The Herald and the Hero (closed)

[LeoLion98]

She reached over and put her hand on top of his. "You'll always be welcome, never doubt that. Even if you come back from the dead a third time."


His words touched her. They meant much more than he would ever understand. Zevran had been an okay father. He loved his children, even the one that was not his own. But, he was always gone. She knew that it had been for contracts most of the time, but it didn't change the fact that he left her to run the alienage, take care of her children, recover from the Blight. Krishna had done all of that on her own. It was very nice to hear someone say that she had done good.


She squeezed his hand. "It's good to have you back, Falon."

 

[Radsattack]

Quickly wiping his tears with his free hand, he grinned as she spoke. It had been a long since he felt this happy, it was shame it had to be during a time so dark, but it was over now and he loved to look into the future.


Falon looked on to the horizon and watched the many people dance. "You know, this makes me think about the time during the Blight." He shook his head, a small grin on his face.


"We were so young, and my taste in hairstyles were awful." He tried to make a light remark back to the past, maybe it would help get the future off his mind.

 

[LeoLion98]

She laughed. "Yes, yes they were. I'm very glad that much has changed since then. It only took ten years," she said with a grin. There we're still so many things she wanted to ask him. Tell him too.


Did he know that Zevran died? Or Wynne? Did he know about Morrigan and Kieran? How well did he understand the events of the mage-templar war beyond what he had experienced as the Herald? He didn't even know she had a brother. They had never had enough downtime to really talk. But now was not the time for that.


Now was the time for celebration. They would have fun as a reward for all of their efforts in saving the world together once again. Now was not the time for the past, or for the future. It was time for the present, to live in the moment of their victory.


As the next song began, Krishna looked at her friend and grinned. She stood up and held out a hand. "Would the Herald of Andraste honor me with a dance?"

 

[Radsattack]

Falon shook his head. "At least I learned eventually." He was great fun to be back around his best friend, but he still longed for the two to be as closer as they once were, but it would come in time.


Glancing up at her, Falon smiled brightly. He took her hand and hopped up. "I would." He gestured to the booming and joyful people.


"After you, my dear Hero of Ferelden."

 

[LeoLion98]

"Thank you," she replied, giggling.


She pulled him out into the group of people already beginning to turn in time to the song. Many looked over as the two legends began twirling about. Those that knew them - and some that didn't - cheered them on. To the side, Nina and Dez clapped for them. Krishna heard Dorian wolf whistle too, though she knew who it was primarily directed at. If he wasn't flirting with Falon earlier, then she was a deepstalker. That was definitely something to address in the near future.


They danced together for several songs until they were out of breath, both from dancing vigorously and laughing. Krishna knew that she hadn't felt this happy in a long time.

 

[Radsattack]

It had been awhile since Falon had this much fun. He enjoyed dancing with his friend more than could be out into words. Although he had been known to have two left feet, he still kept the up the rhythm and twirled and moved like an Orlesian Royal. Falon laughed and smiled as the dancer, it just seemed so natural. He even caught glances of his own Commander eyeing the two, although he was positive that his awe struck eyes weren't meant for the Herald.


After many songs, the stopped to catch their breaths. Both laughing and breathing heavily as they did so, the laughed until there tears in their eyes. Everything just seemed so natural.


"Look at you, your dancing skills haven't aged a day. You never hold me you invested in dancing lessons since the end of the Blight." He joked, panting between his words."

 

[LeoLion98]

The elf barely took notice of everyone else as time went on. She was far too focused on having fun with her friend. This was what the last ten years should have been like. They should have been together, learning and growing. They should have attended balls together. She would have appointed him her personal mage if she had to to keep him out of that damned Circle. Even if she wasn't allowed, knowing the King had its advantages. But these thoughts were only briefly in her mind before another song would start and they were dancing again.


At his comment, Krishna laughed. "You can thank Anora for that. She made sure that Alistair wouldn't embarrass her at any ball and so she made him take dancing lessons. And because he decided that I couldn't embarrass him since he was the one who appointed me Bann, I had to take them too." She smiled at the memory of the King of Ferelden stumbling over his two left feet. "Really, I think he just didn't want to be miserable all by himself."

 

[Radsattack]

It had been a long time since he had seen Alistair. The first in a long time being when he showed up after taking down Alexius. From what he could tell though, Alistair seemed to be doing a better job in power that Falon had thought. Especially considering how he had acted during the time of the Blight, but he was nice to proved wrong. Ferelden was in good hands under King Alistair's rule.


"Oh Alistair." Falon began, laughing. "It seems so strange to think about him being in power." Krishna's words brought questions to his mind. "You got to Alistair a lot, didn't you?" He asked. "How is he? Does he still act like he used to? Do he and Anora get along well?"

 

[LeoLion98]

For a moment, her smile faltered at the mention of the king. Perhaps not long enough to notice, but it had. But it was back in an instant.


Krishna and Alistair had remained very good friends after the Blight. Being so close to one another geographically allowed them to visit often as well. She made sure he was doing all right as king while he made sure none of the other nobles mistreated her for being an elf. Though, in a way, that caused more problems. Others accused him of favoritism, the reasoning as varied as the employees of an Antivan whorehouse. And Krishna would know. Zevran brought her to one when they first married to see the women who had raised him.


"He's definitely gotten better. At first, he was so lost. Anora did practically everything. Sometimes I think the Arl and I were the only things keeping him sane," she admired. "But he is a very capable leader now, just like I knew he would be. I'm very glad that we've remained close and that he hasn't let all of that power go to his head."

 

[Radsattack]

"Yeah, that's always a good thing, he seems a lot more calm too, but I guess that makes sense." Falon agreed. "And he is much older and mature than he once was."


The Herald noticed her tone change slightly, although she still spoke normally, Krishna seemed a to get a bit serious . As much as he wanted to hear more, he didn't mention much more about it. Perhaps it reminded her too much to much of work, he knew how stressful it could be talking about "work". He quickly decided to change up the conversation.


Glancing over to the crowd, Falon grinned. "You children seem to be having fun." He noticed how the children danced about with a few of the other children who made their homes in Haven, whether they be children of soldiers, children of the Chantry, or even the children of civilians living in Haven.

 

[LeoLion98]

"Yeah, he is. I'm proud of him. And I'm glad I get today I told you so to him too."


There was a bit more to her falter than just work. She wasn't sure if she should even tell Falon what had happened. The only other person that knew was Nina, and that was only because she was a very intuitive girl. Although, Krishna had a lingering suspicion that Leliana knew. That woman had eyes and ears everywhere.


She looked over at the two and her gaze softened. It was that look reserved for a mother when she saw her children. It came from a love that could challenge no other. To anyone looking, it was clear how much she cared for them.


"They do. I'm just glad they're safe, now that this is all over." She chuckled. "I'm willing to bet that they'll both be sleeping in tomorrow."

 

[Radsattack]

He watched the children dance about, they seemed ever as youthful and happy as they should be. Not hushed in fear or overly sheltered. "It's a plesent sight, I almost forgot how natural it was to see children look so happy."


It had been a long day, and he had come a long way since the Breach had began. He knew there would still be more to come, but there was room to breath.


The Herald grinned."I don't blame them." He said." I'll definitely be doing the same. I don't know how long it's been since I've had a complete night of sleep."

 

[LeoLion98]

"I know what you mean." She had watched the children of the village and her own throughout her time here. Nina often glanced at the sky apprehensively. They had talked about it together, so Krishna knew of her daughter's concerns. Like the others close to her age, they knew the dangers of the Breach. The young ones, like Dez, managed to keep their spirits up more so than most. It may have been due to their age and inability to fully comprehend, but it was still good to see.


"Well, you definitely deserve a good night's rest," she said. Out of the corner of her eyes, she spotted Dorian speaking to Jacqueline. "And a night of fun. You should dance with Dorian."

 

[Radsattack]

"And I definitely will." Falon agreed. It had been so long since he got a complete night of sleep. The most he got was about a few hours a night anymore, so being able to sleep in would be nice.


He glanced over to Dorian, his cheeks flushed a rosy color and a grin was placed upon his face. "Dorian? Are you joking?" Falon looked back to Krishna.


"No no, I can't. I can't dance and I wouldn't want to embarrass him."

 

[LeoLion98]

"No, I'm most certainly not joking. You've been following that man around ever since he came here. It is very clear that you've become fond of him. And I think he likes you too." At his second comment, she scoffed. "You were just dancing with me not five minutes ago. So either you're lying or you're comfortable letting me be embarrassed."

 

[Radsattack]

Falon's grin got wider and his face pinker, and as it did so he covered his face with his hand. He shook his head, the ends of his wide grin peeking out from the edges of his hands. "Oh Krishna, how you can see right through me." Falon looked up from his hands and glanced back to Dorian. "You're right, I gotta make a move." He stood up, brushing off his legs.


"How do I look? Sharp? Handsome? Dazzling maybe?" He asked anxiously.

 

[LeoLion98]

She was glad he actually had some confidence to do this. The rogue suspected that he may have a little liquid courage to thank, but it counted.


"Positively dashing," she replied. "Now go. Dance, be merry with your mustachioed mage!"


Perhaps she had a little drink too. Or maybe she was drunk on their victory against the impossible.

 

[Radsattack]

He grinned wildly, he took in a deep breath and dashed over to the Mage. Falon went over what he would say to Dorian. He would go and ask and then they would dance. When he was behind Dorian he took in a breath and tapped on his shoulder, Falon froze up, the only thing he could mutter was.


"Hey, Dorian."


Meanwhile another Mage came up to the Hero of Ferelden as she sat, now by her lonesome. He sat next to her, a placid grin on his face. "I take it you are enjoying the festivities?" Solas asked, his face turned towards Krishna's.

 

[LeoLion98]

Just as the elf approached, Jacqueline had bid the Tevinter man goodbye. The taller mage turned to the other and smiled. He could tell that Falon had tried to think of something interesting to say, but choked. He wasn't the most subtle elf in the world. Dorian happened to fins it absolutely adorable.


"If it isn't the Herald of Andraste, hero to us all! I am honored to be graced by your presence." He couldn't keep the amused smile off of his face as he spoke. Though it was a tad over the top, he was glad to see Falon.


----


Krishna heard the Fadewalker approach and grinned when he spoke. "Yes, I am. It's a nice relief after all of our efforts. What about you, Solas? Have you been drinking and dancing too?"

 

[Radsattack]

"You flatter me, Dorian." Falon tried not to act overly excited, he kept his calm and for the most part wasn't completely red. Although, he couldn't help but grin in the other man presence. "Are you enjoying yourself here?" Falon asked."You seem right at home."


----


His eyes flicked to the sky, his face was fixed on the scar that had been left in the sky. "Just reflecting." Solas said. "And watching as well." He quickly added. "I never thought it would be over this quickly." Solas nodded.


"The sky will heal in time but no one shall forget the Breach."

 

[LeoLion98]

"It may not be quite like the parties I've attended at home - less deception and assassination plots - but this is just as nice. I think it's more the reason we're celebrating, than anything," he added. "And I'm sure you're having quite a good time. You're the bell of the ball tonight."


----


"I know that you mean. I don't quite believe it, myself." She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "And you're right. This isn't something that anyone is bound to forget. But everyone will heal, in time, just like the sky."


Her eyes wandered to Nina and Malcadez, who were drinking cider and laughing with some soldiers and mages. A small smile graced her lips at the sight.


"And I believe they will."

 

[Radsattack]

Hearing Dorian's description of what how parties in Tevinter were made him grateful that Ferelden parties weren't so bloody. "That's interesting, parties here aren't this bad. Although it can be more drama than anything." Falon bit his lip nervously. "It's quite different having this much attention, but I rather like it."


-----


Solas flashed her a quick grin and turned his attention to the crowd, it was bright and watching the fire roar and people laugh was something new for him to see in Haven. "Your children seem happy, it must be a relief for them." He grinned.


"I assume you will be heading home to Denerim soon?" Solas asked.

 

[LeoLion98]

"Oh, there was plenty of that too. The only country worse than us in that regard is Orlais. If you want to talk about dramatic, that's exactly what you should think of."


He looked at the Herald over his mug as he took a drink. "Well, hiding in a forest after helping save Ferelden does prevent people from giving you attention. I hope you aren't about to run off this time, I quite like having you around."


Secrets were not exactly secrets when Leliana was Spymaster. And when people liked to gossip.


-----


"They are. I don't think Dez really understood what was going, though. He's only nine. But Nina's much older and likes to ask questions. We talked about what was happening. It's good to see her so happy again." At that moment, the elf in question began dancing with her brother, trading off when the dance called for it with one of the pair they had been talking to.


"We will. As good of a leader as my father can be, he's getting old and he's not used to it. I was almost tempted to get my cousins to help him out. But now that the world isn't in danger, I don't have to. Once things are settled here, we'll be going back." The thought, while comforting, almost made her sad.


In a way, Krishna missed the excitement of battle, of actively helping people instead of sitting behind a desk all day. But she had children she had to take care of and couldn't very well run around and nearly get herself killed. She liked the life she had, but part of her longed for her days as a Grey Warden, even with the horrors she faced.


"What about you? Will you go back to wandering or will you be staying?"

 

[Radsattack]

Slowly, Falon nodded. He knew it was only a matter of time until others found out what had happened during the time of the Blight. Falon wasn't proud of what had happened, or the decisions he made, but he accepted it and tried his best to move on. Although anytime he caught wind of someone speaking of the past, it always ate him alive with guilt.


Falon shrugged it off for now, he quickly smiled. "No my friend, I am pleased to say that is not in the plans." The Dalish chuckled. "You do, do you? I'm glad to hear that. I've actually enjoy you a lot too."


He shook his head. "Your presence, I mean. I enjoy having you around, your very kind and a lot of fun."


----


Solas had come to really care for Krishna and her children. They brought a lot of hope to many people around Haven. The adults and soldiers admired Krishna for her kind heart and strength, while the children loved Nina and Dez for their company and friendliness.


"I can imagine how much you miss your city and people, and I can imagine they all miss you as well, Krishna. Many can fill in for you, but you are not easily replaced." Solas said, calmly. "As much as many of the people here would have you stay, they all know you have the elves of the city to watch over." He grinned. "Me sharing their thoughts as well." Solas added, glancing quickly to Krishna and then back to the fire.


"As for me, I'll remain here with the Herald." Solas said. "He still has much work to do and I wanted to study the Anchor some more." He lied through his teeth. "I am also unsure if I will be free to go off on my own."

 

[LeoLion98]

Before he could say another word, Varric called out to the Tevinter mage. "Hey Pavus, Sera ran off to go through your stuff again."


"Oh son of a-" He sighed and looked at Falon. "Sorry to cut this short, but I put an enchantment on my chests. I really don't want to have her blow anything up. Excuse me."


As he left the Herald, Cassandra walked up next to him. "Solas confirms the heavens are scarred but calm. The Breach is sealed. We've reports of lingering rifts, and many questions remain, but this was a victory. Word of your heroism has spread."


----


"Thank you, Solas. You're very kind to say so." She cocked her head at his last comment. "Why wouldn't you be allowed to leave? You've been nothing but helpful to the Inquisition. We probably never would have figured out what the Mark can do. If you hadn't been here, we may never would have been able to close the Breach."