Oh that's the part we're best at. [Bizarre is probably the most accurate word for it; he wasn't meant for this. Despite Cassandra's conviction and Leliana's reassurances his life had been set and measured well before the mark ever found his palm: being his clan's First meant human politics, dwarven relations, qunari-- everything is all foreign territory. Dangerous territory if what he's seen is to be believed.

Weeks spent holding his breath thinking he'd be buckled in irons the moment Cassandra's shield lowered from his side, but she'd stayed. They'd all stayed. And for the most part it's shifted him away from defensiveness into more trusting territory. They're not his people, but they are his, he supposes.

Maren included.]

You haven't seen chaos till you've seen a handful of undisputedly wise elders argue over whether or not Enduil's wreath traditionally includes dawn lotus or crystal grace.