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[ It's on the edge of too soon. Context helps. There's a longer pause than necessary, but when Alistair does talk, it's just, ] Fuzzy. [ Offended. But not really. ]

You could show them a rift. [ It's hard to say whether the Inquisition is more or less desperate than they were. The scale is different. Bigger problem; infinitely bigger army. ] But you're not going to make them fight to stay, are you? Do they want to?

Chest hair. It tickles. [ All innocence. ]

They are assassins. I cannot take that from them anymore than I can remove such things from myself. But...I wish them to do as I do. Take contracts on their own merit, actually keep the coin they earn. Have somewhere safe to hide when they need. A reputation to protect them. If they must fight- fighting for the Inquisition is not so terrible a cause.

I suppose.

[ It bothers him—that any of them, Zevran included, might think that's all they are or all they can do or the only reason they're alive—but he can't quite articulate why, and he's recently been in trouble for being overbearing and pushy, so he tries not to dwell. ]

Are they all right, though? They aren't going to try to sleep with Seeker Pentaghast or anything, are they? She's probably the one who could really force them out.

They know they are not permitted in Skyhold proper without my supervision. Leliana and I argued over that. She wished them dead and we...she is harder, now, than she was. Morrigan is softer. I would say the world is ending but we know that to be true.

[ He sighs, weary. ]

But no, they have not yet attempted to seduce Cassandra.

Don't let them

[ pause for effect ]

until I'm there to watch.

[ No. It's still sad. ]

It's kind of you to take them in, Zev. I don't think many people would.

I will try.

[ He snorts a soft laugh. ]

...I know what it is to be in their shoes. The uncertainty, the fear, the tension. I cannot give them less than what was given to me ten years ago.

You could. Or you could have someone else do it for you, especially while you're recovering. [ Hopefully. He's not asking: have you been drinking alone or only with them, have you been outside much, who's keeping away the well-wishers for me when you don't feel like it. It's hard. ] I'm not saying you should. I'm only saying it's kind of you not to. I'm sure they feel better with you than they would with someone who didn't understand.

No one else knows what to make of them. Araceli plays cards with them, Beleth, I think, still may wish them dead. Korrin seems to have come around to understanding. I do not wish to burden Taas with them. The Iron Bull, perhaps, understands.

I like him. And Araceli and Detlef.

[ aka people who didn't want to kill the kids. ]

Can you imagine Sten here?

Taas is not so bad, merely passionate.

He...ah. He called me 'Kadan'. Do you remember what Sten said that meant? If Sten said what it meant?

[ PASSIONATELY SCARY. ]

Not that I recall. Maybe he told Jonas or Shale. It seemed like a compliment.

It seemed like it had weight. I do not do weight well.

[ Six or seven days ago Alistair would have insisted that Zevran is fine at weight, but, well. ]

I've always sort of assumed it meant 'person I may consider sparing when my people invade your lands and slaughter everyone else.'

Better that than something with sentiment. If I am getting that from him and Michel at the same time-

[ Sighing. So much sighing. ]

This is the trouble with staying in one place for too long.

Ashamed of you but fun Michel?

Calls me 'belle homme' which- well I am terribly pretty, you know that, it means nothing. But also 'de valeur', which means priceless.

Which.

May mean something.

Well, he's not wrong. But he better mean priceless because you're a person and his equal and not priceless like a painting he wants to hang up. I don't care if he's a chevalier. I could take him.

Where, for a walk? [ An easier jest than considering what it is he may or may not be getting into. ] I do not think it will be much of an issue. I have not seen him in some time and when we last spoke he was somewhat distressed.

Sure. A walk.

[ He won't actually do anything unless he's asked. Or unless Michel follows in the footsteps of the many chevaliers who have taken their Distress out on the peasantry. Etc. But it makes him feel better to grumble. ]

I doubt anything will come of it. Being reminded of his place- and of my life, seems to have done the work for me. Your 'walk' will not be required.

If you change your mind, just say the word.

I don't know which word.

We should pick one.

Remigold. [ Jonas had told him about that, forever ago. The idea still holds it's own appeal. ] Or Shriek.

Ha. Remigold if you only want me to look intimidating, Shriek if I'm to hit someone.

[ Zevran crackles a soft laugh. ]

You are too kind, Amico.

I'm not. But I do try. [ A beat. ] I'm sorry for saying you were wallowing and bothering you about your eye, and—all of it. When I come back, I won't anymore. I promise.

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised

crystal, "tomorrow," as promised