It's been so long since he's been able to get a decent enough sleep. He's managed small power naps to get him through his work, but since the Inquisitor was out on missions in Crestwood, Solas didn't have to worry about him breathing down his neck like he does. He decided to sleep in today, making sure to remind Cole to check on the harpy while he rested. That should give him enough time check on his friends in the Fade.
He was greeted by his spirit friends who were all eager to report on the new arrival.
Many spoke of the harpy's behavior towards him, others commented on her appearance. He asked them what they knew of harpies, but they seemed to have quieted down after that. No true answers given. Only vague ones. Solas hadn't been close to these spirits as he was with Wisdom, it still hurts to remember the loss. Nonetheless, he managed to sleep enough to travel in the Fade and gain some of his much needed energy.
Solas was about just ready to wake up for the day when he heard a melodic song. It wasn't out in the waking world, it echoed within the Fade. The spirits have long gone and he found himself and luscious forested area. He could feel the sun's rays still managing to shine through the thick canopy of the trees. A symphony of .mother nature's sounds and above it all was the melodic song of the harpy he recognizes.
His curiosity got the best of him and he followed. To find the harpy in the Fade dreaming could mean numerous things, but the fact that she could dream means she could communicate with him in the Fade.
He followed the beautiful song, trying to find the source in the heavy jungle she seems to have created. Is this where she initially lived? It appeared he was in the Emerald Graves, towering thick trees and beautiful flora everywhere, but it didn't look how it did now. It reminded him of how it was centuries ago. How could the harpy know what it was like in those times.
Pushing through one more layer of greenery, he stopped, spotting the source of the song.
The Harpy standing under a waterfall, wings spread aloof in the water. She seemed to be at peace, relaxing and bathing freely in the wilderness. She kept singing until she stepped out of the waterfall, fanning out her wings and ruffling her plumage to get rid of any excess droplets.
It was a marvelous site to see her in her own place like this, not locked in a cage like she was now. Solas remembered what Cole had said, song of the caged bird. That was her song a few weeks back, melancholy and solemn. This song here in the Fade was much more happy, and free. The free bird's song.
"Featherless?"
Solas jolted out of his revier. He had been staring at her, too deep in thought to notice he had been spotted. Featherless?
"A-Ah, falon?" He stuttered unsure if he had heard her right. He stepped out into the clearing letting her see it was him indeed.
She perked and stepped out of the water to him. Solas watched her curiously to see if she would speak again.
Pressing her forehead to his she chirped softly, "Featherless."
His eyes widen, "I am Featherless?"
She nodded and reached up a gentle clawed hand patting his bare scalp, "No feathers."
He understood now and chuckled gently and nodded, "Is that what you call me in your thoughts, falon?"
She gave a toothy grin and nodded, "falon."
"It means friend," He explained.
"Understood."
"You understand me, here? In the Fade I mean?"
"This is," she looked around with a nostalgic gaze, "spirit world. Cole is spirit."
"So, you have noticed."
"He is falon."
"He would be happy to hear that. May I ask your name?"
She stilled and gazed into his eyes intensely with her vibrant red ones, "No."
He was a bit surprised at the answer but was even more curious, "May I ask why not? Do you not have one?"
"Sacred. Name is given to worthy."
Given to worthy? Was she not worth of a name, or were their names revealed only to those who are worthy. Either way it sounds like some kind of custom or tradition. So there must be others of her kind as well, "Falon, what do you mean worthy?"
She guided him gently to a large tree root to sit, but in her case she perched.
"My people solitary. Only reveal selves to those we trust and those worthy."
Solas nodded understanding, he has heard of stranger customs, many in the Qun, they would put a lot of sentiment in their weapons, to the harpy it is their name. Which beg the questions. We've only every known these creatures as Harpies in fantastical tales, "Falon what are you?"
"You call me Harpy. My people," she looked down to the ground and with a long talon she drew into the dirt, "Pulumin. Feathered beings."
Solas's eyes widen in recognition. It was the symbol he had found inked into the back pages of his journal.