Ferelden and the Frostbacks lay far below me. It was a reminder of flying a dragon in Skyrim. The only difference this time is that I had control of this dragon. If it chose to loop around, or fly upside down, I was fucked. So I smacked it in the head with the flat of my sword. "Get on the ground, you stupid fucking dragon." It just roared, trying to shake me off. I squeezed my thighs, hoping I'd stay in place. "Don't make me use my Thu'um. It will only end badly for both of us." It roared again.
So I used my Thu'um. It was a shout that forced a dragon to land. But it worked different on Thedas, as the dragon plummeted to the ground. It hit with a sickening crunch, and I went flying off to the side. I felt my head hit something, my vision turning blurry. I heard voices, but couldn't make out what they were saying. Then I felt a hand under my armpit. "Up, Dragonborn. You must finish this."
Sten. He helped drag me upright, handing me my sword. I returned my shield and shook my head of cobwebs. The dragon was just about on its feet, it too struggling. The fight wouldn't last much longer. It met my eyes and leaned its head back. So I stepped forward and used my Th'um again. Its head rock back and I sprinted forward, sliding and ramming my sword upwards into the neck of the dragon, pushing up all the way to the hilt, then twisting for good measure. The dragon roared as I then attempted to cut forward to it mouth, the dragon trying to shake me free.
Withdrawing my sword, I rolled forward and turn, watching as blood flowed freely from the wound. The dragon started to stagger, and I knew it wouldn't be long. Its head dipped, and I managed to lift myself up onto the top of its jaw. Crossing my legs to keep it shut, I lifted my sword and jammed it through an eye. That ended the fight, its head and body collapsing to the ground as I fell to the ground with it, rolling away onto my back.
Looking up at the clear blue sky, I just enjoyed the view and the silence for a few seconds before faces appeared in my vision, looking down at me in wonderment. Sten crossed an arm across his chest, bowing his head. Zevran did the same. Everyone else copied them. "Dragonborn," they stated as one. Sten offered his hand again, helping me to my feet.
"Unbelievable," Alistair stated, "Seeing is truly believing."
"And you did that often?" Morrigan wondered.
"I tried not to, but I did kill a lot of dragons. I would attempt to talk to them, but many were afraid of me, others believed they were more powerful. I proved them wrong."
Solona and Leliana just looked at me in silence, Leliana with a look on her face that suggested 'I want to fuck him again, right now', while Solona's was 'I want to fuck him for the first time right now.' Cerys looked like 'I might have to ask Alistair if I can fuck him.' I was left thinking camp that night could be fun, but first there was the matter of returning there. It was far easier than our journey to, and after gathering Genitivi, who was already planning a Chantry back expedition, we headed back to Haven.
We split up upon arriving back in the village. Genitivi headed to the Chantry, wondering if he could find anything the villagers might have left behind. I spoke to the rest, stating I was just going to take a few minutes to myself. I always did after a dragon fight. I would pray to the Gods, pray to Talos, thanking them for my gift, and also allowing me to survive the fight.
I walked to the shores of the lake after collecting a small rug from the cottage. Placing the rug on the ground, I fell to my knees and took the amulet from underneath my armour. Kissing the amulet, I held it in my fist as I closed my eyes.
"Mighty Talos, thank you for blessing me with this gift.
Mighty Akatosh, may I continue to prove worthy of the gift you bestowed upon me."
Then I surprised myself by adding,
"Blessed Andraste, thank you for guiding yours towards me. May I prove worthy of their love for me as they love you."
Standing by the lake shore a little later, I simply gazed across it in silence, thinking over everything that had just happened. If we hadn't arrived back in Haven so late, we probably would have left for Redcliffe straight away. But with the sun low in the sky, and the temperature starting to drop, Cerys and Alistair agreed with me that we'd make camp in the village a final night before heading off.
In the silence, I heard footsteps approach, not turning to see who. The steps were light so I assumed it was one of the many women I was now surrounded by. Sensing someone next to me, I noticed it was Solona. She returned my glance and smiled. "I've never seen anything like that before."
I shrugged. "I've killed many dragons. That was just one more."
"But you showed no fear, Ragnar! And leaping on it like that as it flew away!"
"I know, crazy right?"
"Not just crazy. Brave. Courageous. And all the other words that match such an act." She stepped around so she stood in front of me, grasping my hand. "It was so exciting to watch, and I was also so worried."
"Worried? Why?"
She started to blush as she whispered, "I love you, Ragnar."
I met her eyes and could see what I thought had been devotion was also love. And I thought I should warn her immediately. "I'm not sure you want to go down that road with me, Solona. I know we've done things, but..." I trailed off and sighed.
"I've already spoken to Leliana."
"Oh... What did she say?"
She took a deep breath. "I love you, Ragnar. You're... I don't have all the words. But the day you strode into the Circle, looking how you do, like a warrior out of the books I used to read, I left the Circle with you knowing I wanted to be with you." I stayed silent, as all I want to ask was 'Are you sure?' She took another deep breath. "There's another reason why I'm telling you all this." She'd been looking away but met my eyes again. "I want you to be my first."
Those were the words I had wanted to hear. 'I want you' stated with complete confidence. I tried to keep my face serious, but I couldn't stop the smile forming. But I still asked, "Are you sure? You want me to be the one?"
"By the Maker, yes. Definitely yes. Listen, have you seen the mages I had to live with? I can compare every single one to you and none of them stack up. No, I've made my mind up. I made it up long ago. I made it up that same day. I want you, Ragnar."
I would have said yes immediately. I'd slept with virgins before. They seemed attracted to me for some reason. But with everything going on, and with what Solona had been through herself, I'll admit that I needed advice. So, since she'd spoken at length with Leliana, I took Solona by the hand and went to find her. Once I did, I directed all of us to the cottage we shared, and once sat down, I explained.
"Solona wants me to be her first."