Rubeus walked with purpose as he kept his eyes peeled for Michela. The dramatic human stood out among the crowd but was surprisingly hard to find when she wanted to be alone. The night started to set in before Rubeus reached a weak wall near the outer reaches of Skyhold. Upon the cobblestone wreck which was the southern wall. Michela and Ironbull were perched in a high place above the gorgeous mountain range. The sky was full of low hanging clouds sparkling with winter snow. The first few flakes begin to reach high enough to coat the mountains with a fresh sheet of ice. The castle high enough to be beyond, but soon it would reach the main courtyards.
The two were talking, Michela on a ridge beyond the bull's reach but he was relaxed. Enjoying the view as Michela talked to him.
"What are you doing there?" Rubeus asked. He sounded very concerned. "That's dangerous!"
"I just wanted to be alone, he can leave," Michela said.
"Oh! Hey boss, come on up it's gorgeous." Bull said as he ignored Michela completely.
"I said leave. Please." Michela said as calmly as she could.
"Did you hear that? She has manners, you know she's kinda cute when she's polite." Iron Bull said with a charming grin down to the inquisitor.
"I'd rather not climb up a wall, thank you." Rubeus replied, "particularly that one."
"Come on Inquisitor First-thaw! Like the Avvar climbed the wall to fight the Hakkonites, come join us!" Iron Bull challenged
"Did you see the signs in the tavern?" Rubeus asked. Although somewhat exasperated, the inquisitor remained in high spirits.
"By the ancients, you're a chicken?" Michela asked looking down at Rubeus finally.
"You say chicken, I say avoiding property damage," Rubeus retorted, "You were expected at the war table, Captain."
"Cullen made no mention of that," Michela said playing dumb.
"You are so far up your ass that you can't see what a pain you are." Iron bull asked. Michela gasped.
"You dare talk to me like that." Michela huffed.
"Don't even try that duchess act on me, princess. I've heard your reputation as Edward Jones." Iron Bull snapped back. Michela went quiet, biting her lip as she shifted in her perch.
"If you don't want to approve the plans that's fine. We'll push along with it. I just thought you'd like to be involved since it's your boat." Rubeus said calmly.
"Well, ugh." Michela leaned back against the rock and looked over the clouds with a sigh. "I came here because of something I read in Solas's journal," Michela mumbled only for Iron Bull to hear.
"You read eggheads' journals? And understood it?" Iron Bull asked. "I thought Leliana said it was nothing, but fade gibberish." Iron Bull asked and motioned Rubeus to climb up again.
"Well, I thought it was too. Until I got near the end." Michela sighed. Rubeus's ears twitched at the mention of Solas. Reluctantly, he started scaling the wall.
"Listen I do care about this plan and how it pertains to my ship, but I trust you're going to have it handled and this. Well, it's more important than my father right now." Michela explained.
"I don't honestly know anything about your dad except he's a lyrium mining magister. I'm more curious about Solas and where he disappeared to. He was quiet, but I liked him and the boss is worried too." Iron Bull said. The elf made it to the summit and hoisted himself up to sit with the others.
"Is that why you were in his study?" Rubeus asked. His once chipper mood started to fade into something more solemn.
"I tried to read it, but my ancient elvhan is nowhere near his level. I recognized a word or two," Rubeus looked down at his feet and kicked them back and forth slowly as his legs dangled over the side of the wall. "Nothing made sense though, I gave up."
"I can help you with that. To teach you how to read ancient elvhan better." Michela offered. Rubeus's eyes sparked with surprise and interest.
"I'd be grateful if you did," he replied. "Though I'm sure my ancestors are rolling in their graves at the thought of a shem teaching me," Rubeus said as Michela visually tensed at the word. Her eyes narrowed as she took a deep breath.
"I'll even tell you the details of his dream journal. Though he explained that he told you all those stories before. He's a very sad man inquisitor, and that's why I am here to help. I…" Michela hesitated.
"You what?" Rubeus pressed,
"You want to say I'm sorry." Iron Bull cut in.
"I was getting to that! Then he called me a shem… Ugh. I apologize Rubeus." Michela said
"For freezing your feet to the ground." Iron bull filled in.
"For freezing your feet to the floor," Michela said sheepishly.
"And being a bitch." Iron bull Bull jabbed.
"And being difficult to work with," Michela corrected. Rubeus chuckled.
"Apology accepted," he said. "I'm sorry for being moody and aggressive in response."
"Good enough." Iron bull smiled as Michela grumbled.
"If you are trusting me with the schematics then that means my work for the day is done," Rubeus stretched.
"So you can take that stick out of your ass?" Michela asked.
"I was going to say that too." Iron Bull laughed.
"Want to get a drink, Bull?" Rubeus asked, "I think I owe you and the chargers around."
"Only if my new friend gets to come too." Iron Bull said and slapped Michela on the shoulder. Michela's eyes pinned as she felt the rocks slip under her a bit.
"You coming?" Rubeus asked Michela and stood to start descending the wall.
"Sure why not," Michela said and started climbing off the wall, Rubeus's earlier words about the structure finally creeping up her spine. Michela jumping off the wall making it down before everyone else, though recklessly as she nearly sprained her ankle.
"Why?" Rubeus sighed loudly, "You know there are safe ways to climb down right? Don't hurt yourself!"
"So boss, what are we drinking tonight? Ale or Mead? My sweet tooth is hankering for mead. But maybe there's still some of that Ferelden Ale left." Bull said loudly to take over the conversation.
"Probably ale, though I don't want anything heavy so maybe wine…" Rubeus replied.
Together they reached the tavern, where Michela was quiet. The chargers had already gathered around a table with drinks. They made room for the trio to join them.
"Sorry for the low blow earlier," Rubeus apologized to Michela, sheepishly. "What would you like to drink, I'm buying."
"What should I try?" Michela asked for his opinion.
"You like wine, right? I have an idea." Rubeus went to order the drinks. Iron bull put his hand on the small of Michela's back and guided her to the table.
"You've met Krem. Here we have Dalish and Skinner. Rocky is over at the bar with Grim and Stitches is playing knives with Cole over there." Iron Bull gestured to his comrades scattered about the room. The main group crammed together Michela ending up between Iron Bull and the wall.
"So, Michela. I have a question for you." Iron Bull said resting his arm in the frame of Michela's chair.
"Yes?" Michela asked, unfazed but kept him at a distance by kicking her feet up onto his lap. Iron Bull was surprised at the forward gesture but happily allowed it.
"I heard you collect rare weapons." Iron bull smirked, running a hand up her calf. "Are you hiding hams here?" He asked, squeezing her muscles. Michela broke out into a chuckle.
"Weapons!? Are you joking? I can barely keep my blades in my pockets. You know how many daggers I lose in a week?" Michela joked. Iron Bull held her ankle and pinched it making the Captain squeak.
"Ah, you did hurt yourself. I thought I saw you limping." Iron Bull explained and began to untie her boots. "I know you're lying. Why don't you just tell me about the biggest sword in your collection and where you got it." IronBull stated.
"Alright, but if I tell the story. Do I get a full massage?" Michela asked curiously.
"Full body or fully invigorating?" Iron bull asked with a smile. Pulling off her boot and massaging her ankle with gentle care, having tendered many injuries himself.
"Just a massage is fine," Michela said simply.
The drinks arrived. Mead for Bull and the chargers and a glass of Orlesian Chardonnay for Michela. Oddly, the inquisitor's drink and the inquisitor were not present.
"It was about seven years ago, I had just escaped Tevinter with the help of a mage I once knew. He was very sweet. Anyways, I found out a lot of innocent elves were being slaughtered by a bandit. A drunk lyrium Addict so far lost to his addictions he was barely a man anymore. Just a lyrium fulled Goliath."
"What was his name?" Iron bull asked enthralled.
"Darious of the Everglades," Michela said.
"Oh, I heard of him! No way! Are you saying you have the Mabari Buster? The one that summons a pack of wild dogs on the full moon!?" Iron bull nearly shouted.
"You know about that?" Michela asked with a blush across her cheeks.
"That blade is famous! I went up against that guy after he killed my squad!" The iron bull was heated. "I wanted to find him but he was found Dead… that was you?" Iron bull sounded nearly heartbroken.
"Guilty. I'm shocked. It's a small world." Michela said nervously.
"How did you kill him?" Iron bull asked.
"I poisoned his drink," Michela said simply.
"That's evil," Ironbull said falling back in his seat disappointed.
"He stole my property," Michela explained and tried to pull her feet back. But Iron Bull did not let go, instead kneaded his fingers expertly up her calf.
"I never said it wasn't badass." Iron bull grinned, sliding a bit closer. "Just lacks a certain fitness to the craft."
"My shoulders were next," Michela said and pushed him back by placing her index finger on his nose.
"As you command. " Iron bull explained as she turned around in her chair as the Iron Bull gently massaged her shoulders.
Rubeus finally returned, side by side with Dorian. All of Dorian's buckles intact. The two were talking quickly and laughing but stopped when they reached the table. Watching as Michela was being pampered by the former Ben-hassrath agent. Krem waved to them and took another swig of his mead.
"Dorian! Good to see you." Iron bull said, Michela shifted to turn around, but bull pinched her shoulder making her squeak. "There you go, you should find a lighter stave or build up the slings in your back. You'll keep injuring yourself."
"Hello Bull, didn't think I'd turn down drinks with you and the inquisitor now, did you?" Dorian said as he and Rubeus joined the table.
"I don't use a staff, I use a sword." Michela shooed his hands away as Dorian approached the table. Avoiding eye contact with him.
"I thought you preferred poison." Iron bull added. "hey boss, what kind of sword are you using right now?" He asked Rubeus with a smirk.
"At the moment I'm…." Rubeus's eyes went wide, "by the Dread wolf, I still have your sword!"
"Oh! Yes, you still have the break-up." Michela said as if she too had completely forgotten about it.
"I'm sorry, I forgot it was with me! I'll be sure to return it to you in the morning!" Rubeus exclaimed.
"Did you say the break-up? It's yours too?" Iron bull asked.
"Oh, it's a bastard sword, isn't it? The blade has quite an edge to it but it's light for a two-handed weapon." Rubeus commented, "it swings quicker than I'm used to and more precise. Extremely well crafted."
"Thank you, I made it myself. Did you get a chance to use the enchantment on it?" Michela asked curiously. Rubeus blinked and cocked his head to the side.
"There's an enchantment on it? I didn't even notice!" He admitted. Dorian seemed interested in the enchantment on the sword as well.
"Well, keep it till you do," Michela said and leaned back in her chair. "I named it that because no one hit me harder than the woman I dumped in Kirkwall," Michela stated and held her chin thinking about it. Her jaw clicked as she remembered the injury.
"At least the moment was inspiring," Dorian commented.
"To put it lightly." Michela mused and made eye contact with the man.
"You know the Inquisitor makes some beautiful weapons himself. I loved that hammer I got to use in the fight against that dragon that spits electricity. That fight was legendary." Iron bull toasted Rubeus' glass aggressively. Rubeus grinned and toasted with his comrade.
"It's all about the weighting when making a hammer," Rubeus started. "A good counter in the pommel will help the swing immensely!"
"I will say, not often can I crack the plates of a man's armour open like Crustacean claws, but I will always remember it was because of you," Ironbull said with a sadistic smile and pat the inquisitor on the back.
"I just understand the physics and mechanical aspect of a weapon. Enchanting is beyond my skill, but not for lack trying," Rubeus laughed.
"If you drag one more book about weapon enchantments across my desk…" Dorian threatened in a teasing tone.
"You explain it so much better than Dagna does!" Rubeus argued, "plus I'd rather listen to you talk." Rubeus smiled sheepishly as Dorian rolled his eyes.
"What are you trying to enchant?" Michela asked. "I'm very good at enchantments. Well, I know someone better, but I would be happy to help. I just don't take commissions anymore."
"If you'd like to talk smithing I can show you around the undercroft tomorrow," Rubeus offered.
"Yes please," Michela said with a smile.
"You are cute when you smile." Iron bull said.
"Stop hitting on me unless you mean it," Michela warned.
"I don't throw around my best lines like their missing daggers," Ironbull smirked. "Besides it's nice to see you getting along so well with everyone, after all that blunder I heard that went down on the ship." He went on to explain before finishing his drink.
"I'd go easy on her," Dorian quietly commented to Iron Bull. "I think she has a thing for Cullen." the mage gossiped as Rubeus elbowed him.
"I told you not to start a rumour," the inquisitor said in a hush.
"I didn't. I overheard someone say it," Dorian replied, nonchalantly.
"I don't have a thing for anybody, plus I think Cullen is a bit vanilla for me. Don't need that again." Michela said bluntly.
"Then you need to give some Orlesian nobles clarification," Dorian replied.
"I can guarantee I would be the best you ever had," Iron bull said with a grin. Michela blushed furiously, her entire demeanour had changed and it caught the inquisitor's attention and he listened carefully to hear how she'd respond.
"I'll have you know, nothing you could bring to the table will outmatch what I have already had." Michela bolstered, the same tone of a lie that all three of the men could see through.
"You don't sound very sure about that?" Rubeus replied, questioning her.
"Wait, have you ever had sex?" Iron bull asked curiously
"Of course I have!" Michela shouted exasperatedly. Dorian broke out in laughter.
"Watch the volume," Rubeus gently warned. He turned away to hide his inability to keep a straight face.
"You're a virgin! I didn't know that was a thing." Iron bull said in a hushed but excited tone.
"You talk a big game for yourself. You have Varric completely fooled!" Rubeus said, having regained his composure.
"I have no idea what you are talking about…" She said as Michela fetched her hat from her belt and put it on to cover her face. Rubeus caught her little smile and could swear she giggled.
"So you are indeed correct, Bull. You would be the best she's ever had." Dorian snarked. Michela tried to stifle a laugh but snorted instead.
"Hey!" Iron bull slammed his fist on the table sending a napkin to slap over Dorian's mouth harmlessly. Michela encouraged the attack with magic as there was no reason for it to fly like that. Dorian pulled the napkin off his face and held it away from him in disgust.
"How is there grease on this? We've been drinking," he asked aloud.
"You are the worst!" Michela muttered. "Just as bad as Isabela, so what!" Michela huffed.
"That's not the threesome woman is it?" Rubeus wondered.
"Did I hear you right?" Iron bull asked cleaning out his ear with a pinky.
"Who!?" Dorian asked, using a clean napkin to wipe his face.
"Wait, How did you go so long without succumbing to the temptation!?" Iron bull asked, astounded.
"Unlike you, some people know how to keep it in their pants." Dorian replied, "It's also Tevinter. The insane pressure to provide offspring for your equally as insane family is enough to turn anyone off the idea of sex."
"Well, yeah I couldn't have put it better myself. Besides it's not like that's an..." Michela muttered into her glass before finishing her sentence. "So, tell me. Iron Bull. Why are you so curious about me? Do you like me?" Michela asked.
"I do and I would be honoured to show you the ropes." Iron bull grinned.
"Wow, does that work on anyone?" Michela asked plainly. "Or do you wait till the frustration to punch you gets confused for actual affection?"
"See why you gotta do me like that? You go for a low blow." Iron bull said with a pout.
"Oh shit! I'm sorry, I said I was going to stop doing that." Michela snapped. "You're making it difficult to be nice. Listen I am flattered, but I'm not interested in sex unless there is something more with it." Michela explained and looked at her empty glass. "Can we talk about something else?" She asked. Rubeus and Dorian exchanged amused looks as the four sat in silence for a moment.
"So we were discussing weapons," Rubeus said, awkwardly trying to break the silence.
"You were going to show me the undercroft," Michela said with a look that was begging for help.
"I was going to save that for tomorrow, but now's as good a time as any," Rubeus glanced over to Dorian. Dorian nodded and stood up.
"Come on Bull, let's go find Sera and see if we can figure out who the new prankster in Skyhold is," Dorian exclaimed.
"New prankster? What happened?" Iron bull asked and stood up with Dorian.
Dorian put his hand on Rubeus's shoulder as he passed by.
"See you later?" He asked, Rubeus nodded. Dorian and Bull headed upstairs to find Sera and Rubeus was left with Michela. Rubeus stood up and finished the last of his wine. "Let's go."
Together Inquisitor Lavellen and Michela walked in silence towards the undercroft. The cool air of the night settling between them. Michela had an empty expression on her face, despite the day's events and good news Rubeus had heard, she still had a look of despair painting in with her lipstick.
"You don't have to show me the undercroft, thank you for getting me away from Ironbull." Michela thanked and stopped walking before they reached the doors.
"You're welcome. He comes on strongly," Rubeus replied. He stopped and looked back at Michela. "Oh, did he take it too far? I'm sorry."
"He's nice, everyone here is nice. Why would I complain?" Michela asked with a hallowed tone. Rubeus's brow furrowed and he looked at Michela carefully.
"We've not had a chance to talk since you arrived." He commented.
"Sorry." She apologized. "I'm not fun to talk to."
"I don't want to talk about work-related things. That's what the war room and meetings are for," Rubeus huffed and crossed his arms. Without the presence of job and title, he just seemed like any other Dalish Elf.
"You like to draw things and you said you like animals. What other hobbies do you keep?" Rubeus asked with genuine curiosity.
"Why are you trying to be so nice to me?" Michela asked. "I'm a possible leak to Venetori zealots, a lyrium Addict and a disgraced mage. Hobbies or not I'm not a good friend." Michela said and leaned against the wall of the castle.
"Up until the last year and a half, I lived with my clan and never really interacted with anyone else. My social circle was very limited and I guess I am making up for that sheltered life." Rubeus shrugged, "Is it so bad that I want to get to know people?"
"I restore books and make weapons. I go to work when I need money and I drink too much. I'm lonely, but it's safer to be alone. For everyone. I might have my wants and desires but, I can't be selfish." Michela said, picking at her nails nervously. Rubeus listened to her and nodded.
"Sometimes you need to be a little selfish and do something for only yourself." Rubeus stated, "although that's easier said than done." he scratched his chin and sighed.
"Is this a friendship test? Do I have to answer?" Michela asked.
"I'm not trying to be preachy!" Rubeus argued.
"I didn't say that! I meant if I want to be selfish, can I just not answer certain questions?" Michela asked.
"If you don't want to answer something just say you do not wish to. Just don't ignore the question." Rubeus explained, "I'm not going to force an answer from you if you don't want to talk about it."
"A lot of questions revolve around my personal life and I honestly don't have one. I spend most of my downtime buried in papers." Michela said "If I wanted to be selfish… I would."
"Then consider this time off. I might ask you a couple of questions about your ship itself but you are exempt from war table meetings." The inquisitor said plainly. He appeared at ease and twisted his foot into the earth. The dirt, a bit warmer than the surface.
"I would like to play chess with Cullen again." Michela sighed. "But I can't have a rumour going around, so I can't. He's a busy man with soldiers vying for his attention throughout the day." Michela said.
"I think the commander would be ok with that rumour. Would get the Orlesian Nobility off his back," Rubeus offered. He paused and his face soured with a look of Dread. "You would just need to be careful of assassins if you decide to visit Orlais…"
"I can handle assassins, I welcome them to try." Michela flexed aggressively. The thought of assassins making her smirk. "I don't want downtime, I want justice," Michela said darkly.
"Justice for what?" Rubeus asked, curiously.
"I promised, to help fight for the elves and the enslaved mages. My talents are wasted sitting around playing chess and looking over schematics. I need to do something." Michela said and turned to face Rubeus.
"Then we can find work suited to your talents and preferences," Rubeus offered.
"What do you need?" Michela asked curiously. "I learned some things about your missing friend, Solas. I could find him." Michela suggested. Rubeus became visibly agitated at the mention of Solas.
"He can stay missing for all I care," the elf snapped.
"He hurt you that bad?" Michela asked simply.
"He just up and leaves, without saying anything. Just gone!" Rubeus said angrily and punched the wall with his marked hand. A small crack where his fist hit stone. The reverberation and pain ran up his arm and he opened his clenched hand to shake it out. "Fenedhis…." He cursed. Michela wasn't quick enough to stop him but moved between him and the wall.
"Hey, whatever he did it's not worth your hand over," Michela said and took the hand he smashed and held it gently. Using a simple spell to ice her hands to soothe the pain and cool down his bruises.
"He didn't have to stay. I just wish he said goodbye. I lost the only person I could talk to about my people. I don't even know if he's safe!" Rubeus sighed and looked at the ground despondent.
"He left a message for you in his journal. Did you read it?" She asked curiously. His eyes flicked up to her. He shook his head but said nothing.
"He said, 'my path may diverge from yours, but we walk upon the same stone.' I don't think he wanted to leave, but there were ears here unsafe to speak around." Michela said curiously and looked around.
"He still could have said goodbye," Rubeus mumbled.
"Has there ever been a spying incident here? Something that would make him feel exposed? I figured out as much as I could from Cullen, but Solas was a fade expert yes?" Michela held her chin. "Perhaps he needed to leave for your safety, dreamers are dangerous and heavily hunted by templars in the south. Even in Tevinter they are snatched up and studied in the circles." Michela said and let go of his hand.
"Leiliana has caught spies before, but they have been few and far between. The biggest worry has been the wardens. But again, we monitored them for any sign of corruption." Rubeus sighed.
"So what would make an apostate elf sweat?" Michela asked curiously. "No loose ends with the Templar order?"
"Despite my best efforts, the inquisition is very Chantry influenced. City elves like Sera find comfort in that but someone like Solas who stayed outside of the chantry's reach probably felt discomfort." Rubeus voiced. He wasn't shy to voice his opinion.
"So you think it's the chantry after him because?" Michela asked curiously.
"I don't in particular. But he's an apostate and an elf. That's a combination that would have the chantry worried." Rubeus grumbled.
"Hm, figured as much. Solas is hiding something, the way he writes in elvhan is beyond the experience of almost all of the magisterium librarians and historians. Not me though, learned from the elves. You know this phrase." Michela said and on the wall of Skyhold, wrote with veil fire into the stone.
Rubeus watched with interest and nodded.
"Of course," he replied.
"This is commonly mistaken for Ara, but you see this accent. The tone of magic and pronunciation flips the meaning entirely from Ara to auun. Solas knew this, not only that but how to change the tone on multiple words which have been lost to time. Some of these I don't even know." Michela said and embossed this very moment into memory on the castle.
"Elvhan can be a tricky language in and of itself. Ancient Elvhan is just something else. So he's used an archaic language and a cypher to write his journal?" Rubeus questioned.
"Yes, to translate it fully I'm going to need to write a cypher and have it fully translated. It takes an expert on ancient elvhan to write in this kind of complexity."
"You would think just using Ancient Elvhan alone is enough to deter anyone prying… why to use both?" the elf huffed.
"Because he's paranoid," Michela explained. "Not many people would be able to see it was a trick because it still translates when using the common elvhan passed around now." Michela crosses her arms.
"I'm the one learning different languages. I've been getting others to teach me their native tongue…" Rubeus started putting two and two together. "He's trying to hide from me!" Rubeus balled his fist and went to hit the wall again but Michela stopped him before he could throw the punch. Getting in the way of the wall so he wouldn't hit her.
"I don't trust him." Michela scrunched her nose. "But I want to talk to him myself. He's a genius if he cracked the language on his own." Michela said suspiciously. Rubeus managed to stop short of her face and shook out his hand again. This time the anchor gave off small sparks. Which made Michela flinch.
"I want to trust him… he's been a good friend so I owe him that much. The secrecy is making it hard though." Rubeus expressed. Visibly flustered, agitated but remorseful. Michela could see that the situation hurt him deeply.
"Sometimes the best of friends hold the darkest of secrets," Michela stated and tilted her head at him. "How hard was he trying to gain your good graces? Lord Inquisitor." Michela said accentuating the last part to give it extra meaning. Hearing the title made him huff and roll his eyes. "Please don't call me that…" The title of a noble, the reach of thousands of soldiers across Thedas yet being blind to those who stand next to him.
"Maybe he was trying? We argued the logistics but I think at the core he and I held similar beliefs. A better life for our people," Rubeus crossed his arms and stared past Michela at the wall. The traces of veil fire still lingered. The anger started to fade from his face and he just looked empty.
"I want the same thing as you Rubeus, freedom of those enslaved and the rebuilding of the elvhan kingdom," Michela said proudly.
"Is that what I want?" Rubeus asked, "I want people to work together and respect each other…" his distant eyes still focused on the wall. His fingernails dug into the skin of his arm
"We're on the same team. If anyone can help, it's me. I don't want the glory, take me off the books for all I care." Rubeus finally looked at Michela.
"I've put my faith in a couple of Tevene already. But even you admitted, you are hard to trust." He seemed more lost in thought than anything else.
"Then don't trust me, and let me figure out these secrets Solas is hiding from you, and learn more about how he ties into the bigger picture," Michela said, wanting permission to go after the Fade master himself. The inquisitor nodded.
"It takes a dreamer to find a dreamer," Rubeus said. "Find him. Stay in contact with me on your progress if you can. Especially if you are in danger."
"I can do that, I don't need to find his exact location yet. I just need to trace his spirit." Michela said and licked her lips thinking about the spells she would need to prepare.
"If I am out of contact report to Commander Cullen. I will arrange access to Solas's books in the mage tower." Rubeus stated.
"I need a private place to work, Cullen's office works there is space and walls to keep out unwanted eyes. I don't think I want a collection of Orlesian mages and chantry sisters to learn about this magic." Michela suggested.
"Cullen's office may not be the best place. We can find you a room. Or you are free to use the study Solas used." Rubeus offered.
"That would be great. I… may need lyrium as well." Michela scratched her neck. Rubeus stared at her, aghast.
"I thought you have an addiction. Is that safe?!" He demanded.
"It's… It will be fine." Michela said, but Rubeus noticed her look away from his eyes. Scratching her neck before snapping her fingers in frustration.
"Really?" Rubeus pressed.
"Not all lyrium I have a problem with," Michela admitted. Rubeus grabbed Michela's shoulder and looked her straight in the eyes.
"You aren't talking about red Lyrium are you?" He asked, severely. His gaze held a high amount of concern as he studied her.
"Inquisitor..." Michela sighed as she looked him in the eye.
"Michela… yes or no!" Rubeus pressed.
"Yes." She replied. Rubeus's grip on her shoulder tightened and his eyes burned into her. His expression expressed just how grave the situation was.
"How much Red Lyrium is in Tevinter?" He questioned.
"Not much red lyrium made it. When you blew up that shipment to Tevinter with the help of the Qunari. Only the wealthiest got their hands on some and it's not enough for anything substantial. Only to make a few people go nuts. there was a second ship making the run that night. Unfortunately." Michela sighed.
"How did you get infected?" Rubeus continued.
"Daddy dearest, he..." Michela's tongue got tied. "Before Cullen and his men found me and my ship. I was under complete control of Corypheus and the magister who bound me." Michela explained. Rubeus continued to stare at Michela, but his grip began to loosen.
"When you defeated him, the link was broken and the plan for me to infiltrate and kill you was destroyed." Michela stepped away from him. Rubeus flinched but his eyes never left Michela.
"But your father still has control…" Rubeus said, warily.
"No, just like a demon whispering in a mages' ear when they are faced with trauma. He can only try and manipulate me." Michela said and held her temple. "You'd be surprised how convincing he can be."
"At least he doesn't want me dead, at the moment." Rubeus tried to smile but he looked uneasy.
"Well, that plan also died with Corypheus." Michela leaned against the wall.
"I'm not going to pretend none of this worries me," Rubeus confided, "it terrifies me a little. But, I still want to work with you."
"I found a way to isolate and remove it from my body. The process however has been long and painful, but I am mostly done." Michela sighed hopefully. "Fritigern helped a lot with that. I was so sick."
"So all of this temperamental behaviour is the side effects of red Lyrium…" Rubeus muttered. "I've seen first hand the horrors of red Lyrium if it's left to spread. It's not pretty." The vivid memory of the failed future he witnessed weighed on his mind. He kept his gaze avert from Michela.
"I would never wish anyone to experience red lyrium, I am lucky it was only tattooed on my skin and not injected or ingested." Michela shuddered. "I've seen the Red Templars who marched on haven." Rubeus still looked off elsewhere completely in his head about the situation.
"Thank you for trusting me with this information. I ask that this stays between us for now. I don't want to spread any panic." He finally looked at Michela again. He couldn't speak and just looked at her, shaken.
"I understand, it's difficult to tell anyone this." Michela was so anxious her hands were shaking as her heart nearly fell out of her chest.
Rubeus opened his mouth to speak again but was interrupted.
"There you are!" It was Josephine. "You've been gone for a long while and Dorian was on his own."
"Is something the matter?" Rubeus asked.
"Not at all!" The ambassador exclaimed, she looked apprehensive.
"I'm fine, I promise," Rubeus replied firmly. He turned his attention back to Michela. "Amem el avla. Thank you for the conversation. Good night, lethallan." He nodded his head respectfully to Josephine and left to go inside.
"Thank you?" Michela replied and raised her brow suspiciously. Looking at Josephine, before her eyes light up with realization. "Good night, Rubeus," Michela added quickly.
"I've not heard him speak elvhan in months!" Josephine expressed in awe. "You two must be getting along."
"If you call the language the Dalish speak elvhan, which frankly is a shame. Perhaps if the chantry spent as much time crusading as they did on peace and education it wouldn't be a problem." Michela said to the ambassador. Josephine seemed baffled by Michela's words.
"We have been working with the Dalish. It's not been easy. But having an elf as the inquisitor has opened many more avenues for conversation and alliance." Josephine sounded high spirited with these ideals.
"Better late than never right?" Michela raised a brow, the off coloured remarks helping her relax a bit.
"I do not speak for the chantry, Lady Di'Pasqua. However, please know that his Grace has been working hard to return found history and artefacts to his people. We have not stood in the way of him doing so." Josephine's dementor started to crack as she became more flustered.
"Why would you stand in the way of uncovering history?" Michela asked curiously why Josphine chose those words.
"There have been more pressing matters than uncovering the elves' lost history…" Josephine tried to explain.
"You know I'm ruffling your feathers right? I'm honestly the last person who should be sassing the inquisition on this." Michela tried to smile it off but understood she wasn't making friends. Josephine straightened herself up and brushed her fallen hair from her face.
"Did you need something from me?" Michela asked. The ambassador looked at Michela surprised.
"Oh! No, nothing. I was just… concerned. The last time Ser Lavellen went missing at this hour he was not well. I am relieved he was not alone and appears in high spirits," Josephine confided.
"High spirits?" Michela raised a brow concerned.
"Yes," Josephine clarified. "With things starting to calm people have been leaving and going on to help restore Thedas in other ways. Those closest and most trusted to him have been saying their farewells. I know he wishes to leave as well but the inquisition remains and needs its leader. He is bound by his sense of duty."
"I didn't realize," Michela said. It felt like the weight of the world was taken away from her, but sadly was given to Rubeus instead. The voices of the elders rang in her ears as pain stretched in her chest. Unable to hide the pulsing vein in her temple as she tried to hide from Josephine with the shadow of her hat.
"Does he like puzzles?" Michela asked.
"He does, as far as I know," Josephine replied. "Rubeus enjoys fiddling with found objects to make them work again. Dagna and Dorian would know more about his hobbies."
"Dagna? Hm." Michela mused and picked at her chin.
"Yes, She's the arcanist," Josephine explained. "You can find her in the undercroft most of the time."
"Thank you, I will go speak to her." Michela bowed in respect and walked away. Her heels clicking behind as she hurried towards the undercroft. A heavy behind burdened in her step.