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“Hey, have you seen the kid?” Varric inquired as he entered the War Room.
Eyes left the battle plans and fell on Varric. Most of them seemed bothered, if only a little curious. However, Cassandra seemed the most annoyed.
“Do you mind Varric?” Cassandra greeted.
“I know, I know. The Inquisition comes first and taking down Corypheus is our top priority. But I can’t find the kid. I was going to teach him how to use a crossbow, but he’s playing hard to find.”
“Last I saw him, he was drinking with Krem.” Cullen recalled.
“Krem and Tiny are training.”
“Is he maybe with Blackwall?” Leliana inquired. “He seemed interested in learning woodwork.”
“After Curly’s horse nipped at him, Kid’s hesitant to go near the stable.”
“Sera?” Cassandra added.
Varric gave her a jovial glare. “Really? Do you really think I’d leaving him alone with her? After she tried bribing him to make you forget about that ‘bee training’ exercise?”
As Cassandra groaned, shaking her head, the Inquisitor snickered. He remembered that moment clearly. As inconvenient as it was, it was also a little funny. The new recruits were running as Sera threw jars of bees at them as ‘surprise attacks’. The Inquisitor could feel a glare burning into him as he cleared his throat.
“Why don’t I help you.” The Inquisitor offered. “Two heads are better than one, am I right?”
“Much appreciated.” Varric gestured for the Inquisitor to follow him. “Maybe he’s hiding in the garden. Kid loves the flowers and he’s a keen eye for the best medical herbs.”
“He also makes a wonderful mint tea.” The Inquisitor added, following him out of the War Room. “The cats love it too.”
~
Solas was sitting at his desk flipping through some diagrams and books. He shifted slightly as he turned a page. He appreciated the silence too. It was the first time he had a moment to think. And despite an unexpected weight, it helped keep him from taking on too much work.
“Why didn't I think this sooner?” Varric mused. “Hey Chuckles!”
Silence. Varric approached the elf, the Inquisitor not too far behind. They had scoped out most of Skyhold by the time the Inquisitor thought of Solas.
“Hey!” Varric called out, feeling ignored. “You have to help us.”
“Keep it down.” Solas hissed.
“Why? Your book can’t be that engaging.” Varric circled around Solas, getting to the other side of the desk. “We’re looking for…”
Before he could even finish his sentence, it was already answered. Cole was awkwardly, yet comfortably, curled up on Solas’ lap. His hat covered his eyes slightly. Strands of hair covered the rest. Light snoring was the only noise escaping Cole as he slept.
How he got into this position was anyone’s guess. And how comfortable it was for Solas was debatable. However, Cole didn’t seem too bothered by it. Whatever the case may be.
“He forgot he needed sleep.” Solas stated. “My guess, he hasn’t slept in two days. He came to me because he was feeling emotionally drained and needed to vent. It was enlightening.”
“Overdoing the whole ‘compassion spirit’ thing?” Varric inquired, leaning on the desk.
Nodding, Solas leaned back a bit. “A little. Of course, now that he’s displaying more human qualities, he needs to remember he has needs.” He looked at the Inquisitor. “You may want to speak with Mother Giselle. She may believe she means well, but she’s getting a little too smothering with Cole. I’ve also caught wind of a rumor about him being a demon looking for a new host. And while I cannot confirm it at this time, I suspect she started it.”
The Inquisitor nodded. ”I’ll have it looked into.” He glanced at Cole. “So… how did he…?”
”He passed out while telling me about a dream he had with a giant wolf, who was sad and felt familiar.” He paused as Cole took a deep breathe. “But before he did, Cole said his head felt faint, like a cloud drifting away. Would have smacked his head on the corner of the desk had I not caught him in time.”
Varric shook his head. “And you didn’t think to take him to his bed because…?”
“He’s comfortable. Besides, I’m not going anywhere. I wanted to investigated this dream of his. Even if it doesn’t seem important, with how Cole explained it, this wolf sounded familiar.”
“It can’t be comfortable for you.” The Inquisitor observed. “I can…”
“If you’re taking anyone anywhere, it’s me.” Arm’s wrapped around the Inquisitor. “And you owe me dinner.”
Smirking, the Inquisitor shuffled around. He turned to face Dorian, green eyes gleefully watching him. Wrapping his arms around Dorian’s shoulders, the Inquisitor kissed Dorian.
“I suppose I do,” the Inquisitor admitted, “especially after I accidentally zapped you during training yesterday.”
“I knew we had a spark, but I didn’t think it was that shocking.”
The Inquisitor chuckled, clearing his throat when he remembered they weren’t alone. “Since we found Cole, I assume my help is no longer needed.”
“Get outta here, you love birds.” Varric playfully dismissed.
Varric shook his head as he watched them leave. In all honesty, they were a good couple. Openly flirty pretty frequently too. Not that it was an issue. For Varric at least.
Turning his attention back to Solas, Varric didn’t get a read on his response. Solas was just looking at his work, keeping Cole company. Admittedly, he sometimes forgot about making sure Cole got sleep. Working with him for everything else took up a lot of time, and even Varric forgot about the day to day stuff.
If Solas didn’t mind Cole being there, Varric supposed it that was fine. Varric found him, like he wanted to, so letting him sleep wasn’t an issue. And Cole was with someone he trusted. So he was safe.
“Anything I can help you with the Kid?” Varric offered.
“When you work with him on crossbow training, make sure he has his hat off.” Solas replied. “Until he’s confident handling one, his vision doesn’t need additional blindspots.”
Varric nodded. “Don’t need him shooting an unsuspecting bird. Or Sera.”
He excused himself to leave them be. Solas shook his head as he watched Varric leave. Looking around the room, Solas sighed, a sorrowful grimace on his face.
In truth, it wasn’t the wolf that intrigued him, but what it represented. It’s role and what it intended to do. The secrets. It hit close to home, and Solas didn’t want Cole to be hurt in the crosshairs. Dream or not.
Forget