pullmeoutalive | RO > call me out; a forever open RP post, version 2

His hubris caught up to him, in the end, but now when people find out I’m a Randall, they’re liable to act as though I’m going to smite them at any moment. It’s been… an interesting transition.

I imagine such a reputation could be an advantageous one, if awkward.

[ He glances down at Fedora as he sets the rabbit over the the fire to cook. ]

Is it safe to assume your grandfather did not treat your Summon with the same respect you do?

[ One of Jacob’s eyebrows slooowly arches. ] In some instances, but I try not to lean on it too much. I’d rather avoid being associated with my grandfather.

[ Difficult to do when they share a last name, of course, but he tries.

As for Solas’ question: ] I… well, he seemed to have respect for what he is, and what he could do, but a Summon is what their summoner needs them to be. My grandfather desired a killing machine, a magical strong arm, something to do what it was told. That’s what he got.

[ He regards Fedora silently for a moment. ]

And you needed a partner. A companion. Am I correct in that assumption?

You are.

Though, at the time, I saw him more as a burden than anything. [ Thinking back on it, he was lonelier than he’d ever cared to admit. ] My grandfather had managed to hide him away, so initially I inherited him, rather than summoned him. He adapted regardless, but it still wasn’t quite the same as it is now.

The greatest gifts can seem the heaviest burdens, at times.

[ He offers the first rabbit to Jacob, then prepares the second for himself. ]

Such a Summon would be greatly misunderstood, here, even by mages. They would see Fedora as a demon seeking a host, at worst. At best, they would see him as a simulacrum -- unfeeling and soulless.

Take care who you reveal him to, should your stay here extend beyond the time needed to retrieve your friend.

[ Sometimes Solas sounds like a fortune cookie. Or a movie trailer. It depends. But either way it’s both amusing and curious.

He takes the rabbit with a nod of thanks, offering a piece to Fedora first before having some himself. ]

No way I can convince them he’s just my pet? [ It’s a joke, one that has Fedora rolling his eyes. ] Oh, stop. I’m kidding.

[ r u d e

Solas lets out a quiet laugh. ]

Aside from your companion's obvious distaste for the claim, I believe his dissolving into smoke may raise some concerns.

[ where is the lie tho ]

Don’t worry, I won’t go showing him off to everyone I meet. I was garnering my fair share of suspicious glances at Skyhold already, no need to add more.

You are fortunate Lady Cassandra was made aware of your arrival beforehand. You would have been greeted by the wrong end of her sword, otherwise.

With the way she was glaring, I almost felt like I was, anyway.

If it is any consolation, it took quite some time before she warmed up to your friend, Charlie.

She long suspected he had some degree of mental control over Dorian, that he was involved with the Venatori, somehow, and had used blood magic to turn Dorian into his puppet. It seemed the more likely explanation for Dorian's long absence, given that the alternative was his being shunted into another plane of reality.

[ There's a pause, after which Jacob just laughs. ]

I'm sorry. It's just funny from my perspective because I've known Charlie for years.

I can see why she'd think that, though.

[ Solas chuckles, lifting a shoulder in a shrug. ]

Rumor has it that what finally swayed her was how faithfully he attended to Dorian after Dorian was wounded in battle. She is a romantic, at heart.

If it's all the same, I think I'll be keeping the fact that I now know that about her to myself.

It would be safest for all involved if you do.

[ He moves to offer a piece of rabbit to Fedora, then pauses. Rather than ask Jacob, he addresses the Summon properly. ]

Do you eat, da'elgar?

[ In answer, Fedora licks his chops, chuffing in the affirmative. Jacob merely watches the exchange before asking, ] What does that word mean?

Little spirit.

[ He holds out a piece for Fedora to take, and he smiles a little. ]

Though he is hardly little.

[ Fedora gingerly takes it from him, and it's gone in a single bite ]

It's not so bad, until he decides he wants to sleep on the bed too.

[ He breathes out a laugh, inclining his head. ]

It would be more his bed at that point, one assumes.

[ What's left of his dinner, he offers to Fedora. ]

You and your friend will need to make arrangements among yourselves, however. You ought to rest as much as possible; you may not feel it entirely now, but the strain of the day's ride will catch up to you come morning.

[ Fedora is happy to take the leftovers. He doesn’t need to eat, being made of magic and all, but he likes to. ]

I feel a bit like it’s catching up to me now, but it’s not as bad as it could be.

[ Jacob stands and stretches. He feels a bit stiff and sore, but it’s nothing he can’t ignore.

Wolf and wizard share a glance for a moment, and have one of those conversations that they have without actually speaking. When the moment passes, Jacob gives a nod. ] Fedora will keep an eye out, just in case. That way we both can get some rest.

[ He offers Fedora a small, grateful nod. He had intended to keep watch tonight, or at least spend some time setting wards and offerings for any wild creatures that came their way, but this works just as well. ]

Thank you.

[ Solas stands, then heads to the tent he set up for himself. ]

Rest, Detective. We should arrive in the Emerald Graves come tomorrow afternoon.

Good night, Solas.

[ He has a feeling that tomorrow isn't going to be easy.

Jacob moves to retire for the night, while Fedora pads off to keep watch. Jacob can only hope that Andrew is okay, because despite what Solas said, Jacob would never forgive himself if something were to happen. ]

[ The night passes uneventfully, and Solas rises early to break down camp and feed and water the horses. Breakfast is merely trail rations -- bread and jerky -- and when the sun is high enough in the sky to provide ample light, they return to their journey.

The pace Solas sets is just as swift and relentless as the previous day, taking breaks as necessary. He understands the detective's urgency, after all. What's more, while the wizard may be exhausted and sore from yesterday's ride, Solas has the feeling that Jacob wouldn't appreciate if he slackened their pace in deference to his condition.

They make good time, reaching the Emerald Graves not too long after the sun crests in the sky. Only then does Solas slow his horse to a trot. ]

How are you faring, Detective?

I'm all right.

[ Still sore, still stiff, and altogether anxious, but he's had worse and he's definitely got other concerns right now. ]

Do you know where to go from here?

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