Chapter Text
The idea sprang to the mage like the shock of a nightmare. But it was something far more delightful than the plague of dark dreams. No no, this was far more interesting. Dorian Pavus jumped from the comfort of his plush seat within the library. He had dozed off when reading stories of the olden days of Thedas and how some things tie into the now. An interesting and dangerous creature had caught his attention rather quickly. Especially since they catch the focused attention of a certain special Qunari. Pushing some fallen hairs back into place, Dorian had began to search the shelves for anything that could be used. Some kind of spell book of sorts. He had already scouted every book here, but not that he has a set goal, his desire to look through them once more inspired him to try again.
Looking outside, the mage couldn't help but scoff out a chuckle. The stars were still out. Maker only knows what time it is and at this point Dorian did not care. He was on a mission and he wanted to try and get a decent start on it. With each new look of a shelf, there was nothing of real interest. Mostly history books and the like. A heavy sigh rushed from him. No, there was nothing of use in this library. Looking around curiously, Dorian noticed that the floor was empty. No mages or scholars. Perhaps they all went to bed.
Another idea popped up in his mind. Perhaps not all of them? Leering over the railing and to the bottom floor, he felt his lips curl at the sight of the stick in the mud mage known as Solas. He's certainly and odd one, but a comrade in their cause all the same. He was sitting at his dirtied desk, his nose deep in another book. Perhaps he'd know where to look. Stepping down the spiral stairs that led from the library to Solas, Dorian let out a clearing of his throat to warn him of his incoming arrival. Not that it mattered. Solas was never not always decent. Weird, yes, but it was no reason to judge someone. His hands cupped behind his back and his head held high, he stood before him with an expectant look. It took a few seconds but the elf finally raised his eyes from the book in his hand.
"What is it, Dorian?" Solas asked with a tone of irritation, obviously displeased at Dorian's arrival. He couldn't help but wonder just what kind of book he was reading to get so irritated. "Well, I thought it best to ask you as a fellow mage and all," He began with a positive note. "I have a desire to find different kinds of spell books but I cannot seem to find any overhead." He raised his shoulders upward at the collection of books that mean nothing to him by this point. "I wished to ask if you knew of any? Maybe there are some hidden around this old fortress somewhere?" He offered curiously at the bald elf. Solas' expression was eerily hard to read. He looked bored by the topic, though his brow twitched just slightly.
"If you don't mind my asking, just what do you need spell books for, exactly?" Solas remained irritated, but curious as he leaned forward and placed a bookmark within the two pages of his book before gently placing it down. Dorian shifted slightly and stood to the side as he thought of a proper answer in reply. "Many things, actually." He nodded. "Perhaps I'd like to find a way to extend my barriers, a way to lengthen the range of my fire bolts?" He paused briefly, unfolding his hands and raising one to his chin, brushing the fuzz that was soon needing a good trim.
"Perhaps shape shifting." His tone lightened as his brow raised to the sitting mage. Solas still looked as cold as ever, though his lips smirked upright if only for a moment.
"You wish to learn shape shifting? Well, that will be difficult to find, my friend." Solas answered simply, leaning back and taking hold of his book once more. Dorian's shoulders sunk down at the answer he was given. "There are ways, though many studies have shown it is a long and difficult process to learn such skills." And once again, Solas was harshly honest. Dorian could only nod. "Well, it was worth a shot. I will try elsewhere." He lowered his head towards Solas with a sigh. "Thank you, Solas."Was all he could muster to say in leaving, feeling that his trail had ran cold all too quickly.
"Dorian, wait." His heels quickly stopped and he turned on them at the same time. "Hm?" Solas removed himself from his seat and stepped closer towards Dorian with crossed arms. "There is one here who might be able to help you with this. She's arrived here not too long ago. Perhaps you've seen her."
Dorian leaned forward with a quirked brow. "Who?"
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"Ah, Morrigan? If I may speak with you a moment?" The sky was blue and the stars no longer lingered. Dorian had slept for only a few hours after his little nap earlier that evening, but he was on some kind of trail for his inspired idea and he wanted to keep that passion burning. Hearing of a new mage having been brought into the Inquisition, and learning of what she can do, there had to be a chance with her somehow. Though, within seconds of standing by her, he could not help feeling slightly intimidated by her. "Yes?" The dark lady spoke up to him calmly in the Skyhold gardens. She was tending to some of the dark lilies near the far end. A perfect place to discuss things. Slowly, she stood upright, her dark gold eyes focused fully on Dorian's own. He swallowed a breath but continued. "I wished to ask you about something.." He began but was stopped by the woman raising her gloved hand towards him.
"You wish to ask me something but I don't even know your name. Granted, your mustache gives you away. I've heard much about you, Dorian Pavus." Morrigan stated calmly. Her dark voice running chills up and down his spine. "Y-you have? W-well of course. Yes. Haha! Good to know."
"Yes. You're rather self centered but you care for the cause, noble but also quite prude. Talented but short tempered." Dorian stood with confusion as the woman read him aloud like some sort of book. There was that lovely few seconds of awkward silence before Dorian cleared his throat to fill the void. "Well, yes, I guess. What I was trying to say is, may I ask of a certain spell. I gained word you knew of shape shifting and I wished to see if you had any scrolls or books I could read and learn on it?" He asked with a softer tone, one with a dash more respect than he'd normally give to new comers of his life.
Tilting her head, the woman raised a brow. "Oh? How interesting. The fire-mage wishes to change his shape. To what exactly?" She asked with a low hum in her tone. Sadly, Dorian felt he could not say given that it was not a plan entirely set in stone. To even know if he could accomplish it was not even in the books. Shaking his head a moment, Dorian answered. "I cannot say just yet, I only wish to see if I have the capability to do it." His brow lowered, as did his head. "I've heard you had some knowledge on this and felt you'd be the best to seek answers for." Nodding, Morrigan approved. "And that is correct. I've learned at a young age. Granted, living with the likes of my mother, one had to be patient in learning with her." Her dark lips curled and Dorian could only fill his side with a nervous chuckle.
Finally, the woman nodded. "Alright. I'll help you." She stated calmly. Dorian couldn't keep himself calm as his brow raised high and his smile widened entirely. "But, I have requirements." Morrigan added before any thanks would be traded. "Oh?"
"Yes. One, you must tell me what you wish to change to, and two, why?" She raised her fingers with each request given. Dorian eyed the two fingers and looked back to her with a sigh. Leaning in, he raised his own finger towards him so she could lean in. With hushed breaths and another nervous huff, Dorian leaned back only to see an even wider grin stretch at Morrigan's lips.
"Oh it'd be a crime to turn this down. Plus I think it'd be good for combat if possible." Dorian shook his head. "I'd rather keep this private.." His voice remained quiet, but just a tad higher than a whisper. Nodding, Morrigan agreed. "Alright. Meet me this evening by my quarters. I'll show you what I have and will try and teach you."
A loud sigh escaped Dorian as he nodded to her with a smile. "Thank you so much-"
"One more thing. And this is important." She raised her hand to keep him from thanking her much more. "I need you to understand, this will be tedious and will require a lot of patience on your end. I need to know that you plan to focus and not get yourself distracted. Else it'd be a waste of my time as well as yours. Understood?"
Dorian was not well known of his patience on any sort of matter, but for this to work, he felt it would all be worth it in the end. Nodding firmly, Dorian replied. "Understood."
The witch smirked with a deep low laugh. "Good. Very good."