"They what?" Solas stuttered in his process of harnessing the harpy. Shooting a questioning glance to the Spymaster.
"They would like to borrow the harpy for studies. The Scholars ask to take it back to the University." The spymaster kept a stoic gaze as she watched the harpy.
Sensing the gaze on her, the harpy turned its sharp crimson eyes at the Inquisition spymaster. They had a small stare down as Solas processed what will be happening today.
"T-They can't just take her, can they? Is this what the Inquisitor ordered?" Solas asked a bit desperate feeling his own hands tighten on the harpy's shoulder.
"Precisely. It is also the wisest thing to do given that we don't exactly have the best resources to study the creature. This is an entirely new species, Solas. Therefore, the best towels are needed to understand what it is and why the Venatori wanted it." the spymaster admitted as she clasped her hands behind her back, "Nevertheless, have it ready for scholars in two hours. That should give you enough time to get it all cleaned up and ready."
"Of course, Spymaster, as you wish." Solas nodded watching as she left.
Once out of ear shot and out of site the harpy spoke up, "She is scary."
"Powerful and secretive, it is important to keep an eye on her, falon."
"But she is kind."
"Hm?"
"The messengers," she pointed up with a clawed finger to the tower of the rotunda at Spymaster's nest, "They sing of her. She takes care of them. They love her."
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't surprised." he admitted. He often sees her petting them and giving them treats. Sometimes they get excited and drop him 'gifts' too. Luckily Solas found the spot to set up his desk so no such 'gifts' dropped on him while he does his work.
Nonetheless, he had a matter at hand. The harpy fidgeted a bit in her new harness. She looked uncomfortable.
"Amec, borrowing me? What does she mean?" the harpy asked shrinking into herself out of worry.
Solas gently squeezed her shoulders once more, "We might be going on a trip, falon. I will ensure your safety, there is nothing to worry about." Solas's smiled was returned followed by the traditional headbutt.
Solas however, didn't know what to think of it. There was the idea of seeking knowledge about the Pulumin, something he approved of, but finally gaining this creature's trust. His friend. He is her amec. Someone she trusts. He can't break that trust. Solas's mind went back and forth between the pros and cons of studying a new intelligent race.
He would go in and out of his thoughts while preparing the harpy. A short shower by the Undercroft's waterfall. Much to Dagna's delight and Harrit's awe. Basking on the battlements and acquiring a new tunic that was modest yet bold enough for the people of Orlais, as per Madame de Fer's advice.
Honestly it felt like he was preparing a circus animal, he bad watching his friend fidget in her Inquisition emblemed tunic. She did however seemed to be enjoying all the treatment, hooting and chirping in delight from the brisk shower and warm sun bath.
An hour had passed and Solas lead the now clean and polished harpy into the main hall full of Inquisition benefactors, noblemen, merchants, and finally the Orlesian Scholars from the University of Orlais.
The main hall's usually chatty ambience was silenced as the Inquisitor called for attention and revealed the wonder that was supposedly founded by himself.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, the mythical harpy of legend!"
The harpy stuck behind Solas. Wings tucked and feathered crest slowly rising in alarm. Solas gave a gentle and discreet squeeze to her arm. Everything is going to be alright. Or so he hoped.
The main hall's occupants applauded and watched in awe. The masked scholars simply staring at the uneased harpy. The Inquisitor gestured towards the harpy, Solas obediently leading her to him. He handed over the chain to her harness and took a step back.
"A marvelous creature, this one. Its song is as beautiful as its colorful plumage. When my men found this poor creature at the hands of the Venatori they were quick to jump in! We saved it, nurtured it back to healthy and found that it was capable of things only mankind was capable of…"
The Inquisitor went on in his speech. Solas found this facade very tiresome and only half listened. Watching as the harpy obediently did as she was asked. Letting the scholars step closer to study her exterior physique and traits. Extend wing, reveal teeth, flex talons.
It was all just a show to them.
By the end of the day, Solas tended a tired and bored harpy. She was fast asleep once she was properly curled up in her makeshift nest. Cole arriving to part take in the sleepy cuddles just before she passed out.
Solas couldn't help the soft smile that spread his lips. Then his thoughts flooded back into his mind and he frowned. Such a creature can't be hurt. To be studied like some sort of beast, its undignified and it would possibly cause harm to her and eventually reveal her people to the rest of the world. Solas knew how humans deal with things they don't understand or things stronger than they are. They call it evil and they hunt it down.
"Solas the Inquisitor is calling- My!" Dorian interrupted himself. His voice coming to whisper in the end, "Isn't that just the sweetest." he gave a soft smile as Solas stepped out of the harpy's cage and joined him.
"She was exhausted. Passed out once she curled up," Solas mused gently, "What's this about the Inquisitor?" he asked after a moment.
Dorian's smile fell, "Summons to the war room. You know about his intentions to lend our dear feathered friend to the Orlesians."
Solas nodded as they began to make their way to the war room. The people of Skyhold slowly turning in for the night. The guards changing shifts, the merchants closing up for the night and the stables settling for the night. Solas listened to Dorian's quiet rant on why Orlesians shouldn't be trusted. He agreed for the most part.
A quick tap to the doors of the war room and Dorian clearing his throat and running his fingers over his mustache. Solas simply gave a slight shoulder chuckle in amusement.
"What? He's a brute, but he's a handsome brute." Dorian chuckled, but was silenced as the door was opened.
Arrangements were made that night. In two days, the harpy would be transported with an escort of three Inquisition soldiers along with the University Scholars. Two of the Inquisitor's inner circle will be joining. Madame Vivienne has a few matters to tend to in Val Royeuax and The Iron Bull and his Chargers have a mercenary tasks that must be taken care of as well.
Solas will remain here, in Skyhold, to continue his study of the Ocularum shards.
Dorian attempted to argue for his part to join the caravan, but was shot down because of his Tevinter heritage.
"The Venatori wanted the harpy in the first place. What would the people think if they saw you with it now?" The Inquisitor asked rhetorically.
Solas didn't attempt to argue. He knew he wouldn't win. He's the only healer in the Inquisitor's inner circle, he needed him. Despite the hostility towards each other. He was needed.
Dorian and Solas left the war room in defeated silence.
"She is more keen to you, Solas, what will she do?"
Solas kept his gaze forward, "She can take care of herself. The Iron Bull understands that she, above all else is a person. Not just a test subject."
He will have to speak to qunari of her habits and what not. He already felt the ache at his temple as he started to make a list for the qunari mercenary.