hallarider | thinking that you're all I ever need now

thinking that you're all I ever need now

[for

pavus_redemit]

It wasn't something Bramen ever expected to truly happen and yet, here they found themselves. Here he stood, no longer as the Inquisitor, no longer Andraste's herald - but rather, a man. A hunter of the Lavellan clan, just a man with a talent for taming harts. He'd never expected to find this again, even if just for a little while and yet, here he was, approaching the aravels of his clan, all eyes turning towards him - and the companion at his side. There was something tense in the air but it was quickly overwhelmed by joy. Despite the uncertain glances in Dorian's direction, there were cries of joy at the sight of one of their own returning. The elves began to approach, most welcoming Bramen with open arms.

The two of them had spoken of this frequently enough - finding the Lavellan clan, spending time among them. A piece of the elf felt it was all just a dream though, something that might never come to fruition. They had already made a few attempts to contact the clan, to locate them and all of them had been met with disappointment. Not this time though. Leliana's men had taken greater care when locating the clan, relying on hearsay from local villages. That had been enough to get them moving in the right direction.

The sun was starting to lower in the sky, the evening would be settling upon them soon enough. It had been a long hike to get out this far, both men needed a good rest. It might be some time before they could do that, however - not with the way the clan was keeping their distance on the approaching pair. They recognised one of their own easily enough but it was clear his companion was to be met with a great deal of hesitation. Bramen hoped Dorian didn't blame them.

He could feel his pulse racing as they approached, though still unable to hide the smile across his face, one that continued to broaden. The clan spoke in Elvhen, speaking loud and fast as two older hunters moved to either side of the Inquisitor. They both urged him to stop, looking him over, patting his shoulders before laughing - continuing to speak in their tongue, words Dorian wasn't able to pick out. Bramen responded to both men, returning the touch they both offered.

Moreso Dorian, however. Bramen knew how little his partner liked being outdoors like this for long periods. He gestured to the mage near him, speaking in his own tongue to the pair of hunters who took a long look at the mage. They looked uncertain and stern, the tattoos across their face differing drastically from Bramen's own. They were both older men with shorter, brown hair and grey eyes. Brothers, more than likely. They continued to speak in Elvhen, looking to Dorian before turning their attention to Bramen. The words they spoke were too hard for the mage to decipher but one might have caught his eye, a word - or name - repeated more than once. Deshanna.

The pair of hunters motioned for Bramen to move on ahead, though they looked to Dorian and went still, eyes locking on the man. Bramen took a step forward and then paused, turning towards Dorian and looking a bit apologetic.

"They want you to stay here," he explained with a light frown, hoping that his lover wouldn't mind too much. He knew it was no doubt a bit unsettling. He wet his lips, gesturing towards the two hunters. "This is Camras and Deywen," he explained, "They want me to speak with the Keeper first before you join us."

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The Elven was spoken too quickly and too fluidly for Dorian to keep up. He was still learning and the fluent language was too much even for him and his intelligence.

His lover got quite a welcome though. His friends and obvious family practically swarmed him to welcome him home. Dorian smiled at the sight. He would never be welcomed like that in Tevinter. The Dalish were again proving to be better than humans.

"It's no problem," he said waving a hand. "Go see your Keeper. I'll wait here. It'll be fine, you'll see. Don't worry about your mage."

The Dalish wouldn't turn on him with Bramen right there. He felt safe enough. If they didn't want him to come visit with Bramen he would return to the Inquisition Camp and wait.

The Dalish were wary but not cruel. Dorian's presence was alarming but not necessarily unwelcome. Bramen just needed a chance to justify it all, to make certain the Keeper sided with him on this matter. He had a feeling she could be swayed easily enough, all matters considered. Giving Dorian a final look, Bramen nodded and turned to move again.

"I'll try not to be long," he said before he looked to the pair of hunters who moved to either side of Dorian. They didn't make any attempts to touch him or detain him in any manner, they simply watched Bramen go. The elf only made it a few steps before another red-headed elf bounded over. The other man wrapped his arms around Bramen's middle and squeezed him tight, the two men laughing a bit as they let go. Bramen reached out to ruffle up the other man's hair, only to have his hand swatted away. It only took seconds for Bramen to suddenly break out into a run, the other elf chasing after him, leaving Dorian and the others behind.

One of the hunters turned to look at Dorian. Though his hair had flecks of grey at the temples, he appeared to be the younger one of the two, looking the man over with a bit of a hum. "The Keeper's First has missed his kin," he explained, speaking perfect common though he spoke slowly. "They will be some time at the Keeper's side. We cannot welcome you into our camp until she has given us her blessing."

The older one let out a grunt and nodded, as though supporting his brother's choice. "Our lethallin has been away for many seasons now. The Keeper will no doubt defer to his whims, if only for this evening," he was a little gruffer in his speech, his common not quite as precise. "We could show you around the outskirts of our camp. We are to retrieve the halla from grazing shortly - you are permitted to join us."

Ah, family. Dorian could see it everywhere. The elves genuinely cared for each other and loved each other. He wondered what that might be like.

"I haven't had the best of luck with harts," he admitted in slow, careful Elvish. "But I'd like to come with you and I can try to help."

He would rather stay where in case Bramen returned and he wasn't there. He didn't want to worry his love but he didn't want to offend these people either. It seemed better and more respectful to go with them then sit around and wait like a fool.

He gestured for the two men to leave the way. "Dorian Pavus, your names?" he asked, being polite. It's the only thing he has, really.

The pair of hunters looked at one and other and from the long silence between them, it appeared they were impressed at the way Dorian spoke. Elvhen was not a language many could comprehend, at least beyond their own clans - it seemed as though Bramen must have truly trusted in this man to teach him even that much. The younger of the two wet his lips a little and raised his hand, signalling he wished to speak. "You are not of The People," he stated, "You may speak in common. It shall not be seen as any offence in doing so. They remained respectful of Dorian as he seemed to be doing as he could to respect them. It was difficult to be upset with that.

"I am Deywen," the older one explained, taking a few steps forward, pointing back towards the younger. "My brother is Camras. Unlike shemlen, we do not take on a family name. We are of The People, we are Lavellan." Deywen motioned for Dorian to follow, continuing to speak as he did so, not about to wait for the man any longer than necessary. "Harts are very headstrong, it is not surprising they distrust you. The hall a will be wary but we ask you only observe. There is little a shem can do. Many years ago, you shems lost the right to communicate with the land. The halla have not forgotten this slight."

Camras whistled loud and out of the brush nearby, a pair of slender hounds raced out, running past Deywen and towards the woods. Both of the animals stopped and looked back towards the two hunters, canting their heads before sprinting towards Camras' side. The younger man gave them both a pat on the sides, narrow heads of both dogs turning to look at Dorian before their legs carried them forward again, running ahead silently, as though their paws never touched the ground.

"Follow the hounds," Camras instructed, moving a bit faster to catch up with his brother. "They will bring us to where the halla are grazing."

Thank the Maker because Dorian only knew the most basic conversational Elvhen. Common would be much better and much easier for him. Dorian would need Bramen's help when the Clan started speaking heavy Elvhen.

"To be honest, we shem deserve it," he said with a shrug. The Exhalted Plains had really shown Dorian the destruction humans could cause. Tevinter was more destructive than most.

Running. Lovely. Dorian sighed to himself. Luckily, running around with Bramen got him in very good shape. He jogged to keep up with the two hunters who were obviously in much better shape than he was. This was their life after all.

If Dorian had ever questioned how Bramen had the stamina to run practically everywhere, he was his answer. The pair of hunters moved ahead of the mage, Deywen occasionally slowing his pace to let Dorian catch up. The Dalish windhounds stayed ahead, all but gliding in their hurried steps. They easily manoeuvred around trees and bushes, hopping over fallen logs and rocks with no effort to speak of. Camras whistled again and suddenly, another set out hounds joined them, running along either side of Dorian before bolting ahead to join the others.

It felt like it hadn't been long at all before they reached a clearing. In fact, Dorian could no doubt swear that he and Bramen had passed through this very clearing - but it was no longer silent. There were dozens of white halla grazing around, nibbling at the grass, standing peacefully, glancing lazily over to where the dogs were approaching. Over on a small hill made of rocks, a red and white hart looked over the area. Near it were another few windhounds, the Dalish dogs getting to their feet as the rest of their apparent pack approached.

As those dogs rose up, another half dozen hunters seemed to emerge from the woods. The hart made a low trumpet and stamped its front hooves, the hunter nearest to it moving closer and climbing onto the beast's back. No saddle, no reins, the elf simply held onto the stag's antler's and pat its neck, the deer moving obediently. The the dogs in tow, the elf on the hart began to circle where the halla were grazing, the hounds darting out to start herding them together. The hunters all moved to help do similarly, making certain all the halla were rounded up in the center of the clearing. Camras moved ahead to start counting the deer, Deywen kept his attention upon Dorian.

"Come," he urged, motioning, "walk like this." He held his hands out at his sides, moving towards the halla. He glanced over his shoulder towards Dorian again, speaking once more. "They will begin walking towards you, they shall split themselves into groups of two and walk on either side of you." Deywen turned and moved away, leaving that as the extent of his instruction for the mage. He could handle it, no doubt. The elf moved towards the gathering of hall, standing outside their group as he started speaking loudly in his people's tongue, pointing towards Dorian and towards the halla.

The deer in the center all began to walk forward, making their way towards Dorian. They came alarmingly close - perhaps closer than the man had ever been with halla. The white deer and their intricately carved antlers would come close, all but brush their nose against the man as they sniffed, slowly moving to either side and walking past him. They calmly approached, calmly sectioned themselves into groups, walking single-file without any further instruction. A few of the halla moved closer to Dorian's hands as they walked, allowing for his fingers to brush against their pelts, making soft noises as they walked.

A queue of deer formed behind Dorian, standing two by two, side by each. Two of the halla remained beside the mage, standing on either side as they waited for further instruction.

It was possibly the most ridiculous seeming thing he had ever been involved in outside the Orlesian Ball where a party was more important than an assassination attempt. He felt terribly out of place among the Dalish hunters and their animals. There were dogs and deers and honestly how did he get to this place and this point in his life?

Oh, yes, he fell in love. That would do it.

Dorian did as instructed, standing with his hands out at his side. Thank the Maker the halla seemed to know what to do because Dorian was slightly baffled by all of this. At least the halla weren't afraid of him like harts seemed to be. He was terrified for a second that they would scatter as soon as they got close to him.

They had the softest pelt Dorian had ever felt when they brushed by him and honestly they were a little cute with their noises. They were a damn sight better than the harts, Dorian would give them that.

"And next?" he asked once the halla had divided themselves. He did not want to make the wrong move and scatter the animals. That would make a fantastic first impression, scaring a whole herd of halla.

Maybe it seemed a bit ridiculous to Dorian - but it appeared effective enough. The halla seemed receptive enough to him, despite him being a stranger among the clan. Two of the halla remained close to Dorian's side, a pair of does by the looks of things. They looked towards him, one bold enough to turn her head and sniff at him a little before her attention moved forward. The dogs began to come closer though the three that approached lay down in the grass a few feet away, not quite as willing to approach Dorian as the halla were. The halla were amazingly placid.

The elf that rode the hart took the beast around in another wide circle, checking the perimeter for any stragglers. He called out a few things an elvhen and Camras whistled to get the remaining dogs' attention, the slender hounds bounding over towards him. He pat each of the graceful hounds' heads and looked to his brother, Deywen nodding to him before turning his attention towards Dorian.

"Tell them dareth shiral," the older hunter called out, "Dareth shiral, andaran atish’an. They'll return to our camp. Follow them - the dogs will run ahead, keep any from going astray. We shall follow behind."

The elf on the hart came around again, speaking something Dorian didn't understand again - though he'd used the word shem more than once, while casting a glance in Dorian's direction. That should have been enough indication. Deywen raised his hand and waved it idly, shaking his head, looking back to Dorian and gesturing for him to move.

"The camp is not far."

At least his accent was decent. Bramen had been coaching him well. He was a little skeptical the halla would remember how to get to camp but he wasn't going to question the Dalish and their methods.

"Dareth shiral, andaran atish'an," he said calmly and once again the hall impressed him by doing exactly what the hunter said they would.

The deer were better trained than some dogs he'd met in his life. They were very calm about it as well. Dorian relaxed a little and followed along behind them.

It was a rather pleasant walk. He could hear the dogs up ahead and the hunters following along. The word 'shem' was rather common but he was getting used to it. It would make it easy for him to understand when they're talking about him.

The halla moved at a leisurely pace through the woods, a drastic change from the run the elves had made him take. It seemed to make the path even longer, or time simply didn't pass as quickly. One of the hall stayed at Dorian's side, not walking any faster than he did, though he eyes remained ahead, watching the tails of the others. There was something serene about a halla, something very trusting. They seemed to hold no issues with Dorian accompanying them on their walk, keeping the pace reasonable as they moved.

The elves caught up quickly enough, though they hung back and watched in silence. The only sound from them was the hart's heavy steps and occasional sounds - little huffs and murmurs, those flat sounds that were deeper than those of the harts at Skyhold. Good thing the camp wasn't far. The forest soon started to clear a bit, bringing them the smaller clearing that the Dalish clan had set up camp at.

And this time, Bramen was waiting for their return. Bramen, a tall elvhen woman next to him. She had long, white hair that was resting over her shoulder, feathers tied into the strands, a circlet around her forehead that resembled the way a halla's antlers twisted and curved. She was an older woman but she was still very beautiful. Her pale green eyes resembled Bramen's, sharp as they watched him. Upon her face was a more intricate version of the tattoo on Bramen's face was upon her brow, a smile across her face as she watched Dorian. On the woman's opposite side, Bramen's brother looked on curiously, sizing up Dorian with his gaze.

It was the woman who approached first. The halla ahead of Dorian parted gracefully to either side, allowing her to pass. She moved without a word and with an air of grace, standing before the mage, calm smile still upon her face. She reached out and touched Dorian's cheek with a slender finger, humming softly before she traced an idle pattern beneath his eye.

"Sylaise keep you, Dorian Pavus of Tevinter," her common sounded far more graceful than that of the hunters, the woman cupping his cheek. Her touch was quite soft, green eyes at peace as she gazed at him. After a moment longer, she let her hand fall and stepped a pace backwards, giving Dorian a bit more space. The halla closer to him moved forward, stepping closer to sniff at the Keeper, the woman bringing a hand to the deer's neck and hushing softly. It moved aside, going towards where Bramen and his brother were instead.

The Keeper remained before Dorian, however.

"Bramen tells us you have aided him greatly through his journeys."

The sight of Bramen relaxed Dorian a little. His love looked happy so he didn't expect to get thrown out and told to go home. He didn't expect the Keeper to come up to him and touch him either. That made him slightly uncomfortable. He kept people at a distance, especially strangers but he tolerated it. Perhaps it was some Dalish custom.

"It's perhaps more accurate to say we've aided each other," he said smoothly, folding his hands behind his back. He stood like he was before the Magisterium, proper and with perfect posture. "But I have done all I could for him and the Inqusition. The Ventori were a threat that needed to be stopped."

If the Venatori had won there was no telling what they would have done to the Dalish. There was no telling what they would have done to the world besides utterly destroyed it with red lyrium and time magic.

Still, as much as he had done to help Bramen, there was no putting into words how much help Bramen had given him. He was a better man for this, for Bramen and the Inquisition.

The Keeper's expression remained warm, fondly looking over Dorian. "You have treated him well, da'len. For the respect you have given him, we offer up the same to you," she said with a nod. "You are welcome among our people, we trust you do not intend to bring us any harm nor do you wish to threaten our way of life."

As the Keeper spoke, the clan had begun to gather, all moving closer towards where Bramen and his brother stood. All eyes were upon Dorian, though many faces in the crowd chose to nod at Deshanna's words. Dorian was not a threat to them - they recognised this. He was still shem to them but he was not a bad one. After all, he had returned Bramen to the clan, even if only for a short time. He'd kept their kin safe, respected him, Bramen seemed to trust the man well enough to bring him to the clan. Dorian may not have realised it but it spoke great volumes.

"I am Keeper Deshanna Istimaethoriel Lavellan," the Keeper said, holding her arms out, gesturing to the people behind her, "This is clan Lavellan. You as welcome here as one of our own, Dorian Pavus of Tevinter, friend to the Inquisition, friend to our Bramen." Camras and Deywen moved to either side of Dorian now, the original pair of white windhounds at Camras' side now.

"You have assisted our hunters in herding the halla back - please, continue to assist. There is much to be done before the sun settles and Mythal's moon raises high in his place. I must speak longer with Bramen and I am certain my First wishes to do the same-" she cast a glance over towards where Bramen and his brother stood, Meallan flicking his brother in the ear and Bramen giving him a swat - though both men stood at attention the moment the Keeper's eyes were on them. The Keeper laughed softly through her nose at their antics, looking back towards Dorian.

"Camras and Deywen will continue showing you about our home. Please - allow yourself comfort during your stay."

And with that, the Keeper turned and stepped back towards Bramen and Meallan, placing her hand on both of their shoulders before walking with them. Bramen looked over to Dorian and flashed him a smile, trying to find some means of reassuring the man that he'd return. Camras brushed his hand against Dorian's shoulder, giving it a pat before he gestured off towards where the halla were still standing.

"We shall pen them. Come - we will show you how to care for the halla," he said gesturing them to his two hounds. The animals looked obediently at him and he pointed towards the deer, the dogs taking off in graceful strides again, keeping the herd together.

"It may not be very different from your shem horses," Deywen said, moving to walk alongside Dorian now. "We return them to their pen, we brush them, clean their hooves and inspect them, for any sign of blemish or injury. We feed them, speak to them, remind them we are the same."

It was wonderful to be welcomed so warmly. Dorian bowed deeply in thanks to the woman, though it probably wasn't the Elvhen tradition. This was a formal welcome and he felt he need to respond as he was used to.

"I will help you and your people as I have helped him," he said with a genuine smile. "You only have to ask, Keeper."

It was slightly disappointing news to hear that he wasn't going to be shown around by Bramen. He had been looking forward to seeing his love excited and passionate about his people. Still, he supposed having his brothers show him around Dorian would make due.

He smiled and waved goodbye to Bramen when he walked off. Dorian was going to have to get used to the affectionate touching from strangers.

"I'll admit I don't care for the horses at Skyhold, where the Inquisition is headquartered," Dorian said as he follow the path the halla taken. "I know how, of course, but I tend mostly for the dracolisks when I am down in the stables. Bramen takes care of the harts fairly often and we have the horsemaster for the horses."

Bramen had every intention of showing Dorian around - and the elf was going to make certain that he'd be able to do so. For now, Camras and Deywen could tend to him and show him how to care for the halla. Even though, in truth, Bramen would have loved doing that too. Still, he had matters to tend to, questions the Keeper still had, a brother to catch up with. He wouldn't have another opportunity like this for some time. Dorian would be all right without him for now.

Camras and Deywen led Dorian to a large pen, crafted of cut logs - surprisingly fine craftsmanship for a nomadic clan who moved about so much. The halla moved through the open gate and into their pen, a few looking back at Dorian and the two elves that followed them. The Dalish hounds were on the outside of the pen, circling in either direction, making certain all the deer were safely inside. They doubled back towards Camras, the elf giving them each a pat before Deywen moved to fetch something from one of the aravels camped near the pen. Camras remained, listening to Dorian's story.

"It sounds very much like our lethallin to tend to harts... Perhaps tonight, by the fireside, we shall tell you of the time he made an effort to tame a wild hart," he said it with a small laugh, the man seeming to relax a little more in Dorian's presence. "We do not have dracolisks in the woods but we have heard tales of the beasts, seen noble humans keeping them. They are not creatures we would dare cross."

Over by the aravel, Deywen pulled out a bag that he slung over his shoulder, retrieving two more as he made his way back to his brother and their guest. He handed them each a shoulder-bag with a nod.

"What you need is in there," Camras explained, motioning for Dorian to follow. "Brushes for their coats, poultices made of elfroot for any wounds they have, ironbark picks for their hooves, sanding stones for their antlers. We ask you only use that on the halla with mature horns," he said, gesturing to a few near the entrance of the pen, ones that had antlers that twisted and curved into beautiful shapes. Camras pointed out the younger halla, antlers much smaller, just forming and so delicate-looking.

"If you remain here for several days, our craftsmen may show you how to train their horns," Deywen said, moving in behind the pair. "Go ahead - speak what Elvhen you know to them, speak it softly as you brush their coats."

"Ah, perhaps it's best I leave tending the horns to you. I wouldn't want to break anything from simple ignorance. The rest, I'm certain I can do," he said looking over the horns. He had never tended to horns before and while his hands were very good at crafting spells he didn't expect them to be good with horns.

He took the supplies, though, without worry and strolled into the pen with the halla. They all looked sort of similar to him but he thought he found the one of those that had followed close to him on the walk back to camp and approached it.

The Elvhen he knew was incomplete at best but he spoke what he knew, telling the halla stories of Bramen's adventures and of Tevinter. He had to throw in a few words of Tevinter because the Elvhen language did not have the words he needed or he didn't know the Elvhen word.

It was soothing to do, actually. He could idly brush while he talked and sometimes not talk at all. These deer were much better than harts. They seemed calmer and more well behaved than the willful harts. Bramen should have told him how delightful they were.

The halla were a lot calmer and more accepting than the harts, a few of the gentle deer even willing to turn their heads and press their noses to Dorian's cheek as he brushed them. The elves let Dorian take his time with tending to the halla, letting the man enjoy himself as they often did. Caring for these animals was an important task, one not to be handled hastily or lightly. There was silent appreciation for the care Dorian was putting into it all.

And it didn't go unnoticed by Bramen.

The halla that Dorian was presently tending to looked over the man's shoulder, ears curving forward as it made a few light sounds. They sounded like happy sounds, the animal giving a flick of its tail. A familiar chuckle came from behind Dorian, Bramen approaching his lover as he worked. One of the Dalish hounds circled around Bramen's legs as he moved, the dog all but prancing and wagging its tail. His hands came down to ruffle up the fur on the dog's slender head, the hound bounding away after it got what it was after.

Bramen's eyes moved to Dorian and then to the halla, the animal gingerly nudging Dorian's shoulder and trying to carefully move past him, looking to greet Bramen. Bramen's hands moved to either side of the halla's cheeks, the animal sniffing at his hair and flicking its tail once more. Bramen's smile broadened, smoothing the fur on the halla's face as he watched his lover.

"It looks as though you've made a few new friends."

The halla wasn't the only one excited to see Bramen around. Dorian smiled with relief and walked over to his lover with the halla. When the deer was done getting attention Dorian stepped up to get some attention of his own.

"I've finally found some of your animals that like me," he said with a little laugh. "It only took me this long to find one."

He held out a hand, unsure what sort of affection they could show each other here. He would behave as he would in Tevinter, careful and polite if that was what was polite.

Bramen kissed the halla's muzzle and nuzzled his own nose against it. The deer made a few soft noises, those cute and happy ones that Dorian was growing fond of. With a pat against the animal's neck, the herald pulled back and urged the halla to move a little, to give him time to focus on Dorian.

"They're very trusting creatures. They can tell when someone has a good heart," he smiled towards Dorian, warmth in his eyes. There was a joy there the mage likely had never truly seen before, a happiness that couldn't quite be contained. Here he was among his people once more. There was little in this world that could shatter his mood now. He sighed softly, stepping towards the halla again and stroking along the animal's neck. It leaned forward, urging Bramen to stroke it beneath its chin.

"They know what is good and what's right. They fear little but that's often their downfall," he cooed, leaning in to nuzzle the gentle creature once more. "But that's why we care so deeply for them. They represent so much to my people, to my clan," he stepped back, admiring the halla, almost revering its presence. He turned to look at Dorian again, smiling all the while.

"I'm glad I could share them with you," he said, "I'm glad we had a chance like this, for you to see them up close."

Bramen stepped closer and took Dorian's hands, leaning forward to press a kiss to his lips. Even though relationships of this sort were not favourable, they had a lot more freedom here among the Dalish than they ever would in Tevinter.

This trip to his clan was obviously the best thing for Bramen. Dorian could see it in the happiness that practically radiated from his lover, brighter than the mark on his hand. It was the most beautiful sight Dorian had ever seen.

"They've surprisingly lovely creatures," Dorian said as Bramen approached him. "Your people seem happy with me as well, at least, enough to allow me here with these creatures."

Ah, so they were allowed to kiss. Dorian sighed with relief as he returned the kiss. "I'd still like to see it with you if you're done with your Keeper and can show me more."

He would feel more confident with Bramen at his side as well. His lover would keep him from making some horrible social faux pas.

They could kiss. They could hold hands. They could exchange fond looks - so long as none of it was done in excess. They could manage that. Bramen knew Dorian could, at the very least. He stroked his lover's hands, gazing warmly at him.

"We're done for the time being," he said, allowing his hands to fall from Dorian's own. "She wants us all to gather by the fire pit this evening, once the sun sets and our evening meal is ready. The clan often seeks to eat together, particularly in moments of great joy. The clan should have a chance to meet you properly then, though it seems you've managed to exceed their expectations so far."

After all, the halla trusted him. That alone was a reason to respect him.

The halla Dorian had been tending to moved closer to the pair, bumping its nose against Dorian's shoulder, eliciting a short laugh from Bramen. "I'd be happy to show you around - though I think she wants to join us."

It would be much how they were in Skyhold. Dorian was not publicly affectionate. Teasing and flirting, yes, but not out right fawning and pawing all over Bramen.

"Are they allowed to wander like that?" Dorian ran his fingers under the halla's neck and tickled its chin. "I would hate to be responsible for losing one of these. I've just started to make friends with your older brothers."

He had met the family and not made a fool of himself. It was a good step in the right direction.

"Deywen and Camras?" he asked, giving another laugh as he shook his head. "They're my clansmen, yes and it's true we all view each other as family but they would be cousins at best, distant at that." His tone was still warm, not at all offended by his lover's assumption. "Meallan is my only sibling," he said, returning to the halla and stroking her muzzle.

"And I don't think anyone would mind if we took her out for a bit. She'll stay close - and I'm sure one of the hounds will start following us if they see one of the halla loose," he patted the deer's neck again before stepping away from it, guiding Dorian over to the gate. The halla was content to follow the mage, craning her neck to try and nip at his robes.

"Let's walk. We should have a bit of time before we're called to the fire."

Dorian makes an 'ah' sound of realization. They had seemed very much like brothers. Maybe he made an assumption foolishly but he wouldn't do it again.

"Don't chew on that. They're very expensive," he said, softly scolding the halla for chewing on his robes. They were very nice ones. He did put on his best ones for meeting the clan.

"Just here, walk here." He moved to stand at the halla's shoulder. He could walk with it and not get nibbled on. His robes did not need halla spit. It wasn't a fashionable accent.

Dorian's mistake was an easy one to make. After all, once more of the clan gathered, he'd see just how familial they all were. Among the Dalish, they cared not for names or family ties - they were family, they were the People. All of them children of Mythal, born in Elgar'nan's image. Dorian may not have been an elf - but they would welcome him all the same.

The halla's antics made Bramen smile, fond in his gaze as he watched the halla obey Dorian's request, walking by his side as they exited the pen. Bramen closed the gate up once Dorian and the deer had stepped out - and true to his expectation, one of the windhounds trotted over to them, circling the group before hanging back a few feet. This one was white with a dark brown face and paws, spots on its flanks. It was just as slender and tall as the others, narrow face watching them as it sat and waited for them to move. Bramen looked to the dog with smile, speaking something in elvhen that made the dog's ears perk up a bit, the animal looking towards him.

Bramen began to walk, making sure Dorian and the halla were following. The dog lingered a few feet behind them, its focus on the halla more than anything. "I'm not sure what to show you first," Bramen said, reaching back to take Dorian's hand. "The camp isn't exactly the most interesting... You've seen the halla pen, the grazing land," he shrugged a little, leading Dorian around the outskirts of the camp, around the aravels and pointing out varied locations.

"Over there is the fire pit, the Keeper's aravel is near it. That's where we'll gather in a short time," he said, giving Dorian's hand a squeeze. "And over there is where Haren Taehel lives, he's our master craftsman. He does incredible things with ironbark and hart antlers. I'll have to let him show you his work. Maybe I'll see about getting him to make you a set of rings."

"Show me the aravels," he said, leaving his arm draped over the halla's shoulders. It was a nice little arm rest as he walked. It also allowed him to scratch the halla when it made the noises that meant it wanted to be scratched. It seemed to have a very sensitive place between the shoulder blades.

He had seen the carts before in the Exalted Plains but not up close. Those Dalish had not trusted him or anyone besides Bramen. He wanted to know how they worked, how all these people lived in them while they traveled, how they stored their goods. They seemed so small. Though if the halla pulled them, they couldn't be too massive.

"Well, I am missing a ring these days." Dorian could easily see his ring on Bramen's finger. "An ironbark ring might be nice. I've curious about the magical properties of the wood. I know ironbark is a favorite of elvhen mages. I've always wondered why."

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Work has been obscene this week. Sorry I haven't been tagging.

Boo work. I'm sorry!

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