Solas watched the exchange between Rhush and Revas curiously. Didn't they see each other just this morning? He shook his head he didn't understand but his attention was called to Morrigan.
"Fen'harel," Her eyes shone brightly and he could almost spot a tiny shake of fear in her voice. He buried the urge to smile cruelly at her. He wasn't that person anymore he was Solas and she had done nothing against him.
"Morrigan," He nodded back nothing more nothing less. Rhush walked to both of them gaining their attention. Morrigan motioned to Kieran and he began to lift a heavy bag to Rhush but Solas moved forward and intercepted it. Morrigan and Rhush looked to him, both with raised eyebrows, he didn't notice as the weight of the bag fully hit him. What was in this bag he thought rolling his shoulders. Morrigan shrugged, then turned and started to walk briskly in one direction. Rhush and Kieran just a step behind obviously used to her doing such a thing.
She set a harsh pace with few brakes. During the third pause Rhush placed Revas in his arms and charmed the backpack off him sliding it on with ease. Solas was about to protest but Morrigan signalled they were off again. Solas didn't know how to hold Revas comfortably for them both, so opted to put him on his shoulders. He marvelled at how small Revas truly was while he held onto the tiny legs. Revas moved quite frequently pointing things out and putting his hands over Solas's head. It was soon they reached the Eluvian Morrigan deemed was theirs. Rhush quickly stuck her hand into the backpack pulling out a map and moving to Morrigan's side. She took one look and pointed to the map giving some direction. Rhush nodded and turned away about to walk through when Morrigan's voice stopped both of them.
"I expect both Lethallin and Rhush to have learnt something by the time they are back. If they have not I will understand that Fen'harel is not the legendary mage he claims to be," with that said Morrigan turned and walked away. Solas stood in shock staring after her. His teeth came together and he breathed harshly through his nose trying not to let anger and pride swamp him.
Rhush sighed and shook her head. Mages, sometimes the little things never changed. She placed a hand on Solas's arm and he visibly calmed and smiled an apology at her. She smiled back and looked to the Eluvian. She placed her hand on the glass asking it to open. She felt the mirror try to shake off dust and sleep but it did not move. She felt the tired moan and almost thought it had peaked at her through a tired eyelid before the mirror came to life under her fingers. She smiled that was interesting but she stepped through. Looking at the destroyed temple around them her heart almost broke. She breathed in and marvelled at how it still looked amazing with nature clawing through growing and building itself here. Solas stepped through pausing a moment to take it in before she turned and asked the mirror to close. It seemed to watch her before it shook, but stayed still, and turned off. She blinked surprised again but Revas talking brought her back. She looked to see him on top of Solas's shoulders excitedly looking around. Solas smiled at her and she almost felt sad they couldn't take their time. She looked to her map and tried to work out the fastest way to her clan.
He and Rhush were talking and he couldn't be more content. When was the last time they could enjoy each other's company? It felt nice to just see Rhush. She seemed content as well, if a little worried and he had to agree with that. The possible threat that her Keeper might be dead and her clan in shambles at the hands of The First loomed on the horizon, but her sharing her knowledge distracted both of them from the worst. He had few comments for her but he was happy to just hear her voice. This, he thought, he could do forever. He watched as she shifted through the forest with ease eyes always following signs only she could know. Always gliding through graceful, knowing her steps. She was just in her environment and it was like watching her knit he thought. She was concentrated but unfocused at the same time just allowing her hands and feet to do the work. He was amazed, even in the Emerald Graves she hadn't been this relaxed. He shook his head; she made it look too easy. Revas grabbed their attention.
"Mamae?" Rhush stopped and so did Solas confused. He saw Rhush smile at Revas in understanding.
"A few more minutes' da'fen. We will be there soon," She nodded to him and he wiggled so Solas moved him into his arms. Rhush started moving again and Solas followed. Revas grabbed his attention again and Solas looked down to see a wicked grin painted across Revas's features. An uneasy but curious feeling settled on Solas and he arched an eyebrow at him waiting.
"She loves me more," Was all Revas said with a smug smile. Solas frowned this was not what he wanted to talk about. It was unfair to argue about this and Solas learned his lesson the first time. Yet he had to stomp out the small rise of competition that swelled within him. He breathed in and out before answering.
"I would imagine so. You are her child and I cannot compete with a relationship a mother has with her son. Besides it would be unfair of us to squabble over what she feels for us. It was my mistake to encourage rivalry over it before," Revas frowned then crossing his arms. Clearly he was not expecting such an answer and Solas felt relief wash over him.
"Am I more her child then yours? I would imagine in a life or death situation you would choose Mamae over me," Solas thought for a second and was ashamed that he would indeed pick Rhush over his own son. He breathed the phrase still seemed to large, to foreign to him and yet. He watched Revas watch him. He could feel it deep inside this person was a part of him and he couldn't deny that.
"You are my Sun. I can only hope to be a Father you can be proud of. I can only hope that we both find common ground and build a relationship of trust. But for now we will both have to be content to let Rhush guide us," Revas seemed surprised again but kept quiet. Solas felt that he needed some time to think. Revas looked away from him.
"Don't hurt her again. I won't forgive you. She's too…" Solas smiled sadly. Love was a strange thing. It made you look past things. Look past hurts and allowed you to forgive but he agreed. Solas never wanted to hurt Rhush again, like he had. He could see how his presence was a sort of weight like she didn't know him, like she didn't know what to make of him anymore. There were times like this where it all faded and they just were but with her friends…he would make it up to her. Those three years would feel like nothing when they had the rest of each other's life. He looked up to her then. She was beautiful as she smiled back at them. He had to stop and just take her in. Revas started moving in his arms and Solas found himself awkwardly trying to hold him but Revas had slipped from him to the floor. He looked up to Rhush and found her face in one of shock and worry.
"Revas? Ma da'fen where are you?" She called out stopping to look for changes in the small foliage around their feet. She must have spotted him because she dropped to her knees and opened her arms. Solas watched as Revas ran to her and hugged her tightly.
"Don't worry me like that da'fen," Rhush breathed in and Solas caught up to her. She shrugged off the pack and he took it immediately. She just seemed lost as Revas's head was on her shoulder and her hand rose to pat his back. They stood neither knowing what to say. She breathed in and out trying to relax.
"You need a nap mister. It's been a big day," Rhush looked around and slowly started walking again. Solas didn't know what do except follow but he stayed closer to her. After a few steps Solas tried to start conversation again but Rhush shook her head.
"Sleeping. Shh," She gestured to Revas and kept walking. Solas stood perplexed. What just happened? Rhush never waved him off. This was a first and he didn't like it. He started walking again unsure of how to proceed but watched as Revas moved ever so slightly so that Solas could see his eyes. Revas winked at him, Solas frowned and moved to catch up to Rhush. Just as he opened his mouth Rhush stopped and placed a hand on his mouth a serious look on her face.
"He's sleeping Solas. He needs rest," With that she continued on without looking back and Solas was once again stunned. Nap time was serious business apparently and he didn't know whether to be proud of his son or frustrated.
When they entered the camp everyone stoped. Clearly they still remembered her but she had grown, changed. There was no vallaslin on her face. Nor would there be ever again. She stopped and gave Revas to Solas almost afraid of what she might find. Revas put a hand on her head and looked to her worried. She tried to smile at him and her hand came up to smooth the worry.
"Mamae?" She breathed out. Be strong, steady for you and them. She felt better having them to lean on suddenly. If she had attempted this herself she surely would be reduced to tears by now. Or not and she was exaggerating because this had suddenly become stressful.
"I'll be okay ma da'fen," Revas still looked like he doubted her but Solas captured her attention when he leaned down to brush his lips against her forehead.
"We are here and you are strong," The look in his eyes as he pulled back filled her with confidence and fire. She smiled for real then and nodded. She turned to see that the clan had gathered. She noticed immediately how grown up most of them looked now. Some had come back and made families. There were unfamiliar faces but she kept searching until they parted and the First strutted down the path. She stopped a little away from the people and sneered at her.
"You dare return here? After what you did? Kin killer!" Rhush stepped closer letting the words roll off her.
"Where is the Keeper?" The First's face twisted into an ugly grin. She stood tall and proud with arms folded and head held high.
"He's on his deathbed now," Murmurs started to arise from the Clan. Rhush saw them looking to each other in confusion. This must be the first time she would be like this.
"You have to let me heal him. I have magic, I can save him. You don't have to have this on you Vivessa. You can still come out from this,"
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that," She scoffed "besides you have no magic and you can't just get it. You can't do anything to save him. Just like I could do nothing to save…" Vivessa stopped and looked away from her. Rhush felt her heart jerk and Aldor's body falling with her arrow pierced through his heart flashed before her. She took a step back unknowing but felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked to Solas whose gaze was unwavering.
"They were planning on killing you. It is done. It is in the past we have to get to the Keeper," She nodded and steeled herself.
"Listen Vivessa, I know about you and Aldor. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that his death hurt you. But that doesn't mean that poisoning the Keeper will bring him back," Vivessa looked to her sharply and drew back to her full height. Pointing at her she started mouthing something before a fireball came towards them but Solas's barrier flew up dispersing the magic. She heard a growl from him but shook her head.
"This doesn't need to get any worse Vivessa. Please, please just let me help him. He doesn't deserve this. If you feel the need to do something about it I'll comply after I believe the Keeper to be well," Vivessa shook her head and stomped off. The Clan stared at her, Solas and Revas. One of the children flung out from the crowd towards Rhush. He grabbed her hand and tugged.
"This way! He's this way," they ran together and she heard Solas following close behind. The child stopped in front of the large tent and pointed. She stumbled through on shaky legs trying to catch her breath before she saw his prone body lying on the mat.
"Keeper," passed her lips before she knelt quickly by his side. She must have woken him because a shaky breath escaped him and his eyes blinked wearily trying to find her. She grabbed his hand upset to find that it was weak to squeeze her back.
"Da'len? My time truly has come," Tears welled up in her eyes as she shook her head trying to smile.
"Not if I have anything to say Keeper. You have a few years yet," She felt the love and magic pool out under him and slowly tendrils moved over his skin creating small rings around him. The blue pulsed and she willed it to seep in and find the poison. Slowly she watched as the rings dimmed around were the poison sat. She readied herself to pull it out the blue pulsing quicker when a hand landed on her shoulder bringing her back from the trance she had fallen in.
"Inquisitor, you must remove it slowly. Trying to remove it all at once might just as well kill him then not removing it at all," she breathed carefully and nodded to show she had heard. Her focus went straight to the Keeper again. She looked to his face and the tears finally spilt over. This man had tried to take care of her when he didn't need to. He could have just as easily turned her away but he tried to give her so much. Love built inside her and the magic seemed to grow thicker in the air. She almost felt like there was a mist but she tried to focus again. Taking a breath she started to slowly, ever so slowly, pull it out. The goo started to fill the rings but she saw as it made its way into the pool it diluted before dissolving. It became a rhythm she found as the pulse worked through the magic but she kept finding memories come to her of him and she would smile or cry but always there would be a love for him in them. She noticed Revas was watching closely, with a tight grip on her sleeve. She could just make out the wonder and fascination in his eyes as he watched her work. She could feel they were nearing the end and almost breathed out relived until Solas's hand found her shoulder again.
"Some girl has come to the tent in a state of panic. I believe she might be the Second of your Clan," Rhush breathed out of course life was never simple. Dashala, she remembered, it had been a long time since she'd seen the energetic little girl. Rhush couldn't leave the Keeper now not when she was close but she didn't really know how long she had been sitting there trying to draw the poison from the Keeper. There was so much and she had also tried to heal the damage it had done as well. It was working but she didn't know if she could stop let alone not finish. If she didn't he might not make it but she remembered his words clear as day. One for the many, you have to protect your people first then worry about yourself. She had remembered it when Corypheus had come knocking at Haven's door and she'd do it again. She sighed looking at the Keeper sadly. Breathing in she found her will to protect her clan. She paused the spell. Everything stopped flowing suddenly the blue water, magic was still in the air and Rhush was almost afraid to touch it. She moved back carefully trying to not disturb the air. Solas helped her stand and she took a moment to see that there was a blue mist hanging around the tent and even that was frozen.
"We will stay and keep watch," She looked to Solas to see him serious and of course he was. She shook off the shock and stillness. She nodded and found his hand squeezing it before ducking out and almost falling over the Second, Dashala.
"Oh good. Well um you see Vivessa is kinda summoning a demon and I don't really know what to do about that. The Clan won't leave as well they are kinda just watching," Rhush started moving towards the noise.
"What about Brilessa? Where is she?" Dashala moved with her.
"Umm in her tent. She never came out once the Keeper got sick and well she's still alive that much we are sure of but she wouldn't let anyone in or anything. Now you're back though I imagine she'll come out once all this is sorted," Rhush shook her head. Dashala seemed too confident and not understanding that there might be a real danger to the Clan. They found Vivessa shivering on the ground. Dust was swirling around her like a mini tornado. Suddenly as she was watching Vivessa the world seemed to collapse but not change at all. It was the same but this time she saw the Fade layered. She blinked a few times and saw the Clan change from people to barely there spirits. But her focus found Vivessa this time a spirit was bent over her. A hand was reached out on her back and she thought she could hear male pleading but it was too distant, too small for her to make out anything. Sense told her that had to be Aldor though and she was shocked. She took a step forward but suddenly it wasn't a friendly spirit she was looking at. Monstrous figures seemed to leap out of nowhere and towered over her. Demons, but they couldn't really see her or interact with her. She saw how they now circled Vivessa's form. They must be trying to get her to turn but what she guessed to be Aldor's spirit was trying to block them out. She took another step forward. Suddenly feeling like Aldor being there could go wrong. If Vivessa saw…if she reached out and Aldor's purpose as a spirit got twisted he would become corrupted like the other demons. Vivessa would corrupt herself in the process and hurt all of the people here.
"Don't call him sweetie," Her voice rung out clear and she had grabbed her attention "He is at peace. You can be at peace too. Your love for each other is so pure. It just got muddled by-"
"BY YOU! You got in between us being together. All that had to happen was for you to die. Then…then we could have been together and nothing would have stopped us," Rhush stopped as the dust around Vivessa fell and the Fade whirled instead dizzying her. Blackness bubbled in front of her at Vivessa's feet and her hand reached out. Blue sparked and Vivessa moved back almost like she saw it too. Something clicked inside her and Rhush moved forward quickly to the blackness. She could cure corruption. She could heal. Rhush looked to Vivessa and she was muttering under her breath.
"Save me Aldor. Take me away. I just want to be with you. Please Aldor I miss you," Rhush felt tears well up. This woman just wanted to be with the man she loved. She felt cold as Aldor's spirit flew through her though and go towards Vivessa. The blackness had gone where she stood but as Aldor's spirit touched Vivessa Blackness bubbled there.
"Vivessa, please listen to me. Your love for each other, it's so beautiful. Don't…don't do his to him. You can be with him and no one else needs to get hurt," Rhush finally reached her and held onto her hands tightly. Tears had started to fall from Vivessa's eyes and Rhush could feel all her frustration and pain.
"I just…I wanted…you have people who love you and I…I don't," Rhush hugged Vivessa to her and felt how tired she was. Her magic reached out through the air in the Fade and touched where Aldor had touched Vivessa. It became light and burned brightly. Rhush smiled as Aldor's spirit seemed to back up studying the light. Her hand touched it again and it grew.
"You loved him so much. Everything will be okay, you can be together now. Love is pure," She pushed her blue into the light and it burned brighter and brighter. The other demons had fallen and Rhush reached out to Aldor asking for his hand. He seemed shocked and gently she felt his strange touch. She pulled back from Vivessa still holding her hand. She heard her gasp and Rhush assumed that she saw what Rhush was seeing. Moving both of their hands to the light she placed them in one another's. There was a moment where they both smiled at each other and Rhush felt the love flow through all three of them continually before a sudden blast pushed her back.
On the floor she moaned and rolled over. It was dusty and she heard the footsteps before she was hoisted to her feet. She clung to whatever lifted her surprised and dazed.
"Rhush are you okay? Are you hurt?" She pulled back a little to see Solas looking at her with worry in his eyes. She smiled at him lazily and let her head loll forward and bumped his softly. Slowly she remembered where they were and she pulled back.
"Where's Vivessa?" Solas let her down on her feet but kept checking her for signs.
"That's the First? The one who loved Aldor?" Rhush nodded not really taking in her surroundings and just lazed against Solas tired.
"She disappeared in the flash that sent you flying. We all saw the spirit holding her hand in the air. There was a bright flash and suddenly you were on the ground and she was gone. What did you do?" She shook her head. There was something else that was important that she was forgetting.
"The Keeper. Where's Revas?" They started moving. Or Solas was moving and holding her helping her along. Her mind was still fuzzy and her body felt empty.
"He's with him watching to see if anything changes," Rhush nodded…maybe, so she let out a sound to make sure Solas knew she heard. They made it to the tent and Solas was about to open the curtain before Revas ran out through his legs.
"MAMAE! I did it! I did it!" Solas turned quickly to see Revas running around and waving his arms excited. Rhush tried to focus on him but he seemed to be moving too quickly.
"Da'fen shh," Revas stopped immediately looking to Rhush and a concerned look fell upon his face and he went to them.
"Mamae?" Rhush was about to get down to his level when the curtain opened again. Solas and Rhush looked in surprise to see the Keeper walk out. He stopped and smiled at them and suddenly Rhush's focus came back as she moved from Solas's arms. Her hands found her Keeper's face and tears tumbled out of her eyes.
"You're alive," He nodded gently and hugged her to him. She let herself smile and hugged him back carefully.
"How are you up? How are you able to walk?" Rhush pulled back quickly with a frown. She had gone too far and bumped into Solas. The Keeper frowned and looked to Revas. Rhush looked to him as well and got down to his level.
"Revas did you…finish my spell?" He nodded at her smiling and Rhush had to breathe out and smile back. Worry bit at her though.
"Are you okay?" He nodded again and hugged her. The moment of clarity was over and suddenly she was sitting with Revas in her arms.
"Ma vhenan are you okay?" She looked up to Solas and squinted. She put a hand on the ground and moved to stand. She felt arms help her to her feet. Solas was in front of her and his face was close as she felt his breath blossom out.
"Vhenan? Rhush?" She mmm'd and closed her eyes, putting her forehead on Solas's shoulder. Tiredness swept over her but she blinked. She heard noises and felt a pat on the head from a small hand. She tried to stand more upright but couldn't find the strength.
"Ssssssssolassssssss ti-er-ed," She felt his shoulders bounce and frowned. Suddenly her arms felt light and she wheeled back panicking. The Keeper had taken Revas and put him down again. Arms came around her.
"Sleep Vhenan,"
Silence greeted Varric. He bowed from the top of the bar and moved to get down. Chairs had been brought down from the second level after Bull and the Inquisitor fought. Her inner circle spread out on the bottom floor all lost in thought about their leader's story. Cassandra was first to break the silence.
"That…that is her story?" She sat back in her chair breathing out. It was odd but when was anything about the Inquisitor normal?
"It's what she told me. I wouldn't put anything past me. It was definitely all truth," Cassandra frowned and looked to him suspiciously. He looked to her with his usual grin and was about to comment before Dorian interrupted and he frowned but raised an eyebrow.
"So our dear Inquisitor used to be quite the feisty one. Where did she find all her patience I wonder?" Dorian stood and leaned against the post with his hand on his chin looking lost in thought. Vivienne moved and sat up properly instead of lounging on two chairs.
"Well Darling it couldn't be the Apostate. He is fire enough to burn the house with her in it," Vivienne laughed shortly and crossed her ankles. Sera scoffed from the floor near Blackwell.
"Love is a bit crazy yeah? Besides she was dealing with all the Elfy elf stuffs. For all we know she might of hated it at her Clan but couldn't admit it," Josephine and Cullen shook their heads not agreeing "She coulda thought she might still go to jail. Mighta thought it'd all end with when the Breach closed. Guess Coriphyfish convinced her otherwise," She had a big grin on her face but everyone else remained silent at her words. Cassandra shook her head shocked she hadn't even asked. She had the woman in chains and she was facing expulsion from her clan. She had lived there her whole life…or what she could remember of her childhood anyway. Rhush hadn't known anything else and Cassandra almost wished she could take back their first meeting. It was quite clear now why Rhush had been silent and short with her when they met. Yet there were times in the Hinterlands where the exterior would fade away and they saw her. It had seemed like they were friends for years swapping tips on enemies and her making bad jokes, which of course Varric would have to have a say about, then make another joke and laugh along with her. Solas would scoff and she'd say just the right thing to make him smile. She was magic, somehow she just commanded a quite respect, and people always looked to her even when she wasn't fully knowledgeable about the problem. She was shaken by her thoughts as Cullen's voice echoed in the tavern.
"What do you think about Solas being back? Should we trust him to look after the Inquisitor?" This surprised Cassandra. When had Solas done anything but protect the Inquisitor? But the week without her came back into mind. She and Solas had left together. Solas arrived by himself saying the Inquisitor would be back soon. But it was a day before a messenger had come telling them that Rhush was safe but needed a few days alone. The hostility grew enormously as all of her companions had looked to Solas. Dorian and Blackwall had caught Sera just before she lunged. The sight to this day always dragged a laugh out of Cassandra. They had all picked up on feelings between the two but none of them saw this coming. Or maybe they had but choose not to look at who Solas was. Cassandra frowned, Solas was alone when he arrived. Solas never spoke of family and the only friends he would mention were from the Fade or Rhush's inner circle. Then the waiting began and of course the group couldn't hold Sera back forever, so there were more than a few "pranks" for Solas.
Then finally she had come back with a smile and an armful of swords and daggers. Everyone's eyes watched as she apologised profusely to all of them. Then last was Solas and she put down everything and hugged him to her tightly. Solas made no move to hold her back but everyone saw the restraint in him. How every muscle screamed to relax. She had pulled back and they saw the tears. She then excused herself about to pick everything up and be on her way when others rushed forward and said they would handle it. They could see she really tried to smile as she thanked them and walked to the Hall to find her room. Varric and Bull seemed to send each other messages before Varric stepped towards Solas.
"Come on Chuckles. You, me and Kid can play a couple a rounds of Wicked Grace," Solas nodded but Cole's words stopped them all.
"But she's hurting. You're hurting too Solas. You can make it better. Stars, silk, silver all flow. All bow to her. She's hiding, hoping, heart breaking. Face bare, blank, belonging," Everyone paused realising that she didn't have her Vallaslin anymore. Dorian's chest puffed up.
"Well Bull, how do you feel about damage control?" Bull sighed and nodded.
"There might be a few dragons we haven't slayed yet," They started walking towards the Hall following the path of the Inquisitor.
"You know Bull comparing our loving Inquisitor to a dragon might not be the best idea," They heard Dorain smile as they started up the steps. Sera coming out of her shock turned to Solas pointing a finger.
"Alright elvhen glory I've been nice yeah? No bees, no nasty anything. Cuz the point is it coulda been something different, it mighta been another thing that made her upset. But you did it. You better hope she's smiling when I see her next or I'm gunna-" A hand stopped her. Blackwall stood tall and stiff.
"Come on Sera. Let's raid the secret room again. Pretty sure Rhush keeps it stocked well," Sera sighed and deflated crossing her arms.
"I'm not through with you yet," with that she turned and started marching to the kitchens Blackwall behind her.
"Well darling I don't know what you did but you really like testing people don't you? Did you think about how Rhush is going to act because I don't think I can call that one darling," Vivienne wiggled her fingers at them and Cassandra saw Solas's jaw tighten. They watched as she swaggered away with a confident smile. He turned to her then.
"You don't have some threat for me too?" Cassandra stayed silent and thought on Vivienne's words. Was Solas testing all of them only to find that none wanted to help him but Varric and Cole. While Cassandra was upset that Rhush was upset she realised that she respected Solas too.
"No Solas. I think that has been sufficiently covered. All I would like is to understand so I can help both parties in this situation," Solas looked taken aback and Cassandra raised her eyebrow at him. Then slowly he frowned.
"I am sorry Seeker but I just can't…" He shook his head frustrated. Cassandra huffed and wanted to throw her hands up in frustration. Instead she crossed her arms and looked to him annoyed. But she took in the sadness of his eyes and sighed.
"Solas. It was a rough beginning for us but I like to believe that we are friends. It is also noticed that I am friends with…the Inquisitor but if you feel like talking to me I will listen to you and hopefully offer helpful advice," He sighed heavily and a hand came up to rub his forehead. Cassandra stood back and nodded to him as Varric called out again.
"Seeker. Cassandra, thank you," With that he turned and followed Varric to the tavern. Cassandra had sighed and held her head high and started to march to Rhush's room.