Sparkler and the Wolf

5. Running

Dorian regretted volunteering for the expedition to Crestwood soon after they set camp. The place was cold, wet and so overcast it did nothing to improve his mood. To make things worse there was a bloody rift at the bottom of a lake and the place was crawling with the undead and shades.

They'd only gone a short distance toward the small village when they were attacked by the creatures and then found themselves defending the town from another group of demons. After speaking with some inhabitants and the mayor, Dorian became increasingly uncomfortable. There was something very wrong here and he doubted very much they would see a happy resolution to things.

The veil here was thin and the pull of those who'd died in this place called to his magic, especially his necromancy. By the time they took back the outpost some bandits had overrun, he was exhausted and miserable.

"Hey Vint." Bull asked as they settled in for the night. "You feeling okay?"

"How can anyone feel okay in this dismal place?" He groused, picking at his stew.

"It's not so bad. Least we have walls to protect us and we won't need to keep watch tonight."

"I suppose I should be grateful then."

"Come on Dorian. I know you led a pampered life, but this isn't like you. What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. See you all in the morning."

Sera had just taken a seat beside Bull when Dorian disappeared inside his tent. The Inquisitor soon joined them and they ate quietly before Sera began to fidget.

"Alright. So what's up with magey-bits? I can't be the only one who's noticed he's not acting right."

"He has been rather withdrawns ince we got here." The Inquisitor agreed.

"At first I thought it was all the damn rain, but it's just rain. Not like that miserable swamp we went to at all." Sera ventured.

"I think it might be something to do with his father." The Inquisitor added. "I think he's still working through that. What about you Bull? Got any insights?"

"I think the Vint's interested in someone back at Skyhold." Iron Bull said quietly, hoping the mage couldn't hear him over the rain.

"Who?" Sera squealed excitedly.

"Not sure I should say. You know how private Dorian is. I think it's got him a bit twisted up inside."

The Inquisitor's eyes went wide. "If it's who I think it is, I can see why."

"What? You know?" Sera cried."Come on, tell me! I can't be the only one who doesn't know!"

The Inquisitor shook her head. "Sorry Sera, but Bull's right. If this is what has Dorian upset, it's betteri f we don't mention it. I don't like how he's acting and I don't want him doing something stupid if he thinks people might tease him about it. Besides, he's been through enough this week already."

"Fine. Keep your secret, but I'm gonna find out. Be better if you just told me though."

"Just give him time to work it out Sera." Bull said.

"Right. Cuz that won't take forever." She grumbled. "I'm going to bed. The two of you are no fun."

After Sera disappeared into the tent she shared with the Inquisitor, Bull felt their leader's eyes on him.

"So what do you think Bull? Is Dorian making a mistake? Is this gonna blow up in our faces?"

Bull shook his head. "So long as the Vint manages to get his head out of his ass and the elf doesn't push, I think it could be good for both of them."

"Really? Seems more like an explosion waiting to happen."

"Maybe from a distance, but the elf's been free of the chains of Tevinter a long time. Dorian's new to it, hasn't had time to adjust."

"And you don't see that as a problem?"

"They're more alike than theyr ealize, though the elf is smart. I'm betting he'll figure it out first."

"Okay, but promise me if you think they need an intervention. I don't want a singed elf or a mage missing his heart in my keep."

"If any hearts go missing it'll be to each other. And if they take their sweet time figuring things out, we're all gonna get burned."

----xxx----

A week after the Inquisitor's party had left, he was both bored and anxious. The keep had received a message via one of Leliana's ravens and when Fenris heard he wanted nothing more than to join them.

He was sharing a pint of ale when a messenger stopped at the table and handed him a note. Frowning, he opened it and began to read.

"Something wrong Broody?" Varric asked his brow quizzical.

"It's from the Inquisitor. She wants me to meet them in Crestwood."

"That's what you want isn't it? It's pretty clear you're climbing the walls here with nothing to do."

Fenris made a face. "It's not that, it's what else she says."

"Which is?"

"It's about Dorian. She's worried about him, he's not acting like himself. She doesn't want to send him back, but it seems he's not telling them what's wrong."

"So how does she propose to fixit?"

"How do you feel about taking a trip Varric?" Fenris asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Why?"

"She's going to have two groups out there. She'll take care of the rifts, while the second group deals with bandits and some other problems they've spotted in the area."

"And how is she going to justify waiting for a second team?"

Fenris broke into a grin. "She doesn't have to. Bull and Dorian got hit with wyvern venom, then fell into a patch of spindleweed. They won't be up and moving for at least three days."

Varric laughed. "Well that works."

"Only one thing more. She's left it to us to choose our third member."

"What? Why?"

"She didn't say."

"At least it's a short list to choose from."