Just a little one this time.
Chapter 3.
Ih'tal woke up startled. She looked around and felt like she needed a moment to gather her wits. She quietly gasped for breath, heart beating in her chest, and she knew that this was a walk in the Fade like she had never experienced before. As a mage, she had spent time in the Fade, but never had it been as real as this. She knew that Solas was the expert when it came to the Fade, and he was always ready to tell her about his discoveries and experiences. In fact, he seemed to enjoy sharing these memories of time long forgotten. But the fact, that she could be a part of it, was extraordinary.
She had so many questions. So MANY questions! She had hoped that he at last, finally could give one more piece of the puzzle, but instead it seemed that the picture just got bigger. She never imagined that she would embark on this journey with the Inquisition when she went to the Conclave. The intention was for her to learn more about the orb and Corypheus. Solas was still a big question mark. But now, she felt closer to him than ever before.
He had given her an open invitation to come to him. But she knew she wasn't ready to face him yet. Instead, she chose to seek out Varric. She hoped that the pressure had subsided after the meeting with Liliana and that they could finally conclude what was going to happen to the potential agents.
Varric wasn't at his usual place, so she walked out of the great hall to look for him. She went down to the Herald's Rest. The Iron Bull was snoring under a table, probably from another drunken venture with the rest of the Chargers, who was sprawled around him. Krem was the only one standing. He had taken a seat near the door with a view of the entire lower floor. His eyes rested at Maryden who was practicing some of her lyrics while the patrons were sleeping or out on patrol.
His gaze went to where she stood and with a nod inviting her to join him. She approached him while asking "Have you seen Varric around here, somewhere? He isn't in his usual spot".
Krem shook his head. "I haven't seen him since last night. He tried to join the merriment, but left shortly after the boss tried to throw him on a dare" he chuckled "didn't seem to like that very much"
Ih'tal chuckled. "I can only imagine. Do you know where he went after he left?"
"I'm sorry my lady, but after he left, Rocky tried to build a bomb out of whatever the stuff is that the boss drinks" He rolled his eyes like this wasn't the first time "I had my hands full after that"
"Well… That was probably a wise choice" She thanked Krem and left the tavern. Noting to herself that she had to take the time to come join the chargers more often. Sounded like she missed a lot of the good stuff.
The courtyard was empty at this time of day. They were still a small army, but recruits came everyday seeking to make a difference. There was a lot of work still to be done at Skyhold so everyone was pitching in. She went down the stairs to the lower ground, where healers had set up their tents to tend to the wounded. She continued forward towards the stables. She knew the chances of finding Varric near the beasts was minimal, but Blackwall always had a way of knowing where everyone was. He had quickly become one of her favorite companions, when she ventured out of Skyhold. He had a way with the people they meet on the road and in the villages, but at the same time, had an edge that made him terrifying on the battlefield.
She caught him working on his wooden griffin, that he wanted to gift to the children. She smiled at him while she approached, and he lay down his tools to greet her.
"Inquisitor" he turned towards her. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I cannot seem to locate Varric. You shouldn't happen to know where I might find him?"
He crossed his arms and scratched his beard. "Last I saw him was up on the battlements earlier this morning. He seemed like he was in a hurry to be somewhere, so I didn't interrupt him. He was headed for one of the towers"
Well, now she felt stupid. Varric had told her when they came to Skyhold that he had contacted one of his old friends who had dealt with Corypheus before. The agreement was that they would meet on the battlements when his friend arrived.
"Thank you, Blackwall. I know I can always count on you." She gave him a quick hug, which made the seasoned warrior blush, and hurried to the stairwell that led to the battlements.