The Come in Pairs

A ColdHiddenBlade Oneshot


This wasn't really planned much, I just wanted to make something of this pairing and spent the last couple of days typing it up. Hope you all enjoy it either way...


Rook was never one to cower from a fight. In her short lifetime she had faced armies, dragons, demons, three gods…

They won the day against all of them. Losing a close friend in the process. A regret she had to come to terms with quickly as she was imprisoned by a liar for weeks. What felt only like an hour.

In the year after the war against Elgar'nan it was battle after battle to regain a footing in the South alongside the Inquisitor and newfound friends.

Fighting against the swarm of Darkspawn left scrambling after the loss of the gods and archdemons. And there were signs of Solas trying to repair the Titan's corrupted dreams on his side of the Fade, as he promised…

They were still so far from the end. Solas could do only so much on his end, especially when the Titans held so much hate.

But this made her tense. Afraid of the future as she knew it.

Two men stood over her, elves in fact, as she lay in the snow where she was spat out by a magical vortex. Both faces were familiar to her, but not friends. She knew one as former enemy and one a passing memory not of her own.

The Dread Wolf… Solas' lips tightened into a thin line as he stared down at her, his violet eyes full of veiled confusion at her sudden appearance. She had grown accustomed to recognising the fleeting sparks of emotions behind his eyes even as he hid them away quickly behind a look of… how does she explain it? Haunting? Like he was better than her, or not an elf but someone people can look up too?

His face was one of a leader. His long hair matted in sections as half dreadlocks and threaded with bone beads made by his own hand or gifts from the slaves he has saved over the years. That was one the many tells as to when she was… but didn't say how or where. Looking around she could only assume she wasn't viewing this world as a dream but actually in it. The pain in her back a nice little reminder.

"Who do you think…?" Felassan glanced at his friend and leader before he could finish his words, his elvish as soft as it was in memories but without help from the Fade translating she had to focus to understand his words.

Rook groaned in pain as she tried to sit up. Her head spun as if she was still caught in the vortex, and her skin felt like it was on fire even though the air was cold. She wasn't dressed in appropriate attire either. Her red, teal, and black Shadow Dragon's battle robe stood out like a sore thumb between the two men in their elegant elven armour. Golden and tarnished grey. Full of authority.

"A human? I don't recognise the insignia…" Said Felassan cautiously as he examined the golden snake's on the end of a chain with their tongues hooked together above her leather waistband. Snakes were the theme. She regretted not wearing the cloak and robe for the first time since receiving her new robes. And the fur coat King Alistair gifted her when she was in Fereldan… Rook hated flowing clothes. They always got caught when she fought. But maybe they would have helped her keep in some heat.

"The Fade feels… wrong here. And on her…" Solas' voice was cautious and slow, not as condescending as he was in her time. Despite his companion's obvious dissent, Solas knelt beside Rook and helped her sit up. "Easy my friend, you have suffered a concussion. Follow my finger."

She didn't want his help… but his hand resting on her shoulder was so warm and Rook found her watery eyes followed Solas' raised forefinger back and forth without her even thinking.

"Good." He pressed the tips of his fingers around her jaw and tilted her head. Observing as she winced. "Bruising, but your neck isn't broken and ears look fine. No bleeding as far as I can tell." His hand traced the back of her head, finding the swelling lump that was the root of her pain, "How far from our safe house are we?"

"Solas…!" Felassan looked concerned about showing a stranger their safe house before silencing at the veiled look Solas shot him. Right, they were close to one that had no connection to the main hideouts of their army or liberated slaves. "We have one, it should be about three hours away."

"Good… let us get our new friend out of this snow as soon as possible. She's deathly cold…" He summoned a small flame of blue to run along her body without touching and Rook sighed in tired relief while leaning towards the heat. Closer to Solas. Her arm brushing up against him causing him to flinch and she ducked her head to hide her mortification. The fire went out as Solas' hands once more were focused on helping her stand and she couldn't hold down the sad groan. Solas chuckled. His tone gentle, different. Not as consumed with regrets. Mythal wasn't dead yet?

"There, on your feet. Good girl…" Rook's jaw creaked as she clenched it tight and winced as she tried to shoot him a glare. The heat fell short, but the intent was caught by the sharp-eyed observer.

Felassan's laugh was like a spring breeze. Warm. "I think calling a woman 'good girl' is a little much, friend."

"Hm, yes. I apologise. Do you have a name, or a preferable title?" He seemed more amused than apologetic.

Rook hunched over as her head spun, white swirling. Broken up with gold and blacks. "… R-Rook." She managed to wheeze out as many hands steadied her. Felassan had joined them. His palms were not as hot as Solas' but still warmer than her body heat. She felt like a walking icicle. So instinctively she leaned into their touch.

"Tongue numbness." Solas noted with a tone not far akin to a doctor's, "We should hurry to the safe house. You need a fire and something warm to drink, how are your fingers?"

He checked her hands for any damage or signs of frost bite, rubbing and flexing each finger between his own while breaking it up with moments of pressing his thumbs into her palm to awaken the pressure points making the back of her head tingle. His magic warming her to the bone. Soon enough Rook was able to open and close her hand without pain. Her trembling subsided just a little more. "I'm just… cold." She struggled to get the Elvhen language to roll off her tongue but even so the two elves winced.

"Would it be easier to speak with you in this tongue?" Solas spoke in what she could guess was the predecessor of common. It had hints of Elvhen but she could fill in the blanks. It was almost exactly like the Tevinter language.

"Easier… yes…" She nodded while wrapping her arms around her body and shifted on her feet to get her joints moving. Three mirrored winces were shared between the as her joints popped and cracked. Years of damage jumping from heights that would break another's leg were catching up on her. Even when she was only in her early twenties. She rubbed her arms. Looking like she was trying to warm up, but in fact erasing the feeling of Solas's hands on her. The look on her face hopefully was misinterpreted as her hating the cold. Felassan snapped his hands back as she brushed over them and she sent him a watery look of apology. She forgot he was helping her stand steady.

"Very well." Solas didn't seem to enjoy the common language on his tongue, but he did so… for her? "We need to get moving. I sense a storm in the wind, Felassan take point. I will make sure our friend doesn't fall."

"Yes sir." Felassan stepped in front of them and dragged his feet a little more than usual to make better foot holds for her to follow. It took a few steps, and having to move to the side a couple times to throw up until her stomach was empty, before the nausea finally subsided and Rook was able to walk between the two ancient elves. Miserable. She couldn't think without it hurting.

The two were silent, but Rook welcomed the lack of conversation. Usually she preferred hearing the lighthearted conversations of her two companions, ones she would join if they directed something at her. Only moments ago, Lucanis was bringing up the unattended horror she left in the kitchen earlier that day. A waste of good coffee. His words…

… she wished she had it right now.

"Easy… the ground slopes here." Felassan slowed his pace as he started to slide. Solas gripped inside Rook's elbow and it took everything not to rip out of his hold. She wanted to snap at him. Growl and hiss. But that would not be the best action for her situation. "Try to not manhandle the lady… don't want to bruise her pretty skin more than it already is."

Wow… such a flirt

As much as she hated to admit it… she needed Solas' help and maybe even his protection. She thought she was finally free of this feeling. This need to have him take over, to guide her like she was his lost little lamb. She hated this feeling.

The three slid slowly down the small hill. The forest was getting closer.

Why were the two in this wilderness? Rook looked around to try and figure out what would have the two rebel leaders so far out. Judging by the mountains behind her and trees in front and heavy white fog that blocked the valley below, Rook could assume they were near Skyhold. The castle that Solas gave to the Inquisition during the Breach Saga. Meaning a Eluvian was close…

But that's not where they were taking her. She knew what was going on. She was a Shadow Dragon and had been in their shoes once before with new 'rescues' that seemed too suspicious. They were taking her to a separate place.

Not as a prisoner, but also not someone trusted. A happy middle of the two that could pitch either way depending on her choices in this crucial moment. They were going to question her the second they were out of the snow… and she was lulled into a false sense of safety.

"Where are we?" She tried to ask with a tremble. Kissing the back of her teeth in annoyance as her voice sounded scared, she did not want to appear afraid in front of a certain prideful asshole. Solas must have understood it correctly as he closed distance so their arms touched but didn't coddle her. Lucky her.

"Relax for a moment." She tried to slump her shoulders at his order but she just couldn't when she had the Dread Wolf behind her. Solas tutted in dissatisfaction as he traced a shape on her stiff back with a magic infused finger. Curving… a rune. Heat filled her and Rook sent him an incredulous look. "Now now… I had to make sure I wrote the right rune for your body. If I used one even a little stronger you would burst to flame." He smirked proudly. There it was. That was the Solas she knew. His violet eyes traced her jawline as he noticed her clenching it. "Ah… I feel like I have wronged you somehow."

"Well, you could have used words to let her know what you were doing." Felassan cut in as the voice of reason, the mediator. He looked back with humour all over his face, "We all can't fathom what goes on in your head."

Solas laughed. Rook flinched. It was warm, comfortable… relaxed.

If she didn't know better, she would say Varric lied. There was no way Solas would stab Felassan in the back. Not when he looked at the other elf like he trusted them wholly.

A sadness washed over her. Would things have been different if Felassan just… walked away? Did he trust Solas that much? Or did he go willingly, knowing he was going to his death?

She couldn't ask this Felassan. He didn't have the answers.

"I seem to forget myself in my age." Solas sounded a little sad and his ears literally drooped making Rook's mouth almost drop in stunned horror. He noticed and his own lips grew into a thin smile, "How is your head, Rook?"

"Mmm." She hummed at the welcomed change in conversation and rubbed the back of her head. "Bruised, and got a nice lump. But otherwise, feeling better… thank you." She added to the end with a moment of hesitation that was clearly too long to be considered genuine.

Solas' didn't show that he took offense, but Felassan did suck in a sharp breath. His smile was a familiar mask that showed nothing. Maker, did she want to smack him so SOMETHING showed.

"By the way… what were your names? We weren't properly introduced… and I don't think I was able to gather them when you both were talking earlier." Rook tried to make light of the situation, make the two think less of her. "My name is Rook."

The pair paused as they stared at her.

"Why are you looking at me like I should know or something?" Rook worried her bottom lip with her teeth drawing two pairs of violet eyes. She had to break that stupid habit one of these days.

"It is just… refreshing to introduce ourselves or at least be asked so generously. I am Solas, and this is my dearest friend."

"Felassan." The younger elf seemed hesitant but followed Solas' lead. They said their names so casually like they held no meaning. Obviously they were trying to seem insignificant. Hide who they were. And Rook let them believe they had her there. She nodded her head with a small smile.

"Thank you. It is a relief to know my dashing rescuers names. I would have froze to death without you."

Even though her pandering was laced with sarcasm the two elves seemed pleased enough for it to fall deaf. The tips of their ears flushed and twitched making Rook have the need to hide her smile. So it was common even in this age for elves to show their feelings on their ears.

Felassan was first to recover, his smirk was full of promises that had her own cheeks flush. Oh… OH!? Did he take her words as flirting? Somehow, he reminded her of a certain traitorous Crow… She could work with that… maybe?

Solas cleared his throat as he recognised his friends expression, "The trees seem restless today."

They broke into silence after his random comment. The trip felt longer than normal, only broken up when Felassan gave them warnings of terrain change or hit her with a witty flirtatious comment, or Solas checking in on Rook. Asking if her body was taking any strain. And the occasional stop to snack on dried meat Solas and Felassan seemed to pull out of bottomless pockets. Rook munched on them while trying to figure out her plan. What should she tell them?

She wanted to say nothing. But she knew these two would change as sudden as a flash flood the second they thought she was a spy or enemy.

Could she use the bump on her head? Would Solas call her bullshit?

Or maybe she should lean into the flirting? If she could distract Felassan, maybe in turn he could affect Solas' distrust.

"Almost there!" Called out Felassan snapping her from her thoughts. The wind had picked up, the storm Solas mentioned was closing in right on schedule and he made sure to remind them right before it did. Proud prick…

"This area is dangerous even without the storm, Rook." Solas' voice didn't reach and he leaned down so he was almost right on her and repeated his words making the young woman jump and slap a hand over her ear with discomfort, "I apologise, but we need to link together as we go. Felassan…"

"On it." Felassan pulled a rope out of one of his pockets. It was like he was a magician with colourful ribbons and Rook resisted the urge to clap her as if she was at a show. She stood tense as Felassan wrapped his arms around her so he could loop the rope around her waist. His breath sent a shiver down her spine as he almost pressed his nose into her shoulder. Passing one end to Solas.

Thankfully taking no notice of her flushing cheeks and ears, he took one large step back and tied his end around his belt while Solas did the same with his end. And if Rook didn't feel like a prisoner before, she sure did now. Stuck to the pair. No option to run… even though it was never an option to begin with.

'Ok… you can do this. You were once tied up between Taash and Sera while trying to reach the entrance of an old mine as the rest below were blocked off… nothing could be worst that that…' Even with the prep talk, she couldn't push down the sick feeling in her gut. Memories of Taash and Sera bickering or saying nonsensical things while trying not to fall down the mountain side filled her memories. Even the Inquisitor had to apologize for putting her through that.

"Stick close and warn us if you feel like your feet are floating."

"What…?" They didn't wait for her to ask what they meant as Felassan led the way once more. The wall of wind smelt like it was laced with magic and it was like a heavy blow to the face. This was the strength of Solas in his prime without the Veil, in the simplest of things as a glamour and protection enchantment? She could taste his magic woven so fine into the enchantment that it had her teeth tingle. The winds suddenly grew quiet and her eyes were full of white nothingness. She couldn't see even though she knew Felassan was right in front of her and could feel the cold in her eyes so she knew her eyes were open. Feeling panic grip her heart, she reached out and felt his back, solid and warm. He was there. She wasn't lost to Solas' magic.

She kept her palm there, feeling his tense muscles slowly relax under her spread fingers as he made a connection to what she was doing. He glanced backwards and she felt the movement, he was analysing her.

"She cannot see, my friend." His voice seemed to echo, reminding her of the times she spoke to Solas in the Fade. Full of concern.

"I see that." Solas agreed while his slender fingers closed over Rook's eyes making white turn black, "She is sensitive to my magic."

His fingers spasmed for a second and hummed with magic, it was warm against her eyes as it flooded in. Examining rather than helping. He held his palm there even after his magic grew quiet.

"It isn't permanent, should calm down once we are inside the circle of protection." Solas' voice was comforting as he promised that, and despite being betrayed by him on countless occasions, Rook believed him in this moment.

A smell she recognised filled her senses. She remembered smelling it faintly around the Lighthouse when they first arrived, it had filled the room she had taken up as her own until she was able to unlock Solas' own office and bedroom combo. The small cot he had tucked in the corner was far cosier than the meditation sofa. But that smell always seemed to cling to her too… When Solas met her outside of the Fade for the first time, in the middle of Blight, and had stood close enough to her that he could touch her his nose had sniffed loudly. Shoulders tense and had given her a pinched look that she couldn't read. At first she just thought he was annoyed at her, for escaping a prison he thought was perfect without telling him how or because she was more insufferable after his betrayal. More aggressive.

Now, she wondered if it was because he smelt himself on her. Minty, green, and a strong sweetness of blueberries. She would be appalled too if she smelt herself on Solas, honestly.

"We are close." She didn't know which of them said that, it was like multiple voices bouncing around her head. Solas' hand felt warm as he stepped closer to her back and she managed to finally discern that it was him speaking, "Don't lift your feet as high for a bit."

She was confused but her question died in her mouth as she felt her feet slip a little as the terrain changed once more. Ice… her heart thudded and she was certain Solas could feel it. She would have ended up on her ass is not for Solas' close proximity, her spine collided with his chest causing them both to breathe out sharply.

"You both alright?"

"Yes, she just lost her footing for a moment."

The two elves slowed their steps so Rook can readjust her feet, they shuffled slowly and she could only imagine how stupidly awkward it looked on the outside. She was thankful she couldn't see the others expressions. Her chest constricted.

How deep was the water? Was it a small creek or a river? Or worst, a full lake?

"Calm down… We have you." Solas tried to reassure her when he felt her panic. He had no idea why. There were too many probable factors or reasons and he didn't know her. He had no idea she was terrified of water…

"We should be… wait… SOLAS!"

Her damned human steps. So heavy compared to the elves… Crack! Cold enveloped her and Rook felt like time froze as water surrounded her. She panicked as she was submerged completely before Felassan's rope tightened and Solas grabbed her under her arm pits to get her head above the surface from his position. He had half fallen into the water with her. The two elves swore as they both pulled at her but her fear had her make it harder.

"It's ok, Rook! Stop thrashing!" Solas' voice was loud in her thudding ears but so was the sound of more cracking.

"Please… oh please! I can't swim!" The two elves hissed when they realised the gravity of the situation. Something solid appeared under her feet and started to lift her, as more of her body cleared the broken ice Solas and Felassan were both able to drag her out of the water. They pulled her across the ice until they got to a thicker spot.

It was so cold, Rook trembled as the water soaked into her bones and instantly started to freeze over. She could barely hear the two trying to get her attention over the loudness filling her ears. To stay awake. Keep moving. Thumping, and a rushing wave of blood filled her head.

"We need to move, before both of you freeze!"

"I will be fine, I am more concerned for her."

It was like a fever dream as the two elves struggled to get her across the ice, half sliding and carrying. One of them was soaked in icy water as well. Solas she knew… even in a haze she knew it only could be him.

"It's there!"

"The storm is getting worse."

"I know…"

The creak of a wooden door and floorboards were a welcomed sound, followed by the whoosh of a fireplace awakening under Solas' magic.

"I apologize for this in advance, Rook." She felt hands at her buckles and couldn't push them away as her consciousness faded in and out, her wet robes fell free with heavy slaps. Rook was sure she felt her underwear fall free too then skin touched against hers. Warm… so warm. She leaned into it as she slumped. Losing all her remaining strength.

The fireplace was at her back while someone sat bare chested in front of her. Another hand pat a towel against them, drying them off as much as possible before throwing thick fur over her back. The two elves whispered in Elvhen as Rook let her head fall into the crook of someone's neck, she felt them shiver in response but didn't push her away. Instead, they wrapped their arms around her bare waist and pulled her closer so there was no space between their chests. Her breasts pushed upwards and the pairs heartbeats seemed to merge into one.

She couldn't discern if it was her heart of his that was racing.

How long had it been? Her vision swirled with warm oranges and shadows when she tried to open her eyes and shifted her body sluggishly, groaning in discomfort as her muscles felt tense. A gentle hand rested on the crown of her head. Felassan's voice was soft as he tried not to startle her, "Take it easy. Solas is asleep… don't panic. I have a robe for you…"

Rook blinked her eyes as she lifted her stiff head slowly from where her face was rested, a couple of blinks and she realised it was Solas' shoulder. She looked down the expanse of his chest where they were joined with horror before stifling the gasp that rose from her chest. Slowly, Rook moved away with her cheeks and ears flushing as she noticed she was completely naked in his arms and their skin stuck together slightly.

Felassan whispered soft sounds of comfort and apologies as he helped her detangle from the furs and Solas' legs. Thankfully he was still wearing his trousers, Rook didn't think she could handle seeing Solas is his glory or 'touch' his body in private ways. She already felt enough pressed into the tender meat of her thigh.

"Would you like a bath before eating something?" Felassan let her lean her weight against him as he helped her get her weak arms through the thick woollen robe. His tunic was that soft material that all of Solas' clothes in the Lighthouse was made from. Insanely soft, like a mix of velvet and silk. She admired it in a daze before blinking as her brain finally processed the question.

"Bath…?" She struggled to get her words out as she started to tremble again. The air was warm but her muscles were spasming, every inch of her body hurt.

"This way…" He held her hands as he helped her walk, his lips tightened into a line as he examined her feet under the robe. "We need to get blood flow back into you. We could do only so much while you were asleep, we already feel like we were discourteous to you…"

"Hah?" Rook gave a sharp laugh and shook her head, "No… you did what you could… to keep me from freezing."

He looked pleased that she didn't take it the wrong way and also understood their reasons without having to be told. "Thank you. Here is the bathhouse…" Felassan opened the door and steam blasted Rook in the face. A welcomed heat.

The room was small but the large stone bath was built against one wall with running water splashing out of the open maw of snarling wolves. Possibly flowing in from a magic source Solas created or an underground hot spring. Or both.

It looked like the bath was built to be half above the ground and the rest below like a bathhouse in Tevinter, just a smaller scale. Two lanterns sat on the ground just off of the single step with a green light sending an eerie glow through the steam. It wasn't Veil fire. Possibly made from the Fade itself. It only cast light, no heat, and even when water splashed onto it the fires never extinguished.

Felassan said nothing as he helped Rook remove the robe and then suddenly lifted her in his arms. She flinched, grasping the front of his tunic. His beautiful, purple eyes looked apologetic as he lowered her into the water. Rook groaned as the warm water hit her skin and leaned into the curved wall of the bath, and Felassan placed a rolled towel under her head like a pillow before readjusting his rolled up sleaves.

"Lift up one of your feet. I will see if I can get the pressure points loose."

"Thank you Felassan…" Rook gave him a warm smile and he returned it by flashing a defined canine.

She raised one leg out of the water and Felassan cupped his hand under her ankle after admiring her skin for a brief moment, his fingers deftly pressing at the base of her foot and massaged each of her toes… one at a time. Rook covered her face with her hands and gave a long, exhausting sign. This was all too much.

What was wrong with her? She felt it deep in her body when she woke, and as Felassan touched her. Was she so touch-starved that she got needy at the barest of touch? Her inner thighs were wet, and not just from water. Thank the Maker that Solas was asleep when she woke up. She hoped she didn't leave a mark on his trousers in her sleep… Of all the people to be connected to her bare chest… had to be Solas.

When was the last time she scratched this crawling itch? Was it before the whole ritual mission, yes, but by how long? Two years and however many weeks or months were catching up to her it seemed. She was getting flushed just from Felassan touching one foot…

A light-hearted chuckle caressed her ears and Rook peered through her fingers with a raised brow. "Tense?" Felassan asked with a knowing smile as he looked at her through thick lashes, his thumb pushed into a sensitive part of her ankle and her breath hitched. His pupils seemed to change size at the sound as his eyes traced across her long throat then chased a stray droplet to the surface where her chest vanished under the water, then up her leg to where he massaged. He knew what he was doing to her and he seemed pleased with it.

Sly, flirty bastard. Rooks lip twitched. She remembered seeing him in the memories on the sidelines, cracking a joke here and there at Solas' expense or flirting with anyone with warm blood that he found interesting. Did he find her interesting or was this a trick?

Slowly Felassan ran his fingers following the bone of her calf without pressure, and Rook couldn't stop the small giggle bubbling out of her throat. The elf laughed warmly with this discovery of a ticklish spot as his palm found its way behind her knee then applied a little bit of pressure to run down the back of her thigh until his long fingers brushed the curve of her ass. Here he paused to swiftly examine her reaction, and Rook make a show to relax into the bath, resting her head onto the towel and closing her eyes. Hands folded over her stomach.

Seeing she had no complaints, Felassan grew confident. Twisting his fingers into every muscle making her breath stagger when he hit a soft section or pressure point. He was skilled with his hands, she was willing to admit that. A small moan of appreciation vibrated her throat as Felassan found a sore knot in the back of her calf and began to rub it loose.

"So how did you get thrown out of thin air?" Ah… so here are the questions… subtle.

Rook processed her answer carefully while. How extreme did she want to go? She didn't know this timeline very well other than Solas and Felassan were leading a rebellion. "I was running." She allowed past sadness to wash over her as she brought forward memories of her childhood. "That seems to be all I can do now days… I felt an energy and just… risked it?"

It was mostly true, she had been running. She was just a child, small and scared as she smelt the distant plume of smoke that smelt like burning bodies. She tried to run in the middle of it, escape the slavers that murdered her parents on their farm on the borders of Olais before kidnapping her. They planned to sell her to a Tevinter magister for either slavery or blood sacrifice. She was only seven…

That was when the Mercer patriarch found her, in the middle of a three-way warzone caught between his small army, the slavers with their hired help, and a four Qunari who were trying to test the borders. Mapping it for their next attempt at taking over Tevinter.

Felassan seemed to recognise her faraway stare, he had seen so many slaves who shared her look of desolation and his hands froze. He sensed that she was avoiding giving him too much information, but also truthful. "Were you… a slave?"

"I think I was on the way to be one." Rook sighed honestly as she stared up at the roof through, "Not sure where they were taking me. My life was always just me and my family…"

"Your family…?"

"My parents…" Rook's eyes softened as she remembered them, "They loved to grow fruit…"

"I am sorry." Felassan's voice was genuine, no hint of falsehood and Rook appreciated it, "These are dark times."

"Yeah." Rook closed her eyes again and forced herself to relax as Felassan returned to massaging her leg, his touch was more focused on relieving her muscles than flirtatious and Rook was momentarily sad that maybe the mood was now ruined by her sad memories. But that was before his fingers caressed across her inner thigh to pass onwards to her other leg. Her breath stopped for just the barest of seconds but she was sure Felassan noticed.

Rook lowered her unattended leg into the water and hummed as the warm water washed over the loosened muscles. Water splashed and dripped loudly as her other leg broke the surface, Felassan sat on the edge of the bath and leaned over so he could focus it with the same reach and pressure as the other leg. The smell of firewood, salted meat, and linseed oil filled her senses as he did. Wasn't that usually used to maintain wood bows? She didn't recall ever seeing him use a bow now and in memories.

"Hm… Do you use a bow?" She asked in a relaxed voice that slurred slightly at the end. Felassan's fingers twitched and his eyes squinted at her in confusion at the question, "You smell like linseed oil. I'm use to that being used with bow maintenance."

"Ah!" Felassan's face softened instantly as he understood, he sniffed his bicep as if checking her deduction of the scent, "That would be the linseed oil. It's not just good for bow care though, I found a few uses for it." He gave her a suggestive wink and a heartthrob smirk that could almost shame the popular stories of Zevran's hero winning one. It was like he was hoping she would ask for the uses.

She wasn't going to bite that easily, "Oho? Interesting to know…" Rook forced back the smirk that twitched at her mouth as Felassan gave her a look that reminded her of a kicked puppy, "I wonder about the other smells. Hmm, firewood and… salted meat? Is that all you and Solas eat?"

A pair of warm laughs startled her, Rook's eyes flashed to the door and she felt her mouth go dry as Solas leaned on the doorframe allowing the lights to kiss against his defined body. "Recently it has been our main source of substance… that and fish… you will start to get tired of it." Solas's eyes seemed to linger where Felassan rubbed her foot a little longer than she felt comfortable with. Then his eyes, more vibrant purple than Felassan's, met hers and a crease appeared in the corner of his eyes as he smiled. It was warm… but Rook knew better that to trust it at face value.

"And here is the third wheel…" Felassan muttered under his breath, but his face was friendly as his hands changed pace again to only focus her pressure points. Now Rook had another thing to add to her Solas Hate List, he was a massive cock-blocker…

Rook sighed as she closed her eyes and rested her head further into the towel, pushing down the rising heat in her core. The sound of leather falling to the ground perked up her ears but she wasn't game enough to open her eyes… then the water rose to splash over the edge of the bath as a second body sunk into the water in front of her.

The bath was luckily big enough to house them both without having to be pressed up together, but Rook did tense when she felt Solas' feet brush against her thighs. Felassan tutted as he felt it and massaged away the knot that appeared, "Rest well?"

"As well as I could." Solas' tone was muffled as he splashed water onto his face, then held out his hand. "May I have the soap, friend."

"Sure." Felassan passed over the bar and Solas rubbed it between his wet hands until it all foamed up then ran soap suds around his neck, only to chase them down his chest with his large hands. Rook subtly watched through her lashes before remembering who she was admiring and squeezed them shut. "Ease up there, Rook." A thumb pressed at the crease between her brow and Rook quickly relaxed her face. "That's it… to pretty a face to mar with a frown."

A laugh rushed from her chest, harsh as it bounced off the walls and she felt a little embarrassed. "Sorry, didn't mean to laugh. Its just… do you make it a habit to flirt with people you just met?"

"His first words would have been coquettish the second he saw you, if we weren't distracted by the way you appeared to us."

"You wound me, my friend!" Felassan held a hand to his chest in mock offense.

"Even when I speak the truth?"

"Well…" A smirk told the truth as Felassan cocked his head to the side and tweaked Rook's ear gently between his fingers making her shiver, "You know me too well."

"I know you would have been doing something else and holding up the bath if I hadn't disrupted you." Solas raised his brow and Felassan had enough sense to look a little apologetic.

Rook giggled. This was nice even though it had a bitter pull at her heart as she remembered their distant future… "Aha, Solas the cock-blockuler. Knew there was something about you that rubbed wrong with me."

Wide eyed, Solas' mouth slackened in surprise while Felassan choked down a hysterical laugh, coughing into his elbow as it caught in his chest. "I like her!" He managed to wheeze out.

Solas had to chuckle and shake his head in the face of his friend's open excitement, "Such a brazen woman." His eyes hooded, shadowing his eyes with his sinfully thick lashes, "Felassan I think you have given that leg enough attention. Join us…"

"Oh, I won't say no." Felassan was almost too eager as he dropped Rook's foot to strip only for it to land in Solas' palm. He pulled her closer to him with a firm grip around her ankle making her tense so that Felassan could plunge into the water at her back when a gap was opened to him, her heart raced as her bare back pressed against Felassan's solid chest and her legs were saddled over Solas' hips so she was spread. Something hard brushed against her tailbone and by the way Felassan's breath changed she had no doubts about what it was. Never had she been in a situation like this, at least so close… The bathhouses she was use to were so large that she cold put distance between herself at any man that happened to be there too.

She was caught between them both… a moan fell from her as Felassan's hands found their way to a very sensitive area and her cheeks flushed. A long, slender finger pressed against her clit then brushed away as if pretending to be an accident. Something crossed Solas' face, a primal burn in his eyes. Almost he was rising to a challenge set before him, he brought Rook's ankle to his lips and softly sunk his teeth into the soft flesh then soothed it with a kiss. Her breath came to a roaring stop.

A distraction from Felassan got her full attention and Rook arched into the younger elf's chest as two fingers dipped into her body. "Hmm, looks like my massage relaxed you." His voice was proud as his fingers sunk into her all the way to his knuckles, he curled them in a come-hither and Rook swore the warm water made her feel more sensitive than usual. The smell of Felassan and Solas mixed together in the steam, stronger and it made her needy. She needed these two… damn her morals, her history with Solas.

Felassan's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths as he rested his lips on her shoulder as he closed his eyes to focus on playing with her body. His thumb teased her clit, slowly he rocked her hips back against the same hardness she felt before making it slide against the crack between her plump cheeks.

Looking through her lashes, Rook looked at Solas' reaction. The spirit-turned-elf was watching, head leaning on his knuckles in the most relaxed man in the world while giving peppered kisses into her ankle. With an excited huff, Felassan ran his spare hand up Rook's side until it found its way under her breast. He lifted the mound up above the water as much as possible and used his thumb to play with her nipple. Solas' breath caught as he watched his friend and the brains behind the Dread Wolf tease the pink flower into a hard nub.

Not wanting to he left out for long, Solas leaned down to capture it between his teeth and he savoured the sound of Rook's whimper. Felassan moved his hand so he was holding the breast up so Solas could suck more into his mouth or mark it with his teeth. The soft globe was like pudding as his teeth sunk in leaving red marks that were sure to bruise in the morning.

"Mmmhm." Felassan moaned desperately as his cock slid against her back, "The bath might not have been the best place for this…"

"Lift her into your lap." Solas suggested as he ran his lips against her collarbone so he could latch onto her shoulder opposite to Felassan's spot. The younger elf didn't hesitate to do just that. Rook gasped as her breath was pushed upwards, Felassan did not wait on ceremony as he lifted her up and almost dropped her down onto his hard shaft. Impaling her with almost every inch along with his fingers which he curled one more time before moving his hand to her hip in a tight grip. "High strung, my friend?"

Solas chuckled as the two in front of him moaned while they lost themselves in each other for a heartbeat before Felassan started to thrust his hips upwards causing water to splash to the floor. He wasn't sad that they forgot him, but he did feel like he needed to up his own game a little more or get his own satisfaction as he watched Rook's breasts bounce in front of his face. He took the unmarred one in his palm and squeezed while nipping and kissing his way up Rooks throat.

Almost kneeling now, Solas' face was in front of Rook's and her glassy eyes focused on him as their breath mingled together, her mouth dropped open in a moan. "Please…"

Her lips were his to claim, their tongues lashed together as the kiss was anything but gentle. It was primal, needy, without a hint of affection. Just to taste the other, to busy their mouths before they could resort to drawing blood instead. Luckily Solas was able to counter each of Felassan's thrusts so that their teeth didn't collide and he ground his own hips forward. Rook moaned into his mouth and arched towards him as she felt his own manhood push against her stomach.

So needy, she wanted them both. Wouldn't settle for less and she was shameless enough to let them know with her pleas and mewling… Solas growled as a small hand wrapped around him and began to stroke against his veins. A dexterous thumb found sensitive areas only he knew about… He hoped Felassan would hurry up so he could find how she felt for himself.

If Felassan could form words, he would tell his friend that the woman felt divine. So wet and accommodating that he slid in and out of her with no problems, sinking in another inch with each thrust as he adjusted position slightly to be more comfortable. Soon he will be balls deep and that was where he wanted to be when he finished.

Breathless, Felassan hissed as he pressed his clammy forehead against Rook's back, feeling each roll of her muscles as he thrust into her. Up down, slow then fast. He was trying to draw it out just that little longer, just to annoy Solas. "Such a good girl for us."

"Hm? She feels that good you struggle to put it to word?" Solas licked his lips free of saliva as he let Rook gasp for air, he chuckled as all Felassan could so in return was a silent rude hand gesture. He stared at Rook's glazed over expression as her hand around him stilled. She couldn't focus on the task she set for herself, couldn't give him pleasure without loosing her mind as Felassan's tip pushed against something that curled her toes.

There was no jealousy between two friends, they had lived side by side for hundreds of years. But Solas did feel a little bit annoyed as his manhood sat uselessly in the human woman's hand. He looked at her moist mouth and huffed… well he had ideas to get his pleasure from her, with or without her own contribution.

Water ran down his chest and defined abs as he stood fully and he felt pride in his chest as Rook's eyes widened. Raking up and down with hazy appreciation to memorise his body, before her eyes fell on what sat between his legs and her mouth dropped open.

What an opportune moment she presented him. Solas gripped her chin with his hand and pressed her jaw wide with a thumb on her bottom teeth, there was little resistance as he pushed his long shaft down her throat. He groaned as her tastebuds stimulated the bulging veins under his cock as his groin brushed against her nose. For one second her throat convulsed and eyes watered before Solas pulled out to his tip.

But there wasn't much time to feel relief as he thrust back in harder making Rook gag a little as he hit the back of her throat. Felassan groaned as her body twitched around him, "Fuck! Do that again." Solas complied and smirked as his friend hissed like he had been burned, "She gets so tight."

"The sooner you find your end, the sooner we can to this to the bed…" The suggestion had the two beneath him almost whimper in delight.

Felassan's movements became more erratic and Solas matched his speed, pounding Rook's throat so she didn't have a moment to breathe. And by the Maker did she love every second of it. Her jaw and lungs might hurt in the morning, but how many people could say they had an ancient god's cock abusing their mouth? Not many she assumed… at least from her timeline.

The only words from either elf were a mixture of swear words in Elvhen or growled promises. It was almost too much to handle as Rook's eyes rolled backwards, a thumb found its way to her clit and that was her undoing as it was fondled the bud carefully. Her body clenched and Felassan just about cried out as silken walls closed around him, he fucked her through it (much to Solas' despair) but the twitching of her walls became too much. His seed burst free, coating the woman's walls carelessly.

And as he finished, the heat was stolen away from him causing their shared fluids to wash into the water and he hummed sadly. Rook gasped as her mouth was emptied and was lifted up like she weighed nothing, she wrapped her legs around Solas' waist out of instinct and shuddered as her back was roughly pushed against the carved wall causing imprints into her skin. There was no time to recover as Solas lined up and fucked her like they had no time left to lose.

"AH! Solas…!" Rook's legs twitched apart to let him sink in further and she only stayed upright because Solas held her with hands that traced along her thighs into position behind her knees to keep them spread, his breath was broken by deep groans as he pounded her sensitive womanhood, the slapping of their collided hips bounced off the walls, blocking out the heavy gasps coming from Felassan as the younger elf stroked himself. He tried to catch his breath as he watched his friend and leader loose himself in a woman's body.

Rook's voice hiccupped with each thrust as she mumbled nothings, her arms wrapped around Solas' wide shoulders and her fingers tightened into his hair. The elf-god growled low into her skin as she tugged at the roots, sharp pain that drew his attention like a inconsequential distraction. His tip was pounding a bruise into her innermost walls and it was a feeling she would never forget. Even in all lifetimes…

"Cum for us, Rook." Solas whispered in a gravel voice, it was criminal to use such a tone against her ear. The last time she heard it or something akin to it was when she had him and Elgar'nan arguing in her skull. Both ancient gods had voices that were so sinful she felt gratified to be the only one hearing it. Turned on and scared in the middle of a battle. She had been so angry with herself when they returned to the Lighthouse… she couldn't meet Solas' eyes when she thanked him for his assistance.

The way he had tilted his head down to try and meet her eyes had been embarrassing. He had known something was wrong…

"OH!" And she did cum for him with a breathless cry. The scent of Solas filled her, every pore and even her lungs as she heaved in desperate breaths. Blueberries, so sweet she was somewhat disappointed as she sunk her teeth into the elf's shoulder that he was saltier.

The response to her biting him was immediate. Solas tensed and seemed to sink further against her, he exhaled heavily into her ear, and his hips shuddered as his fingers dug into the skin of her knees and thighs. His own release flooded into her body.

"A little pent up, Solas?"

"You forget I had her in my arms for the last two hours." Solas groaned through his teeth as his hips jerked with each twitch of his manhood, "And she moves a lot in her sleep…"

Felassan chuckled as he stood, stepping from the bath. "We will have to continue our bath later." His tone had Rook tremble in anticipation. She winced as Solas spun and she felt the indents on her back as Solas passed her to the other elf.

"I will join shortly." His manhood slipped from her body and Rook felt empty. Felassan nodded his head as he lowered Rook carefully to her feet where she wobbled on legs akin to a newborn Halla, and dried them both off a best as possible. He handed the towel to Solas then hooked his arm under Rook's knees so he could lift her bridal style and carry her out of the steaming bathroom.

The bedroom wasn't too far away. It was small and cosy, the bed took up most of the room and was covered in thick furs that felt like silk on her skin as Felassan laid her down. He pushed her legs open so he could slot his hips between them and they both groaned as he filled her up again. His motions were slow to the point that it almost sullied her desire, wasting time until Solas could catch up.

"Felassan…" Rook moaned as the elf kissed her throat, gentle as he traced the marks left by Solas almost like he was apologising for them. His hands traced random patterns into her skin and Rook's own hands came up to cup either side of his head, her thumb following the slightly raised skin of his Vallaslin on his cheeks then the lines on his chin right before she moved his head up so she could kiss him.

It was stark difference between the two ancient elves. Solas was primal, full of anger at himself or the world that he tried to stifle into the darkest part of his soul where no one would see. Felassan was gentle, loving, following behind Solas to calm the aftermath of his singular warpath.

The elf's tongue ran across her sensitive lips before filling her mouth almost like he was asking for permission first. His mouth moved gently as he sucked out her breath, his hips lost their slow pace for a bare second before he was able to regain his senses.

From the doorway, Solas' frame shadowed them. He seemed content to watch from a moment as he towelled the ends of his hair that had gotten wet, his eyes reflected in the pale light behind him almost like a cat before he threw the towel into the corner of the room and stepped towards them. Something was in his hand. A jar.

"You look like you're torturing her, my friend." Felassan flinched as Solas tapped him between his shoulder blades, then leaned away leaving behind a stand of saliva that connected his lips to hers before he ran the pad of his tongue across his lip to break it.

"I didn't want to rush things before you finally graced us with your presence." His voice was a mix of mockery and impeachment. He rolled to the side bringing Rook with him and the woman gasped as Solas pressed in behind her. The sound of the jar opening filled the room as a breath of quiet seemed to cloud over them, then the overpowering scent of linseed filled their noses. Solas crinkled his nose at the strong scent before dipping three fingers into the jar then closed it with one hand so he could place it on the ground.

The wet slaps of his hand stroking against his own manhood had Rook's heart throb almost painfully, Maker's breath was he about to… Felassan distracted her with his lips as she grew tense. They breathed in unison as Solas did his own thing behind her back.

A round bulb prodded against her entrance and Felassan pulled out until it was just his tip, groaning as Solas adjusted his grip so he was holding both their shafts to they felt like one thick member. Slowly they spread her walls wider than she ever had before and Rook whined at the feeling.

The two elves groaned as they bottomed out as deeply as they could, four large hands found every inch of her body as the pair explored every inch of her as they found a pace they both could handle.

Rook's eyes rolled and she arched as she was pounded, never feeling empty as one pulled out the other thrust inside. Her walls quivered and hooked a leg around Fellassan's hip. This had to be an insane dream… was she dying somewhere or was this a Blighted fantasy before she turned into some horrendous monster?

It sure didn't feel like a dream, she cried into Felassan's soft lips as she came. Torturing the two men as her sensitive walls clenched. She was stuck between them as they found their own pleasure, trying to catch up to her.

"Hah!" Felassan was the first to fall apart followed shortly by Solas. Their seed mixed together as they painted her walls in white, the three of them breathed desperately. Their bodies sweaty, but no one wanted to move. The two hot members stayed buried inside as Rook felt her head spin.

"Get some sleep, Rook." Solas whispered as he kissed the back of her ear, "You too Felassan."

"Yes sir." Felassan chuckled airily as he peppered Rook's face with kisses before hugging his arms around her back to hold her tight. Solas did the same with one hand enveloping her breast, and the other around her chest where it was stuck.

Three hearts slowed. Three people slept.


Rook sat at the table eating breakfast, ears flushed as Felassan constantly ran his feet up and down her leg and Solas' fingers traced her neck each time he walked past. This was what their life had been reduced two in the following days after the three untangled from each other, broken up by almost casually placed questions. She answered in a mix of truth and lie. That was the easiest way to throw the elven god of lies (depending on the story) off her scent.

She was no enemy of theirs in this timeline… and she wanted to stay that way just in case she couldn't get home. How many days has it been already? Felt like a month.

Each brush from Solas seemed to chip away at her anger, she had woken that first night angry with herself. She let Solas touch her… claim her with teeth, and fill her body with his seed. She had begged for it. Arched to his touch, felt his manhood in the back of her throat. Enjoyed the taste of him on her tongue.

But she struggled to be angry with him. This Solas didn't betray her, this Solas had yet to feel the pain of his goddess or even have the idea of the Veil cross his mind.

This Solas allowed himself to grow fond of her… sure he still annoyed her in ways only Solas could, but it was becoming easier to ignore.

He was young, more relaxed than his bald counterpart. And warmer… he still had regrets, but they weren't as consuming. She almost sensed them as he touched her, kissed her, grew emotionally closer to her… fucked her.

Then Felassan, the two of them hit it off so easily it was like they knew each other for years and Rook found herself warming to him quickly. Their sense of humour instantly melded together much to Solas' chagrin. He was the subject of most of their sass… waking up in Felassan's arms was something Rook wanted to bring home.

But she couldn't and when she was sure neither men could see, she cried for the loss of a spirit who never wanted to be a man. And an elf who just wanted his friend to see the world as it was, only to be killed for it. That thought was enough to keep Rook from warming to Solas as easily.

But THIS Solas made it so hard. His kisses and magic laced touches could make all thoughts vanish.

It was true, what Belara said about ancient elves, they felt emotions stronger and more freely that modern day people. The two elves seemed to imprint onto her within the short amount of time and when the two thought she slept she swore she heard something whispered into her ear. But why would they. She was an enigma to them.

Was it because she was unfamiliar, or didn't know them? Or did they just enjoy her company so soon? Did they know her heart fluttered every time she looked at them?

Dressed in her robes to keep that feeling of home with her, Rook stepped away from the table with a shy clearing of her throat drawing the pairs attention. "I'm going to walk around the cabin for a bit…" She had to walk before she decided to ride Solas right there in the kitchen as his stroked a strand of her hair between his fingers causing his knuckles to rub against her ear.

This wasn't new, after eating she washed up after herself and walked around the cabin to exercise off the food and to feel like she was doing something other than the two handsome elves. During this time, Solas would sneak off into the misty wall of snow that barred her from following. Probably to a Eluvian to keep his rebellion running.

The two nodded, making themselves warm coffee and whispered in Elvhen about the next plan of attack that she pretended not to be intrigued by. Rook stretched her arms high above her head and stomped her feet for a second before doing a light jog around the cabin, the fresh air was relaxing and helped cool down her cheeks. That morning Solas had woken her up with a very eager kiss on her lower lips, as Felassan was otherwise busy with fishing to refill their stock of food.

Solas spoke true… she was getting very tired of fish…

"Rook!?"

She froze as a series of voices she knew echoed in her head and she felt something behind her, familiar. Rook spun on her heels and reached for her weapons before remembering she left them inside, just as the two ancient elves ran out the door, sensing the magic as it burst to life.

"ROOK!" Felassan shouted as he saw Rook being dragged across the snow as the vortex pulled her towards it by her feet, her eyes wide as voices called out her name. Some on the other side of the vortex, and the others from the two elves as they ran forward. Time seemed to slow as she realised they weren't going to reach her in time. Especially when the vortex seemed to be pushing them backwards. Solas' eyes glowed bright and he reached out…

But did Rook really want them to? She had to go back… Emmrich and the Inquisitor were calling for her, she had to go back to her time. A time where Felassan was murdered by his own friend in the Fade… she was never going to get his soft kisses again. This never happened… if it had wouldn't Solas have reacted differently when he first saw her?

But even as she felt her fingers grow slack allowing the pull of magic to latch onto her fully, Rook couldn't help calling out. "Fel…."

Bang! She collided with something soft, arms covered in gold bangles wrapped around her to stop her from being flung to the ground before the vortex closed with a loud thunderstrike that left her ears ringing. Felassan's voice calling to her was silenced. Her heart felt crushed…

"We're here Rook! We have you…" Emmrich's voice was gentle as he lowered her to the ground and pet her hair as her legs gave out.

"Thank the Maker!" The Inquisitor rubbed their face in relief, "We thought we lost you."

Bellara was sobbing as her nerves and tensions burst free, she had obvious magicka drain and refused to accept the Lyrium potion a man was trying to give her, a man who had the sun burned into his forehead but he seemed to be impatient, brow furrowed which wasn't common amongst Tranquil. No surprise that she refused the Lyrium. None of the mages in the Veilguard or the Inquisitor's innermost circles could stomach it after learning the truth. "Thank you… oh thank you!"

"We couldn't have done it without you…"

"You are welcome." That voice. Rook's eyes shot upwards and her mouth dropped in disbelief, Felassan smiled at her with a swarm of emotion in his eyes, "Welcome back to your timeline, Rook."

A sob escaped her and Felassan almost fell his knees so she could throw herself forward across the ground. Her arms locked tightly around his shoulders and he tucked his face into her shoulder and sighed out years of pent-up feelings. His arms trembled against her back as he hugged her close. Emmrich cleared his throat before going to Bellara's side. Strife was there too trying to help the girl he treated with the kindness akin to a father… obviously wherever his newly wedded husband went, he would follow.

"How…?"

"I am a Dreamer, when Solas stabbed me in the Fade it made me tranquil…" Felassan brushed the back of her head, "but that doesn't mean the end… Solas was a wisdom spirit before he took a body."

"What…?" She frowned in confusion… Solas? So Felassan was never dead?

"The Seeker's have a rite where they meditate and something about a Faith spirit touching their soul in this side of the Veil…" The Inquisitor explained even though they only half understood it, "Looks like Solas can do the same from his place in the Fade. He cured Felassan along with a few other Tranquil… Dorrick here, included."

Solas cured… Felassan?

"Did you… always remember…?" She whispered as Felassan rocked her back and forth like he was trying to pacify a scared child. Bless Emmrich… the aged Mourn Watcher ushered everyone out of the room to give the pair privacy. The second they were alone Felassan was giving her kisses, every inch of her face had to be touched as if his life depended on it.

"Always." His voice broke slightly as his lips brushed hers, and his eyes held hers. "We didn't forget you, we sent out scouts to investigate but never found you. We thought you were killed or captured…"

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything…"

"I know, I understand." Felassan silenced her with a kiss and stroked her cheeks with his thumbs, "I am so glad to finally see you again, ma vhenan…"

The pure affection behind his words had her heart lighten and eyes tear up. His heart? She meant that much to him? She cried. So, he really did whisper that to her…

"Ma vhenan, my Rook… you left a scar in me." His voice trembled as he punctuated each word with a kiss, then pulled her close to his chest so she could hear his heart. Hear the honestly behind his words. "In us…"

"Why did he act like he didn't know me?"

"Solas… he would have been terrified to see you, to know that you didn't remember us… that the you he met at the ritual site had never experienced what we did." Felassan planted a kiss on the crown of her head, "And knowing he killed me in the Fade… his guilt consumed him."

So… during that final battle, right as they used Mythal's essence to free him of her hold, the hesitance he had while reaching out towards her only to stop as he saw the look on her face, the guilt in his eyes… she was on his mind in that moment. The her in this moment. The future her.

He had forgotten himself for a second. But he hid the pain and backed up… letting the Fade take him to use his own life force to keep the Veil in place.

If he was able to reach Felassan, was the prison weakened? Or changed? He had taken the dagger with him, so maybe he was able to do something? "How did Solas reach you from the Fade?"

Felassan's eyes twinkled, "Knowing him he found a way to bend things to his means. He then made a small crack in the veil, enough to let out a shard of his magic to find me. He almost didn't, Briala had done well to hide me with some help from Abelas." Those were names Rook remembered from Varric.

Her mind raced as she took in all this information, her heart still almost not believing that Felassan was here in the flesh. That he loved her… and that maybe somewhere deep inside amongst all the regrets, so did Solas…?

When they stood across from each other in the Fade after Rook disrupted the ritual, Solas had tried to say something "Ma vh…" before she cut him off, thinking he was trying to excuse his actions. His lips and face instantly toughened with resolution before they got down to business and each interaction was scathing, heated. Full of betrayal and lies. But what was that face he had right before he realised it was a different her?

Shock… relief… sadness?

Love…?

Felassan whispered her name over and over as she was lost in thought, a mixture of 'Rook' and the name she rarely used anymore… her name, the one her parents gave her. Her fruit loving parents.

"I hate to interrupt…" The Inquisitor returned with an apologetic look, "But the shard of Solas has returned with news of the Blight."

Carefully Rook rose to her feet, she seemed unable to let Felassan go and he in return had to thread his fingers into hers. His eyes never leaving her face as they walked through the Denerim keep where they risked resummoning the Vortex when Felassan and Briala joined them with the promise he knew where Rook was and could put her back to their time.

Inside a room with a scattered mess of books and parchment sat a white misty figure of a wolf, its six eyes shone with green light as the three entered the room. Rook sensed the eyes on her joined hand before the echo of Solas' voice echoed into the room, "Rook…"

"Solas."

"I am not here to chase forgiveness… I don't deserve it…" Solas' voice was hurt yet he continued on without giving her time to respond, "But I have news of the Blight. It is deep… twisted. Looks like the Evanuris had been affecting it even when imprisoned, it sticks to the walls like sap. And most of the Titan dreams won't listen to me… as expected."

"Is there something we can do on our side?" Asked the Inquisitor. Their voice down to business and Solas sighed at the familiarity that he subtly missed during his time in the Inquisitors circle. The former bearer of his magic was someone he considered a friend in a world of Tranquil.

"You are doing more than enough, my friend. You break down the blight on your end which helps weaken its resolve here." Rook could imagine Solas standing with his hands behind his back as he explained, "But I sense something. Near Kirkwall… I see water crashing against the side of a cliff and unground tunnels."

"Hawke is currently in Kirkwall trying to help recover land…" The Inquisitor nodded, "We will send word and some scouts through the Crossroads before we make our move."

"I would appreciate it." The wolf flickered and a pained grunt escaped Solas making all three of them shift in concern, "No… I am alright."

"Just exhausted." Felassan finished for him with a frown, he knew Solas was overdoing it. "Are we able to send in assistance?"

"Send…" Solas seemed to hesitate, like the thought never crossed his mind. "That could be possible… but only a small group."

Felassan seemed hesitant and Rook KNEW what was on his mind. Even after all this time, he wanted to help Solas. But for the first time, he had another reason to step away.

Her.

Rook looked up at him with understanding before facing the Inquisitor, "We can do it. I am accustomed with the blight and Titan anger, and Felassan is an ancient elf familiar with both the Blight and Solas… we can assist him."

"Rook…" Solas' voice seemed distraught at the suggestion but Felassan silenced him with a shake of his head.

"Are you sure?" Asked the Inquisitor while inspecting the pair's faces… finding only determination they exhaled. "Then the two of you will give support to Solas. I will summon the rest of the Veilguard to help on this side… and I think the two of you need a going away party. Solas… give us about a week just to settle our side and gather people."

Once more the Inquisitor left, and Felassan didn't hesitate to bring their linked hands up so he could kiss at Rook's fingers. "Thank you, Rook… but you don't have to do this…"

"Don't try to talk me out of this… it's my decision." Rook smiled, "I am not just doing this for you. We need to help the Titans."

"Then I will be seeing you both soon." Solas' voice was quiet… reluctant.


Together with hands never releasing, Felassan and Rook stepped into the small rift that Solas was able to open from his side. The remaining Veilguard members all watched as the two faded away in green light to join Solas on his side.

Rook readjusted her returned weapons as they walked towards the turned back of the Dread Wolf, ones that Felassan had taken care of for thousands of years. The weight of them seemed heavier, full of a history she didn't witness in a whole. His shoulders looked defeated.

"Liven up, old friend." Felassan slapped Solas between his broad shoulders making Solas stumble forward a step in surprise, "I'm not about to stab you in the back."

The older elf flinched at Felassan's choice of words, eyes full of shame. "I am sorry…" His eyes misted up and he lowered his head making Rooks heart break. It was like Mythal all over again as the man curled into himself, this time she didn't hold back due to her anger, bringing her free hand up to cup the side of his face. Solas leaned into her hand as if all he ever wanted was her touch. A broken man all over again.

Gently she brought his head down and planted a kiss between his brow and felt his small frown relax under her lips, "We are here to help you Solas…"

Emotion gushed from Solas as he freed himself of the invisible chains of his own making, his hands grabbed Rook by her face and pulled her into a kiss while surging forward. All his withdrawn feelings felt like a punch that took her breath away, Felassan grunted as he kept the two from falling over and smiled seeing his friend finally show his truest self. The man behind the mask of the Dread Wolf. A man who just wanted love...

"We do this… together?" Solas breathed as he reluctantly parted from Rook's mouth, his eyes held a warmth that Felassan thought was lost long ago. Violet eyes met and he nodded in agreement.

"Yes." Rook spoke for both of them as they all faced the darkness from the higher vantage point of a tower on the walls, above a blackened elven castle that was ripped straight from the real world when Solas first made the Veil. The growths of Blight glowing red were their challenge to tackle.

"You won't get rid of us that easily." Added Felassan with a smirk, "We stick together this time."

And they were going to make changes.