Yvair relaxed slightly under Rose’s touch and words of comfort– but even if that were the case, he still had the lingering annoyance of being totted around as a symbol for a religion he didn’t exactly believe in. There’s only so many times one can politely correct the claims before one runs the risk of snapping. Not that Yvair’s rejection of the claims of being Andraste’s Herald were always something one might consider ‘polite’– but he knew better than to snap over it and instead gently remind others he has his own beliefs.
“I’m sure it’s nice to have family visit. If I had the chance, I’d love to be able to swing by my Clan and personally reassure them everything’s fine.” For now, a letter sent through Leliana’s people seemed the best option available. At least it had gone over well, beings he could not just up and leave everything behind. Not without pissing off too many people. “It’s important to stay in contact with those who care about you.”
Dorian scoffed at the suggestion Rose offered, flustering slightly at the idea of such a thing. As if to safe face, the mage forced himself straight and fussed with his hair that had unfortunately become more and more tussled as the day wore on, “I’m perfectly capable of standing on my own two legs, thank you very much. Just need a moment to catch my breath again.”
“You claim, looking ready to collapse any second now,” Archex grinned, but at the glare it earned him he merely shrugged. Yvair noted the Qunari testing his leg, and dug into the small pack he had to fish out the last of the potion they had on hand. But when he held it out towards Archex, the Qunari held up his hands in an attempt to ward it off, “It’s fine, I don’t need it.”
“You’re going to cave and carry Rose, especially once you realize she’s injured herself. You can carry her, but none of us can carry you.” Yvair firmly pressed it to Archex’s hand, and though it seemed he was about ready to argue all Yvair had to do was narrow his eyes to prompt Archex into relenting and taking it. “Besides, if your leg gave out and you dropped Rose, you’d be kicking yourself over it.”
Archex hesitated only momentarily, before finally drinking the potion and allowing it to work its magic. As the Qunari checked to be sure his leg was better, Yvair moved over towards Dorian and nudged him playfully, “Don’t worry Dorian, if you get too tired I can carry you instead.”
The mage rolled his eyes, “You look half dead yourself, Inquisitor. Don’t go making promises you can’t keep.”
Finally certain of his footing, Archex gestured for Rose to hop onto his back for a ride, ready for the trek ahead of the small group. A proper rest is just what they needed– hopefully it was a clear road to their destination.
The trip to the Cousland estate was surprisingly calm. After the team had successfully closed the rifts, the demon infestation seemed little to none as they made their way to the familiar homestead. Archer strolled along Yvair’s side as the group traveled down the well worn road. The closer Rose got to the Estate, the more the homesickness started to disappear.
The group had arrived to the Estate shortly after sunset. Fergus had greeted them exactly how Rose anticipated. He was startled. Archex was the first Quinari the elder Cousland had encountered. With the greetings aside, the group followed Fergus deeper into the estate.
The younger Cousland winced when she seen the House Elves. During their travel to the Estate, Rose forgot to mention to Yvair, to warn him ahead of time of the elvhan workers that lived in the estate. One could only assume that the Dalish would change his opinion on her. The difference between her and Dorian was that the workers here were paid and respected, not slaved in Tevinter.
It felt odd to be in her childhood room again. Being back in the room brought back memories of the estate. Rose took a breath and she reached down to pet Archer. “Nothing like being back home, hm?” She rubbed the fur between his ears as he rubbed his head against her leg. “Spend some time with Fergus. We’ll be leaving in the morning. I’ll be fine, I promise.”
Archer licked Rose’s hand, letting her know he understood, before he left the room in search of Fergus. Rose followed after Archer but in search of someone else. She wanted to find Yvair and see how mad he truly was with her. Rose made her way towards the nearest balcony. There she seen a familiar silhouette of a Dalish, and her stomach churned. Rose took a soft breath as she approached.
“You okay? You weren’t your normal, charming self at dinner. “ She sighed, her eyes casting downward. “I hope you don’t think less of me after visiting. I mean to tell you about the elves here. I promise they aren’t slaves--,” Rose lifted her head to meet his. “I expect you aren’t going to tuck me in tonight, hm?”
