Chapter Text
The elf stood on the edge of the cliff - all long legs and golden armour. His shaved head and wolf pelt were the telltale signs.
She'd found Fen'Harel.
Rivaini approached slowly, cautious. The mage didn't so much as look her way. She kept her hands poised - ready to cast at a moments notice. But what could she do against one of the Evanuris? He'd freeze her on the spot.
Like Hell would that stop her from trying.
"Solas."
If the elf was affected, he didn't show it. He turned slightly - casual gaze over his shoulder. Demure, even. Rivaini straightened. She'd fought her way into his army for this - this single moment. For answers.
"You're not shy," he mused. "I am not surprised. She would only accept the best."
She bristled. The Inquisitor. He spoke of Ellana. Rivaini did her best to retain her flat expression. It would do Lavellan no good if she failed here. Though she couldn't lie - this was as much for her as it was for the Inquisitor. She needed to know why he left - why he watched her.
"I've come for answers, Solas." She was proud her voice didn't tremble.
"You've come far." He gestured, the landscape shifting to reveal a sprawling elven city. Rivaini wouldn't be cowed or awe-stricken - she'd experienced this many times prior, in his attempts to throw her trail. But she was a somniari as well, though she'd never be as strong as he. "Speak. You've earned it."
"Why did you leave her there?"
Pain struck him - she could see it in his eyes. He hid it quickly.
"It was the wise thing to do." Simple. To the point. Emotionless. Rivaini knew he was lying.
"Is that why you refused to help her? Let them take her arm? She was an archer, Solas! Now she can't even defend herself."
He said nothing, turning from the smaller elf. A gust of wind blew her dark locks to the side. She was affecting him. Good.
"Why do you watch her?" she demanded, stalking closer. "She knows! She knows everything and yet she still loves you!"
Solas was tense - shoulders a rigid line and he folded his hands behind his back, turned from her. But she couldn't relent. She wouldn't.
"Var lath vir suledin!"
The elf's hand was around her throat in a beat. Eyes flashing a dangerous blue. Rivaini's stomach plummeted, her hands grasping at his wrist. He didn't choke her - but Creators was she afraid of him.
No wonder he was an ice mage.
"Do not speak of her." A warning - a threat. "You would never understand."
"I do." Her voice broke. "Because she sent me."
Another gust swept through the Fade, golden eyes settling on Solas's back as the elf walked into their edge of the Fade. Rivaini's brown darted between winter and summer. Fen'Harel froze.
"What have you done?" His voice was hoarse.
"You've done this to yourself." Rivaini fell to the ground, slumping as he suddenly released her. She coughed, cupping her throat. "She wouldn't see what you'll become."
Red locks flickered against the pale sky - blood on a perfect backdrop of Elvhenan. The women's lips parted, hand squeezing the shoulder of an arm missing it's length.
"Solas."