Dawn light streamed through the stained glass windows, various colours painting the room. Dorian smiled to himself as he looked to the back of the sleeping elf beside him. Originally he hadn't intended to intrude longer than necessary at any time in their relationship. People would talk more than they already did. They would think and say things about the inquisitor that might get to him. However, recently he had been selfish, and slowly moved himself up to Skoll's room.

When said elf shifted slightly, Dorian chuckled softly and leant down to press a kiss to his cheek, holding his arm around him. And yet, he frowned a mere moment later. Skoll's skin burned with a terrible fever, though his breath came out in chilled puffs of air. Fear immediately gripped at the mage's heart with icy, needle like fingers.

He tried to wake him, calling his name, shaking his shoulder lightly. But he answered to none. The more he tried, the more brightly the mark on his hand shone. He could see it start to appear through the bandages Skoll hid it with, glowing brighter until it burned them away. He saw layers of skin peel away like paint, lifting off of the elf's arm and floating momentarily before disintegrating into green motes of light.

From his hand, it travelled, up his arm, over his chest, back, neck, up to his face. Dorian didn't know he was screaming until he opened his eyes and saw Cole staring at him.

He didn't even give a start at seeing him so close, simply, lying back and covering his eyes with his hand as he sighed deeply, relieved if anything to be out of that dream world.

"The same nightmare again. It hurts to hear it while you sleep."

"Haven't you learnt not to hear that sort of thing anymore? You're a human now. Last time I checked, humans didn't poke around in each other's dreams."

"I can… but then I can't help if I don't hear what hurts."

Dorian cussed under his breath in frustration and decided it would be far simpler if he didn't try to understand, or make Cole understand. Instead, he pulled himself out of the rather uncomfortable cot he'd been lying in and moved over to the wash basin, throwing some water on his face. In some stupid mortal belief that it would wash the nightmares away. In some way, that helped.

It had been like this for a while now. But only the past few weeks, had he been woken before it got worse. Despite his frustrations, he felt a magnanimous amount of gratitude towards Cole. If not for him, then he would have to relive the entire nightmare. The small part, no matter how terrible, was preferred. Though he hoped the dreams would cease entirely once they found Skoll.

Presently, he was staying with Skoll's sister and the family she had started with The Iron Bull. The Chargers were still a fully operational mercenary group, however, they now made this small homestead their base of operations. When not on contract, they lived here, in their own homes, and helped out with the farm and the five hybrid elf-qunari children that ran around from dawn until dusk.

Dorian had already met the two eldest boys, the twins, who had been born back at Skyhold. And their first sister, whom Tas had been pregnant with when he had left. But to see so many children in such a short time, and not only that, but Skoll's sister was heavy with a sixth, possibly seventh child, given the size. It made Dorian wonder about a lot of things. Considering how tiny she was compared to Bull. Was she always constantly with child? Did they have sex every time no one was looking? Had they figured out how to telepathically procreate? Did they ever stop? At some point he just decided to stop wandering about these things before his thoughts got far worse.

Instead he smiled and caught up with Tas like a normal person.

He was thankful for their kindness and hospitality as well. Considering how things had been when he left, he had expected harsh words or something similar to a scolding. Instead he had arrived to a hot meal and a room prepared for him.

Dorian blinked when the sound of the door brought him out of his thoughts. Looking around, he saw that Cole had left him to his privacy once more, and he smiled softly, looking back to the basin. Around it, were little trinkets, knick knacks, bits and bobs and other assorted items. Some caught the light through the small window. Some reflected it. Some did both and turned it into colour. Others weren't anything special, which made them all the more so. It continued up onto the walls. Posters, banners, scraps of pretty clothe. Feathers, dried flowers, and some drawings from the children. And possibly one from Cole. And then up it went onto the roof, where dozens of mobiles made of string and chains and nets hung just above his head, displaying more little precious things. Mostly the ones that manipulated light in some manner.

In the corner was a stack of books, and beneath the window, a makeshift desk with a chair, where a dried up ink pot sat, and countless pieces of paper. Some were drawings, others various writings. Memories on paper, journal entries, a biography, letters, or maybe even an attempt to compete with Varric. No matter what they were, Dorian didn't pry. But he could almost visualize Skoll sitting there, watching the world go by through that window. Falling asleep at the desk and getting ink marks on his cheek again.

It made Dorian happy to think Skoll had built a new life here. And then, he was saddened by it. Why had he made all this, and then left? This room had so much love and care put into it, and yet, as he had been told by Tas, one day, Skoll just walked away and never came back.

Shaking his head, Dorian pulled on his coat, a gift from Tas so he wouldn't complain about the cold, before heading out of the room. He found the elven woman in the large kitchen, dining area. He thought It strange at first, but grew accustomed to it when, as if on cue, every child and charger sat down all around the large table, laughing, talking, trading quips, and occasionally, singing. Loud, crowded and warm. A giant family with one particular Qunari taking the seat at the head of the table. Dorian hadn't known what to expect with Cole either. He thought he might still lurk about in the dark corners, or just sit there watching everyone. But he had grown so much in the past years as a human. He ate and drank, quietly listening to everyone talk, smiling happily every now and then. And always, quite deliberately, sat next to Krem.

It was the same story for almost anything else. He followed the Bull's second in command around like a lost puppy. And yet, Krem seemed rather happy about it. Dorian wasn't even going to attempt to understand the basis of their relationship exactly. He didn't need to after all. They were happy, and he thought… that's all anyone needed to be.

As per usual after every meal, everyone left to do what needed to be done for the day, and someone stayed to help Tas clean up. As he was the honored guest, Dorian had the pleasure of learning to scrub dishes and take scraps out to the chickens. Not something he ever pictured himself doing, but there he was, sleeves rolled up, elbows deep in soapy water, scrubbing gravy and grime off of plates. He'd complained bitterly at first, but Tas managed to shut him up by telling him about Skoll as a child. He was fascinated, and annoyed. Like any good tale, she left it on an ever annoying cliff hanger. Which always made him anticipate washing up a little more.

And with each tale he heard, the more impatient he became to get back out onto the road and find the elf. But he had to wait. Tas was waiting for a letter from someone. Who, she would not say, only that it was a person who had their eye and ear out for any news of Skoll.

It was after two weeks of life on the homestead, that the anticipated letter arrived. A sparrow carried it, a tiny scroll tied to it's leg. It perched on Tas' finger, chirping merrily as she took the message. She gave a reply and sent to little creature off again, before, finally, giving Dorian something to go on.

"Here. Head to the Planasene Forest in the Free Marches." Tas said, handing the small bit of parchment to the mage, who immediately turned to read it. It was a brief report of an excited hunter, who said they had a run in with the Herald of Andraste. A white haired elf who vanquished a demon with strange magic. It had to be.

"… It doesn't seem much to go on." Dorian commented, looking to Tas as if she could shed some holy light on the matter.

"It's the best we've had in months." Was her only reply, before she waved him off. "Go. Get your things together. I'll get some supplies together for you any Cole."

Dorian huffed at been brushed aside like that. He wanted more reliable information. But he supposed this would have to do. And so he went to Skoll's room and gathered his pack and the few things he hand brought with him. He was about to leave the room when something caught his eye.

It was a pendant. A carving from an animal bone most likely, hanging from a leather chord. It was just sitting on the edge of the desk, half covered by parchment, which would explain why it took him so long to notice it. Unable to help himself, he reached out and took it, running his fingers over the ivory surface. It hadn't been polished or anything yet, and was still slightly rough around the edges, suggesting it was unfinished. Never the less, Dorian smiled and slipped it around his neck, tucking it under his shirt. Now… he felt like he had some semblance of connection to Skoll. And for now that was enough.

Outside, Tas handed him a rucksack with food and water canteens for the road. Though honestly he would have preferred wine, but he didn't voice his complaints. Off to the side, he saw Krem saying goodbye to Cole. He didn't hear much, but he was pretty sure it was along the lines of, "Stay safe or else." Cole nodded and promised he would, and Krem kissed him on the forehead. They hugged, and then Cole trotted up to Dorian's side, smiling happily.

"Let's go~" He said and tilted his head, and Dorian, in response, merely nodded and chuckled. He had a feeling if Cole came back any worse for wear, a certain someone would have his head on a pike.

Turning back to Tas, he smiled and hugged her briefly.

"Take care. I'm sure this will all be sorted soon." He said and gave an affirmative nod.

"Thankyou Dorian."

"What? No hug for me?" Bull spoke up, just behind Tas, grinning crookedly.

"No."

"…. Kiiiiiiiids~~"

And just like that, at the call of their father, Dorian had five children clambering over one another as they latched onto his waste, laughing and looking up at him with wide smiles and bright eyes.

"Get off of me! Do you want me to find your uncle or not?!" With much effort, he fended off the giggling ankle biters, shooing them away to their mother. From behind her skirts, they all smiled broadly, except for the youngest, who was still a little clueless about anything more than food.

Dorian smiled a little. They were cute in their own way, but he was looking forward to not having them follow him around all day.

With a few last words, Dorian turned and walked, Cole at his side. It wasn't all too long before the homestead, the chargers, and the happy family were left behind.

"I'm hungry.."

"Cole, no."

/

Skoll shivered lightly, pulling his cloak tighter around himself. He was perched in a tree, back against the trunk as he attempted to sleep for a few moments atleast. One hand curled fingers tightly around a pendant hanging from a gold chain around his neck. He hadn't meant to… but it had become a poor habit. It helped him relax.

Or it should have. Off in the distance, he could hear dogs barking. Hunters barking back in rough commanding voices. He couldn't tell what they were hunting exactly… until the wind carried the words "knife ear" to him.

His eyes shot open, and he strained to hear more. There were sounds of fighting. The telltale ring of magic in the air. He didn't even debate. He was wide awake now and dropped down from the tree, running through the forest towards the sound of conflict. He barely caught a glimpse of who the hunters were fighting. He merely drew his blades on instinct and attacked. Injuring, but doing what he could to not deliver a fatal blow.

The worst were the dogs. The lunged at him, and he had to end two of them, before the third moved back and watched him cautiously with the hunters.

"Are you alri-" He turned to ask the person they were attacking when he froze, not expecting it to be that person of all people.

In his moment of disbelief, he was too slow to notice the hunter's club swing through the air. Too late he saw it as it hit him in the face. He was knocked off of his feet, blood pouring from his nose. There was nausea and dizziness, his vision swimming as he struggled to correct himself. Before he could even attempt standing, the hunter who had hit him took a fistful of his hair and lifted him up by it. Skoll had always been light, so it wasn't like the hunter could claim great strength or anything.

He sneered at Skoll as he squinted, inspecting him, his horrible meaty breath not helping the elf's nausea one bit. He glared at him, or something like it, to the best of his ability, trying to push him away.

Greedy little eyes moved immediately towards the golden chain, and ofcourse the gold pendant that hung from it, encrusted in jewels and engraved with an intricate symbol in the center, two snakes wrapped around it.

"Now… why would someone like you, have a pretty little thing like this~?" The hunter said, taking the pendant in his spare hand and yanking it from Skoll's neck, snapping the chain.

"No! That's mine!" Skoll snarled, regaining a little more of himself. As his emotions sparked, the mark on his hand answered and there was a flash of light. Both Skoll and the hunter fell back from one another, only now, the hunter was one less arm. He rolled around in the dirt, screaming, and his fellow hunters shouted and charged.

All of a sudden, the roots of the trees shot up from the ground and blocked them off momentarily. Someone grabbed Skoll's arm and pulled him up onto his feet, before tugging him along into a full sprint.

"Wait! My necklace—"

"Leave it!"

He didn't argue. He just ran.