Chapter Text

Prompt: Isolation

Rook notices something just slightly off about Solas as he speaks of the Evanuris causing havoc. The way he wants to leans towards Rook as he talks then abruptly pulling away as if burned.

Cutting in as Solas starts up again, Mercar eyes him from where they stand, "When was the last time you were touched platonically? Or kindly for that matter." He freezes, eyes widen and uncertain for once since the ritual. Before he coughs and regains some of his composure, though the cracks are still there, "I'm not sure what you mean Rook. I am quite fine."

They hum unconvinced by his words as his body language betrays him. Hands behind his back, weight shifting from leg to leg, and his eyes no longer meeting theirs.

"See, I'd believe you. If you weren't showing the signs of someone conditioned to not ask for touch. To have been taught that asking such makes you a burden on others." With each word out of their mouth, he curls in more on himself. Then they finish with a sigh, "You are not a burden. It's not a weakness. It's a part of being flesh and blood. And very much normal."

A sound escapes him that surprises him but saddens them, made of derision and self-loathing. "I appreciate your words Rook, but they are unneeded. While my being came about in a less than ideal way..." They cut in, "That is what I mean. You were coerced and bribed into taking form. She forced a form onto you and isolated you."

Suddenly he's right in front of them, glaring up at them, "Only link I have to the Waking World or not, I will end you should you continue down that path. Am I understood Sumat Mercar?" The Shadow Dragon Vashoth nods with a snort, "Some wolf you are if even after all this time free, you still chase her skirts."

He begins to growl as he pulls back his lips, but it cuts off when they wrap their arms around him tightly. Tensely, Solas huffs, "Rook what are you doing?" Mercar snorts, "Haven't you heard of a hug Wolf?"

Giving them a gimlet glare, he attempts to push away from them only to be thwarted as their arms tighten. "You aren't going anywhere until I wake up. Don't even think about making me wake up, the exhaustion will get me."

Half-heartedly grumbling, he slowly relaxes into their hold until he begins to make a soft sound that they have only heard when Bellara or one of the Elvhen Shadow Dragons is safe.

A purr. Weak and rusty, but clear as day. They remain silent and simply continue to hold him. Letting him take comfort from them.

Written by a human in Ellipsus.