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Chapter Text

A tendency to always think in straight lines. That’s what Varric deemed as a redeeming characteristic for his replacement. Well. It certainly kept Solas on his toes, that much was for certain since he’d been surprised to see her alive and out of that damned prison and in the city of Minrathous.

‘I’ll have you know I’m full of surprises.’ Rook had taunted him, distrusting and angry following Solas’ unsurprising betrayal. Being as tired and cranky as ever she had bitched at the God of Lies until they’d reached the base of that gross blight tendril attached to the Archon’s palace. If anything Solas seemed amused by her frustration, which had only added to said frustration… The battle wore on, with Solas fighting the Archdemon while the rest climbed the Tendril to face Elgar’nan… The Inquisitor had been a wealth of aid and hope for everyone, as he had been during the fight against Corypheus. His warm gold eyes had held nothing but gentle affection towards the Veilguard, reminding them that they’d survived this far… one more fight. One more god… things should have been easier. They’d had a plan and Bellara had inside knowledge about the Blight. They’d had a plan! That plan went to shit when Solas nearly got his ass kicked, only to be saved by Bellara.

Lucanis had ended up being damn near thrown into a wall by Elgar’nan and Emmrich had moved to check that the assassin was alive. He was if the Antivan cursing was anything to go by. That left only herself against Elgar’nan… but Rook tended to think in straight lines. So when the Archdemon was dead, and Solas collapsed to the ground beside it, she flipped the Lyrium Dagger into her hands and launched herself at the Tyrant… thankfully her blade struck true but, similarly to Ghilan’nain, nothing is ever that simple. She heard Emmrich and Lucanis call her name. She heard Solas too. And then… she was flying…? Falling…? Everything hurt and she couldn’t make out anything beyond a few feet away.

Bright green enveloped her and suddenly her back was hitting snow, her head cracking against a rock. Her breathing was shallow and the snow beneath her head seemed to grow warm. Blood… definitely blood. She’d lost the Lyrium Dagger, likely still lodged in Elgar’nan’s jugular…

Rook wasn’t sure how long she lay there; eyes staring up at the sky, a rift open above her and a throbbing in her head. Maybe she should sleep…? Sleep sounded like a good idea…

-

It was dark when her eyes opened again… and warm… she was covered by a blanket and seemed to be in some sort of cabin… a soft, pained groan left her lips as she tried to lift her head, the world spinning in her head from the movement.

“Fetch the Herald… she is awake.” She knew that voice… heard that voice before. Who…? She didn’t get a chance to contemplate it before gentle fingers turned her head to examine the back of it. “You’re healing nicely. Soon you will be able to get out of bed.” The voice reassured her as the fingers retreated.

“Solas? How is she?” She knew that voice too. Calm and soothing. Affection… the bed dipped as someone came to sit at the edge of her cot, allowing her to see their face. “Hello… how do you feel?” Inquisitor… Cedric.

“Ced…?” Her throat was dry when she said his name, voice cracking, and a quizzical look crossed his face before he seemed to roll with it. “Where…? What happened…?” Rook tried to sit up then. She got about halfway up before she hissed and had to lay back down as her head throbbed painfully.

“We are in Haven. My team and I found you in the Snow beneath a rift.” Cedric explained carefully, helping her sit up as Solas handed him a cup of water.

‘Wait. Haven… Haven was long since buried under snow and rock… and Solas… he was uninjured… and not dressed like some pompous dickhead with a God Complex.’ Rook frowned and reached for her head, finding bandages wrapped firmly around it.

“You’re safe with the Inquisition. Though Leliana and Cass will want to question you. Do you think you can stand…?” Cedric’s voice, calm and gentle as ever, pulled her back.

“I think so…” ugh she hated how uneasy she felt as the Mage stood and helped her from the bed. Solas had kept his distance, hands clasped behind his back. Similar to his stance in that damned prison. So poised and elegant…

“What’s your name?” Rook turned her head to look at the dark-haired man as he helped her stand and walk to the door. Her mind was racing with every second and every step. Answering that question suddenly felt a lot more complicated than it should be…

“Rook… my friends call me Rook.” There. Simple. Nickname… maybe if anyone asks her real name she could just say she doesn’t remember. Play the amnesiac card until she can get the fuck out of here and back to her own time.

Her own time… that thought came crashing over her like ice water… 12 years in the past… Haven was still standing… and Solas… was just Solas.

“Well, Rook. You seem to know me already but I’m Cedric. And that’s Solas. He was with us when we found you.” Cedric explained as they walked slowly to the Chantry, Solas walking a few steps behind just in case she fell or something. Rook kind of ended up spacing out as Cedric talked to her about… something.

“Ah! Cedric. Solas. Our guest is awake?” That voice was heavily accented and had an undertone of suspicion to it as Solas opened a door and Cedric helped her over to a chair that had been placed by a large wooden table.

“Don’t go too hard on her, Leliana. I think she has a concussion.” Cedric said with a good-natured wink before he moved over to sit on the edge of the table, getting a disapproving huff from a woman in Seeker armour. Cassandra… right. Inquisition early days.

“I’m ok… thanks. I… don’t really know what happened… I was fighting and the next thing I know I’m in the snow and that thing was above my head.” Rook rubbed tiredly at her temples, a soft groan leaving her lips. Everything ached and by the gods, Leliana was practically circling her like a vulture.

“That’s alright. Let’s start with your name and where you’re from.” Leliana’s eyes were practically drilling into her own, searching for any deceit. Any at all.

“Rook… I’m from a Dalish Clan that frequents Arlathan Forest. I’m not entirely sure how I got this far south… Haven is in Ferelden right?” The truth was probably in her best interest with the way she was being watched. She did have to thank whatever good fortune she had that she was dressed like a Dalish Elf… especially considering she had frequently bought Crow armour whenever she had been in Treviso with Lucanis…

“Memory loss. Not uncommon with head trauma.” Solas piped up from somewhere behind her. She could feel his eyes boring into her. Studying her.

“Rook is a nickname. I need an actual name.” Rook went a bit pale at Leliana’s demand, her fingers picking at the skin of her wrist. “A name.”

“Cut her some slack Lel… she just woke up.” She heard Cass huff in disapproval again at Cedric’s intervention.

“Katarina... Ugh…” Rook reached up to rub at her temples. Everything was too loud and too bright for her senses… “Sorry… head hurts…” she stiffened a little when she felt someone gently rest their fingers against her temples, their skin cool and soothing to her pain. Rook sighed softly and relaxed slowly into the soothing coolness.

“I have a final question…” Cedric waited until Rook’s eyes found his, searching her gaze as if to check that she was listening before continuing. “I’ve never seen a Dalish Elf with markings like yours.” He motioned to her left eye and Rook almost reached for her eye instinctively.

Stylised diamond shapes and geometric lines flowed gracefully from her left eye to her temple. Most definitely not a standard Vallaslin. 

“I believe it is some sort of reference to Fen’Harel.” Came Solas’ voice from behind her as those cool fingers fell away from her temples.

“It is. None of the other Gods fit when I was choosing my Vallaslin… so I let the Keeper choose for me. I like it. Suits me I think…” Rook shrugged a little, spacing out a little as she sighed and shrugged. “Fen’Harel was an outsider… as am I…”

The Herald of Andraste seemed to find her answer satisfactory, for now at least. He dismissed them all, requesting that Solas allow her to share his little cabin until she was fully healed. Unfortunately, she didn’t disagree with the man’s decision. Especially after she nearly fell over after standing to leave. She ended up having to let the Dread Wolf himself guide her back to his modest little cabin near the potions maker.

Gods this was going to be an absolute nightmare…

Chapter Text

Waking the next morning had been… an interesting experience. Solas was awake when Rook sat up, carefully stretching her aching muscles. The Dread Wolf handed her a hot bowl of stew and stepped out to go and do… something. Leaving Rook to fend for herself. Typical. It took some effort to get dressed in her gear again, stiff and sore as she was. However, when she stepped out into the snowy air it wasn’t the cold that caused her to freeze. That voice… the laugh… Varric… She crept up to the corner of a building and looked around with a pensive look and her heart in her throat. His laughter carried from a campfire where he told one of his stories about the Champion of Kirkwall to any who would listen… the elf pulled her bottom lip between her teeth as she turned and walked quickly away from Solas’ cabin to the Chantry.

She ended up hiding in a small prayer room through a side door, biting back tears as emotion and memories battered her mind. ‘He died! He died and I thought he was there the whole time! Solas did that to me… He did that to me for months… Why…?’ Rook covered her mouth with her hands as a sob threatened to escape her. She jolted and wiped away stray tears quickly as footsteps echoed softly around her.

“Genius idea. Hiding in the Chantry. No one would look for a Dalish Elf here.” Cedric’s voice was soft as he came to sit beside her in the small prayer room. She stiffened but didn’t run away. Not yet anyway. “You won’t be harmed here, Rook. I won’t let them hurt you.” He continued when he realised she was remaining in her seat.

“I know…” Cedric relaxed when Rook spoke to him, her voice wavering… thick with emotions. “Just… I don’t want to be a problem.” Cedric made a soft noise in his throat, almost a chuckle.

“You’re not. I’m just glad you’re ok. Solas found you in the snow and you were so cold I thought you were dead already. You strike me as a survivor though.” Cedric looked over at the young-looking elf, studying the way her Vallaslin followed the lines of her face. “Solas, Cassandra and I are heading out to the Hinterlands to talk to a few people. I’d like you to come. We could use the extra mage.” He stood then, extending out a hand to her. “Come. Your armour is not nearly warm enough for the weather here in the south.”

Rook allowed him to pull her up and to the armour and weapons master, helping her find some mage armour made out of furs and wool. Cedric gave her a quizzical look when she snickered at the white wolf pelt that she was given.

“Cassandra and Solas are waiting for us at the gates.” Cedric led Rook through the ever-growing crowd of Inquisition People. ‘So this is where the movement started… Where people found hope at the end of the world.’ Rook was quiet as they trudged through mud and snow and forests on the road to the Hinterlands. Varric had joined them last minute, a jolt of pain going through the young Mage at the sight of her dead mentor… He was younger now, more carefree. The bite of her nails digging into her palms was all that stopped her self-control from snapping as Solas and Varric talked ahead of her.

“Rook? Did you hear me?” She jolted and turned to look at Cassandra with a confused look in her eyes. She shook her head to reorient herself before giving Cassandra a small grin.

“Sorry Seeker… Lost in thought for a moment there. What did you say?” Rook gave the seeker a sheepish grin, which was endearing enough that the woman wasn’t watching her suspiciously anymore.

“What was Arlathan like?” Cassandra asked dryly, still studying Rook as the young elf thought about her answer.

“Pretty. Full of magic… Oh! And full of spirits too! They always have so many stories to tell about the ruins and the people who built them.” Rook grew excited as she started describing one particular set of ruins near the Dalish Camp. “There’s an artifact in those ruins that causes water to flow into the sky like a river… It’s amazing.”

While Rook continued to talk about Arlathan Forest, and her discussions with Spirits of Wisdom, Courage and Valour, Solas walked beside Varric, half listening to the odd little elf. She was both an enigma and an open book… Bright enthusiasm in her eyes that was shadowed by a cold tiredness.

“Have you ever been to Arlathan, Solas?” Cedric asked the elf curiously, falling into step beside him. Solas nodded, looking from Varric to Cedric before opening his mouth to speak.

“I have. Young Rook’s descriptions are accurate and rather fascinating. I have not met a Dalish Elf so in tune with the Fade before.” Solas had a look of contemplation on his face as he spoke, violet eyes watching Rook as she hopped up onto a fallen log and walked casually down the length of it for no apparent reason. 

He did pause however when he saw her stop moving and look up and around, eyes darting from tree to tree in the forest surrounding them. For a moment he swore that he saw a flash of red in her eyes. But surely not. He didn’t get much more time to contemplate as Rook had ducked seconds before an arrow flew through the space where her head had been. Solas flung a bolt of ice magic out as an Apostate leapt out of the trees, followed by more of them. Cedric had pulled his sword off his back and ended up back to back with Cassandra, beating back mages and the bandits that had joined them. Rook however had her spell blade in her hand and was slicing at hamstrings and sending an orb of fire into chests and stomachs, moving through the battlefield with precise movements. Certainly not a form of combat Solas had ever seen a mage use before.

He wasn’t alone in his confusion. Cassandra and Cedric were looking at Rook with curiosity and varying degrees of interest and wariness. 

“Where did you learn to fight and use magic like that? Never seen anyone fight like that… Not even the Dalish.” Cedric asked curiously. Rook looked a little self-conscious as she put the spell blade back into her belt.

“My Clan needed a way for mages to fight close quarters without a staff. Can’t risk damaging artefacts if a fight breaks out.” Not an outright lie… But it still didn’t sit right with her to lie at all… they seemed to buy it and just went along with her explanation, continuing towards the Inquisition Perimeter in the Hinterlands.

Chapter Text

Camp setup had been rather uneventful. They had two tents so Varric, Solas and Cedric took one while Rook and Cassandra had the other. While it was still light out Rook had wandered into the forest, humming quietly as she went. A gentle tune she’d found in the Lighthouse Music Room…

Eventually, Rook discovered a small clearing with a stream running through it. However, she wasn’t alone in the discovery.

“Rook. Apologies I hadn’t meant to intrude on your walk…” Solas gave her a carefully guarded smile, violet eyes searching hers for… something. Had he heard her humming… did he recognise the melody…?

“Oh, you’re not intruding at all. It’s a forest.” Rook sent him a slightly uncomfortable smile in return as she started to look around. “I never thanked you for healing me… that was… impolite of me. Thank you and I’m sorry.” She said quickly, turning to face the Elf as she spoke.

“It wasn’t of any trouble. I simply did as the Herald asked. Though I do appreciate your apology.” Solas nodded his head to her, eyes still studying her closely. Though he did seem to decide she was harmless to him.

Rook went to speak again only to pause and look around in confusion, gold eyes searching the trees. She moved carefully to a hollow fallen tree, crouching down to peer inside.

“Oh… Da’len… come here…” she whispered, reaching into the hollow carefully. “Yes… I know you’re frightened. I’ve got you now…” Rook withdrew her hands slowly and stood, turning to face Solas with a small wolf pup cradled in her arms. The little thing was white and seemed to squirm a bit before settling with its big blue eyes looking up at Rook. “The poor thing is freezing…”

Rook didn’t say another word to Solas as she headed back to camp, pulling her cloak off with one hand to wrap the pup in it for warmth. She continued humming that little melody as she walked, noting how the wolf pup had calmed and stopped shivering by the time they reached the camp.

“Uh… Rook? Whatcha got there, kid?” Varric asked carefully. Rook looked from Varric to the pup and back to Varric.

“I think the answer to that is fairly obvious, old man.” She shot him a teasing grin, almost falling back into old habits from the hunt for Solas. After fetching some raw meat that Cedric had cut from a rabbit upon seeing the tiny wolf, Rook had gone to sit by the fire to feed the wolf carefully. Speaking softly the entire time. 

Solas had settled across from Rook at the fire, watching silently as she interacted with the wolf and with the others. Still reserved but slowly coming out of her shell… slowly showing them more of herself…

“She seems to like you.” Solas couldn’t help but comment on the way the wolf cuddled into Rook after being fed. “Could be the runt of a litter… left behind to fend for herself.” He added as Rook gently scratched the wolf between the ears.

“Well. No need to fend for yourself now Da’len. You’re with me now.” Rook smiled and cuddled the little creature affectionately, giggling when the wolf licked her cheek almost as if in thanks. “Wolves stick together…” Rook whispered, her voice cracking as she lightly tapped the pup on the nose. 

-

The next morning turned to chaos immediately. The wolf cub, newly dubbed Revas, had trotted around the camp to explore and had ended up attempting to steal Solas’ breakfast. She’d absconded away with about half his food to the safety of Rook’s side. Though if anything Solas had seemed more amused by the little thing than anything else.

That small, genuine smile had caught Rook off guard several times over the time she’d had Solas in her head and their last encounter in Mithranous. And it still seemed to throw her off now… Fen’Harel was beautiful, as were the other Evanuris she was certain. The fragment of Mythal had been, if a bit touchy…

“So. Rook,” Varric called casually across the camp. “Tell us a story. Arlathan has to have some wicked things to fight. And I desperately need inspiration for my next book.” Rook fell silent for a long while as she thought of what she could tell them. 

“Ok… a story. I’m not very good at telling stories but ok…” Rook smiled softly and started to talk. “I have this friend, Lucanis, he’s an Antivan Crow and very, very good. We got back from fighting off some Slavers near Treviso and I’d been shot a few times by arrows. Lucanis is very protective of his friends so he was most displeased by this. Apparently, his grand idea on how to make me less easy to hit was to spend a month and a half randomly throwing knives at me to test my reflexes.” Rook laughed at the thought. And at a fond memory of Davrin having to duck one particularly good throw she’d managed to avoid. Assan had decided it was a grand game and pounced on his Warden with a squawk. “I got very good at noticing my surroundings after the first two times getting hit by random knives. You’d never know when Lucanis would be crouching in some shadow or up high somewhere. Sneaky bastard.” She grew sombre then, a frown crossing her face as she cast her thoughts back to Lucanis and the others.

“Rook…?” Cedric reached out and touched a hand to her arm. She jolted and shook her head, pulling her arm away from the Herald as she stood.

“I’m fine. Just. Leave it.” With that Rook headed to start pulling down the tent she and Cassandra had shared, Revas hot on her heels.

Chapter Text

The Crossroads in the Hinterlands were fairly organised thanks to the Inquisition but the surrounding mountainous area was tumultuous at best… Cedric had taken time to talk to people in the Crossroads while Rook and Cassandra stocked up on potions and rations. 

“Solas and Rook, there’s a lot of mage activity near the Winterwatch Tower. Cass, Varric and I will be heading towards Redcliffe and Horsemaster Dennit’s farm to deal with the Templars if you two can do a recon of that area.” The Herald said to the two mages as he handed Rook a map, giving her a reassuring grin.

“Course we can do that. Let's go, Chuckles.” Rook turned and started to head in the direction specified by the map in her hands. A small smirk crossed her face when a tired sigh from Solas reached her ears. “So. Where are you from? You don’t look like any Dalish Elf I’ve seen.” She asked casually, not looking at the elf as she smirked internally.

Oh, how the Dread Wolf hated the Dalish… ‘This will be oh so fun’ she thought to herself as Solas’ calm and rich voice washed over her.

“I am not Dalish. I do not bear Vallaslin as your brethren do. But to answer your question I do not hail from any one place. I travel the waking world and the Fade.” Rook rolled her eyes at the elf while he was too busy looking off somewhere else. “Though you seem to have a much deeper understanding of the Fade than most Mages.” He continued as if oblivious to Rook’s obvious disinterest. Revas seemed to grow bored of his talking and nipped at his heel before scampering to hide behind Rook as the elf in question tried to stifle a giggle.

“I didn’t teach her that I swear…” She snickered a little and bent to scoop the wolf pup up from the ground. “You can’t stay mad at that face.” Rook had a teasing little grin on her face as she finally looked at Solas. The elf had this… look on his face that she had seen several times now… regret… over what she wasn’t certain this time but it gave her pause. “Solas?”

Solas schooled his emotions quickly and walked past her without another word, leaving Rook confused and rather unsurprised…

-

To say the girl was infuriating was an understatement… her continual upbeat candour and her odd bouts of silence were unsettling, to say the least. Her Vallaslin was yet another thing that unsettled Solas… so unbothered by the crude mark of ownership that once would have made her his property…

‘So innocent… so much unknown around her. Locked behind a wound that I created…’ Solas sighed and turned his head towards Rook as she hummed quietly to herself again… bright eyes studying the world before them.

“You will need to teach Revas to fight. Less attacks on my ankles would also be preferable.” Solas studied her face carefully as he spoke, violet eyes taking in the fine angular features of a Dalish elf… freckles that dusted her cheeks and the deep green ink that formed the brand on her face… “Why did you not choose one of the other gods?” The question was out in the open before he’d even realised he was about to ask. The pause in Rook’s stride did show she was caught off guard.

He took the time of her silence to study her more closely now that she was sidetracked by his question… the furrow of her brows and the slight downturn of her lips had become immediately noticeable to his intense gaze.

“They seem a bit full of themselves don’t you think.” The shrug of her shoulder and the flick of her eyes to meet his gaze… his eyes narrowed slightly in scrutiny… “I mean… you’d think that benevolent gods would be less… war hungry in the stories…” She held his gaze unblinking for a moment. “The Spirits do not speak kindly of the Evanuris…”

“I would think that one raised Dalish would worship the Evanuris.” Solas tilted his head a little as he searched her eyes, his gaze guarded. “It is refreshing to see someone open to stories of the Fade. Not many are.” He continued, his hands clasped behind his back as they walked.

“I was 4 when my magic manifested. I started to see flashes of images. I could hear Spirits speaking to me… I had to be open to their stories or I’d go insane.” Rook shrugged, looking down at Revas. “A few years back I predicted the death of a friend before I even knew them… thought I could change it… apparently not.”

Her anguish gave Solas pause, his hand instinctively reaching out to stop her walking further. Rook’s shoulders were slumped and she had this pained and weary look about her. 

“What good is being able to see the future if you can’t change it?” She’d said that to him once… after the fall of Weisshaupt… another event she’d seen in a vision long ago. Another tragedy she couldn’t fix. What good was she? Nothing but a bad omen… predicting the deaths of hundreds with no hope of changing it.

“The guilt of a Seer is something I do not envy… sometimes the best outcome when living through these predicted events is surviving…” Solas let his hand fall away from her arm as he spoke, looking down at her quietly. “Were you properly trained, Rook? By another Seer or a suitably powerful mage with enough knowledge of the Fade and Seers?” The Ancient Elf sighed when Rook shook her head. “Well. I suppose I will have to train you. If you are to have any hope of understanding what you see.” With that Solas turned and continued walking, leaving Rook standing there looking affronted and annoyed.

“Who said I wanted you to train me? I’ve survived this long without anyone. I don’t need you now.” Rook snapped as she stalked after him, eyes blazing red for a moment before she stopped and sucked in a deep breath, her eyes falling shut as they slowly returned to their usual golden hue. When she opened her eyes Solas was staring at her with narrowed eyes. Despite her anger and unease, Rook managed to hold his gaze without punching him…

“You are clearly out of control and need guidance before you kill someone innocent.” Solas started to argue, his brows furrowing as he frowned in frustration.

“And who’s to say I haven’t already?!” His foot shifted back at her outburst, eyes studying her movements as her hands clenched into fists and dug her nails into her palms. The pain seemed to ground her for a moment as she closed her eyes and tried to stop the tears. “I’m sorry… Just… Leave it.” Rook said carefully as she continued to walk, passing by him with a distinct look of sadness on her face.

Chapter Text

Cults… Varric’s book never mentioned a fucking cult… Although… They seemed friendly enough. So long as they returned with the Herald to have him ‘prove his mastery of the rifts’. Rook had to dig her nails into her palm to stop herself from rolling her eyes. However, she quickly found something else to do when she saw two Templars advancing on an Inquisition Scout with a dead Apostate on the ground.

“Hey! Stop!” She shouted as she ran up, fade stepping as she got closer to drive her spell blade between the armour plating of one Templar. Her sudden appearance caused enough distraction that the Scout was able to get her knife in the throat of the other Templar. “Are you ok?” Rook asked in concern as Solas approached, having followed at a more sedated pace to study Rook. And to keep Revas safe since she was only a pup.

“I’m alright… Thank you. I was meeting with an Apostate Informant for the Inquisition. The Templars must have thought I was an Apostate.” The lie was almost believable if it weren’t for the wine and the tear tracks on the scout’s face. Rook held out a hand with a saddened look on her young face.

“It’s alright. I won’t tell anyone… Perhaps you should speak to the Spymaster. If it weren’t for the environment markers I probably would have believed you. You could do more for the Inquisition as a spy than a Scout it would seem.” Rook suggested with a friendly smile. The Scout frowned but nodded slowly.

“Ok. Yeah. Ok.” With that, the Scout left to return to her Scouting Partner and then onto Haven. Solas came to stand beside Rook with his arms clasped behind his back.

“You have led a team before.” Rook turned to look up at him, a curious tilt to her head at the odd tone of his voice. “You are very good at reading people and finding their strengths. Not every leader is capable of such a feat…” She hated the soft look of admiration that was in his eyes as he said that… It was a trick. Had to be a trick… god of lies.

“Yeah. I guess you could say that.” Rook made an odd face before shaking her head. “We should find a place to camp before it gets dark. And if I see one more fucking bear I’m going to scream.” She said in pure frustration as she huffed and began to walk towards a spot she’d seen that could be a good defence point. Solas simply sighed and followed after her.

-

Thankfully for Rook’s sanity, there had been no bears when she and Solas stopped and set up camp. Revas had taken up the space beside Rook’s feet to sleep peacefully, her head resting on the elf’s foot. Solas had ended up cooking them dinner for the night seeing as Rook was firmly lost in her thoughts.

They sat in silence for most of the night, not that Solas minded. Silence meant distance… distance was what he needed for what he had to do. His violet eyes flicked up to meet Rook’s gaze, having felt her looking at him.

“Can I help you Rook?” Solas asked carefully as he attempted to decipher the look in her eyes. The pain… Rook shrugged and let her gaze wander for a moment, still lost in thought despite the intensity of her gaze.

“I’m sorry for getting mad at you before…” Rook said softly as she looked down at Revas. He frowned a bit at her and waited for her to continue… Internally Rook was at war with herself over getting angry with the Dread Wolf about Varric… About everything. Her eyes flicked back up to look at Solas. “You didn’t deserve my anger.” She added after taking a deep breath.

“Thank you, Rook. I did not need you to apologise. I clearly struck a nerve and your reaction was likely justified.” Solas said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “I understand being unreasonably angry at people around you.” Revas lifted her head and lightly bumped Rook’s leg affectionately before standing to jump into her lap.

“I think I’m going to head to bed… goodnight Solas.” Rook stood with Revas in her arms and headed to the tent, leaving Solas to his thoughts as he mulled over her words… he joined her in the tent not long after, having given her time to settle first. When he entered she was curled up on one side of the tent with Revas lying beside her head.

‘Perhaps the Spirits could tell me more of this girl… they seem to like her.’ Solas mused to himself as he settled on the other side of the tent, laying on his back as he listened to Rook’s slow breathing. It took less time than he expected for Solas to fall asleep.

-

Frustratingly he found little in the way of insight on the Dalish elf beside him. Spirits knew her and liked her but none wanted to talk about her. Rook herself had been entirely silent throughout the morning, even when they started to travel back to the Inquisition Camp near the Crossroads to meet up with the Herald, Cassandra and Varric. Not that Solas tried very hard to make conversation. However, he did have one question on his mind as they walked. 

“Rook.” He looked over at her and waited until he had her attention before he continued. “Why do bears upset you so much?” He asked with a slight tilt to his head as he looked down at her. Rook sighed, a look of tired pain in her eyes. 

“When I was 4 my parents were killed by bears when we were travelling…” Rook’s voice was soft and flat, almost distant. “We were near a village and some hunters came and killed the bears… They couldn’t save my parents. The head of the village took me to the major city of my home country, I don’t remember the name anymore, and asked the ruler what to do with me… they took me in… for a time at least. I’ve been afraid of Bears ever since…” She didn’t meet Solas’ gaze as she told her story. Solas watched her quietly, his brow furrowed in concern.

“I… am sorry, Da’len…” he said in a soft tone before letting the matter drop so they could continue the walk to the camp in silence.

Cedric was lost in a conversation with Scout Harding when the two Elven Mages arrived, making an effort to learn about the dwarven scout. Cassandra and Varric seemed rather amused by the Herald’s fascination.

”Hey! Look who it is. Chuckles didn’t give you too much of a headache Rook?” Varric asked as the pair approached. Rook shrugged as she sat on a log and watched Revas run around Cassandra’s feet.

“I probably gave him a headache,” Rook said as Solas came to stand with his hands clasped behind his back. He sighed and shook his head but didn’t argue. “There’s a cult gathered at that keep. They want to meet Cedric. Have him ‘Prove his power over the rifts’.” Varric chuckled as Rook rolled her eyes and waved her hands sarcastically.

“Sounds like we have something else to do here, hey Trevelyan?” Varric called out to Cedric. However, he didn’t seem to react to the dwarf calling his name. “Trevelyan? Cedric?” The Herald looked away from Harding when he heard his first name, looking a little confused momentarily.

“What? Oh right, yeah sure. We can head out whenever I guess. But we do have to head back to Haven at some point.” Cedric said after bidding goodbye to Harding and moving to join the others. Rook eyed Cedric with healthy confusion as the man settled down to talk to Varric. She leaned back and looked up at Solas with a small frown.

“That was weird right?” She asked in a quiet voice. Solas only nodded.

Chapter Text

Dealing with the cult had been easier than Cedric had anticipated and relatively quick too. The demons coming through the rift had been negligible compared to some of the others they’d discovered in the Hinterlands. In hindsight, that should have been an indicator that everything was about to go downhill.

The Rift practically tore open in front of them and spewed demons. The group had to dive out of the way when a Pride Demon appeared. Rook managed to roll with her feet under her but was quickly surrounded by various demons. The others weren’t faring much better. Cedric couldn’t even get close enough to the rift to disrupt it. 

Solas looked around frantically to try and cast a barrier over as many of their party as possible. Despite the chaos, he was able to locate Cassandra, Cedric and Varric, though Rook was nowhere to be seen. Solas fought his way to the others and ended up covering Varric’s back when the Pride Demon flung lightning around. Solas started to turn when Cedric shouted his name, narrowly avoiding getting impaled by a demon… though… not because he moved in time. White fur and a vicious howl filled his senses as a medium-sized wolf launched past him and at the large demon. Sharp teeth clamped down on what was essentially the demon’s throat.

With the Pride Demon preoccupied by the very angry wolf, the others were able to handle the smaller demons with minor injuries. Cedric managed to disrupt the rift to stagger the Pride Demon but not before it pulled the Wolf off its throat and threw it across the clearing. None of them had time to check that the creature was ok as they converged on the Demon and finally killed it. Cedric was panting when he raised his hand to close the rift. Only once it was closed could the group rest and try and take stock of what just happened. Solas turned to where the wolf had been thrown and froze… lying at the base of a tree, bleeding heavily from various wounds inflicted by demons… 

“Rook!” Cedric ran over and slid to his knees by her side and frantically checked that she was breathing. “Rook open your eyes…” Solas was beside him a second later, hands glowing a blue-green as he tried to heal her. “C’mon… Rook!” Cedric looked more frantic the longer she remained unconscious.

“We need to get back to Haven… we’re not too far now.” Solas shifted forward and lifted the injured elf into her arms so they could keep moving. He started to walk toward Haven with the others hot on his heels. Luck seemed to be on their side as they arrived in Haven within a few hours, stopping a few times for Solas to attempt more healing on Rook.

Cassandra and Cedric ran ahead to alert the healer of the severe injuries incoming while Varric hung back to help Solas push through curious crowds. Cullen joined Varric in telling people to move back and let the elf through, earning a pat on the arm from the storyteller in thanks before Varric and Solas continued up to where the healer was waiting. Cassandra, Cedric and Varric were quickly shooed away as Rook was laid on the table and the healer began removing the blood-soaked mage armour to get at her injuries. The human sage frowned and reached for some gauze to press against the large, deep scratches along the left side of her ribs. Neither man spoke as they worked to stem bleeding and stitch wounds closed when magic was incapable. The scratches over her right eye and cheek seemed to be mostly superficial and most injuries seemed minor except for her ribs and a gash on her right thigh. The Human Sage tipped an Elf Root potion and a sleep potion down Rook’s throat before laying a thick blanket over her and shooing Solas off to clean himself up with a promise to send for himself and the Herald once the elf woke.

After cleaning Rook’s blood off his hands and changing into clean clothing Solas went looking for Cedric, Cassandra and Varric. He found them in the War Room with Cullen, Leliana and Josephine. Cedric was leaning against the table with his back to the door, looking into the fire with a frown on his face.

“It just appeared out of nowhere… so many more demons than normal. And a Pride Demon of all things…” Cedric said to them all, his voice dry and flat. Hiding his worry… Cullen, Varric and Cassandra turned to face Solas when the door opened and he entered.

“She will live. It doesn’t look like there will be permanent damage but we won’t know until she wakes.” The elf remained surprisingly calm despite his worry for Rook… “The Potions Master will inform us when she wakes.” He added, his arms clasped behind his back as if giving a report… the stance was familiar… safe. 

“Are we ignoring what happened? She turned into a wolf! That shit is so weird!” Varric said with an unhappy grumble. However, to Solas’ amusement, the dwarf was holding Revas’ in his arms to comfort the little wolf while Rook was incapacitated. Solas reached out and carefully took Revas from Varric when the wolf pup started squirming.

“Werewolves are not uncommon… The Dalish Clan in the Brecilian Forest battled with a curse of Lycanthropy during the Fifth Blight. Warden Commander Cousland helped lift the curse but there are stories of other Clans with similar circumstances.” Leliana spoke up from her place in the corner.

“But besides all of that. Speculating won’t help anything until Rook can answer our questions.” Cullen interjected in a tired voice. This argument had happened more than once already…

“No no, you’re right. I’m sure the Herald has some answers of his own. Don’t you Trevelyan. Oh, I’m sorry. It’s not even Trevelyan is it?” Leliana’s voice was laced with suspicion this time as she turned to look right at Cedric. The man’s head turned slightly but he didn’t move to face them.

“Don’t dance around your questions Spymaster. Just ask them. I have no reason to lie to you.” Cedric’s voice was… different. Instead of the accent more similar to Cullen's… he sounded more Orlesian. Though not completely indecipherable.

“Who are you really? And why were you at the Conclave?” Leliana pushed off the wall and moved to stand in front of Cedric, her eyes hard.

“My name is Cedric Adrian Valmont. I am from Orlais. I have been told I look similar to Harrison Trevelyan, which would explain why you all thought I was him. He’s fine. I’m here because he didn’t want to come but I did. Mother wouldn’t allow me so I went to the Free Marches and from there I came to the Conclave while Harrison went to Kirkwall for… shall we say pleasure.” Cedric explained. “Divine Justinia knew I was at the Conclave. I remember her greeting me when I arrived. Not much more after that.” Cassandra was studying Cedric more closely now as he spoke, her eyes narrowed.

“Why did a letter from the Empress arrive for you?” Leliana pulled said letter out and handed it over to the Herald, drawing a chuckle from him.

“Think about it. Perhaps this will jog your memory.” Cedric stood and turned to face them before giving a slight bow. “Crown Prince Cedric Valmont of Orlais. Heir to the Empire and the only child of Empress Genevieve Valmont. At your service.”

Leliana, Cassandra and Josephine all lost their damn minds as Cullen, Varric and Solas simply stared.

“It’s really too bad. I was enjoying the anonymity of not being the Prince here.” Cedric said with a slight huff. He received a withering glare from Leliana and Cassandra. “That’s why I never said anything…” He sighed and rubbed at the back of his neck before opening the letter. “If it makes you feel better I have to go to the Winter Palace and prove I’m alive. Mother will probably wring my neck for worrying her if you want to watch.” He cracked a smile and drew a snort of amusement from Varric.

“I will accompany you. Only to watch you get yelled at by the fearsome Empress of Orlais.” Cassandra decided after a moment. Cedric smirked a bit, letting himself relax.

“I’m still Cedric. My title doesn’t change who I am.” Cullen moved over and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

“Course it doesn’t. You’re still the Herald, as much as I know you hate the title.” Cullen squeezed his shoulder and released him. “You four should get some rest and check in on Rook.” He said directly to Cedric, Solas, Cassandra and Varric. It might have been phrased as a suggestion but they all knew it wasn’t.

Chapter Text

It took well over a day for Rook to wake. In that time the entire Inquisition came to know that their fearless Herald was the Prince of Orlais. However, he immediately proved himself to be an absolute dork when he slipped on a patch of ice in front of a bunch of people because he was distracted by watching Cassandra beating Cullen up. It was not long after that incident when Varric approached Cedric quickly, beckoning him to follow with a terse ‘she’s awake’.

Rook was indeed awake when the pair reached the healer’s cabin. She was sitting up and allowing the healer to examine her ribs and leg while Solas carefully peeled away gauze from the right side of her face and inspected the wounds with gentle fingers.

“How is she?” Cedric asked as he entered, a worried frown on his face as Rook’s eyes flicked to meet his and then Varric’s. “The wounds and bruises look better.” He mused when he saw the gash on her leg that had been much worse the day before. Revas had come racing in behind him and was now hovering behind Solas as if waiting to check on her mistress.

“She is healing remarkably well given her injuries. A few more health potions over the course of a few hours and she will be back on her feet.” The human sage told the Herald as he recovered the wounds on her leg and her ribs. Cedric nodded and reached out a hand to lay it on Rook’s shoulder.

“Thank you for the save, little wolf.” The glare he got from Rook for the nickname could have had a rage demon quivering. Though the glare softened a little after a moment. “Cassandra, Varric and I are going to Val Royeaux to meet with the Chantry. And I promised Cassandra she could watch me get chewed out by my mother. We’ll be back in a couple of days.” He explained as the Sage moved away to give Rook some space. “Solas will be staying here to help restock potions and other medicinal supplies. If you need anything he and Cullen have offered to help you out.” Rook gave Cedric a soft, grateful smile.

“Thanks… I’m… exhausted. Shifting like that takes a lot of energy.” Solas held out a hand and beckoned for her to take it. Rook let the elf help her up with his hands on her elbows to stabilise her. “Thanks… I really want to go for a walk.” Solas nodded and shifted his hold on her so one arm was around her waist and the other was on her upper arm.

“I’ll let you know when we leave,” Cedric said softly before leaving Solas to help Rook walk around Haven. Rook was unsteady at first, leaning more heavily on Solas as they walked through the small village. The silence between them was… less awkward than she expected… and Solas had yet to make a snide comment…

“Here… sit. Too much movement could reopen your injuries…” Solas’ voice was soft as he spoke, guiding Rook to settle on a bench beneath a tree. He ducked into the cabin he had claimed for a moment and came back with a blanket draped over one arm and a book in his free hand. She gave him a quizzical look as the elf laid the blanket over her legs before settling beside her on the bench.

“What’s all this for?” She asked with a slight grin on her face. He’d fussed over her once before. Not like this given he was trapped in the Fade… but the Solas she’d known had worried over her after a brutal battle through Arlathan ruins to save a Dalish Clan… the crease between his brows and the assessing worry in his eyes was familiar, though it didn’t make her trust him… even if it was kind of sweet.

“You saved my life, Rook. Were it not for you I would have died to that Pride Demon.” He shrugged a bit as if that was the perfect explanation. Rook rolled her eyes but dropped it, leaning against his arm to peek at the book in his hands. “Varric insisted I read his book about his friend, Hawke.” He said dryly after showing her the title, which was indeed The Tale of the Champion . Rook couldn’t help the small smile that crossed her face at the sight of the familiar cover. It had once been a constant ‘decoration’ in her room in the Lighthouse.

“I’ve always wanted to meet the Champion of Kirkwall. I’ve been told she was an absolute menace.” Rook said with a laugh, wincing as the wound on her ribs throbbed. “Ok… laughing is not a good idea.” Solas chuckled at her before he opened the book and began reading. Eventually, he noticed that Rook had dozed off against his arm and that Revas was lying comfortably across his feet. He shook his head and closed the book, gently shaking Rook awake, earning a groggy grumble.

“Food and then bed. Come.” Solas practically commanded as he helped her up and led her back to his cabin so he could organise dinner and get the injured mage settled in bed. She didn’t argue too much, just enough to protect her pride… especially when she realised that having someone take care of her gave her a warm fluttery feeling in her chest. Internally she was cursing herself… This was the Dread Wolf. He didn’t care. Couldn’t care. He was using her… right…?

Arguing seemed to require far too much effort so Rook just ate the food he brought her with a quiet expression of gratitude and just let him fuss over her so she could sleep, her ribs and leg twinging a bit as the latest healing potion continued working to knit the wounds closed. 

-

Cedric led Cassandra and Varric through Val Royeaux to where a Revered Mother was preaching about the Inquisition. She immediately faltered and went pale when her eyes landed on the Prince and the Seeker. Realisation dawned slowly but the information traveled quickly, it was Orlais after all.

“I thought I should speak to the Chantry directly about the slander. Would you have time?” Cedric asked calmly as he moved closer to the platform. Revered Mother Hevara immediately nodded and started to move only for a Templar to walk up and punch her in the back of the head for no apparent reason. Cedric moved to check she was ok before turning to come face to face with Lord Seeker Lucius. “Now was that necessary?” Cedric asked dryly with a raised eyebrow. The indignant look that crossed his face was almost priceless when Lucius pushed him aside.

After a very confusing conversation with the Lord Seeker, in which he declared Val Royeaux ‘unworthy’ of the Templar protection, the small group checked on the Group of Chantry Mothers, helping up the one that got punched and providing a healing potion so she could safely go and rest. Cedric led them back to where they’d left their horses on the outskirts of the main city square.

“Your Highness. Might I have a word?” Cedric smiled warmly when he spotted Grand Enchanter Fiona. The mage bowed politely and stepped forward to address the Prince and the Seeker. “I was hoping you could meet with me in Redcliffe Village. The Mages and I are staying there for the time being but I do not wish to overstay our welcome. Perhaps we could help each other?” Fiona’s voice was calm and diplomatic as she spoke, keeping herself measured in front of Cedric despite the obvious unease.

“I’d be happy to. I have to go to the Winter Palace first then check in at Haven but I will meet you in Redcliffe within a week or two.” Cedric reassured her, reaching out a hand for the Mage to shake. Fiona smiled and shook his hand before bowing politely again and leaving Cedric, Cassandra and Varric alone. “I believe I promised you a front-row seat as I get yelled at for worrying my mother.” He said with a grin. Varric chuckled and shook his head as he followed the Herald to their horses.

“Alright, Sparky. Are you treating us to dinner with the show?” He asked with a good-natured chuckle, receiving a laugh from Cedric and a disapproving huff from Cassandra.

Chapter Text

The ride to the Winter Palace had been silent for the most part, with Cedric lost in thought for the majority of it. He guided them through the gates and up the grand stairs to a large set of doors which opened before he could even reach out to touch the wood.

“Your Highness.” A guard bowed politely to the Prince as he entered the grand hall. “The Empress is in her study with Ambassador Briala. She is expecting you.” The guard stepped back quickly to get out of the way, though Cedric didn’t seem to mind.

“Thank you. Could you have someone collect my armour and sword from my quarters? I will take it back to Haven with me.” With that, he nodded for Cassandra and Varric to follow him up a flight of stairs and into a library. The palace was fairly empty but a few of the staff. Cedric greeted each by name with an easy grin as he made his way to his mother’s study. A tall elf with long brown hair and angular features leaned casually outside the door as they approached. “Are they almost done with their game of cards?” Cedric asked with a smirk, drawing a chuckle from the man.

“Only just begun I’m afraid, your highness.” The man responded as he straightened and knocked on the door for the Prince. “Your Majesty. The Prince has returned.” He said politely once the door opened and another elf, female this time, exited the office. Briala bowed politely before she and the taller elf left Cedric and his companions to enter the study.

Genevieve Valmont was standing in front of a window when they entered, her back to them. Cedric smiled softly as he took in the familiar form of his mother. Dressed in a long, simple dress of a deep jade green with accents of gold. Long dark hair twisted into a braided updo. The Empress turned to face them, a small smile gracing her fine features as Cedric crossed the room and hugged his mother tightly. He was taller than she was, if only by a couple of inches.

“Introduce me to your friends, little spark.” She said when she released him from the hug, gesturing for everyone to take a seat. “I’m pleased to see you are alright. Lord Trevelyan sent word after the nonsense at the Conclave that you had left his estate and travelled there despite my refusal to send you.” Genevieve pinned Cedric with a stony look of disapproval, her honey-brown eyes narrowing as he looked down and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“I’m sorry mother… I wanted to try and help with the negotiations.” Cedric looked thoroughly chastised as he spoke. “I thought I could help… Divine Justinia was pleased to see me. I don’t remember what happened at the Conclave unfortunately but we have reason to believe I tried to stop whatever happened to her.” He explained, watching as his mother’s eyes softened. She truly could never stay mad at him… even if he deserved it. He’d been a dumb teenager once after all. “I have to try and fix this mother… I can’t just walk away.” His voice was soft now, almost wavering as he sought her approval. Genevieve sighed softly and looked towards Varric and Cassandra, raising an eyebrow at Cedric. “Right. Uh this is Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast and Viscount Varric Tethras of Kirkwall. There’s a couple more people you’ll probably want to meet but one of them got beat up by a Pride Demon so she’s taking a nap.” He grinned when Genevieve rolled her eyes at him.

“Maker, help me. You’re just like your father.” She said with a sigh, narrowing her eyes at him while he grinned. “Not a good thing, Little Spark. Always off doing something dangerous in the name of saving Thedas… I’ve already lost your father, Cedric… I do not wish to lose you also…” Cedric’s shoulders slumped at her words… the day they’d received news of his father’s death was the worst day of their lives… he’d never seen his mother cry before. “So. You two.” She turned and looked directly at Cassandra and Varric. “Will keep an eye on him. He is my only child and my only heir. If anything happens to him then Orlais may fall to the likes of my sister or cousin. Trust me. You don’t want that. Keep him safe. Or as safe as you can.” Cassandra and Varric nodded immediately. Genevieve looked back at Cedric and stood, wrapping him in another hug. “You should return to your Inquisition.” She pressed a kiss to his hair before releasing him. 

“Yes, mother.” Cedric stood and bowed to his mother before he ushered Cassandra and Varric out of her office. “So you’ve met my mother.” He said awkwardly as they walked through the palace to the stables where their horses were waiting. He grinned when he saw his sword strapped to the saddle and his armour packed carefully into a saddle bag.

“Empress Genevieve is certainly something. I don’t know what I expected.” Cassandra admitted, swinging up into her saddle. Cedric chuckled as he did the same.

“I don’t think anyone ever knows what to expect with Mother.” He nudged his horse into a trot and started to lead the way back.

“So who’s your dad?” Varric asked casually, drawing a small sigh from the Prince. It was only a matter of time before that question got thrown around…

-

Rook was fucking kicking herself when she woke up the next morning. Ashamed at how nice it had felt to let Solas fuss over her.  She’d cursed quietly to herself after managing to slip out of the cabin and headed to find breakfast, ending up in the tavern. ‘He killed Varric! He’s a liar and a traitor! That’s how he draws you in! You know this Rook. You’ve fallen for this shit before. What are you doing!’ She grumbled internally as she sat carefully at a corner table to enjoy the warmth of the fire nearby. She ate quietly, watching as people came and went into the tavern. The bustling warmth of the tavern reminded her of the Lighthouse Kitchen when they all convened for dinner, with Lucanis cooking something homey and tasty while Bellara rambled about something to do with her latest obsession. Rook herself had often just sat with a mug of hot chocolate in her hands as she watched the team interact, though that hot chocolate was often paired with some form of cookie that Lucanis had made for her. It was while she was deep in her memories of companionship that someone approached and pulled up a chair. 

“You look better.” Rook looked up when she heard Ambassador Josephine’s voice. She gave the woman a small smile as she sat across from Rook. “I was hoping you and I could speak in private. There is a matter I need your aid in.” Josephine said with a pleasant smile. Rook nodded immediately, finishing her coffee quickly.

“Of course Lady Josephine.” Rook stood and followed Josephine back to her office, deliberately not meeting Solas’ gaze when they walked past him. “What did you need help with?” She asked once they were in Josephine’s office. The elf took a startled step back when Josephine turned a cold gaze on her, stumbling when she knocked into Leliana. Who had closed the door and stepped behind her. The room was silent for a few agonising moments. It was Leliana who spoke first.

“Who are you? And how do you know Lucanis Dellamorte?”

‘Oh shit…’

Chapter Text

‘Oh shit. Oh shit. Fuck.’ Rook looked between the two women with wide eyes, clearly caught off guard. Leliana pulled out a dagger and advanced on Rook until the woman held up her hands in surrender.

“Wait wait! Please. I can explain!” She stumbled over her words a bit in her panic as she stared at the knife. “I didn’t lie about my name. Or where I’m from.  It’s just… when I’m from that I lied about…” She tripped a bit as she backed away when Leliana shook her head. “Wait please I promise I’m not lying.” Her hands were shaking a bit from fear and stress as she frantically tried to figure out what she could say. “My name is Katarina. I think I must have fallen through some kind of rift in the Fade and ended up 12 years in the past… I do know Lucanis Dellamorte. He’s my friend… We were working together to kill a couple of tyrannical mages…” she closed her eyes and winced a bit, as if waiting for the knife to come anyway. “I don’t know what else I can say without messing up the future. I intended to avoid people as much as I could until I found a way home… Thedas is not in good shape in my time. Things are bad…”

It must have been the dejected and defeated look on her face or the weighted slump to her shoulder that convinced Josephine that she was telling the truth. The woman raised a hand to Leliana before guiding Rook to sit down in a chair at her desk.

“I believe you… but I also believe that the Herald trusts you almost implicitly.” She said in her thick accent. “I just want to know… are we on the right path…?” Rook gave Josephine an absolutely lost look, her eyes shiny with tears as she tried to find words. Josephine waited patiently for the young elf to eventually answer…

“I don’t know… At this point in time I was 8… I don’t know what decisions were made. Varric wrote a book about it but I never actually read it…” Josephine sighed and nodded, holding out a clean cloth for Rook to dry her eyes. 

“You will remain in Haven as you have been. But when the Herald arrives you will tell him the truth. Or I will.” Rook turned and looked up at Leliana when the Spymaster spoke up. “One more question before you go. Where would your younger self be now?” Rook blinked at the question and looked down with a frown on her face. It took her a few moments before she looked back up at Leliana.

“Denerim Palace… I think… I was in Redcliffe at one point but I don’t remember much of it. I was too distracted by the pretty flowers…” Leliana nodded before stepping aside so Rook could escape the room. 

Her breathing was quick and panicked as she made her way out of the Chantry, not noticing when she knocked into Solas. She absentmindedly threw an apology over her shoulder as she fled down towards the lake in a desperate attempt to find some peace. Hot tears fell down her cheeks as she broke into a run the moment she was out of view of the front gates. She ran until her lungs burned and her body practically collapsed into the snow… Rook didn’t move right away, the cold a soothing balm to her feverish skin and mind. 

Images came in flashes, quick at first then slowing as she relaxed. Bright green and dull grey… vibrant violet eyes. Sharp grin… the blue of the Lyrium dagger. It was too quick for her to make sense of most of it but eventually she could make out more clear images of Solas with the dagger… Cedric and the anchor against some weird looking Darkspawn… not nearly weird enough to be Ghilan’nain’s creation. Thank gods… Lucanis… Bellara. Emmrich and Davrin… Manfred and Assan. All of them surrounded by snow and trees…?

Rook pushed herself to her knees as she shook her head to dislodge the snow in her hair. Her heart was in her throat in a split second when she heard the crunch of snow under someone’s feet. She scrambled to hide behind a boulder.

“Rook… are you alright?” The young girl didn’t even bother chastising herself when Solas’ voice soothed over her frayed nerves. “Rook.” He called her name again and his footsteps grew closer before she levered herself to her feet and stepped into his field of view.

“I’m ok… just… needed a minute…” he had a small frown on his face, his eyes hard and assessing as he looked her up and down. He sighed and held out his hand expectantly. Rook looked from his face to his hand and back again with a quizzical look on her face. She didn’t have a chance to question him as he simply huffed and grabbed her wrist and pulled her to sit down on a log before kneeling in front of her to check the gash on her ribs and her leg.

“You are bleeding again, Da’fen.” His voice was surprisingly gentle as he pulled the bandage away from her leg. Rook blinked at the endearment that she had heard from his mouth frequently over the time he had been trapped in that stupid Fade Prison… Perhaps it was the tone of his voice or the familiar word that had Rook relaxing as he used a small amount of magic to knit the wound together again. She didn’t even argue as he lifted her shirt with careful fingers to check the wound there too. “You should be more careful.” He said as he stood and held out a hand to the younger elf.

“Thank you… I’m sorry for bumping into you.” She fell quiet for a long moment before looking up at the man in front of her. She contemplated taking his hand but despite how he was behaving now… ‘He killed Varric… he’s a liar… he’s using me…’ she stood on her own, noting the miffed look at her refusal of help. “I was overly emotional… it won’t happen again.” With that she stepped around him and started the trek back to Haven. Leaving Solas standing there looking mildly annoyed and confused.

-

Meanwhile, on the road back to Haven, Cedric had attempted to avoid the topic of his father for as long as he could until Cassandra shot him an icy glare and demanded an answer. The Prince sighed heavily and rubbed his hand over the back of his neck awkwardly as Varric chuckled at him in amusement.

“My father is dead. Has been for years. I was nearly 17 when my father was killed.” Cassandra’s eyes softened a little at the obvious grief on the Prince’s face. Cedric resolutely refused to meet either Cassandra’s or Varric’s gaze as he continued. “He was a good man… he joined the Wardens when I was a baby, wanted to protect people I guess…” he shrugged a bit. For a while no one said anything… no one really knew what to say.

“How did he die?” Cassandra asked quietly, looking over at him as she waited for his answer. At first he didn’t answer… too lost in the memories of his father. Learning how to wield a sword, ride a horse… young years spent following around a man who was larger than life to him… dark hair and golden eyes just like his own… an easy smile and a roguish charm that Cedric himself had inherited to his mother’s amusement, and mild dismay.

“He died at the Battle of Ostagar 10 years ago. He was sent to Ferelden to help with rebuilding the Wardens. He never returned. We learned of his death after the Archdemon was defeated.” Cedric shrugged and looked over at Cassandra. “I didn’t get to say goodbye… he left during the night with a promise to be home for my name day…”

“I’m sorry Cedric… I imagine you never got to mourn properly. Given your position in society.” Cassandra frowned and, despite her better judgment, reached out to lay a hand on his arm as they rode together. Cedric gave her a strained smile before turning back to the road ahead.

Chapter Text

Cedric barely got a second to breathe before he was being pulled into the war room. To his surprise Rook was sitting quietly in a chair with her eyes firmly on the floor. He sent Cullen a quizzical look and only received a shrug from the former Templar.

“Go ahead Rook.” Leliana said in a firm voice. Rook sighed and took a moment before she lifted her head and met Cedric’s gaze. He frowned but didn’t push, moving to lean a hip on the wooden table. “Rook.” Lelian’s voice was harder the second time she said the elf’s name. Though it only earned her a cold glare from Cedric and Cullen.

“I need to tell you something… something I wasn’t sure how to approach… it’s… look the truth is I left somethings out during our first conversation.” She started, her eyes flicking back down to her lap. “My name is Rook… and I am most recently from Arlathan. But not of this time. I think I must have fallen through some sort of rift and ended up here… 12 years in the past for me.” Cedric blinked and stared at her as he attempted to make sense of what she was saying. “Before you found me I was in Minrathous… trying to save Thedas from blighted mages who were absolutely insane…” Rook ran her fingers through her hair. “I don’t remember much of what happened with the Inquisition. At this point I was about 8… In Denerim or Redcliffe depending on the time…” Cedric held up a hand and moved over to her, causing the elf to fall silent with a wide eyed look of fear.

“That’s enough… Thank you for your honesty Rook but I don’t need to hear anymore. Whatever else you tell me must be of your own choice…” Cedric pulled Rook to her feet and carefully wrapped her in a hug. “Cassandra and Varric are probably searching for you.” Rook nodded and practically ran from the room once she was released from the hug. Once he was certain that the girl was out of earshot he turned an icy glare on Leliana. “Was that fucking necessary? An interrogation? Really?!” The Spymaster blinked in surprise and started to argue. “No. I don’t want to hear excuses. She was petrified! Do you not have a heart?!” Cedric took a deep breath before turning to the door. “You’re lucky I have shit to do.” With that he walked out to gather the others for a trip to Redcliffe to meet up with the Grand Enchanter Fiona.

When he reached Varric’s usual spot he found Rook sitting in the snow against the wall with Varric leaning on it beside her. Cassandra was sitting on a log and at some point Solas must have joined them to sit by the fire. Cedric didn’t say a word as he sat at the fire and waited for Rook to talk… if she so wished.

“I’m ok Cedric… thanks for not making me say more…” she said softly, lifting her gaze to meet his. Cedric gave her a small smile and shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it, Rook. But we should all get some rest. We head for Redcliffe in the morning.” He said as he stood and brushed snow off his pants. The group all grumbled a little but eventually moved off to find their bunks so they could sleep. Rook had avoided Solas entirely when he offered a hand to help her up. “Man what did you do?” Cedric asked curiously, receiving a puzzled look from Solas.

“I am not sure…” that was all he received as an answer before Solas walked after Rook to join her in his little cabin. Cedric shook his head and walked back to his own cabin, face planting onto his bed once he’d changed out of his armour. 

-

Rook woke in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, her mind and heart racing as she tried to force panicked sobs down so as not to wake the sleeping Elven God on the other side of the room. Revas hopped up onto her bed and nuzzled at her cheek but even the cold touch of her nose did nothing for her heated skin… her mind replayed the horror of Tearstone Island over and over again… Bellara, all bright and excited, wrapped in a Blight tentacle as Elgar’nan pulled her through an Eluvian… Harding… so brave and blinding even as Ghilan’nain impaled her repeatedly. Rook nearly jolted out of her skin when she felt slender and cool hands come to rest on her shoulders.

“Breathe Rook…” Solas’ voice was still thick with sleep as he sat on the edge of Rook’s bed to soothe her panic. One hand remained on her shoulder as the other moved to press cool fingers against her neck, cheek and forehead. “That’s it, Da’fen… you are safe.” Rook whimpered softly as she tried to take deeper, slower breaths, instinctively leaning into the cool relief of his hands against her feverish skin. He waited until she stopped shaking and crying, his hands carefully pressed cold hands against her face and neck to help cool her and ground her.

“Solas…?” Her voice was rough and weak as she sagged against his body. It occurred to her that Solas was not wearing a shirt… “I’m ok… just a nightmare…” she mumbled softly. Solas made a quiet humming noise as she finally turned her head to look up at him.

“You were crying… begging someone to forgive you.” Rook’s shoulders slumped and for a moment Solas thought she’d pull away… to his surprise she stayed where she was for a few long moments, her head coming to rest against his shoulder.

“I don’t want to talk about it. Just… leave me be.” Solas sighed heavily but carefully released the young elf, standing from her bed with a nod.

“As you wish, Da’fen…” with that the ancient elf returned to his bed, pretending he didn’t hear the soft sniffle as Rook tried to return to sleep… 

-

Reaching Redcliffe through the fighting between Templars and Mages was the simplest part of the mission… Rook had hung toward the back, visibly avoiding conversation at every point though she did look lonely as she’d had to leave her ever present wolf companion back at Haven for safe keeping. She had a tired look of pain on her face as her head throbbed painfully. Dealing with the rift outside Redcliffe had been eventful… random patches around it caused odd fluctuations in time. Some faster and some slower. Getting caught in a slow patch had nearly been the end for Rook if it hadn’t been for a well thrown shard of ice from Solas. After Cedric had closed the rift, and thrown a few angry Orlesian curses around for good measure, they had made their way slowly through the gates and into Redcliffe. 

“Rook… you do not look well…” Solas said softly, his hand grasping her upper arm to stop her. She tried to shrug off his grip only for the Dread Wolf to hold onto her tighter. “You look ill. Tell me what you need.” He insisted in a much lower tone that actually seemed to shake her from her own mind. She blinked and looked up at Solas to find him towering over her, his brow creased in worry. For a moment it was like she was back in the Fade Prison with him… after saving Treviso… after Weisshaupt… after Ghilan’nain had attempted to wreck her mind and turn her into a monster… for a moment it was like the worry was sincere. Maybe it was… her shoulder slumped and she shook her head.

“I… I will be fine…” she tried to shrug off his grip again, which did not have the desired effect. He studied her for a long moment before releasing her, huffing a little when she immediately moved to walk with Cassandra. Varric ended up falling into step beside the tall elf.

“Lady troubles there, Chuckles?” The dwarf asked in a teasing tone, a smirk ever present as usual. Solas simply gave the dwarf an irritated look. 

“I am simply attempting to show concern for her wellbeing. Rook seems unwilling to accept it. And I cannot for the life of me figure out why.” Solas admitted with a frown as he watched Cedric throw an arm around her shoulders to guide her through the village of Redcliffe. His eyes followed Rook as she paused directly in front of a statue depicting the Hero of Ferelden. With her back to him he couldn’t see her face but he saw the way she relaxed, the tension leaving her shoulders. Cedric leaned down a bit to speak to her softly, receiving only a nod from what Solas could tell. After Cedric and Rook followed Cassandra to the tavern, Solas stepped up to read the plaque…

In Honour of the Hero of Ferelden

Queen Consort Emilia Cousland

Warden Commander of Ferelden

Solas tipped his head to the side a little, his mind calling back to when Rook had told him about what happened to her parents… how she was raised away from Arlathan by… nobles… his eyes found Rook in the crowd again. The way she looked around at her surroundings… like everything was familiar… with his curiosity piqued he trailed after the group to whatever mess awaited them inside the tavern. 

Chapter Text

Treviso Dragon Attack

Rook ran through the streets with Davrin and Assan hot on her heels. The streets were a mess with Crows everywhere trying to get Civilians out of harm's way. Lucanis’ eyes practically lit up when he saw Rook and Davrin running towards him.

“You came…” he grabbed her arms and grinned at her with relief in his dark eyes. Rook reached up and squeezed his arm reassuringly.

“Always. Now let’s try and lure that damned thing to the ground.” Rook turned to Teia as Lucanis released her arms. “Try and keep the Antaam occupied. We’ll deal with the dragon.” Rook, Davrin and Lucanis headed out into the courtyard.

“How do you plan to get the dragon’s attention?” Davrin asked as they all looked up to where the large Blighted Dragon was flying over Treviso. Rook pulled out the Lyrium dagger. The hum of magic around it both soothed and agitated her magic…

“Well, they want this right?” Davrin and Lucanis both gave her worried looks at what she was planning but neither man could think of anything better to do so they both sighed and readied their weapons. Rook moved a few feet away and held up the dagger above her head. “Hey! You want it! Come and get it!”

This had the desired effect… for all of two minutes. Ghilan’nain herself appeared on top of a building above them and screeched like a gods damned banshee as she demanded the recovery of ‘the Dread Wolf’s Knife’. Rook dove to the side as the dragon tried to pounce on her, narrowly avoiding a claw to the side. Though that put her directly In Ghilan’nain’s path. The Monster Goddess grabbed Rook around the throat and hefted her off the ground.

“Interesting… The Dread Wolf’s pet is a Little Wolf Pup. Oh but this will be such fun.” Ghilan’nain dropped Rook to the ground as the elf’s eyes turned blood red and her bones started to break and resent in another shape. “I wonder how your companions will handle you, Wolf Pup. As you rip out their throats.” She cackled as Rook cried out in agony, on her knees now as she struggled to fight off Ghilan’nain’s will pressing down on her mind.

Rook

Solas…? Rook choked on her breath, still fighting with every ounce of strength she had in her… ‘Help me…’ her voice was practically a whimper within her mind as she reached for the Dread Wolf. ‘Ghilan’nain… I can’t fight her…’ She felt Solas’ righteous anger when he felt Ghilan’nain attempting to crack Rook’s mind.

I cannot stop the transformation… but I can help you keep your mind Rook. But I need you to trust me. She won’t control you.

Rook screamed, bones still breaking as she fought harder. ‘I trust you. Solas please!’ Within a second Ghilan’nain’s presence was gone. Her mind was her own, cloaked in the familiar warmth of Fen’Harel…

Show her what it means to fail against you, Rook. Show her why you stopped me.

She let go. The transformation became swift and painless as Ghilan’nain cackled above her, too lost in what she perceived as victory. The Evanuris nutjob had called off her dragon thrall. She watched in glee as the white wolf, Rook, stood and growled when Davrin and Lucanis called her name in worry. What she hadn’t planned for was Rook turning and leaping at her throat with a vicious growl. She missed and was batted aside by Ghilan’nain as she shrieked. But Rook was undeterred. She turned and pounced again, claws swiping at Ghilan’nain with a determination to draw blood. Lucanis picked up the dropped Lyrium Dagger and attempted to use Ghilan’nain’s distraction to drive the dagger into the God’s chest. Ghilan’nain shrieked in rage and threw them all away in a fit of frothing anger. She vanished with a promise of revenge and… Treviso was silent…

Well done, Rook… Rest. You’ve earned it.

Rook shifted back to her elf shape, staggering as exhaustion struck her. The ground came up to meet her but thankfully Lucanis caught the young elf and lifted her into his arms.

“We should… Minrathous…” Rook tried to get out of his hold but the Crow gave her a displeased look and started towards the Eluvian. “Lucanis put me down.” She grumbled with a pout. She received only a slight glare from Davrin. Rook fell silent and let Lucanis carry her through the Crossroads but insisted again that he let her walk when they arrived at the Minrathous Eluvian. He sighed and set her down, one arm still around her waist.

“You should rest, Rook. Ghilan’nain just tried to turn your brain to mush. You must be exhausted.” Davrin frowned in worry, taking her arm that wasn’t draped over Lucanis’ shoulder so she could walk a little more normally between them.

Harding and Bellara saw the three of them first. Eyes wide at the state Rook was in… tears in her Veil Jumper Armour. Blood dripped from her nose and one of her ears. Neve didn’t even look up from where she stood by Ashur’s side.

“Are you happy, Rook?” Neve’s voice was ice cold, drawing Rook’s gaze to her. “Minrathous is burning and Blighted. The Venatori have control of the Archon’s Palace. And for what…” Neve looked up as she spoke, trailing off when her eyes caught sight of Rook.

“She can’t be everywhere at once, Neve. Honestly, if she’d chosen to be here it probably would have been better for her!” Lucanis said angrily, looking down at the exhausted face of their leader. “Ghilan’nain tried to break her mind, Neve. Let’s not throw blame around today. She should be resting but instead, the fool insisted on coming to try and offer aid here.” Neve stared at Rook, who looked about ready to drop.

“How did you fight her off?” Harding asked with a wide-eyed look of concern as she moved over to check on Rook herself. Rook whimpered softly when Harding’s hand touched her cheek and wiped away some of the blood there.

“Solas… he helped shield me from her,” Rook admitted, sagging against Lucanis a little more. “I’m fine. I just need a nap.” She tried to insist. Neve sighed and pointed towards the Eluvian.

“Take her back to the Eluvian and make her sleep. I need to tie things up here. Just. Make sure she doesn’t get herself killed before I get back.” The Detective’s voice was firm as she spoke directly to Lucanis. To his credit, the Crow nodded and simply picked Rook up in his arms again despite her protests before turning and heading back to the Lighthouse. Rook passed out in his arms on the way back to the Lighthouse, her exhaustion and pain weighing her down until she just gave in.

“Rook…” She opened her eyes with a start only to relax when she realised she was in Solas’ Fade Prison. “I’m glad to see you are in one piece.” His voice rolled over her and seemed to soothe her frayed nerves. She looked over at him with a raw look of pain and fear in her eyes, tears falling immediately as his gaze softened from worry to pity.

“I nearly killed them… if you hadn’t stopped me…” she whispered, looking down as she started to cry. Cool hands took her shoulders and pulled her into a solid chest, one hand shifting to settle at the back of her head as she cried. She wasn’t sure when Solas joined her on her platform but the physical comfort was welcome and sorely needed.

“Ghilan’nain meant this as a slight against me. As she did when she cursed many of my followers into the first werewolves… I had hoped she wouldn’t notice her curse in your veins but I will not let her control you, Da’fen.” Solas said in the soothing, calm voice that had gotten her hooked on his praise and approval. She sniffled and just nodded against his chest, letting herself wrap her arms around his middle. His fingers started to gently card through her hair gently. “You did well. This is not a setback…”

You must wake now, Da’fen…

Chapter Text

Rook was standing sort of behind Cedric and Cassandra as the Herald spoke to Grand Enchanter Fiona, mostly zoned out and staring off into space. She totally missed when a Tevinter Magister walked up and took over the conversation with Cedric. Rook was startled from her thoughts when someone stumbled into her. The elf instinctively grasped their arm to stop them from falling. It was a young man, of obvious Tevinter Origin. His hair was short and he seemed… ill. Cedric moved to help Rook steady the young man as Solas instinctively caught Rook’s arm so she didn’t fall over. 

“Felix!” Magister Alexius practically ran across the room to help Rook pull the young man to his feet.

“You’re ill…” Rook said with a worried frown. Alexius pushed her back with a sneer before ushering Felix away. Cedric waited until the Magister and his son were gone before opening his hand to reveal a crumpled bit of parchment that had been all but shoved into his hand. He hummed curiously to himself as he opened the note and started to read.

“Says to meet him at the Chantry. Could be a trap. Might not be. Oh, what the hell. I’m bored. Let’s go.” Rook snickered a little at Cedric as he turned on his heel and left the tavern to head towards the Chantry. “Hopefully whatever we find is more exciting than talking circles with a Magister from a cult.” He muttered, pushing the door open and stepping in. The Prince blinked in surprise when a demon moved to attack them only to get taken down with a few good hits from a very pretty man with dark hair and eyes.

“Oh good you’re here. Now help me close this would you?” Cedric couldn’t really do much more than nod a little dumbly and duck to avoid getting decapitated by a demon. Rook couldn’t help the way her eyes had lit up when she’d seen Dorian Pavus, though she had schooled her features quickly as she pulled her spell blade free and started hacking at the demons. She learned to avoid the weird time patches this time and managed to get through the fight with only a minor scratch to her arm. Cedric closed the rift once all the demons were dead with some more Orlesian cursing that caused Dorian to raise an eyebrow and smirk just a little. “Oh my. How do you do that? Just wiggle your fingers and bam? Rift closed? Do you even know how you do it?” He asked curiously as he moved closer to the group.

“Mostly I just wave a hand and hope for the best,” Cedric said with a lopsided grin as he held out his other hand to shake Dorian’s. “Cedric Valmont. And you? Oh, mysterious Tevinter Mage?” He asked in a slightly teasing tone.

“Dorian Pavus. And before you ask. I am a Mage from Tevinter but I am not a Magister. You Southerners can’t seem to tell the difference.” Dorian said with an entirely dramatic bow. Cedric raised an eyebrow and chuckled. 

“Another Tevinter. Be cautious with this one.” Cassandra said dryly.

“Oh, I dunno. He seems rather charming.” Rook grinned a bit, drawing Cedric’s gaze to her. He studied her calm demeanour before returning his gaze to Dorian.

“Magister Alexius was my mentor. So my assistance should be valuable. As I’m sure you can imagine.” Dorian seemed unbothered by Cassandra’s suspicion though he did look over at Rook to assess her young face.

“I expected Felix. His note said to meet him here.” Cedric cast his eyes around to look for the young man who had almost fallen on top of Rook.

“I’m sure he’ll be along shortly. He was supposed to give you the note and ditch his father to meet us.” Dorian waved a hand and shrugged a bit.

“Is he alright? Alexius couldn’t rush to his side fast enough when he nearly fainted.” Cedric moved to lean casually on the altar nearby.

“He’s got the Blight… doesn’t he?” Cedric and Dorian both turned to face Rook, startling her a little. “I… I’ve seen it… I know the signs…” she added at the quizzical looks from Solas and Cassandra.

“He does… Alexius is determined to find a cure.” Dorian agreed with a heavy sigh. 

“So why exactly are you betraying your mentor? Not that I don’t welcome the help. But you understand my wariness.” Cedric studied Dorian with a calculating gaze.

“My father has joined a cult.” They all turned when Felix walked in, his movement slow as if worried he’d lose his balance. “They call themselves…” Felix didn’t get a chance to finish the sentence as Rook’s voice cut him off.

“The Venatori… fanatical Blood Mages who want ‘the Glory of Tevinter Reborn’…” Cedric frowned softly as Varric touched a hand to her arm. “I’m familiar.” Her voice was dripping with venom as she continued. 

“Not in a fun way I’m guessing…” Cedric said with an uneasy sigh. “Right. What does he want with the Rebel Mages then?” He asked Felix and Dorian, a hard look in his eyes.

“My guess is power for his cult.” Dorian shrugged. “You must know that there is danger here. That much should be obvious given he stole the rebel mages out from under. As if by magic.”

“Time magic… I gathered. We are not unfamiliar with such a phenomenon.” Cedric grumbled, his eyes wandering to Rook.

“What in Andraste’s tits are you talking about Sparky?” Varric asked incredulously. Cassandra and Solas looked equally puzzled.

“Me. He’s talking about me. I fell through a rift and wound up here. 12 years in the past.” Rook said softly. Her arms crossed over her chest. “The Venatori are like fucking cockroaches…” she huffed with an intensely cranky look on her face. Dorian looked from Rook to Cedric and said with a slight smirk.

“Oh, I like her.” Dorian chuckled. Rook seemed to noticeably perk up at the approval from the mage.

“Herald. This is important. What my father has done here… he’s done it to get to you.” Cedric raised an eyebrow at Felix’s words, clearly amused.

“All this for me? And here I didn’t get Alexius anything.” Cassandra made a disapproving huff at the display of humour from the Prince. 

“Send him a fruit basket. Everyone loves those.” Dorian smirked approvingly at the joke. “Expecting the trap is the first step to turning it to your advantage. I can’t stay in Redcliffe. Alexius doesn’t know I’m here and I’d like to keep it that way… but when you’re ready to deal with him I’d like to be there.” Dorian turned and started to leave the Chantry. “I’ll be in touch.” With that, he left them alone in the quiet Chantry.

“Fruit basket sounds like a nice gift. Let’s go back to Haven. Leliana and Josephine will want to know what happened here.” Cedric said before turning to leave Redcliffe. 

Chapter Text

The ride back to Haven was just as miserable and wet as the ride to Redcliffe. Only this time Rook was being bombarded by Varric and Cassandra about her coming from the future. Though Varric mostly wanted to know how successful his books were 12 years from now. Solas was blessedly quiet for once. The moment they reached Haven she attempted to hide but got grabbed by Leliana and dragged to the war council.

“Why am I being made to come?! I don’t have any advice for you!” Rook argued as she pouted beside Cedric. The Prince coughed to hide a chuckle, which only earned him a stony glare from Rook. 

“You may not know exactly what happened but I appreciate your opinion.” Cedric shrugged, leaning a hip on the table. Rook huffed but didn’t argue again. Cedric and Cullen debated about the Mages and Templars for a while before Rook raised her hand tentatively.

“Look, I don't know Templars personally. When I was growing up Ferelden no longer had a circle. But I do know Mages. And I knew Dorian Pavus in my time. I’d trust him with my life…” Rook’s voice was quiet as she spoke, her fingers picking at her palm.

“And I trust Rook. So we go for the Mages.” Cedric lightly touched a hand to her shoulder, shooting her a reassuring grin before returning his attention to Leliana.

“It is undoubtedly a trap.” Cassandra commented dryly.

“So we disable it before he can spring it. I’ll take Rook and Solas with me. Dorian promised he’d be in touch to help us with Alexius so I’ll take him too.” As if on cue the door to the war room opened and Dorian walked in as Inquisition Soldiers tried to stop him. “Let him in. Thank you.” Rook grinned at Dorian, clearly excited that he was there.

“So you have a plan do you?” Dorian teased, crossing his arms over his chest.

“We do. There’s a secret passage into Redcliffe Castle. We send a small group of Inquisition soldiers to enter through there. Catch Alexius by surprise. You, Solas, Rook and I will be going and meeting the good Magister to give them time to get into position. Are you up for it?” Cedric had a look of calm confidence about him as he stood straighter.

“Oh absolutely.”

-

It only took a matter of hours for the group to be prepared for riding out to Redcliffe. Solas had the pleasure of watching Rook argue with Revas when the wolf pup seemingly refused to be left behind again. That had taken most of an hour, by the end of which Varric had arrived with fresh meat to bribe the pup with, much to Rook’s relief when it worked…

Reaching Redcliffe itself had been the easy part… Rook had split off with Solas to show the agents where the entrance was. The ancient elf watched closely as her fingers traced over a carving in a wooden beam of two letters. ‘KT’ after the agents were safely in the tunnel Rook and Solas rejoined Cedric to enter the palace in the more traditional way. Cedric had a look of disinterest and boredom on his face as he walked up to one of Alexius’ guards and, in a voice that demanded respect, said;

“Announce us.” There was no request. Only demand. He would not be turned away.

“The invitation was for The Herald only.” An envoy attempted to argue but the sharp glare from Cedric seemed to startle him.

“Where I go… they go. Now stand aside.” With that Cedric practically pushed his way past. Rook followed closely, her skin crawling as the Tevinter guards turned to follow behind them. 

“My Lord Magister. The agents of the Inquisition have arrived.” The envoy’s voice was tense, irritated as he spoke to Alexius.

“Ah! My friend. It is good to see you again.” Alexius stood and started to walk towards them. “And your associates of course. I’m sure we can work out some arrangement that is equitable to all parties.” Fiona stepped forward with a look of displeasure on her face.

“Are we mages to have no voice in deciding our fate?” She asked in a clearly affronted tone, her brow creased in anger. 

“Fiona, you would not have turned your followers over to my care if you did not trust me with their lives.” Cedric snorted in vague amusement, drawing a sharp glare from Alexius.

“Of course she trusts you Alexius. I’m sure lots of people put their lives in your hands. You have one of those faces.” Cedric’s words, though jesting, held no mirth as his gold eyes bored into Alexius. “How about we skip the pleasantries? I’m growing bored and desperately wishing that this were some ball back home, which believe me is not a good thing. I hate attending those things.” His tone was dry and unamused as he started up the stairs. “Tell me Alexius. What did your Elder One offer you?” Alexius went entirely pale then even as his guards began to drop to the floor. “Oh I know all about your little plan. Your time magic. The Venatori. I’m not stupid. So here’s what’s going to happen… you’re going to release the mages and leave the South. If not… well…” he chuckled darkly then waving a hand behind him as Inquisition Agents stepped forward to take the places of the now dead Venatori. “Things will get messy.”

“So speaks the thief! You walk into my stronghold with your stolen mark! A gift you don’t even understand and think you’re in control.” Alexius sounded almost crazed then, his eyes wild as he spoke to Cedric directly. “You’re nothing but a mistake.”

“If you know so much then enlighten me; Tell me what this mark on my hand is for.” Cedric demanded, waving his left hand as a reminder of what he was talking about.

“It belongs to your betters! You wouldn’t even begin to understand its purpose…” Alexius sneered at Cedric, until Felix stepped forward and spoke.

“Father… do you even hear what you sound like?” The Altus asked with concern in his voice for all to hear.

“He sounds exactly like the sort of villainous cliche everyone expects us to be.” Dorian commented as he approached from the side, coming to stand beside Cedric.

“Dorian… I gave you a chance to be a part of this…” Alexius… seemed almost… sad as he spoke to his former protege… “You turned me down. The Elder One has power you would not believe. He will raise the Imperium from its own ashes.” Rook made a face at that, clearly angry as she stepped forward. “People will bow to Mages once more! We will rule from the Boric ocean to the frozen seas.”

“Oh. And you think he’ll share his power with you like a benevolent god? He’d sooner brand you as a slave like the Evanuris did to the Elvhen people! You’re delusional…” Rook glared angrily, her eyes flashing bright red for a fraction of a second. Fiona had a look of pain and anguish on her face as if realising what she’d done.

“You can’t involve my people in this!” She shouted with a look akin to rage in her eyes. 

“Alexius… this is exactly what you and I talked about never wanting to happen!” Dorian argued as he stepped forward to try and make his former mentor see reason. “Why would you support this?”

“Father stop this… give up the Venatori… let the southern mages fight the Breach and let’s go home.” Felix reached out a hand to try and lay it on Alexius’ arm but the man turned and moved too fast. 

“No… it’s the only way Felix… he can save you.” Alexius had such hope in his eyes as he looked at his son… such hopeless… misguided belief that he was right…

“Save me?!”

“There is a way. The Elder One promised if I undo the mistake at the Temple…” Alexius turned to face Cedric and Dorian again, his eyes hard and cold now. 

“Father, I'm going to die! You need to accept that…” Felix seemed almost desperate now to make Alexius see reason… but…

“I will fix this!”

“Your men are dead Alexius. It’s over.” Cedric said with a shrug.

“You… are a mistake! You should never have existed!” Alexius hissed in rage, holding up his hand as green magic crackled around an amulet that now floated above his hand. Dorian panicked and threw out his hands as his own magic attempted to counter whatever Alexius was doing.

“No!” Whatever Dorian did threw Alexius off enough that a green swirling rift appeared before them, magic crackling around the room as Solas and Rook tried to dive for cover. When everything died down…

Cedric and Dorian were gone.

Chapter Text

Cedric staggered and dropped to one knee when he and Dorian landed in some sort of cell that was filled with about a foot of water. The Tevinter Mage reached down and helped Cedric up as they looked around for a second. The moment of calm was shattered quickly as two people dressed in red and black raced into the room with weapons drawn. Cedric pulled his longsword free and parried the blade coming for his throat, shoving the guard back and aiming an arching blow at his throat. The fight was quick, especially with Dorian’s inferno magic keeping the second guard back long enough for Cedric to get his bearings and cut down the first guard. The second followed soon after with a bolt of fire to the chest from Dorian. The two men took a second to catch their breath, Dorian leaning on his staff as Cedric stowed his blade.

“Where are we…?” Cedric mumbled as he knelt to search the bodies.

“I think the better question is when… That amulet Alexius had is the same one we spent countless nights working on. I don’t know how, or indeed when, he perfected it…” Dorian paced as he spoke, his brow creased as he spoke to himself. Cedric made a triumphant noise when he found a key on one of the guards.

“I say we go for a lovely walk and figure out exactly what’s happened.” Cedric walked over to the door and used the key to unlock it.

“Excellent idea. We should figure out what time it is first. And attempt to find the others, given that this looks suspiciously like Redcliffe Castle. Then we need to find Alexius and get the amulet so I can hopefully reverse the spell and get us back to our time.” Dorian spoke quickly as he slung his staff over his back.

“Sounds dangerous,” Cedric smirked a bit at the Tevinter Mage, drawing a chuckle from Dorian as the man stepped closer.

“Don’t worry… I’ll protect you…” His voice was almost a purr before he stepped back and turned to lead the way. “Let's go.”

They met little resistance as they made their way through the dungeons, cutting down the few red lyrium-infused guards that tried to fight them. Deep in the dungeons, they found Solas first. He was standing quietly in his cell, face devoid of emotion. His eyes were glowing slightly and veins of red arched under his skin.

“You… We saw you die.” The elf said in that ever-calm voice that had a tinge of… regret to it.

“Time Magic…” Cedric unlocked the cell with the recovered key and held out a hand to help Solas step over the rubble in his way. “Can you tell us what happened?”

“The Elder One came with an army of demons and took the south by force after the assassination of Empress Genevieve,” Solas explained, picking up a staff from the ground as he prepared to follow the two humans. “But if you are here from the past then you can fix this by returning and never allowing it to happen in the first place.” Cedric nodded, a grim look on his face.

“That’s the plan. Come on.” The three of them headed back up the stairs and headed down a different corridor, keeping quiet as they moved.

“I know you’re there… I can hear you. The wolf stalking in the night… Fen’Harel is always watching…” Cedric froze when he heard Rook’s voice, tainted and wrong… But her voice. Solas had gone oddly still beside him but Cedric attributed that to whatever he had endured in however long he was trapped. The Prince stepped into Rook’s view, finding her sitting on the floor in her cell. Her eyes were blood red and glowing and the red veins were present as she looked up at him passively. “My fault… All my fault… Lace… Bellara… All my fault. Bad omen. Fen’Harel haunts… Always haunts.” She gave a breathy giggle. “Here now… Always. Regret has a scent. Spite taught that. Regret… so much regret…” Cedric unlocked her cell and moved to kneel in front of her.

“Rook… Come on… We will fix this. This won’t happen…” He whispered, taking her hands to pull her up.

“But it will Inquisitor… It will! Fen’Harel will tear the veil asunder as Corypheus has! None of this matters if Fen’Harel succeeds… My job… My job to stop him… I failed…” Rook swayed on her feet. “Betrayed like the Slow Arrow…” She mumbled. Cedric pulled her from her cell.

“Come on. We’ll fix this.” Cedric managed to get the elf mage to stop rambling, clearly driven by the red lyrium. The group made their way through the dungeons, finding Fiona encased in red lyrium and freeing Leliana from her chains as well, though she seemed displeased by Cedric’s insistence that he could fix this.

Rifts, demons and red lyrium-infused Venatori lined their path through to where Alexius stood with Felix… Who was less a man and more a ghoul at this point.

“It’s over Alexius. Give us the amulet.” Cedric demanded as he walked closer to the Magister.

“It is not over! This cannot be the end!” Alexius, mad with grief, attacked. Rift Magic and Demons flying about in chaos. Rook ended up back to back with Solas, muttering to herself about the sky sundering and the false gods coming for her. Pure nonsense really. Cedric landed the killing blow to Alexius, separating his head from his body with a cold look in his eyes. He tossed the amulet to Dorian and looked around at the carnage.

“More come… Time is fleeting.” Rook whispered, her eyes hazy as she looked up and around.

“We will buy you time, Herald. Do not waste it. You have as much time as I have arrows and they have mana.” Leliana moved to stand halfway down the room, knocking an arrow to her bow. Rook grabbed Cedric by the arm, her voice hushed and warped as she spoke.

“You must win…. You cannot fail. I cannot stop the Gods if you fail… Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain come for us all if you fail…” She whispered before following Solas out the double doors to meet the coming hoard. Cedric shared a confused look with Dorian as the Tevinter Mage began his ritual to return them to their time. The sounds of fighting reached the ears eventually, screams of dying demons and blasts of magic. Loud booms filled the hall as the door shook… It did not take long to give way as demons flooded in, tossing Rook’s broken and battered body to the side. Solas, having been left impaled on a Blight tendril outside the door, hand outstretched towards Rook… Leliana began firing arrow after arrow as Cedric cried out in distress at the sight of Rook and Solas dead… Leliana faced down the demons alone as she recited the Chant of Light… Dorian hooked an arm around Cedric’s waist and pulled him in close before he could get too far away.

Despite her bravery… Leliana was impaled on a demon’s claws, drawing a pained shout from Cedric just before Dorian’s ritual caused magic to surge and they found themselves back in their time… Rook was stood by Solas’ side, neither of them touched by red lyrium. Cedric breathed a sigh of relief before turning a stony glare on Alexius.

“Arrest him. Take him to Haven. We will decide what to do with him once the Breach is handled.” Cedric told an Inquisition soldier, who saluted and moved to do exactly that. The Herald barely took a breath before the doors swung open and Ferelden Guards marched in and lined the sides of the hall… Followed closely by King Alistair.

“Grand Enchanter. I hope you have a good explanation as to why you handed over Redcliffe to a Tevinter Magister.” The King said as he came to a stop a few feet away. Rook had gone very still as she watched the man, her eyes wide. However she was not the only one staring as a small elven child with dark hair and bright gold eyes poked her head out from behind Alistair, her small hand gripping one of his tightly. Her appearance drew all eyes to her, most in confusion.

“She didn’t know… frightened… everything went wrong…” The girl’s voice was small, soft… But her words held weight…

“Hush now Little Wolf…” Alistair mumbled, shifting his hand to lay it atop her head, causing her to scrunch her nose up in disapproval… So very familiar… Cedric’s eyes cased the room as Fiona stumbled over her words before finding Rook’s face… a look of intense thought in her gold eyes… Her own nose crunched in displeasure at whatever it was she was thinking about…

“Katarina.” Cedric’s voice cut through the stuttering of Fiona and drew not just Rook’s gaze… But the child’s as well. Oh…

Chapter Text

Rook’s breath caught in her throat as Cedric tilted his head at her and waited. King Alistair had noticed her by now as well and was looking between Rook and the girl at his side with a confused look in his eyes. The child locked eyes with Rook, tilting her head curiously. Cedric and Alistair quickly dealt with the mages, with Cedric offering a place in the Inquisition to them. It was only after the hall was mostly empty that anyone acknowledged that tension.

“You said you were from Denerim… I didn’t think that meant you were the King’s daughter.” Cedric said in a surprisingly soft tone. Rook stood with her arms crossed and was looking down at the floor with tears in her eyes.

“Heavy… cracking under the weight…” Everyone turned towards Katarina and looked down at the elven child as the girl walked closer to her older self. “You didn’t mean for it to happen…” a rough, pained sob escaped Rook as she shook her head. “Bae… Bae make it stop hurting…” Katarina said as she turned and looked up at Alistair.

“You can’t… no one can…” Rook whispered as she sank to her knees to be more level with Katarina. “My decisions hurt people… Bae can’t fix that…” Kat reached out and touched her cheek lightly.

“He said it wasn’t your fault… the story man… not your fault…” Katarina whispered. She let her hand drop before looking up at Solas with a curious look on her face. “Shrouded in regret… you never wanted it. She made you… wisdom warped and fractured… why do you continue when you know she used you?” The elf jolted and stepped back as if burned as Katarina stared up at him unblinking. The ancient elf didn’t answer… he simply left the room with his hands clasped behind his back. “Is it something I said?” Kat asked with a frown, looking up at her father as Alistair approached with a fond chuckle.

“Alright, Little Wolf. Enough of that. Connor is outside.” Katarina immediately nodded and ran off to find Connor, carefree as any child would be. Once Katarina was gone Alistair looked down at Rook and held out his hands to help her up. He didn’t speak as he just pulled her into his chest with that warm hug that had marked her childhood with light. “You didn’t get very tall, Little Wolf,” Alistair said with a small, teasing smirk. A smirk that often got him a light smack from his wife, though that often backfired on the Queen much to everyone’s amusement. Rook huffed but didn’t move from where she was now actively holding onto the man she’d called father since she was but 4 years old.

“I’m sure you have questions…” Rook mumbled, sniffling a little. Alistair nodded and smoothed her hair back before pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I do. But that can wait…” Cedric promptly forced Dorian and anyone else lingering in the room out. Only to end up right in front of the 8-year-old Katarina.

“Wary of the gilded cage and the heavy mantle… Emperor… such a big name.” The girl blinked a bit and shook her head. “Ir abelas… Bae says I shouldn’t do that. He says it’s rude.” She said with a pout. “I only want to help.”

“I can see that. He is right though.” Cedric crouched down to her level as he spoke. “You are a mage. And you see things others don’t. Most do not appreciate gifts such as yours. He tells you not to because he wishes for you to be safe…” Katarina nodded quietly before looking towards the door.

“What about her? Who keeps her safe?” She asked, obviously asking about the older version of herself that was in the main hall sobbing into her father’s shoulder.

“We will. Me and my team. She’s one of us now.” Cedric reassured her with an easy smile.

-

Rook had spent an hour or so talking to King Alistair, his voice calming her as it always had. When they finally joined everyone in the study her eyes were red from crying and she looked exhausted. Solas had rejoined them as well and was standing in the corner in absolute silence.

“I… should probably tell the full truth now…” Rook said as she stood with Alistair in front of the small Inquisition team. “My name is Katarina Theirin. I was adopted when I was 4 after my birth parents were killed by bears in some hunting accident while we were travelling… I left Ferelden when I turned 16 to travel North to Arlathan to meet with an acquaintance of Mae’s… a Dalish Keeper by the name of Strife. Varric recruited me not long after I turned 19 to help him track down an Agent of Fen’Harel.” Not totally a lie but enough of one that it didn’t sit well with her. “I made… a terrible mistake…” Rook looked down and away for a long moment.

“Haven’t we all…” Cedric said softly, giving her a small smile. “This conversation is not helping anyone. If anything it’s hurting you more than anything.” He added, drawing a nod of approval from Alistair.

“I’m just glad to know you take more after your mother. I’m an idiot.” Rook let out a genuine laugh at her father’s words.

“I dunno. I’ve been called foolishly brave before. Morrigan says I remind her of you too much. Unfortunately for her, Kieran adores me still so she has to suffer in my company.” Rook grinned up at her father, noting the triumphant look on his face.

“Well, this is great! Ugh, I remember when I first met her. I think I embarrassed myself quite thoroughly because I was too distracted by your mother.” Alistair chuckled fondly, lightly ruffling her hair just before little Katarina ran in and grabbed her father’s free hand. “Now that Fiona and her mages are sorted I should return to Denerim. I’m sure Eamon has more paperwork for me to sign.” The King rolled his eyes and hugged Rook tightly before lifting Kat off the ground with a very over-the-top huff. “You’re getting too big for this, Little Wolf. Stay safe… If the Inquisition needs anything then get your ambassador to send word.” With that King Alistair and the little elven child left them all in the study.

“You were a cute kid.” Cedric immediately jumped in to start teasing Rook, which only earned him a punch on the arm. “Alright! Man who taught you to punch?” He said with a laugh as he rubbed at his arm with a point. Rook just motioned towards the door.

“He just left.” Dorian laughed outright at that.

“Right. Let's head back to Haven. I sure could use a nap about now.” Cedric ushered everyone out of the study, shooting Solas an odd look when the elf still said nothing.

-

Haven was buzzing with activity when they arrived. Varric and Revas met them at the gates to see if everyone made it back ok. Solas still had yet to speak a word to anyone… Cedric barely got a moment to breathe before someone was throwing an arm around his shoulders.

“Ah! His Imperial Highness graces us with his presence?” Cedric rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless.

“Hello, Krem. Let me guess. The Big Boss Man wants to see me?” He said as he shook off Krem’s arm to go and find food.

“Yep. Bull is on the Storm Coast dealing with Tevinter Blood Mages. You already know us but your team doesn’t. Thought they’d like to see us in action.” The warrior walked along beside Cedric, keeping pace with the Prince as people milled about.

“Right. Tell Bull I’ll meet him. We have a few things to look at on the Storm Coast anyway. Good seeing you Krem!” With the invitation accepted Krem saluted and immediately left to meet up with the other Chargers. Cedric secured two bowls of soup and went to bother Solas. “I brought you food. Figured I owed you one for saving my life a few times now… you ok?” He asked as he sat down on a crate beside where Solas was sulking.

“That is unnecessary… But appreciated.” The elf took the bowl and returned to his sulking. Or rather he tried to. 

“First time being read by a Seer huh? It can be pretty freaky.” Solas sighed and looked over at Cedric, frowning at the expectant look on the Prince’s face. “You should talk about it.”

“Not the first time no… I have met several Seers in my life but I have never encountered one as a child. I knew Rook was a Seer but I didn’t recognise the depth of her abilities.” Solas admitted, his violet eyes finding where Rook was sitting under a tree with Revas. Cedric made a soft humming noise as he too watched Rook as the elf attempted to teach Revas to sit on command. Attempt being the primary word.

“Here’s an idea. Talk to her. She might be able to give more information than the 8-year-old did. Can’t hurt to try at least.” Cedric finished the rest of his soup before disappearing to go fall into his bed from bone-deep exhaustion. And if he ended up getting distracted by a certain Tevinter Mage… Well, that was his business.

Chapter Text

Solas did not, in fact, speak to Rook. Avoiding her became easy when Cedric decided to bring her along to the Storm Coast, along with Cassandra and Dorian. Solas had spent most of his time helping the village healer with poultices and potions, offering healing to any who needed it as people joined the Inquisition. 

“Hey, Chuckles? What did that elfroot do to you?” Varric asked with a chuckle when he found Solas glaring at an elfroot plant that he was preparing for a healing potion.

“Hello, Varric. What can I do for you?” Solas asked, not acknowledging his ‘humorous’ jab.

”Just checking on you. The Esteemed Herald mentioned an impromptu Seer reading.” Varric crossed his arms and looked up at Solas as he spoke.

“I… am fine, Varric.” Solas cringed internally at how obvious the lie sounded.

“And I’m Andraste herself,” Varric commented dryly. “Is it the accidental reading itself? Or is it because it was Rook?” Solas froze and looked down at the dwarf. “Don’t even try it Chuckles. She saves your ass from a Pride Demon and suddenly you’re pinning like a lovesick puppy.” The elf turned his sharp gaze on Varric, confused and irritated by the insinuation.

”I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Solas muttered with a huff, drawing a chuckle from Varric.

”Course you don’t. Piece of advice… It’s the end of the world, Solas. You won’t find better stories anywhere else.” Varric smirked a bit and patted the elven mage on the arm. “Don’t be a coward Chuckles.” Varric grinned and walked out, leaving Solas to collect his composure as his eye twitched at the obvious jab.

-

The Storm Coast was cold wet and miserable. Or at least that’s what Rook and Dorian had decided to complain about. Even in her thicker leather armour with the white wolf fur pelt around her shoulders she was soaked to the bone and sneezing despite the grumbles of irritation.

“Arlathan doesn’t get this cold! I left Ferelden for a reason!” She argued after Cassandra, rightfully, pointed out that she was from Ferelden originally. Cedric got a wet ball of weeds thrown at the back of his head as penance for laughing at her.

“Maker!” Cedric snickered, holding a hand to his wet hair as he continued down the hill towards where Krem had told him to meet the Chargers. Rook huffed in frustration and headed after him. Her foot slipped on a patch of wet moss on a rock, sending the elf right off her feet. Thankfully Cassandra had the decency to catch her by the arm so she didn’t land right on her ass. 

“Careful Rook. We left the healer behind.” Dorian teased as he passed by her. Rook stuck her tongue out at the mage like a child.

“Oh look. They started without us. How rude.” Cedric said casually as they approached where Venatori were fighting a large Qunari and a group of Mercenaries. The Prince pulled his sword and immediately dove into the fray, the sharp blade slicing into flesh with each blow to the various Blood Mages. Rook had her spell blade in her hand and a vicious grin on her face as she Fade Stepped right into the middle of the fight and drove the blade into an enemy's rib cage, fire wreathing the blade even as she flung an orb of fire at another Vint.

“Damn Rook! Making us all look bad!” Dorian called across the beach as she flipped her blade before throwing it in an arching spin that took down 2 more Vints before returning to her hand. For a moment it was easy to fall back into familiarity, a laugh escaping her as she formed fire darts with ease.

As the battle died down she turned towards the others, almost expecting to meet Lucanis’ warm brown eyes… or see Davrin praising Assan. Emmrich or Bellara making some comments about magical resonance. Her face fell as reality crashed over her like cold water. They were all probably dead… drowned in demons from Solas’ fucking ritual… so lost in thought she staggered towards the water and sank to her knees, hands dipping into the cool and salty seawater.

“Rook?” Cassandra crouched down beside the young elf, a hand settling on her shoulder… surprisingly comforting despite the lack of familiarity between them.

“Sorry… I just… for a moment I forgot where I am… I expected to see my friends.” Rook lifted her head and looked up at Cass with tears in her eyes. “They’re probably dead or dying… and I don’t know what to do. They all looked to me for guidance… and I don’t know what to do now… I’ve failed them.” Cassandra squeezed her shoulder before wrapping an arm around her in an attempt to comfort the young elf.

“If they value you as I believe they would… then I think they would understand that what happened was not in your control.” The Seeker said softly. Cass helped Rook up and guided her over to the others. Cedric shot her a quizzical look but dropped it when Rook shook her head.

The Iron Bull was much bigger than she’d imagined from Varric’s stories about the Qunari. The Mercenary smirked at her as he studied her with his one good eye.

“Now where’d you find this one, Highness? She’s cute.” Rook blinked in shock at the almost flirty smirk from The Bull. She looked from Bull to the others, her eyes wide in confusion.

“You might have to fight Solas for her,” Cedric said with a snicker. Rook sputtered and shook her head.

“What are you talking about? No one is fighting over me.” Rook argued, drawing a hardy laugh from Dorian.

“Oh, it’s precious how clueless you are darling.” The Tevinter Mage slung an arm around her shoulders to guide her back to camp. “Allow me to tell you a little something about men…” Oh, dear…

-

Rook had spent the entire journey back to Haven with a flush on her cheeks as she attempted to avoid Bull’s, mostly in jest, flirting and Dorian’s insistence of telling her about the various ‘signs’ that Solas was, in fact, sweet on her. Ha… Sweet on me? More lies. Surely… Right…? Reaching Haven was a blessing until she noticed that Solas had come out to meet them. Dorian nudged her in the ribs and smirked wickedly when she glared sharply, though she went very pale when Bull spoke.

“Oh don’t be like that. You are cute when you’re trying to be angry though.” Somehow he managed to wink with only one eye, drawing a panicked sputter from Rook as she turned a bright shade of red. Her embarrassment was not helped when she realised Solas was glaring at The Iron Bull as the Qunari walked away chuckling. 

“I am pleased to see you have returned in one piece.” Solas, as practiced as he was in hiding emotions, managed to keep his tone level as he spoke to Cassandra, Dorian and Cedric, his violet eyes watching as Rook attempted, rather futilely, to get the embarrassed flush under control. “The Mages will be ready for an attempt at closing the breach as early as tomorrow.” Cedric nodded and thanked Solas, patting him on the shoulder.

“Hey Rook. Maybe you should help The Iron Bull with getting acquainted with Haven.” Cedric suggested with a sly smirk. Rook shook her head vehemently.

“I’m quite sure he will be just fine without me. I am going to find somewhere warm because I am fucking freezing!” She declared, fleeing directly towards the cabin she and Solas shared. Swearing violently in elven Rook pulled her wet outer clothing off to hang by the fire. She jolted when a thick, warm blanket was suddenly laid around her shoulders. Turning to face the person to thank them she came face to face with Solas, words dying in her throat when they locked eyes.

“Cassandra said you slipped on the way up the mountain… You are not injured?” He asked, carefully pulling the blanket a little tighter around her as he studied her face.

“No… I…” She paused and looked down at the ground, her mind racing… “Solas… I should probably come clean about something if you’re going to look at me like that…” She whispered, lifting her gaze back to his. He raised an eyebrow in curiosity, nodding and taking a step back to give her room.

“I was hired by Varric to track someone down. I know a lot about Ancient Magic and Elvhenan so I was a good candidate for the job. This someone was a friend to Varric during this time.” She paused and wrung her hands together nervously. “I was hunting you, Solas… Or… Should I say…” She swallowed thickly before letting the next words out.

“Fen’Harel.”

Chapter Text

Silence… the crunch of boots in the snow. The song of birds in trees. Both of those sounds cut into deafening silence between Rook and the Dread Wolf. He was staring at her, eyes hard and distrusting now… Rook shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny.

“Solas… I…” she started only for words to die in her throat as he stepped closer.

“What do you know, Da’fen?” A chill ran down her spine as he looked down at her with a coldness to his gaze. She opened her mouth to speak only to freeze when someone knocked on the cabin door. The door opened to reveal Commander Cullen.

“Apologies for the interruption… Rook. Cedric and the rest of the Council would like you to join us.” He said with an easy smile. Oh, she liked Cullen. He was sweet and quite protective of the mages in the inner circle. Many Templars that had joined from the Hinterlands had learned the hard way via laps of the lake that they were not to be acting as glorified jailers anymore. 

“I… will be over in a moment,” Rook said with a polite smile. Cullen nodded, giving Solas a friendly if wary smile. With that Cullen left, leaving her alone with the Dread Wolf once more. “I know a lot, Solas… not everything. But enough to know you’re not evil. I am going to see what the others want. I will be back later.” She quickly donned her warmer casual clothes and left the cabin, Revas hot on her heels as usual.

Solas stared after her, violet eyes hard and narrowed. None of her actions made sense… but then. Her distrust of him did. Often accepting the companionship he’d offered only to shy away and run… At first, he’d thought her shy… then… she was a Seer. She could have spun a tale of seeing his identity in a vision… but she’d told the truth… Varric had hired her to hunt him down. The haunted look in her gaze was… telling. And she’d said as much herself… Everything had clearly gone wrong… the Dread Wolf left the cabin a few minutes later and ended up getting sent on a foraging expedition for more elfroot and other herbs for various potions.

-

Rook was silent as she entered the War Room, a passive look on her face as she moved to stand beside Cedric. The three advisors, Cassandra and Dorian stood around the other side of the table as they waited for Cedric to speak.

“I wanted to discuss what I saw in that future at Redcliffe… I figured the Seer from the future might be a good person to have here.” Cedric explained, his arms crossed over his chest. “We learned that this ‘Elder One’ had an army of demon-possessed Wardens and Orlais had fallen after the assassination of the Empress.” His eyes held a dark anger as he spoke. A rage he had hidden well given the small step back Leliana took when she saw it. “I don’t need to tell you that I will not be allowing that to happen.”

“Empress Genevieve stepped down in my future, passing the Empire to you as far as I know. I had some interactions with the First Warden while I was in Minrathous. He tried to have me arrested!” Rook pouted grumpily at the thought. “Anyway. You,” Rook pointed at Dorian, “Scared him off by mentioning a place called ‘Adamant Fortress’. Now I don’t actually know what that means. I was never super interested in the Wardens beyond what my mother and father told me about the Fifth Blight.” Rook explained, setting a hand on her hip as she spoke. She almost felt like Neve for a second… Oh, that ached too.

“I’ll send someone with a letter to my mother. She’ll be more amused than anything to have a threat on her life. Assassins in the Orlesian Court are just part of life. But she will take it seriously and have Ambassador Briala and her companion look into it.” Josephine seemed pleased by Cedric, giving the Prince an approving smile. “As for the Wardens… I spoke with a friend in Val Royeaux and he said the Orlesian Wardens have not been seen in weeks.” Cullen frowned and pulled a piece of paper towards him.

“We should have a team investigate known Warden Keeps. Potentially reach out to Amaranthine in Ferelden?” The commander suggested.

“We need to deal with the Breach first. After that, we will consider next steps.” Cassandra reminded everyone, drawing nods of approval from everyone else.

“We move at dawn to the ruins.” Cedric hooked an arm around Rook and pulled her with him as he left the room. “I… had a question. You said something to me in that future. I haven’t been sure how to bring it up… You said that if I failed here then you wouldn’t have a chance to defeat Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain… I have spent a fair bit of time with elves, specifically Briala in recent years, so I know who the Elven Gods are. My question is. Why were you fighting them in the first place?” Cedric asked once they were alone. Rook froze, her eyes dead ahead as they walked. 

“They escaped their prison… And they were intent on Blighting everything and ruling over all of Thedas as they had during the time of Elvhenan.” Rook sighed and pulled him into a corner. “The Evanuris were not kind. Not merciful. They were Tyrants. And Fen’Harel rebelled, trapping them in a prison behind the veil. It was crumbling and Fen’Harel sought to fix a mistake he’d made and move them to a strong one. Unfortunately, I thought he was just trying to tear down the veil. It’s complicated and I can’t tell you everything. But I was truthful. If you fail… There is a high chance that there will be no one there to stand against the Evanuris.” Rook closed her eyes and looked down. “You hold so much power over what happens in the coming months. Dealing with the Breach is not the end. I suspect you know this. I will help you as I can but I can’t guide you… I can’t risk making things worse. But…” She paused and looked out over Haven. “I won’t stand by and just let the world end. I’m an ally here.” The elf smiled up at the Herald, earning a grateful grin and a tight hug from Cedric.

“Hopefully a friend as well…?” He had a hopeful look about him as he pulled back and looked down at him.

“Oh absolutely!” Rook laughed and hugged him again, fully relaxing as strong arms wrapped around her body in a secure embrace. It felt familiar… felt like when Davrin had embraced her after saving the Griffons from Isseya or Lucanis whenever he felt like it really. It ached… It probably always would. But knowing Cedric cared helped lessen the pain.

-

Later in the night, after being dragged into a drinking game with Cedric, Varric and some of the Chargers, Rook stumbled into the cabin she shared with Solas. Her face fell when she found the space empty and cold…

“Solas…?” She called out, peering out the back window to see if he was outside at all. After not finding him Rook headed off to see if anyone had seen him. The Dread Wolf proved to be irritatingly elusive, just as he had been in her search for him. This search took her around the edge of the lake to a sparsely forested area after hearing about his late-night foraging expedition. Cold and tipsy she trudged through the snow, keen eyes searching the darkness. Her entire body froze, her heart in her throat as the snap of a twig echoed around her. She spun to try and find the source but found nothing… Cautiously she moved slowly through the sparse trees before eventually reaching a thicker treeline. A crunch of snow beneath feet and a soft growl were the only warning she got before her back was pressed harshly into a tree with a cool, strong hand wrapped around her throat. Not hard enough to cut off air but enough to stop any noise from leaving her as she looked up into violet eyes.

“You should pay more attention to your surroundings, Da’fen.” His voice was low as he caged her in against the tree. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared up at him. “I knew there was something about you…” Solas held her gaze, his eyes hard and holding a calculating darkness as he studied her.

“Varric always said you’d never see me coming…” Rook whispered, lifting one hand to grasp his wrist… She didn’t push him away yet. Just held his wrist. “He was right. I certainly caught you by surprise more than once.” His grip on her throat tightened as he stepped closer, pushing her more firmly against the tree. A soft, wavering whimper escaped her as her eyes fluttered close. Her cheeks were flushed when she felt him move close, his warm breath fanning her face. For a moment the world seemed to still as his other hand came to rest on her hip… “Solas…” the sound of his name escaping her in a breathless gasp caused him to still and move away suddenly, releasing her completely. She opened her eyes and found herself alone again as her hand moved to her throat where his hand had been seconds before. “Oh… shit…”

Chapter Text

The next morning was full of movement and tense emotions as the mages headed up to the Temple of Sacred Ashes to aid Cedric in closing the breach. Solas had avoided Rook like the plague since the encounter in the woods the night before… and his avoidance did not lessen as they walked up the mountain. Cedric had ended up throwing an arm around Rook to walk with her, Dorian joining them on her other side.

“Trouble in Paradise?” Dorian teased, smirking a little as he hooked his arm through hers. Solas, walking several feet behind them growled a little under his breath when the Tevinter Mage touched the werewolf. His eyes bored into the back of Dorian’s head in an almost possessive glare. “I can feel him willing my head to explode.” Rook rolled her eyes and shrugged.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her tone was dry, a front to hide emotions… “Just making a fool of myself.” Thankfully she didn’t have to think about any of that once they reached the ruins. All of the mages from the inner circle came to stand by Cedric as the Redcliffe Mages took up positions ready to channel through the mark to help empower it. Rook followed Dorian’s lead in reaching out to her mark, a soft glow coming to her eyes as she reached into the well of mana within her and pushed it towards Cedric. Quiet fell around her… the world growing misty and hazy. Whispers of voices she couldn’t quite make out began to fill her mind. 

Where. Is. ROOK?!

We have to find her. Assan stay close!

Panic will not bring our friend closer. We must remain calm.

Calm! Calm?! Emmrich, we are in the Fade! Rook is gone… 

“Lucanis…?” The name left her lips before she even realised who those voices belonged to… darkness filled her mind as shouts rose up around her.

I heard her! Rook, we’re coming!

Lucanis… Arms wrapped around her as she fell towards the snow, armoured and warm. Whistling of wind through trees and crunch of snow under boots. The squark of a bird… No. a Griffon. An angry hiss… Manfred. and… 

“Rook!” Her eyes snapped open and suddenly she was looking up at Commander Cullen. “Come…” He lifted her easily into his arms and carried her through the throngs of recovering Mages. Cedric had Dorian leaning against him as they all prepared to walk down the mountain. “The Breach is closed. But you fainted.” He had a worried look on his face.

“I… Had a vision. I think.” Rook whispered, her voice shaky as she struggled to make sense of what she just experienced. “Connecting to the Anchor must have triggered it.” Cullen set her on the back of a wagon for the journey down. Right next to Solas.

“Do you need anything? I can get you water or a blanket…? Food?” Cullen seemed to hover worriedly around her, his eyes flicking from her eyes to her forehead before he simply sighed and picked up a cloth and pressed it to her forehead. “Solas. Take her to see Adan when we return to Haven.” The Commander told the other elf before turning to tend to a few other Mages who had also fallen, though none as dramatically as she apparently had.

“Solas… Can we talk…?” Rook whispered as she held the cloth to where she must be bleeding from given Cullen’s worry.

“About what, Rook?” His voice was cold and he didn’t look away from where he was watching Cassandra and Varric bully Cedric and Dorian to sit on another cart.

“What do you mean ‘what about’? About last night.” Rook couldn’t help the frown that flitted across her face at his attempt at dismissing her.

“There is nothing to talk about Lethallin. Do not worry yourself or you may cause another injury.” He spared her a glance, reaching out to shift where she was holding the cloth so it was closer to her hairline. “Rest.” with that he turned away from her, resolutely ignoring her… Despite the fact that he could still feel her gaze on his face.

-

Solas had, as requested by Cullen, taken Rook to Adan and left her to the Sage’s mercy. Though she wasn’t left alone for long. Leliana came to sit with her as Adan worked on potions while keeping an eye on her. The Spymaster helped Rook stand and walked with her to the celebrations. Cedric was sitting on a low wall with Dorian and Cassandra, his head thrown back as he laughed at something one of them had said.

“Cullen said you think you had a vision. I wanted to check that you were alright after.” Rook turned to look up at the Spymaster, clearly confused by the kindness. “I also wished to apologise. I was suspicious. I still am… But you are Alistair and Emilia’s child… I can see them in you now.” Rook smiled a little at the woman.

“It’s alright. And it wasn’t like the visions I’d had before… I heard voices. My friends… I think they’re searching for me. One of them said they were in the Fade so… I don’t know what’s going to happen. If I see more I’ll tell you.” Rook blinked as Leliana turned and pulled her into a hug, though she didn’t question it and simply hugged the woman back. 

“Go mingle and enjoy the night. After this, we start the hunt for the person who caused the Breach and Cedric insists he wants you by his side.” Leliana nudged her over to the Herald. Her eyes caught Solas’ form leaning against a wall with Varric, his eyes turned upwards to the sky as he listened to whatever convoluted story that Varric told. She didn’t get much of a chance to think too much as a mug of ale was immediately shoved into her hands and she was pulled to lean into Cassandra.

“Question Rook. What’s with the way your child self spoke?” Dorian asked as he leaned closer to her. “All cryptic and whatnot.”

“Oh! I had a companion for most of my childhood… A spirit of Compassion…” Rook smiled fondly as she recalled the moments of peace with the Spirit. “It could read emotions, similar to how I read the future… I picked up on that ability and learned how to do it… They vanished when I was about… seven or eight? I never saw them again. I ended up befriending a Spirit of Spite and Curiosity recently. I tend to just attract them.” Rook shrugged. “I miss Compassion though. I wish I knew where they went.”

“You are a very odd mage,” Cassandra said with a slight frown, not disapproving… Just… thoughtful.

“I spent some time in the Grand Necropolis in Nevarra during my schooling years under the tutelage of Professor Emmrich Volkarin. He was very adamant that Spirits be treated with respect.” Dorian commented, raising a glass of wine to his lips. “They didn’t like me very much. But I saw many of the Mourn Watch communing quite comfortably with them.” He paused when he saw the sad smile on Rook’s face.

She didn’t get to speak however as suddenly a war horn sounded from outside Haven. Up in the Mountains. Cassandra and Cedric started for the gates with Dorian and Rook hot on their heels. Cullen met them there.

“A force moves towards us from the mountains.” Cullen had a grim look on his face as Inquisitions Soldiers rushed about to prepare for an attack.

“Under who’s banner?” Josephine asked as she and Leliana joined them. 

“None.” That word seemed to cause a minor panic in the ambassador.

“I… Wait I remember this! Uh… Varric said Haven was attacked and lost but the Inquisition escaped through…” Rook growled to herself, eyes flashing red as she searched her memory. “The Chantry? I think. I don’t know. Someone from the Haven Chantry should know if there’s some sort of escape route.” She paused when her ears caught shouting and fighting just beyond the gates.

“I can’t come in unless you open!” Cedric and Cullen moved to tug the gates open, revealing a young pale man in an odd hat. “I’m Cole. I came to warn you. To help! People are coming to hurt you. You probably already know.” he said as he looked right at Cedric, his voice haughty and vague. Cedric stepped closer with concern in his eyes.

“What is this? What’s wrong?” He asked worriedly, reaching out to the newcomer.

“The Templars come to kill you.” Cole’s voice was softer then as the others joined them outside the gates.

“Templars? Is this the order's response to our talks with the mages? By attacking blindly?” Cullen asked angrily, not expecting an answer.

“The Red Templars went to the Elder One. You know him? He Knows you. You took his mages. There.” Cole turned and pointed up at the mountains when a Templar in red stood beside a deformed creature. 

“Oh. Great.” Cedric grumbled. Rook reached out suddenly, her fingers brushing Cole’s shirt.

“Little light in dark nights… No fear only wonder. Love preserving…” Her voice was soft as Cole turned and faced her, a small smile gracing his face.

“The little wolf roams the sands of time… Make things better. Unbreak the world. Pride and Wisdom warring.” Cole paused and just smiled at Rook. “You are bigger now.”

“Hello Compassion.”

“Please call me Cole, Kat.”

“Alright, Cole. Please call me Rook.”

“Rook. Straight lines. Unpredictable to the Dread Wolf. Never saw you coming.”

Rook laughed, joy reaching her eyes now as she stepped up beside her old friend.

“How about we show this Elder One what we’re made of?” Rook asked Cedric, a new resolve in her stance. Cedric smirked.

“Let's get these trebuchets manned. Cullen get the civillians into the Chantry. We’ll bring the mountain down on the Templars.” Cedric commanded as he unsheathed his sword. “Let's go people!” With that he ran to the first Trebuchet to help out, the others following quickly as Cullen did as he was asked.

-

Cedric’s plan for the Trebuchets had been a stroke of genius. Until a dragon flew over top of them and destroyed one. The scramble back to the Chantry had been desperate at best.

“Rook was right. There’s a way out but that means nothing if that dragon is right on top of us.” Leliana approached quickly, eyes hard and her back straight. Cedric looked around at the scared people before squaring his shoulders.

“So we need bait. I’ll go to one of the still-loaded Trebuchets and turn it to hit the mountain behind us. Cover Haven and your escape.” Cedric said with an easy shrug as he fixed the cloak around his shoulders and prepared to head back out into the snow. “Just get everyone out. I’ll be fine.” He demanded before heading out of the Chantry. Dorian and Cassandra followed him to help turn the Trebuchet. Rook and Cole helped civilians into the tunnel with Solas tending to the injured enough for them to move as well. When Cassandra and Dorian returned without Cedric and urged the last few people out of the Chantry and into the tunnels. Just in time too, as snow and rock covered the small town just as Cullen pulled the opening closed behind them.

“We can’t leave him! We have to go back!” Rook demanded, trying to push past Solas only for him to growl and grab her by the arms. His eyes turned the familiar blue-green as he called on his ‘god’ magic.

“We must move and regroup. I will not allow you to get yourself killed by not using your head!” He was so close, almost pressing her back against the stone behind her. Rook was frozen as she looked up at him with wide eyes. “We will search for him once the civilians are secured in a safe location. Now move.” Solas’ voice, low and angry, drew a shiver and a small nod from Rook as she did as she was told, falling into step beside Cassandra.

“He’ll be ok. The Herald is strong.” Cassandra reassured Rook, laying a hand on her arm as they walked together with the people of the Inquisition.

Chapter Text

Arlathan Crater

“Stay close…” Rook whispered to Lucanis and Neve as they moved through the gathered Venatori, her head down to hide her face from the keen eyes of those around her. Excited whispers filled the air as various Venatori speculated what she was like… wondering if she was pretty. For an elf that is… asking each other if she’d make a better slave or partner… that had brought a look of disgust to her face.

“Is this elf one of yours?” One of the Venatori Guards asked rather rudely of Neve as they approached a bridge.

“Must I defend my entourage to every low-paid lackey here? What time does the sacrifice start? Where are the gods?” Neve demanded with a sneer on her pretty but scarred face.

“Gods? It is only Lord Elgar’nan, Ma’am.” The poor guy stuttered out, clearly spooked.

“Get out of my way.” She dismissed him, a disapproving look in her eyes. “Only Elgar’nan. Not Ghilan’nain like we expected.” The Detective commented as she faced Rook and Lucanis.

“Hopefully that means fewer tentacles,” Rook smirked a bit, earning a snicker from Lucanis and an eye roll from Neve. The crowd became thicker as they grew closer to where they needed to go to find the Dalish. Which was unfortunately where Elgar’nan was standing on some sort of stage. 

Da’len. Garas Lasa Da’len.

Elgar’nan’s voice gave her a pounding headache as they pushed their way through the crowd… notably, it was less intense than she expected from Solas’ stories of the ‘God’. Rook managed to make it to the others as his voice grew louder. Offering her power. Fame. A place at his side. Ew. Gross. Bellara recognised the magic and started to unravel it, quickly joined by Neve as Rook internally fought back the presence in her mind, which was heavy but not totally unbearable… Neve and Lucanis pulled her away from where Elgar’nan stood, seemingly unaware. Well. Until they stripped off their disguise out of sight and began the approach to where the Dalish were.

The ‘God’ was pissed that they’d escaped his hold, sending his Venatori followers after the team with a promise of Glory in success and pain in failure. It was endless… Each time they dispatched a group of Venatori they were swarmed by more. Reaching a door they could lock behind them was a fucking relief… a moment to catch their breath as they headed up a flight of stairs to… a foggy yellowish glow…?

“Uh… Fenedhis.” Rook grumbled, looking around to try and discern some sort of location. “Right. Pick a path and follow it.” She said to her two companions, picking the left one to start. Brilliant plan. If it weren’t for the fact that each path led to the fucking start again!

“Nuva mar’edhis banafelas i miol’en av ra!” Rook shouted up at  Elgar’nan when his grating voice taunted them at being stuck.

Rook.

“Solas…? I’m so glad to hear your voice…” Rook almost sighed in relief… the Dread Wolf’s voice was like a balm to her fried nerves as he chuckled in a fond manner.

Elgar’nan has thinned the veil. Allowing me to speak to you directly. I can draw his attention. You focus on freeing our people.

Rook smirked and nodded to the two beside her. 

“Done. What’s your plan?” She asked curiously, trading a knowing look with Lucanis. Spite was very much not happy. Solas didn’t answer her question. He simply began shouting at Elgar’nan. Which… seemed pretty on-brand for the Dread Wolf. Irritate your enemy into making mistakes. 

Elgar’nan! Lethallin! Ma banal’evanuris. Ma salin at ghilana?

“Right. Well, that’s one way to do it.” Rook commented as she looked over at Neve and Lucanis. Who were both looking at her like she was just a little bit crazy. “You can’t hear him can you?” They both shook their heads, drawing a sigh from her. “Well. Context. Solas is distracting Elgar’nan by having a shouting match with the bastard. In my head. Let’s go then!” Rook grinned and headed for the archway that appeared as Elgar’nan began to yell too. 

Fen’Harel! You have no power here!

Rook couldn’t really help the snicker that left her at those words.

“Really…? Because it worked you gullible piece of shit.” She mumbled as she broke a Blight Boil to get to a power crystal to fix a bridge.

So the Dread Wolf has arrived to defend his pawn.

Your cruelty has forced my hand.

A hundred generations and still the same refrain.

Again you have enslaved our people and again I shall set them free.

Rook rolled her eyes at the pair of gods arguing like children in her head. Although driving her spell blade into the throat of a few Venatori felt fantastic! Really alleviated the headache brewing. 

But you were always stubborn, Fen’Harel. Insubordinate. Unmanageable, even by Mythal’s reckoning.

You have lost the right to speak her name.

“Rook?!” The elf turned her head towards Lucanis when she suddenly heard him shout her name.

“I’m sorry. I… they’re very loud.” She mumbled with an intense look of displeasure.

“Solas will be getting a talking to won’t he?” The assassin teased, dispatching another couple of Venatori as he moved fluidly along beside her.

“Count on it,” Rook smirked a bit and threw her spell blade to break a Venatori crystal blocking their way. 

Ma vallas ban! Shev gar, Fen’Harel.

Rook managed to focus her attention on reaching the Dalish, helping her people up before ushering them away from the temple to a hideout Solas guided her to. Bringing up the rear Rook turned and looked back for a moment, her eyes meeting Elgar’nan’s. The elf smirked and flipped the god off before joining the others as the Archdemon roared loudly. 

-

Rook, after speaking with Strife about what had happened, stole some cookies from Lucanis’ pantry while he was distracted and collected a missive from the Inquisitor on her way back to her room, settling on the couch with her legs crossed. The elf nibbled at a cookie as she opened the letter to read it.

Rook

Katarina Aldwir Theirin

I write this with a heavy heart. The war in the South feels endless with hoards of Darkspawn attacking daily. Denerim has fallen to the Blight with King Alistair remaining with his troops to the bitter end. In his last correspondence, he asked me to pass along a message. Not as the King. But as a father. He said he was sorry that he couldn’t see you again. See the woman you’d become among the Veil Jumpers. He said he was proud of you for your bravery and wisdom, things he’s sure you learned from Queen Emilia. 

She is still on the Front Lines with the remaining Ferelden Wardens. We have evacuated the Free Marches and most of Orlais to Skyhold. Ferelden is all but lost. Any civilians who have survived have evacuated to Skyhold as well. No matter what happens we will make our final stand against the Blight in every way we can.

Your mother sends her love and wishes for you to grieve Alistair properly. Do not bottle it up. You cannot afford to be distracted in this fight against the Gods.

I am sorry that you have to hear this terrible news from me.

Sincerest condolences,

Inquisitor Cedric Valmont of Orlais

Rook’s face was wet with tears by the time she finished the letter, openly sobbing as her heart clenched painfully with grief. For a time she simply cried… for herself… her mother… father…

Eventually, she fell asleep and found herself in Solas’ prison… for a moment he didn’t seem to notice her grief, too busy trying to figure out if they succeeded or not.

“We got them out free and clear. Thanks.” Her voice was clipped, forceful. Solas paused at her tone, violet eyes searching her gaze… finding the tears.

“What has happened…?” He whispered, voice gentle as his hands came to rest on her arms. 

“My father is dead… the Blight in the South… it’s taken Denerim and now he’s gone…” Rook’s voice wavered as she spoke, not putting up a fight as Solas pulled her in and wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. “He’s gone… I never got to say goodbye…” her voice was barely above a whimper now as long fingers stroked through her hair.

“There are no words to convey my condolences, Da’fen… we do not have to discuss anything right now. That can wait for a time. Grieve. I will not let you shatter…” So she did… sobbing into his chest and just letting him hold and comfort her despite the fact that she should hate him… it was impossible when he was kind like this… holding her so close like she was precious to him. She was just a pawn. She knew that. But the comfort was nice… so she allowed it. Again and again… and honestly…? She was sick of caring what people would think. Her father was dead. Everyone else could get fucked for a few hours. 

Chapter Text

Rook paced the edges of the camp, glaring anytime someone attempted to make her sit down. Her eyes were stuck a deep shade of red as her emotions began to overtake her senses. Eventually, she growled angrily and started to strip her thick outer clothes, dropping them onto the ground beside her cot followed by her spell blade and the leather chestplate of her armour. Revas watched as the elf turned and headed for the edge of camp in loose black pants and a green tunic.

“Rook! Where are you going!” Cassandra called, ushering Revas back over to where Varric was sitting with Dorian and Bull.

“To find Cedric!” With that Rook’s form shifted quickly into the medium-sized white wolf with blazing red eyes. She growled and took off into the blizzard, quickly becoming lost in the white snow.

“Ugh!” Cassandra growled and turned back to the camp. Solas had watched the interaction with thinly veiled irritation as Revas whined and settled beside him. The little wolf looked up at Solas and nudged his leg until the elf reached down and scratched the little wolf behind the ear.

“Rook will be back, Da’len,” Solas reassured the wolf, reaching down to pick up the wolf pup to comfort the creature.

-

Rook raced through the snow, pausing to scent the air in her frantic search for Cedric. It took almost half an hour before she caught his scent… It was faint but there. The white wolf moved fluidly through the snow, a howl escaping as she drew closer. Rook spotted him long before he spotted her. What with his dark hair contrasting against the snow while Rook blended into it. The injured Warrior drew his sword with shaking hands when he finally spotted her… Rook stopped and sat patiently as she cocked her head to the side. Only after Cedric had relaxed did she drop the wolf form and move to pull his arm over her shoulders so she could guide him back to the Inquisition.

Cullen, Cassandra and Dorian met her at the border of the camp and took Cedric away as he lost consciousness just on the edge of the camp. Rook wandered through the rows of tents towards where hers was pitched near Cassandra's. The wolf settled by the fire after fetching her gear and a thick blanket. Revas immediately abandoned Solas to settle beside Rook, snuggling into the elf with a soft huff. 

“Eat.” Rook looked up when a bowl of hot stew was held in front of her, meeting Solas’ gaze as he looked down at her with an impassive look on his face. “You’re shivering.” She nodded and took the bowl, looking away from Solas as he sat beside her.

“I thought we had nothing to talk about,” Rook muttered in a level if irritated, voice.

“I wished to discuss Corypheus with you. Specifically, the orb he carried.” Solas seemed to completely skip over her attempt at dismissal.

“It’s Elven? I’m aware. Ancient Elven Artefacts have a certain resonance with the Fade and Veil. That thing, even from that distance, was causing ripples even Varric would feel.” She sat up a little straighter as she spoke, slipping seamlessly into Veil Jumper mode. “The resonance was slightly off key though. He clearly didn’t know what exactly he was doing when he unlocked it, which is evident by the anchor on Cedric’s hand. If he’d attuned the frequency properly then it probably would have worked as intended.” Solas stared at her as she spoke, a slight look of approval in his eyes.

“You know more about Elven artefacts than I anticipated.” He admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips. Rook shrugged.

“I spent a lot of time in Arlathan Ruins studying and calming artefacts. I’m nowhere near the best but I can do it.” Rook turned her gaze back to Solas then. “I was more of a historian. I found and organised archives of knowledge thought lost.” He was watching her closely now, violet eyes studying her every move. Oh how familiar… the Dread Wolf sizing her up like prey.

“Is that how you know about the tyranny of the Evanuris?” He tilted his head curiously, the question escaping before he could stop it.

“Kind of.” Rook shrugged again, lightly flexing her hand that she’d once used to punch Mythal in the jaw. “Is there a point to this conversation or can you leave me alone to eat and take a nap? Shifting is exhausting.” Solas nodded stiffly and stood.

“Enjoy your food.” He turned and walked away then, probably to brood somewhere away from everyone. Cole ended up taking Solas’ place beside her.

“You confuse him… he tries to find you in the Fade but you are hidden from his gaze.” His voice was gentle as he spoke, leaning closer to Rook so she could hear. “He left his mark but not yet. His own power keeps him out.” Rook frowned at Cole as he kept speaking.

“What do you mean ‘left his mark’?” Rook asked, turning to face him properly. Cole tilted his head and reached out to touch a finger to the green lines of her Vallaslin.

“Bound by blood… left his mark. Kept your mind his…” Cole stood then and wandered off, leaving Rook sitting there with a look of confusion on her face.

“Fenedhis. Has his own body and he’s still cryptic as fuck…” she grumbled, finishing her food quickly before heading over to Dorian. “Hey. Random question. How do you tell if someone’s used blood magic to shield your mind from others?” The Tevinter Mage paused in his self-appointed job of cleaning blood from Cedric’s face as the man slept.

“Are you asking me because I’m from Tevinter or are you asking me because Solas scares you?” He asked as Rook sat down on Cedric’s other side. Rook rolled her eyes and reached out to flick the man on the ear.

“Neither you idiot. I just… you’re older than I am. And you know more magic than me… I thought you’d know something.” She shrugged and looked down at her lap as she waited for either an answer or a refusal.

“What makes you think someone did that to you in the first place?” Dorian set the cloth and bowl aside before moving to kneel beside Rook, nudging her to turn to face him.

“I… bled on a ritual site… and Fen’Harel, the one doing the ritual, was able to use the blood to form a tenuous connection so he could speak to me from within a prison he got stuck in. But he used it twice, that I know of, to protect my mind from being taken over…” Rook explained as Dorian began to cast some sort of detection spell. “And Cole said something that made me think he did something… not that I’m not grateful I’m not being used as a puppet.” Dorian hummed thoughtfully before pausing and tilting his head, one hand hovering over her Vallaslin.

“Interesting. Whoever did this was very powerful but also skilled… they used your tattoo here as the anchor for a shielding spell.” He explained, lightly tapping one of the lines near her brow. “It would have taken time in direct contact with you…” Rook paused and looked down as she thought back, her mind playing back every interaction with Solas in quick succession until…

“Oh… I…” After Weisshaupt she’d been distraught, lashing out at Davrin over his attitude towards Lucanis… overcome with anger and grief she’d laid down to sleep only to find Solas in front of her, questioning her on their failure to kill Ghilan’nain. She’d been angry then… her head had been pounding from a second attempt from the ‘Goddess’ to control her via the Wolf curse in her veins. It had failed, thankfully. In her anger and grief, she’d tried to push Solas away only to find one of his hands gripping her wrists firmly, pulling her close as his other hand came to stroke over her temple. Cold relief from the pounding headache had been instant… She’d stopped fighting him… sagging into his body as he released her wrists and snaked that arm around her waist. Your mind will remain your own, Rook… I will ensure it. Rook hadn’t known what he’d meant then… now though…?

“Oh… that bastard.” She huffed in annoyed exasperation. “Couldn’t just say what he was doing. Had to be fucking vague about it.” Rook grumbled, drawing an amused hum from Dorian. 

“Oh do share with the class, my dear.” Dorian poked her in the arm teasingly. The teasing received a vaguely irritated glare but Rook did eventually groan softly and straightened her posture a little.

“Just someone playing with my mind to stop people breaking it while being impossibly vague and irritating. Just… leave it for now.” Rook stood then and wandered over to her cot, practically collapsing onto it with Revas jumping up to cuddle into the werewolf.

-

Once upon a time, Rook would have enjoyed the hike through picturesque mountains. Though. Once upon a time, she wasn’t hiking through hip-deep snow. Cedric scouted ahead with Solas and Harding to lead the Inquisition to their new base of operations. Skyhold… Rook, ever the product of amusement, tripped over a log covered in snow. Cullen reached down and helped the elf up with a low chuckle.

“You have a talent for ending up on the ground. Don’t you, Rook?” The former Templar teased with a good-natured smirk. Rook rolled her eyes but let Cullen set her upright. “Maybe you should walk with someone so they can keep you upright.” He chuckled at her when she batted his hands away with a cranky pout. 

“I will walk with Cassandra. She won’t tease me.” Rook grumbled as she trudged to where Cassandra walked with Leliana. The Seeker linked arms with Rook, tugging her to match strides with herself and Leliana.

“So… Rook.” Hearing her name the elf turned her head and looked up at Cass. “What is going on with you and Solas? Things have been tense since we returned from the Storm Coast.” Rook paused in her stride and stared almost dumbly at the woman for a long moment.

“Nothing… Dorian was simply wrong about Solas’ ‘affection’ toward me. I might have made things awkward…” Rook shrugged and looked down at the snow as she trudged through it, cursing inwardly at the slight disappointment she’d felt. Cass and Leliana shared a look and seemed to drop it for the moment. However it didn’t escape their notice that the odd apostate in question seemed to falter in his stride up ahead of them, his head turning to the side as if he’d heard them speaking. His usual good posture seemed to slump slightly… Whatever their suspicions Leliana and Cassandra filed this reaction away for later. They didn’t have enough time to really contemplate anything though as Cedric had climbed up onto a boulder to get a decent vantage point. 

“We're here.” He said as Cassandra and Rook joined him with Solas. The fortress appeared to be in a state of disrepair… But it was better than nothing.

“Skyhold… It’s said that the ritual that created the Veil was performed there. A place of great triumph and loss built upon by the civilisations that sprang forth from the Fall of Elvhenan… Fitting. Don’t you think?” Rook said softly as she looked upon the large Keep. Turning her head slightly she caught Solas’ gaze… She took a deep breath and returned her gaze to Skyhold. “A place of Rebellion. I’ve always wanted to see this place…” She jolted when Cedric threw an arm over her shoulders.

“I’m glad you’re here to see it Rook.” The Herald smiled warmly, his eyes sparkling with a determined excitement. “Let’s go see our new home.”

Oh Skyhold. What secrets do you hold…?

Chapter Text

Restorations to Skyhold’s high walls and grand halls had moved along quickly, with Cedric being seen often helping with the manual labour of removing rubble and aiding in the reconstruction of walls. Seeing the Herald covered in dust and sweat, though a surprising sight, had lifted spirits and had more and more people helping out.

Rook and Dorian had taken over cleaning up the library. Rook had immediately banished Dorian when he attempted to start organising it, claiming he was doing it wrong. Daily arguments over organisation habits were common between the two mages, though it was mostly in jest seeing as they eventually settled on a compromise.

Approximately a week after arriving in Skyhold the War Council and Cassandra had convened while Cedric was high up on some scaffolding, too engrossed in his work to really notice the meeting. 

“We need a leader. A real one now. We cannot keep scrambling to make decisions together.” Josephine had been the first to speak, cutting short any small talk to get down to business.

“I think we all know who it should be. He’s been leading since his first attempt at closing the Breach.” Cullen pointed up at Cedric, who appeared to be laughing with another man up on the scaffolding. 

“I agree… The people already look to him for guidance. I don’t think it can be anyone but the Prince.” Cassandra tilted her head a bit as she looked up at Cedric. “If we are in agreement I will talk to him. I was the one to thrust him into this mess by declaring the Inquisition reborn.” Cullen, Josephine and Leliana nodded in agreement and moved off to allow Cassandra a moment to speak with Cedric. Leliana climbed the stairs to wait on a platform leading to the main doors while Josephine and Cullen moved off to gather people for the official naming of their leader. “Your Highness?” Cassandra called up towards the Prince, drawing his gaze down to her. He shot her a bright grin and motioned for her to wait before he began to climb down.

“Cass! What do you think?” He asked in a bright tone as he looked up the product of several hours of manual labour.

“It is certainly a start. I wanted to speak to you… Cullen, Josephine, Leliana and I were discussing the matter of who is to be the Inquisitor. We cannot keep operating as we can be. And… I suppose I should say the decision was rather made for us.” Cassandra gently took him by the elbow and guided him through the throngs of people towards the steps. “The one to lead us should be the one who has already been doing so… It should be you, Cedric. You were prepared to sacrifice your life to buy time for the people to escape. You recruited the mages and… I cannot think of anyone more suited to this than you.” Cedric stared down at the woman with an almost confused look on his face.

“Oh… I had thought it would be you. Being the one to reform the Inquisition and all.” He said in a soft voice, a deep look of thought crossing his face before he nodded slowly. “But. If you are certain then I would be honoured to do so.” Cassandra led him up the stairs to Leliana.

“You made yourself that creature’s rival when you faced him down at Haven. People look to you with hope in their eyes.” She said as they walked together. “The people have already decided. How you lead? What you do with this power? That is up to you.” Cass turned and faced him with a smile, squeezing his arm gently before releasing him.

“Freedom for all of Thedas… All of this with the Mages and the Venatori… Rook says they’re still around in her time. She’s barely twenty summers old… I want to stop Corypheus and help the people of Thedas… Whatever the cost to me. I won’t let people die to those tyrants.” Cedric said firmly, turning to face Leliana. The Spymaster smirked approvingly as she stepped forward with a sword in her hands, holding it out for the Warrier to take. She nodded towards Cassandra, who turned to shout down at Cullen and Josephine.

“Have our people been told?”

“They have and soon the world!” Josephine called back, looking rather pleased with herself.

“Commander. Will they follow?” Cassandra glanced over at the Prince beside her, almost as if to check that he was still there. Cullen moved to stand before the gathered people with Josephine by his side.

“Inquisition! Will you follow?” Cheers echoed around them, drawing the notice of Dorian, Rook and Solas from the library. All three came to stand on a balcony up above to watch. “Will you fight? Will we triumph?” More cheers that were almost deafening now, a look of awe crossing Cedric’s face as Cullen turned while drawing his sword. “Your Leader. Your Herald. Your Inquisitor!” The Commander raised his sword towards Cedric as the people cried out in joy for the Herald of Andraste. Cedric, after being elbowed in the ribs by Cassandra, raised the sword he’d been handed above his head. He turned his head to look down at Cassandra with a small grin then.

“Couldn’t do it without my favourite Seeker by my side.” She rolled her eyes and smacked him on the arm, though it was worth noting that there was a slight flush to her cheeks. Thankfully for Cassandra, Cedric was immediately whisked away into the main keep with the Advisors after handing the sword off to someone to put it away. Far too ornate as it was to be his actual weapon. He might be Orlesian but he knew better than to trust form over function at war. Unlike some people.

The Main Hall was a mess as the four of them walked in behind Cedric, all of them looking around as they did so. Taking in the tall ceilings and the beautiful, if crumbling, stonework. Well. Cedric was. He’d always been fascinated by Architecture. 

“So this is where it begins,” Cullen commented with a small smirk, clapping a hand on Cedric’s shoulder. “Yet another Title for you.” Cedric sent the Commander a withering glare.

“Don’t remind me…” Cedric stopped walking and turned to face the others. “First things first we need to investigate that Demon Army that Dorian and I discovered in that wacked-out future. I need to contact my mother. Solas told us that Corypheus had her assassinated. She’s well protected most of the time so the best time to strike is at some sort of Court event.” Cedric sighed heavily, running a hand through his black hair. “There is a ball coming up in the Winter Palace. Peace talks with my aunt, Celene, and a couple of our cousins, Gaspard and Florianne De Chalons…” Josephine giggled a bit as Cedric’s Orlesian accent made itself known when speaking of his family. “There is another major power in place there but she adores my mother. Briala. The Elven Ambassador… I quite like Briala. I can probably help you reach out to her, Leliana. You could coordinate information. She has quite the Spy network within the Elves.” Leliana nodded, seeming pleased with the new avenue of information.

“I can’t help with the Orlesian mess but I might have asked for someone to join us here. Who knows a bit more about Corypheus.” Varric said from the door. “She’s up on the battlements. Just… don’t tell the Seeker.” He gave Cedric a pleading look before leaving the main hall again. 

“Why do I have a feeling that Varric is going to get murdered by Cassandra later today?” Cedric asked the others with a chuckle before heading through the door to the rotunda under the library. “Hi Solas. Bye Solas.” He said as he walked through the room, throwing a friendly wave in the elf’s direction. Said elf practically rolled his eyes, though he did return the wave. Cedric joined Varric on the battlements with his hands in his pockets, looking around to take in the view of the mountains around them.

“Inquisitor. I’d like to introduce you to an old friend. Allow me to introduce the Champion of Kirkwall, Raven Hawke.” Cedric turned to face the woman who had descended the stairs to the platform with them as Varric spoke. She was lightly tanned with pale blue eyes and predominantly dark hair. She had a shock of white at the right temple where a scar running from her temple to her lip sat. Healed but not gone. Hawke, ever one eager for a laugh, grinned and lightly knocked Varric’s shoulder.

“Though I don’t use that title much these days.” Cedric smiled warmly and held out a hand to the Champion, which she happily took to shake in greeting.

“A pleasure. Varric said you could lend some assistance.” He released her hand and stepped back with his arms crossed comfortably as Hawke nodded and sighed softly.

“Yes… I believe I can. I’ve fought Corypheus before… freed him accidentally. I didn’t know what he was at the time but after hearing about Haven I had to come. Helps that I got to see my favourite writer!” Hawke patted Varric on the shoulder, the writer rolled his eyes fondly at his friend. “I have a contact in the wardens that wants to meet you. They will meet us in Crestwood in a week. You will want to hear what they have to say.”

“Sounds good. I’ll get things squared away here and we’ll head out to meet you.” Cedric gave the Champion a polite goodbye before heading off to organise the party to leave for Crestwood. And to take a bath. A much-needed bath.

-

After the crowd had dispersed in the courtyard Rook had returned to the library to continue her organising. Partway through a shelf she paused… one hand on the spine of a book as she stared unseeing at the space directly before her. Her mind thrummed with anxiety and pain, a small grimace on her face. Since Haven it was almost like someone was watching her… she’d been too busy before now to really notice. And she’d often attributed any odd feelings to stress… or Solas. He gave her a great many odd feelings. But now…? Now there was no one around to do that… someone watched her… and their gaze felt…

“Hi Solas. Bye Solas.” Cedric’s voice broke her from her thoughts, glancing around to check that she was still alone in her section. Revas was sitting at her feet looking up at her with the most incredulous look known to mortals. And perhaps immortals. She’d have to ask. 

“Fenedhis…” Rook, after discovering that no one was around, moved to the railing and vaulted over it, landing nimbly on the desk in front of Solas. The poor man jolted and had to take a second to recover from whatever the fuck just happened. “Hi. Question. Why are you avoiding me?” She asked as she settled on the desk with her legs crossed. For a moment she did not get an answer… he simply stared at her, violet eyes studying her face.

“You know who I am. It is likely you know what I must do.” He answered simply, drawing a frustrated huff from Rook.

“And what if I told you that I know why you feel like you have to do it.” Her voice was soft as she looked directly into his eyes, a gentle look of understanding in her own gaze. “You saved my life… more than once. Saved me from having my mind broken. The future I come from is terrible. So many dead… Ferelden, Orlais and the Free Marches overwhelmed by Blight… If there’s a chance that I could change it… fix it.” She paused and looked down at her hands. “Give me a chance to change your mind. Please. Let me try.” She looked up at him again and reached out to take one of his hands in both of hers. They stayed like that for a long moment before Solas nodded slowly, turning his hand just enough to curl his fingers around one of her hands.

“Very well. I look forward to your attempt. I will not make it easy.” He warned, still trying to figure out why it mattered to her so much.

“I know… but… I have to try. I owe it to the people who died to try and fix this… it was bad Solas… really bad. I don’t know what I can and can’t tell you because I don’t know what will make things worse or better.” Her voice cracked a bit towards the end, tears welling in her eyes. Solas sighed and stepped closer to wrap her in a hug that she clearly needed. “I know that you miss Elvhenan… I wish I could have seen it. But we are people too. We deserve a chance.” She felt his back stiffen just a little at the mention of the Elvhen Empire… but he sighed softly.

“You are not the first to say that to me… I do not think you understand what it will cost me to admit that you may be right…” his voice was barely above a whisper then, a saddened look on his face as she tilted her head to look up at him.

“I think I know better than anyone.” They were both quiet after that. Solas eventually released her and settled in his chair next to the desk, nudging her to the side so he could collect his book from under her. Rook remained seated on the desk for a while, picking up a book that had fallen to the floor so they could read together in silence.

Chapter Text

At the insistence of Leliana, Cedric had decided to take a quick detour to the Hinterlands to find a Grey Warden that hadn’t vanished into thin air like the others. Rook and Cassandra were deep in conversation about one book or another with Revas weaving around their feet excitedly. However, Cedric was too busy watching the way Cassandra held herself to actually notice much of what they were saying. Solas and Varric had elected to hang back to avoid being pulled into that conversation. Rook paused in her stride, nearly tripping over the wolf pup who had decided to stop right at the elf’s feet as she looked up to cast her eyes to the skies and mountains around them. 

“What is it, Da’fen?” Solas asked with a small frown on his face, his own eyes shifting up to check their surroundings even as he knelt to pick the pup up so she couldn’t trip anyone over for the moment. Revas was most displeased as she wriggled defiantly in the Dreadwolf’s hold.

“Nothing. Just thought someone was watching me.” She shrugged and kept walking. Though she did not return to her conversation with Cassandra, much to the Seeker’s obvious displeasure. Solas came to walk by her side, a hand resting on her shoulder to slow down her pace. The mage met Solas’ quizzical gaze and shook her head slowly before returning her gaze ahead of them. The sounds of swords hitting dummies reached their ears, a deep voice giving orders about using the shield in their hands or something to that effect. As they rounded the corner the group discovered three young men training against the dummies as an older man with dark hair and a scruffy beard walked behind them. Warden Blackwall, if Leliana’s information is accurate. Which it usually was.

“Warden Blackwall. Could I have a moment of your time?” Cedric asked as he moved closer, a friendly smile on his face. Blackwall stiffened and looked the Prince up and down warily, though if it was just general suspicion or something deeper then Rook couldn’t really tell. Solas had carefully placed Revas on the ground with a firm command to stay at his heel, which she seemed to heed to his utter shock.

“Who are you?” The Warden asked as his eyes studied their group, an odd array of individuals to be sure. He didn’t get to ask any more questions since he held up his shield and caught an arrow on it just before it hit the Inquisitor. “Help or get out of the way,” Cedric smirked a bit and drew his sword, ducking under a swing from a bandit meant for his throat. That bandit ended up with Cedric’s sword and Rook’s Spellblade in him for his troubles. Rook moved easily through the fight, slashing at bandits with blade and fire even as Solas cast ice and frost from afar. When the last bandit fell the Warden sent the recruits back to their families with a gruff warning.

“I’m Cedric. My companions and I are with the Inquisition… our enemy, truthfully the enemy of all Thedas, is a Blighted Magister by the name of Corypheus.” The Prince explained as he held out a hand to the Warden with a charming grin. Blackwell studied them all carefully before nodding slowly. His eyebrows shot up when he spotted the white wolf pup nearly causing Rook to trip right into Solas yet again. 

“Alright. And what do you want from me?” He asked carefully, his body tense like a wound-up spring.

“Help with the Darkspawn…? Kind of a Warden specialty,” Rook commented from behind Cedric as Solas helped steady her. “Y'know. Sensing Darkspawn… killing them and Archdemons.” Varric snorted a little at the obvious dryness to her voice, drawing an elbow to the shoulder from Cassandra. Solas was trying desperately to hide an amused smirk from the Seeker.

“What Rook said.” Cedric shrugged. “The Orlesian Wardens have vanished and no one knows where. You are the only Warden we’ve had contact with.” Blackwall sighed and nodded. “Wonderful! Introductions then. That grumpy one is the Lovely Seeker Cassandra, the tall elf is Solas and the Dwarf is Varric. And well. Rook is the troublesome one.” Cedric shot Rook a smirk when the elf glared a little. “The other troublesome one is Revas. She seems to think we won’t trip over her if she is under our feet.”

“Rook’s our expert on Trouble. Either stick by her side or stay well away in a fight.” Varric patted Rook on the arm as he chuckled warmly. 

“And you?” Blackwall looked Cedric up and down carefully, eying him warily.

“Inquisitor Cedric Valmont. Prince of Orlais.” Cassandra answered before Cedric could even move to speak. Rook frowned a little but said nothing when she saw colour drain from Blackwall’s face beneath the beard.

“We will head to camp and they can direct you to Skyhold from there. The rest of us are travelling on to Crestwood.” Cedric said with a pleased grin. Blackwall, after taking a moment to study the group, relaxed slowly. “Maybe send Revas back too before she trips Rook into a ravine.” That idea got a growl and a warning bite from Revas.

“Very well. Take me to this camp of yours. I will meet you in Skyhold.” Cedric looked even more pleased with himself then. Revas most certainly didn’t look pleased with him at all…

-

Crestwood was cold, damp and miserable. Much to Rook’s, and Revas’, dismay it didn’t improve much after making contact with the village and discovering the unfortunate location of an underwater rift. She really hated swimming…

“We should meet Hawke and her contact first. Then deal with whatever new horror awaits us.” Cedric decided as they followed the path marked by Hawke on his map. Speculation on who Hawke’s contact was had ranged from The Hero of Ferelden to some random ass Warden. There had been talk of a betting pool until Solas helpfully reminded everyone that Rook probably already knew. So instead they just trudged through the rain in companionable silence until Hawke’s form in the mouth of a cave was visible to them. Revas ran up and jumped on Hawke’s leg in an enthusiastic greeting to obtain affection. 

“Couldn’t have picked a warmer place?” Rook grouched with a pout when they were close enough to the human mage. Hawke rolled her eyes, still scratching Revas affectionately.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll remember that next time I find your team a free ally.” Ravenna Hawke was nothing if not sarcasm incarnate. Varric felt right at home. “They’re waiting for you.”

“So who are we meeting?” Cedric asked as he followed her through the mouth of the cave to a wooden door that appeared to be barred.

“An old friend.” Great… Cryptic riddles… Cedric ‘really’ missed that from his time at Court. Not. “It's me. Hawke.” The woman called out after knocking on the door. It swung open and Hawke ushered everyone inside. Rook paused in her stride when her eyes found a familiar silhouette facing away from them.

“Allow me to introduce myself… I am Emilia Theirin. My friends call me Em.” The woman standing at the table laden with maps and parchment turned to face them… Emilia Theirin, formerly Cousland, had been described as a beauty with hair the colour of fine chocolate and eyes like the sky… “Hello Katarina… Alistair mentioned you in a letter.” The woman smiled fondly as she studied Rook’s features, the shape of her Vallaslin and the scars that marked her face. “Anders… You can stop hiding.” Emilia called towards the back of the cave. As she spoke a tall human man approached with a roll of his eyes.

“I was not hiding, Your Majesty.” He said in an almost teasing voice. He was everything that Varric described in his book… Tall with blonde hair pulled back from his face. The feather mantle and even down to the almost ethereal glow of his eyes. They were a brown colour but there was a subtle blue glow there. “Oh… Varric…”

“Hey, Blondie. Miss me?” Varric smirked a bit as the man relaxed upon hearing the nickname.

“How could I? Hawke is always gushing about your letters. It’s like you’re always around in spirit.” Anders returned Varric’s smirk and approached to hug his friend. Hawke laid a hand against Anders’ back and moved to introduce Emilia to Cedric. Anders didn’t get too much time with Varric before suddenly he had a wolf pup contending for his attention.

“Sorry. She really likes people.” Rook called out with a sheepish grin.

“This is the Inquisitor. The Prince of Orlais.” Hawke paused before she continued, looking between the pair when he noticed the pain in Emilia’s eyes as she looked at the honey brown eyes of Cedric, the dark black hair… 

“You are Duncan’s boy…” Cedric’s shoulders slumped as his face fell, more than enough of a confirmation for the woman. “He saved my life… And Alistair’s… Seems fitting I aid his son now…”

Chapter Text

Cedric sighed softly and scratched uncomfortably at the back of his neck as the Warden Commander’s words sank in for everyone else. However, everyone seemed to come to an unspoken agreement to leave that information alone for the moment.

“Right… Hawke said you had information about the Wardens.” Cedric said after clearing his throat and squaring his shoulders. Emilia nodded and shifted to the side so the prince could study the maps littering the table.

“Wardens pay a steep price for what we do. The ability to face Darkspawn and Archdemons is one of the many things we gain from the Joining. Wardens are not afforded long lives. Depending upon the Warden they will hear a calling of sorts as the corruption grows too strong within us.” the Warden explained. “From what I’ve been able to gather there has been a mass Calling among the Orlesian Wardens and many have retreated to an old Fortress called Adamant. I have heard reports of Wardens taking vigil at an outpost in the Western Approach.” Cedric nodded as he looked over the maps and missives.

“We should investigate the Western Approach first. Find out if there’s any information that can help with Adamant.” He murmured as he turned his head to look over at Cassandra, who nodded in agreement. “I want to sort out that underwater rift first. Sort out this area before we leave.”

“We will travel to Skyhold and meet you there,” Emilia told them all with a respectful nod as she turned to gather her things.

“Maemae…? Wait…” Emilia turned to face Rook and smiled fondly at the girl. “I…” Rook paused and looked around at the others standing in the hideout with them. Emilia approached her and gently rested her hands on Rook’s arms as she took in her grown daughter’s face…

“It is alright, Katarina… You will see me again in Skyhold. We can speak when you return.” Emilia stepped forward and pressed a kiss to Rook’s brow. “Be brave, Little Wolf. It will not be long.” With that the Warden stepped back and released Rook, watching as she sniffled a little and attempted to wipe away her tears. Solas came to stand behind her, a hand coming to rest against the back of her shoulder as he leaned down to speak to her quietly. Rook let out a slow breath and nodded before she turned and left the cave.

“Rook and I will return to camp later tonight, Inquisitor,” Solas told the Prince before turning to follow the Werewolf out into the night with Revas hot on his heels.

-

Rook didn’t wait for Solas to catch up as she walked along a dirt path away from the lake. Being taller he caught up relatively quickly and took her by the arm to begin guiding the wolf up a pathway into a mountain.

“What happened to them?” He asked suddenly after a long, drawn-out silence. He turned his head just enough to see the glistening of tears on her face. 

“They died… I left home at sixteen to learn about my people and I had intended to return after a few years away. Another Blight started before I could. Father fell first… Along with Denerim and most of Ferelden. Mother died later… Defending what was left of Orlais.” Rook’s voice cracked as she spoke, the lost tone causing Solas to stop walking entirely. He looked down at her with a pained look in his eyes. One she’d seen too many times… Grief on her behalf… Regret. She hated that look… “Don’t look at me like that…”

“Rook… I apologise for the pain you have endured. I am not the only one who has noticed the tired shadow in your eyes… You instinctively favour your left side. That tells me of an injury that didn’t quite heal, though,” He fixed her with a displeased look, “Why you insist on jumping from that balcony instead of simply using the stairs like any sane person is beyond me.” He sighed and reached up to brush some of her hair from her face, a frown furrowing his brow as violet eyes lingered on her Vallaslin. That grief entered his eyes again. “You should never have borne this mark…” Rook gave him an exasperated roll of her eyes, which earned her a displeased look from the Dread Wolf.

“Solas. I was at war before I ended up here…” He sighed softly and nodded before he took her hand properly this time and led her higher up the mountain path. They were both silent as they walked, though Rook laughed a little when it began to rain again.

“Close your eyes, Da’Fen,” Solas murmured as he stopped and positioned himself in front of her. Rook rolled her eyes but closed her eyes slowly. The Dread Wolf took both of her hands in his and guided her carefully across a clearing and turned her gently with a soft chuckle when she nearly lost balance. He moved to stand behind her, carefully settling his hands on her upper arms. She turned her head just a little before freezing when she felt his breath against her ear and throat. “Open your eyes…” His voice was low and commanding, drawing a slight shiver from the wolf as her eyes fluttered open and she was greeted with the sight of a beautiful and almost magical grove.

“Wow…” She whispered in awe, gold eyes attempting to take everything in.

“You seemed as if you could use some time to yourself in a place of peace. I spent some time here myself after waking.” Solas murmured, his hands remaining exactly where they were. However, it was worth noting that Rook had taken a small step back and was now leaning back against his chest. “I can leave you be if you wish.” She shook her head instantly, turning to look up at him with tears in her eyes.

“Please don’t go…” Rook had this look of open vulnerability and loneliness… Such a deep loneliness made Solas’ own spirit ache for her. “I don’t do well alone…” She whispered before suddenly stepping close and hugging him around the middle. Solas seemed to simply roll with it as his arms settled around her shoulders and his chin rested on her head.

“You are an odd creature, Rook. I have not met another like you in a very long time…” Solas admitted quietly, casting his own eyes around to take in the grove. “I could show you more like this in the Fade… I could show you Elvhenan. If only you’d let me in.” He paused when he felt her laugh quietly against his chest. She pulled back and pulled one of his hands to rest over the lines of her Vallaslin.

“I do not keep you out, Solas… You do.” Her voice held an amused quality to it as she spoke, watching as he carefully ran glowing fingers over the side of her face. “You saved my mind from those who wished to break it. Seems you didn’t account for the spell to work against your past self too.”

“What exactly was I protecting you from?” He asked, almost sounding alarmed. Rook winced a little, a small frown on her face now.

“I… Don’t really know how to tell you this actually.” Rook admitted, taking a few steps back from him. “You… You were protecting me from Ghilan’nain specifically. She tried to use the curse in my blood to break my mind… and there was Elgar’nan too… It didn’t block him out entirely but it made it bearable.” She was rambling again as she looked resolutely down at her hands, waiting for anger… questions… anything really…

“How…?” His voice was hoarse this time, the horror laced in the single word making her wince.

“It is a very long story…” Rook froze when he suddenly took her chin in one hand and forced her to meet his gaze. His violet eyes were cold and angry, very much like their first conversation after the ritual.

“Then you had best begin now.” Rook kept her gaze locked on his as she was made to stare up at him, her hands shaking a little at her sides. Though he looked angry she wasn’t entirely sure if that anger was directed at her or not… But she knew better than to avoid a direct demand from the Dread Wolf. This Solas was still fresh from his thousands of years-long sleep… Unpredictable.

“I stopped a ritual you had begun to tear down the veil. The backlash dragged you into the prison and released Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain… I bled at the ritual site in Arlathan and you were able to use my blood to form a weak connection.” Rook almost tried to take a step back from the man but the low growl caused her to freeze. “I know it was my fault they escaped. And I did everything I could to stop them! I succeeded too! We killed Ghilan’nain and then you got out… And you killed Lusacan so I could kill Elgar’nan. But when I used your ritual dagger to stab him in the jugular… That’s when I was dragged into that rift… I don’t know how that fight ended… I don’t know if you’re alive in my time. Or if the wounds you received were too much.” Rook’s voice was a hoarse whisper as her shoulders slumped, her eyes distant as she stared off into the distance. Solas stared at her with a quiet contemplation, violet eyes studying her. Taking in her grief and bone-deep exhaustion. He carefully drew her gaze back to him as he continued to look at her with a grim frown on his face.

“This is the burden you have been carrying…?” Rook didn’t really know what to say then as she stared up into his eyes, a little lost in the violet hue of them.

“Not the only one…” Solas tilted his head slightly at her words, curiosity in his eyes. “Seems I am easily swayed by kindness.”

“Oh? And what do you mean by that?” He asked quietly. For a moment she didn’t answer. Her mind was racing with various ways this conversation would go. But then… The straightest path seemed to work for her.

She leaned up and pressed her lips to his, her eyes falling closed even as his grip on her chin loosened from his shock. Rook pulled back quickly, looking down with widened eyes as she flushed a bright red. Solas was quiet for a long moment too. Processing. Rook tried to step away from him but his hands found her hips and suddenly his mouth was on hers and it was like nothing else mattered. It was so warm and inviting… She relaxed into him slowly, her lips pliant under his as she let him lead. One of his hands left her hip and moved to cradle the back of her head. The slight scrape of his nails against her scalps spurred her to action as she slipped her arms around Solas’ shoulders and pulled herself tighter against him. They parted when it grew obvious they needed air to breathe. Though they did not go far from each other. His violet eyes searched hers, likely searching for some sort of regret… Instead, he found the barest hints of a smile.

“You… are entirely unexpected, Rook…” Solas whispered as he closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers.

“I know. I think one has to be to survive Gods.” She felt and heard the exasperated sigh at the word. He didn’t argue with her though.

“We should be heading back to camp, Da’Fen.” Rook nodded and released her hold on him as his hands left her hip and hair. Turning back to the entrance of the grove a laugh bubbled from Rook when she spotted Revas sitting patiently with a fish in her mouth. The wolf was absolutely sopping wet. “Revas is entirely your responsibility,” Solas told her, though he was smirking a little as the wolf pup showed off her catch rather proudly to their pair of them.

Chapter Text

Rook and Solas rejoined the camp sometime later after Solas had insisted they attempt to train Revas to hunt more efficiently. The key word being attempt, seeing as Revas was more interested in play than hunting. Cedric smirked at the pair as they wandered into camp, Revas trotting alongside them.

“So. Now that everyone is back.” Cassandra began before turning and firmly smacking Cedric upside the head. “Why didn’t you tell us who your father was?” She asked with a frown. Cedric huffed and rubbed at the back of his head, perpetually sleep-tousled black hair drenched in rain.

“Because I don’t like to talk about it. He’s gone… and I didn’t know he was dead until a full fucking year later when King Alistair reached out. They never recovered a body. Only his weapons.” Cedric shrugged as he crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Losing a parent is a wound that never heals,” Rook said softly from where she stood by Solas. Cedric nodded in agreement, a grim look on his face.

“I remember spending hours in the training yard sparring with Fel after we found out. He’s one of the staff in the Palace, a friend of Ambassador Briala’s… And a companion to me most times I travel. I was angry and wanted to fight something…” Ced sighed and looked around at them all. “We should all get some sleep. Tomorrow we have to deal with that underwater rift.” With that, the Prince headed off to bed. Rook gave Solas a shy smile and headed off to the tent she shared with Cassandra.

-

Rook had always dreamed vividly… as far back as she remembered really. She didn’t remember much from the time before the bear attack and the memories she did have were foggy at best. Her dream that particular night was in Arlathan Forest. One of the Ruins she and Bellara had ventured into on their quest to stop the Gods. It had been beautiful but full of Wild Magic and had given Lucanis and Spite a headache. The Statue of Mythal had given Rook a migraine that had lasted for almost a week… And now she stood before a Fade version of that statue, a dull throb behind her eyes.

“Greetings Katarina. Though I hear it is Rook now.” She spun to face the voice and damn near tripped on the uneven ground. The woman behind her was older with white hair and yellow-gold eyes similar to her own. “Oh do not be so dramatic child.” The woman laughed and approached slowly, keen eyes studying her carefully.

“Who…?” Rook tried to speak but her mind spun wildly and she had to close her eyes and grab onto the statue behind her so she didn’t collapse.

“Flemmeth to some. Witch of the Wilds to others. You know me.” Rook’s eyes snapped open and she stumbled back a bit as Flemmeth towered over her.

“You… Mythal…” Her voice cracked as the word left her mouth, wincing at the calculating and cold gaze of the woman who carried the fragment of Mythal within her.

“Very good! I knew you were going to be clever. Now. Do you remember how you know me, Katarina?” It was Mythal who spoke rather than Flemmeth, her tone similar to the fragment Rook had beaten mercilessly in the Crossroads.

“I don’t… We’ve never…”

“Think Girl! I do not have all night.” Rook froze and winced at the force behind the woman’s voice.

“I…” White… screaming. Green and light and birds all around. More screaming…

“Katarina! No!” that voice… pain. Gods why was everything hurting… she looked down at herself and… blood. So much blood. Too much blood. “Mythal, please! All-Mother, save her!” No one would come…? The gods didn’t…

“A mother crying out to save her child…  She fades quickly. The cost to save her is steep.” Flemmeth’s voice, gentle as she spoke to a grieving mother holding their dying child.

“Take my life! I will give anything for her to live!” The agony caused an aching wound in her chest… tears welling in Rook’s eyes.

“To ensure her life I will bind her to me. One day she will serve me as your ancestors did. But do not fear. She will be loved until then.” The woman cradling her body sobbed but nodded, brown eyes rimmed with tears that streaked tracks through blood coating her face, blonde hair caked to the sides of her face and neck.

“Anything to save my Katarina.”

Rook’s eyes burned red as she stared at Mythal. Her magic swelled in response to her rage.

“You… You did this to me!” Mythal sighed and waved a hand in front of her. Rook slumped and sank to her knees from exhaustion. “I… Why me?” The Seer looked up at the Goddess with wide gold eyes, tears welling in them.

“You are not the only one with glimpses of the future, Little Wolf. I have need of you now.” Rook growled and tried to force herself to her feet.

“No. No way. Fuck you!” She staggered and cried out when an almost suffocating power settled over her and she landed heavily on her knees.

“That is fine Katarina. I am sure your sweet, younger self will be more… compliant to my wishes.” There was a dark threat underlying her voice as she spoke, standing over Rook with an unreadable expression. For a moment she wasn’t sure if Mythal was serious… but then… of course she was.

“Fine… Just leave her alone.” Rook let her head fall, her shoulders slumping as tears began to fall.

“Good girl. I will find you in the waking world when it is time. I wonder if Solas has noticed my mark within your magic.” Mythal vanished with a cryptic smirk of satisfaction. Leaving Rook to sob helplessly into her hands. Fucking Evanuris bastards…

-

She was jolted awake by hands on her shoulders shaking her awake. Cassandra’s worried expression filled her vision. The Seeker sighed in relief and sat back on her heels now that Rook was awake.

“You were crying in your sleep. Are you ok?” Cassandra asked, helping the mage sit up. Rook shook her head, her eyes unfocused and lost. Around her she could hear the shuffling of people moving around. Cool hands came to cup her cheek and wrap around one of her hands. Those cool hands seemed to lull her deeper into whatever state of shock she was already in. Murmuring voices bounced around outside her head, her mind too foggy to absorb any of it. She blinked and tried to focus her eyes as she was pulled against a strong, lithe body, the cool hand on her cheek moving to stroke through her hair.

“Solas…?” Rook’s voice sounded broken and hoarse as she just leaned into him, gold eyes meeting violet for just a moment before she leaned her forehead against his shoulder.

“I’m here, Da’fen…” Solas pressed his lips to her hair and just held her close for a long while, letting her sit in silence as long as she needed to.

“I…” Rook froze as her head started throbbing painfully. She pulled back and quietly pushed Solas away, completely missing the pained look in his eyes at being pushed back. “I need air.” She stumbled from the tent, collecting her armour and spellblade before heading out of camp. She sidestepped Cassandra, Varric and Cedric. Tears streamed down her face as she walked along the dirt road aimlessly. Wolves howled at the moon above her and rain began to soak into her clothing and hair.

Bandits thought her an easy target but the sharp magic-imbued blade said otherwise as she fought back viciously. They landed a few minor hits but nothing substantial or fatal. When the bandits lay dead at her feet she sank to her knees with an anguished cry of agony and rage. Fire catching around her in response to her emotions. She stayed there for a long while until the others found her. Cedric laid a cloak around her shoulders and crouched beside the grieving elf, shooting Solas a worried look over her head.

“Rook. Please talk to us.” Cedric whispered softly, rubbing her arm gently. Solas moved over slowly and threw up a barrier above them to stop the rain. Rook shook her head.

“I don’t want to. You can’t fix this. No one can fix this… They’re all dead. I have lost every parent I’ve had. I have nothing and no one. Not a single person in this world can fix this.” Rook hissed angrily, meeting Cedric’s gaze with a rage that had him jolting back just a bit. Not a total lie… But how do you tell people a truth like this…

Bound to Mythal in service by the begging of a woman long dead… Seems Solas wasn’t the only ‘lapdog’ Mythal kept… It did make the other fragment’s words make more sense…

More unruly lapdogs… Whatever shall I do with you, Pet?

Chapter Text

Solas and Cedric, after much debate with Rook, had managed to drag her back to camp and get her into dry clothes. Cassandra had a displeased and worried look on her face as Rook was settled in front of the fire with a bowl of soup in her hands. The elf ignored all of them, her eyes fixed on the fire as her mind wandered away from her again. All the oddities of her life… Had Mother and Father known…? Had Morrigan?

“Rook. Are you ok to come with us to deal with the rift in the lake?” Cedric asked carefully, crouching beside her so that he could try and catch her gaze.

“I’m fine. Let's get this done.” Rook finished her soup and stood, brushing Solas off when his hand came to settle on her shoulder. “Leave it. I’m fine.” She snapped angrily, gold eyes blazing red as she shot him a fiery glare. Cedric shared a worried look with Solas, Cassandra and Varric but seemed to ultimately allow Rook time to herself…

Travelling in the rain seemed to only make Rook’s mood worse… when they reached a keep claimed by bandits Rook became… animalistic… she shifted quickly into the white wolf and pounced, tearing through the bandits with a savage ferocity. The wolf stalked through the keep, ripping apart any bandit who got in her way. White fur quickly became matted with blood… Cedric and Solas shared worried looks as they watched the carnage unfold.

No bandit was left alive once Rook’s rage eventually ran out. She shifted back to her elven form, sinking to her knees as rain continued to pelt them continuously. Blood soaked her armour and her hair, though she didn’t seem to notice. Cedric sent one of Leliana’s people to Skyhold with a missive that they had secured an outpost for the Inquisition in Crestwood. And if that missive left out the intense bloodshed committed by the werewolf mage…? No one said anything about it.

Solas and Cassandra had managed to guide Rook into a room that blessedly contained an empty bathtub. The pair pulled her blood-soaked armour from her body, leaving her in her small clothes to protect the last shreds of her modesty, and guided her to the tub as Solas waved a hand and magically filled it with warm water, not that she seemed to notice any of this…

“May I tend your wounds, Rook…?” His voice was soothing in her ear as he stepped back to allow Cassandra to help her into the bath. Said wounds weren’t life-threatening but they were deep and likely to get infected if they weren’t careful… Rook nodded and closed her eyes as Cassandra’s strong hands guided her to tip her head back so she could rinse the blood from the dark brown strands.

Solas tended what he could while she was half submerged in water, deft fingers cleaning the wounds before cold magic knitted them together slowly. Rook ended up falling asleep at some point, her body pliant enough that Solas had an easier time moving her than expected. The rest of her wounds were tended with the same care before she was wrapped in a thick blanket and laid on a bedroll near a fire.

“That was not grief,” Solas said as he joined Cedric, Cassandra and Varric outside the room. “That was rage. A rage that is dangerous in Seers…” he cast his gaze back towards the door.

“I agree… I was angry after finding out my father was dead. But even in my anger, I didn’t deliberately hurt anyone. Not that Fel would have let me.” Cedric frowned before shaking his head. “For the moment I trust that she is not a liability. We will deal with the rift under the lake then head straight to Skyhold. Cass and Varric can come with me to see if we can open the dam.”

As planned the Inquisitor headed out of the newly taken Inquisition Outpost to take a look at the dam. Though… Confusingly there was no damage to the controls like the Mayor had claimed… Odd. Cedric led the way back into Caer Bronach, nodding to a few of the posted guards as he went. Solas was sitting by a fire a few feet from where Rook rested.

“Get some rest Solas. We’ll head for Old Crestwood in the morning.” Cedric said to Solas as he passed, patting the elf on the shoulder. Solas looked toward the room where Rook still slept, his mind on their conversation at the grove… If it is my power keeping me out then surely I can slip through…

With that in mind, Solas moved off to settle down for the night, joining Rook in the warm room he and Cassandra had laid her down in. The younger elf didn’t stir when the door opened and closed nor when he pulled the blanket more securely around her shoulders. Solas laid his bed roll down a few feet from her and settled in for the night, violet eyes straying to the sleeping form of the werewolf.

-

Her dream was a mess of blood and rage, as she had been in Caer Bronach. Darkspawn surrounded her as people he didn’t recognise shouted to her.

  What does the horn mean?

  They're calling reinforcements to the East Battlements!

  Where are we?!

  The East Battlements!

Rook herself was engaged in a deadly battle against multiple Darkspawn of differing sizes as her companions flitted around in varying degrees of transparency.

  They keep adding more horns and it keeps getting worse!

“Rook!” Solas called out, waving a hand to send shards of ice at the Fade mimicked Darkspawn. She didn’t appear to notice his presence even as the Darkspawn fell around her. She just continued onwards, giving orders to her companions. A Dalish Elf in Warden Armour and an Antivan Crow, likely the subject of her story so long ago in the Hinterlands. Lucanis if his memory served him well. 

The trio fought well against the Darkspawn, with Lucanis making various comments about how upsetting he found everything around them. Not that Solas could really blame him… If this had truly happened then it explained a lot of Rook’s mannerisms…

In reaching the Library Solas was able to get a better look at the companions that Rook had called her team. Lace Harding, the Inquisition Scout that Cedric had grown fond of, was among them… Rook slipped easily into leader mode, giving orders to her companions as they moved away from the door and deeper into the library. Lucanis and the Dalish Warden right by her side.

She’d told him that Ghilan’nain and Elgar’nan had gotten free but seeing it within Rook’s dream was… jarring at best. The fight against Razikale was bloody and desperate. Ghilan’nain seemed to have a particular interest in breaking Rook, calling out to taunt her as Another of Mythal’s lapdogs … Though Solas, and Rook had no idea what the God of Monsters was talking about. More taunts about Rook being Fen’Harel’s Pawn came throughout the battle. 

Rook had blood dripping from her nose and Solas could only watch as her eyes turned red… Ghilan’nain cracked in delight, weaving magic through the air towards Rook… No…

“No!” Solas reached out as if to stop this monstrosity from fracturing the Seer before him but… he needn’t have moved… Solas’ own magic, stronger and more like what it was before the creation of the Veil, from within Rook’s mind surged and surrounded Rook in an attempt to protect her. The ripple of blue/green light seemed to be invisible to all but him… but it did its job. Lucanis made an attempt to claim Ghilan’nain’s life, a valiant attempt but a failure despite the effort. But Rook’s team escaped to fight another day… Leaving Solas standing before Rook in…

“I thought times of seeing you like this were over…” Her voice was weak and Solas looked down at himself then, his Elven armour from times long gone covering his body now rather than the Apostate Disguise. “So that was Weisshaupt… Most Wardens died to Razikale that day.” The space around them was grey and desolate. Crumbling pillars and dead shrubs... Some sort of ruin in the Fade perhaps?

“And you feel guilt for this because?” Solas approached slowly, taking in her tear-streaked face as she shrugged.

“I was in charge… We couldn’t kill Ghilan’nain.” Solas placed a hand on her shoulder and used his other to make her look at him. 

“I am certain that you have heard this from me in your time… But to make one of the Evanuris bleed and live to tell the tale is a miracle.” His voice was soft as he spoke, drawing a soft whimper of distress from Rook. “But this does not explain the carnage that followed you in Caer Bronach…” She shook her head and turned away, pushing his hands from her when he tried to reach for her again.

“No. I… I can’t. Not now.” Solas sighed but nodded, approaching her from behind to carefully wrap her in a hug.

“Not now… But soon Da’fen… Before this rage eats at you.” She nodded, leaning into him as if to seek comfort. He left her dream with no real answers, more questions that required answers and a sense of dread over this future Rook had tried very hard to bury…

What had he wrought on the world…

Chapter Text

Rook woke feeling groggy and out of it, her eyes struggling to focus as she sat up. Cool hands took her by the biceps and helped her sit up while her head spun in circles. She blinked and lifted her head enough to meet Solas’ gaze, his eyes shadowed in concern.

“How do you feel?” He asked quietly, one hand gently rubbing up and down her arm. Rook shook her head and pushed him away.

“Fine.” The wolf managed to stagger to her feet and keep her balance despite her intense desire to lay back down. She pushed him away again when the Dread Wolf attempted to help her. “Leave me alone!” She hissed angrily, eyes flashing red. “So sick of Gods trying to make me do shit. Just go away.” Her voice was cold now as she spoke, her movements rigid when she went to put her armour on. Solas sighed and headed out to meet Cedric and Cassandra by the gates.

“Somehow I doubt her temper has improved.” Cedric frowned at the elf’s words as Rook exited the room and started towards them with an impassive look of simmering anger on her face.

“Let's go.” She didn’t wait for them, simply pushing past them to head to Old Crestwood. Cedric and Solas shared another worried look behind her as Varric joined them.

“Wel,l she looks happy.” The dwarf commented dryly, narrowing his eyes at Rook’s back. “Anyone got an idea what that’s about?” Solas sighed and shook his head.

“No... She is unwilling to share her pain. Perhaps Cole will be able to help once we return to Skyhold.” The suggestion was met with vague nods from the others but no one else seemed to have any better ideas.

-

Cedric led them down into the caves that housed the rift, his hand on his sword the entire way down. Undead and various shades were plenty above ground and they were just as plentiful below. The rift itself seemed to be neverending as it continuously spewed wave after wave of demons and shades. Rook, spell blade and fury in hand, was as relentless as the rift, cutting down demon after demon until only a Rage demon remained. Cassandra threw out a Smite over the demon as Rook dove out of the way of a wicked claw, Cedric taking her place in melee as Solas flung ice at the creature.

It had zeroed in on her own rage and its distraction gave the others a chance to rally and co-ordinate attacks to weaken it slowly. In a last-ditch effort, it attempted to rake its claws across Rook’s back but Solas was faster… Fade stepping between the Demon and the wolf caused enough chaos that he could drop his staff and reach into the slowly regenerating well of magic within him…

In that moment it was the Dread Wolf standing there with his hands outstretched, holding back the Rage Demon with an angry scowl on his face. Rook, having ended up tripping over a boulder, was looking up at Solas with wide eyes. The others had paused in their movements as they watched the Rage Demon struggle against the magic holding it in place.

“Return to the Fade…” Solas growled, eyes glowing brightly with power and righteous anger. The demon, already having taken quite the beating, could do nothing as Solas’ magic overwhelmed it. “Close the rift, Inquisitor.” Solas’ voice was cool and measured as he turned away after the demon was dealt with, reaching down to pull Rook to her feet.

“What the fuck was that?” Cedric asked Solas in a surprisingly stern voice. Solas sighed softly but he didn’t get a chance to get a word out before Rook was taking over the conversation.

“Being near rifts in the fade makes magic stronger and more unpredictable. I tend to avoid drawing on the raw Fade but in times of stress it's likely an unconscious instinct.” Rook explained as she released Solas and approached the others. “Besides. Are you really going to question him on his methods for getting rid of Rage demons?”

Cedric looked between them before nodding in agreement. He seemed to drop it for the moment but he was watching Solas a little more warily now after the show of power… a slight glint of recognition in his eyes.

-

After reaching Skyhold Rook immediately went searching for Queen Emilia, avoiding talking to anyone else until she had a chance to get some fucking answers. Emilia had been set up in a room near Rook’s, most likely organised by Leliana.

“Did you know?” Rook asked as the door to Emilia’s room closed behind her. The Warden frowned at her child, standing from the simple vanity to approach the girl.

“You will need to be more specific, Katarina.” The Warden gently nudged Rook over to a couch and had her sit down, settling down beside her.

“Flemmeth gave me to you and Father… But she’s not really Flemmeth. She’s Mythal.” Rook was almost shaking with anger as she spoke until Emilia took her hands in a careful but firm grip.

“Alistair and I owed her a life debt… She said taking you in would repay it. But that does not change the truth of the matter. You are our daughter, Katarina…” Emilia lifted one hand to brush Rook’s hair back with an affectionate smile on her face.

“She came to me in a dream… She said that my blood mother gave her life to save mine and all but sold me to her!” Rook began to cry then, tears streaming down her face as she collapsed into her mother’s comforting arms.

“I know… I had hoped to protect you from that Fate. We agreed to raise you. But we never agreed to give you back.” Emilia’s voice had a dark anger to it as she pulled back and cradled Rook’s face in her hands. “Find Morrigan. Find her and tell her everything. I trusted that woman with my life and the life of your father. She will know how to help you.” Rook nodded and just slumped into her mother then, all of her rage escaping her then. “You should go find your little Spirit friend too… He came to say hello when I arrived.”

Rook stayed where she was for a long while before eventually doing just that. Finding Cole up in the attic of the Herald’s Rest. Spirit and Seer settled in a corner on a blanket without a word, Rook’s head resting in Cole’s lap as the Spirit Boy gently stroked her hair.

“Anger and pain will swallow you whole… Open your heart little wolf.” Cole whispered after a while, looking down at her with a serene smile on his face. “He will guard you if you let him.”

-

F,

I understand you have your hands full with helping Briala protect The Empress but I was hoping you could spare some time to look into an Elven Apostate that joined the Inquisition at Haven. There is something off about him and I cannot continue making excuses for the oddities in his behaviour.

His name is Solas. He has taken a liking to an Elven Seer from Arlathan Forest who bears Vallaslin for Fen’Harel. If that is of any interest to you.

Yours sincerely,

C

Solas… Brows furrowed in worry, graceful lines of Mythal’s Vallaslin creasing with the expression. His back throbbed in dull pain as he read the short letter again, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he pulled a blank piece of parchment towards him.

“The Prince sent word?” Briala asked from the doorway, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed. He simply nodded in confirmation to her question, a frown on his face as he met her gaze with pale lilac eyes.

“Asking about Solas…” He said softly, watching as the woman approached and sat on the edge of the table he occupied.

“What will you tell him?” Briala picked up the letter to read it, pushing an elfroot potion towards the man.

“The truth. The Prince is intelligent. If Solas has made him suspicious then hiding the truth will only draw his anger.” He sighed and turned his attention back to his letter.

“Whatever you think is best, Lethal’lin.” Briala left him alone then, a gentle squeeze to his shoulder as the Elven man began to write.

Lethal’lin,

You are wise to reach out to me. I am already familiar with Solas… You will want to exercise caution. I cannot disclose much in this letter but I can divulge more once you are in the Palace for The Empress’ Ball.

He is not a normal mage as you have likely figured out. He was a friend once. Now I am not sure what I regard him as. You may recall the day that Briala discovered me injured in the woods about a year ago. It was he who injured me for a perceived slight.

Keep an eye on this Seer. Not because I think them a threat but because I fear for their safety and sanity.

Please do not ask for more until we are face-to-face.

Fondest Regards,

F

He folded the letter into an envelope and had a trusted runner deliver it directly into Prince Cedric’s hands. A heavy sigh leaving him as he leaned back in his chair.

Chapter Text

The next few days at Skyhold were tense as the forces prepared to march on Adamant Fortress. Cedric had taken a small team comprised of Rook, Cassandra, Cole and Dorian to the Western Approach to investigate the information given to them by Warden-Commander Theirin and Anders. Hawke had been there too as an absolute menace to the Venatori Magister.

Rook’s mood had improved drastically but she still avoided Solas for the most part… Cole had become her constant companion around Skyhold, much to Cassandra’s dismay and Cedric’s continual amusement.

“Right. I want Cassandra, Dorian, Rook and Solas with me as we breach Adamant. Hawke, Anders and Commander Theirin will be joining us as well. Everyone else is to keep the controlled Wardens busy and take care of any Demons as quickly as possible.” Cedric said to Cullen and Leliana as they stood around the War Table, his posture tense and unmoving throughout the discussion.

“We need to be careful. Varric once mentioned Corypheus’ Dragon appearing at Adamant. We need to be ready to defend against it.” Rook’s voice was calm and even despite the upcoming battle.

“Right. Let’s get this done.” Cedric nodded to Rook and motioned for her to follow him down to where Cassandra and Solas were waiting for them. 

She had swapped her warmer green and brown leather armour and white wolf fur mantle for her Veil Jumper Leathers, her dark hair pulled back and held up in a braided updo with a dark metal Crow pin. Her left arm bracer, having been damaged in her trip through the time rift, had been replaced by one that appeared to have been taken from a Warden Warrior’s armour.

“Katarina, where is your staff?” Emilia asked as she joined them in her own Warden armour. 

“That’s a good question. I’ll let you know when I find it.” Rook grinned brightly before hauling herself up into the saddle of her borrowed horse. “Revas. Stay.” She said firmly when the cranky wolf pup sat with what could almost be called a pout.

“Oh, I will watch her!” Josephine rushed over and scooped the creature up with some difficulty. Wolf pups grew quickly after all. “Rook will return as soon as she can. You can keep me company and scare off anyone trying to steal my wine.” Rook snickered at the Advisor as Cedric nudged Rook on the knee.

“You sure you’re up for this, Petit loup?” Cedric smirked at the quizzical look he received from Rook at the Orlesian nickname. “N'oublie pas d'où je viens, Petit Loup.” The Orlesian flowed easily, his accent more prominent in his mother tongue. 

The accent change did not go unnoticed by Cassandra as she looked directly at Cedric with a shocked and vaguely amazed look on her face. Hawke poked Cassandra in the ribs as she and Anders joined the group, jolting the Seeker from her thoughts.

“Right. We have a Demon Army to defeat.” The Seeker swallowed thickly and nudged her horse to begin the ride to Adamant Fortress.

-

Adamant was a fucking mess. Demons and Wardens everywhere. The small team led by Cedric barely made it to the Battlements before two Pride demons made their appearances.

“Stay together!” Cedric shouted over the clang of metal on metal and the crackle of magic in the air. Rook, per usual, found herself toe to toe with the Pride Demon. Much to Cassandra and Cedric’s distress given her penchant for grave injuries.

Hawke and Anders were deadly together, with Justice supplementing Anders’ magic just enough to improve his stamina without getting in the way. The possessed mage’s eyes burned blue throughout the battle, veins of blue snaking along his exposed skin as well. 

Solas, mindful of Cedric’s suspicion following the Rage Demon incident, held back a bit more than typical… Not that anyone but Rook noticed. Dorian, as ridiculous and overtop as he was, clearly was not having a good time given the sheer amount of sand surrounding them. Though his discomfort seemed to amuse Solas enough that he had a slight smirk.

Reaching the site where Magister Erimond was coaching Warden-Commander Clarel through the summoning and binding ritual soon proved to be the easiest part of the mission… Now they had to talk Clarel down…

“Enough of this madness! You are sacrificing the lives of your men for the word of a Venatori Magister!” Cedric called out when they arrived in the Courtyard, his longsword gripped tightly in his right hand. Clarel turned to face the Inquisitor as his companions came to stand behind him, with Warden Commander Theirin standing just on his left.

“The Calling is fake! It is a trick from the Darkspawn Magister this coward serves! You are serving the Blight… Not fighting it.” Emilia called as she stepped forward, drawing the Orlesian Commander’s gaze to her.

“You cannot stop this Inquisitor. Commander Clarel does a service to the Wardens.” Erimond called out with a cackle, smirking triumphantly.

“Perhaps we should hear the Inquisitor out… Consider all angles.” Clarel mused, turning fully away from the Magister to approach Cedric and Emilia.

“Coward!” Erimond scowled as a shrill shrieking roar came from above their heads. None of them had much of a chance to figure out what in the fuck had just happened since there was yet another Pride Demon and Clarel had taken off running after Magister Erimond. 

“Fuck! Come on!” Cedric called out, darting after the pair of them. Ducking and weaving around demons and falling debris from the various strafing attacks. “There! Up ahead!” Clarel fade stepped and clocked Erimond in the back of the head, standing over him as the Dragon made its presence known yet again with a shrill roar and a devastating bite that buckled and tore Clarel’s armour and sprayed blood and entrails across the stone of the platform.

The weight of the dragon on the platform quickly developed cracks in the stone and with a sickening grinding crunch, they were all suddenly falling to their deaths… Until Cedric threw out his hand and a rift opened beneath them. 

-

“Is everyone alright?” Cedric called out as he staggered to his feet. A set of hands took his arm and pulled him up and helped him keep his balance.

“We are unharmed…” Rook said Solas helped her up. Cedric gave Dorian a grateful nod. “But we are in the Fade… Physically in the Fade.” She added before anyone could ask that question. Hawke was snickering quietly to herself as Anders and Justice, who appeared as a glowing blue version of Anders, studied each other with curiosity.

“Right… We need to find a way out.” Cedric looked around curiously as the others made their way over with varying degrees of wariness. “Stick together. This place feels… Hungry.”

“It is. We are in the domain of a Fear Demon.” Solas commented from beside Rook, whose eyes widened dramatically. Cedric sighed in frustration and began to head in the only direction available. The Inquisitor froze when a Spirit bearing the appearance of Divine Justinia appeared before them.

“Divine Justinia…” Cedric approached carefully. “This… I thought I saw you die at Haven…” His voice held a tone of wariness to it as he came to a stop a few feet from the woman.

“This is impossible. It must be a demon.” Emilia said from behind them, a look of confused distrust on her face.

“I wouldn’t say demon. A spirit perhaps… Of reverence or faith maybe.” Rook mused, mostly to herself. The spectre of Justinia turned her gaze toward Rook.

“You think my survival impossible but yet here you stand in the Fade yourselves.” The spectre’s words drew a tired sigh from Cassandra. “In truth, proving my existence either way would require time we do not have.”

“Surely you can understand our concerns and explain what you are,” Hawke commented from behind Cassandra, sharing a look with Justice. 

“I am here to help you. Just ask the young Seer. She can sense my intent.” Justinia turned a kind smile on Rook. The Seer in question nodded slowly and turned to look up at Cedric.

“I believe her… I also sense… fragments of memory. Perhaps yours of your original trip through the Fade.” Rook said softly to the Inquisitor. He regarded her carefully before casting his eyes in the direction Rook had gestured.

“Very well. I accept your help… Tell us what to do.” Cedric squared his shoulders and turned to look out towards the rift they needed to reach.

Chapter Text

Rook had ended up being the one to lead them through the Fade at the Spectre’s insistence. Fear is not the only Demon to seek you. Guide them so you can be found. Cryptic much. Cedric’s memories ended up being a jumbled mess for most of their journey through the nightmarish terrain, fixing an intense frown on his face. However, that quickly became rage the more he uncovered and the more the Fear Demon taunted.

“If I didn’t have a reason to kill Corypheus already…” Cedric hissed angrily as he walked beside Cassandra, pausing when her hand closed around his wrist. He lifted his gaze to look at her with a slight tilt of his head. 

“We can’t do anything unless we escape.” Dorian reminded them all with a vague look of disgust on his face. He almost knocked Rook over when she froze in front of them.

Whatever it takes. Right, Rook?

Cedric looked up and around at the sudden sound of Scout Harding’s voice.

“Are you scared, Rook? That none of what you sacrificed will be worth it?” The Fear Demon cackled above their heads. “That who you sacrificed will mean nothing? What would she say to you… Consorting with the enemy.” Rook growled, eyes turning red as her rage began to burn hotly again.

“Get out of my head…” Rook hissed, her hand going to her spell blade.

“Oh. But your fear is so delicious. Come. Show them what you did.” Rook froze when suddenly the path ahead of them became barred by a shimmering archway. “Unless you cannot face the failure. If you cannot face Her.” Rook’s hands were shaking as she looked directly ahead of her, a tear slowly escaping and rolling down her cheek.

“This is the only way forward…” Rook mumbled, turning to face them all. “If it's what I think it is then it will be… Awful.” With that, she turned away and took a shaking breath as she began to approach the archway. Solas came to stand beside her and carefully took her hand in his, looking down at her.

“I walk beside you, Da’fen…” Solas murmured before nodding toward the archway. Rook nodded, steeled herself, and stepped into the archway, followed by everyone else.

-

The Fade melted away around them and slowly formed a beach with Elven Ruins and statues sticking out of sand and water.

“Morrigan was right… That’s the whole Antaam navy over there. We won’t be able to get through them without some sort of distraction.” Bellara said as she and the others of the Veilguard came to stand around Rook.

“We need a team to distract the Antaam. I’m a scout… and I have the stone on my side.” Harding piped up from beside Taash, one hand on her hip as she spoke. Davrin started to argue, a frown of worry etched into his face.

“Harding’s right. This needs a good Scout. So… Davrin and Lucanis will come with me. The rest of you go with Harding. Draw the Antaam away as much as you can. With any luck, we’ll reach Ghilan’nain before the Gods know where we are.” Rook said to the group before nodding.

“Whatever it takes, Rook. Ghilan’nain doesn’t leave this island.” Harding gave Rook a reassuring smile before she had her team headed off… leaving Rook on the beach with a Warden, a Crow and a Griffon.

Antaam, mercenaries and Darkspawn barred the way for Rook and her team, meaning they had to fight tooth and nail to get through. Rook and Lucanis moved fluidly around each other, clearly deeply familiar with each other’s fighting style while Davrin and Assan took on the brunt of the heavier hitters, giving the two more agile fighters room and time to line up shots.

“Come on, we're almost there!” Rook shouted over Ghilan’nain’s rant about crafting a new Archdemon. Blight, Darkspawn and Antaam, though formidable, were nothing compared to the pure determination of Rook and her team. Rook was breathing heavily as she moved through a set of large doors, a bright grin crossing her face when the second team arrived through a different door at the same time.

“The way through is blocked by a blood magic ward. One touch could be lethal.” Neve said with an uneasy frown. Rook looked between Bellara and Neve before nodding to Bellara.

“Can you get it down, Bel?” Bellara nodded and immediately turned to begin removing the obstacle. The rest of the team took the time to catch their breath and readjust their armour and weapon holsters. Rook had her head down as she waited, one hand on her spell blade and the other holding her staff.

“Got it!” Bellara beamed with pride as the rest of them praised her and prepared to continue. They didn’t get much of a chance to move… a Blight tendril wrapped around Bellara’s waist and pulled her through an Eluvian even as Rook and Neve tried to grab onto her.

“Do not fret… we will welcome your friend back into our fold.” Elgar’nan’s voice made Rook’s skin crawl, an angry scowl on her face as the Eluvian shattered.

“C’mon! If we hurry we might be able to save her.” Rook led her team through the doorway to an elevator, her eyes hard and full of barely contained rage. “Harding. You and your team take Lucanis and the Dagger and get him to Ghilan’nain. Davrin, Emmrich and I will cut through the middle and try to draw Ghilan’nain to us.” Lucanis made an impatient little growl, his dark eyes flickering purple. 

“Spite can feel her hunting us…” he growled low, looking over at Rook for a moment. She nodded and took a deep breath as the elevator reached its destination.

“Right. Lucanis and Spite kill Ghilan’nain then we find Bellara.” Rook said as she stepped off the elevator and began moving, her hand going to where a dagger made of Lyrium sat at her hip.

“And then we go for Elgar’nan,” Harding said with a smirk. “Like you said at the Lighthouse Rook. Whatever it takes.” Harding darted off with Neve and Taash on her heels. Rook pulled the dagger free and held it out to Lucanis.

“It’s all yours.” The pair shared a quick nod as Lucanis’ hand wrapped around the hilt as he moved.

“As is Ghilan’nain…” Rook patted Davrin and Emmrich on the arms before she took off running. The Blight was thicker the further they moved into the lair of the Gods…

Harding shouted out to them in an attempt to warn them of something but her voice was cut off before anyone could make out more than the word ‘Rook’… fog hung heavy around them… obscuring vision and making it near impossible to navigate the mess of Blight and Darkspawn safely.

The path opened out into a round courtyard, blood slicking the floor as Rook stepped carefully over the tendrils of Blight. It was about then that Rook realised that she was alone…

“Davrin? Emmrich?!” Rook called as she turned in a slow circle, her grip tightening on her staff. The werewolf’s head snapped up as the haunting voice of Ghilan’nain floated around her.

“They cannot help you, little rook. For your crimes against the Evanuris, you will face a God alone!” The fog cleared to reveal Ghilan’nain towering over the much smaller elf. Rook growled in anger and dove to the side as a large Darkspawn wielding an axe made of Blight attempted to remove her head from her neck.

She darted around the battlefield, breaking gross-looking blight boils as she went. Rook, panting hard and limping visibly, crashed to one knee as Davrin was released from the Blight tendril holding him. He ran over and pulled her up to her feet while simultaneously pushing a healing potion into her hand.

“Cover me! I have to get the others!” Rook dove back into the fight with Davrin by her side. Emmrich and then Harding soon joined them as Rook destroyed more of the Blight containing them. She was beginning to tire visibly, her skin pale and glistening with sweat. Shaking hands grasped the tendril holding Lucanis, pulling with her waning strength. “I’ve got you, Lucanis.”

Ghilan’nain cackled, one of her Blight tendrils wrapping around her ankle to drag her off her feet and into the air. She was barely able to avoid smacking her face on the stairs as Lucanis got himself free and began to fly at Ghilan’nain with Spite’s purple spectral wings.

“Your defiance is futile! I will rend your mind and grind your bones to dust!” The God shrieked, pinning Lucanis to a pillar to stop his advance. “I will keep you alive to witness what becomes of your companions, Rook… Then I will make Fen’Harel watch as I turn his precious pet into a monster at my side.”

Movement behind Ghilan’nain drew Rook’s gaze away… Her eyes widened as Harding climbed up a pillar and began to knock an arrow. The two women locked eyes and the dwarf smiled warmly.

“Whatever it takes, Rook!” She fired… Her shot struck true and drew a cry of outrage from Ghilan’nain. Again and again, she fired… each arrow finding its mark… Even as Ghilan’nain impaled Harding on her many limbs with shrieks of anger and disbelief… It did exactly what it was supposed to… Lucanis freed himself. And, in slow motion, as Harding began to fall from her perch into a Blighted chasm… the Lyrium Dagger finally found purchase in God flesh. 

The effect was instant. Ghilan’nain thrashed and writhed, finally releasing Rook and sending the elf crashing to the ground. It was almost comical how absurd Ghilan’nain found this outcome… until Elgar’nan arrived. He glowered down at Rook, his Red Lyrium dagger cracking from the sheer power of Solas’ dagger pulsing within Ghilan’nain’s body.

The God of Vengence fled Tearstone, leaving Rook and her team to scramble for the Dagger before it tore the Fade open. Rook’s hand wrapped around the hilt of the Dagger and pulled it free, her breath coming in exhausted pants as she knelt on the ground before Ghilan’nain’s body.

“Lucanis?” Rook stood and turned to find her friend, a cry of pain escaping her when her eyes fell on Lucanis’ form lying on the ground. “Lucanis!” Rook slid to her knees beside him and pulled the human man over onto his back, a horrified gasp escaping her lips when his form shifted into Varric’s… “Varric…?” She got to her feet quickly, her chest heaving as panic began to take over.

“And so you have your victory…” Rook whipped around to find no one behind her but… Solas’ voice still rang out around her. “You live… and Ghilan’nain does not…” Her eyes stray to Ghilan’nain’s corpse, an uneasy feeling settling over her… She turned slowly and Lucanis’ body was lying on the ground again. “Are you not proud to finally reach this moment?”

Rook tightened her grip on the Lyrium Dagger in her hand, her hands shaking from stress and exhaustion. She shuddered a bit when she felt a cool hand brushed against her hand… settling at the small of her back as a warm breath fanned her throat and the back of her neck. She turned her head slowly and met Solas’ gaze with this… lost look in her eyes.

“Or did you think you’d win the day without some painful sacrifices?” The edge to his words shocked her like lightning as Lucanis’ body turned to stone, Solas’ hand left her back and suddenly a statue, the one she’d sent toppling towards Solas, was falling towards her.

Falling… wind whipping her hair and clothing about… a scream of fear left her as she tumbled through the Fade…?

That dragon razed Minrathous. Where were you?

No one’s retreating.

We’ll all die!

“Solas! Help me!” She called out, hoping desperately that he’d catch her… Save her…

Archdemon’s attacking the North Wall!

The Dagger bit roughly into cracked stone, arresting Rook’s descent so suddenly her shoulder damn near popped out of the socket.

“You and your friends stood against the Gods… Your courage is laudable…” Statues began to appear above Rook as she struggled to pull herself onto the platform. Neve… Bellara… Harding …

“Solas… Please… Lethal’lin…” Rook gasped out, fingers scrambling desperately to find purchase.

“Mortals cannot win this battle, Da’fen… I am sorry… It is what must be.” Solas approached the edge slowly, a shadow of grief in his violet eyes as he watched Rook struggle. Slowly the statues fell like dominos until Harding’s hit the stone and sent Rook tumbling uncontrollably down.

I did everything for you, Rook. You’re worthless.

Varric never believed in you.

You’re no leader.

You were never up to it.

You failed us all.

“What failure cuts your conscience now, I wonder?” Rook let out a pained cry as she hit solid stone and tumbled down a crumbled set of stairs until she was able to find some footing. That quickly became impossible when her hand shot out to grab onto the wrist of a falling statue of…

“Bellara!” Rook sobbed and struggled against the weight, physical and emotional. “Solas help me! Please!” She cried, turning her head as she stabbed the dagger into the air and used it to hold herself up. Solas appeared before her with his hands behind his back, any warmth he had once shown her gone in the face of cold indifference.

Your friend is dead.

Dead and gone.

It was your fault.

“Regret, like all emotions, is a powerful thing.” Solas approached her slowly, his voice steady and that same soothing depth that now brought dread to Rook’s bones… “It can bruise us, break us… or blind us to the truth…” She turned her head away from Solas as the weight of Bellara’s statue shifted, more of her friends appearing as cracked stone statues.

“Regret is even strong enough to serve as the lock on a prison built to hold gods.” Rook cried in pain as her shoulder ached from the strain of holding herself and the statue up. “But such a prison can hold any captive… even you…” His voice held warmth again, drawing Rook’s gaze to him as he approached, one hand coming to cup her cheek.

“Please don’t do this… We’re on the same side!” His hand retreated slowly as he sighed heavily.

“I am sorry, Rook… But this battle will claim your life. I cannot allow that. Even if you must hate me for eternity. At least you will have that eternity to do so… Vhenan…” Rook’s grip slipped as her eyes widened in shock. Vhenan… His hand moved slowly to wait patiently beneath the dagger. “Ir Abelas… for the pain this prison will inflict. Beginning with this.” He nodded down to the statues she was fighting to hold onto.

Rook’s gaze slipped slowly from Solas’ sad violet eyes to… Varric … That was enough for her grasp to fail entirely. The dagger dropped into Solas’ hand and she watched as he turned away with his eyes closed and head downturned… and he cut his way out of the Fade… Leaving her to tumble through rock and air until she landed with a thud on her back on Solas’ side of the chasm…

Only there was no chasm… and a statue of herself sat crosslegged against a pillar with a smile on her face…

Come on, kid. Your story isn’t over yet.

Chapter Text

Cedric grabbed Solas by the arm and turned towards the elf with rage in his eyes. Rook, lost in her own emotions from having witnessed her biggest regret again , didn’t take much notice until Cedric raised his voice.

“What the fuck are you hiding, Solas?” He asked, his voice dripping in anger from what they’d just witnessed. Solas seemed at a loss for words… he’d known that he must have hurt Rook at some point… but this…

“Stop. There’s still more…” Rook pushed Cedric back and situated herself between Solas and the Inquisitor as all attention returned to the memory of Rook kneeling on cracked stone.

-

Rook pushed herself to her feet, her knees weak and almost buckling as she looked around for a way to go. She wandered aimlessly for a while, randomly finding a broken orb, a paint pallet, and a statue of Mythal. These items unlocked a chest that held a couple of runes for the dagger.

“Cool. Does fuck all to get me out of here…” she huffed and picked a different path to take, following it up a flight of stairs that appeared.

Solas got out. It’s time for you to do the same.

Varric’s voice made her head and heartache as she walked, reaching up to rub at her shoulder when it throbbed dully. More cracked stairs appeared with every step she took through the dull landscape of the Fade Prison. Ahead of her statues of Bellara began to materialise, drawing tears into Rook’s eyes as she followed the path.

You knew it was dangerous… Neve told you. And you picked me anyway.

“I know… but we had to get through. And you’re not dead. I refuse to believe it. You’re not dead until I see your body.” There was a hardness to her voice as she spoke, a crack to it too… “I will find you. We will beat Elgar’nan. I promise…”

She knows you will. Keep going, kid.

Rook turned slowly, a rush of air escaping when her eyes fell on the statue of Lace Harding… slowly she reached out a hand and brushed gentle fingers over the stone cheek of the Statue, fighting back tears with the wave of regret and grief that washed over her.

Whatever it takes…

The path continued up and around with more statues. More pain… It opened out into what almost resembled the Lighthouse Library…

I don’t think any of us thought it would cost this much.

The voice came from above… beckoning Rook higher. She climbed the stairs slowly, favouring her left leg that throbbed with pain only now making itself known… Her leather pants felt wet and warm when she reached down with her hand to touch the area. Blood… she came to a stop in front of the final Statue of Lace Harding and let out a shuddering breath full of self-loathing and pain.

 But you gave everything to us all, Rook… I knew what was coming when I chose to distract Ghilan’nain. So why are you so angry with yourself…?

“Because I didn’t want to believe you of all people could die… The Bright Lace Harding… One with the Titans but so much more. I promise you… Your sacrifice will mean something…” Rook paused and bowed her head in a show of respect. “Whatever it takes.” 

Well done, Kid. Now what about mine?

Rook turned slowly as a door creaked open behind her. She swallowed thickly and walked slowly through it, limping slightly now as the pain in her leg increased. Rook slowed to a stop as the Ritual Site began to materialise ahead of her. Statues slowly rose and settled into their places as she continued onwards…

“What am I about to see…?” Rook asked out loud as her voice cracked, tears flowing freely now with every step.

I think you know.

A shaky breath… a hiss of pain.

“All this time…?” Rook whispered, looking down at the body of Varric… her hands shaking at her sides. “You were always there when I needed you… Only you weren’t. Because Solas… killed you…” Rook couldn’t stop the grief-filled sob that escaped her lips as Varric came to stand beside her, looking down at his body with her.

“Yeah… Sorry about that, kid. Though in his defence I don’t think Solas meant to kill me.” Varric shrugged and laid a hand on Rook’s arm to comfort her while she cried. She looked over at the Storyteller, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

“I’m sorry, Varric… If I’d had a better plan…”

“Shit kid… Did this place teach you nothing?” Varric chastised her, causing the werewolf to flinch a little. “I made the choice. To talk to him. To try to reach him. Even knowing the risks… Because he was my friend. My decision. My sacrifice. And you don’t get to take that from me.” He held her gaze sternly until she nodded. He sighed and gently ushered her away towards another set of stairs. “Every story's got an ending. This one just came a little sooner than I’d planned.”

“I’m going to miss you, Varric…” Rook’s voice cracked as his name left her lips, teary gold eyes finding the dwarf’s gaze.

“Going to miss you too, kid.” Varric smiled warmly, patting her on the arm in a show of comfort. “But you’ve got your own story to finish. I just know the ending is going to be killer.” Together they looked up the flight of stairs at a rift that stood waiting for Rook…

“What happens now? To you…” Rook hesitated as Varric climbed a few stairs ahead of her and turned to look down at her.

“I’ll disappear. Go back to being a memory…”

“Right…” She slowly climbed the stairs behind him, still limping slightly from whatever the fuck had happened to her leg.

“Hey. Don’t get all misty-eyed on me, okay? I had a good run. And I don’t regret a second of it.” Rook couldn’t help the small smile that he pulled from her, tilting her head to look over at him again.

“What about Solas?”

“You saw his memories… Hell, you even beat the shit out of Mythal over it.” Varric chuckled fondly at her. “You and your straight lines…” He sighed and gently pulled her to a stop so he had her full attention. “Solas wants to be a hero. That’s who he is, deep down… But it's easier for him to play the villain. Because that means he didn’t fail. All the damage he’s done, the people he’s hurt… it becomes a choice.” He paused for a moment and looked around at the Fade Prison surrounding them. “Remind him who he really is… He might just listen. I mean… He stuck you here to protect you from Elgar’nan didn’t he?” Rook gave Varric a wry smile as she turned and looked down at him.

“So how do I get out of here?” She asked, mentally preparing herself for the battle ahead…

“Do what you’ve been doing, Rook. Trust your team… They’ll have your back.” Rook nodded and started to turn back to the rift just as Emmrich’s voice rang out.

This way! It’s thinner there!

-

The memory faded slowly, leaving Cedric and the rest of the Inquisition crew standing around Rook as she stared ahead with tears in her eyes. Solas, looking more than a little in shock, moved first… laying a hand on Rook’s shoulder.

“I did that to you…” His voice sounded hoarse and weak as she turned to face him, a small smile playing on her lips.

“I needed it… put things into perspective…” She whispered, reaching up to lay her hand on his that rested on her shoulder. “Can we… can we discuss this once we get out of here…?” Rook looked over at Cedric as she spoke then, relaxing only when he nodded slowly.

Rook! I smell Rook!

Her head shot up at the familiar warped Antivan accented voice. She turned and took off running as a loud screech followed the shouting.

“Spite!” The elf collided with the demon, nearly taking them both to the ground. Though Spite didn’t seem to mind. He wrapped her in a tight hug and refused to release her even as Cedric, Solas and Cassandra approached. 

I don’t like you. Stay back! You hurt Rook!

“Spite. Stop it… Mierda.” Rook let out a delighted laugh, releasing Spite, who promptly stood in front of Solas and growled angrily, to grab Lucanis Dellamorte into a tight hug. “Pensé que nunca te encontraríamos...” The Crow mumbled the tired Antivan into her shoulder as Assan rubbed up against her legs while Bellara, Emmrich and Davrin approached with Manfred.

“Bellara…” Rook pulled back from Lucanis and reached for her other friends, a laugh bubbling from her throat as the other three practically mobbed Rook to hug her as tight as they dared.

“Rook? Are you going to introduce us?” Cedric asked with an amused grin on his face, carefully holding Cassandra back as the Seeker twitched a bit at the presence of Spite. Justice, however, seemed rather intrigued by Spite and had begun conversing with the Demon. Much to the shock of Anders and Lucanis, both men share a look before just shrugging and allowing it.

“Right… This is my team… Lucanis, Emmrich, Bellara, Davrin, Assan, Manfred and Spite…” Rook trailed off slowly, looking around with a lost look on her face. “Neve and Taash…?” Emmrich sighed and took Rook’s hands in his.

“Taash did not think they could face you after Harding… And Neve could not leave Minrathous in such a state… She left to help the Shadow Dragons while Solas and Dorian… I believe that explanation can wait until we are not in the lair of a Fear Demon.” Rook nodded in agreement before suddenly turning quickly to Lucanis.

“Where is it?” She asked quickly, startling him a little into motion. Lucanis pulled a glowing Lyrium Dagger from somewhere on his person. “Solas… What are the odds that we could kill the Fear Demon?” She turned to him slowly as she held up the dagger. Solas raised an eyebrow at her before nodding.

“High… Especially if your team is as skilled as you claim. We have a very good shot of all of us leaving the Fade today.” Rook grinned at him, her eyes lighting up in a way he hadn’t seen since before Crestwood.

“Right… Here’s the plan…”

-

Rook’s plans had a habit of going absolutely fucking sideways… But with the extra people in the form of the Veilguard, Anders and Hawke… Well. That Fear Demon never stood a chance.

You see… That memory may have been some of Rook’s greatest fears rolled into one… But it had prompted the greatest strength of hers to resurface. She was a Rook… Strongest piece on the board. Even Fen’Harel didn’t see her coming. What chance did the Fear Demon have?

None.

Rook and her team went high with the Dagger, Spite leading the pack with the intention of not allowing the Fear Demon to touch her. Cedric led Solas, Cassandra and Dorian directly through the middle while Emilia, Hawke and Anders went around the outside to cut the Demon off.

For once it actually worked out.

Rook and Lucanis climbed above the Demon and once it had become engaged with the others in a fight to the death Lucanis dropped onto its back to distract it from Rook moving closer to the weak point near its ‘head’... As it writhed and attempted to flick Lucanis off… Rook made her strike. She landed nimbly and drove the Lyrium Dagger through the weak point and straight into the creature.

It writhed and screamed, causing Rook and Lucanis to dive for a ledge to take cover. Screeching curses at them all in its death throes… The silence that followed, only broken by heavy breathing, was entirely welcome. Solas stood apart from everyone, his head bowed as if waiting for rage… What he didn’t expect were warm hands on his face drawing him to look up.

“What you all saw has not yet come to pass,” Rook said softly, mostly to Solas than to anyone else. Solas closed his eyes and nodded, leaning into the hand with a quiet murmur of ‘Ir abelas’...

“Come on… Let's get out of here. I need a drink. Maybe ten.” Cedric ushered everyone out through the Fade Rift, looking back over the Fade landscape one last time. He paused for a moment when his gaze found a silhouette very similar to one seen in Rook’s memory… Surely not. Cedric shook his head and ducked through the rift after his companions, old and new… Leaving behind an evil thought defeated in the future and imprisoned in the past.

And as the Fade quieted with their departure… Elgar’nan the God of Vengence, Blighted and injured, snarled in disgust…

Chapter Text

Adamant Fortress was a mess when they had stepped through the rift into the waking world, Cullen and the Inquisition Forces had taken control of the fortress and were beginning to see to any injured after clearing the demons out. Cedric and Cassandra moved off to check in with Cullen, along with Emilia after the Warden had made sure Rook was alright after everything. 

Solas hung back, quiet as he watched Rook interact with her friends. Being out of the Fade, Spite was no longer visible but the bond she had with the demon remained rather obvious as she listened to him prattle on about one topic or another. Davrin and Bellara seemed to be unable to hear Spite when he was not actively in control of Lucanis’ body so they had created a game of deciphering what Spite was saying from the reactions of those who could hear him.

“I bet he’s waxing poetry about Rook’s hair,” Bellara whispered to Davrin with a giggle as she watched Rook snicker at Spite, and at Lucanis’ embarrassed flush.

“I think he’s making a snide comment about sleeping with Solas,” Davrin whispered, pointing out how still Solas stood, his back to most of them as the man watched Rook giggle at the demon. 

“Right! Let’s head back to Skyhold. I’m hungry.” Cedric said as he returned to them, left hand in his pocket. Cassandra reappeared beside the Inquisitor with Cullen trailing after her.

“I have some horses spare.” He told the newcomers, eyeing Manfred warily. Rook patted the former Templar on the arm gently.

“Manfred is sweet. He’s a Spirit of Curiosity housed within a skeleton. He’s more likely to steal part of your armour when you’re not looking because it’s shiny.” She explained, earning a tense but grateful smile from the Commander.

Rook spent most of the ride with the Veilguard, falling back into the comfortable banter about Lucanis’ cooking and whatever it was that Assan had decided to steal from Davrin this time. Despite various worried looks shared among companions none of them seemed ready to discuss what had happened in the Fade… or prior to the time walking.

Skyhold marked a moment of relief for every Inquisition Soldier and Agent when it came into view. Cedric swung down from his horse, casually slinging an arm around Cassandra’s shoulders to walk with her up to the main hall.

“Rook. Debrief in ten minutes. Solas. Now.” The Inquisitor called out to her before he disappeared to find Josephine, leaving Rook and the Veilguard standing with Anders, Hawke and Emilia.

“Mae!” Emilia turned with a bright smile as Katarina Theirin ran at her mother from where she had been standing with King Alistair at the top of a set of stairs. Rook smiled softly as she watched her child self hug their mother tightly. Alistair himself descended the stairs at a slow pace and pressed a loving kiss to his wife’s lips. Rook immediately grinned when Revas ran straight at her and had to promptly shower the growing wolf pup with love. None of her friends were surprised by the arrival. 

“Katarina insisted we come to visit Rook.” The King said by way of explanation before beckoning Rook over with a fond little smile on his face when he saw her playing with the exuberant pup. Much to the confusion of Emmrich, Bellara and Davrin, Rook immediately picked up the wolf and tucked herself against her father’s side as Katarina chatted excitedly at Emilia about what she had been up to the past few months.

“Go and meet with the Inquisitor, Little Wolf. We will be here when you return.” Emilia told Rook gently, pressed a kiss to her temple before nudging her towards her friends. Rook nodded and let Lucanis put an arm around her shoulders to pull her over to the Veilguard.

“We should probably wait for Cedric to finish with Solas first… He looked mad.” Rook mumbled as she walked with the assassin.

“As he should be, Princesa.” Rook huffed at the nickname, shooting him a look. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah… I do…”

-

Solas followed Cedric with his hands clasped behind his back, keeping his eyes firmly on Cedric’s back as the Inquisitor led him to the War Room. He promptly told Cullen, Leliana and Josephine to give him a few minutes alone with the elf.

“I want the truth Solas,” Cedric said softly after the door closed, leaving them alone. Solas sighed and straightened his posture.

“I was Solas first… Fen’Harel came later. An insult I took as a mantle to inspire Rebellion and Hope.” He began, deliberately holding the Inquisitor’s gaze. “After the creation of the Veil, which was an accident… I fell into a restorative sleep that I wasn’t sure I would wake from.”

“But you did. And when you did you decided to do what exactly?” Cedric’s voice turned cold and unyielding. Solas shifted uncomfortably for a moment before sighing tiredly.

“At first I wished to bring down the Veil to restore my people and my world. However… Rook being here changes things… evidently, she may have changed things in the future if not for falling through time…” Cedric studied him closely for a moment, taking in Solas’ posture and the nuances of his expression. 

“Her Vallaslin? You knew this whole time it was Slave Marking to you.” His voice remained cold, keen eyes catching the wince from the Elven God.

“She does not see it that way… my heart aches that she bears that brand. I never marked any in such a way.” Solas closed his eyes and let his head drop slightly. “For any to bear a brand referencing myself feels like an insult… Rook reassures me that it wasn’t intended to be such.”

Cedric sighed and walked closer to Solas, punching him lightly in the arm with a roll of his eyes. Solas looked mildly affronted before the Inquisitor pulled him in for a brief hug. 

“For a smart man, you really are an idiot.” He grumbled as he released the elf. “Don’t lie to me again Solas. You have one more chance. If you lie again I beat you with your own staff.” Solas nodded in understanding just as a knock sounded at the door.

“Oi! Can we come in!” Solas smiled fondly at the sound of Rook’s voice on the other side of the door. Cedric rolled his eyes and moved to open the door.

“It’s fine, Rook… Solas lives for now.” The Inquisitor narrowed his eyes at the Ancient Elf in warning. Solas nodded stiffly in understanding as Rook and her team entered the room.

“Thank you for looking after Rook. She has a habit of getting into trouble.” Emmrich said with a polite smile as he reached out to shake Cedric’s hand. The Prince grinned a bit, shooting the werewolf a wink. Which earned him an eye roll for his trouble.

“I suppose we should discuss how you all got here as well.” Cedric moved over to the War Table and leaned his hip against it. Emmrich and Bellara shared a look before they both turned to Rook.

“Perhaps we could sit down for this,” Emmrich suggested as Assan moved over to rub himself against Rook’s leg. Cedric nodded and motioned for everyone to follow him to a more comfortable but still private sitting room that was up in the tower that contained his quarters. 

Rook settled on the couch beside Lucanis and cuddled into the assassin’s side in a bid for familiarity and comfort. Solas sat stiffly in a nearby armchair and waited for the others to get comfortable. Assan abandoned Davrin to jump onto the couch beside Rook to lay his head on her lap, earning a look of betrayal from the Warden.

“So… What happened after I fell through that rift?” Rook asked as her fingers carefully stroked Assan’s feathers. 

“Well… The Veil started ripping itself apart…” Bellara began, looking over at Emmrich for him to explain further. 

“Solas and Magister Pavus had a theory that you might have been pulled into a rift similar to one such thing the Inquisitor encountered in Redcliffe during this time.” Emmrich began, his back straight as if giving a lecture. “We did not have much time to develop more than a hunch as Minrathous was set upon by a flood of Darkspawn and demons… there was very little of the city not set alight…” Rook and Solas went incredibly pale then, the pair looking at each other in shock and horror.

“Dorian performed the ritual to send us here while Solas and Morrigan tried to keep the demons back… Cedric too.” Bellara paused and looked over at the Inquisitor with a grieved look in her eyes. “Solas gave us something to help but said it had to wait until ‘The Well is within reach’… whatever that means.”

Rook looked down at Assan, quietly stroking his head gently to soothe herself. Solas was silent as he stared at Rook with varying degrees of fear, regret and horror in his eyes. Cedric leaned forward and put a hand on Solas’ arm carefully to draw the Dread Wolf’s gaze to him.

“That won’t happen this time.” He said firmly, eyes hard and confident as he stood. “Leliana had a few rooms set aside for you when we arrived at Skyhold… Rook had a vision that had her believing you’d find your way here. They are connected to Rook’s room. Some of you will need to share unfortunately but they are warm and safe.” Bellara smiled gratefully, looking drained.

“Thank you. I would very much like to sleep… Evka performed a Joining for me before Minrathous was attacked by the Darkspawn and we’ve been moving ever since.” She sighed and leaned into Davrin with a yawn. Rook nudged Assan and stood when he moved.

“Come on. I’ll show you where the rooms are…” The Veilguard stood and, after politely bidding Solas and Cedric goodnight, followed Rook to the rooms set aside. Solas grabbed Cedric’s wrist as the man moved to leave as well.

“Your Highness… I understand if you do not trust me after the lies I’ve told. But I will help you and Rook stop the threats to Thedas… the horrors revealed by Rook’s friends have put things into a perspective that I hadn’t considered.” Cedric studied Solas carefully before nodding slowly, noting the way Solas’ shoulders slumped in relief.

“I believe you. But if you lie to me again I will have that Crow kill you.” Cedric’s voice was firm now as he looked down at the elf. “But enough of the doom and gloom. I have to go and talk to Josephine about clothing for the Ball? She wants us to wear red.” He shook his head with a scandalised look on his face. “I don’t wear red. I may be less gaudy than my people but I am still Orlesian. I have taste.” He huffed a bit and turned to leave again.

“I happen to agree with you there. I think we’ve all seen enough red, don't you think?” Solas stood and followed after the Prince, drawing a chuckle from the man.

“Yes… I think so too. Hence letting people pick the colours they wear. It’s hardly an issue of expense.” Cedric rolled his eyes and rested a hand on the handle of the door to Josephine’s office. “I will be bringing you, Rook, Cassandra and Dorian to the Winter Palace for this. Expect dancing lessons at some point. In the coming few weeks.” With that, he vanished into Josie’s office for what was assumed to be a heated debate on fashion. 

(Said debate was won by Cedric when he put his foot down and flat-out refused to wear red.)

Chapter Text

Rook and the Veilguard settled in Rook’s room after scrounging up food from the kitchens. Revas and Assan had scarfed down their food and settled by the fire together, much to Rook’s delight. Bellara settled on the floor beside Davrin eagerly asking their found friend about her adventures.

“Who were that couple and child that you were with…?” Bell asked with a curious tilt of her head.

“Oh, that’s easy. King Alistair and his wife, the Hero of Ferelden.” Davrin answered as he leaned against the couch Emmrich was seated on. Lucanis shot Rook a knowing look as the wolf tried to sink into her seat a little. “How did you know them?”

“Well… It’s a long story. I was orphaned when I was young. My parents were from a Dalish clan in Ferelden. I was saved… by…” Rook scowled angrily. “It turns out I was saved by Flemmeth… or rather. Mythal.” Bellara and Davrin shared a wary look… of all the gods… 

“Rook…” Emmrich had a deep frown of worry as Lucanis laid a hand on Rook’s arm. The elf shifted slightly as she pulled her legs against her chest and wrapped her arms around them. 

“She took me to Denerim and asked the King and Queen to take me in… they did. Raised me as their own child.” Rook shrugged a bit, looking down at the floor. “My name is Katarina Theirin… I chose to keep that from you because I was worried about my identity causing problems. Varric knew I think… That’s why he started calling me Rook.”

“Makes sense I guess. When did Lucanis figure it out?” Davrin asked with an amused smirk on his face as Lucanis rolled his eyes. 

“I found her after we rescued the Dalish from Elgar’nan… The Inquisitor sent a missive advising her that King Alistair had been killed in battle.” Lucanis explained as he wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. 

“Oh… Rook… Why didn’t you say anything?” Bellara asked with a sad look in her eyes. Rook shrugged and leaned her head on Lucanis’ shoulder.

“You all had things weighing on you… I didn’t want to add to it.” Emmrich sighed heavily at her statement but didn’t chastise her for it. 

“Well. Anything you need. You tell us.” Rook nodded at the human necromancer, giving him a small smile before closing her eyes and falling silent so she could just enjoy having her friends back.

-

Cedric knocked on a pillar at the top of the stairs to Cassandra’s little hideout, hanging back as she turned to face him. She straightened and attempted to hide a book behind her back. The Prince chuckled and finished ascending the stairs to approach her.

“I can hardly judge your reading tastes. I myself enjoy a raunchy romance novel from time to time.” He paused at the top of the stairs and looked around at the little hideaway. “I used to hide in an alcove of the Library back home when I wanted to be alone. Especially useful during court events.” Cassandra gave him a worried frown at the far-off look in his eyes. 

“Your Highness?” She set the book down and reached out to touch his shoulder. Cedric flinched a little as he returned to the present. He let out a shaky breath and forced himself to meet her gaze.

“I’m alright. I just wanted to see if you were ok after what we saw in the Fade…” He adopted the mask of the Charming Prince but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Cassandra frowned in worry as she took in the guarded way he held himself. 

“We may never know what exactly we encountered in the Fade… But I suppose it is some form of closure.” Cassandra paused for a long moment before stepping closer and taking one of Cedric’s hands in her own. “You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. If there is anything I can do…” Cedric squeezed her hand carefully, lifting it to press his lips to her knuckles.

“Your company helps… You are unlike anyone I have ever known. Most use me for my title…” He paused, not quite meeting her gaze as his thumb lightly rubbed at her knuckles. “It’s refreshing to have someone look at me and not see the Prince of Orlais.” Cassandra placed her other hand against his cheek, watching as he unconsciously leaned into her touch as his eyes slipped closed.

“Come.” She tugged him over to where she had set up a blanket to read on. She sat down and pulled the Prince down with her, guiding him to lay his head in her lap. He started to argue but that quickly ceased when Cassandra began stroking her fingers through the Prince’s hair. His eyes slid closed and the tension faded from his body, pulling a fond smile to the Seeker’s face. “Sleep, Cedric… I will watch over you.” He nodded slowly and just let himself drift off into oblivion. 

-

Rook was called into Cedric’s quarters with Solas and Dorian with a vague mention of ‘noble torturing’. They entered the room to find Cedric standing on a pedestal as a seamstress took measurements. The Prince was dressed in black trousers that sat low on his hips, a navy blue tunic thrown over the arm of a nearby chair. Rook and Dorian both paused in the doorway with twin looks of shock as they took in the lithe muscled form of the Prince of Orlais. His back, side and chest, and parts of his arms and legs were marred with scars reminiscent of lightning arcs. Around his right arm was a gold metal cuff engraved with runes that seemed to pulse lightly with a pale blue colour.

“What happened…?” Rook asked with a worried frown as she approached. Cedric looked down at himself as if he’d only just realised he had such scars… the pained look in his eyes was more than telling enough though… “Did a mage do this to you?” Cedric sighed softly and carefully waved the seamstress off, stepping down to collect his shirt.

“I guess you could say that. It was an accident. They couldn’t stop what happened… I’m mostly fine now.” Cedric tried to brush off her concern until her fingers touched the cuff around his arm.

“What is this…?” Rook looked from Cedric to Dorian and Solas, receiving a shrug from the Tevinter Mage. Cedric reached up and covered Rook’s hand with his own.

“It’s enchanted to muffle the pain… I can still feel the electricity under my skin sometimes… it… hurts. No matter what I do. This helps. It has helped with the anchor too… makes it bearable.” The Prince told the three of them with a tight-lipped smile. “It was years ago. I’m fine now.” Dorian crossed his arms and gave the Prince a long look of exasperation. 

“Really. What are we going to do with you? Keeping things like that secret! How did it happen?” Cedric chuckled fondly at the Altus’ obvious frustration.

“The mage in question was young. Well-versed in hiding. Someone put something in their drink and tried to…” Cedric paused and had to take a steadying breath before he could continue. “I tried to push the man off them but the mage’s magic went haywire. A Templar that was nearby threw out a silence but only after the assailant fell and hit their head hard enough that they died within minutes.” Cedric took a deep, wavering breath then as he closed his eyes against the memory. “When the mage woke up their usually pristine control was gone… the drug, whatever it was, combined with the heavy silence messed with their head and magic enough that there was a chance they’d be made Tranquil.” Rook’s eyes went wide with horror, grasping the Prince by his arm.

“Tell me that didn’t happen!” Her voice was strained and insistent. Cedric pulled Rook into a tight hug when he saw the fear in her gold eyes.

“They could not trust their control so they found a way to bind their magic… but they are alive. I swear it.” Cedric’s voice cracked a bit, his eyes falling closed as he leaned his chin atop her head.

“Is that why you wanted to be at the Conclave? To speak against Mages?” Dorian’s voice was cold for a moment, drawing a hurt look from Cedric at the insinuation.

“I wanted to be there because I despise the Circles. They don’t work and they’re dangerous. I could have gone to the Templars for help with the Breach but I didn’t. I went to the mages. Unless you’ve forgotten our trip through time.”  The Prince paused and took a deep breath. Rook gave him a worried look, shooting Dorian an irritated look when Cedric pulled away from her and started for the door. “Let the seamstress take your measurements. I’ve got shit to do.” with that, the Prince left the three Mages standing there with confused frowns on their faces.

"That was odd... even for him." Solas mused quietly, keeping his attention on the door to the Inquisitor's quarters as Rook was pulled up onto the pedestal despite her protests.

Chapter Text

It was later that night when Rook was kidnapped by Varric and Bull and dragged into the Herald’s Rest where people were gathering for a game of Wicked Grace. Cedric was sitting beside Cassandra, watching everyone talk and drink around him. After pushing Rook into a seat between Cullen and Lucanis, who had been cornered by Josephine and promptly dragged along as well, Varric got himself a drink and attempted to hand one off to Cedric. Attempted being the primary word there.

“No thank you… I don’t drink in public.” The Prince smiled politely, leaning back in his chair. Rook frowned a bit at him as she noted the way his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “So! Let’s do this. I have some dignity to lose.” Rook cast her eyes over to where Dorian had taken an empty seat beside Josephine. 

“I feel obligated to warn you all that Rook taught Spite how to cheat at this game. And many others.” Lucanis said with a displeased look shot at the elf beside him. She grinned innocently, shrugging a little at the incredulous look she received from Cassandra.

“It kept Spite in the Lighthouse and it gave me something to do while I was very bored and unable to sleep,” Rook smirked a little as she settled into her chair and waited for Josephine to shuffle and deal the cards.

The first few rounds started as a mixed bag. Cedric won a round and promptly lost his winnings to Rook. Who in turn lost to Josephine. Rook giggled happily as she pulled her winnings from the latest hand towards her. 

“Who taught Rook how to gamble?!” Cassandra asked in feigned outrage at the young elf’s obvious skill in the game. Rook shot the woman a cryptic wink as she waited for the next hand to be dealt.

“I grew up with Zevran Arainai as an uncle. I knew how to pick a lock at 7 and how to win a hand at 11.” Lucanis sighed and cursed quietly in Antivan, shooting an irritated look over Cedric’s shoulder. 

“Mierda… Spite! You can’t lick his hand. What is your obsession with licking things?” He sighed in exasperation. “No. We’ve had this conversation you can’t eat the candles.” Rook snorted beside him, trying to stifle a giggle as Cullen stood from his chair to get another drink.

“Are you sure you don’t want an ale, Inquisitor?” He asked the Prince politely, picking up Rook’s empty mug to collect a refill for her as well. Cedric shook his head and smiled.

“No I’m good, Cullen. Thank you. I stopped drinking in public years ago.” Cedric shrugged, taking his turn in the latest round by discarding a card and rearranging his hand. 

“Alright then. Anyone else?” The Former Templar collected a few more mugs from people before heading for the bar.

The next few rounds, though amusing, passed by rather tamely with a few random stories thrown around by Bull and Varric. Those stories got more and more preposterous as the pair went. But in all honesty that didn’t really matter. It was good fun. And Cedric seemed to have begun to relax, sharing a few jokes with the group.

“I believe I have discovered your tells, Lady Theirin.” Cullen declared with a slight smirk, drawing an incredulous look from Rook. “All or nothing I say.”

“A lady has no tells, Commander. But I shall happily take your pride and perhaps your dignity.” With that challenge issued, those who had no more money to gamble, having lost it all to Rook, Josephine or Varric, headed off for refills. Cedric again being the only one without a mug of ale or glass of wine.

“Deal me in Josie.” Cedric leaned forward in his chair as Lucanis shook his head and leaned back.

“Mierda… I am not losing any more money to this woman.” He grumbled, side-eyeing Spite as the demon sniffed curiously at Cedric.

Smells of lightning. Rain and Fade. Like Rook better. Rook smells like sugar and honey.

Spite moved around the table to hover around Rook protectively, refraining from whispering in her ear as he watched her play. The ever-present guard. Lucanis sighed into his ale as he too watched Rook. The light in her eyes as she laughed at Cedric and Cullen. The way her nose scrunched with her smile.

“Rook sings.” Spite suddenly said aloud through Lucanis, turning all eyes to Rook as she glared icily at the demon. Said demon grinned before handing control back to Lucanis.

“Lo siento, princesa. Tú conoces a Spite.” Lucanis whispered to the elf, only earning a narrow glare of his own. She grumbled and flushed a little when she realised everyone was staring at her. 

“Yeah… I grew up with nobility. Of course, I was taught how.” She stammered, almost embarrassed as Dorian grinned widely.

“Oh please sing us a song!” Rook groaned at the Altus’ request but stood and went to fetch a lute from nearby, returning to her seat while lightly strumming at the cords as she thought of which song to sing.

Lay down

Your sweet and weary head

The night is falling

You have come to journey's end

Sleep now

And dream of the ones who came before

They are calling

From across the distant shore

Why do you weep?

What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see

All of your fears will pass away

Safe in my arms

You're only sleeping

What can you see

On the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea

A pale moon rises

The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn

To silver glass

A light on the water

All Souls pass

Hope fades

Into the world of night

Through shadows falling

Out of memory and time

Don't say

We have come now to the end

White shores are calling

You and I will meet again

And you'll be here in my arms

Just sleeping

And all will turn

To silver glass

A light on the water

Grey ships pass

Into the West…

She’s not sure when she closed her eyes but when she finished the song and opened her eyes to look around at the gathered people her eyes immediately locked with Solas’ as he leaned against a pillar near the door watching her with quiet appreciation. Rook was quickly swept up in praise from the people around the table and by the time she looked back to where Solas had been he was gone…

They finished the last round of Wicked Grace with Cullen getting left with no dignity or clothing…? No one is entirely sure when the strip portion of the game was introduced but it was worth noting that Rook had only lost her jacket, vest, and boots. Josephine was similarly mostly clothed, having lost only her shoes and belt. 

Everyone eventually headed off to their respective beds, or in Bull's case remained at the table in a drunken impromptu power nap. Rook, after brushing off Cedric’s offer to walk her and Lucanis up to their room, wandered to Solas’ door. She knocked nervously as she shifted her feet and looked around impatiently. When the man opened the door Rook grinned up at him with wide eyes, drawing a fond sigh and shake of his head as he reached out to take her by the elbow and pull her into the room.

“You will feel terrible in the morning, Da’fen…” Solas whispered, carefully guiding her to his bed so he could guide her into sleep. The younger elf shook her head and reached out to touch his face with careful hands. Drunk as she was, Rook grew very easily distracted by the pretty colour of his eyes… The soft violet that held a gentle amusement for the young werewolf.

After a long moment, Rook leaned up and pressed her lips to Solas’, drawing a surprised jerk from the mage. He leaned away from her and gently shook his head at her, urging her to lie down. 

“You are drunk, Da’fen… Not like this.” He whispered, carefully stroking long fingers through dark brown and copper hair. To his relief, Rook seemed to be far too drunk and tired to argue, especially when he climbed into the bed with her and pulled her to lay against his chest. 

“Ma melava halani…” Rook mumbled against his chest as she cuddled into him with a contented little sigh.

“Ara melava son’ganem…” Solas murmured against her hair, letting his eyes fall closed as sleep claimed them both.

Chapter Text

When Rook woke the next morning her head pounded unpleasantly with the mother of all hangovers… Solas had clearly woken earlier in the morning and had left a cup of water and an elfroot potion on the table beside the bed. Sheepishly, and rather slowly, Rook climbed out of Solas’ bed and downed the potion and water to try and ease her pounding head.

After sneaking from Solas’ room into her own to change and freshen up, Rook headed for the rotunda to find said Elven God. He had a deep look of frustration and worry on his face when she walked in and sat on the desk in the middle while he paced back and forth.

“Solas…? I’m sorry about last night…” she mumbled as her cheeks flamed bright red in embarrassment. Solas paused in his pacing, violet eyes finding her golden ones. His tense expression softened as he approached her, carefully settling his hands on her hips.

“You have nothing to apologise for, Da’fen…” He murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her brow. Despite the softness of that moment, his body was still tense like a bowstring. Rook reached out to wrap her arms around his shoulders so she could pull him into a hug. “During the night a friend of mine reached out through the Fade… They are in grave danger.” Rook frowned in worry as she leaned back. To look up at him.

“What do you need?” Rook whispered, immediately looking determined and quietly worried for his friend… Solas let out a relieved breath, lightly squeezing her upper arms as he drew back from the hug to look down at her.

“I must go to them… I would be grateful if you would accompany me.” His voice was soft and his eyes pleading. Rook nodded with a determined glint in her eyes.

“I take it your friend is a Spirit? I will get Emmrich and we’ll both come.” She told him as she hopped off the table and started for the stairs to go and find where the Veilguard had taken a table in the Library to pour over maps, missives and books to pinpoint how to track down Elgar’nan. Or his body given they weren’t entirely sure what happened to the Elven God…

“I shall find the Inquisitor… He will want to know where I am taking you.” Solas nodded and went looking for Cedric.

-

Bellara and Emmrich had a map spread out between them as the two discussed various places of interest to begin their search for Elgar’nan. Davrin and Lucanis were going through missives given to them by Leliana to find any mention of their adversaries. Rook rushed up with a frown on her face, almost knocking Lucanis’ coffee from his hand when she failed to stop in time.

“Ir Abelas, Lethal’lin.” Rook said with a sheepish grin, receiving a fond eye roll from the assassin, before turning to Emmrich with a look of urgency in her eyes. “I need you to come with Solas and me.” Emmrich nodded and stood from his chair, reaching for his staff as he moved towards her.

“Of course, My dear.” Davrin, Lucanis and Bellara returned to their work after bidding safe travels to Rook and their necromancer. Emmrich and Rook headed immediately for the stables to meet with Solas.

Cedric was waiting beside the elf, ready for travel with a grim look on his face. Solas relaxed significantly when Rook and Emmrich approached with their own travelling gear. Solas, though relieved to have their help, grew tenser as they travelled to aid his friend. Cedric and Emmrich rode ahead of Solas and Rook, deep in conversation about the intricacies of necromancy and spirits. Emmrich shot Rook a look of delight at discovering that the prince had a working understanding of magic and the Fade.

-

The Exalted Plains were full of undead and Venatori when they arrived at the Inquisition camp. Cedric grinned broadly as he went to speak with Scout Harding. Emmrich laid a comforting hand on Rook’s shoulder in a show of comfort to the elf. His eyes were shadowed with a similar grief when she turned to face her friend.

“I know, Rook… But it wasn’t your fault.” Rook nodded and wandered over to sit by the fire as Cedric spoke to Harding. Solas joined her soon after, offering her half of a bread roll from his provisions. Rook took the offered bread with an appreciative smile on her face. They sat in silence for a time, watching the clouds overhead and the birds in the trees. Emmrich and Cedric eventually joined them for a short rest before heading to find Solas’ friend.

After bidding goodbye to the Inquisition Soldiers and scouts the four of them headed off towards the location that Solas had indicated. Rook paused in their travels when her keen eyes caught the signs of a Dalish settlement. Emmrich and Cedric turned and looked at her in confusion when they noticed that she had stopped.

“Dalish… I should probably go around.” She said quietly, her eyes firmly on the faintly visible Dalish camp. Cedric turned his head to look ahead of them as he adopted a deeply thoughtful look. Solas, anxious to help his friend, had taken longer to notice that they had stopped. “Fen’Harel Vallaslin isn’t exactly common at this time…”

“Could you shift? Pretend to be a wolf companion?” Cedric suggested as Solas rejoined them, catching the end of their conversation with a deep frown on his face.

Rook nodded, methodically beginning to remove parts of her mage armour that would hinder the transformation. Her spell blade and fire focus were handed off to Emmrich as Cedric and Solas stowed the rest of her removed gear along with her own pack, which had been emptied and divided amongst the three men while her actual bag was rolled and stowed in Solas’ pack with her shoes and cloak. Dressed only in lightweight tights and a loose-fitting tunic, Rook forced herself to relax and took a slow, deep breath. Her eyes began to glow red as she reached deep inside to where the wolf rested. Her body tensed as the curse began to take hold.

Rook’s knees buckled, a sharp hiss of pain escaping her clenched jaw as bones snapped and reset into the shape of a wolf. Solas instinctively reached to help her, wanting nothing more than to ease her pain… Emmrich laid a hand on his arm and shook his head. Stubborn until death, Rook forced herself to remain silent as the transformation continued, her form changing rapidly now. White fur covered her body while nails turned to claws and elven ears became the fluffy ears of a wolf.

Solas crouched down in front of Rook as she panted in the grass, exhausted from the shift. He reached out and lightly stroked a hand over soft white fur to try and help soothe Rook so she could stand. Emmrich started to reach a hand out to stop the Dread Wolf from touching Rook only to pause when the elf-turned-wolf leaned into Solas’ touch with a tired sigh.

“Interesting. Spite tried to pet her once and she bit him. Lucanis has the scars to prove it.” Emmrich mused curiously as Rook stood and nudged Solas’ shoulder with her nose to indicate she was ready to go.

“I feel cheated that he didn’t share that story.” Cedric grinned jokingly and started again towards the Dalish Settlement with Rook in wolf form walking beside Solas.

The Dalish were wary but curious about the odd bunch. However, they seemed reasonably happy to accept aid from Cedric when he offered to complete some tasks for them after helping Solas. Rook remained dutifully by Solas’ side like a well-trained companion and let a few children stroke her furr, after warily sniffing them to ensure they weren’t there to hurt her. At one point Solas settled on a log and unconsciously started petting Rook when she settled beside him with her head in his lap. Cedric and Emmrich shared a knowing look when they discovered Rook taking a nap beside Solas as he watched the world around them quietly. 

“Come on… Let's go.” Cedric said quietly, nudging Rook to wake her up so they could leave the camp. They waited until the camp was out of sight before Rook shifted back and donned her stowed armour for the rest of the journey to where Solas’ friend waited for rescue.

Chapter Text

Emmrich let out a horrified gasp when they crested a hill and discovered a Pride Demon entrapped in a summoning circle. Rook picked up the pace with Solas hot on her heels. The ancient elf caught her wrist in his hand to get her attention, a small frown appearing on his face when he met her eyes and found them to be that burning red colour…

“Please don’t hurt them…” his voice cracked a little as he pleaded with the seer and their companions coming up behind him. “They cannot control what has happened to them.”

“I know Solas… it’s not your friend that I plan on hurting.” The growl in her voice drew worried glances from Cedric and Emmrich as they grew closer to the mages attempting to wrangle Solas’ friend. One of the mages gave a cry of relief when he spotted the team, rushing over to speak with them.

“Quickly! Help us defeat it. We are out of lyrium potions.” Rook saw red and shoved the man to the side in a show of strength that left him reeling. Rook stalked closer, blasting the mages away from the trapped Spirit.

“We are not here to help you..." Her voice was closer to a growl than actual words... But they seemed to get the point. "Help me break the summoning circle!” She shouted to Emmrich, ducking under a wild swing from the demon to get started on one of the pillars. Cedric managed to draw the Spirit’s attention, keeping it off of the three mages as they systematically broke down the circle keeping the Spirit trapped. The mages who had summoned and warped the poor thing. 

The fight was over in a flash… the Spirit shifted from Pride to Wisdom and just crumpled to the ground with a distressed cry. Rook and Solas reached them first, with the elven god sinking to his knees in front of his friend. Rook laid a comforting hand on his shoulder as she joined him in kneeling on the grass. 

“Lethal’lin… Ir Abelas…” Solas looked upon the Spirit of Wisdom with a look of shattered regret and grief, bowing his head in respect and sorrow. Rook reached for his hand and squeezed it comfortingly as his shoulders shook from the sheer weight of the emotions overtaking him.

“Tel’abelas.” The Spirit’s voice sounded warped and pained as they spoke to Solas, reminding Rook of the distressed spirit she had once helped in Arlathan… “Enasal. Ir tel’him. Ma melava halani. Mala suledin nadas. Ma ghilana mir din’an.” Rook looked from the Spirit to Solas with a soft look of grief in her own eyes as she watched him struggle to nod slowly. She squeezed his hand again, trying to offer him strength in a moment of such vulnerability.

“Ma nuvenin…” Solas took a wavering breath before waving his hand slowly over his friend, closing his eyes when they let out a sigh of relief and joy as they began to fade away. “Dareth shiral…”

No one said anything for a long moment… Rook leaned her head on Solas’ shoulder to offer comfort and for a second it felt like he was about to accept it… He started to pull away but paused when Rook held on tighter, her voice soft as she spoke.

“You did all you could… Pride turned back to Wisdom… pain not undone but… made bearable thanks to you. If only someone had done the same for you.” Her voice had an airy quality to it that caused Solas to tense as he looked down at Rook, finding her gaze was unfocused and staring off at the lake before them. “I can feel it. Your regret. What if you had never lost your way? Perhaps things would be different…” Solas let out a shuddering breath and looked away from her. “You did everything possible.” She said again, lifting her gaze to find Solas.

“Now I must endure…” His voice was barely above a whisper, his shoulders hunched as he resolutely looked away from Rook. The Seer shook her head and reached up to touch his cheek and pull his gaze to her. Gold met violet as Rook smiled softly at the Dread Wolf.

“Now you live… Let me help you…” Rook whispered, cupping his cheek gently. Solas sighed and leaned into her touch as he reached up to lay one of his hands over hers.

“You already have…” They sat in silence for a moment, oblivious as Emmrich and Cedric watched on with small, fond smiles on their faces. Solas sighed and pressed a gentle kiss to Rook’s brow before standing, pulling her to her feet with him. “All that remains now is them.” His eyes turned cold as he turned his gaze on the Mages who had summoned his friend.

“Thank you. We would not have risked a summoning, but the roads are too dangerous to travel unprotected.” The mage looked grateful until he spotted the pair of elven mages who looked furious. 

“You tortured and killed my friend!” Solas stormed towards the mages only to be held back by Emmrich and Cedric. Rook had remained deathly still as her golden gaze tracked the mage’s movements, flecks of red beginning to overtake the gold as her rage mounted. 

“We didn’t know it was a spirit! The book said it would help us!” The mage said with his hands up in a defensive position. Solas growled as his eyes flashed a blue-green colour until Cedric hissed his name in anger.

“You are better than they are Solas.” Ancient Elf and Prince stared each other down until Solas relented, letting Emmrich pull him back with soft words of comfort for his grief. It seemed that everything had calmed down until Rook took a slow step forward, her eyes burning red now.

“They were peaceful… until you pulled them from the Fade and broke them. Why are we letting them get away with it?!” Rook turned her furious gaze on Cedric for a moment, unconsciously bearing sharp canines as her wolf instincts took over slowly. The mages scrambled to get away from Rook as she Fadestepped past Cedric and drove her spell blade into the soft flesh of one mage while calling down fire on another. Emmrich caught Rook’s arm and managed to wrestle her spell blade from her.

“Rook! Stop this… You are allowing the rage of those past to take over…” His grip was tight around her wrists and his rings dug into any revealed skin. Rook struggled against Emmrich, growling savagely until he managed to force a bolt of magic through her in an attempt to draw her from her rage. Her body sagged against the Professor as her eyes faded back to the familiar gold they were all used to. Cedric placed himself between the remaining mage and Rook, glaring down the man as he stuttered out a horrified apology.

“Go. Now.” The mage nodded and fled frantically. Cedric turned to face Emmrich and Rook, noting that Rook had lost consciousness and was now lying in Emmrich’s arms as the professor crouched in the grass. Solas was carefully weaving magic around her mind to keep her asleep for the moment. “What the hell just happened…?” Cedric asked, coming over to kneel with them.

“Rook is a Seer… She is susceptible to the intense emotions from spirits. Being young does not often lend itself to self control.” Emmrich sighed, looking down at his unconscious leader. “Perhaps Rook should return to Skyhold for a time. That display will have been taxing for her.” Solas laid a hand on Cedric’s arm to draw his attention.

“I will take Rook back to Skyhold. You promised the Dalish your help and it would be unbecoming for you to vanish without completing those tasks.” Cedric nodded in agreement, looking over to Emmrich as if waiting for the Professor’s assent given his close friendship with Rook. The Necromancer nodded and shifted to allow Solas to lift Rook into his arms to at least carry her from the site giving her grief.

Chapter Text

When Rook woke it was almost dark and she was lying in a tent under a tree with a familiar blanket laid over her, one Solas had used to warm her several times prior. Her head spun wildly as she sat up and looked around at the tent. Her pack and Solas’ were sitting by the door with Rook’s boots and the tougher parts of her mage armour. She crawled over to the entrance of the tent and pushed the flap aside to look around.

“You should be resting, Da’fen…” Rook jumped when she heard Solas’ voice from a spot just out of her sight. The werewolf shook her head and exited the tent, padding over to sit beside him at the base of the tree.

“What happened…? I remember being angry but not much else…” Solas sighed softly and moved just enough to wrap an arm around Rook to pull her in against his side, stroking long fingers through her hair.

“You killed two of those mages for what was done to my friend.” He answered honestly, his violet eyes still firmly on the plains around them. Rook frowned and cuddled in close to his side. “I know you are partial to Spirits, given your relationship with Spite and Cole. But… That was something else.” She stiffened a little and slowly pulled back to look up at him.

“People who warp Wisdom Spirits are the worst… They’re supposed to be gentle! And kind! You… you weren’t supposed to be a soldier…” Rook’s shoulders slumped as she sighed quietly. “You weren’t supposed to be used like that. And she got away with it. Continues to get away with it.” Solas looked down at her with a sad look in his eyes, pulling her closer to wrap his other arm around the werewolf. He closed his eyes and leaned his cheek against her hair as Rook sank into his arms.

“You are extraordinary…” Solas murmured while still holding her close to his body. “Perhaps I am beginning to see what Felassan meant…” Rook shifted back to look up at him with shock in her eyes. Solas pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before drawing back to push himself to his feet, pulling her up with him. “Come… Your friends will be very upset with me if I return you to them in less than perfect condition.” Solas nudged her back to the tent, following her inside.

Rook settled on the bedroll, watching as he shed his foot wraps and moved to sit beside her. She shifted to her knees and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Solas’ hands came to rest on her hips as she leaned in and pressed her lips to his in a timid kiss. His grasp tightened slightly as he pulled her closer until she straddled his lap. The Dread Wolf groaned softly into her mouth carefully moving one hand to cradle the back of her head, threading his fingers through her hair. With a gentle tug, he pulled Rook’s head back just enough so he could deepen the kiss, slipping his tongue into her mouth when her lips parted with a breathy moan from the tug on her hair.

He chuckled softly, breaking the kiss to trail his lips down her throat. He sucked lightly at her pulse and slid the hand on her hip around her back to pull her closer. Soft gasps and whimpers spilled from her lips with every sensation of his lips dragging down her throat. Solas, emboldened by her immediate response to his attentions to her sensitive skin, lightly nipped at where her pulse fluttered quicker with each press of his lips.

“Solas…” Rook whimpered softly, grasping at his tunic tightly. Solas growled low in his throat at the sound of his name escaping her lips. He bit down harder into her throat before swiftly pushing her down onto her back under him, his hips bracketed by her thighs. She was breathing heavily when Solas pulled back just enough to look down at her. Rook’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes flickered between red and gold.

“Are you certain… Katarina?” Solas whispered, brushing a lock of hair from her face. Her breath caught in her throat as he spoke her name. She nodded, her eyes lingering on his lips as she leaned up to try and kiss him again. He chuckled softly and pinned her back down onto the bedroll with one hand on her shoulder while the other gripped tightly at her hip. “Use your words, Vhenan…” His voice held a slight growl this time that rolled through her and left her breathless under him.

“Isalan alas’nira aron fen’en…” The growl that escaped Solas this time was guttural and filled with raw power as he closed the distance between them and claimed her lips in a searing kiss that left her reeling. When the need for air became a pressing matter Solas returned his attention to Rook’s throat, biting and sucking marks into pale skin. Nimble fingers slipped between them and began tugging at her tunic, letting her up just enough to pull the offending garment off over her head so he could throw it into the corner of the room.

Lust-darkened violet eyes raked down Rook’s exposed torso, trailing his fingers from her throat down her chest to the laces of her breastband. He tugged them free and tossed that garment aside as well, bearing her for his eyes to drink in… And drink he did. Like a man starved his eyes traced over every inch of exposed skin, fingers lightly stroking over scars she had likely obtained from her various battles. His exploration paused when he reached the jagged scars on the left side of her ribs…

“You could have let that demon kill me that day…” Solas murmured, tracing the scars with a gentle touch. Rook shook her head quietly and pushed herself to sit up, laying her hands against his chest before slowly sliding them up and over his shoulders to settle at the back of his neck.

“No, I couldn’t…” Solas went easily when she pulled him in for another slow kiss. Rook took the chance to reach down and tug his own tunic up, parting from him long enough for his tunic to end up in some corner of the tent. Curious and questing fingers lightly traced the contours of his chest and abdomen until she reached the laces of his trousers. “What’s that old Dalish saying…?” Rook bit her lip a little as Solas chuckled, leaning in until his lips brushed the skin under her ear.

“May the Dread Wolf take you…?” He growled, nipping playfully at her throat again. He pushed her back down on the bed roll, kneeling between her legs as his hands came to rest on her hips. “I intend to…” Before she could even think of a witty response he was tugging her leggings down over her hips and off her body entirely, leaving her entirely bare beneath him. 

Solas claimed her lips again, leaving Rook breathless when he turned his attention to her throat again. He seemed almost determined to leave some lasting mark on her skin. Once her throat was thoroughly marked to his standards, for now at least, he began tracing his lips over her clavicle and down between her breasts. His eyes flicked to catch her gaze as one hand left her hip to cup one breast as he closed his lips around the nipple of the other one. Rook whimpered helplessly, attempting futilely to rock her hips against his only to find herself unable to move with his unrelenting grip on her hip that held her in place so he could continue pulling her apart.

“Solas… please…” Rook whined, skin flushed and chest heaving with each breath she managed to suck in. Solas chuckled against her skin. She attempted to push his shoulders further down her body only to find her hands pinned to the bedroll by his strong hands.

“Stay…” he purred, pressing a kiss to her sternum before beginning to trail kisses and nips of teeth down her belly to where she so desperately wanted him. “Ha’mi’in. Lasa em tua rosas’da’din.” Rook whimpered and relaxed into the bedroll as Solas finally came to rest between her legs. He released her hands and pulled her knees over his shoulders as he leaned in and stroked his tongue between her folds in a slow, deliberate motion to drive her wild under him.

Solas groaned in appreciation, gripping her hips and thighs tighter as he continued to taste her with enthusiasm… her hips jumped as she cried out when his tongue found her clit, leaving her quivering as he pulled back just enough to smirk up her body at her. Her head was thrown back and her skin was flushed from pleasure. The ancient elf made a soft noise in his throat, shifting one hand to press his fingers against her clit again, rubbing slowly with just enough pressure to draw a whimpering moan from her parted lips.

“Mar rodhe ir’on…” Solas purred with a wicked little smirk as Rook flushed at the vulgar compliment. Solas shifted so he knelt between her legs, still rubbing her clit in deliberate motions, with his thumb this time as he carefully pressed one finger into her warm, wet body. He was careful as he began to move his finger, taking it slow so Rook could get used to the sensation. Before too long though he had added a second finger, his eyes hungrily taking in the delicious sight of Rook losing herself to pleasure, her head tipped back as she whimpered and gasped her pleasure to him. Helpless against the onslaught. His own arousal throbbed in his trousers, his violet gaze taking in her flushed face, bruised throat and the slight twitch of her hips with every thrust of his fingers.

“Good… Da’fen… good…” he murmured as he gently pressed a third finger into her, drawing a whimper from Rook as her hips rocked against his hand and her eyes rolled back slightly. He moved his other hand to cup her cheek as he leaned over her while slowly fucking her with three of his fingers while his thumb carefully rubbed at her clit. Solas nipped, bit and sucked at her jaw, throat and shoulders again. His determination to mark her for all to see drew more intense feelings to the surface. Rook moaned softly, her hips rocking against his hand as he pulled her closer and closer to the edge. “Tell me what you want, Katarina…” Rook’s breath caught in her throat, once again caught off guard by the sound of her name rolling off his tongue. Before she even had a chance to form a single thought she found herself falling headfirst into what was hopefully the first of many orgasms from the Dread Wolf. 

“You…” Rook stared up at him with wide eyes darkened from lust and pleasure. “Please. I want you…” Solas growled, carefully easing his fingers from her body. He lifted his hand to his lips and groaned softly as he licked her juices from his fingers with an appreciative little groan. 

Being more than a little out of it as she came down from the orgasm, Rook could only lay back and watch as Solas shed his trousers. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth as her eyes slowly followed the contours of muscle down his chest and abdomen… Her cheeks flushed a delightful red as she sucked in a sharp breath when her gaze settled on Solas’ hard cock. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Rook’s lips before pulling back just enough to look into her eyes.

“If this is too much…” He began, cupping her cheek gently to guide her gaze back to his own violet one… searching her hazy golden eyes as he waited patiently for her answer. Rook couldn’t help it when her gaze slipped back between them as her mind mulled over his words. She managed to tear her gaze away and look back into his gentle eyes.

“Sathan… Vhenan…” Rook whispered, reaching up to rest one hand on the back of his neck while her other cupped his cheek. Solas went easily when she pulled him down to kiss him again. He kissed her with an all-consuming heat as he used one hand to line himself up… the high whine that escaped Rook as he slowly slid into her drew a guttural groan from the Dread Wolf. He broke the kiss to lean his forehead against her throat as tight, wet heat gripped his hard cock.

“Nuvenan rosa’da’din in ma sule enan’ma…” Solas growled low in his throat, a soft moan escaping him when his hips met Rook’s. She was panting softly in his ear with her arms wrapped around his shoulders to keep him close. For a moment they just stayed like that, breathing shallowly against the other’s skin…

“Solas…” Rook whispered, shyly meeting Solas’ eyes when he pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. While holding his gaze Rook wrapped her legs around his waist and very deliberately rolled her hips against his. Solas groaned softly, a hand slowly moving from her hip, up over her ribs to her shoulder before carefully caressing up her right arm to where one of her hands rested at the back of his neck. Quick as lightning Solas encircled her wrist and promptly pinned it to the bedroll beside her head.

Her breath caught in her throat as his eyes began to glow slightly with that blue-green light that had become so familiar. Any and all thought quickly left her mind as Solas slowly drew his hips back before snapping them forward hard enough that her eyes rolled as her back arched under him. Enraptured by the flush covering her cheek, Solas rocked into her slow and deep as he watched her succumb to the pleasure coursing through her body. His other hand traced up the side of her neck to trace the graceful lines of her Vallaslin that rested on the left side of her face around her eye and over her temple and cheek.

“Ar lath ‘ma, Da'fen…” Solas whispered, hips snapping into Rook just that little bit harder. Rook whimpered, biting her lip as she moved her hips with his even as she shuddered underneath the Dread Wolf. After gently releasing her wrist Solas stroked his hand down her body to reach between them where they were joined, nimble fingers finding the little bundle of nerves that had her singing so sweetly before.

Sure enough, Rook gasped out and shook as her eyes fell shut in the face of the shattering of her mind against the pleasurable onslaught. Solas growled almost ferally and leaned down to bite down hard on her throat as she tightened around his cock so intensely that he too was thrown into the whirlpool of ecstasy, emptying himself inside her with a guttural moan that was muffled against her throat. Neither of them moved for several long minutes as they both recovered from the intensity of the experience.

Solas pulled away first, hissing slightly as his softening cock slipped free of Rook, who flushed prettily as he shifted back and reached over to the side of them. She attempted to hide her flush only to pause when Solas began to gently clean her up with care and attention that had her watching him with an almost lovestruck look in her eyes. She went willingly when he carefully pulled his tunic on over her head before he retrieved his trousers for something to sleep in.

“I don’t regret it,” Rook whispered after the silence stretched on for too long. Solas paused and met her eyes again, relief in his violet eyes as he pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing his nose into her hair to breathe in her sweet scent that was heavily mixed with his own. A fact that he couldn’t help but find entirely satisfying deep down.

“I was too rough, Rook…” He whispered against her hair, shame lancing through him from the bruises and marks left on her hips and throat. Rook rolled her eyes and poked him in the ribs sharply.

“If I hadn’t enjoyed it I would have asked you to stop.” The absolute insistence and firmness in her voice were enough to pull Solas from his mind and regrets… At least for the night. He sighed fondly and carefully rearranged them so she lay against his chest as he pulled a blanket from one of their blankets over the two of them.

“Rest… We continue the journey back to Skyhold in the morning…” He whispered, pressing a gentle kiss against her brow as he lay with the Werewolf. And the wolf inside him quieted for the first time in well over a millennia…

Chapter Text

Rook and Solas woke together to the chirping of birds around them. Solas was as attentive as he had been before they fell asleep, though he seemed somewhat hesitant when touching Rook as they broke down the camp to continue the journey to Skyhold.

“Solas… Do you regret it…?” Rook asked after an hour of travelling in somewhat awkward silence. The ancient elf froze and turned to look at her finally. He shook his head slowly, shoulders slumping slightly as he took one of her hands in both of his and brought her knuckles to his lips.

“Never…” Solas whispered, not quite meeting her gaze despite the words leaving his lips. “I was too rough with you Vhenan… I’ve left bruises…” Rook rolled her eyes and reached up with her free hand to smack him lightly upside the head.

“Do you think for a second that I would have let any of that happen if I didn’t want it? If I didn’t enjoy it?” She seemed amused by him more than anything. Solas let out a relieved sigh and wrapped an arm around her to pull her to his chest in a gentle hug.

“I suppose you are right, Da’fen…” With that sorted they continued on their way back to Skyhold. And if they took a little longer than intended to return?

Well. Who would know?

-

Back at Skyhold, Varric had ended up in the library with Rook’s team at the eager request of Bellara. He had to admit that Rook had good taste in team members. Bellara reminded him of Daisy. Davrin and Lucanis’ friendly rivalry brought thoughts of Junior and Hawke while they were still bickering like children. Or Broody and Blondie in one of their many debates on Circles.

“So… Spirit Fingers. You threw knives at Rook to help her learn to dodge?” Varric asked Lucanis directly, earning a baffled look from the assassin as Bellara giggled. That girl hasn’t sat down once since I came up here. Like a damn Hummingbird. Ha! Fitting. Varric chuckled to himself while Lucanis, now dubbed Spirit Fingers, sighed wearily.

“Princesa said you’d do that… And yes. I would like to point out that they were not sharp because Spite would have had a conniption.” Lucanis said dryly while giving his invisible Spirit Friend an irritated glare.

“Yeah. Shadow seems protective of the Little Wolf.” Davrin snickered at the nickname for Spite before pausing and leaning over to look past Varric.

“We’ve got an eavesdropper.” He whispered dramatically to the others, drawing a giggle from 8-year-old Katarina. She shyly stepped out from her hiding place with Revas by her side. “Oh! It’s just you! Come on, Princess!” Kat lit up and rushed to climb into a chair beside the Warden.

“Aren’t you supposed to be with your mother?” Lucanis asked with a small smile as the girl looked directly up at Spite and gave the Spirit the sincerest of smiles that had all of them melting just a little bit.

“Well, I was. But there’s a Glowy elf looking for Story man.” Katarina said as she kicked her feet lightly. “He feels… strange. Old. Song not sung… song silenced… sad.” She trailed off before coming back to herself after a moment. “He says it’s important.” Varric patted the girl on the head affectionately, a slight smile falling across his face.

“Alright then, Little Rook. Let’s go!” Kat grinned and hopped up off her chair with help from Davrin. “You should come too. ‘Glowy Elf’ probably means Broody.” Varric told the Veilguard crew before following after the child. 

Davrin, Bellara and Lucanis shrugged and packed their work away and followed after the dwarf and child while Manfred hid the bag of missives and other reports. 

Varric’s hunch turned out to be correct. Fenris had his arms crossed over his chest as he stood under a tree dressed in beat-up armour with a massive sword strapped to his back. Carver Hawke and Merrill stood with him too, Merrill was rattling off random bits of information about Skyhold as they waited for Varric. Though it didn’t look like Fenris or Carver were paying much attention.

“Oh, the whole Gang's here.” Varric chuckled as he approached, nodding toward where Hawke and Anders were sitting up on the Battlements together. “Got to be a special occasion or something? Hey Broody.” Fenris rolled his eyes before stuffing a hand into his pocket.

“Is there somewhere we can talk in private Varric? This isn’t a social visit.” Fenris told the dwarf firmly, his eyes flicking between the group behind Varric warily. “Does the word ‘rook’ mean anything to you?” He added when Varric didn’t move quickly enough. Varric shared a worried look with Lucanis and Davrin before ushering Katarina back to her mother.

“Sure does, Broody. This way.” He jerked his head and led them into the Main Hall, heading straight to Josephine’s office. “Hey Ruffles! Just borrowing the important meeting room for a bit.” He called out while passing the woman to open the door to the War Room. “Actually. Can you get Curly down here?” With that Varric shut the door behind them.

“Someone got into the Gallows and took something from Knight Commander Meredith’s corpse,” Fenris said the moment the door closed behind them. “They took the idol. And whoever did it… Here.” Fenris pulled his hand from his pocket and held out a folded bit of parchment. Varric took it and glanced at it quickly before practically shoving it into Lucanis’ hands.

On the bit of parchment was a sketch of the area that housed Meredith’s Red Lyrium corpse, detailed enough to show where someone had hacked up her chest to get at something inside her. On a wall close by was a single word that had been sketched in a jagged motion, likely a copy of a carving in the wall. Rook .

“Elgar’nan… Has to be…” Lucanis whispered to Davrin and Bellara, showing them the sketch too.

“Or someone working for him at least. Dammit…” Davrin grumbled angrily. Fenris, Carver and Merrill looked at each other with identical looks of confusion as the Veilguard spoke to each other quietly.

“Ok… What does Rook mean?” Carver asked gruffly as the door opened and Cullen walked in with Rook and Solas. Rook had changed into a high-necked tunic and seemed a lot more relaxed than she had been prior to the trip to the Exalted Plains. She paused and looked at everyone with a slight look of confusion on her face.

“Um... I’m Rook.” She said awkwardly as she met Lucanis’ gaze with a question in her eyes. The assassin held out the parchment with a passive look on his face. Rook was silent as she studied the drawing. “Y’know… I was hoping that we’d find a corpse. Not proof that he lives.” She tossed the paper onto the war table as she walked past to stand in front of the window with her hands on her hips.

“So we hunt him down,” Davrin said confidently. For a moment Rook didn’t say anything. But after a moment she turned to face her team and smirked a bit.

“Let's start kicking trees then.” Lucanis snorted and rolled his eyes at his boss and the determined set to her jaw and shoulders. “First things first we need to figure out who’s working for Elgar’nan. We loop Leliana in. Her spies will find information quicker than we can. Second… We need the Eluvian Network. I know who controls it now and I’ll be in a position to speak with them directly in a week. The rest of you… Be ready for war. This is going to get very messy.”

“I guess we’re sticking around then,” Fenris said dryly, shooting Varric a look over his shoulder. Carver and Merrill shared a look before they stepped up beside Fenris.

“Sounds fun,” Carver smirked a little.

-

Getting in and out of Kirkwall was a nightmare… Especially when carrying a precious Red Lyrium Artefact in a thick satchel. Lord Lusacan had demanded a perfect extraction and a message for a stupid Dalish Elf that opposed him. Why her god would bother with such unimportant cretins was beyond her but he had made his demands. And she would follow them.

The arrival of Lord Lusacan had sown discourse amongst the Venatori. The Elder One was a liar if their own God walked among them… and so many had defected to Lord Lusacan’s warm embrace and began blood rituals to provide strength to their God. This Rook angered him and so they would be the main sacrifice in the coming Eclipse Ritual.

Why an elf would have such an honour baffled many but they did not question their Lord.

“I have the Artefact…” The woman whispered, her voice husky and low as another Venatori Mage came to stand with her in the dark alley.

“This… Rook…” There was a definite sneer in this person’s voice as they spoke with obvious disgust. “Will be in the Winter Palace for the Empress’ Ball. Lord Lusacan wants Rook at his feet, dead or alive.” With that the woman was alone, a slow smirk crossing her face.

And Zara Renata laughed .

Chapter Text

After returning to Skyhold and being updated on the latest discovery on the Elven God front, Cedric had everyone coming with him to the Winter Palace meet him in the War Room for a final briefing before travelling.

“The Game is deadly. You need to play it right or we won’t succeed there. Keep your eyes and ears open… Anything could be a lead.” Cedric had his arms crossed over his chest and a grim look in his eyes. “Don’t drink anything offered to you unless they are one of the staff working with Briala. If you’re not sure then don’t trust it.” He added before dismissing everyone to pack for the trip.

It was only when he was alone that Cedric relaxed and rubbed uncomfortably at his side where the worst of his scarring sat. The cuff around his right arm thrummed even as electricity rippled beneath his skin. He made a pained noise and took a shuddering breath to quell the storm inside… small sparks flickered between his fingers until the Prince hissed and clenched his hands into fists and slowly everything calmed…

“Je contrôle la Tempête…” he whispered to himself… once. Twice. Before eventually gathering his composure and exiting the War Room to collect his things for the journey home. The ever-present grin fell across his face the moment he was within sight of anyone. Never a look out of place. Perfect control.

-

Rook, after packing her things and checking with her team one final time before departing Skyhold, knocked on Solas’ door. The Ancient Elf opened the door and tugged her in by the wrist, pinning her to the stone beside it as his mouth caught hers in a slow, deep kiss. When he pulled back Rook blinked up at the Dread Wolf and turned a bright shade of red.

“Well then… I only came to see if you needed help packing.” She mumbled shyly, drawing a fond chuckle from Solas as he leaned down and lightly nuzzled at her throat beneath her ear, subtly breathing in her scent as he did so.

“I’m ready, Da’fen. Shall we meet the others at the Gates?” Solas asked her in an almost husky voice, nipping at the sensitive skin beneath her ear. She nodded and whimpered softly when the elf drew back entirely from her, a chuckle escaping him at the effect he had over her. “Come.” He took her hand in his and pulled her along beside him to where horses and the party travelling to Orlais waited by the stables.

Cedric himself was the last to join them, a bag slung over his shoulder as he walked across the grass toward them. With everyone ready to go the Prince pulled himself into his saddle and led the way to the gates, ready to head home.

-

The Winter Palace was alive with activity when they arrived, with staff and guards preparing for the Ball to be held that evening. Cedric ascended the stairs to the large doors leading into his home even as the doors opened and a tall male elf with long brown hair and violet eyes stepped through.

“Is mother with Briala?” Cedric asked as he reached out and grasped Felassan’s forearm in a tight grip. An easy smirk crossed the Ancient Elf’s face as he patted the Prince on the arm and nodded.

“They are discussing the placement of Guards and Spies. Library.” The Elf released the Prince and stepped back as violet eyes swept down the stairs to where Solas stood frozen beside a young elf with dark, coppery hair and gold eyes. The green ink of her Vallaslin arching gracefully over her features. “I’ll show your companions to their rooms.”

“I’ll show Rook to her room later. She and I have something to discuss with Briala.” Cedric said with an appreciative grin before motioning to Rook to follow him. “This is Felassan. He will show you to your quarters.” With that he turned, throwing an arm around Rook’s shoulders to pull her along to go see his mother and Briala. 

Empress Genevieve and Ambassador Briala, true to form, were playing cards when Cedric pushed the door open and approached to press a kiss to his mother’s cheek. 

“Bonjour maman. Est-ce que tu aimes le jeu?” Cedric pulled up a chair to their table and motioned for Rook to sit down. “Mother, Briala. This is Rook.” Cedric squeezed Rook’s shoulder affectionately and sat down in his own chair across from her.

“Cedric speaks highly of you in his letters.” Genevieve smiled warmly at Rook as Briala quietly dealt the newcomers in. “He mentioned a great threat in his last letter… And that you may require aid from Briala?” Rook shot Cedric a look before nodding.

“Yes… I came from the future. A future Blighted by the Evanuris and when I fell through so did Elgar’nan. We are unsure of his location but we do know he has made an attempt for a Red Lyrium Idol housed in Kirkwall.” Rook took a deep breath before continuing. “We don’t know if he has it yet or if someone has claimed it for him but we do know it is gone and it is dangerous. I was hoping to make a convincing case to gain access to the Eluvian Network.” This last part was spoken directly to Briala.

“Sounds dire. Do you believe Felassan would approve?” Briala leaned back and studied Rook with a cold gaze.

“The only person who can answer that question is Felassan himself. Perhaps you should ask him…” Rook fell quiet before she continued in a pleading tone. “Please consider it… I will be here for a few days. Think about it.” With that, the matter was set aside as Briala dealt the last card and the game began.

-

Solas had remained silent the entire journey through the Winter Palace towards the rooms set aside for the Inquisition, a small frown on his face as his keen eyes took note of every Elf he saw working within the grounds and walls of the palace. It was only when Felassan and Solas were alone that the Dread Wolf spoke.

“Wisdom is dead, Lethal’lin…” Felassan paused mid-stride and turned to face Solas with a grim look in his violet eyes. Solas flinched and looked away, unable to face the intensity of the emotions shown in those eyes.

“We are friends again are we, Solas?” His voice was cold and judging Solas’ every movement as they stood alone in the corridor. Solas’ shoulders slumped and he simply nodded.

“I was wrong… I was too blinded by grief to see it. But you were right.” Felassan made an irritated huffing noise before he pulled Solas into a tight hug.

“Perhaps I pushed too much too fast.” Felassan pulled back after a couple of minutes, squeezing his friend’s arms. “Prince Cedric mentioned a cute little Seer that caught your eye.” Felassan winked at Solas, only earning an eye roll from the Dread Wolf in response.

“Remind me why I liked you again?” The Slow Arrow threw back his head and laughed before dragging Solas down the hall towards his own room with a promise of good drinks and many stories. For a moment it was almost like old times. Until it wasn't...

"So... The Vallaslin." Solas paused with his glass halfway to his mouth, lowering it slowly as a sad look crossed his face. Felassan reached over to lay a hand on Solas' arm.

"She does not see it as the horror we know it as. But it is not just the Vallaslin... Lethal'lin... She bears the wolf curse. But she is so bright..." Solas looked at his friend with a lost look in his violet eyes. "Something in her calls to me so... intensely. Every part of me wishes to keep her near. Safe. Warm. I don't understand it..." Solas admitted, letting his gazer drop back to his glass.

"You are in love... Let it in." After that, they fell into comfortable silence and just enjoyed the time they had been afforded by Fate.

-

Rook, after being kidnapped by Leliana and Josephine, had ended up sitting at a vanity as the Ambassador carefully pinned her dark auburn hair up with white flowers and green leaves. Rook couldn’t help the small smile that crossed her face at the obvious attempt to leave her Vallaslin unobstructed. Cassandra had been similarly kidnapped and was being forced into her outfit but Leliana, quiet bickering hissed between the two women the entire time.

“Who told you I like green?” Rook asked with a slight grin when she was pulled up and over to the privacy screen where a beautiful green dress hung. The bottom of the skirt had delicate embroidery of leaves, vines and flowers flowing and curling up towards her waist.

“Lucanis did actually. He seems to know you quite well.” Josephine continued fussing around the room to make sure everyone else was ready as Rook got into the dress. 

“He knows all of us well. He was my rock after… Well. After my dad died… I was a wreck.” Rook stepped out from behind the privacy screen and carefully managed to get the green leather boots on without falling over. A win in her books! Cass laid a hand on Rook’s shoulder and pulled her into a sideways hug while they waited for the other two women to get dressed.

Leliana ushered them all out the door once everyone was ready, joining Dorian, Solas and Cullen out in the hall as Felassan approached in a finely fitted tunic and trousers. Solas had become noticeably distracted by Rook when she stepped into the hall beside Cassandra.

“Solas. Keep your teeth to yourself tonight.” Dorian admonished with a teasing smirk as Rook turned a bright shade of red. Solas rolled his eyes but kept his gaze on Rook as she moved to his side to tuck herself under his arm. 

“No promises.” Felassan snickered while ushering the Inquisition Agents through the Halls to the Ballroom where they would watch the procession of Nobles and Guests.

“King Alistair and Queen Emilia Theirin of Ferelden, Heroes of Ferelden and Vanquishers of the Archdemon Urthemiel.” Rook had to push down the happy grin at the sight of her mother and father entering the Ballroom dressed in deep navy blue and silver. The King and Queen approached Empress Genevieve and greeted her quickly before moving off to mingle.

Rook stopped paying attention to the announcements and kept her gaze moving around the room as Elven staff moved efficiently around, some pausing to speak discreetly to Leliana or Cullen before melding seamlessly into the crowd again. Almost half an hour later all noise died as the Announcer raised their voice again when the doors opened.

“His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Cedric Adrian Valmont. Heir to the Empire. Leader of the Inquisition. Herald of Andraste. Advisor of the Arcane Arts.”

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“His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Cedric Adrian Valmont. Heir to the Empire. Leader of the Inquisition. Herald of Andraste. Advisor of the Arcane Arts.” All eyes immediately turned as Cedric stepped into the hall. From head to toe, he was entirely Prince of Orlais. But so very… Cedric.

A black jacket, finely crafted from some brocade and trimmed with gold embroidery of tiny flowers and griffins along the edges of the garment. His pants were a deep shade of black with gold stitching and hardware that matched the plain black shirt underneath with the level of craftsmanship. Black leather boots adorned his feet as he moved elegantly down the stairs to approach where his mother waited to greet him. Atop his head sat an equally beautiful crown of gold with black gems. His black hair was, of course, perpetually spikey and messy. Despite the many efforts of others to tame it. The candle and firelight danced around the Prince as he grew closer to the Empress, reflecting off a metallic black thread that crept up the arms of his jacket like lightning.

“Woah…” Rook whispered, poking Cassandra in the ribs lightly. The Seeker shot her a displeased look before her gaze wandered back to the Inquisitor, watching as he bowed politely to his mother before moving off to talk to Leliana. “He cleans up pretty good.” She grinned a bit at Cass, earning a slight glare from the Seeker.

The Inquisition Agents split up then, taking their places to attempt to gather information as the event wore on. Elves serving drinks slipped information to Leliana and Cullen hints for the Inquisitor to investigate. But most importantly… one slipped a key to the staff quarters to Rook with a plea in their eyes. Rook weary of eyes on her slipped away when all eyes were on Duke Gaspard entering with Duchess Celene and Lady Florianne following a few minutes later.

“I am surprised by the amount of Elves serving within the palace,” Solas said calmly as he joined Rook and Cedric in the kitchens, slinging his staff across his back as Cedric strapped his sword to his hip.

“They are here willingly and they are paid… after my Aunt had Halamshiral burned down they had little in the way of possessions or prospects. Mother cannot convict Celene without concrete proof but she can provide safety and stability for those wronged.” Cedric explained, walking over to crouch by a splatter of blood. “Briala has given them a cause to follow. And Felassan brings hope… with this night we hope that Celene will be cocky enough to drop her guard.” He continued as he stood and continued.

“It is admirable… what your mother does despite the obvious disdain from the nobles around her.” Solas conceded carefully, a frown on his face. The staff quarters were well-built and cared for. A crate of children’s toys sat neatly by a door leading off a courtyard, little jackets hung on hooks above it. Cedric paused as they reached a fountain in the middle of the courtyard. The Prince sighed heavily and approached a body lying on the stone with a dagger protruding from it.

“Well… That blade belongs to Gaspard… Why am I not surprised?” Cedric grumbled as he reached out and pulled the blade free to stow it for later. The Inquisitor barely had time to stumble back as a Venatori blade whistled past his head and struck the fountain before him.

Rook slashed at the throat of a Venatori Mage, fire dancing at her fingertips to wreathe her blade. Solas ended up back to back with Cedric as he conjured frost and chill to slow their enemy for Cedric’s blade to cut down. With the final interloper falling to blade and magic Cedric began to lead Solas and Rook deeper into the Staff Quarters, encountering more Venatori as they moved through looking for any more signs of the infiltration or anything else amiss.

Down another hallway more Venatori were waiting for them, not giving them time to react as they attacked. Cedric was sent sprawling to the ground by a bolt of magic colliding with his right upper arm as his sword was flung from his hand. He cursed violently and struggled to his knees, agony in his eyes. The Prince barely got a hand up in front of him before a Venatori Rogue was driving a blade towards his throat.

The blade never found its mark as a barrier sprang to life and deflected it seconds before it became a worry. Rook and Solas took care of the remaining Venatori as Briala appeared and knelt beside Cedric, pulling free an elf root potion before she started to unbutton his shirt and pushed it aside to get at the gold cuff around his right arm.

“C'est cassé, Votre Altesse…” The Elven Ambassador whispered, her fingers nimbly finding the seam to remove the cuff. Cedric tried to shake his head until Rook laid a hand on his shoulder and knelt behind him so she could hug him from behind without being in the way. “Vous avez créé une barrière... Peut-être n'en avez-vous pas besoin.” Cedric paused and met Briala’s gaze with a small frown on his face. Briala removed the cuff and shifted back to give her Prince room. “Stitches do not remain in a healed wound. It is time to be our Knight-Enchanter again.” Cedric’s gaze dropped from Briala to his hands sitting in his lap.

Cedric took a deep breath and reached deep within himself to where electricity arched and crackled beneath his skin and in his veins. Between his fingers, little sparks of lightning began to crackle and spark. The prince let out a relieved sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. Briala reached out and straightened the Prince’s crown before helping him to fix his shirt. 

“Now. Up you get before people get too suspicious.” Rook and Solas helped Cedric to his feet, with the latter handing the discarded sword back to the Inquisitor. “Rook… Felassan vouched for you.” Briala handed over a folded piece of parchment with an impressed little smirk on her face. “I will show you and only you to the Eluvian.” Rook smiled proudly and nodded.

“I will meet you in the ballroom.” with that Rook vanished with Briala down a hall, leaving Solas and Cedric alone. In silence, they began to head back to the Ballroom with the evidence that Gaspard had something to do with the infiltration of the palace. 

“Your story… The mage that got assaulted. It was you… Wasn’t it?” Solas asked after a long stretch of quiet. Cedric paused mid-stride before meeting Solas’ gaze warily as he nodded slowly. “Why are you ashamed?”

“I… I don’t know… I’m used to people trying to touch me at events like this. I’m the Heir. People want power from me. But before that, I had never been…” He paused and looked down and away. “I guess I’m ashamed that I lost control… I let them affect me.” Solas stopped walking and laid a hand on Cedric’s shoulder gently.

“Do not feel ashamed of this. You are alive. You are whole… Most importantly. You are braver than I could ever be.” Solas’ voice held a forceful passion as he spoke, his eyes shadowed with pain as he continued. “I allowed Mythal to control me… I allowed her to dictate what I did. And that leads to many regrets of mine. But I am learning that my past does not dictate my future. Your past does not dictate your future…” Cedric felt a slight grin tug at his lips before he threw an arm around the elf’s shoulders.

“Rook is good for you.” With that,t they headed back to the ballroom and split off to inform the rest of their companions of their discovery. Cedric got cornered by Morrigan, Duchess Celene’s Arcane Advisor, on the stairs before the door to the ballroom.

“Your Highness. ‘Tis good to see you.” Morrigan gave the Prince a cryptic smile and curtsied politely to him, receiving a polite bow in return. “You did not hear this from me but I heard… something in the guest wing. You would be wise to investigate.” Cedric smirked a bit and nodded, watching as Morrigan walked away from him before heading through the doors and into the ballroom. Empress Genevieve looked rather bored listening to Gaspard and Celene bicker with each other in front of her.

“Dear Cousin!” Cedric turned and visibly frowned as Florianne approached with a pleasant smile on her face. He bowed politely to his cousin as she curtsied. “Share a dance with me?” Cedric sighed but nodded and led her onto the dancefloor.

-

In a remote wing of the Palace Rook unlocked a door and slipped into a storeroom holding only a single item. Orlais’ Eluvian… The elven mage grinned to herself and quickly warded the room before activating the mirror and stepping through the glowing surface into the Crossroads. Everything was as she remembered… Magic weaving through everything. Spirits floating around her. As she approached the docks a very familiar Spirit materialised before her and greeted her warmly.

“You bear the Wolf’s brand. The High Dragon waits.” Rook frowned and followed hesitantly to the boat waiting patiently. “To deeper currents.” Rook reclined comfortably on her seat and watched as the fractured landscape of the Crossroads passed her by.

“Can you unlock the Eluvian in Skyhold and deliver a missive to Lucanis Dellamorte there?” Rook asked as she carefully climbed out of the boat and followed the Caretaker across Beacon Island. For a moment she thought the Spirit hadn’t heard her until it faced her and nodded slowly.

“Of course, Dweller.” It said before sweeping an arm towards an archway. Once she’d ventured through before. Rook froze and blinked owlishly up at the spirit, swallowing thickly as it floated gracefully onwards to a waiting boat. “She awaits.”

“Right…” Rook settled into the boat and gripped her spellblade tightly, her free hand shaking just a little. When the boat docked she stood and carefully stepped onto the snow, beginning to make her way to where the Fragment of Mythal waited for her. 

Mythal faced away from her, hands clasped behind her back with her shoulders squared. The Goddess turned her head slightly when Rook’s footsteps grew closer and closer. For several long moments, neither woman spoke, letting the tension build and build until Rook sighed and crossed her arms over her chest.

“The Caretaker said you wished to see me. I’m assuming that you know something about me.” Rook said quietly, looking down at the snow as Mythal turned towards her. The Goddess approached silently and tilted Rook’s head to meet her gaze with a gentle touch to her chin. Mythal studied Rook carefully before releasing the mage and taking a step back from her.

“You come from a time so separate from this one. Marked by the Dread Wolf in many ways. But most shockingly… Marked by me.” Mythal clasped her hands behind her back again and sighed softly. “But you resist this other fragment of myself while… welcoming Solas to your bed.” Rook flushed brightly at the observation. “That is not why I brought you here. You stand the only chance of Killing Elgar’nan and perhaps righting some of the wrongs Solas and I have committed.”

“So you admit fault?” Rook asked curiously, tilting her head as Mythal rolled her eyes. “Fair enough… Ok. So are you offering aid or information…? Or potentially something else?” The Goddess smirked a bit and held out a hand.

“In your most desperate hour, I will be there to help.” Resting in her palm was an ornate ring that shimmered with magic and light. Rook reached out and picked up the ring, examining the engravings before nodding and slipping it on. “Good. You should return to your friends, Da’len. You will see me again before too long.” Rook nodded, a little surprised at how well that had just gone given her prior encounters with the Goddess. She turned and made the journey back to the Eluvian into Orlais and stepped through with Mythal’s ring pulsing on her finger.

-

Back in the Ballroom Cedric had suffered through the dance with his cousin, making a face behind her back as she finally left his presence. The Prince slipped away seamlessly with Cassandra and Dorian this time, filling them in on what Florianne had said on the way through the guest quarters. To say he was disappointed in his family was an understatement…

“Celene and Gaspard… Do they not understand the implication of not leaving damning evidence around?” He huffed to the Tevene Mage at his side while leading them through the corridors. “Well, at least Mother can bring Celene to justice over Halamshiral. Briala will be pleased.” Pushing open a set of doors Cedric groaned when he saw the rift and demons, cursing violently in Orlesian when Florianne wandered in and began taunting them before vanishing off. Presumably to murder his mother. Fucking Wonderful.

Dispatching the demons and closing the rift had become second nature for the Prince of Orlais. Though it was noticeably easier now that the Suppression cuff was gone and his magic was fucking stable for the first time in years. Though it would have been a good idea to advise his companions of the development before flinging lightning at the stick insect-looking demon. They both took it rather well all things considered. Well… Dorian took it well. Cassandra promised a long conversation back in Skyhold. And that meant Cedric was in trouble. Unsurprising really.

“This is ridiculous. Why is everyone in my family incompetent?” He asked loudly as he walked into the Ballroom and intercepted Florianne. “You couldn’t even assassinate me properly with a bunch of demons? What makes you think you’ll get through the Royal Guard?” Cedric had a bored look of irritation on his face, a clear sign he was over the bullshit and was about to start throwing punches. Genevieve had an amused smirk on her face as she watched her son handle Florianne before turning his stony gaze on Gaspard and Celene. “And you two…”

Let's just say Celene and Gaspard preferred dealing with Genevieve over the grouchy and sleep-deprived Inquisitor. Turns out there were plenty of unpleasant jobs that needed to be done and the Inquisition had just found two new volunteers!

After finishing off the diplomatic portion of the night Cedric pulled Cassandra onto the dancefloor with a smile gracing his lips again.

“I’ve been wanting to do this all night,” Cedric said warmly, holding the Seeker close with an arm around her waist. 

“Dance?” Cass questioned, quirking an eyebrow at him before going a bit wide-eyed when Cedric shook his head.

“No… This.” He stopped dancing then and just leaned in and kissed her firmly, his other hand releasing hers to come and cup her cheek. And for just a moment… There was no one else in the world.

Chapter Text

Given her penchant for getting dragged into trouble, Rook really shouldn’t have been surprised when she was ambushed by Venatori upon beginning to make her way to the ballroom. A fist collided with her temple so hard that it dazed the mage immediately. The punch to the nose didn’t help matters… she was quickly overwhelmed and detained by the Venatori, her nose dripping blood even as the side of her face grew wet with the hot liquid from a cut near her hairline.

“The Brave Rook… so easily put in chains. Lord Lusacan will be pleased. But I want to make an example of you.” The voice was rough and familiar in a way that made Rook feel sick… but then again, her head was swimming, and the way the room had begun spinning was making her nauseous too. The two Venatori Rogues started dragging her roughly down the hall behind Zara Renata…

One of the cultists that joined them on the way to the ballroom had a brand made of red lyrium held reverently… whatever they wanted her for was not going to be pleasant. Shit… Davrin was going to be so mad…

-

With Empress Genevieve safe, her would-be assassins in chains, the ball returned to some semblance of joy and laughter. Cedric tugged Cassandra over to the dance floor, bowing to her before taking her hands to lead her in a dance. Felassan and Solas were sitting on a bench with a bottle of wine open between them. Rook had been noticeably absent from the festivities. Briala returned to the ballroom, resuming her place at the Empress’ side. For a moment, everything seemed… normal.

Evidently, it was too normal.

The doors crashed open, and Venatori poured in, brandishing blades and magic to force everyone into the middle of the room. Cedric grabbed Cassandra, his eyes searching for his mother in the confusion. Felassan and Solas had moved to defend the Empress, shielding her with body and magic. Once all in attendance had been rounded up, the Venatori took up positions around the gathered people.

“Where’s Rook?” Cedric hissed to Cullen, his gaze sweeping the room to find the elven mage. The commander could only shake his head with a deeply worried look in his eyes.

The door slammed open again as four more figures entered. One stood tall with a broad smirk on her unnaturally pretty face while two more Venatori rogues dragged in a struggling elf dressed in a bloodied green dress, shoving her to her knees where everyone could see her.

“Rook!” Solas shouted, unconsciously moving forward as her head was pulled back by her hair. Zara Renata laughed… high and chilling. Rook was bloodied and beaten, her lip split and her nose dripping blood. Parts of her dress were torn and burned. Gold met violet, and he froze. Rook shook her head, fear in her eyes but also… determination…

“My Lord Lusacan sends his regards! I have been sent to give you a message! This is what happens to those who oppose his will.” Zara chuckled and moved to stand behind Rook as the two Venatori cut her dress away from her back, exposing her skin to Zara. The Venatori Bloodwitch took a brand made of red lyrium from one of her followers and began chanting in Tevene.

“No! Stop!” Dorian shouted, starting to shove through the crowd to try and reach Rook. “Stop this madness!” Any and all fighting stopped when Rook screamed as the brand was pressed into her back between her shoulder blades. Solas cried out in agony, fighting against Felassan as he was held back.

Seconds stretched out to minutes as Rook’s eyes dulled and her face fell into the expressionless stare of a Tranquil…

-

“You are quite adept at getting yourself into these situations.” Fuzzy… quiet… “Open your eyes, Rook.” As her eyes fluttered open, the Fragment of Mythal crouched in front of her and took her jaw in a tight grip. “You do not get to give up.” Rook groaned, her head drooping from the exhaustion and pain.

“I… can’t…” Her voice, hoarse and cracking, was barely above a whisper. Mythal frowned and tightened her grip on Rook.

“You must. This fight is not over.” She paused and sighed, moving her hand to the back of her head before pulling Rook to lay her head against her shoulder. “But you need not fight alone…” Mythal shifted her free hand to take Rook’s hand. “You have earned my aid. More than that… you have earned my respect.”

Rook hissed in pain as the inside of her wrist burned. She tried to rear back, but Mythal held firm, lightly stroking at the mage’s hair absently until the pain faded.

“We are bound now… I will keep you anchored to your body and the Fade.” Mythal released her slowly, letting the girl pull back to look down at her wrist. Glowing blue beneath her skin sat a delicate brand in the shape of the dragon statues around Arlathan. “But you must wake now.”

Light and sound filtered into her mind slowly. She was lying on the ground as people shouted and fought around her. Distantly, she heard Solas’ voice, shattered in pain and hatred as he practically tore Venatori apart. Rook forced herself to her knees, carefully keeping her gaze as emotionless as possible while trying to locate her friends. Zara stood on the dais in front of the throne with a delighted cackle escaping her. Rook pushed herself to her feet and stepped forward with a grim look on her face.

“Zara!” She shouted, drawing all eyes to her. The mage pulled her spellblade from a holster under her dress as fire danced between her fingertips. The Venatori Witch stood with an outraged scowl on her face. “You don’t know me… but I know you. I know your work.” Rook said as she descended the stairs and started to approach the woman. “Sloppy. As usual…” she smirked, amused by Zara’s irritation and clear aggravation.

“You! Worthless, witless knife-ear bitch!” Zara cried in rage, holding out her hands to begin weaving blood magic. Rook rolled her eyes and fade stepped across the ballroom to face the raging lunatic. Solas was staring at her now with open relief on his face as fire and blood energy clashed over and over between the wolf and blood witch. Rook fought with precision and thinly veiled rage, her eyes burning red with a subtle glow of blue. She seemed to know where Zara would strike next and leave herself open before the Blood Mage herself did…

Zara fell to the marble in a bloodied heap, burned and sliced by Rook’s blade and magic. Around her, the fighting died as the Venatori realised their leader was dead at the feet of Rook. She turned to face them slowly, readjusting her grip on her spell blade as she moved. Most of the Venatori fled the ballroom. Some turned their blades to the Mage, who was supposed to be Tranquil. The burn of fire magic told them all otherwise. Solas could only watch as Rook cut down the enemy one after another without breaking a sweat. When the room fell silent, she sank to her knees, eyes fading back to gold slower than usual.

She fainted before anyone could speak, prompting the Inquisition Agents to race to her side along with Alistair and Emilia. The Queen of Ferelden carefully pulled the girl into her arms, brushing hair from her face to check for injuries as Morrigan approached and laid a hand on Emilia’s shoulder.

“Tis fortunate the brand did not work as intended… But how it failed is beyond even me…” The Witch of the Wilds spoke in a gentle tone to her friend, squeezing her shoulder gently before reaching out to lay a hand on Rook’s forehead.

“It worked…” Cullen spoke up this time, looking pale and sick to the stomach. “It worked… Something happened after. She is Tranquil. I don’t know what did it, but there’s something else at play here.” His voice was a little firmer this time, his eyes never leaving the brand scarred into Rook’s back. “We need to return to Skyhold.”

“Indeed. I will return with you. Perhaps I can shed some light on what has happened.” Morrigan offered, releasing Emilia as she stood. Her place was filled immediately by Solas, who reached out to take Rook into his arms.

“Allow me, Your Majesty…” He murmured, waiting for a gentle nod from the Queen before taking the young mage from her arms and lifting her into his own. “I will take her to Skyhold through the Eluvians. Her friends may be of some assistance, and that Spirit Healer, Anders, might offer some as well.” With that, Solas turned and left the Ballroom with Felassan on his heels.

“If you think I’m just letting you leave like this, then you’re an idiot.” The Slow Arrow told the Dread Wolf, a rougish grin gracing his lips. Solas only rolled his eyes. Though he did feel a fond smile cross his face despite the dire nature of the situation.

Chapter Text

When Rook next woke, she was disoriented and dizzy, attempting to take stock of her surroundings. The first thing that she could take in was that someone was standing by the window… A pale figure bathed in morning light. Dark hair and white armour that glinted in the sun. The figure, a woman, turned to face Rook and adopted a slight smile when she saw the mortal mage was awake.

“Oh good… I was beginning to think you would not wake.” Mythal. Rook froze and watched warily as the Evanuris approached and sat on the edge of the bed. “You have not forgotten our deal, have you?” Rook shook her head, earning a pleased nod from the woman.

“Flemmeth says she owns me…” Mythal scowled at the mention of the other fragment, earning a flinch from Rook. “She saved me as a child and handed me over to my Mother and Father.” The Fragment seated before her shook her head and lightly reached out to touch Rook’s cheek where her Vallaslin sat.

“The only one with a claim of ownership to you is Solas. And we both know he would never act on it.” Mythal let her hand drop back to her lap as she sighed softly. “You have been asleep for over a week.” Rook groaned softly and swung her legs off the bed and pushed herself to her feet, moving unsteadily to her wardrobe to get changed.

After she was dressed, Rook snuck from her room and headed on quiet feet to the Rotunda, avoiding people as much as possible. Varric was noticeably absent from his usual post by the door. She pushed the door open and stepped in slowly, frowning when she didn’t find Solas in his usual place. None of the frescoes seemed any closer to completion… The werewolf headed up the stairs to find Lucanis and the others. Only… They, and Dorian, were nowhere to be found. Grand Enchanter Fiona seemed too busy with a few of her mages to be of any assistance. 

“They’re in the War Room.” Rook paused and turned around quickly, relaxing slowly when she found Felassan standing behind her with his arms crossed. He nodded his head towards the War Room as he reached out one hand towards her. “You have caused quite a stir.” There was a slight smirk on his face as he guided her through the Grand Hall to the door leading to Josephine’s office, his hand settling on her back between her shoulder blades as if guiding her carefully. Rook made a vague noise of agreement and just let the Slow Arrow guide her. He pushed the door open to the War Room and ushered Rook in carefully, stepping in behind her.

“Rook…” Solas’ voice drew her attention first. Violet eyes filled with relief and anguish in equal parts as the Dread Wolf approached in the space of a few seconds. Strong arms wrapped around her waist and behind her head, pulling her in tight against his chest. A string of unintelligible elvish was mumbled into her hair as Rook curled her fingers into the fabric of his tunic, leaning her cheek against his chest as her own eyes fell closed. “Ar lath ma… You cannot do that to me, Vhenan. I thought you lost to us all.” He whispered roughly, his grip tightening on her.

“I’m sorry…” Rook mumbled, leaning heavily into his chest. The Elven God sighed softly and just held on tighter. After a moment Rook sucked in a deep breath and pulled away from Solas to look around the room at her team and the Inquisition Inner Circle. “I don’t know if I have the answers to the questions I know you all have.” Lucanis shook his head and approached to put a hand on her arm.

“Princesa… you don’t owe us anything… take your time.” He told her quietly, squeezing her arm gently. “Cedric is going with Cassandra to hunt down the Seekers. Davrin and I are accompanying them to replace Solas and Varric…” his voice was low. Calm. Measured in a way that Rook knew all too well.

“You just rest up. We’ll be back in a week or so.” Davrin clapped her on the shoulder before following Cassandra and Lucanis out. Cedric simply stepped forward and hugged her tightly.

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again…” the Inquisitor mumbled before he pulled back and left her, Solas and Felassan alone in the War Room. Rook sniffled softly and tried to wipe tired tears from her eyes.

“Your mother and father will be pleased to see you up and about, Da’fen…” Solas carefully brushed his fingers over her cheek marked with green ink before letting his hand fall to his side. “Go find them.” He stepped close, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek before pulling Felassan away to give Rook the space she sorely needed.

“It is good… seeing him happy,” Mythal said softly once they were alone. “You make him happy. Losing you would have broken him.” Rook nodded slowly, not speaking as she began searching the keep for her family. She found them sitting in the garden. 

Morrigan sat on a stone bench with Emilia as Alistair leaned on a tree and watched two children, a boy and a girl, hiding in a corner of the lush garden with a book in the boy’s lap. As she grew closer, Rook felt a smile tug at her lips when she recognised Kieran’s dark hair and piercing eyes along with her own youthful face. Katarina cuddled into Kieran’s side as the older boy read from the book in a soft voice.

“Rook…” Her eyes moved from the children to her mother’s face, tears welling in her eyes. Emilia had crossed the garden and was pulling her into a fierce hug before Rook could do much more than start reaching out.

“Mae…” The sound was weak… wavering in a way her voice rarely did anymore. Emilia tugged Rook in close, one hand cradling the back of her head as her other rubbed soothing circles into her back. “I… I’m sorry…” Emilia shook her head and pressed her lips to Rook’s temple. Alistair had joined them by now and had wrapped his arms around his wife and their grown child, enveloping them in warmth and enthusiasm.

“Do not apologise,” Emilia whispered firmly. “You have nothing to be sorry for. You fought. You won… and you were magnificent…” Emilia pulled back and shifted her hands to cradle Rook’s face in her gentle grip. “My Precious Little Wolf… never apologise for being brave… and never apologise for fighting for your life. If someone demands an apology for that, then they are not worth your time.” The Queen’s voice was firm and commanding, drawing a small nod from Rook and a smile from her husband.

“Yes, mae… I know…” Rook whispered, managing a small smile before growing distracted when a smaller form collided with her side and wrapped her in a firm hug. She looked down and huffed out a laugh when she saw her younger self hugging her waist.

“I’m glad you’re ok… Ki said you’d be ok…” Rook chuckled when she spotted Kieran narrow his eyes at Katarina over the nickname.

“I’m not ok yet… but I will be. This helps.” Katarina beamed at Rook’s words and simply held on tighter.

Mythal watched on with interest at the odd little display of family as Kieran approached and looked up at Rook with eyes too wise for his age before he nodded at her and then turned to Katarina to try and convince her to come back to the book. He was unsuccessful. Not that he seemed to mind.

“You have the power to change her course. Allow her to choose differently.” Rook’s shoulders slumped ever so slightly, her gold eyes flicking over to meet Mythal’s gaze. “We could protect her from Flemeth.” The Seer nodded, short and barely noticeable. But Mythal knew. She saw the determination. The ironclad resolve.

Chapter Text

Ash and blood. Bodies broken and smouldering in the early hours of morning as a red sun rose over the sundered battlefield. Time slipped by slowly while fires died and smoke dispersed into the sky. For a long moment, his body felt heavy… unresponsive…

Betrayal is a heavy blow. You are alive… but at what cost?

He sat up with a pained grunt, looking around in mild panic as an airy voice echoed around him. The field was still… empty of all life but his own. He jolted when the airy echo giggled in his ear.

I am Sacrifice… You were ready to make yours, but fate often has other plans.

He blinked. Slow and confused while pushing himself to his feet. Something shifted in his chest… something warm and comforting. 

I will help you get home. But you will not be the same.

“Thank you…” He whispered, pressing a hand to his chest where he could feel the Spirit settling… granting strength and vitality.

-

Time passed quickly as he ventured into darkness and violence, Sacrifice by his side. He had grown fond of her quickly. She was odd, as Spirits often were. Speaking in riddles and vague references to the past and future. But she was there. Guiding him through battle and towards his way home. The journey home would not be simple… He was tainted… Dying despite Sacrifice’s interference.

To see his wife and son again, he needed someone to help him. Someone who could control the darkness within him.

Sacrifice, though eager to help, was infuriatingly unhelpful when providing directions on his journey. However, her presence slowed his taint. Bought him time. Time he desperately needed. 

Blood and Lyrium… Old voices whisper and tempt… A need to make things right…

A large form rose from the ground ahead of him. Blue and red lights danced across the cavern ceiling as the figure shifted with an almost awkward stance. As his eyes adjusted to the light around them, details became more and more apparent. The figure’s clothing was soaked in blood, ichor and mud, but it might have once been blue. Potentially… It was too damaged to tell. Burnt and torn to reveal greying skin underneath that was webbed with blue and red cracks. Along the things' shoulders, crystals grew from bronze pauldrons that had become fused to bone, forming a chestplate of sorts.

The creature had a shockingly human face… High cheekbones, a defined jaw… Its eyes were sunken into its face to give it a gaunt look. Glowing blue irises cut through his form, almost seeing into his very soul. Red and blue cracks webbed across its face, originating from crystals growing from its head and neck.

“You have travelled far. Why are you here?” The creature asked in a deeply unsure voice. It watched warily as he approached, as Sacrifice moved to the front of his mind.

A cure my friend seeks… Aid and safe passage.

The creature tilted its head as the spirit-possessed man spoke with that odd cadence.

“I am Athanir Black… Once a High Priest of Razikale… How may I assist you, Grey Warden…?”

-

Travelling with a Darkspawn Magister turned out to be safer than expected. Darkspawn avoided them like they were plagued, which was ironic given the circumstances. The creature was oddly chatty? Especially when discussing various experiments from his human life in Tevinter.

It took several years to fight through the Deep Roads in order to reach Minrathous. Though the more difficult part was reaching the Black Estate without causing a panic that another Blight was starting. Oddly enough, the latest Magister of House Black was not at all surprised when a Blighted Monster and a Spirit Possessed Grey Warden entered his home.

He introduced himself as Perceus Black, his own eyes that same mystical Lyrium blue that graced Athanir’s Horrific form. The Magister called upon his only child, a woman of around 25 with dark brown hair that was streaked with Lyrium blue and silver, her eyes the same colour as her father’s.

She immediately began her enthusiastic examination of his body and essence as her best friend sat in the corner, reminding her that water and food were necessary, despite her insistence that her work was more important.

“Dorian, my love… If you try and force crackers into my vision again, I will lace your food with Blood Lotus. Again.” Dorian promptly returned to his seat and remained dutifully quiet in his feeding and watering of his best friend. 

Though this would take time… Home seemed not so far away now… With Alexandra Black aiding him in his search for a cure.

He should have known nothing was ever that simple. 

-

Athanir had returned to the Deeproads, afraid of corrupting his descendants. The Darkspawn Magister had instructed him to remain in Tevinter and allow the family to aid him. And aid him they did.

It was slow at first… But eventually, Sacrifice was able to return to the Fade. Though not until she had enchanted an amulet to allow him to reach her when needed.

To his dismay, she vanished one day without a word… and despite his best efforts, he could not reach her again… Alexandra attempted to find her but was also unsuccessful, leading them to assume she was potentially summoned from the Fade… Perhaps to another soldier’s side…

The years passed by, and soon word of an ‘Elder One’ reached their ears. He was almost entirely untainted by now, but Dorian had headed South to try and stop his mentor from doing something stupid.

Alexandra, now Magister Black after the death of her father at the hands of the Antivan Crows, remained in Tevinter for a time… but eventually even she could not deny that they were needed in the south…

“I will accompany you to this ‘Skyhold’... Perhaps I can be of some assistance.” He said calmly as he approached the Magister, dressed in new armour that was emblazoned with the Black Family Crest. Alexandra nodded and together they headed to the South…

-

Walking into Skyhold with Refugees and Pilgrims felt almost surreal. The high walls and the thick magical air left him breathless… More than that… The amulet that sat beneath his clothes began to glow and warm against his skin…

“Sacrifice…” The name left his lips in an awed whisper as people milled about around him… His eyes scanned every wall and path… Searching for his friend and saviour…

Chapter Text

The morning of Cedric’s return to Skyhold after accompanying Cassandra to track down the Seekers was met with about as much chaos as was usual. Rook greeted them with an oddly hollow smile as she headed past them, presumably to find Cole, with Revas hot on her heels. The Prince’s gaze followed her with a wary sadness… Cass laid a hand on Cedric’s arm, watching with him as Assan abandoned Davrin’s side to follow Rook.

“Spite thinks something is in her,” Lucanis commented, coming to stand beside Cass and Cedric. “Something tethering.” Cedric frowned and looked over at the assassin.

“Whatever it is. I pray it remains helpful until we find a permanent solution.” Cassandra said to them both, clutching the tome recovered from the Seekers to her chest. “Find me later…” With that, Cassandra headed off to find somewhere quiet to read. Cedric ran a hand through his hair, patting Lucanis on the arm.

“Thank you for coming. I’m going to go get yelled at by Josie now.” Cedric adopted a teasing grin before he started towards the Keep, nodding with a friendly wave to the people of the Inquisition as he passed. 

-

Rook lay on the floor with her head in Cole’s lap, the sounds of the busy Tavern completely dulled as the Spirit Boy gently stroked her hair. Revas was half lying on Rook’s stomach while Assan had curled up beside Cole so he could nudge Rook’s cheek to elicit pats.

“You feel heavy… like everything will crush you… But you needn’t carry every burden.” Cole whispered, fingers lightly twisting strands of Rook’s hair into a braid. “Duty and sacrifice… when did life become so burdensome…” Rook smiled softly and opened her eyes to look up at her friend.

“Do you think he’d understand…?” She asked in a small voice, fingers scratching Revas behind the ear carefully. The wolf made a huffing noise and nuzzled into her body while Assan chirped and nudged her cheek with his cheek. Cole remained quiet for a couple of seconds before shaking his head.

“If you don’t tell him, he won’t understand… the wolf paces his cage. He longs to help. Let him in.” Cole continued his gentle playing with her hair as he spoke to her. “Retribution demands Sacrifice… allow Wisdom to save you…”

Rook closed her eyes and nodded slowly. Gentle fingers tapped between her eyes, prompting her to open them and glare incredulously at Cole. He grinned innocently, immediately wiping the glare from her face.

“Go. Time is not a friend to mortals.” He said before nudging her to sit up. Rook groaned but allowed him to clumsily pull the mage to her feet. “The Iron Bull promised to show me ‘real drink’. Is everything else a ‘false drink’ then?” He asked curiously as they headed down the stairs. Rook grinned and shook her head at him fondly.

“Bull. If you get Cole drunk, I’m going to turn you into a frog!” She shouted before heading out into the Courtyard with her wolf and the Griffon at her heels. Leaving Bull sitting in mild panic as he debated internally whether Rook could actually do such a thing…

-

Alexandra moved silently through throngs of people with her newest friend following close behind her. She paused and turned when she heard someone grunt and another person yelp. The Magister gave her companion a quizzical look when she spotted an elf with dark hair and unsettling gold eyes looking up at the man with an affronted look in her eyes. He chuckled and reached down to help pull the girl up.

“Duncan. I thought I told you we weren’t fighting the locals.” Alex teased, frowning when she didn’t receive the expected eye roll from the stoic rogue. He was looking down at Rook’s hand in his with a frown on his face. “Duncan?” She called, poking his arm cautiously. The rogue jolted and released Rook, stepping back quickly to politely apologise.

“Forgive me, Miss… you just reminded me of an old friend. We won’t interrupt any more of your time.” He said after clearing his throat. Rook frowned in confusion, looking down at her hand as he spoke. “Could you perhaps point us in the direction of Dorian Pavus?” He asked, crossing his arms over his chest. She blinked and lifted her head to look at the pair, nodding as a small smile crossed her face.

“I’m headed that way. Follow me.” The Magister and Rogue turned and began to follow Rook as she walked. “I’m Rook, by the way. How do you know Dorian?” She asked, casting her gold eyes to study Alex. The Magister grinned brightly and immediately launched into her exuberant speech.

“Oh! Dorian practically lived in my house growing up. Our fathers were… colleagues.” She explained, walking beside Rook as Duncan followed behind them slowly. “How did you end up in the Inquisition?” The Magister cast a glance back over her shoulder, concern in her Lyrium blue eyes.

“Prince Cedric, the Inquisitor, found me in a ditch and decided to keep me.” She said with a cheeky grin as they passed by, said Inquisitor, earning an incredulous look from the man.

“You make it sound like I’m keeping you like a pet! That’s not a good look for me, Petit Loup.” Cedric Valmont poked her in the ribs before he froze in shock, eyes firmly locked on Duncan as the man walked up the steps. Duncan froze in a similarly confused and hopeful way, eyes widening as he took in the figure of the man in front of him. “Father…”

“Son…” Duncan took a tentative step towards Cedric, reaching for the Inquisitor with a soft look of joy in his eyes. Cedric seemed to forget that they were in the middle of Skyhold as he moved forward and hugged the Rogue tightly. “I’m so sorry… I missed so much…” Duncan’s voice cracked as he wrapped his son in an almost suffocating hug. Cedric shook his head and just held on more insistently.

“Doesn’t matter… You’re here now…” He whispered hoarsely. He pulled back slowly and turned when he felt Rook lay a hand on his arm. She didn’t need to speak as Cedric nodded and motioned for Duncan to follow him, leading the man to somewhere they would be able to talk in private. As father and son walked away, Rook shared a look and a shrug with Alex before pushing a door open to usher the Magister inside the Rotunda, ushering Assan and Revas off to find Davrin or Katarina. Solas, entirely engrossed in his art, barely noticed the two women enter the space until he heard Rook’s voice from the door.

“Dorian is usually up in the Library…” Alexandra nodded, thanking the elf as she headed up the stairs. For a moment, neither Seer nor Ancient Elf spoke… Silence stretched between them. Solas set his pallet and supplies down on a stool set near his workspace as he turned slowly to face Rook.

“Da’fen… I… Are you alright?” He asked carefully, violet eyes taking in her form with a frown of worry on his face. Rook didn’t answer right away, her carefully guarded emotions bubbling to the surface slowly until tears formed in her eyes and her gaze met his.

“No..” Solas was at her side immediately, pulling her into his chest with one hand resting comfortably at the back of her head as the other wound firmly around her waist. “Solas… I’m scared…” She whimpered helplessly before the tears began to escape, soft sobs escaping her as the Dread Wolf held her tighter to his body.

“Banal’elana geal melahn ea’amahn, da’fen…Ahn’tua na geal? Jusul’ema na atisha, vhenan.” Solas whispered into Rook’s hair, threading his fingers through the dark strands as he breathed in her sweet scent that had grown bitter with her fear and sadness. Rook gripped Solas’ shirt tightly in her hands and just sobbed into his chest. Solas stroked her hair and down her back until the sobs subsided, pressing his lips against her temple, the tip of her ear, her hair. He gently pulled back and pressed another careful kiss to her brow, then nose and finally her lips in a slow and gentle conveyance of affection. Rook sniffled and reached up to wipe away her tears.

“I know why I’m not tranquil, Solas…” Rook whispered, resolutely looking down and away from the Ancient Elf in front of her. Solas frowned and carefully lifted her chin so she’d look at him as he looked down at her with concern on his face. 

“Tell me what troubles you, Da’fen…” He whispered, thumb gently rubbing against her jaw. She took a shuddering breath and met his gaze warily. 

“I found a Shard of Mythal in the Crossroads… She offered me aid when I needed it… When the Venatori used that brand, she was there. She bound herself to me to keep me tethered to my body…” Rook explained softly. Solas, in his shock, stepped back instinctively, drawing a panicked look to Rook’s face. He stared at her as she stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest as she started to hyperventilate. “Solas… I’m sorry… I didn’t have a choice!” He shook his head and stepped away with a pained look on his face. 

Rook didn’t wait for him to speak. She turned and fled from the rotunda, moving quickly through the halls and down to where the Eluvian was hidden. She kept moving even as people called after her, bolting the door behind her before fleeing through the Eluvian and into the Crossroads.

-

Cedric led Duncan to the War Room, instructing Jose that he didn’t want to be interrupted as they passed her desk. Cedric pulled a chair over to the table and motioned for Duncan to take a seat before pulling his chair over to sit as well. Duncan remained quiet for a moment before reaching over to put a hand on his Son’s shoulder.

“I need you to know that I didn’t return right away because I was searching for a cure… I survived Ostagar with the help of a Spirit of Sacrifice, and she guided me to people who could help me return home.” Duncan waited with baited breath until Cedric looked at him, relief in his eyes. The Prince reached up and laid a hand over his father’s.

“I’m just glad you’re home… I know Mother will be too.” Cedric smiled a bit, eyes taking in his father’s face. The grey in his beard and at his temples. The wrinkles around his eyes. “She never remarried.” A look of remorse crossed Duncan’s face before he smiled, too.

“Then I’d best be ready to grovel.” The pair chuckled before Duncan pulled Cedric in for another tight embrace.