Chapter 30: Leliana

Sneaking back to her tent was a simple matter. Nathaniel had demonstrated his abilities back in Denerim, and he’d been half-starved and weakened from weeks of torture at the time. Now only her own, considerable skills even allowed her to follow him when he disappeared into the shadows of the darkened camp. It would have been even easier, if not for the slight shaking in her hands, and the queasy sort of quaking in her stomach. It had been a long time since she’d had nerves related to going to bed with someone – but then, it had been a long time since she’d done that, too. She supposed a bit of anxiety was probably normal.

It would have been easier with anyone else, she thought; not that she wanted to take anyone else to bed, but knowing that she likely had only this one encounter – one single night – to prove to them both that they had something worth fighting for was nerve-wracking. If they were somehow incompatible – or if he regretted it the next day, for whatever reason – she’d never see him again, she was sure.

So it was with sweaty palms and a tremulous smile that she parted the flaps on the tent he’d given up for her. He followed her inside, his warm breath on her neck giving her goosebumps. The last light of dusk was fading, so the shadowy interior of the tent was difficult to see. She sighed; she’d have preferred to have more light, not only to allow her to admire his lean, archer’s body, but also to be able to watch his face for reactions – to her, to what they were doing – and any indication how he was feeling about it. But despite having access to one of the miraculous little arcane lamps from Soldier’s Peak, she wouldn’t use it. Neither of them wanted to advertise what was happening between them, and in the dark, with the light on, anyone passing by would be able to see their silhouettes. She had no intention of sharing him with anyone.