The Captain's stateroom was cluttered with so much treasure it was hard to move around. Statuettes covered in cloth, bookshelves stuffed with tombs and various weapons mounted on the wall behind her desk which was covered in letters stacked and sorted in various bins. The ladies chose to hang out in the balcony window, sitting on the ledge where a few plants were growing with flowers and massive leaves.
"Fade dreams aren't supposed to be enjoyable, but ever since the breach. I've heard this voice. At first, I thought he was speaking to me, but he wasn't. He was talking to a spirit, one that has followed me around since I was little." Michela said and noticed Cassandra's worried expression. "It's not like that, I've never spoken to this spirit. I don't talk to spirits, ever. They. I've been told by mages before that I'm easy."
"Has a spirit you summoned ever tried to take over you?" Cassandra asked calmly despite having nearly choked on her spit from that last comment she made.
"Of course, but If you ignore them it's no problem, but this guy. He does. He called the spirit 'nervous' and they talked about what made him scared." Michela said, biting her thumbnail.
"You heard this in your dream?" Cassandra asked.
"It didn't feel like a dream, I felt like I was sitting in a cafe in Orlais. This demon was just chatting up some guy. I couldn't move to see his face. I could only see the back of his bald head and elf ears." Michela said.
"They were talking about what they fear?" Cassandra asked.
"That's what's weird, the entire conversation revolves around his fears. Dying alone, have no connections to the world and losing everything because of a stupid miscalculation. Every mage's problems, you think you understand magic then boom. No, you don't, it blows up in your face and all of a sudden your beloved is a pile of charred bones on the ground." Michela stated and sighed.
"Why does this dream bother you the most, Michela?" Cassandra asked.
"Because he wasn't afraid. He expressed his darkest secret to the demon and it never turned. It remained a spirit for him, and she was beautiful. She laughed at his misfortune and cried for him during his tale. I can still hear his voice in my ear. How did he do it?" Michela wondered out the window.
"Do what?" Cassandra asked.
"Conquer his fear so well that even hostile spirits bowed to his elegance." Michela sighed and kissed her bird on the forehead while he snuggled up to her.
"This, elf. Did you catch his name?" Cassandra pried.
"I didn't, but the spirit called him…." Michela tried to remember the name before there was a knock at the door.
"Captain, I need a word with you!" Dorian called through the door.
"Don't leave me alone with him," Michela said softly.
"You can't ignore him forever, besides you already told me you couldn't stay mad at him
forever," Cassandra said and walked over to the door and opened it to the Captains dismay
"Cassandra, would you give us some privacy please?" Dorian asked.
"Of course, perhaps we will speak more later. Captain." Cassandra saluted her respect as Michela narrowed her eyes.
"Traitor." Michela joked as Cassandra laughed and walked away and closed the door.
"If you care about how the elves are treated in Tevinter you wouldn't ask Rubeus to be your distraction while you snuff out your father," Dorian said.
"Let's just jump into it then okay." Michela sighed. "I am not disagreeing with the idea that the magisterium would be better without him there. Magister Tilani tells me many things about what he's been up to." Dorian voiced.
"He's not the only one sacrificing hundreds of elves for power. He just did it for gold." Michela snarked. "I tried to show you."
"What I am saying is you don't need to put the inquisitor in a position where he has a black mark with your family and in Tevinter. I already have both. If you need an accomplice for this I will help you." Dorian elaborated.
"Excuse me? The inquisitor suggested I let Emilio be dragged to court." Michela said and noticed the serious expression on his face.
"Because he understands the repercussions if he just let you kill him while they were meeting. But if I were to meet with him after to discuss my return to Quranis in the coming month that is another story."
"You would go behind his back? Rubeus trusts you with everything." Michela stated, with a sour gaze.
"I would discuss it with Rubeus beforehand. He will know what's going on, just not be directly involved. Maker forbids, both of us to get axed in this. I'd rather he know what I'm up to. " Dorian continued.
"Why should I trust you then?" Michela asked.
"Because I want to see Tevinter change and become a place we can be proud of," Dorian answered sincerely.
"You lied to me," Michela said firmly
"I've lied to a lot of people. You have to!" Dorian protested.
"More than you know," Michela said.
"I lied to keep myself safe. Don't act like you've not done the same," Dorian accused.
"You see, my problem is all you think about all of tevinter now. Yet you never thought of me, I am one of your people. What? Do you think I am more guilty than your sweet friends you're trying to save? Maevaris for example?" Michela questioned.
"I admit I should have listened to you sooner, but I am offering to help you now." Dorian admitted, "And leave Mae out of this. She has been doing the best she can and can't enforce a slavery reform in her position."
"Oh, how many slaves has she ordered about to fetch her clean water to drink, while not providing them with the same? How many mothers could she hear who screamed in agony while their sons were dragged from their beds for sacrifices to fight the qunari? You're all guilty." Michela placed the bird down on the porch after their evening snuffles and swiftly appeared behind Dorian in a puff of shadows.
"Because I haven't been reminded of that at a near-constant. I am already planning to return and try to fix things. What more do you want from me?" Dorian asked
"I want you off my ship," Michela said darkly.
"I would say I'm shocked but I'm used to people disliking me." Dorian retorted.
"No, I don't just dislike you. I loathe you entirely. If you barge into my war room again. I'll slit your throat. Talk about me behind my back, I'll slit your throat. The only reason I don't do so now. Is because you're the inquisitor's pet." Michela spat. It was as if she would say anything to hurt him.
"Even if that were the case, at least I know I'm loved by someone. If you want to discuss further plans you can talk with me when we get to Skyhold." Dorian responded and opened the door. "I will try my best to stay out of your way the rest of the trip." He left the room without another word. The door clicked behind him leaving Michela alone with the birds.
Michela threw something at the door which caused a loud smash, and the hinges froze.
"You have no idea how to talk to her." Fritigern appeared from the shadows. "And you shouldn't assume no one loves her." He said and approached Dorian, but didn't stop. He passed the mage and opened the war room door with a shoulder slam.
"Hey, you need a buddy?" Fritigern asked and closed the door.
"He thinks he can just do whatever he wants." Michela's high pierced shrill pierced the door. After that, it was hard to make sense of the hushed mumbles.
"Why are you so worked up over him, he's a slut." Fritigern said and sat down on the table.
"Because…" Michela paused. "I don't want to talk about it."
"You're acting pretty crazy you know," Fritigern said.
"I am painstakingly aware as everyone keeps pointing out." Michela paced the room.
"Why?"
"Why? Why do I have to explain why I hate someone?" Michela asked aggressively.
"Well, I guess because they need a reason to believe he's a great guy?" Fritigern asked.
"That doesn't change what he did! Why do I have to explain it? I was victimized by the imperium! My father…" Michela's lips almost sealed up in the middle of her heated rant.
"I know I know, he took control of your mind and cursed you from telling the truth about it. But, I can talk about it." Fritigern waved her off absently staring at the birds.
"Yes and I can talk about your curse, but there is so much more to it than that!" Michela shrieked.
"I know, but I've heard it before. I was there, remember?" Fritigern said and stood up to walk over to the birdcage.
"I remember. Thank you." Michela said sheepishly.
"Hey, we helped each other, and I told you I would say something if you were going to get yourself in trouble again," Fritigern said as Michela nodded. "You gotta let it go."
"Let it go?" Michela huffed.
"Yes, Dorian saved the world from corypheus, that doesn't mean he's a perfect representation of redemption for your people. Help them and show them you're not the bad guy." Fritigern said.
"I'll always be the bad guy," Michela said and sighed watching as Fritigern circled the room to approach her. They shared a silent look before she turned her back on him. "I have to get back to the wheelhouse." The Captain said and left the war room.
Fritigern left in the war room with concern across his face. The Macaw squawked for his attention and he blinked looking at it.
"I don't have any treats, Archer," Fritigern said as the bird lowered its head sadly.
The moon finally crested the ocean as stars began to fill the sky. The sunset on the water glittering in yellows and pinks as the ship came upon the harbour. Along with the coast, lanterns lined the coast light by the villagers. The soft buzzing of life along the quiet channel as the families sat down to dinner. A few children on the patios pointing to the Great Warship were floated through. Captain Michela, at the wheel alone as the night shift, relieved the crew.
Rubeus finally left med bay, feeling much better and joined the crew on deck to help with any cleaning or lifting. Trying to make up for the time he wasted while injured.
"Dinners up!" A lively dwarf with violet hair bounced across the desk. She was handing out bread rolls from a basket as two gentlemen followed her with soup. Lanterns were set up and those finished for the day sat around the centre of the deck to talk. A keg of ale was brought up from below by Fritigern who tapped it. The first to pour himself and pint and sit down next to a lanky man strumming a lute. Rather poorly too.
"Aye, Fritigern. Mind if I join you?" Rubeus asked. A bowl of soup in his hand.
"How can I say no? Pop a squat skull kid," Fritigern said with a grin. Rubeus took a seat with Fritigern and the man with the lute.
"I guess that's my new name now, isn't it?" Rubeus said with a chuckle.
"Aye, to be fair, not many people skull bash a whale let alone a dragon whale and live to tell the tale. You're all everyone is talking about tonight."
"I gladly accept talk of skull bashing a whale over talk of being a herald any day!" Rubeus conceded, embracing the new nickname.
"That and the drama between lovers. I hear you and Dorian are quite the couple." Fritigern gossiped.
"I'm surprised that it made the rounds of gossip so quickly. I didn't think we were being that obvious." Rubeus admitted, "I don't see how it's drama though. Well besides the obvious."
"Oh no! A mage from Tevinter and a Dalish elf! How scandalous!" Rubeus said doing his best to mimic Mother Giselle.
"That's not the gossip on the ship, but who am I to spill secrets," Fritigern said and took a swig from his mug. Rubeus shrugged.
"As long as it doesn't get me or him killed then it is none of my business." He said and had some of his soup.
"What's Cassandra's story? She's gorgeous. A woman like that must have a line of grovelling Nobels bidding for her affection." Fritigern asked.
Rubeus raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking about the same person? Seeker Cassandra tends to be pretty private. Most people leave her alone."
"What!? They must be high off cactus juice. What does she like?" Fritigern asked.
"Romance novels, poetry…" Rubeus stopped to think. "You know. I'm probably better at telling you what she doesn't like." He laughed.
"Romance novels? Hmm. I think Michela has some in her room." Fritigern said and rubbed his chin scratching at the stubble trying to grow. "Perhaps she wants a man who makes her feel like she's in a novel," Fritigern said and spotted Cassandra sitting with the ladies for dinner.
"She's a romantic at heart so I'd say you're probably right," Rubeus remarked.
"Be honest, how much of a chance do you think I have?" Fritigern asked curiously. Rubeus took a long serious look at Fritigern and evaluated.
"I've never actually talked to Cassandra about her preferences in men." Rubeus expressed, "but you probably stand a better chance than most because you'd try."
"We're going to be friends, I know it," Fritigern said and demolished his food and ale and stood up. "Come on, Captains enjoying her dinner. Let's go." Fritigern whispered and waved Rubeus to follow. Rubeus left his bowl on the table, got up and followed Fritigern.
"Where are we going exactly?" Rubeus questioned.
"To get inspired!" Fritigern proudly bantered, and holler from the crew in response. That cheer turned into a song that broke out among the crew.
Fritigern led Rubeus to the stern of the ship and up to the captain's deck. His keys get them past all the locks and take the most direct route from the main deck.
"Oh ya, you can get around fast with keys here," Fritigern said and led the inquisitor to the captain's quarters. The magnificent enchanted lock glimmering in the dim light.
.
"So, Between you and me. Keep this a secret." Fritigern said and knelt at the lock. Then shimmered over to the hinge of the door. He cracked open the door by unbolting the hinges and opening it up without disturbing the ward.
"The Captain made a point of saying not to enter without her permission and I think I've pissed her off enough for one day," Rubeus said warily.
"The easy way is getting out. Hurry, I gotta put it back together." Fritigern said from inside. Rubeus sighed and followed Fritigern into the captain's quarters.
"I hope you can explain our way out of this one if we are caught," Rubeus expressed.
"Even if we do, just follow my lead. Give her a shoulder massage and an ear and she will talk it off. Don't worry about it." Fritigern said and put the door back together.
"I'm going to trust you on this," Rubeus replied with a foreboding tone.
The room was lined with rare artefacts from around the globe. A statue in the centre reminiscent of the maker, but looked like the Captain. Rubeus looked around curiously while staying on the heels of Fritigern.
"There is a bookshelf over here, let's find something Cassandra would read," Fritigern said and led Rubeus across the room.
"She has a pretty big collection of books at her disposal back in Skyhold. This is going to be a harder task than you think." Rubeus remarked.
"Michela doesn't just collect all the books," Fritigern said.
Every trinket, a curious question. Why were some in locked boxes while others in the glass? What did the art places on a shelf rocking around with the waves cost? It was getting harder and harder for Rubeus to resist breaking off from Fritigern and investigate the room. However, a memory of his frozen toes and Michela's glare in the med bay was just enough to keep him cautious and on task. The bookshelf was small, but every book was ancient or protected. Old tombs with new threads binding the cover.
"Michela has spent a long time repairing these tombs, so be careful with the pages," Fritigern said and started browsing the books. Rubeus's eye lit up as he carefully looked over the titles on the spines. He recognized many of them but some of them looked completely foreign. Rare one of kind tomes that had never been reprinted. Writings in ancient Elvhan, others in old Tevinter script. Rubeus set aside his curiosity and focused on the task at hand.
"The Seeker has read these," Rubeus spoke and pointed to four different books. Two of which were written by Varric. Rubeus pointed to another book. "I've read this one, but I don't think Cassandra has. It's not bad."
"Oh let me see." Fritigern popped up next to him suddenly and snagged the book. Opening it to the middle and reading. A book was written by a Tervene author about a Soporati woman engaged in a tryst with a member of the magisterium. The page was quite explicit. Rubeus looked over Fritigern's shoulder and snickered.
"Oh read your own. I know the rarest novel is in the centre of the shelf." Fritigern said and walked off to sit on the Captain's bed. A lavish mattress suspended on chairs swinging in the sway of the ship. It was draped in crimson red and gold velvet. Once Fritigern got comfy, a small black cat jumped on the bed and meowed. Rubeus jumped, startled and stared at the cat.
"Oh, that's just Shadow," Fritigern said still reading, but now petting the cat.
"Sorry, I'm just worried about the Captain finding us," Rubeus admitted.
"Oh, she won't be back till the suns down." Fritigern looked rather comfy. Rubeus calmed down and reached for the book Fritigern mentioned.
The book on the centre shelf was unlabelled, one of the nicest books ever crafted. A tomb with a crimson cover with a mermaid stamped on the front. Rubeus sat on the floor and opened the book with excitement.
The first page was a drawing, a pencil sketch of a lady bathing. She was a plump figure with soft rolls shaded with droplets of water. The river running over her skin as she floated under the sun. Upon closer inspection, it felt creepy. The lifeless eyes of the figure were unnerving but realistic. He flipped to the next page where there was a paragraph written on the back.
"Corpse found Harvestmere 2nd.
Dead 14 days, drowned with defensive wounds
Elvhan woman Unknown with noble Signet Ring
No family or loved ones ever found.
Body buried on the south cliff side of the Golden Reef.
Look for a rock shaped like a heart."
Rubeus' expression faded from a curiosity into concern as he took note of what he read and quickly put the book back to look for something else.