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Malika Rides the Bull	By : LadySummerisle Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 9572 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age: Inquisition, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Malika woke to the feeling of a gust of wind against her face and bolted upright. She was in her quarters. There should not be a breeze, She thought. It was then she noticed the source of the disturbance. Cole sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his feet.
   “Past, present, future together at once.” Malika heard Iron Bull groan from the other side of the bed.
“Cole?”
“Lives lived, lives yet to be. She’s eager, nervous. She waits. She’ll find what she’s looking for, but not the way she wants it. She--”
   “COLE!” Shouted Malika. He stopped and looked at her with a wide eye peeking from under his hat, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled, but you need to stop doing this. This is the third time this week you’ve come up here to spout gibberish, now what are you going on about?!”
   He paused for a long moment, looking away then turned his gaze back on her,
   “Cassandra is back, she wants to see you.”
   “Oh. Well, um...thank you, Cole.” her irritation at him abated at his announcement. Cassandra had been away in Val Royeaux for a month overseeing Leliana’s appointment as Divine. From what she had heard, everything had gone even better than they had foreseen and Cassandra asked leave to return to Skyhold and continue her work with the Inquisition. In that time, Malika had missed her terribly. They had never been separated for so long since the day they met and she was eager to embrace her friend again.
   She shooed Cole away and began to dress herself.
“Fine, fine...if you’re getting up...” said Bull. He rolled out of bed and began the process of locating his pants,
   “It’s already a beautiful day and it’s just begun…” mused Malika as she jiggled herself into her trousers, “Not only do I get to see Cassandra, but I woke up next to the Iron Bull...how lucky is that?”
   Iron Bull chuckled,
   “You wake up next to me every day, Kadan.” he said as he latched his belt,
   “I live a charmed life...” she said. Bull smiled and shook his head. Malika walked over to him for a kiss. Despite the rude awakening, it did feel like a particularly good morning. She and Bull barged down the stairs together, pushing and roughhousing like kids.
   Cassandra wasn’t in the main hall, so they went to look for her outside. From the doorway they could see that she was in her favorite spot next to the tavern. Having just returned, she had already picked up a sword and started going through her paces. Perhaps they didn’t have a proper training area in Val Royeaux. Malika took a running jump onto the banister, then Iron Bull’s back,
   “Onward, noble steed! To Cassandra!” she cried and Iron Bull gave her a bumpy ride through the courtyard. Cassandra smiled as she saw them approach,
   “Show some decorum, Inquisitor!” she said, but Malika could tell she was amused. She jumped down and went to hug her,
   “On a day like this? Not a chance! But yes, to business. You have to tell me everything about your travels, I feel like it’s been ages.”
   Cassandra’s face sobered,
   “Yes, many things have happened. If you will excuse us, Bull.”
   “Of course.” he said. Malika beckoned him down for a kiss that he returned eagerly, then he smacked her bottom then went on his way.
“You two are in a mood…” said Cassandra dryly,
“Well, the world is safe...for the moment...the sun is out and you’re back, it’s a great day.”
“Yes,” said Cassandra, “Let’s hope it stays that way.”
She and Malika began to talk and slowly walk up the battlements. Things were going well in Val Royeaux. Although Leliana’s election as Divine was initially met with shock and unrest, things were quieting down. Slowly she was gaining people’s trust and due to her inclusive stance, the Chantry had begun receiving allies and converts from all walks of life. It pleased Malika to know that more people would find the same peace and love in Andraste as she had. Cassandra was acting off, though. Nervous. She didn’t give it much thought until they began passing through one of the many chambers that lined the perimeter of Skyhold.
“Inquisitor,” said Cassandra before she could open the next door, “Before you do that I must...well...I don’t know how to tell you this, but...There’s someone here to see you.”
“Here?” asked Malika, looking around the dank, little corridor they stood in. Cassandra let out a huff that might have been a laugh,
“No...On the other side of the door...Perhaps it is best if you see for yourself.”
She was confused, intrigued and nervous. Cassandra was usually so straightforward about things...the fact that she hadn’t mentioned a visitor earlier seemed suspect,
“Ok…” she said, and opened the door,
Standing on the battlements was a short, hooded figure. A dwarf? They looked in her direction, then reached up and pulled their hood down to reveal a crown of golden hair, glimmering in the sunlight. Malika froze.   It was as if for a moment all of her systems came to a halt and she wondered if she was actually awake at all. In fact, she pressed the fingers of one hand into the palm of the other to see if she could will them to push through--a trick Solas had taught her to see if she was dreaming. Her hand was solid. This was real.
“Amli?” she said in disbelief.
“Malika.” Hearing her name from those lips melted her. It was so rare that anyone used her first name anymore, even Iron Bull preferred “Kadan” or “Boss”. She had been drawn back into another life, a life that now felt like just a dream. Malika found her feet and stepped forward,
“What are you doing here?” she demanded, “How did...how are you even here?”
Amli stared at her with her mouth slightly agape. It was criminal how much she resembled herself. The same idealized person from her memory stood before her now, like nothing had ever changed,
“It’s a long story...” she said, but her eyes widened in a sudden realization and she dropped to her knees, head bowed, “I hope that you will permit me to explain, your worship.”
“Please,” said Malika, extending her hand, “you don’t have to do that, in fact, I would really prefer you didn’t.”
                 Amli looked up and cautiously accepted her outstretched hand, allowing her to help her up. They made eye contact for a moment, but Malika looked away,
           “This isn’t the place,” she said, “I need a minute.”
Malika turned away and walked towards Cassandra, who was standing stiffly in the doorway,
“Could you bring her to my chambers in a bit? I just need some time.”
“Of course,” said Cassandra. She put her hand on Malika’s shoulder as she left.
Malika walked to her chambers in a daze. It felt like she had been struck upside the head. When she arrived, she sat at her desk, cradling her head in her hands for what seemed like an eternity, but it didn’t help. The extra time she had allotted herself had accomplished nothing and she was dreading hearing--
“Inquisitor?” her voice.
She looked up and saw her standing at the top of the stairs,
“Come in,” said Malika. Amli walked towards the desk tentatively,
       “Thank you for seeing me, your worship--” she started, but Malika stopped her,
       “Please,” she said, “Just call me Malika...Nobody calls me that anymore and it’s...nice to hear you say it.”
       Amli mustered a little smile and nodded,
       “Thank you, Malika.” she said. The tension was so thick and Malika was so nervous. She had to remind herself that she had killed several dragons and a “magister god-monster” as Sera so eloquently put it. This talking thing should be easy.
       “So…” said Malika, standing up and walking around to the other side of the desk, “I never thought I’d see you again and yet here you are...above ground...in my castle…”
       Amli tittered nervously,
       “Yes,” she said, looking around at the stonework, “Your castle...It’s lovely.”
       “Why are you here?” asked Malika abruptly. She couldn’t handle the small talk and she had so many emotions fighting in her head. She was angry--her old wounds had opened and she wanted the answers she had never been given--but she also felt concern and love. More than anything she was relieved to see her alive and well, but she dared not let her guard down in case this was some sort of trick from Orzammar. Amli was no stranger to that.
Amli looked at her feet for a moment,
“I uh...guess...I…” she paused and inhaled deeply, her breath hitching a little as she did. When she exhaled she couldn’t stop a large sob from escaping,
“I’m sorry!” she said, tears welling in her eyes, “I wanted to tell you I’m so sorry!”
Amli’s hands rose to her face, covering her shame as she cried heavily. Malika couldn’t help but go to her and take her into arms, letting her soak the front of her shirt in tears.
“Shh, shh, it’s alright,” she said as she stroked her back. Amli’s arms snaked around her waist and pulled her close, but this only caused her to bawl harder as she grasped and clutched. The familiar scent of her hair reached Malika’s nose, causing memories to re-emerge. She closed her eyes against them and willed herself to remain strong and stoic, but it was no easy task with Amli’s warm curves pressing up against her own, memories of their nights together and the love she felt flitting through her head.
Eventually her tears subsided and Malika guided her to the couch, handing her a handkerchief.
“How did you get here?” asked Malika, “Why aren’t you in Orzammar?”
Amli sniffled and wiped her nose. She looked at the floor as she answered,
“I had to leave…”
“Why?” ]
“Being a Deshyr’s wife was...not what I had expected…” she paused and took a breath, “I guess I don’t really know what I expected. He and my parents...th-they told me if I cared about you that it would be for the best...they said...it would make our ancestors proud and I...I believed them.”
She let out a little sob and brought the handkerchief to her eyes. Malika reached out and took her hand. She looked up and mustered a quick smile, but couldn’t bring herself to maintain eye contact for long,
“When you left, he blamed me. He was...cruel.”
Malika could tell that “cruel” was a nice way to put whatever had happened to her.
“I’m so sorry…” she said. Amli met her eyes,
“Don’t be. There were other women there...there still are and you’re not one of them. I thank the Maker every day for that.”
A lump grew in Malika’s throat. She did not want to know of the life Amli left behind, the life she herself had very narrowly avoided. After a brief silence, Malika realized something,
“‘Thank the Maker’ Are you Andrastian now?”
“Of course,” she responded as though it was obvious, “How do you think I got out? He might have despised me, but he was jealous and possessive. I couldn’t just leave. I overheard a midwife talking to a concubine. For a bribe, she offered to take her daughter to the Chantry in the Commons, she said they take them in, sometimes even find homes for them on the surface...I thought maybe they could help me, too. I didn’t know anything about Andraste or the Chant of Light, but I thought it had to be better...anything had to be better...so when the time was right, I snuck out. They told me if I devoted my life to Andraste, they would smuggle me to the surface and I accepted.”
“I thought that maybe I could find you…” she added sadly, she had hardly looked at Malika through her entire story, “But they wouldn’t let me...they said it was dangerous...and then the Conclave happened and I heard of the Herald and she had your name. I didn’t believe it was you at first, Malika’s a pretty common name, after all...but then I heard the songs and the tales. The champion of Andraste with her golden eyes and purple tattoos.” a tiny smile crossed her lips, “Moving silent as the dead until you see her daggers glint...the fangs of Andraste’s Mabari…When I heard that, I knew...I just knew it was my Malika…”
She stopped suddenly and added uneasily,
“I mean...you...Anyway, when Divine Victoria was appointed I begged to go to Val Royeaux, I thought if I could talk to her maybe...I don’t know...but I couldn’t get close to her, I’m just a lay sister. I petitioned for meetings but was rejected--I never even laid eyes on her--but one day I saw Seeker Pentaghast. She was walking very fast, but I had heard the stories, I knew she knew you, so I ran after her, calling her name. She ignored me. I knew she was busy, but finally I just yelled, ‘Please tell Malika I’m sorry!’ and that made her stop. She turned around and walked up to me. I thought she was going to hit me. She can be a terrifying woman.”
Malika had to stifle a laugh under her breath, remembering the first time she met Cassandra,
“She glared down at me for a minute, but then she reached out and pulled at my braid...and she said my name…” Amli took a breath before she continued, “I told her my story and she told me if I wanted forgiveness, I should ask for it face to face. So here I am.”
Her blue eyes finally met Malika’s in earnest, they were red and puffy, but still so beautiful,
“I’m sorry.”
“I need some fresh air.” said Malika abruptly. She stood up and walked out to the balcony. The sun was high over the mountains, reflecting their glittery peaks. In another life she had promised Amli she would show her these sights. The sky, the sun, all the world had to offer. All the beauty and freedom she had been denied. She felt sickened. She was so quick to believe her love would betray her that she never thought she might also be a victim.
Malika turned around and saw Amli standing at the door, uneasy,
“Come here.” she said, holding out her hand. Amli walked towards her, took it and they looked out at the mountains for a time,
“Was I right? Is the surface beautiful?”
“Yes...” said Amli, her voice wavering. Malika turned to see pearls of tears glistening on her cheek. She took her free hand and wiped one away. Amli gasped at the touch. Malika felt a pit of regret in her stomach. It was like all the possible futures and pasts they could share were bunching inside her ready to pop. She held her face in her hand, leaned in and kissed her cheek,
“I forgive you.” she said. Amli’s lips turned up at the corners slightly and she nodded.
“And I’m here for you. The Inquisition is here for you. You can go back to the Chantry if you’d like, but as long as I’m Inquisitor, there will be a place for you here.”
“Thank you...I would like that.”
They stood for a moment, gazing into each other’s eyes until Amli broke the silence,
“That man…” she said, “The Qunari...I saw you with him from the battlements. I’ve heard stories about him.”
“The Iron Bull.” said Malika, her heart twittered as she said it.
“You and him are…?”
“In love.” she said and looked out at the mountains again. She could have gone on, told her how he had been brave and strong through the worst of times. How he had healed her heart and taught her to laugh, love and trust again; but those words would have only been hurtful. They were nothing she needed to hear. Amli had already been punished enough for the pain she had caused and Malika would spare her from anything more.
“It’s funny,” said Amli with an ironic laugh, “All the stories I heard of you...being saved from the fade by Andraste herself, traveling through time, killing high dragons, and the only one I ever thought to question was you and a Qunari mercenary...the Maker does have a sense of humor.”
“You’re telling me…” said Malika, “Come on. If you really do want to stay, let me show you where I think we can use you.”
They left her quarters and Malika took her to meet Josephine who was elated at the prospect of having someone so knowledgeable about dwarven politics working with her. They hit it off immediately and Malika couldn’t help but notice Josephine’s bright eyes and lingering glances whenever she thought Amli wasn’t looking. The three walked out together when they were finished. Malika gave Amli a friendly hug and left her with Josephine for a tour of the grounds. When she turned around she saw Iron Bull watching her from across the hall. She gestured her head towards the door to her chambers and he met her there.
The door closed behind him and they stood silent for a moment.
“That was her, wasn’t it?” said Iron Bull. Malika had told him about Amli--about all of her past--the night with the dress. He already knew much of it from his Ben-Hassrath reports, but it was good to get it off her chest and let him hear it from her.
“Yes,” said Malika.
“So I take it that life with a guy willing to put a hit out on a woman who refuses him probably wasn’t that fun, huh?”
“No.” Just the thought of whatever it was Amli had to endure made Malika feel sick to her stomach. She stared into nothing, eyes unfocused.
“So...are you and her…?”
“What!?” Malika snapped back to reality, “No. I gave her a job, I’m going to protect her, but no. Anything we might have had ended five years ago when I went into hiding. I love you. I want to be with you forever. You mean everything to me and you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
“That’s...good to hear, Kadan.” he tried to be casual, but she could see the relief on his face.
“I do need something from you, though.”
“Name it,” he said as he got down on his knees to be at her level.
She put her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“I need you tonight,” she said when they parted, “ I need you to take me and be as rough as you can. I want to feel you and when I’ve said I’ve had enough, I need you to go harder.”
His lips quirked up into a smirk and the wicked look in his eye made her heart jump.
“Can do.”
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Malika Rides the Bull