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diagk · 6 years

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Unexpected.

Chapter Twenty Five. (the final one) link to AO3

--> Without an end, there's no beginning.

Thank you, as always, to my Beta. For reading and re-reading and pointing out the amendments.

I'm grateful to those who read this story since the beginning and had a lot of patience to wait till the end. I know, it may not satisfy you but this outcome was the one I've always striven for... ...no matter the disturbances (or additional ideas).

Whatever happens next, it's up to you! Or me... if you're persistent enough.

“So?” I spun around in front of the mirror and looked at him questioningly.

He sat on a chair with his bare foot on its edge and an elbow resting on his knee. Totally at ease. Observing me quietly. With a smirk gracing his lips.

“No, no zippers.” He pointed out.

I sighed and looked at my clothes. I was trying to find something the least conspicuous for the travel to Thedas. So far, I managed to find a long coat, simple in design and only with buttons. No zippers.

“I guess, I could always go for a hundred of belts and buckles… just like Dorian.” I grumbled to myself as I was taking off the clothes.

“Hmm… you only need something for a short while, love. We’re going to find you something more suitable once we have reached the camp. Don’t worry.”

“Very reassuring,” I snorted looking at my wardrobe. Nothing really was suitable for a time travel. No zippers, no strange buttons, no embellishments, no jeans, and what about shoes?

“Well, I could always put on your armour,” I joked.

“Would you like to try it on?”

I laughed. “I don’t think it would suit me. My hips are wider than yours, and I have breasts, if you haven’t noticed.”

“I have noticed your… assets, ma vhenan. On more than one occasion,” he chuckled looking at the subjects in question.

“Perv,” I smiled at him. “Well, I think I’ll stick to wrapping myself in a sheet. Or two. And maybe use a belt and I’ll be all set.”

Another two hours and I finally assembled my ultimate outfit. Leather trousers tied with a string, a simple cotton shirt, a long man shirt, belt or two, long dark coat, ankle leather shoes, simple cotton bra and underwear. A leather backpack with no emblems, or zipper, with only strings and buckles.

Solas greatly approved.

“This is it, isn’t it?” I asked him while staring at the clothes spread on the bed. Somehow, the feeling of losing myself hit me hard. However, the warmth of his magic started caressing my skin and then slowly enveloped me. He gathered in his arms before I started crying in earnest.

“Yes, this is it. I’m sorry.”

He didn’t say much, only held me tight.

“There’s always an option to forget this plan and… stay here,” he mumbled against my forehead when my tears subsided and I gained some resemblance of calm. His thumb chased away the puffiness from under my eyes.

“You know you can’t.”

“Why?” He asked again. “I don’t have to go ma’lath, the world will continue tracing its course. Even without me.”

“You took yourself and Mythal from the equation already! How do you think the elves got a chance to change their lot? Without any help? Because there’s no one to help them, to stand for them, to fight for them, to believe in them! Even the blighted Urthemiel is here!” I pointed to my chest. “Are you really ready to abandon your people? Or are you going to wait for the Evanuris to break from their prison and destroy everything in their rage?”

He lowered his gaze to ponder my words. I observed him quietly realising that he was continuously at war with himself, between what he wanted and what he needed to do. And I knew I wanted him to go and at the same time to stay.

“Thank you, ma vhenan,” He looked into my eyes and touched my cheek. “Thank you for reminding me about what I need to believe in… and for being here.” His lips found my own. “I’ve never loved you more that in this moment, Joy.” Breathing against my lips he claimed them passionately.

We did not stop kissing even after we reached the bedroom, then the bed, and even later. We talked very little for the next few hours.

“It will be alright, vhenan,” he said although there's a tremor to his voice.

I looked at him and saw his calm gaze on me, felt his reassuring hand at my back and noticed a quirky smile on his lips.

“How do you know?” I challenged him.

His eyes shone for a split of seconds. “Because we will stay together.”

I looked at the object in front. A mirror, and old one, adorned with carvings and colourful beads. Now I knew their purpose and meaning. And I was scared. As hell.

But also… a part of me was excited whenever I approached the mirror, as if that part knew what was on the other side and could not wait to see it. Deep down I understood that Urthemiel longed to be in his own world. As much as he was bound to me, I was bound to him. The fact that his essence saved my life, when Solas transferred him onto me to save me, was also my gateway to remembering his memories and knowledge. Yet, he was cautious and guarded his experiences with zeal. Only in moments of him being distracted I could glimpse into his past.

Solas squeezed my hand distracting me from my pondering.

I approached the mirror and touched alongside the caving and beads in the same order I saw in my vision a long time ago, which only cleared for me the other night. The mirror made several clicks and then it hummed for a few seconds.

“It needs your magic, Solas.” I explained without looking at him.

A swirl of blue enveloped the mirror which surface started pulsating. Solas continued pouring his magic into it and yet the surface did not changed completely. Even when he touched its surface. It was excepting the energy and reflecting our distorted personas but did not open.

“It’s not enough, vhenan.” Solas stated.

I sighed and reached out to touch the mirror as well. Upon our combined touches the mirror flashed a brighter light and then its surface rippled creating a passage. I withdrew my hand and took a step back.

“It worked.” His voice shook with emotions and relief. He took a step forward looking curiously into the other side. “I can see the Arbour Wilds and the place of my original destination after my meeting with the Inquisitor.”

I took another step back. The mirror’s surface waivered and dimmed slightly. Solas looked behind him and our eyes met. “You’re the key to make it work.” He stated solemnly.

I turned around and fled the room.

Solas stood there a few minutes longer looking at the returning to its regular state mirror. His gaze glued to the place where just a few moments ago he could see his world. The lush green of grass, the small pond to the left, the flowers and trees moving with the wind. Something tugged at his heart, a kind of longing he quenched in order to survive in this world but he knew there was no turning back now. He had to return and continue on his path.

But… he was not alone. Not anymore.

It was easier because of her. Because he was not alone. Because she was with him. The truth didn't make the matter easier to admit. He was used to being independent and on his own. She had changed everything and yet… he didn't wish to go back to the old ways.

He turned up and resolutely followed the aura of his vhenan. She was scared and… crying.

Without a word of reprimand he approached her and gather in his arms. “It’s alright, I’m here.”

“I’m so afraid, Solas,” she admitted after a while.

“I know,” he replied, his lips against her forehead. “And I’m sorry for causing you distress.”

I returned his cheeky smile and then looked at the mirror, pulsating with light and magic. I knew we're only a few paces away from his world and I could feel him being anxious to cross through.

Tick-tock.

“Tell me you love me. Tell me it’s going to be alright… Even if that’s a lie,” I pleaded.

A long steady breath left my lungs; constricted and trembling from all the thoughts crossing my mind. This was it, I thought. There would be no turning back after we were on the other side. I knew I wanted it but now, standing at the precipice of the change, my heart beat fast and I was terrified.

His armoured hand moved from my back to grab mine. Our fingers gently entwined. We were fully clothed for the journey and I could not resist to glance at his shining armour.

“Ar lath ma. Maar thaan nir ga.”

Another steady breath. I glimpsed at him comprehending what he tried to do.

I could do this.

Tick-

Warmth spread through our hands and enveloped me in a tender embrace. His magic. Thoughtful.

-tock

There could not be any regrets, anything I would want to go back to. I had been readying myself for a while now-

Tick-

I knew this day would arrive and there was only one choice to make.

-tock

His magic was pulsating through the air filling the area around us. The final step.

“Come with me. Whatever happens I’ll stand by your side,” he said solemnly.

For the last time I looked at him just to make sure that he was there. His eyes were serious and yet there was understanding and compassion in them. I nodded slowly.

He took a long breath and then tugged me closer to him so when we entered the mirror his arms were around me protectively. I closed my eyes anyway as there was a flash of bright light. I felt being enveloped with a thrumming energy for a few moments and then released in another heartbeat. I took a breath and opened my eyes feeling a strong thug on my hand. I looked down to see Solas just a foot ahead, his hand still holding mine. He looked around and I saw the corner of his mouth lifting up when his gaze meet mine.

I raised my head and looked around as well. This was not England anymore. The lush green of the grass and trees, older and taller than anything I’d seen, the air charged with an energy I’d never felt before. The cacophony of sounds, foreign to my ears, evaded my senses, the smells of sweet scent of flowers and moss covering the ground. I noticed a broken eluvian to the right and a small clearing leading to a pond to the left. Definitely not England. The realisation made my head spin. I tried to calm myself down by taking several long breaths. And just when I thought I was fine and ready to make a comment when I felt an excruciating pain assaulting my body.

The last thing I saw was Solas’ expression of utter despair when he caught me in his arms.

“Vhenan, no!”

And then… just darkness around me.

#unexpected fanfic #unexpected #my writing #writing #solas #fen'harel #emily joy cooper #myoc #modern au #that's the last one #thank you to my readers and my beta #it's been a long journey

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