thinking that you're all I ever need now

[hallarider]

[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."

Comments

[pavus_redemit]

Dorian gaped at him for a moment because honestly of all the reckless, foolish and stupid things his lover could have done as a child riding a wild hart like that was probably the most believable thing.

"I am always surprised that we actually managed to meet with how reckless you are," he said with a laugh and caught up to him. "You're lucky I adore you so much with how often you try to give me a heart attack."

[hallarider]

"Would you believe me if I said I was the less reckless one between myself and Meallan?" he asked with a laugh, stepping closer to the statue again. The halla had decided to move closer, opting to step between the two men in order to nibble at the grass that the statue's base. Bramen put his hands on the halla's back, leaning against them as he looked to Dorian.

It was a wonder he managed to meet the man sometimes. But it was true - he wasn't nearly as reckless as his twin. In fact, he was considered the responsible one of the pair. He pat the halla, resting his cheek against her back.

"Meallan was so fascinated by storms, he used to think that if allowed himself to be struck by lightning, his magical talents would amplify without having to practice. We all but had to tie him down when the summer rains came."

[pavus_redemit]

"You're both mad. Honestly mad." Dorian was a bit reckless with his magic but he had never done something so stupid or believed something so stupid. "What on earth made him thinking being able to do magic would keep lightning from killing him?"

He huffed out a breath. "When we meet your brother am I going to have to give him a lecture about the basic principles of magic? Honestly, your people can practice freely. How can you not know these limits?"

Dorian threw up his hands in frustration.

[hallarider]

"We were young and we were daring," Bramen said with a shake of his head, almost amused by Dorian's exasperation. "He's long since learned, the Keeper has taught him everything she could. Dalish magic is still very different from anything they see in Tevinter though, don't forget that. Your magic has structure, a Dalish mage is free like the wind."

He braced his hands on the halla's back and hoisted himself up onto it. She tensed up for a moment from the sudden weight but didn't flinch, content to nibble the grass a bit longer. It seemed as though she was used to this. Bramen gave her neck a pat and reached out towards Dorian, hoping to help him up onto the creature as well.

"Besides... We both know you've pushed magic to its limits as well. Don't pretend you're innocent of that - that knowledge helped the Inquisition greatly."

[pavus_redemit]

"A man theoretically invents time travel magic and you think he pushed the limits," Dorian scoffed, though he knew Bramen meant other times that he pushed himself to near exhaustion in the pursuit of knowledge.

He gave Bramen a look for wanting him on the back of the halla but accepted his hand anyway. He climbed on with a bit less grace than his lover but managed it.

"I have helped you greatly." He rested his chin on Bramen's shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist. "But I don't think of myself as reckless."

[hallarider]

Considering how graceful halla were, they were astonishingly sturdy creatures. The deer easily supported both Bramen and Dorian's weight looking up and glancing back at them as Bramen patted the animal's neck. He smiled and turned his head a bit, kissing Dorian's forehead as best he could from the angle they were at - quite contented to have the man's chin upon his shoulder. Bramen pat the halla's neck again, patting the left side and the halla turned and began to walk in that direction - a careful and steady pace with her two riders.

It was certainly a far less bumpy ride than being on the hart, though a much slower pace. It was as though the halla moved in hopes of not disturbing a single blade of grass.

"You're done incredible things," Bramen admitted, easing back into his mage's arms. "And I suppose I wouldn't call you reckless either... Daring to dream, maybe."

Holy layout change! I thought I had the wrong place at first, lol

[pavus_redemit]

He chuckled softly and squeezed Bramen tightly for a moment. "I think my greatest accomplishment was not magical."

Being with Bramen, loving him and learning from him was truly the most incredible thing he had done. It was something he never thought he would get a chance to do. He had hidden away parts of himself, kept people from knowing them so he couldn't be hurt.

Now, he had someone, he had Bramen who he could be vulnerable with and share secrets with.

hah yeah I've been messing around with changing the layout. Still not happy with it.

[hallarider]

Bramen let out a soft chuckle as Dorian squeezed him, bringing his hand to Dorian's around his middle. He stroked along the back of his lover's hand, turning his head to better give the man a fond look. He knew what Dorian was referring to. Even though the man wasn't often outwardly affection, even though he didn't normally voice his deep and private affections, Bramen knew.

"I like to think we're pretty magical," he said with a smile, giving Dorian's hand a little squeeze.

it's pretty

[pavus_redemit]

"Maker," Dorian rolled his eyes. "That was horrible joke, horrible. It's almost as bad as all the jokes Bull makes about my staff."

Those jokes are terribly old and recycled. Dorian had no idea how there were any mage and staff jokes left to make, honestly. Everyone kept trying though. Sera probably was the most creative and half the time Dorian didn't really understand what she was saying.

"You are not allowed to make jokes anymore. I forbid you."

[hallarider]

"I thought you liked my jokes," Bramen grinned wide positively beaming. Even if Dorian was rolling his eyes over it, he knew the man appreciated it. He continued to stroke his lover's hand, leaning back a bit further to brush the tip of his nose against the side of the man's temple.

"But if you insist, no more jokes."

[pavus_redemit]

"No, they're all horrible and you're horrible," Dorian teased and nuzzled along his neck. No one was around to see and the halla wouldn't care. "How do I ever stand you?"

What foolish words that were not in the least bit true. He adored Bramen and the elf knew it. He was enjoying this little trip into the woods with his Clan as well which he did not expect. He thought it would be too much nature, too much wildlife and all the things Dorian didn't enjoy.

Yet, here he was on the back of a sacred deer with a smile on his face.

[hallarider]

"Because I'm hard to resist," Bramen said, leaning his head back a little to give Dorian more access to a throat. The mage wasn't the only one on the back of a sacred deer with a smile on his face. The halla was content to walk with her riders, moving about the outside of the camp. Bramen leaned back a little more against his lover, relaxing in Dorian's arms. He was glad the man seemed to be enjoying himself for the time being, that being out in the wilderness wasn't too much for him.

He'd do his best to keep it that way. As it was, the clan seemed to appreciate the man's presence and Dorian had done a fine job of earning their favour. Bramen could only hope for this trend to continue.

[pavus_redemit]

Dorian laughed softly, "You are almost irresistible. Luckily, I am able to control myself. Perhaps I am building an immunity to your charms."

As if that would ever happen. Dorian would always be charmed by Bramen, his smile, his laugh and him that wonderful personality of his. He would be drawn like a bee to honey, always. He brushes his lips against Bramen's cheek gently.

"Do not let it go to your head."

[hallarider]

Bramen turned a little more to brush his lips against Dorian's own, catching them in a light kiss before he straightened out. No doubt their last bit of proper affection for a while.

"I'll try not to," he teased, patting Dorian's hands a little. "But let's head back to the camp. The Keeper's going to be looking for us."

[pavus_redemit]

"Ah, the Keeper. We wouldn't want to keep her waiting." Dorian sat up properly like he would sit in a saddle. There was no saddle to speak of but Dorian is good at sitting anyway.

Of course in the camp they couldn't kiss and coddle each other. It was a bit of a shame but Dorian would live. They could be alone together later.

[hallarider]

Returning to the camp didn't take long at all, the halla more than content to carry them. They dismounted the deer as they reached a small grouping of aravels, Bramen patting the halla's neck in thanks. She continued to follow them as they moved, the sun steadily setting the closer they got to the main encampment. A fire was burning near the center of the camp, over where Bramen had pointed out the Keeper's aravel. The clan was gathered and they were waiting, all busying themselves with some task or another - though many glanced over and greeted the men and their companions with a smile.

The windhound ran forward, racing up to Camras who was seated on a log, two other hounds laying near him. They raised their heads at the sight of their fellow, tails giving a wag before they all settled in together. Camras nodded towards Bramen and Dorian, Deywen doing the same as he moved in beside his fellow hunter.

It was Meallan who waved towards Dorian and Bramen, calling them over to where he was sitting. The Keeper was near him, sitting peacefully as she watched over her clan. Some were carving, some were preparing more firewood, some were cooking up some kind of animal, roasting it over a spit. Smaller pots and kettles were near the base of the fire, heating whatever their contents were - something that smelled a bit of apples, something that smelled like spindleweed. Combined with whatever animal was presently roasting, it all smelled quite tantalising.

Bramen guided Dorian towards where Meallan was sitting, moving to take a seat with his brother. He motioned for Dorian to sit with him, the hall choosing to join them, laying down near the log and laying her head in Dorian's lap once the man had settled. Bramen couldn't help but chuckle softly, petting the halla's muzzle as she rested.

"It really does seem you've made a friend," Bramen beamed, pleased at the sight. He knew Dorian would like halla. He was just glad they seemed to like him in return.

[pavus_redemit]

It was the picture of pastoral comfort and very cozy looking. Dorian certainly felt out of place as he sat down next to Bramen's brother. The halla so easily accepting him and resting on him.

He was used to the world of nobility with its backhanded compliments and assassination attempts. Dorian didn't know what to do with these kind and gentle people. Alright, so they referred to him as Shem but that's not unexpected.

"Someone will have to make my apologies when we leave," he mused, patting the halla gently on the top of its head. "I cannot stay forever, flosculus."

[hallarider]

A few of the clan couldn't help but chuckle lightly at Dorian's predicament but they all seemed to smile, enjoying the sight. A halla laying on a shem like that was almost unheard of - but a halla was a loving, trusting beast. If that doe felt it all right to trust the man Bramen had brought along with him, they would defer to the creature. The whole clan was clam and relaxed, enjoying the sunset as they all began to settle in. Most chatted amongst themselves in Elvhen, the conversation seeming light and friendly.

The Keeper welcomed Dorian to where they sat and Meallan promised one of the elders would no doubt tell everyone a story. He explained that was common practice among the Dalish, to gather like this and enjoy and other's company. The elf laughed and called to his brother, teasing him, making comments about how lonely Skyhold must be without a clan to sit with like this. Bramen laughed back and brushed the comment off, moving a bit closer to Dorian as his twin said it. Skyhold was lonely without his clan - but he had someone who made it warmer.

Bramen reached out to run his hands along the halla's antlers, humming lightly as he looked to Dorian. "Her antlers are growing fast, looks like we should start shaping them... Did you want to see how we do it?" he asked, stroking along the intricately carved antlers, the way they twisted and spiralled.

"They don't naturally grow like this, you know."

[pavus_redemit]

"A night in the tavern with the Inner Circle is a lot like this," Dorian said, trying to give Bramen's brother a better understanding of life in Skyhold. "We don't get together every night but when we do you can count on Varric to have a story which Bull have to try and top and then it's a bit of madness over cards."

He smiled fondly as he thought of the odd crew he found himself with and then his smile turned even softer when he looked at Bramen. The best part of Skyhold was sitting right next to him.

"It's a bit smaller than this gathering but the idea is the same."

He nods to Bramen. "I have a front row seat. You should show me."

[hallarider]

Bramen was more than happy to show Dorian the art - it wasn't something he could do at Skyhold. The harts barely had the patience to let him file off the points of their antlers, shaping them would be a nightmare. Bramen rose up and excused himself for a moment, Meallan moving closer to stroke the halla's nose. He looked to Dorian and explained his brother's role - how here among the clan, Bramen was a halla keeper. An important role among the people to be sure, but being a halla keeper required a great deal of patience. The freckled elf gave a laugh and leaned back, saying he could never have the patience for what Bramen does. The Keeper simply reached out and began to smooth Meallan's hair, smiling as she too waited for Bramen's arrival.

Bramen returned, a few tools in his hand - a small strip of ironbark, a chisel, a gouge, a small knife. He settled in, tool down beside him as he clicked his tongue for the halla's attention, the animal moving a bit to crane her neck towards the elf. Bramen shifted closer to Dorian, fingers tracing along the halla's antlers. he started at the base, using the strip of ironbark to sand down the surface, making it a bit more even to work with. The chisel came next, digging it into where the pattern in the antlers stopped, tracing a shape in the bone down towards the base of the halla's head.

"Our tools for this are made of silverite," he explained, "It's still a very long process - one we normally start when the halla is young. That way we don't need to carve so much at once." Patient as halla could be, it was an incredibly time-consuming process. The doe seemed content enough, however. She'd done this a lot through her life.

"Every clan carves the horns a bit differently," he explained, "The harts, we don't carve at all. Their antlers tend to fall off easily and grow back after time, we just harvest them after and use them for carving or alchemy," he continued to very lightly chip that chisel against he bone, setting down the chisel to scrape a bit with the gouge - it only managed to remove a very thin layer before he was working with the chisel again.

"The most important thing is making sure the halla trust their handler. Did you want to try?"

[pavus_redemit]

Dorian listened to Bramen's explanation with a fond little smile. He did enjoy sharing his culture and Dorian enjoyed learning about it. The best would always be the passion and happiness in Bramen's eyes when he spoke of these things. He could listen to Bramen for hours go on and on and on about the most mundane aspects of Dalish life simply to hear how happy it made him.

"Oh, as much as I enjoy learning new things I don't think antler carving on a living subject is best for a novice," he said with a laugh. "You keep working, I'll keep petting and the flosculus here can stay nice and calm."

Meallan was the one to ask what the 'strange sounding' word meant. Free Marcher Dalish had probably never heard Tevene, Dorain realized. He was used to speaking his language freely around Bramen and the affectionate little names he had for him. Giving one to the affectionate halla seemed natural enough.

"It means 'little flower' in my native tongue. It can be literal as in you're talking about a small flower, or it can be a term of affection. Children get the nickname mostly but it works well for animals," he explained and scratched the halla between the shoulders. "Hoc tam placidum quam flosculus. This one is as gentle as a little flower."

[hallarider]

"How do you think I started?" Bramen asked with a grin, though he returned to carving as Dorian and his brother spoke. Meallan was quite interested to hear about Dorian's language, nodding as Dorian explained. He glanced to Bramen, watching his twin carve the halla's horns, the deer content to rest, eyes closed. She was a gentle thing, much easier for Dorian to handle than the harts - and Bramen knew all too well how the overly affectionate hart, Da'mi, could be with him.

Bramen stroked the doe's head, leaning in to blow a few scrapings from the antlers away from the halla's head. Her ear twitched but she was far too accustomed to this treatment to react any further. Dorian was comfortable in her eyes.

Meallan, however, was still entranced by Dorian's native language. He quickly began to ask about Tevinter, about the world Dorian came from - and he laughed a bit, daring to ask Dorian what sort of nickname he had for Bramen. Bramen simply rolled his eyes at that, smiling a little towards his lover.

"Go ahead, Dorian," Bramen urged, "I know Meallan'd love to hear about Tevinter."

[pavus_redemit]

"Ah, well, Tevinter, it's an ancient land," he said, wondering how he was going to get around the issue of slavery. He probably shouldn't blatantly avoid it, that would seem dodging and he didn't want the clan not to trust him. "And it is quite set in its ways. It cannot let go of old, outdated traditions. Slavery, blood magic, and its lack of allies is going to lead to its downfall."

There, the ugly parts were out of the way. Dorian could move on to all the things he loved about his home.

"But we are a passionate people." He glanced at Bramen with a small smirk. "We have no reserves in love and in war. We encourage the pursuit of knowledge, to study and to think. Our minds are a great treasure. Our language is complex and quite difficult for outsiders to learn."

Dorian didn't mean to make it sound like a challenge but it was the truth. Tevene, even modern Tevene, was one of the most complex languages in Thedas.

[hallarider]

Meallan was quick to rise to the unintentional challenge, going off about Dalish traditions - things that Dorian already knew from what Bramen had told him. Though of course, a Keeper's first had a bit more information than anything Bramen could ever offer up, the freckled elf quite content to gloat about his people, their gods and the significance of carving a halla's horns. Bramen just continued to work, smiling a bit to himself as his brother spoke, knowing Dorian already new just about everything his twin was spouting off.

Bramen was content to keep working, even as two other elves came around to offer the Keeper - and her guests, which included Dorian - earthenware cups full of that liquid that smelled like apples and spindleweed. A tea of sorts that smelled a bit odd but tasted surprisingly inoffensive. Next up came little bowls of toasted nuts and dried berries, a little something to tide everyone over as they waited for the meat.

A few others in the clan rose up, taking turns speaking - all in Elvhen, though Dorian was able to recognise bits and pieces of what they had to say. Something about giving thanks for the clan being together, about how nice it was to have Bramen back - even if it was only temporary. Bramen smiled and thanked them in Elvhen, moving a bit closer to Dorian and easing back, sanding at the halla's antlers with the ironbark to smooth them out. There hadn't been a lot he'd needed to carve but it was still an art that required a great deal of talent as Dorian could tell.

"How's your tea?" he asked, patting the man's knee for a moment with a free hand before he returned to tending to the doe. "I know it might be a bit odd for your tastes but it's said to be good for the heart."

[pavus_redemit]

While Meallan talked Dorian listened with a small smile on his face. The other mage was quite passionate about his people but he had heard all of this before from Bramen when they shared stories together. He wasn't going to tell the other elf that. It would be rude to interrupt when he's in the middle of such a speech.

"It's odd but I don't mind. It's better than the swill Solas brews himself," he said as he nudged his knee against Bramen's gently. He didn't want to upset the halla or make a mess of the antlers. "Whatever they're cooking smells delicious though."

He didn't know what it was and didn't really want to know the details but he enjoyed the scent and the camaraderie that flowed around the camp. "What we should talk about is magic and how your techniques compare to mine and what we can learn from each other."