CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
"You're going to the Arbor Wilds," Fennec said. She started jumping on the Inquisitor's bed. Solas shooed her off.
Myra rolled her eyes. "You need to stop eavesdropping," she said. "Cullen will be gone. I want you to behave while we're both gone."
"I can take care of myself," Fennec pouted.
"I know you can, darling," Myra kissed her head. She finished packing her bag. "Remember to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner when they're served in the kitchens. Play nice with the other children. Do your homework. There's some coin in the drawer of my desk," Myra looked the child in the eye, "only for emergencies."
Fennec groaned. "I know, I know."
"I'll be back by Wintermarch." Myra kissed her head.
"Ready?" Solas asked.
"Yes," Myra said.
She gathered Cassandra, Cole, and Solas and left for the Wilds.
When they reached the Wilds, the smell of smoke greeted them. Fires ravaged the jungle, set by Inquisition scouts to slow down the Red Templars progress.
"If the soldiers aren't careful with their fires, they will do Corypheus's work for him," Solas drawled as they approached.
They carved their way through the Wilds.
"Your thoughts are the endless twisting roads you've wandered," Cole said. "Yet you fear. Her heart welcomes you. She'll understand."
"This road has grown unfamiliar to me," Solas replied. "Yet she breathes the forest. She leads me through the brambles."
"Then why wander alone?" Cole asked. "I want you to be happy."
"I do too," Myra said.
"Ar lath ma, vhenan."
"I love you more," Myra said.
"His voice sparks a fire, his touch fans the flame. It feels so warm," Cole said, looking at Myra.
"That is love."
"Will you tell him?"
For a moment, Myra was unsure who he was referring to. "He knows." They both did.
"Your body is too small," Cole said.
"Why's that?" Myra said.
"Your heart spills out."
"I need a bigger body."
"Yes."
Cassandra grumbled. "I never know what you speak of."
"That is because Cole only speaks to one person at a time. When he speaks to someone, it is for their ears alone," Myra said.
"But how do you understand what he's saying?"
"You listen with your heart."
Cassandra gave an exasperated sigh.
They passed Cullen as they made their way to the Temple. He ushered them onward.
"You worry," Cole said.
"Who?" Cassandra asked.
"Myra."
"I worry every day," Myra said.
"It claws at your stomach and tears into your heart."
"Have you ever worried?" Myra asked.
"Yes."
"Then you know."
"Hamin, da'len," Solas said. "All will be well."
"I'll make it so."
They entered the Temple and began to fulfill the rituals.
"When will you show him?" Cole asked as Myra pondered one of the rituals.
"You'll have to be more specific," Myra said.
"It's not your fault your heart's too big," Cole said.
"So he tells me," Myra said.
"He would hurt," Cole said.
"I couldn't, so I don't," Myra said.
"He thinks the same thing."