"I want to see it fly." the Inquisitor demanded.
Solas was in the middle of writing when the Inquisitor barged into his rotunda with the demand. His script ending in a startled squiggle. His time away was a short blessing. The man was fast and efficient when it comes to getting missions done and he was back within a few weeks.
"See what fly?"
"That thing! The harpy! I want to see it fly. All it does is sit there." The Inquisitor complained as he leaned over his desk, fiddling with miscellaneous objects on his desk.
Solas sighed softly and looked up at him, resting his chin on his palm, "Well, Inquisitor, in order for the harpy to fly, the harpy has to be free. Out of the cage to be precise."
"So, take it out." he shrugged.
"Free? Out in Skyhold."
"Ah," The Inquisitor stood as he realized what Solas was hinting, "It could fly away." He hummed in thought before coming to a solution, "Just shoot it down with arrows if it tries to fly away, that'll be easy."
Solas felt a spark of anger within himself and shot up from his chair, "You want to kill a creature simply because you want to see it fly? Inquisitor-" he stopped himself taking a deep breath, "Inquisitor, I do not think the people would appreciate their leader being so rash on a newly discovered species."
The Inquisitor groaned and rolled his eyes, "It's a stupid animal, Solas. We can probably find another one if we just go hunting."
"Inquisitor, it is not just some stupid animal, she is intelligent and can understand the elven language-"
"So it's an elf?"
"No, she is not an elf. But she knows elven. I've been teaching her Common and she is slowly understanding. Making progress shows intelligence and she knows what simple things are! The other day whilst taking notes on her plumage, Sera came to visit and the moment she had mentioned food, the harpy was-"
"Solas." He interrupted with his loud voice, "It is just an animal. Why are you getting so worked up over it?"
Solas's blood was practically boiling within him and he was close to exploding, but he couldn't. Not at him. Not now. He hasn't gained enough of his power to leave the Inquisition yet. He sat back down in his chair and before he could speak Dorian's voice piped up from the library.
"Ah! Inquisitor, is that you? I have something I would like to talk to you about! Can you please come up here when you can?"
"I'll be there." He called out not turning to look at him. He kept his gaze hard on Solas who avoided the eye contact, "Figure it out, Solas. But I want to see that thing in action."
"Yes, Inquisitor."
He left to go up the stairs, Solas glancing up to give Dorian and nod of thanks. With a two-fingered salute in response, he grabbed his journal and left the rotunda to get the harpy.
He trusts her enough to know she won't go anywhere, but he had to at least pretend there was some slight precaution when handling her. At least for the Inquisitor's sake.
Solas was having breakfast with the harpy at the same time he thought of a plan to let her fly without letting her go completely free. He hummed in thought as he watched her pick at a bowl of fruit he had brought her. She chirped happily, her tail feathers swayed from side to side in her delight.
"Falon."
She looked up mid-chew. Solas couldn't help the small amused smile.
"Would you like to go flying today?"
Her eyes widen at his words and she grinned her sharp lethal teeth showing a delighted friendly smile. The crest of feathers on her hair rose and she eagerly spread her wings whistling excitedly.
Solas chuckled and placed a calming hand on her shoulder, "Not right now, falon, but later. The Inquisitor wants to see you fly." He frowned before he could continue. She seemed to have noticed his sadness and gently pressed into his side for comfort. He smiled a bit, "I cannot let you entirely free. I have to ensure, for the Inquisitor's sake and the people, that you are kept...under control."
Her expression changed feathery crest falling flat and she backed away from him slowly.
"Under control, like beast. Am I beast to you? Frightened, alone, cold. Then friend, falon, comfort and warmth. Now betrayal." Cole appeared next to her, wrapping his arms around her to give her the comfort she needed.
Solas felt guilt within him as she looked away from him, "Falon, I do not see you as a beast. I see you as a person."
"She wants to be free," Cole mumbled.
"I...I cannot do that, yet, falon." Solas stuttered out.
She let out a soft whimper and pressed into Cole, hiding her face from Solas as he tried reaching for her.
"Do not touch this beast." Cole spoke softly for her, "But you are not a beast, you are beautiful! Majestic and strong! Wings that can lift you to mountains and songs that help calm the people. You are a beauty." Cole hugged her trying to make her happy again.
Solas frowned and stood up, leaving the harpy to be held by the spirit. He still needed to figure out how to let her fly without the Inquisitor hurting her.
"Solas, mind helping a little with this hay bale?" Blackwall called out before he passed the barn.
Solas nodded and stepped to him holding onto a thick rope. They both pulled down hard bringing the tied hay bale up onto the second floor of the barn.
"Thank you. I lost my grip on the second pull and almost lost it."
"Not a problem," Solas looked at the rope in his hand as a plan began to stir in his head, "and thank you."
Blackwall raised a brow, "What for?"
"Giving me an idea." the elf answered as he began to march off hurriedly to find the Inquisitor.
"Well, you're welcome then."