It was there. I was right there. So close to freedom. I could have escaped. Gone home and see my people. Made sure that boy made it home safely, warn the others of what's happening out here. I could have, I should have, but I didn't. That man, he's become my friend. Featherless, he's shown me nothing but kindness since my being here. He's patient and friendly. The spirit boy, he helps and he understands. Even that horned man. He's scary at first, but he also understands. The Qun, I believe, was what the Patre had told me what they were. They are almost similar to us, they keep to themselves.

It was a blissful sensation feeling the sun on my body and the wind under my wings as I flew. I felt powerful and unstoppable, the cool gusts on my face and the chill up my spine as I dived only to swoop back up.

It was magnificent, but then I felt the tug of the cold hard chain on my ankle and I remembered, that I was not free. I was captured, caged and to be studied. I was a beast to these people. A beast to be tamed. My heart shattered at the thought and I felt doubt within me. Will I ever be free again? Will I ever go home? I doubt it.

For now, at least, this man proves to be trustworthy, but I will not be so quick to judge. He is not like other Elvan, he has something stronger than the blood faced or the bare faced.

When I had returned to the earth, the others cheered in giddy. I understand they must not be used to this, it felt odd to have an audience at times. They watch me with those eyes full of caution and fear. Some with disgust and confusion, but when the leader, the Inquisitor, looks at me, he's apathetic. He didn't seem to care much of what I was, whether I suffered or thrived. It was chilling. Featherless had told me to be wary of him and not to anger him. I would heed his warning.

It was after the display that I was returned to my prison, Featherless left leaving me with an audience to appease. I just perched in the single tree stretching out eagerly after the rush of flight adrenaline. Featherless returned when the sun began to set with a basket, he called me down and revealed those sweet treats. I greeted him happily in thanks before I eagerly dug into my delicate prize.

He left before I finished only taking the basket with him and promising to return tomorrow.

I didn't sleep that night. I kept staring up into the stars. Being so high in the mountains made them look brighter. The sky was clear and it was mostly silent during the night, save for a few humans keeping guard. The moon was full and at its peak. The Patre will host a feast tonight. Those are my favorite times back home, food and song and many stories are shared. The Patre had many stories.

I felt even more heartbroken. I was homesick and it hurt. I curled up into myself, shielding my body from the cold night. The blankets that Featherless had brought for me helped for the most part. I cried myself to sleep that night.

Featherless did not return the next morning, or the next one after that. Not even Cole, or the lip haired one. Some stranger would pass by and toss in a bucket of food into the cage, there was no greeting of any sort. I was lonely and scared. Where had falon gone? Why has he not come? Has he abandoned me? Betrayed. Left with no word. I tried calling out. His song that he would listen to, I sang out. What has happened? Was he in danger or worse? Did he anger the leader?

My song echoed throughout the walls of this fortress and it was the stout storyteller who came to me, not Featherless.

"Come on, birdy. What's got you so down? Your songs got the whole of Skyhold glum." He asked leaning into the bars of the cage.

I approached him slowly, before falling down to my knees by him.

He frowned and sighed softly, "I'm guessing you miss Chuckles?," I tilted my head, did he mean Featherless, "I'm sorry, Birdy, the Inquisitor dragged him, Sparkler and the kid out into the Exalted Plains. He didn't even have time to prepare. I don't think he'll be back for a while."

I stared wide eyed at the news. He was taken away by the leader. Maybe he did anger him. I stirred worriedly, and began to pace. Does he need help? Maybe I should escape and go find him. Exalted Plains, is that I think I know where that is. I've hear a few couriers talk about them. I ruffled up and looked to the dwarf. Leaning closer I tried my best to speak his tongue of Common.

"H-Help?" I stuttered unsure.

He stepped back in surprise, "Andraste's tits, you can speak? I thought Chuckles was mad for teaching you, but this? Wow!"

I gave a sad smile and reached out through the bars of the cage, "Help. Escape. Find. Chuckles," I tried to communicate.

Varric stared in awe before shaking his head, "I can't release you, Birdy. I'm sorry but I can't. I'm sure Chuckles won't take long, but just stay put until he returns. At least for his sake."

I whined and begged with a reaching hand. He finally put his hand and I gripped him firmly looking him in the eyes, "Please. Falon. Help."

I felt a gently squeeze on my hand before he let go with a sigh. He looked around cautiously before he leaned in closer, "I'll send out a letter to Chuckles. I can keep you too in contact for the time being until he returns. Will that do?"

I smiled and nodded thankfully. He nodded and smiled back, "You are a stranger one, Birdy."

I reached out for him one more, pulling him closer and I pressed my forehead to his through the cage bars, "Thank."

"No problem, Birdy, just don't freak the humans out with your talking. They'll definitely do more harm than good."

I nodded and let him go, watching him waddle off to wherever he goes.

For the next few days it's like that. Varric, I learn, comes to visit me during my meal times, helps me relay messages to Featherless and he sends them off. A few days later they return. He apologized for leaving unexpectedly, but is proud that I have made a friend and even more proud that I am practicing with the language. He hopes to return soon and has even found a gift for me. He had said that Dorian and Cole both are eager to return home as well.

I was very grateful of Varric for helping me throughout the weeks of Featherless's disappearance. I have made a new friend.