A.N. : SORRY FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER, BEEN HAVING WRITERS BLOCK, THE NEXT CHAPTER IS ALREADY HALF DONE SO HOPEFULLY IT'LL BE UP IN THE NEXT DAY OR SO.
THANKS FOR READING!
Months had passed as they made final preparations for the people of Skyhold. They had given them safe travels all across Thedas. Those who only believed in their cause were permitted at the temple. She hated a part of herself for that, but now was not the time to have those around them always questioning why they were trying to save a god who wished to destroy them all. She was sure Solas had agents among them, though she didn't mind. They never kept their plans secret and any with questions were welcomed to ask.
She wanted to restore her people to their former glory, but she wanted to do so in a way that was memorable and peaceful as possible. If there was a way to avoid war, she would take it. Her people did not need another war on their hands, what they needed was a safe haven, one she was willing to provide.
They had not heard word from Solas since she last encountered him, though Leliana's agents reported movements of elven moving all across Thedas to the Temple. So now they were making preparations for both a welcoming and a war.
She made her way down the corridor, unlocking the massive door that led to the eluvian. Slowly she walked towards it, she had not been back in this room since she last used it. She knew he could turn eluvians on, but she tried so hard to mask the one here. If he truly wanted to however, she knew he could open it.
She wasn't sure what she expected with him anymore. She knew she loved him, that there was no question or debate, though there was so much anger, so many questions, yet she knew he would not give her the answers she wanted or deserved.
The entire temple was finally cleared of debris and weeds, now all that stood was the tree's that found their home within the walls. It was throughout this process she noticed the small icons of a wolf amongst the temple. Everywhere you looked you could find a small wolf etched in the walls and statues. It was amusing to her, through all they have been through Mythal still held Fen'Harel close to her heart as she did. Maybe that is why she felt the way she did, though deep down she knew she loved the mage long before she drank from the well, or before she met the goddess herself.
She placed a hand on the mirror, running her fingers gently over the cooled glass. Closing her eyes she waited, the power of the mirror thrummed against her hand, begging her to open the pathway. She wanted to, she desperately wanted to go through the mirror, grab him and drag him back with her, but she knew that wouldn't be the way, that he would fight her on every front. A battle waged inside her, as it did almost everyday. She felt a soft hand on her shoulder, turning and letting her fingers slip from the mirror she saw Bull standing with a weary smile.
"Any news?"
"There have been no reports of him, though mass amounts of elves are moving faster than we anticipated."
"How long?"
"Weeks maybe." She glanced behind her, something kept telling her to go through. "Zathiria?" She gave Bull a weak smile.
"Don't worry, I have no plans to go back." She watched as the Qun kept awkwardly shifting feet. "What is it?"
"Forgive me for speaking out of term, but, do you not think he is waiting for you? That is why he is not among his people? Your people?"
"I have thought of that, though what if I go through and he manages to destroy the mirror? You would be without extra power to stop him if he should attack." Bull rubbed the back of his head.
"That is a possibility. What if he wants to speak to you alone? I just… I see the battle you hold within yourself. It is one I am familiar with. You won't know what you must do until the time comes, until then should you not explore all options?" She gave a soft chuckle.
"Are you telling me you have grown a soft spot for the mage?" A wave of disgust rushed over Bull's face before reverting to normal.
"No. I just see the pain you are in and would only like you to see all options before making a decision you will regret." With that Bull left, leaving her alone with the mirror once again. She could go through, no one would be able to stop her, though once through she could be trapped, or killed. Sighing she placed her hand on the mirror, her own power surging into it causing the glass to ripple and glow. Shaking her head, she walked through, a wave of coolness hitting her before disappearing. The large castle came to life once again, though now there were no guards waiting in the halls. Her bare feet made little noise as she made her way through the halls and corridors. There was a faint smell of something metallic, scrunching her nose, she followed, it was a sudden realization what exactly she was smelling and her feet carried her, not willing them to stop. She came to what she assumed was a ballroom before she suddenly stopped. Her eyes wide with horror as she looked over the darkened room that only had the faintest rays of light shining through. The floor was covered in bodies and a disturbing amount of blood. Slowly, she carefully placed each step cursing to herself for not wearing shoes. Stopping every few steps to turn over a new body. They were a mix of elvhen and human, the site horrified her as she saw her own people as well as the people she would stand in a fight with lay dead at her feet.
Her ear twitched as she was turning over a female elf. Turning her head slighting she saw movement to her right. Taking a deep breath in she lurched forward, casting a cloaking spell over her. When she reached the other side of the room she pinned the body to the ground, holding a hand to their throat. When they didn't fight back, or even attempt she leaned in and gasped. He was beaten, badly and covered in blood, his hands were lightly grasping hers, but she couldn't mistaken those eyes for anyone.
"Solas?" He gave a weak smile before his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Shocked she gave him a slight jerk but he didn't move. She realized then that some of the blood was coming from him, without thinking she lifted him the best she could, draping an arm around her shoulder while holding onto his side. His held hung forward, from the amount he weighed to her, he was out cold. Sighing she moved through the bodies, she could only imagine what had happened, and if she had come sooner.
She collapsed on the other side of the eluvian with him in her arms. She screamed as loud as she could, flicking her wrists to unlock and open the large doors. She was met with Bull's concerned gaze as well as a few guards.
"Get Vivienne and send a raven to Dorian, I want him here now." Her voice was stern and came out a little more harsh than she had wanted, but by the gods she was angry. Not only did the unconscious elf not send for help, but someone had found where he was and decided to slaughter as many of her kin as they could, including their leader. She peered down at him once more, his breathing had become shallow and far in-between to be considered normal. Her eyes flickered to Bull and he gave her a soft nod, kneeling down beside her and taking the limp elf away. She stayed on her knees as she watched his body leave, the blood had soaked her clothing and skin, but she still sat there, watching the empty space of the room.
Her thoughts raced at every possibility, at every ally and enemy they ever had that would be capable or would be willing to do this. Her mind raced in circles as she tried to figure it out. Mostly though, her thoughts kept landing to him, why he wouldn't call upon her for help, she admitted she probably would have been rude about it, but she would have helped. Even now, knowing he could be dead in a couple hours she was still crawling back to him and he was still leaving her. Suddenly she felt a soft hand on her shoulder, glancing up she saw Mythal giving her a weak smile. Tears formed in her own eyes.
"Why?" The goddess tilted her head to the side, as though pondering her answer.
"You have many questions in your heart da'len, and though I would love nothing more than to answer them, I am afraid you will have to ask him. When he wakes."
She could only muster a slight head nod before standing. Taking a deep breath she moved her feet, her heart racing as she made her way to the healer, dreading what could come.