Darkness started to cover the world again and Rubeus made his way to Dorian's room for the night. A leather satchel over his shoulder matching his tailored casual clothes. Dorian waited for him at the door with a smile on his face, adoring Rubeus' strut in the moonlight.
"I simply cannot believe that, You are trusting the Captian of the 'Hateful' Barnacle?" Dorian used his fingers to quote his vocal inflexions. "Alone? In your room? You realize she's a thief right. Well, can I be surprised? You did trust Sera." Dorian spoke candidly as Rubeus nodded wide-eyed while Dorian led him inside. The whole thing sounded crazy to him too.
"She's a dreamer. You know if she wants to find the information she needs to sleep there," Rubeus defended his actions.
"Well, I don't want to sound like I'm complaining about you being in my bed, actually I greatly approve of it. I just don't know how I feel about the situation that brought it about," Dorian explained as he unloaded the Inquisitors of his bags. Spinning around in time to catch Rubeus rip off his shirt and flop down into the chair opposite the bed. The elf ruffled his hair and brushed it back behind his ear. Dorian admiring his face in the sunset light coming through the broken window. The distant look of contemplation aged him, weighing the mighty warrior down as rubbed his aching wrist. The anchor swirling with magic as the midnight air began to blow in.
"You're not going to be brooding all night are you?" Dorian tutted and Rubeus quickly shook his head.
"No, sorry... thinking about work," Rubeus replied hesitantly.
"You know you're a terrible liar, my love." Dorian pointed out.
"I'm not lying, it technically is work-related." Rubeus pointed out. He took off his monocle and cleaned the glass with the hem of his shirt. The mage pacing around the room to peel off his shirt layers as well. Rubeus returned the monocle to his face and stood up from the chair.
"I'll tell you about it in the morning if it's something to worry about," Rubeus said.
"Fine then." Dorian conceded, "Let us get comfortable together shall we?" Rubeus put his arms around Dorian pulling him into a hug. Dorian wrapped his arms around Rubeus's waist and brought him closer.
"Thank you," Rubeus said and kissed the mage.
Across the palace in the grand royal chamber, Michela had made herself at home. However, she did not sleep in the bed. She had found an upper ledge that overlooked the room. A cosy spot she fluffed with furs and the Inquisitors comforter. A few magical trinkets and runes were placed around her pillow as she stared out the balcony door. She had left it wide open, and the room was freezing. Though she was cosy. The former Grey warden recalling the many nights spent sleeping on the road.
What Michela feared most were her dreams. Before laying down to sleep, Michela decided to look around the room in more detail, keeping her hands folded behind her back as she wandered about the room in little circles. The fancy cups around a whiskey bottle sparkling in the sunlight caught her eye first, she helped herself to a small glass of what was inside. It was a strange blue colour, and she admired it for a second while walking over to the mural on the wall. Within seconds she recognized the ancient artwork and was fascinated by the story is told as she took a sip. Nearly choking at how spicey it was, but would not waste it as she covered her nose to swallow.
"Okay... just a quick fade dream, what's the worst that can happen. A demon... fuck" Michela groaned and let down her hair. The wild curls were too much to tame with how long they were, it took her 30 minutes to untangle just to ponytail it back so she could sleep. The various trinkets in her Braids warded off spirits, with them gone she opened herself up to their gaze. Her mind, like a fire in the darkness. After a long meditation to centre herself, and many deep breathing exercises she went to her piles of blankets to lay down. Whatever that drink was, Michela could feel it weigh on her eyes as she slipped off to sleep. When she awoke abruptly to a hazy world much like her own, except Michela immediately knew it was a dream. The castle of Skyhold, barely holding together with rock and vines, floating in the mists of the other world.
There was no one in the grand hallway, and she was standing at the throne amongst a faceless crowd watching a ruler address the court. It wasn't Rubeus. It was another elf, one she did not recognize. He wore a headdress of gold beads that cascaded down his body and made music in the air. Yet his face was blasted out by a light stronger than the sun, and no matter how much she focused on it, should be only blinded by his brilliance. Finally, she turned away and noticed another figure in the crowd that stood out.
"Zevran?" Michela squinted her eyes and swore she saw blonde hair, yet the beautiful music stirred up the crowd and she looked away to see where it was coming from. A dark figure brushed through the crowd playing the violin. A human who didn't belong amongst the court. His pin-straight brown hair dragged behind him like a cape as he led Michela to the royal chamber wing. The warden looked back for the blonde, yet he was gone and only a bloodied elf strung up in chains remained. Her face did not change, and she simply turned to follow the musician up the stairs.
"You didn't practice what I taught you." The violinist said as Michela passed him to go through the door. Michela said nothing. The figure smashed the violin on the wall and grabbed Michela's hand and began to crush it in his grip.
"Can't you do anything right!" He shouted. "I gave you everything because I love you and yet you leave me? You could have had the world bow to your will." The man pulled Michela off balance and she finally looked the ghost in the face. "Did I disappoint you, princess?" The man's face was twisted by a demon. One Michela could see clearly as its desperate attempt to elicit guilt from her was exhausting to hear.
"Thank you for showing me the way," Michela said meekly. Surrendering to the figure as he tormented her by trying to crush her hand. Suddenly it vanished, and Michela looked upon the throne room which was filled with corpses being fed upon by monsters. One noticed her and she quickly stepped through the door to the tower and locked it.
"There is nothing to fight here. This place is good." She breathed as she ascended the stairs. The drag of gravity slowing her pace. What should have been a short staircase felt like an eternity to climb. Michela focused on the top to ensure she was getting closer. Her mind focused on the tomb Rubeus had left open by the stairs. She wanted to read it, and with that thought, arrived at the book. It's stained pages filled with colourful drawings of weapon and armour schematics and scribbled notes. Rubeus's journal which she paused to touch. The screeching sound of muffled voices trying to catch her attention as she lingered in the silence brilliance of the Inquisitor mind.
Michela finally addressed the bedroom and felt the room grow around her. Voices from the bed, the ever-changing colour of the walls and carpet making the room spin. Stumbling around as she did before with a terrible drink in hand as the fade made her dance around the memories.
"You have shown subtly in your actions." A voice spoke from the balcony. Michela's attention was on the red hair she saw peeking out of the balcony door. Upon arrival, she laid eyes upon Rubeus speaking to another Bald headed elf in a white tunic just as described. The wolf jaw pendant swinging around his neck as he sauntered around Rubeus.
"Solas" Michela whispered.
Solas was smiling brilliantly at the inquisitor, twidling his fingers as he stuttered over his words.
"I have not met many people like you, it's inspiring." Solas seemed flustered. Michela's eyes widened and she gawked at the two.
"No way. Rubeus you dog." Michela gawked.
Solas turned at her voice. Michela covering her mouth and hiding quickly with lightning reflexes. However, when she reentered the bedroom and hid against the wall near the window. A very naked Dorian strutting around in front of her.
"Shit." She cursed. Then noticed her reflection in the mirror. Michela did not look like the noble she fell asleep as. She was a man, with a blonde beard and braided hair. The dreaded pirate Edward Jones with smokey eyes and weeks of sea grit stained into his tunic. "That's not so bad." Edward sighed. "Though extra concerning given the circumstance." He kept talking loudly. Dorian looked straight at him as Edward tried to eavesdrop out the window. "Keep looking elsewhere, I'm not here for you, sugar." Edward waved at Dorian and stuck his head out the door to look at Solas.
"A shame," Dorian replied and looked the man up and down. "I was going to ask what you are doing here. Did you want to tell me something?" Dorian asked.
"What!?... N-no!" Edward looked at Dorian. "No!, no no no! I'm not engaging you demon." Edward huffed.
"Demon? Me! You must be joking. You think a demon could ever possess my charm." Dorian asked and leaned against the wall next to Edward.
"Dorian, wouldn't be naked." Edward looked at the demon and cocked a brow. The demon smirked, as Edward looked out the window at the spy outside.
Rubeus was pacing slightly as Solas spoke. He looked upset.
"I can't continue like this… We can't continue like…" Rubeus huffed, flustered at the moment. A subtle blush on his cheeks as he tried to convey himself appropriately.
"You're right…" Solas replied simply. Though he approached the inquisitor regardless. The two of them are intimately close. Edward analyzed Solas, seeing past the veil and able to see the ghostly spirit within. It was beautiful, the spirit moved with delicate motion as Solas took Rubeus' hand in his own.
"The way you behave with me in the fade, verses here, in the physical world. I can't take these kinds of games. I'm already having trouble separating what is happening to me and what isn't. I don't need more confusion!" Rubeus laced fingers with the other elf and locked eyes with him. A pained, and exasperated look on the inquisitor's face.
"Things have always been easier for me in the fade, and I..." Solas spoke in a monotone, and the warden narrowed their eyes in suspicion. "Think we should stop this. I have been a distraction long enough." Solas said and dropped Rubeus's hand.
"What? What the hell am I seeing?" Edward snarled and turned to Dorian. Who was still staring at him with sultry eyes? "I think I should go." Edward tried to slip outside. To confront the spirit tormenting Rubeus in his sleep, but Dorian stopped them.
"My handsome prince, you aren't leaving me already are you?" Dorian said in an overly familiar tone.
"You are not Dorian," Edward said sternly. This did not stop the demons advances,
"Oh, but here I am." He said and took Edwards hand and placed it on his chest. "Go on, touch me." The demon winked and ran both his hands over Edward's flat chest. "Go on, tell me, this isn't what you want." Dorian purred as Edward's stepped closer. Dorian leaned over and kissed Edward's neck as their bodies collided. Edward buried his nose in his hair and taking a breath as the sweet perfume reminding him of the good times in Tevinter. The Altus's hand ran up his neck as he brushed a thumb over Edward's lips. "How long have you lusted after me, Zevran sure, he made you scream for the first time. But you loved me. On the playground under the tree where we played pretend. Married and in love for all to adore at parties." Dorian whispered as their lips nearly met.
"It was pretend!" Edward shoved the naked mage onto the bed as she stepped back. "We knew they would leave us alone if we pretended. I protected you!" Edward gasped as he was losing his cool and stormed out onto the balcony.
"It means I haven't forgotten the kiss," Solas affirmed. His hand coming up to brush a thumb across Rubeus's cheek to wipe away a stray tear. They got closer, about to kiss again. There was a beat, their lips lingered close to each other and Rubeus pulled away.
"I'm sorry, Solas. I can't," he apologized.
The memory was broken the moment Edward rushed Solas and grabbed his arm before he could escape. Magic binding the spirit to lock him into Edward's grip.
"Who are you?" The dream shifted, no longer seeing a pristine skyline during times of peace. Instead, it was filled with fire and smoke. A siege going on in the courtyard below.
"I am not Solas." The spirit replied, his admittance against his will as the spirit recognized the mage. "You are intruding on a private moment."
"You are intruding. These are not your memories." Edward countered.
"I can help him, help him forget," Solas replied as his voice contorted. The vocal inflexion was softer.
"Help me find Solas, so he can tell him why. You understand right?" Edward asked.
"He is far, far away. I can't" The spirit's form broke and now Edward addressed the ethereal white figure who was holding her hand.
"That's okay, show me," Edward asked.
"He has gone to where I cannot see anymore. A mirror that reflects the past and hides the path." The spirit grew sad and was staring at the space where Rubeus once was. "He's gone."
"Show me this mirror." Edward requested.
"No, bring him back to me." The spirit pulled away from Edward.
"Oh, there you are!" Dorian exclaimed, placing a hand on Edward's shoulder. "Come on now. There is someone you must meet." Dorian tried to guide Edward back into the room.
"Not now Dorian I am in the middle of something," Edward said calmly, taking their eyes off Solas for but a moment. When they turned back, the elf was gone. The dream had reset, and Dorian was dressed in his usual mage garb as Edward stood on the balcony holding a fresh drink.
"I'm surprised you can tolerate it," Dorian said and took a swig and made a sour face. "He brought it from the Dales, but frankly I feel like it was brewed in a bathtub." Dorian chuckled as Edward looked around. Everything seemed... Normal.
"Did you figure out how you wanted to do this?" Dorian asked.
"Do what?" Edward asked.
"Haha! playing hard to get I see. Well, I do love good teasing. Amatus! Where did you go?" Dorian called.
"I'll be out in a moment, Vhenan." Rubeus was nowhere to be seen but his muffled call could be heard from behind the door near the dresser. Edward stared out over the balcony, trying to remember what brought them there in the first place.
"What was I doing?" Edward blinked, while Dorian beckoned his attention again. Now wrapped in golden edged silk as he lingered by the door.
"You're very stubborn, sex you idiot. It was Rubeus' idea" Dorian said as Edward followed him.
"Really?" Edward asked curiously.
"He's a kinky man like me, here. Let me pour you another drink, you look like you need to… unwind," Dorian offered to wave his hand in the direction of the whisky.
"Yes, I... wait no, I've had too many... perhaps a small one." Edward smiled and walked into the shadow of the curtains. Edward went into the room and looked around. It was hazy, but the mirror was the only thing clear. Though it didn't belong. It had vines entwined into the frame mounting to the floor. It kept drawing the Warden's attention as Edward caught himself staring at his reflection. Dorian walked across the room and poured Edward a shot. Instantly taking the shot quickly as he looked away from the mirror. "Thank you."
The door opened and Rubeus stepped out. He was only wearing his leather slacks. They loosely fell to his hips barely staying on without a belt. Edward gawked at the shirtless inquisitor, he was drop-dead sexy with scars that dimpled his toned muscles. His valleslin tattoos spread across his back like wings, he paced the room and looked at Edward confused.
"You seem... familiar?" He asked.
"Ugh…" Edward paused, looking to Dorian who held a devilish smile. "Captain Edward Jones. Amatus! Finally here to change things up a bit." Dorian said and walked behind Edward and pushed him towards Rubeus.
"The pleasure is all mine." Edward words slipped off his tongue. It was a dream, right.
"Oh! We've been in contact for a few months!" Rubeus exclaimed, "thank you for coming all this way."
"Thank you for having me, I'm sure we will work together well," Edward said with a grin and raised his glass to Rubeus. Rubeus looked at Edward curiously and pursed his lips.
"Are you sure we haven't met in person before?" He asked. "Something about you is very familiar..." Rubeus scanned Edward up and down checking him out.
"Familiar?" Edward murmured as his mind went blank. The booze had flavour, it was not natural. It tasted of poison and ink and Edward put the cup down immediately.
"You are both behaving oddly." Dorian pointed out, "and wearing far too much clothing."
"Excuse me?" Edward asked.
"Threesomes are usually a pants-free foray," Dorian pointed out.
"Oh? I didn't realize that was happening right now." Edward chuckled with a smirk. Not understanding the invite at first. Until Dorian assisted Edward in removing his elaborate yellow naval jacket.
"I could never refuse the Dorian, but Rubeus are you sure?" Edward asked.
"Who's idea did you think this was?" Dorian said, quirking his eyebrow and smiling.
"Really?." Edward chuckled.
"Not going to lie, this whole setup was a surprise to me, though I am excited about it" Rubeus admitted and smiled at Edward. The pirates blue eyes capturing his attention. The elf suddenly felt thirst hit his tongue as his heart began to beat noticeably in his chest.
"You've been in such a solemn state lately, both of you, perhaps this is what we need to break the ice?" Domain explained.
"Well, I certainly can see how a passionate night of love can make the stress of the world melt away. Though I prefer my long nights with the ocean on the horizon." Edward suggested. The mere thought of the ocean waves brought the familiar sounds into the dream.
Rubeus took Edward's hand and brought it to his lips, gently kissing Edward's knuckles. "The choice is yours to join us, it is ok to say no," Rubeus said gently. Edward squeezing his hand in return.
"I would be delighted." Edward broke his hand free of Rubeus's grip and wrapped it behind his neck. Pulling the warrior up to his lips for a real kiss. Rubeus returned it without hesitation. His hand traced down Edward's back and rested at his tail bone while the other gripped the front of the pirate's shirt. The fade allowed it to happen, an overwhelming connection between them, fire burning their lips. Dorian watched with delight as he snaked a hand under their shirts and pulled them close.
"Wait, I must thank you. For inviting me in." Edward broke the kiss and turned his attention to Dorian. "Come here." Edward traced a finger under the mage's jawline and led him into a kiss as well. Dorian grinned biting his lip before moving down Edward's neck. Easily removing Edward's shirt now he was blissful participating.
"Mmmm- no, thank you," Dorian said as he bites Edward aggressively before tossing the shirt aside. Edward was enraptured in pleasure as Rubeus kiss him on the lips again. Dorian pulling the mage onto the bed as they all climbed on.
Rubeus knelt in the middle of the bed as the other two join him on the soft furs. Dorian Edward's hand and brought it up to touch Rubeus's stomach. The rogue leaving a few kisses on his own along up his red treasure trail before being lead away to sit on the bed between them. Rubeus saddled up behind the pirate and started to massage and kiss his bare shoulders. Edward now sandwiched between them blushing a deep shade of pink as Dorian straddled his lap. His fingers tracing the intricate chest tattoos Edward had which contoured his masculine features. as he squirmed Edward laid his head back into Rubeus's shoulder. Taking that as an invitation to make out with him, Rubeus captured his lips again stealing the attention away from Dorian.
"You are far sexier than I ever imagined covered in all this ink," Dorian commented, jealously pulling Edward away from Rubeus.
"Thank you, I designed these tattoos myself. Had to hire skilful hands to apply the ink. An antivan assassin who I worked with during the blight did my entire chest." Edward commented. Dorian's hands tickling his nipples. Rubeus looked down at his chest to get a better look at what they were talking about.
"That must have hurt. There are so many fine lines," Rubeus commented.
"Oh, they were very painful, not as bad as the joining. Or a fortnight in Kirkwall's jail." Edward said as he pinched Dorian's ass. To which Dorian responded with a small jump and a squeak. Rubeus smirked and wrapped his arms around Edward's waist, pulling the other man closer
"How many tattoos do you have?" Rubeus asked playfully, his fingers danced lightly down Edward's abdomen.
"Well, do you count by design or session? I've been told I have fantastic endurance for pain." When Edward turned his head to answer, Rubeus captured his lips in another kiss. Dorian sat back, enjoying the scene before him. The mage gripped Edward's thigh.
"Do you want to have or be had?" Dorian purred.
"I feel like you two are spoiling me, I don't want to hog all the attention." Edward purred back. It was difficult to think, how long had these harboured desires lingered. Dorian and Rubeus were two of the most gorgeous men Edward had even been between. Yet Dorian had been an object of desire for a lot longer. Yet in the moment of distraction, thinking about the tattoo's which span the ocean sea line across his chest. Whispered voices echoed on the waves, roaring louder as Dorian peeled away the pirates belt and opened his trousers. Suddenly Edward jerked against him.
"Wait…" Edward panted.
"Elissa..." A womanly voice called out from the void.
"Wynn..." Edward's eyes filled with tears at the woman's voice.
"You're in danger." The spirit's voice echoed louder.
"Not here… This isn't real." Edward said as his voice split. The feminine high note of their warning breaking the illusion. The demon sat on their lap, a monster with green oil-slicked skin which stretched into long tentacles which span the entire bed. Rubeus was shocked and hugged Edward tight to him at the sight.
"Dorian!" Rubeus shouted as the demon's tentacles wrapped around them both.
"How I've longed for you." the Lustful demon tried to kiss Edward again.
"Wake up," Edward said and closed his eyes before the demon could make contact.