@virahnfenharel He was right, as usual. This place was utterly marvelous, a stronghold that Astrid was certain must be unrivaled by any other in this world or the next. How Solas could have possibly known about such a place, she wasn't sure, seeing as how they seemed to be quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Not that the so-called "Herald" was ungrateful in any matter for his help-her friends had all been starving, exhausted, and freezing alive before they had arrived at this place of solitude, and she thanked the Creators that they had found shelter so quickly. Had they gone even a few more days without it... Shaking her head, the Herald-no, the Inquisitor-continued her exploration through the dilapidated towers and along the crumbling barracks. Despite the questionable state Skyhold seemed to be in, it was still sturdy and secluded just enough so that the Inquisition would never again face a tragedy like that in Haven. Glancing up at the mountains, Astrid sighed softly as a pang of loss shot through her heart. The Inquisition would live on for those that did not, she told herself. Looking around, having been so lost in her remembrance of those who had fallen, the young woman discovered she had found her way subconsciously into the library. Better yet, she was descending the stairs into the lowest level of the rotunda. She hesitated a moment, unsure as to what she should do. She could walk back up to the library and speak with Dorian, see what he had to offer about the Venatori threat that they were now facing along with Corypheus and his army of Templars. That would be what a good Inquisitor would do. Or she could speak to Leliana about increasing the number of scouts to be placed on fronts they had yet to explore. Or she could talk to Sera, or Bull, or Harding, or anyone really who could take her mind off this! But that wasn't what she needed. She needed guidance, in some way. Someone to tell her that this was all very much a reality, that there was reasoning behind this no matter how ancient it might be. With her mind made up, she continued her descent, shivering as she went despite the torches lining the wall. "A bit chilly down here," Astrid said by way of introducing her presence. She offered a small smile to the other elf. "Just like Haven, I suppose. Won't it be colder at night?"
