Arlathan Forest Romance

This is a nonprofit work of fiction; any resemblance to real life figures is purely coincidental, and all recognized trademarks are property of their respective copyright owners. All characters will be portrayed as having their canonical ages or given an appropriate one in the absence of such; proceed with caution.

The towering trees of Arlathan Forest were ancient and majestic, standing in solemn silence. Their canopies formed an intricate and verdant roof that diffused the midday sunlight into gentle, dappled patterns on the forest floor. The air was a mix of earthy smells--moss, blooming wildflowers, and the soft, distant sounds of animals chatting across the undergrowth. This rare moment of rest was a much-needed break for the group, who had been chasing Solas non-stop and hadn't had much chance to relax.
Lace Harding, our ever-diligent scout, made the most of this interlude to brush up on her archery skills. She found a spot in the thick forest and took aim with her bow, focusing intently on the target. Each shot was a symphony of form--a taut bowstring, aerodynamic flight, and the decisive thunk of arrow meeting target, leaving a makeshift circle on the bark of a venerable tree. Harding would close her eyes and enjoy the feeling of letting go, a brief but intense moment when the tension left her fingers as she tried to be as precise as possible.
Meanwhile, Taash, the Qunari dragon hunter, was going through a series of warm-ups to prepare for the next part of the training. They had a strong, imposing physique, but they moved with surprising elegance and fluidity as they did a series of lateral lunges, their muscular frame undulating beneath the layered plates of armor. They switched to shoulder stretches, taking in the calming atmosphere of the forest. However, their rhythm was broken by the loud sound of Harding's arrow hitting its target. Taash looked over at her and noticed the perfect shot.
"That's pretty impressive," Taash said quietly, looking at Harding with respect. There was something about her demeanor that was hard to ignore. The way her concentration transformed her expression, her brow furrowing and her lips tightening into a line of determination. Her freckles, an adorable little pattern across her face, seemed to move with her as she moved, highlighted by a loose auburn tendril that had escaped her braid to rest against her forehead.
Harding nocked another arrow, her movements precise and confident. Her skill--how her hands moved with confidence gained from practice--attracted Taash's attention. They found themselves captivated, a rare vulnerability emerging within them as they looked at her. Even though they were used to dealing with dragons and all their elemental fury, they had never felt anything like this. But when they saw Harding totally absorbed in her work, they got a strange feeling in their chest. Her unwavering focus, bordering on the transcendental, held them in thrall.
As another arrow flew and embedded itself right beside the previous one, both shafts vibrating slightly with residual energy, Harding allowed herself a satisfied smile. She turned to face Taash, her gaze meeting his with a knowing glint.
"Enjoying the show?" she teased, her voice carrying a playful warmth that bypassed Taash's defenses and made their heartbeat quicken.
Taash straightened up, trying to hide the slight blush that came to their cheeks. "You're quite skilled," they said, their voice finding equilibrium despite the warmth in their voice. It was an understatement. Her competence had become something altogether more impressive.
Harding's smile grew more playful. "Would you like to give it a try?"
Taash hesitated, glancing at the bow, which seemed delicate in her hands. "I've never done this before," they admitted, shifting slightly and visibly nervous.
Harding's eyes twinkled with mischief, and her mouth curled at the edges. "Well, there's a first time for everything, right?" "Besides, I've seen you take on challenges that were way more daunting than a bow." She took a step forward and held out the bow, offering it to them with a subtle challenge in her gesture.
With a hint of uncertainty, Taash took the bow, their hands dwarfing the refined weapon. Notching an arrow felt a bit awkward. Their typically sure movements felt a bit clumsy because of the foreignness of this exercise. The bowstring barely moved under their tentative pull. They handled it as though it were a fragile reed, hesitant to use too much force.
"I don't want to break it," Taash admitted, their brow furrowing as they eyed the bowstring, a hint of tension in their usually calm demeanor.
Harding moved in closer, putting her hands on Taash's to give them a little extra support. "Let me help you with that," she said quietly. Her touch was light and confident, guiding their fingers with a familiarity that came from practice. "Just relax your grip." "The bow won't break, and neither will you," she said quietly, her voice soft and almost conspiratorial for Taash's ears only. Her scent--a mix of worn leather and lavender--engulfed Taash, and they closed their eyes briefly, grounding themselves in her nearness.
With a slow breath, Taash let their muscles relax, the tension melting away under Harding's guidance. Harding's proximity had a double effect. It was both a stabilizing force and a source of unease, as though her proximity threatened to unmoor them from their own steadiness.
"See?" Harding made a little adjustment to Taash's posture as she breathed out. "You can be gentle when you need to be." Her gaze met Taash's, and for a moment, there was a brief, unspoken connection between them.
Taash's heart started to beat faster, picking up on the suggestive undertone in Harding's words. They swallowed thickly, trying to focus on the task at hand, but Harding's warmth beside them was an inescapable pull.
"Now, take a step back," Harding said, her voice a mix of authority and gentleness. "And release." She got a little closer, her breath brushing against the shell of Taash's ear. It was an intimate gesture that made them both shiver involuntarily.
The arrow wobbled a bit as it flew, landing near the edge of the target. It was a decent shot, but not quite on target. Taash blinked in mild surprise and let out a little chuckle.
"Well, this is interesting." "Not quite dragon-slaying, but... pretty good," they admitted, turning their gaze towards Harding, who was watching them with pride and a hint of amusement.
Harding laughed, a bright, genuine sound that echoed through the clearing. Without any fuss, she walked over and gave Taash a big hug. The suddenness of her contact sent a jolt through Taash, whose arms instinctively found their way around her waist, holding her close. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat against their chest matched their own rapid pulse.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still, leaving just the two of them in the shared warmth of each other's presence. It was a kind of intimacy without words, a vulnerable baring of themselves amidst the timeless embrace of nature. Taash was so taken aback by how close they were that she gasped for air. This made them realize they needed to let Harding go, even though they didn't want to.
Harding took a step back, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment, her eyes reflecting a range of emotions. "My apologies, I got a bit carried away. "You did a great job," she said, her usual confidence momentarily shaken.
Taash smiled, her lips curling into a soft expression, and spoke in a quiet, barely audible voice. "No need to apologize. "I enjoyed it," they admitted, still blushing.
An awkward silence fell between them as they both tried to figure out what they wanted to say. Taash started to speak, but they hesitated because they didn't know what to say. Just then, they heard a noise in the bushes, and they realized that they were being interrupted.
An elven figure emerged from the underbrush, looking scared. "Could you help me out?" "Darkspawn are attacking our camp!"
In an instant, Harding's attitude changed. Her features hardened, and the playful glint was replaced by steely resolve. She took up her bow with ease. "Show us the way," she said, her voice firm and decisive.
Taash, now armed with the comforting heft of their greatsword, exchanged a glance with Harding. They communicated assurance and purpose with a wordless exchange. Their growing fondness for each other was put on hold while they focused on the pressing matter at hand. They both stepped up to the challenge and took on their respective roles with ease.
The group made good time through the forest, with the elf leading the way. The sounds of a desperate battle echoed through the air--the harsh growls of darkspawn mixed with the terrified cries of beleaguered elves.
When they arrived, they found a chaotic scene. A group of elves, who were already struggling, were surrounded by darkspawn. They looked exhausted and scared, but they were still determined.
"Harding, cover the left flank," Taash said, cutting through the noise. "I'll cover the right."
Harding nodded and quickly drew arrows and fired with precision. Each shot was on target, and her movements were a study in focused, predatory grace. She moved like a shadow across the battlefield, and her arrows consistently found their marks.
Taash charged into the fight, their greatsword cutting through the ranks of darkspawn with a mix of raw strength and precision. They moved with a clear plan but also with fluidity, showcasing their impressive abilities. Throughout the battle, they were always aware of Harding's presence--her arrows cutting through the chaos, a testament to their trust in each other.

The battle was intense but short. Thanks to Harding's ranged assault and Taash's close-quarters ferocity, the darkspawn were ultimately overcome, their monstrous forms strewn across the forest floor. The silence was broken only by the survivors' labored breaths.
Taash turned to see Harding already kneeling beside the wounded, her hands steady as she applied makeshift bandages. Despite the recent violence, her presence was imbued with a quiet calm. She spoke quietly, her reassurances inaudible but her presence enough to calm the injured.
As he approached, Taash watched Harding for a moment, feeling a sense of admiration that he couldn't quite put into words. "Good work," they said, their voice soft and tender. "You were amazing."
Harding looked up and her cheeks turned a little pink. "I couldn't have done it without you," she replied, her gaze sincere as she looked at Taash. For a moment, they shared a connection deeper than words could express--a silent acknowledgment of their reliance on one another.
An elder elf approached, and it was clear from their expression that they were grateful. "We're really grateful to you both for saving our lives." "Thanks a lot."
Taash nodded in acknowledgment. "Stay safe," they replied, offering a reassuring smile as they watched the elves regroup and prepare to retreat to a more secure location.
As the elves left, Taash and Harding found themselves standing side by side, the adrenaline fading, leaving a comfortable, quiet space in its wake. Their earlier exchange came back to mind, the unspoken affection between them like a promise suspended in time.
"Harding," Taash began, their voice betraying an unfamiliar hesitancy.
She turned, her expression showing she was curious. "Yes?"
Taash's mouth opened, but she couldn't find the words to describe the rush of emotions that had taken hold during their time together. Harding waited, her gaze steady, and her openness offered encouragement that Taash found difficult to accept.
Before they could muster the courage, one of the elder elves approached. "Excuse me, but we need help with the injured," they said, pulling Harding's attention away.
Harding gave Taash a look that said, "Sorry," and nodded at the elf. "Of course." She looked at Taash for a moment, then turned away, getting back to work.
Taash watched her leave, feeling a mix of emotions. They felt a mix of relief and frustration, as if the new confession was still trapped inside them. They let out a sigh of relief as they returned the greatsword to its scabbard, rolling their shoulders to release the tension that had built up. There would be another time--there had to be.
As the sun set, painting the forest in shades of gold and crimson, Taash decided to wait for that perfect moment. For now, it was enough to be there for her, ready to tackle whatever new challenges fate threw at them. Maybe, when things calm down between projects, they'll find the courage to say what's already on their minds.

The days that followed found the group continuing through the dense and ancient Arlathan Forest. There was a gradual deepening of the bond between Taash and Harding, which was left unspoken. They exchanged glances across campfires, brushed hands, and made promises they didn't say out loud. All of this contributed to the strong bond of affection between them. The quiet camaraderie, the gentle nudges when Harding celebrated after a successful hunt, the lingering way Taash's gaze would soften upon Harding--these gestures told a story that couldn't be put into words.
One evening, as the camp settled into the stillness of night, Taash found Harding. She was on her own, looking up at the stars, her bow resting across her knees. She looked lost in thought, her expression contemplative and tender, as she gazed at the night sky.
"Do you mind if I join you?" Taash asked, in a gentle tone.
Harding looked over and gave a little smile. "Not at all," she replied.
They sat side by side, close enough to the fire to keep warm on the night air. For a while, there was just silence, with the sounds of the night providing a soft background to the peace. The flames crackled and popped, the leaves rustled under a gentle breeze, and the distant hoot of an owl punctuated the forest's lullaby.
"There's something I've been meaning to tell you," Taash began, feeling the rhythm of their heartbeat against their ribs. The weight of their feelings seemed pretty intense.
Harding turned towards them, her eyes catching the firelight, giving her gaze a soft glow. "What's on your mind?" she asked, her voice inviting him to share.
Taash took a deep breath and gathered their courage. "That day in the clearing... when you helped me with the bow... it meant a lot more to me than you know." They spoke in almost inaudible whispers, their words full of vulnerability.
Harding's features softened, and a blush appeared on her freckled cheeks. "I enjoyed it too," she admitted, holding Taash's gaze. In that gaze, Taash saw something transformative--something genuine, unguarded, and mutual.
Taash reached out and took her hand in a gentle, caring way, despite their imposing stature. "Lace," they said, as if making a tender confession. "I care about you." "Not just as a colleague." Their words were loaded with sincerity.
Harding's eyes widened for a moment, and she took a quick breath. "Taash, I..."
Before she could say anything, they heard a rustling in the bushes. Their years of battle experience kicked in as they sprang to their feet, weapons at the ready.
From the shadows, a deer emerged, its eyes catching the light of the campfire. It paused for a moment, looking at them, before running off into the woods, leaving them standing there awkwardly.
Harding let out a soft laugh and lowered her bow. "Just a deer," she said, sounding relieved.
Taash nodded, and the tension in their shoulders eased. "It was just a false alarm," they said. The shared laughter helped break the tension, but the air was still thick with things left unsaid.
Harding sat back down and met Taash's gaze, her expression softened by the fire's glow. "You were saying?"
Taash swallowed hard, still feeling a bit nervous. "Lace, I care about you," they said again, this time their voice stronger and more sincere.
Harding looked away for a moment, her cheeks turning a little red. "Taash, I..." She took a breath, her eyes rising again, and she looked like she was about to cry. "I care about you too." Her voice was barely audible, but it carried more weight than any declaration Taash had ever heard.
Another howl cut through the night, a distant but unmistakable call. He could hear footsteps approaching--they were coming in a hurry and sounded pretty insistent.
Their newfound closeness was once again interrupted, and Harding let out a sigh as she looked over her shoulder to see what was going on. "We should take a look," she said quietly, already getting up.
Taash nodded, looking a bit resigned but still determined. "We'll do it another time," they said, with a promise in their voice that they intended to keep. They gave her a smile--a nod to what had just happened, even if it wasn't going to happen right away.
Together, they headed towards the disturbance, side by side, their connection growing even stronger, even in silence. They had a real understanding now, something you couldn't put into words. It was a promise they'd made to each other, and they could feel it.
As time went on, their bond grew stronger with each new challenge they faced together. The constant interruptions and moments that didn't end up getting finished were finally starting to go away, which meant there were more and more times when they could have a bit of peace between battles and connect without being interrupted. Small but meaningful gestures, lingering touches, and shared smiles became more common--a blooming tenderness.
As the sun was setting over a camp near a gentle stream, Taash found Harding alone again. She was looking thoughtful, tracing the way the light moved on the water's surface. The sun was setting, bathing the scene in a golden glow that softened the world.
"Do you mind if I join you?" Taash asked, their voice gentler still.
Harding looked up and smiled. "Of course not."
They sat down next to her, and the peaceful flow of the water wrapped around them like a comforting embrace.
"I've been thinking a lot about what you said," Harding finally said, her tone thoughtful.
Taash's heart started to beat faster, and they felt a growing sense of excitement. "And?"
Harding turned, her gaze open and vulnerable. "I had an epiphany," she said, reaching out to touch Taash's hand. She brushed her fingers against theirs, then entwined their hands. "I care about you too, Taash. "In a way I hadn't really thought about until now."
Taash smiled, and their worries melted away. "I'm glad," they said, their fingers intertwining with hers, showing in that light pressure what words couldn't.
As the sun set, they sat together, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Their hands clasped, they shared a newfound peace, one that promised more than just survival--a companionship forged in battles both external and internal. Together, they awaited dawn, comforted by the certainty that whatever challenges loomed, they would face them side by side.

Commissioned by an anonymous client
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