DA:I~ Demons of the Past (DorianxLavellan)

7~ Sail Away

Cyrus and his companions arrived at Redcliffe docks, where they were to set sail for Antiva to retrieve the Ring of Finesse from the crows. Well, steal it, really. The weather was quite decent for sailing: Sunny, with a good enough breeze to move them along. His eyes bulged as he took in the massive vessel before him. The ship was a beautiful sight, both sturdy and stylish, the sail painted with the Inquisition's symbol. 

As he stared at the seemingly unending ocean stretching into the horizon, excitement twisted at his insides and a smile took over his face. The sound of the waves gently pushing against the docks, the fresh smell of salt, the sight of the deep, pure blue water... it made a breathtaking smile creep across his face, which he was unable to control. 

Cyrus believed he had the best companions with him for the job, some suggested by Leliana and some of Cyrus's own choosing: Cole and Sera were both masters of stealth, with considerable experience with traps and poison. Cassandra was a good balance of strategy and strength. And Dorian was a powerful mage, and at least two mages were advised for a mission. Cyrus was secretly grateful that Solas was too busy with his research to be his mage companion for this mission.

Grateful? Cyrus frowned at himself. Why would he care who he brought with him, anyway? It was only strategy, he reminded himself. Dorian was the only mage available, so that was why he was here, that was all. He couldn't allow himself to become distracted, not now with so much at stake. 

The five of them waited as the crew got ready to sail. Dorian let out a little groan. "Remind me again why I'm here?" 

Cyrus raised an eyebrow at him. "You don't like sailing?"

He was focusing deeply on keeping his eyes away from the water as he grumbled, "The last time I did was when I came here from Tevinter. I've never been as sick as I was during that journey." 

The captain of the ship called for them to get on board. Sera was grinning like a mad person as she went up, chewing on a muffin over-excitedly, to which Cassandra rolled her eyes as she followed. Dorian went up only reluctantly.  But Cole stayed behind, still staring at the ship in awe. 

"Wind against my wings," he said with wonder, "the ocean beneath my feet... I am free!"

Cyrus blinked at him. "You're... not seriously reading the ship's thoughts, are you?" 

"I'm trying," Cole said, a little gloomily, "it seems so free, so strong, but I can't make sense of anything if I can't hear them."

"It's just a ship," Cyrus said with a shrug, "you won't hear anything besides the wind on the sails."

"I'm no good with things that aren't alive," Cole muttered as he finally started up the ramp, looking around curiously at the vessel.  

Before Cyrus could follow, a voice behind him said, "Is there room for one more?"

He glanced over his shoulder and blinked in astonishment as Leliana casually approached. She carried a backpack with her. He wondered what was in there, but then decided he'd rather not know. 

"You're coming with us?" he asked. 

Leliana smiled a little cheekily. "After some thought, I figured it might be better if I join you."

"We could definitely use your help,"  Cyrus agreed, "but will everyone at Skyhold be all right without you?"

"I've trained my people well. I'm sure they'll manage. Besides, I have scouts everywhere. We'll keep in contact." She raised her chin, letting the wind play with her hair. "I haven't been on a ship in a very long time. The sea air would be welcome." After a moment's pause, she smiled at Cyrus and started toward the ship. "I hope you enjoy sailing, Inquisitor. It's quite the journey to Antiva."