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Rook woke from his sleep and turned to the other side of the bed, anticipating the warmth of Solas' body. But the other side of the bed was cold when Rook reached for his partner. He groaned and carefully stretched, mindful of his still healing wounds from his battle against the gods. His side throbbed where Solas had stabbed him, despite Rook’s attempts to be careful with his movements. Rook winced at the memory, grateful now that he had woken up alone. The last thing he wanted was for Solas to feel guilty again over hurting him when things were finally starting to settle down between them.
With a groan, Rook pulled himself out of bed and stumbled around until he found his sleep clothes. To his surprise, Solas had neatly folded and set them on the table for him. It was only right, Rook grumbled to himself, that Solas tidied up after he was the one to undress Rook so messily the night before. There was no note left behind, so Rook figured that Solas couldn't have gone too far. If Solas had left the Lighthouse, Rook was confident that he would have left some sign of it.
His first stop was the library, a room that had once belonged to Emmrich but was now covered in Solas' personal belongings. Despite this, there were no signs that Solas had spent any time here this morning, which surprised Rook. Usually, when Solas woke up before him, he would spend his time researching for something secret that he hadn't shared with Rook yet. Disappointed, Rook closed the door and considered checking the dining hall next to see if Solas was there eating or preparing breakfast.
The door to the main building swung open at Rook’s touch, and Rook froze in place as he took in the unexpected scene before him. A massive creature covered in sleek black fur dominated the lower courtyard - Solas, in his wolf form, appeared to be carefully assessing his own body. Rook's gaze followed the outline of the behemoth wolf, noting with surprise that some of the wounds from his battle with Lusacan were still visible. He had assumed that shapeshifting would heal any injuries between shifts, but perhaps there was something unique about the ones inflicted by the archdemon, or maybe it was a quirk of Solas’ magic.
He hesitantly called out, “Solas?” There was not much room to maneuver outside the doors, and Rook was a bit worried Solas might accidentally crush Rook if he did not notice his presence.
Rook watched Solas' head snap towards the doorway as he spoke, his six eyes slowly blinking in what Rook took as a silent greeting. Staying close to the wall, Rook stepped outside and approached Solas. “Good morning to you too. You didn't mention where you were going, so I decided to come find you. This is, uh, unexpected? Do you usually use your wolf form? Because I can’t recall a single other time besides the battle, which I guess you wouldn’t have shown it to me before in the prison, so you haven’t had many opportunities -”
Rook, Solas’ voice echoed in his head, amusement somehow conveyed through it. How am I to answer your questions if you ramble ceaselessly?
“Well, I wasn’t sure if you could understand me. I haven’t met many other shapeshifters,” Rook said with a huff. “Will you answer my questions, then?”
Which one?
“Start with why you are out here so early in your wolf shape.” Rook approached more closely, keeping an eye for any sudden movements that might risk knocking him over.
Solas eyed him as he drew closer, but did not pull back. I was checking to see how my injuries were progressing. They heal more slowly the less time I spend in this form.
“Why not stay in your wolf form more often then?” Rook stopped when Solas lowered his head to keep eye contact with him.
It is not practical. The Lighthouse isn't built to accommodate a form of this size.
“But if you need to be in this form for your recovery…” Rook's words trailed off as Solas let out a sigh, the warmth of his breath brushing over Rook's body. “Never mind, I know you won't listen.” Rook moved closer, coming face to face with Solas. Now that he had a moment to really look at Solas outside of combat, Rook couldn’t help but notice that Solas’ wolf form was actually quite adorable. He had to stifle a laugh, knowing that Solas would not take kindly to such a comment. Instead, Rook reached up and tentatively ran his fingers along the sleek fur of Solas’ snout.
The moment Rook's fingers brushed against Solas' fur, the wolf's eyes softened. Rook could feel a warmth from Solas, his wolf body radiating heat in the neutral temperature of the Fade. The sleek black coat was surprisingly soft, and Rook couldn’t help but smile as he explored the contours of Solas’ muzzle. Solas leaned into Rook's touch, his six eyes closing momentarily as he savored the affection.
Rook, Solas murmured, the sound resonating through their connection, your touch is... unexpected.
“Is it?” Rook asked, puzzled. “You seem to enjoy it.” The wolf leaned into his hand, nudging Rook playfully, and Rook couldn't resist the urge to laugh. “See? You’re just a big softy underneath all that fur.”
Solas’ ears twitched at the teasing remark, but he did not pull back. This form is typically only used for fighting. I would not permit many to see it in a different situation.
Rook's heart swelled at Solas' admission. “Well, I’m glad I could be the exception,” he said softly, continuing to stroke Solas' fur, feeling Solas relax with the affectionate touch.
It is a privilege, Solas replied, his body letting out a low rumble that vibrated through Rook’s fingertips. To share this with you.
Rook's breath caught in his throat at Solas' words. It was a privilege, indeed, to witness this side of Solas - this gentle, unguarded creature who had so often hidden behind layers of power and responsibility. "Maybe you could share it more often," Rook suggested playfully, leaning closer as he finished stroking the soft fur on Solas' snout. "I think I could get used to this side of you."
Solas tilted his massive head, considering Rook's words. After a moment, he let out a soft huff that Rook interpreted as agreement. Slowly, with a grace that belied his enormous size, Solas lowered himself to the ground. The courtyard trembled slightly as he settled, his six eyes never leaving Rook's face.
Rook watched in awe as Solas stretched out, his sleek black fur rippling over powerful muscles. The wolf's body seemed to go on forever, easily spanning the width of the courtyard. In this relaxed position, Solas looked less like the fearsome god-wolf of dalish legend and more like an overgrown puppy waiting for belly rubs. Feeling emboldened by Solas' display of trust, Rook cautiously approached the wolf's side. He placed a hand against the wolf's side, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breath beneath his palm. It was a surreal moment.
“Is this where I’m supposed to scratch?” Rook asked playfully, his fingers tentatively grazing over the expanse of Solas' belly. The wolf let out a deep, rumbling sound, and Rook laughed. “Guess that’s a yes.”
He began to scratch gently, digging his fingers into the plush fur while Solas settled further into the ground, eyes half-closed in bliss. The sight was undeniably charming, and Rook found himself laughing again as he continued to pet the enormous beast. "You should really take more time in this form. You look so peaceful like this."
Solas huffed. We both have too much work to do for us to waste time like this.
“It isn’t a waste if it means you heal faster,” Rook chided.
Solas' eyes flickered open at Rook's words, considering them carefully. After a moment, he let out a low rumble that Rook felt vibrate through his entire body. Perhaps... you have a point, Solas conceded, his mental voice tinged with reluctant agreement.
Slowly, carefully, Solas curled his body around Rook, creating a warm, protective circle of soft fur and gentle strength. Rook found himself enveloped in a cocoon of warmth, the rise and fall of Solas' chest creating a soothing rhythm against his back. The wolf's tail swept around, draping over Rook's legs. Rook settled into the unexpected embrace, feeling an overwhelming sense of safety wash over him. Rook nestled deeper into Solas' warmth, the gentle rumble of the wolf’s breathing sending him into an almost meditative calm, similar to what he used to do to connect with Solas in the prison.
As he lay there, Rook thought about how foreign this feeling was. Trust had never come easily to him; it had always been something hard-earned, etched into his bones by years of conflict and loss. But with Solas, it was different. They had been through so much together, much of it built on lies. Logically, Rook shouldn't trust Solas, but deep down, he did. They were too alike for their paths not to cross. But now, there was an understanding between them, an unspoken agreement that allowed Rook to hope for something more - something brighter than the shadows that had haunted his past.
Rook closed his eyes, letting the warmth of Solas’ body wrap around him like a comforting blanket. Memories of their shared battles, their struggles, and even the moments that had brought them pain flitted through his mind. It was difficult to ignore the weight of their past, but in this moment, lying against Solas in his wolf form, Rook wanted to believe that things would be better for them.
“What would they think of us?” Rook mused aloud, more to himself than to Solas. “If they could see us like this?”
Who? Solas responded.
“My…” Rook trailed off, unsure how to describe them. Friends? Allies? Acquaintances? He had kept many secrets from them, and he could still remember the shock on their faces when he left with Solas. “...my companions,” Rook finally settled on, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice. “What would they think if they saw me here, with you?”
Solas shifted slightly, his great head lifting to regard Rook with those six luminous eyes that saw too much. They might be surprised, but I suspect they would understand more than you think.
Rook let the weight of Solas’ words settle in. “You think so?” he asked, half-doubtful but intrigued. “I can’t shake the feeling that they would see it as a betrayal. I left them, Solas. They were stuck cleaning up the mess left behind while I walked away from it all.”
Choices are rarely simple, vhenan, Solas replied gently. They would know that you did not decide this lightly. Do you regret it?
“No,” Rook said, shaking his head. “Never.” He paused, considering. “I know that we cannot leave the Fade, but do you think I could reach out to them? They could come here.”
If that would make you happy. Your necromancer cannot take the library back, however. Solas let out an annoyed grumble. It was difficult enough to piece everything back together the first time.
Rook chuckled softly at Solas’ playful annoyance. “I wouldn’t let them intrude on your space, especially not after everything that’s happened,” he assured, feeling a flicker of warmth in his chest at the thought of inviting his friends back to the Lighthouse. “I just... I miss them sometimes. It's hard not to think about what they’re doing, how they're coping.”
They would be glad to see you again. I will aid you in discovering a way to communicate with them.
Rook took a deep breath, soaking in the warmth and reassurance that radiated from Solas. “Thank you,” he said, feeling a swell of gratitude towards his partner. The tension that had coiled tightly around his heart began to loosen.
As they drifted into a comfortable silence, Rook found himself growing drowsy in the warmth of Solas' fur. The wolf's steady breathing had a hypnotic quality, lulling Rook into a state of deep calm. He nestled deeper into the plush black coat, his fingers absently tracing patterns through the silky strands.
Solas, too, seemed to be drifting off. His massive head lowered to rest on his paws, his six eyes slowly blinking as sleep tugged at the edges of his consciousness. The wolf's tail curled tighter around Rook, as if to ensure his partner wouldn't slip away. Rook felt his eyelids growing heavy, the stress and worries of the past few weeks melting away in this peaceful moment. He let himself embrace it, deciding everything else could wait for a little longer in favor of a nap with his partner.