asked Emmrich for some help.”
“And you actually focused?”
“Spot on!” She grinned. “He’s a professor so I was in good hands.”
When she looked up, she was greeted by the sight of a lingering darkness in him. His presence loomed over her. His amethyst eyes held an emotion she’s never seen in him. Something intense — something overwhelming — rest within its depths, like a storm at the edge of the horizon. Envy? Jealousy? She couldn't place it. He was unreadable as ever. And yet, his gaze felt heavy. A weight on her shoulders.
She moved a pawn forward. After he took her rook piece, she had to promote the pawn to replace it.
Her efforts were for nought when he took the piece, making her groan.
“Perhaps not good enough hands if it’s this easy to stop you.” A ghost of a smirk on his lips. He held the rook piece between his fingers. Like he was holding it hostage.
She giggled, rolling his queen piece under her fingers. “Aw, are you jealous? I never thought I’d see the Dread Wolf vying for my attention.”
“Simply stating a fact. Emmrich has his work cut out for him.”
“Hey, at least he got me to understand the rules,” she retorted, considering her next move. A satisfied smirk pulled at her lips. “I bet it’s smooth sailing after this.”
She never expected to beat him. Who would? But as much as she hated to admit it — and she hoped never to say it to his face, Solas was right. She wasn’t just against the Evanuris. There would surely be a day she’d have to face him. If she wanted a chance, she’d have to think ahead of him.
“Solas, when you said you had spirits who would minimise the loss of life, how many were there?” She asked, humming.
His words played in her mind. At the time they had that conversation, she was entirely resistant to his plans. Still was, of course. However, she wondered just how much thought he even put into his plan.
“More than you could possibly conceive,” he responded, making a move.
Right. She remembered that memory, the one where he left the chaos and disruption spirits to die. It left a bitter taste in her mouth. How could he just leave behind a friend like that — and without even a hint of remorse?
"So… not all of them?" She raised an eyebrow, her lips forming a tight line. "Wouldn't the rest get corrupted?"
“It is not an immediate process. Without the Veil, chances of corruption would be far less than with it in place.” His body was tense. Back straightened like a pole.
Haliya sighed. “But surely you could’ve taken extra measures to “minimise the loss of life”. This just feels like the bare minimum.”
Solas gave her a pointed look. “Do you believe that you could possibly know more than I? With your infinitesimal experience?”
“Don’t underestimate me!” She exclaimed, glaring back at him. “You’d be surprised to see how many perspectives you miss when you’re completely alone. I don’t care how much godly knowledge you have — you can’t just make such heavy decisions like this.”
“The Veil was something that I alone created. Do you think many lives would’ve survived had I waited around for others to tell me what to do?”
Frustration created a tight knot in her chest. She placed down a bishop with more force than expected. She sighed. Again. Her other hand rubbed her temple.
“Checkmate.”
Their match ended.
He won. Again.
Haliya huffed, resting her face on her palms. She looked at the table, replaying the match in her head. Admittedly, she knew some moves were impulsive. Better take note of the strategies he used for the next match. Maybe he’ll catch on to her moves, but she won’t make it so easy for him next time.
Light started to engulf her vision. Seems she was about to wake up soon. She turned to Solas.
“I’ll get back to your Veil issue next time.”
─── ⋆⋅⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆⋅⋆ ───
The next time Solas saw her, her eyes appeared absent — lacking the radiance that burned within them like gentle moonlight on a calm evening. It unsettled him. Within the time he’s known the young elf, he’s seen a vast range of expressions on her — joy, anger, annoyance, satisfaction, curiosity. But never has he seen her in such despair.
Part of him wondered if this was a ripe moment to switch their places. With her spirits so low, the Regret Prison would have little issue taking her. His freedom was in reach. And yet —
He hesitated.
“Sorry, Solas. I don’t really feel up to chess today.” She looked down. Even the sound of her voice was missing her usual lilt. “Or anything, really. Is it okay to just sit here?”
“Something happened,” he stated. Certain.
Haliya nodded. She fell to her knees.
“She took them.”
His lips pulled into a tight frown. Malas. The vessel of Bakunawa’s fragment. Knowing the nature of Mayari and Bakunawa’s relationship, it was no surprise that it would carry on even in their vessels.
“I was so busy tracking the gods. She must’ve noticed and taken the opportunity.” She pulled her knees close, hugging them tightly.
Solas knelt to her level.
“Have faith in your team. You’ve done well to earn their loyalty,” he told her, “They won’t fail you now.”
She simply nodded. No witty remark. No sarcastic jab. Nothing.
He stared at her, considering his next words. It was a risk. If he helped her now, it may very well create a bigger obstacle for himself later down the line. She has yet to agree to letting him tear down the Veil — and likely never will. She’d never be willing to make the sacrifices necessary.
And yet — here he was.
“In the Arlathan Forest, there’s a fragment of Mayari that you need to retrieve,” he said, “I sealed it underground. You should be able to sense it once you get close enough.”
Haliya’s eyes widened.
“You’ll need it if you want to stand a chance against them,” he convinced her, and ultimately himself.
She gave another shaky nod. “Alright. Thank you, Solas.”
A tinge of hope. It was enough to put him at ease, enough to assure him that she’d face the Evanuris with no distractions. Even if they’d return to being enemies — even if she became a bigger threat to him — he could still handle it. She would only gain but a fraction of her power she once held as Mayari. It would not compare to his own.
─── ⋆⋅⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆⋅⋆ ───
“Solas!” He heard her call his name. Haliya appeared before him, a grin plastered across her face. Seeing her spirits lifted once again reassured him.
“It’s good to see you back to your usual self,” he remarked.
It took seeing her in despair to understand just how valuable her joy was. She had the allure that could raise the morale of an entire army, leading them to victory. It’s what made her a valuable asset. Moments like these reminded him why her worshippers once called her the Goddess of Beauty.
“I was able to get my parents back,” she told him. Her eyes were full of relief. “The extra boost from the fragment helped and turns out Malas was holding one of Mayari’s fragments too. I was able to take it back and save my family.”
“Excellent. You’ve come a long way since I first met you.”
She nodded eagerly. “I also made you a gift! Something to thank you for all your help so far.”
He was taken aback. A gift?
“I left it in the meditation room for when you get out,” she continued, “And I know you will, because you always do.”
One day she may come to regret those words.
But for now, Solas would allow himself to bask in her radiance. Wolves have always been fond of the moon, after all. To work alongside her once more was a pleasant surprise. He feared he wouldn’t see her again after Elgar’nan shattered her body all those millennia ago. Fate brought her back to him in the form of a reckless elf that ruined his ritual — her divinity so faint he almost didn’t sense it until later.
“I appreciate it, Haliya,” he responded.
Haliya looked down at the platforms. Her eyes widened. From what used to be a rift between them, now connected. She walked over to him.
“How long has it been since you last danced with someone, Solas?” She asked, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes — two magnificent shades of gold and sapphire.
“Long enough,” came his answer. He wore a smirk, knowing what comes next.
She chuckled. “Let’s fix that then.”
Haliya offered her hand, to which he took. With a careful hand over hers, he led her to an open space within the Fade. Not the most ideal dance floor, but it should suffice. She closed her eyes. Soon, the sounds of instruments — flutes, zithers, drums — reached his ears.
She’s learned to manipulate the Fade.
Music begun to play. A slow rhythm. He recognised this as one of Mayari’s compositions — a gift she created so that her people would nurture their musical talents.
They danced together. Their bodies moved in tandem. It was no surprise to him that her movements were as graceful as always. Her power always came in the form of song and dance. It was what allowed her to best Bakunawa all those years ago.
“Solas,” she spoke up, “Whatever happens, no matter how this whole thing turns out — I just want you to know that speaking with you has actually been really fun.”
The look in her eyes was earnest, sincere. It caused a stir within him. A twisting sensation. She knew his betrayal would be inevitable, should she stay on this path. And yet, here she was — locked in a dance with him all the same.
“You’re being quite sentimental today,” he remarked. What caused this?
“Yeah, that sometimes happens when you have to kill an old friend.” Her chuckle rang bittersweet. “Despite all she’s done, I can’t help but regret how things turned out. There were still so many things I wanted to say and ask. It was only then that I understood how I truly felt for her back then. But she’s gone now.”
That feeling was something he’s more than familiar with.
She gazed up at him. Glassy eyes filled with conviction. Her lips curled into a smile.
“At the same time, I realised I might actually like you.” Her voice was playful. Coy. But the fragility in her eyes betrayed her.
And with those words, he came to a horrible conclusion.
He didn’t want to hurt her.