Aspen Amell did not lower her hood as the guards approached. She did not react to their looks.
“I'm here to see Sister Leliana.”
It had been years, and yet Aspen’s love had not faltered. From their letters she knew the same was true for Leliana.
They exchanged a look. “She isn't here. If it's an emergency, you can talk to her second in command.”
Aspen frowned. Leliana wasn't in Skyhold. That was not ideal.
“When will she be back?”
Another look was exchanged. “I don't see how that's any of your business.”
“Then I'll speak to Lady Montilyet.” Aspen said flatly. Maybe it would be easier if she announced herself as Warden-Commander Amell, but she didn't want to.
Aspen wanted a few days of rest before getting dragged into anything. She wanted a few days with Leliana. A few days of peace.
“And why should we allow that?”
“I will take her.” Aspen had met Cassandra Pentaghast only once but it was clear the woman recognized her, despite Aspen’s cloak hiding her Warden armor and the years between their meeting and now.
“Seeker?”
“Leliana would be beyond furious to learn if this woman in particular was turned away.” Pentaghast said, her voice steady.
Aspen waited until they were out of earshot before speaking. “When will she be back?”
“Sometime tonight, I think.”
Something in Aspen’s chest eased. Their reunion wasn't far off.
Skyhold was a sturdy castle, built to withstand sieges or natural disasters. Aspen was led through the mail hall and into what looked like a side office.
Aspen had never met Josephine Montileyet, but it was clear to her that Leliana cared about her. Josephine was the closest thing Leliana had to a sister.
“Cassandra, I wasn't expecting - oh. You're her.” Josephine stood quickly, shaking Aspen’s hand with no regard for the grime on Aspen’s glove. “We weren't expecting you. Was Leliana -”
“No.” Aspen interrupted. “Leliana didn't know I was heading here. It was meant to be a surprise.”
“And she's not here.” Josephine finished. She was smiling. “But maybe that is a good thing. It gives you time to clean up and get some rest.”
“And some food.” Aspen could really use something warm.
Aspen wasn't entirely sure when she fell asleep. She remembered sitting on the bed in Leliana's room, and everything after that was… foggy. She opened her eyes.
Aspen could hear humming, faint but so clearly Leliana's voice. She had been tucked under the blankets, cocooned in their warmth.
“Leliana.”
The humming stopped, and a moment later the other woman entered her vision. It was clear she was restraining herself from pulling Aspen into her arms. Her hair was damp, and she was not in armor.
“My love.” Leliana’s fingers trembled against her face, a light touch to her cheekbones. “You - it was a shock to find you in my bed.”
“You didn't join me.” Aspen reached up to tug on her sleeve. They could talk properly after sleeping. “Come here.”
Leliana went willingly. A quick maneuver had her under the blankets behind Aspen, one arm settling over her waist as Leliana pressed herself up against Aspen’s back. Her nose brushed against Aspen’s neck as she buried her face in Aspen’s hair.
“How long are you here for?” Cautious hope was clear in her voice.
“As long as you want me.” Aspen ran her fingers along Leliana's arm. “We… We found something. It's not a cure, but… it extends our time. I don't wish to be away from you anymore.”
Leliana released a shaky breath. “I want you for as long as you wish to stay.”
“Eternity, then?”
“Eternity.”