Chapter 4: While Tranquility Sleeps
Chapter Summary: A Solas POV chapter detailing what happened in Haven while Rithra lays unconscious…
Author's notes: Elven translations in the notes at the end. Thank you!
As the dust settled down from where the demon fell, Solas blinked his eyes slowly. He sighed as he picked himself up. The rift closed with such a force that it caused everyone to be knocked off their feet. As he took a moment to collect himself, he looked around to see how everyone was doing. Cassandra and Leliana were both on their feet, and Varric appeared to be shaken yet still standing firmly on his two feet. Rithra, however, was nowhere to be seen. A wave of panic washed over his shaken form. Calming his panic down, he quickly scanned the bodies amongst the fallen. His eyes settled on Rithra's still form as he felt a ball of panic rising back up through his throat. Solas rushed to her side as he prayed for her life force. Please! Was the only word running through his head. He knelt down as he prepared for the worst. Hang on Rithra!
His hand trembled as he reached for her wrist to find her pulse. Her pulse was strong yet steady, and he breathed out a sigh of relief. As he prepared to lift her limp body off the ground, a streak of red caught his eye. His heart sank yet again. A small amount of blood was slowly pooling under her head, dampening her hair. He carefully lifted her head to find a small sharp rock under her head. So that is what happened. She hit her head on this rock. That coupled with having to use the mark probably drained her energy. We will be lucky if she wakes in the next day or two.
As solas tended to Rithra's wounds, Cassandra and Leliana drew near. Leliana's soft, yet concerned voice startled Solas.
"How is she?" Leliana said softly as she knelt down next to Solas. Solas quickly glanced at them while his hand quickly worked the magic to detect the extent of Rithra's injury. His brow furrowed as he replied back to Leilana.
"She has a concussion and has lost quite a bit of blood. However, with time and healing, she should wake again." His concerned eyes met with Leliana's, who nodded to him. She too, understood the implication of Rithra's injury given her physical state.
"We have a cart for the injured. We can put her on board with the injured soldiers..." Before Leliana could finish her sentence, Solas started to shake his head.
"No. That won't do. I will carry her. As long as we don't have to climb ladders, I still have strength left in this old body of mine." He smiled weakly as he gathered Rithra into his arms. He continued speaking as he bridal carried Rithra.
"If she is jostled too much, there is a huge chance that … even a single bump in the path could cause further damage. I prefer not to take chances with her life. She is needed." Solas finished speaking as he slowly started to move towards the forward camp. Leliana and Cassandra exchanged glances as they stared at the mage's shadow. Cassandra opened her mouth as if to say something, but Leliana touched Cassandra's shoulders and looked at her as if to say If he wants to, let him. Cassandra rolled her eyes as she made disgusted noise through her nose.
The trip back to Haven was torturous for Solas. As he took each step, he could hear the whispered comments of the soldiers. They seemed to wonder why he wanted to protect a useless Tranquil. Ungrateful things, he thought as he tried his best to block them out. Without Rithra, they would not be standing here right now… Regardless of other people's opinions, to Solas, she was precious - she bore his mark, his key. To make the matters worse, he could not stop himself from looking at her petite, yet well defined features. His sympathy went out to the red headed elven Tranquil resting in his arms. Her tranquility mattered little to him - her actions were enough of a proof to him. Actions he did not believe a Tranquil was capable of...
Why was Rithra made Tranquil? What could she have done to deserve such a fate? What action could have this fragile girl have committed that deserved her magic, her very identity to be ripped away from her? I will find out! Even if this means I must send out some of my agents to look into this...
He could feel his anger mount each time his eyes landed on the brand on her forehead. He wanted to throttle the ones responsible right at this very instance, but first, there was work to be done. He needed to first find out why she had been made Tranquil. In the meantime, Rithra needed to be healed and protected while she regained consciousness. Her fate remained unclear to Solas. I hope they do not insist on punishing her for what happened at the Conclave. There is no way she had any part in it! His thoughts went back to Chancellor Roderick. However, the Chancellor seems to have it in for Rithra. He deemed her responsible, despite the fact she has NO magic to call her own. She also seemed to know the man, and that knowledge made her weary of the man at the very least. She seemed to expect trouble from him. I wonder why? I may have to work to protect her from the Chancellor as well as any other unknown threats…
The route back to Haven itself was clear and easily walked. He was no stranger to physical labor. Surprisingly Rithra was not that heavy of a burden. In fact, it would have eased his mind if she had a bit more weight on her already slender frame. Are all elves in the cities so badly malnourished? He wondered. The Dalish seem to have just a bit more substance than the city elves...then again they can hunt and gather whatever the land provides. As long as the humans do not interfere...
However, Solas knew that the humans would interfere with the Elves in general, regardless of the circumstances. Their contempt was made very clear by their insistence on using the term Knife-Ear any chance they got. However there were a few like Leliana who refused to use such derogatory terms, which gladened his heart. Solas wondered when humans would finally accept his kind into this world. He was deep in thought as he followed the other back to the Haven.
Their arrival back at Haven was welcomed by shouts and cheers from the refugees who had volunteered to cook, clean and run other errands that a huge fighting force would need. Even though they did not understand the complexity of the Breach, they too, seemed to understand the significance of no longer growing Breach. Solas smiled quietly to himself. If only they knew...
Solas could already hear Chancellor Roderick demanding that 'the Tranquil' be sent off to Val Royeaux immediately to be executed. Varric, who was standing next to Solas muttered quietly.
"Doesn't that idiot of a man know how to demand anything else? Does he not realize that 'Tranquility' here is the whole reason that hole in the sky has stopped growing?" Solas felt startled and turned his glance sharply towards Varric.
"Tranquility? Are you seriously going to call Rithra Tranquility?" He replied back in exasperation. Varric grinned up at Solas.
"And why not? Can you imagine Rithra yelling at anyone? Even if she was to be suddenly restored to her former self, I couldn't see her becoming angry with anyone regardless of the cause." Solas shook his head.
"I think you are wrong. We do not know what her personality was like prior to the Rite of Tranquility. Who knows - she could have been a screaming banshee for all we know. The Rite takes away everything - everything that makes Rithra a Rithra. Granted, it seems to have boosted her ability to reason things out very logically." Varric looked at Rithra sceptically.
"If it does not bother her, I think I will keep calling her Tranquility. She reminds me of the calm sea before and after the storm. If by some miracle her Rite of Tranquility is reversed, then I will think up a new nickname for her." Varric continued to mutter to himself as he wandered away from Solas and over to some tents near a bonfire. As solas watched Varric's shadow disappear into the tents, Leliana approached Solas quietly.
"Mage. Follow me, Josephine has set aside a separate cabin for Rithra. I prefer the idea of her being kept safely away from the healing tents where anyone can walk in unannounced." Solas nodded in agreement as he followed her.
"I am glad to see that some effort is being made to protect Rithra. Without her, I do not think we stand a chance of permanently closing the Breach." Solas said as he stepped into the cabin. He layed Rithra gently on the bed and checked her vitals yet once again. Leliana watched him in silence for what felt like an eternity. Solas worked quickly yet meticulously, and Leliana was awed by his mastery of magic. Leliana did not want to break Solas' concentration, however she decided to pipe in.
"Is there anything else you need Solas? I want to leave you in charge of her care. You may be better than Adon." Solas stopped his work and he looked around the small cabin.
"I will need healing potions and a few lyrium potions if you can procure any." Solas paused for a moment, deep in thought. "Perhaps some food that can keep as well - fruits, cheese, and bread perhaps. I am uncertain when Rithra will wake even with healing, and I would like a meal to be ready for her." Leliana nodded as she made a mental list.
"I will see that those things are brought to you immediately. I will also add a few things I hope will make things more comfortable for you." Leliana smiled as she walked out of the cabin. Solas did not notice Leliana's departure - his full attention was turned to Rithra. It is imperative that she survives. He thought to himself. His heart rate increased as he worked. There was so much more to Rithra than he had expected of a Tranquil. She sees things that no-one else sees, and can reason things out in a way to break down a pompous mask people wear. I wonder what she was like before the Rite - I wonder if she will slowly return to her pre-rite self. I am almost scared that the change will be sudden and immediate. I have no idea what it would be like to be utterly cut off from the fade and then to have it suddenly given back to me years later. His thoughts quietened for a moment. I hope that if the anchor does indeed reverse the rite, that it does so slowly. She will be less likely to have an emotional break down that way...
He kept his hands busy while he was deep in thought. Soon he had Rithra as comfortable as he could reasonably make her. As promised, the items soon arrived and he made himself a small meal out of the offerings that had been delivered. Later, with careful courtesy, Solas bathed Rithra, noting several scars, and redressed her in comfortable clothes that would let her move in her sleep. As he caught his breath, he suddenly realised how tired he was. He sat himself down on a chair, vowing to keep an eye on her. However, he too, succumbed to slumber within minutes of sitting down. The candle flickered softly as it watched two elves drifting in and out of slumber.
The next morning, with the first ray of sun peeking through a clear, yet ominous sky, a sharp knock on the door woke Solas up. He rubbed his eyes and threw his glance over Rithra's still body. There was no sign of movement from the tranquil, and solas sighed. He stood up to open the door. He was rather annoyed at being disturbed in early hours of the morning.
As he opened the door, he saw the Lieutenant who was in charge of the scouting party they had rescued. Behind him were several soldiers looking tired.
"Good day to you, Lieutenant. Is everything alright?" Solas said, trying to hide his surprise. Their presence startled him. He wondered if the Chancellor had finally convinced Leliana and the Seeker to send Rithra to Val Royeaux.
The Lieutenant saw change in Solas' face and frowned. She didn't like being the bearer of bad news.
"One of Sister Leliana's agents overheard a whispered discussion that pointed to a possible attack on the Herald, Monsieur Solas. We were dispatched to set up a guard around the cabin, Sir. I just wanted to make you aware of our presence." She bowed to Solas before turning to her men and barking them her orders.
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Solas muttered before quietly closing the door once again. He could feel the fine hairs on the back of his neck standing up. So someone does want to eliminate Rithra after all. I wonder if the Chancellor might know more about this?
Solas moved about the cabin looking for something to occupy his mind. I should have asked that some of my books in my cabin be fetched for me. I could be reading right now. Maybe even researching a way to reverse the Rite of Tranquility. Not that I expect to find an easy answer. For all I know Rithra might not even want the Rite to be reversed. While he stared out the lone window there was another knock on the door.
Going to answer the door he heard the Lieutenant question the person who knocked. Solas could hear Varric's voice from outside.
"Awe, I just thought Chuckles might like a little distraction. I grabbed some of his books out of his cabin as well as bringing him lunch. See?" Solas quietly chuckled to himself as he contained his laughter. Chuckles? He wondered.
The Lieutenant only seemed to grunt an acknowledgement as Varric knocked again. A small smile found its way onto Solas' face, but it was quickly chased away as he put on his polite, humble apostate's mask before pulling the door open. Varric smirked as he sauntered into the cabin apparently unarmed.
Solas glanced outside and saw people people loitering around the cabin. He could see anger in some of them, while others gazed at the cabin with reverence, hoping for a glimpse of Rithra. This disturbed Solas, so he quickly closed the door to shut them out.
"So do you not trust the guards about the cabin to keep Rithra safe, child of stone?" Solas asked Varric as he carely examined him. He could see a bulge in the bag with his books that could only be the dwarf's bow, Bianca.
Varric gave a hearty chuckle as he set the food down on the small table and began unpacking his bag. Bianca came out first, and Varric casually slung it onto his back for easy access. The books then followed. "I wasn't sure what you would want to read while you tended to Tranquility, so I took what I could from what was in your cabin.
"I thank you, Varric. I appreciate you bringing me the reading material. It's not that I mind sitting here protecting Rithra.. It just gets…" Before Solas could finish his sentence, Varric laughed.
"Boring?" Solas sighed and nodded as he picked up a book on plants that Varric had grabbed from his cabin.
"I had been intending to read this one next." He mutters, more to himself than anyone else.
"Listen Chuckles, I came here because I've been hearing disquieting rumors about a possible attack on Tranquility. I can't stand-by and let some dip-shit get away with trying to kill her. So I hope you don't mind if I stick around for a while." Varric's grim face spoke even louder than his words. Solas nodded in agreement.
"Please make yourself at home. How bad do you think the attack will be? I mean... the soldiers outside are meant to protect Rithra from attack." Solas replied softly.
"Not sure, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides, this will make a great story! Ha! Where else can I get this kind of information and action?" He laughed heartily at Solas who scrunched his face in response.
"I too prefer to be safe rather than sorry. I do not think we will find another who can close Rift as well as she can. It behooves us to insure her safety. Very well. I see that you have brought enough food for us both. Shall we share lunch as we wait out this rumored attack?" Solas smiled, as Varric nodded eagerly.
So they waited, talking quietly in the tense silence that surrounded the cabin. A few hours later, the attack came. There were several heavily armed men all sporting Orlesian Masks of the same style, although their voices were the rough voices of common workers. Solas opened the door and cast barriers to protect the Inquisition soldiers who were trying to keep Rithra safe, while Varric fired bolts from Bianca at the Masked attackers. None of the attackers made it into the cabin, as the recruits training just outside the walls of Haven came rushing in to assist their fellow soldiers.
Cullen was furious when the fighting subsided. He yanked a mask off one of the attackers to see a recruit who had not shown up for practice earlier in the day. With jerky, angry movements he unmasked all the dead attackers. Each and everyone of them had some role within the Inquisitions lower ranks. A few were even Leliana's agents. He sent a messenger to get Leliana, Cassandra, and Josephine. He muttered under his breath, "We have to find out who is behind this!"
Solas overheard the Commander's muttered comment and he couldn't agree more. They were wearing Orlesian masks… this suggests that it was someone from Val Royeaux. Could someone within the Empresses' court be behind this, or were the masks a red herring to draw suspicion away from the guilty party? At least they never got anywhere close to Rithra! He glances back at Varric.
"I am glad you were here ma falon. Even though the other's arrived to help, no enemy got in because you were with me. Ma serannas." Varric chuckled as he slung Bianca over his shoulder.
"No need to thank me Chuckles. There is no way I'm letting the Masked creeps, or anyone else for that matter, hurt Tranquility. She is.. Important… precious, despite the fact she doesn't have emotions. She is still exceedingly intelligent and considers others before herself." Solas chuckled to himself.
"Indeed, and those things are not something usually associated with the Tranquil. Perhaps mages in general have been to remiss in not trying to speak and learn from them. Instead I do believe that most Mages in the Circles had them doing their research for them. If Rithra is any indication, they could probably do so much more than they are relegated to do." Solas finished speaking as he slumped onto the chair once more. The fight had taken the energy out of him.
Varric could only nod to his agreement. The two friends turned their back on the hubbub caused by the attack, closing the door on the loud arguing taking place among the leaders of the Inquisition.
That night there was yet another attack. This time, it was a single assassin who snuck in through the window, only to be caught in one of Solas' magical traps. The assassin triggered his lightning cage, who was subsequently caught and turned over to Leliana's tender mercies. Neither Solas or Varric much cared what happened to the assassin after handing him over to their very adept spymaster.
The next two days were fairly uneventful. Rithra continued to heal and sleep for which Solas was very grateful. Solas thought about the short term future. Time may not be on our side, depending on what Corypheus does. I can only hope the monstrosity is dead. However I can not count on that, considering my orb was nowhere to be found at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Solas' eyes settle on Rithra's sleeping form. Wake soon da'len. You are needed!
Elven Translations:
Ma falon = my friend
Ma serannas = my thanks
Da'len = little child/student/youth
