Solas had noticed a change in the harpy's behavior. Recently, when they met in her oasis she would be eager to teach him, grateful as he was of her trust in him, he found this peculiar. The harpy had begun to sound like a village elder herself when she spoke her teachings.
He made sure he noted this change in his studies of her. She seemed more assured of herself in the way she carries herself, and how she handles her combat training. She has gotten a better grasp of the common language and even shares her own tales with Varric, to which the rogue quickly puts said tales to paper.
Even the Iron Bull was quick to notice the renewed vigor in her red eyes when they next traveled to the Western Approach. The Inquisitor had several operations in the desert, he wanted to see how well the harpy could hold up against different beasts in the wild, taking the Iron Bull, Sera, and Vivienne with him.
"Imagine it Bull! One of those quillbacks against my prized harpy. Those buggards won't stand a chance." He exclaimed as they set up a new camp site. The Bull let out an indifferent grunt as he looked at the caged harpy. The day was mostly uneventful. They dealt with some hyenas and a few raiders, much to the Inquisitor's and partially Bull's disappointment they hadn't been able to gather the bait for the high dragon.
"I bet! She's been fightin' real these last few days. Think she can prolly handle those armoured lookin things! Wot you call'em." Sera chimed.
"You're talking about those wretched varghests. Not too difficult to kill, if you know how, darling." Vivienne answered dusting herself off of whatever sand gusted by.
"Piss off, I know how to off 'em, Vivvy." Sera teased.
As they were helping out with the camp, a scout approached the Inquisitor, "This might interest you, sir." He followed the scout to a large chest and his eyes seemed to light up.
"Is that what I think it is?" He didn't wait for an answer as he opened up the chest, chuckling excitedly pulling out his prize.
The Iron Bull raised a brow watching him, "What do you got for us, Boss?"
"Not for you," he grumbled as he turned to show three long serrated blades, arching slightly almost like claws meeting on one end with a leather strap, "This right here was a special request made by none other than our Master Harritt!"
Sera also perked up, following after Iron Bull who followed the human warrior to the harpy's cage, "This will make sure that," he opened up the leather and whistled to get the harpy's attention, "you are able to kill with one strike."
Bull could see the harpy hesitate when it saw the bladed claws, eyes wide and alert, but when the Inquisitor began to get frustrated she stepped closer. "Here boss, let me," Bull offered.
The Inquisitor rolled his eyes, recalling Solas's request for Bull to handle the harpy, and handed him the new weapon leaving to rummage more through the chest. Once he was out of ear shot Bull gently whispered, "Will you let me, Pretty bird?" He gave a slight smile.
The harpy at least relaxed with him and cautiously moved closer. Bull's large yet nimble fingers were able to strap on the leather and buckles on the harpy's right leg. The three blades aligning with each of her front talons. He had to admit it looked pretty badass. He watched as the harpy retracted her leg and tried to carefully step on it.
Red eyes widen, teeth bared, and feathers ruffled in ire. She let out a distressed squawk as she stumbled for balance within the confined space of her cage. Bull stepped back watching her struggle only a second before he jumped to open the cage. The rustling of the cage and commotion from the harpy got everyone's attention from the camp. Sera hurrying to help Bull.
"What the bloody hell is going on here, Bull?" The Inquisitor shouted marching over as the cage to the door flung open. The harpy wasted no time to lunge out the cage and up into the sky. The three of them watched as she flew around yanking at the straps of her newly bladed claw.
"Shite, wots gotten into the bird?" Sera watched with squinting eyes, her hand blocking the sun from her view.
"That new weapon must have freaked her out, she's probably not used to wearing something like that boss. She'll need to train with it." Bull suggested. Watching her flailing reminded him of the saarebas, when they're first restrained. He's seen their initial fear in their eyes, just like the harpy's. Something within the Iron Bull tugged, but he was snapped out of his own memories by the sharp whistle next to him.
The harpy stopped mid thrashing and spotted the Inquisitor. After two more whistles in quick succession the harpy began to dive back done, landing on one foot. The Inquisitor scowled noticing this, "Fucking thing. Can't even stand right with it on," he gestured for a scout to hand over the harness, the harpy watching with intense red eyes, struggling to settle its bladed foot down. Bull tried to calm her with soft whoas and reassurances, but the Inquisitor pulled the harpy away by the harness, "I paid a good amount of coin for this shite." He grumbled pulling her back towards the cage. "Take it off, Bull. We'll start training tomorrow, but I want it to be capable of killing more varghests now."
He handed Bull the lead before grumbling off to speak with a scout. Once out of ear shot Bull turned to the harpy, "I'm sorry, Bird, I'll take it off." The harpy calmly lifted its leg, allowing him to unbuckle the straps before returning to the cage.
"Do your kind not use weapons in battle?" Bulled asked, curious to know more of her people. The harpy stared for a moment, looking at the now removed serrated claws.
"Not many reasons to weild, but some do." Finally able to stand on both feet, the harpy relaxed, ruffling feathers and following the Bull back to the cage.
"Might be wise to learn to defend yourself. Who knows what else the boss might have you face in battle," He removed the harness once the harpy entered the cage and stopped looking at her for a moment. The harpy tilted her head confused.
After silent pondering he smiled, "It would be cool to see you in full armor someday. Though, I don't know how you'll be able to fly with full heavy armor."
The harpy gave a toothy grin, "Strong enough to carry man. Strong enough to carry armor." She flexed her wings a bit to show off. The Iron Bull chuckled before walking off.
They never did get to finding bait for the high dragon, much to the harpy's relief. She had recognized the calls in the distance. The dragon had a small tribe bonded to it. Their shrill caws and shrieking blended in with the sounds of the harsh winds of the desert. The Scavenger Clan of the Western Approach was small in numbers but they are one of the strongest of the Pulumin race, and as far as the harpy recalls from the Patre's teachings they will protect their own by any means necessary.