Rift Apostate

“My past mistakes don’t include destroying an entire civilization based on my prejudices, only to abandon everyone who relied on me. My current mistakes only include trusting you, not trying to ruin the world a second time. Don’t try to turn your problems on me when I am giving up everything to save the world you are trying to destroy.”

“Really now? And here I thought you were an asshole. Instead you’re just stupid and allergic to common decency. Silly of me to think you capable and actually give a damn about your past mistakes.”

Hunter had spotted the cave through the rain and had quickly made his way over to it so that he could wait for the rain to be over but he didn’t realise someone else was there until the other had spoken. He berated himself mentally for not being more careful”

“I didn’t know anybody was here,” Hunter said honestly, “It’s almost a storm out there and this was the only cover I could find.”

Hunter used a few seconds to look over the other quickly. Elf but no Vallaslin, so not Dalish, there’s a staff nearby so a mage. He hasn’t moved to defend himself so isn’t concerned with getting attacked or is confident in his ability to take down anybody “

“Understandable. As far as I know, this cave has not been used for many years, particularly by those who walk the lands. It used to be another way into the Deep Roads but the entrance is blocked now.” Darkspawn wouldn’t interrupt anyone inside and Solas had yet to see any giant spiders.

Listening to the world outside, Solas could hear rain and thunder over the sound of the ocean. Perhaps it had been there to begin with and he’d simply mistaken the sound.

The crashing sounds of the ocean greeted him when he pulled himself from the Fade. A spirit nearby had tipped him of an intruder in the cave but Solas wasn’t bothered. In fact, he was curious and just as cautious as he thought he needed to be. 

He stood, legs sore from sitting in place for long hours, and began lighting torches around his camp. Solas didn’t wait to begin speaking. If the person were there, they would come upon him shortly. 

Changing the nature of a spirit was something that Solas would always disapprove of but Cole seemed happy enough. He witnessed that Cole kept his compassionate ways by helping those around him even if they could no longer forget him. Perhaps Cole’s happiness was better than preserving the prosperity of a spirit but Solas would never say such a thing out loud.

But going down to the tavern to check on him was odd enough for Solas that people were giving him curious looks. He ascended two flights of stairs, ignoring the sounds from Serah’s alcove, and walked over to Cole’s corner. Solas leaned against the railing and held his hands together in front of him. 

They may not have been at Skyhold for very long, but Dorian had, apparently, made himself quite at home. The little nook he’d all but claimed as his own was rather homey, if a bit of a mess today. Books lay scattered about, dog-eared and beaten up after the mage’s abuse.

One had the wonderful timing to slide right off the chair it had been dangling from just as Solas approached. Dorian payed it little mind, hardly even jumping at the noise as he scoured the shelves, searching for a particular tome he needed.

It was Solas’ voice that made him pause, however briefly. His fingers came to a rest, and he turned his head just long enough to fixate the man with a surprised stare. They hadn’t spoken much, really. It wasn’t unheard of, but he none the less looked at him as if this were truly a momentous occasion.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m sure a dash of fresh paint will go a long way to fixing all of Tevinter’s many problems. I was thinking of either a nice mint green or eggshell white.”

Sass had been expected. In fact, it seemed to be one of the things that Dorian never seemed to have a shortage of. Not that Solas was going to complain, it was amusing at times. Grey eyes flickered to the fallen book and he took a step toward it, bending low and picking it up from the floor. It would do no one any good if it were left there to be damaged, not that he suspected Dorian to be a book abuser.

“Eggshell and mint? Might I suggest emerald and cream instead? Or silver and blue?” Solas didn’t stop the smirk and glanced toward the books Dorian was looking through. “I’m certain you will find the right combination to help Tevinter’s issues even if it’s simply a fresh shade of the same colors.” 

Dawn had a rather early day soon, and although she had been trying to sleep within her bedroom quarters, she could not fall asleep for the life of her. No matter the tossing and turning or counting druafflo, nothing worked. She had decided to finally get out of her bed, fixing the pajamas she wore. It was a simple sleeveless silk top with stitching and buttons down the middle, along with matching silk pants. 

Upon walking the halls, she wasn’t too surprised that no one was around besides the guards that took turns at shifts. No one could stay awake for a whole night right? Well except her if she could not fall asleep properly. At the voice she jumped a little in her spot, half turning to see Solas with a book in hand. He sure was an odd one to be up like this.

“It is, I could say the same about you.” She chuckled, a small grin tugging at the corner of her lips. “I simply couldn’t sleep for nothing. Maybe it’s my brain working too hard and thinking about the things I have to do later on, and the people I have to help.”

“Sleep escaped me for tonight. That’ll teach me to experiment with tea, I suppose. It’s still dreadful.” Of course, no one had forced him to drink it so he had no one but himself to blame.

He snapped the book closed and laid it on the table before him. At least he had good company for the first time that night. A small smile crept onto his face as he carefully shifted to cross his legs, his hands together in his lap. 

Leaving the rotunda, Solas made his way up the stairs to the bookshelves. He knew what he was looking for, it was on the first bookcase, second shelf down, third book from the left. That didn’t mean he was going for it immediately. 

Dorian, the good Tevinter, caught his attention as soon as he’d come up the stairs. Of course, Solas’s curiosity was getting the better of him. Abandoning the books, he padded over and casually leaned against the brick of the alcove. 

Skyhold’s silence in the night seemed to drag on far longer than Solas was used to. He’d been into the tea stores, attempting to find something that didn’t make him wrinkle his nose in distaste, but had found nothing yet. Even the fruity ones were nearly unbearable.

As such, he made his way around the battlements and down to the courtyard. No matter how many times he circled around, Solas didn’t seem to be able to tire himself out enough to sleep. The Fade would have to do without him for one night.

A pointed ear twitched and Solas took a step back. As always, the sheer volume of ZJ’s voice had him frowning slightly.