Forest Friend
@ye-lost-bard
Far from the majestic crystal spires of Arlathan, on the very edges of her growing empire lay the untamed wilds. They had quickly become among Solas’ favorite retreats, for it was both abundant with many kind and strange spirits and absent of the People and the many troubles that followed them.
Here it was ever damp, with a light and clinging mist which most travelers avoided —both out of superstition and a desire to keep dry their ensemble. The clinging mist invaded his warded circle and wrapped around close without touching either the cooled skin of his face and ears or the worn thread of his finely woven vestments.
He was fortunate that nothing had disturbed the wards this visit. Wherever the elves were not, the beasts and other crawling things often came out to lay claim. After the passing of many hours he finally withdrew from the Fade and let his eyes flutter opened to expose a subtle shade of iridescent blue that brought renewed hope into even the darkest shadow.
He had gained much on this visit, the local spirits of the place were growing more accustomed now and shared more freely their observations here. He found himself eager to return to his quarters and begin transcribing their memories into his records and quickly retrieved his things.
As he was collecting the protection runes back into their sack, he was interrupted by the sound of a slight disturbance nearby and turned to gaze into the mist. “Greetings,” he said with the steady cadence of one trying to calm an anxious child. Perhaps one of the spirits had not been ready to part, he thought. It did sometimes happen that they wandered over to the Waking world, to come watch him as he watched them. He smiled gently, “You may come out, if you like. It is safe here.”
