Cautious steps led him through the dense undergrowth of the forest, he had been out travelling through here for a week already, but he had needed and still did wish for such time alone. Discovering so much of what had changed, the elves and what they had become, stripped of almost everything that he knew them to be. He had not been able to stand it and had not wanted to cause further arguments among those who did not deserve his anger, so he had left the company of others on the outskirts of one of the smaller towns in the middle of the night and set off. Living off of the land was not too difficult of a task when you had magic, wards he could set to keep himself safe and supplies secure upon his back in order to sleep relatively comfortably of an evening. It was no grand palace or luxurious home as some seemed to expect him to want as one called an 'ancient', but such simplicity was enough for the elvhen warrior. Out here he was alone and thus had time to think.
Time enough to doubt as well, I would think. You stay out here like a coward, how pitiful.
Familiar and irritating, he and June had agreed a certain level of understanding. But such commits did no good in forging his good will towards the shard of one who once thought himself a god of creation, in fact it only soured it even further. Revas did not need to be reminded of his faults, failures or any cowardice he might have. He knew such things very well. It was proof enough that he had fled when he had woken up, instead of setting off such wards and heading up into the fortress he had known for many decades to see who still lived. And perhaps, if the one who he wanted to see, was still there. If he still lived. He had to, that was a fact he told himself that would not falter. Unless he saw proof with his own eyes that said otherwise, he would not dare to consider such a possibility. Nor had he dared to sense out that familiar magical signature upon waking, it had been safer not to, another act borne out of fear.
Silence.
At such a sharp mental command, that voice within fell quiet and granted him some measure of peace as he moved. He had enough rations still to last him days yet, so he would not go off hunting wildlife that could aid another far better if they needed it. But eventually he had settled near a sizable stream, deep enough that he could get rid of some of the grime that had built up upon his hands and most certainly caught in his hair. Magic did many wonderful things, but his lack of control with a certain element meant when out in nature, a full bathtub was hardly an option when it came to bathing. Setting himself upon the edge of the stream gently, pack set beside him and staff leaning against it, he carefully removed his gloves before dipping his hands into the cool water with a sigh. Only once he was sure were they clean enough did he reach up to loosen the tie that kept his hair up and out of his way. Falling now to sweep just past his shoulders in waves, cupping water and with a little magic to help get the worst out. It left his hair a little more wavy than normal when completely wet, but given the humidity in the forest, it would dry before nightfall and that was what mattered. If he were lucky, he might be able to find a large river or even a waterfall in the next few days to bathe properly. But for now it would have to do.
He had worked at his hands with a small bar of soap grabbed from his pack, and even his face to briefly dunk his skin beneath the water's cool surface to wash off sweat and built up grime, only as he put the faintly vanilla scented bar safely back into his back did he hear movement. Movement occurred before Revas himself even realized he was doing so, head snapping up like a wild animal and a hazel gaze quickly darting back and forth across the treeline. Magic simmering under his palm, ready to be used, though he did not move from where he sat. That would give him away as a potential threat if whatever was there decided to attack him. Instead he simply spoke out into the open, calm and controlled.
Solas rarely left Mythal's side, but when he had gone to check on Sleeping Beauty Aenor, he'd found the other man missing from his chambers. The wards had never gone off, which likely meant the other male had not wanted to be found...
Which baffled the great wolf. But there was one sense that even Aenor could not thwart. And as he shifted, his form changing to that of a hulking wolf, far larger than any animal had a right to be, he departed from Skyhold.
And he tracked Revas' scent, unwilling to let the man slip from his grasp. It was in much the same way that Solas aided the efforts of those searching for Lavellan; he would not let her slip away either.
He'd finally caught up to the man, on the outskirts of Ferelden, lingering in Wilder turf. Six red eyes cut through the darkness, the scent of his magic was in the air, and the wolf inhaled.
And then, as if unthreatened, he padded from the dense growth and shook out his fur, settling in front of Revas. Silent. This form was his natural, and yet it was one he rarely had the opportunity to inhabit.
His ears twitched, and without much ado, he laid down. He'd smelled nothing that might threaten them further, save for Revas' wandering. You should have told me you were awake, his voice echoed through the others mind.
Dampness clung to his skin like an old friend, ignored for the most part even as drops fell from still partially wet locks. They would dry quickly enough and he was hardly concerned about lack of moisture when the whole point had been to wash away grime and the dirt of travelling for so long alone. Of course, such things were put to one side as he heard something. It did not register right away, though he should have known without evening thinking on it, instead instinct acted for him and had the elvhen in a position ready to do battle if he had to. But as he would soon discover there would be no need, not the slightest shred of concern that he may be bothered, after all who would dare challenge Fen'harel when beheld in such a state? Only the truly foolish would try to, and most of such individuals had been cut down long ago. What stood before him was magnificent and to anyone else it would likely terrify them, certainly so for any Dalish elf should they come across it.
But to him? The sight was a comfort, and a relief.
Grief he had almost carried, tension unwound from his whole form he had not even known he'd held within it ever since waking, a breath exhaled of pure reassurance. He was alive, he was well and moving and had seemingly recovered after the strain such a spell centuries ago had placed upon that wolf. For a moment that was all he needed to know. Until the gears started to turn rapidly, a familiar magic surrounding him all at once. What did he say to one he'd fled from out of fear of being left alone after such trials - of not being enough even if they had both survived and awoken once more, the same man that perhaps knowingly or not, held his heart in the palm of his hands? Capable of being treated like a treasure or snapping it in two like a twig and leaving an empty void in the wake of such feeling.
At first all he managed was a sharp ragged intake of breath as he got to his feet slowly, as if he were a man finding water after being out in a desert for too long, hands discarding of excess liquid with a flick of his wrist and a touch of magic. Though standing, the wolf still overshadowed him considerably, but he did not mind it. A few scant steps was all it took given how much space such a being took up, a hand that reached out to touch dark fur ever so briefly, soft and warm, his own hand shaking. It was enough of a confirmation that he was not dreaming still at least. Only then did he reach closer, to sit before the great wolf as if it - he - were nothing more than a large pup. He was anything but that. But his hand moved again, more sure this time to touch that same pitch black fur, gentle and slow, as if he still could not quite believe it all.
Ir abelas. I did not wish to cause more pain- if you were not... here. I wanted to see what had become of Thedas, why I had woke to a world in which the veil was gone after everything that was done for it, he began softly, it may not be entirely an explanation that the wolf may want, but that had been his reasoning at the time of his awakening. I have missed you, ma fen, you do not know what a joy it is to see you awake and well again. Not perhaps a reason, but a statement true enough. There was nothing but warmth there, in the gaze he held, a soft hazel against the stark red of six eyes looking back and in the soft smile he wore.
Solas chuffed softly, as the man lowered himself to sit in front of him, as he was petted. We have much to discuss. He touched his nose to Revas' forehead. The gesture was kind; if he'd been shifted, he'd have stroked the others face. And yet, for whatever reason, he does not shift. It's going to be a shock, his new elvish form. And he'd rather ease into that...
But tell me what you have learned of this changed Thedas. He knew much, of course, but he wanted to learn what the other knew first. He'd woken up much later than many of their kind; including himself. And that could be quite a shock to the mind.
He'd really prefer Revas in one piece, and sane-ish. And he wanted to suss out whether Revas knew the Evanuris walked Thedas once more; whether he knew Mythal was returned.
The sound he heard rumbled from deep within the chest of such a being almost made him laugh, a quiet chuckle drawn forth, a reminder of brighter days. That occasional night in which exhaustion had not overwhelmed them both so completely that they simply dreamt the moment their heads hit a softer surface, anything was better then falling asleep upon the desks in which countless magical theories had been poured over for hours at a time. While one hand stayed within his lap, the other continued the same slow repetitive motion as before, a gesture of comfort if not just for his sake but to the other as well. That they were both here and well, present enough to know that such time was precious even now. After what he had seen and heard thus far, he doubted further conflict was that far off on the horizon, and so in the here and now he would take what happiness was offered to him. And as it is a form of Fen'harel that he has not seen in so long, he does not mind that his wolf has not changed his form.
Besides he is very fluffy.
[color=#008e02]"We do, I know. Much has changed since we both slept."[/color]
As large as this form is, he shuts his eyes at the contact, letting out a slow breath and a subtle nod when asked about what he'd learnt. Far too little for his liking, but he had always been the ambitious sort when seeking out new knowledge and now there is more then he can hold within just six months. Knows there is much he is still missing, like a jug half filled or a puzzle half solved, critical pieces that fail to give him the full picture. Though his right hand contents to drag slowly through soft fur, his posture straightens slightly as he runs through things in his mind, sorting through them enough so that he can be as concise as possible. An old habit really.
[color=#008e02]"So many races now walk this land beyond those we knew, though the children of stone seem fewer than I recall and the humans seemed to have evolved greatly since I last encountered one. They do not attack me on sight anymore at least. But the elves, those that came after calling themselves Dalish, fragments of our people, I do not know if I should pity them or try to help. My encounters with many have been... less then pleasant. Arlathan is not the same, though others call it as such,"[/color] one after another, his voice quiet and contemplative, saddened at the mention of what was once the shining jewel of Elvhenan reduced to this. It was not all bad, only a poor reflection of his memories of the home of so many of the people that was now lost. Of course, there was something else, more important than these changes throughout the world, something far closer to home.
[color=#008e02]"We knew when the veil was made that should it fall the Evanuris may return, but not in what state. Still from those I've met, I've found one who seems content to allow Sylaise to dwell within her consciousness and if she lives, even if just as fragment at present - then others must as well. Though I doubt such a spell being brought down would allow Mythal to cheat death as it were. It is speaking of such things, that there is something you should know or see rather."[/color] He would not dare hide it, not from him, others perhaps but he would never lie to the one that rested before him. No matter the form he chose to inhabit. It is with a deep breath in and a slow exhale, that he allows June's fragment to take the forefront of his being and for a brief moment, hazel eyes are not those of an elvhen warrior looking at one he loved, but of the supposed 'God' of crafts analyzing the wolf before him rather intently. Almost amused before he blinks and he is gone, buried away for the moment and replaced with Revas once more.
[color=#666666]Oh Fen'harel is going to loathe this, his precious servant with me inside! [/color]
The almost laughing voice of June reaches through his mind but he is quick to tune it out, to try to bury it and while he cannot be certain if Feredir can hear the echo's of the inventor in the surface of his mind, he isn't sure he wants to hear it. Even if the other can.
[color=#008e02]"I did not know just what it contained until it was too late... ir abelas."[/color]
The male was petting him, as if he were a domesticated animal, and some small part of him appreciates the touch. But he gives a huff of slight annoyance, nonetheless. His young daughter was the only one who currently got away with petting him, and he took a step back, seated himself and listened.
It would seem the younger elf did not know anything new; and yet Solas could not claim to be omnipotent, simply awake. He's quiet, studying his companion, many eyes narrowing as for a moment Revas' existence seems to be wiped away and replaced.
June. Nice to see you once more. Neutral-toned, yet firm, he does not give away how he felt about the spirit possessing Revas. He'd figured there would be a spirit, after all. In today's world... unless one is a spirit themselves, or has a strong enough will, it is unlikely they remain unpossessed.
And for all that Revas was, he had never been a terribly strong spirit. Too trusting, too kind. As quickly as June has shown himself, he's put himself away, too. First, Myta does walk on this plane again. His ears flick lazily.
She was retained by the Witches of the Wild, passed through the family line, and retained by the Inquisitor that ended the last Blight. His sounds sad; he has yet to bring Vela home. But at least her departure gave him more time with Mythal before trying to figure out where he stood with the ex-Inquisitor.
Red eyes wander aimless, Arlathan is beautiful, crafted from the past, and nurtured to be what Vela wished it to be. He does not explain who Vela is.
He stood, shaking his fur out, It is time to return home to Skyhold. There, you will learn more about the Dalish, and the City Elves. But mostly, it was time for Solas to return to Mythal's side. He didn't like leaving her alone any longer than he needed, especially with Elgar'nan among the People.
It may be within a form far greater than many ever saw, then most ever dared to look upon without screaming in terror, but he is not like those that fear the wolf that towers before him. Still the huff that blasts away debris around the camp in which he has made, in which he sits, while once would have been amusing has his hand hesitating in mid-air, even as his dear friend shifts backwards enough to be out of his reach. Hovering out for a moment before he draws his hand back, close to his chest almost as if he were burnt, knowing Feredir is alive and well should be enough. Feeling it is another matter, physical contact had always soothed him, and now without it does he come to understand something. The other may have sought him out, come here of his own accord to find him, but at least in a place as open as this? It is not quite for the talk he was hoping, but he cannot blame anyone else for that but himself.
It had been too long and here he was acting like a foolish child.
Still, as he relays what he has discovered of this world, likely nothing new to the one before him - and then shuts out June within his own mental space. That does not mean he cannot hear what is said to the fragmented soul within him, or the mocking laugh that is the Inventor's only response to the greeting his friend offers to the other Evanuris. Nice would not be the word the 'god' of crafts would use, tolerated perhaps would be a better term, but there would be time enough to speak with Mythal's pet later. Right now, listening to his host make a fool of himself was of a far higher priority then speaking to the mutt, politeness be dammed.
Of course, Revas somewhat forgets about June when it is mentioned that Mythal does indeed walk amongst them once more. After his failures and others at protecting her, at ensuring her safety, to know she lives is both reassuring and a worry, for one reason upon many that he will not ever admit to himself in the moment. Instead for a time he keeps quiet, enough to allow an explanation of sorts, glad that he does not have to ask for one and take up even more time. Though the mention of the Inquisitor does stir memories of rumors, tales told to him, he'd heard some about them - about what had happened over the last few years. But no details were ever really given to him, but the saddened tone in the voice of his friend is enough to make him take note. A friend lost perhaps?
Either way, while vague, it does explain why Arlathan does not feel as he remembers it. Why it does not quite feel like a place he can find safety, or the grand city of the People that it once was. He sits for a moment without a word, hands having since moved to settle into his lap, to take in such information. If fragments were passed down, then perhaps much of Mythal had never really been lost, still he could not be completely sure until he saw her in person nor could he assume anything about her current state until then either.
Revas watched the large wolf move, even as he remains sitting there, a brow raised at the mention of learning more about these far younger - newer - kinds of elven. Sure, he would never turn down an opportunity to learn, Feredir knew that well. But was that truly the best thing to be focusing on at the moment? It is perhaps because of that thought, that the elvhen stays where he is for the moment. It would not take much to gather his belongings to leave anyways.
[color=#008e02]"Do you intend to go back the entire way as you are? Not that I mind, but you know as well as I do the attention that it brings. Moreover, as much as you know I enjoy learning falon, I would not think that it would be a priority with Elgar'nan roaming Thedas."[/color]
It is a brief wash of magic he sets forth before planting such towards towards the wolf's mind, such things were best not talked of aloud, no matter their combined magical strength. Besides, as much as he would love to languish in the relief and warmth in knowing his friend is safe and well, the cloud that is potential conflict resuming within the land lingers over his head regardless of anything else he may do to avoid it. Better to think of that, then of other matters that did not truly concern him, that he had no right to burden himself over.
Solas studied the man, ears flicking lazily. I came here in this form. I leave here in this form. AFter all, while Elgar'nan knew Solas was truly the Dread Wolf, anyone they may pass as they slipped into the shadows to the nearest eluvian, would believe to have seen a monster in the mist. And he was fine being that monster.
As for learning, it is more important than Elgar'nan. He has not learned from the past, and repeats the same mistakes. And that is what will bring him to his knees before my wife. It is rare that Solas acknowledges the fact Mythal and he had wed; not many knew this as it was so kept underwraps, much like the children Mythal had bore him.
Without waiting for Revas, the wolf turned and started walking, steps fluid and quiet, as if he were truly just a shadow upon the land. I will introduce you to the best scholars of the Sylvas. It's idle conversation as they walk, until they are before an eluvian. And then, Solas sat, waiting for the other to step through first. Have you used the mirrors yet, in this time? If Revas had not, he'd need to prepare him for the sensation.
For just a moment, he had the urge to laugh at such a mental picture. What would others think of it, the size of his friend when within such a form often ensured he stayed within the memory of any who witnessed it, what might another wonder of one who traveled at his side seemingly without a care in the world? He knew he would not be harmed, but people talked nevertheless, no matter. Such were concerns for another time. It was still a tad strange, Feredir had wandered some of the wilderness pin pointing his location like this? It certainly didn't seem to be out of desperation to find him alive, but he supposed that was fine, known given how he'd messed with he wards around him before he'd fled. Rather then a laugh, it got a flicker of a smile upon his face for just a moment before he shrugged. [color=#008e02]"If you insist."[/color]
His expression shifts, from a touch of amusement to bordering on a frown. Had he or Mythal already spoken with Elgar'nan face to face to see how little about him had changed? He did not exactly doubt it, most of the Evanuris rarely changed how they behaved, most believed themselves right regardless of what anyone else might dare say or claim. That his previous thousands of years of assumptions are confirmed barely phases him, or perhaps he merely pretends it is of little importance to him. None of his business. The knife twists regardless, another surefire reminder of where he stands. Not within this new world, but when stood beside those of old that he knew, most certainly. [color=#008e02]"I see."[/color] Quiet, contemplative, but perhaps it is being out in the open that has given him this new sense of unease and not just a raging would be god roaming Thedas for once.
Packing up was not difficult, nor was it keeping up beside him, void knows what he must look like to onlookers. But he does not care, never has about how others view him with the elder beside him like this. Comfort overtakes worry. [color=#008e02]"You've found more of our People since waking then?"[/color] It is a casual enough question, no doubt he had been here walking this new world far longer given how many he had sensed within Skyhold before he'd left. The sight of something familiar, an eluvian does do a little to easy a whisper of the tension he holds within his form but little else. Not for the first time, a look of both confusion and curiosity passes across his face, was it so different now traveling like before? [color=#008e02]"No, why, is there something new I should be aware of?" [/color]
Solas nodded, I have found plenty of Elves since waking. But I've been awake for... a while. Since the Inquisition, but there's no need to dive too deeply into that in a first conversation. You'll meet many more at Skyhold, and back in Arlathan.
The eluvian was in front of them, and he shook his head. No, but it's quite possible you've forgotten what travel is like. Don't stumble. With those words, Solas stepped through mirror first.
He'd reappear just outside of Skyhold, still a wolf, leaving the mirror a few steps behind as he walked towards the entrance of the fortress.
It meant more then just the People, such would mean some of the Dalish and even far beyond to those that mostly dwelt in cities rather then savoring the outdoors for what it was. A luxury, greenery unmarred by the scars of war. A land at least partially healed from the countless battles forces had waged again and again, humans had their own skirmishes of course, but the scale was unlikely to be the same. Perhaps he'd have a chance to look into such things, to speak to to those who awoke far before he and learn more. Seek that knowledge which had evaded him thus far during his travels across Thedas as it was now.
[color=#008e02]"Strange, I have seen so few within Arlathan. Still, my trips there have been brief thus far."[/color] He doubted it would come as much of a surprise to the wolf, he had not stayed within Skyhold once awake after all. What little time he had spent beyond the fortress, had granted him much in terms of perspective though perhaps far little in regards to the history of the lands as it was now. That, was what he would need to acquire, stumbling around in the dark on certain matters as it were, would do him no good in the days to come. Still the soft warning gifted to him makes the younger elvhen pause as he reaches the eluvian, even as his friend steps through. It is a familiar sight yet he lingers a moment there, alone, for why even he isn't sure.
Only for a second does he glance back, before following. The magic washing over him, soothing, and as he exits, the sight of the fortress once more makes him wonder. Makes him recall the last time they had gone up to the looming castle like this together, right as plans were put in place, as the work began on what would become the Veil. Strange how history seemed to almost want to repeat itself, a breath in and out, and the thought is gone. He cannot linger in the what could have been now. Not with him here once more. It is enough to chase the doubts away, enough that he does not slip as he leaves the eluvian and gestures for his dear friend to lead on.
The wolf flicked his ears, and chuffed. There are much of the People. Old and New alike. He responded, and when they stepped through the mirror, he waited near it. In case the other slipped or needed to steady himself. But he did not. It made sense, he supposed, they were once so accustomed to the eluvian travel-ways.
A simple gesture to inform him they might move on, led to the wolf stepping further from the elvuian, confidence in his gait. None of the Elves, Dalish or otherwise, paid attention to the large wolf. It's only a small, red-haired child that squeals at his reappearance.
Baba! Aelera, only aged four despite the musical lilt to her Common, which certainly indicated she spoke Ancient Elvish above all else, cried out. The little girl rushed the wolf, who paused in his step to allow the small creature to clamber onto his back.
And then, where stood a wolf with a child upon its back, stood the man, child upon his shoulders. Little girl waved and beamed brightly to Revas, as she carefully grabbed handfuls of her father's long hair.
You made a new friend? Asked the child, curious eyes following Revas.
Solas turned to study the other man, Aelera, this is Revas. He's an old friend. The little girl mumbled something to herself, before waving animatedly to the new man.
[color=#008e02]"Mm. I am sure there will be enough time for me to meet many of them."[/color] Though he had not encountered such individuals thus far, he had not in truth been looking very hard. His goals and focus had been elsewhere and now with that accomplished, that same drive and intent could shift. Of meeting those that had survived as he had, before they had to deal with the glaring issue that was Elgar'nan practically roaming around the countryside of Thedas like a gleeful child of destruction. Or at least, that was the image that first sprang to mind, causing chaos was nothing new, but the stakes were higher. Still, for the moment, more serious matters could wait. Put aside, at least for a short while.
Stepping back into the familiar sight of Skyhold, was at once like coming home and witnessing a fortress renewed that was naught but a stranger to him. Even as he came through the eluvian and found himself surrounded by greenery and trees more than twice his height, the sight of such a place? One he had once called home beyond all others during perhaps what could be described as one of the more difficult points of his existence. It was certainly something, a strange mix of emotions he could nor pin-point nor did he focus upon them. His gaze instead, following that same wolf as he led them along what seemed to be a rather familiar and well trodden path. The new route to an old home. Interesting.
While hazel hues did wander every now and then, a new face, an old friend that caught his eye and smiled. Knowing now that he and they both had survived, very few paid attention to the wolf leading him and he supposed that was to be expected. It was a comfortable place, familiar to many of the People, what caught his attention however was the small bolt of crimson rushing towards them. It took a moment to process, and though Revas was aware of their safety here, that did not stop him tensing. Until he witnessed the small child climb upon the wolf's back, that and the words used told him all he needed to know. Though he assumed them likely to carry on towards Skyhold proper as they were, instead he witnessed that familiar shift. The sight almost a nostalgic one as he saw his friend change in the blink of eye, far quicker then his own shapeshifting ever would be. The strange thing was, the elvhen form before him, was not of the man he knew. Though he knew his eyes could not be lying to him.
[color=#008e02]What had happened?[/color]
That was the one prevailing question in his mind. What had caused such a change, and had it been a willing choice? Answers would come eventually and for now that was enough, a warmth spreading onto his features. The wolf was a familiar sight sure but not the one he was most used to, besides he had missed his friend truly, no matter his appearance now. And despite the briefest look of surprise on his face, that was quickly banished. Replaced with the corners of his mouth pulled up high, he could hardly help his smile. There would be time enough for regrets and guilt alike, in this moment, he was simply happy. Only as he was introduced, did he turn his attention up slightly and towards the little girl sitting atop his shoulders.
[color=#008e02]"It's very nice to meet you Aelera."[/color] A lighter tone, a briefer smile, tinged with curiosity but nonetheless just as genuine. Though he had never had children of his own, he still held a fondness for those so young and brimming with questions desperately wanting to be answered. Perhaps it was due to their purity, mostly unburdened as of yet by the world around them and the expectations that would eventually be upon them. Whatever the case, he offered a small wave of his own before speaking up again, this time in his and he suspected what was her native tongue. [color=#008e02]"Would this be easier for you, or shall we stick to Common?"[/color]
Solas glanced over his shoulder, Lost my body bringing the Veil down. Was the price. He shrugged, as he held onto the child's ankles. She's practicing her Common, he glanced up at the child. Or, she's supposed to be.
Aelera giggled, and smacked her father on the forehead, Mommy only talks in Ancient! It was a lie, and the look on her father's face let her know she'd been caught.
Aelera grumbled, and twisted around to wave at the stranger. Common, please.
Solas chuckled, and continued forward. Where is Mommy? He inquired of the child; she'd taken to Mythal surprisingly quick, though she still called Vela 'Mama', and visited the comatose ex-Keeper frequently. So did he, if he was being honest.
For a while as they walked, his smile remained. Could not really be banished even if he tried to, which he did not. He felt no need to bother to hide his contentment. In part, being here again and more importantly, seeing his friend once again. No matter the changes, no matter how much time had passed, that feeling always remained the same. Brought forth far easier than centuries before, away from the frantic creation of magic once unheard of, far from the stress of their continued existence balanced on a knife edge. Danger remained without a doubt, but it was nothing like it had been before.
Of course, as much as he was more than willing to set certain questions aside for later. For a time that they could talk openly without burdening those here, like the young girl now upon his shoulders. Some things it seemed to the wolf, could not wait, the obvious first thought lingering in the air even without being spoken aloud. And an answer that caused the mage to halt entirely. It explained a lot, so very much in actuality, but that did not stop the sensation of concern that ran through him in that moment. The guilt of not having woken, of not being there, but perhaps he needn't have been? Questions yet to be answered, all in good time, as he resumed his pace moments after. That's... I see. We have far more to catch up on than I first thought. A pensive expression held for no more than a second or two before it was gone, the edges of his mouth turned upwards once more, he did not want to sour the moment. Not here at least.
Instead, his focus turned to those around them, including that of Aelera as she greeted him, and offered a small wave of his own as she turned to him. While none of those about the dense forest bothered them, there were those he remembered here. A few faces that seemed surprised to see him alive and well, he could not blame them for that. Not when he had been one of the last to settle into a slumber, a fact he still hadn't yet divulged to any soul. No one else needed to hear about what he'd witnessed in that final year alone. Though perhaps Feredir should, one day.
Of course, it will be as the lady says. A touch over-dramatic, but it was purposeful, a grin and a knowing smile directed at the young elven. A superfluous incline of his head out of respect, as if he were addressing someone of great import and for some she was, and to him? Well he had always enjoyed seeing any young elvhen child happy and free-spirited. Even if he had encountered them far too rarely in his travels.
