Chapter 2: It is finally time she prepared herself for war.
Tabitha Trevelyan moved from one tower to the next until she reached the one she desired. Once on the wall, she could never figure out which tower was which. She had to go from the same way every time. She opened the wood door, face exhausted and bored. She was not expecting it to be the right tower. She looked up from the floor to see the two generals standing at attention as they were being reprimanded by the commander. They were caught in mid discussion as they watched her, both parties taken off guard.
She sputtered and then Cullen started sputtering and they both looked like fools. She instantly stood tall and yelled, "Carry on!" She stepped to the other door and turned before she left, "I just wanted to remind you that we are taking in another band of bandits for training. I suggest you take them to the Western Wastes first. They seem particularly resistant to orders. I will tag along since I have many quests in that region." Before the generals and Commander could protest her decision, she hurried down the path to the main keep.
She slowed her pace as she entered the library. Solas was asleep in his chair, Elvish scripts lying open on his desk. She did her best to avoid him, not desiring another lesson on the fade. She feigned ignorance, but she had learned about the fade years ago when she met a compassion spirit. The poor thing was shackled and tortured until she turned into a desire demon that later possessed a cat. She had to break contact with the spirit, even though they had become friends in dreams. She bumped the wall while lost in thought. Glancing at the elf, she sighed with relief that he did not wake.
She made it one floor before catching the eye of the mage. He moved with pent up speed, "Inquisitor! I have not seen you visit for a while."
She leaned against the railing, "That is because you never had much to say. You seemed distracted after defeating Corypheus."
He placed his hand on his elbow as he walked, "I have been busy with thoughts of my return. I would prefer to stay, but you will not have me."
She smiled, sadly, "I want you to stay as well, but you are needed there. If anything were to happen, you will always have a place with me. But in the meantime, do try to visit."
He nodded, "Do try to avoid the fade without me."
She laughed, back peddling to the next set of stairs, "I will do my best, but no promises." She turned and passed the few people still working on research. Once she went up the stairs, she was greeted with a cold shoulder.
She immediately went on the defensive as she crossed her arms and waited for the verbal attack. It never came. She sighed, but did not unfold her arms. "Leliana," she tried, "Are you going to continue to ignore me? You have to talk to me about more than just work. I am still your friend."
She turned fast to glare at her, "The Warden was my friend. Montilyet is my friend. Even Varric is my friend. But you? Don't make me laugh. I do not keep betrayers close to me."
This made Tabitha laugh, "So says the spy master, a former bard and religious fanatic. You still are a fanatic and a damn good spy master. I hope you use all your assets to get over this tantrum fast, because I miss the girl who was quick witted and supportive. The one who understood my actions better than I ever did. I miss my friend."
She turned her back to her, "You should have thought about that before you decided to test that friendship. I have no news to report at this time." With that, she went about her work again. It looked more like she was just pushing papers around on her desk, but Tabitha was not going to point that out. She will leave Leliana for now. Every decision she made, whether helping the mages or the Grey Wardens or supporting Cassandra for Divine, has been ridiculed and criticized. She apparently had the skill to alienate people. But she knew what she did was right and she learned that there will be no pleasure in her current stature.
She turned at the top of the stairs and began to descend as she rubbed her neck. She considered running away, but knew Cullen would never come with her. The thought of losing him was unbearable. He had etched his way into her soul.
When she reached the second floor, Dorian watched her every step. She watched him in return, curious yet defensive. She went to him when he waved her over. Not even ten minutes had past since they last spoke and she was not in the mood for talking again. But he did not talk long. He took her hand in his and pressed the other to her temple, fingers gliding through her blonde hair. He brought her face closer to his, "Come to my chambers tonight."
She was surprised by this. She asked, "You have chambers?" He gave her a slight annoyed look and she shrugged under his touch, "You're always here, in the library. How am I supposed to know where you sleep?"
He let go and patted her head, "You will find it."
She gave him a soft smile, turned, and pushed off the railing. She landed on the desk with a heavy thunk and the wood creaked from her weight. Some papers flew about the room, but surprisingly not many. Solas jumped awake in his chair. He was noticeably alarmed by her sudden presence inches away.
She smiled and spoke before he could chastise her, "Did I interrupt tea time in the fade? You should have invited me. I would love to see some of the places you've discovered and the spirits you've found."
He grunted and walked away. He has been avoiding confrontation after she brought up the fade recently. Maybe she should not have teased the poor elf. Well, it was too late now. She needed to make him stay, if just a little longer. She needed his insights and she could not have him disappear after she killed Corypheus and "accidentally" shattered the orb. Her connection to the fade warned her and showed her the ways to beat fate, though only glimpses. There is one scene that she has been dreading and she knew it was fast approaching. That would be the act that would force him to become an enemy. Perhaps it is something she should ask of Dorian tonight. He was her closest friend and he knew the turmoil she felt as a mage who doesn't fit into what others want. Not to mention, he has the best romance advice.
Tabitha had made her decision. She will trust Dorian with all her secrets and then send him off. If fate begins to return to its normal path, she needed to get him to safety and where he could do the most. It is finally time she prepared herself for war.