When you put it that way, you make it sound as though it wasn't his to give in the first place. Is this... it isn't your home, is it?
[Because Varric had said nothing of the sort when he'd handed over the title and the keys to this mansion. He'd mentioned that Fenris had left, but nothing about him coming back and certainly nothing about him wanting to claim his home.]
[It's a bit of a struggle to make her way off the bed when it's soft enough that it sinks a little when she puts any kind of pressure on it, but once Jove is on her feet she takes a few steps toward Fenris.]
You don't have to leave, not this late. There's more than enough room for both of us and I can- well, it was your home first, it sounds like.
[He pauses, unsure. He's learned to share a sleeping space with others since leaving Kirkwall. He's had to, the refugees needed to go somewhere. Still, this feels like an intrusion. ]
It was never my home. Just a place I came back to. I do not want to intrude. I can easily find a room in the Hanged Man.
[Once she's in front of him, she reaches out to lay her hand gently on his arm.]
Please, stay here. You know this place, there are other rooms I can move my things to.
[There's a brief pause there when recent events catch up to her and her eyes drop from him, glancing across the floor and then up to the ceiling as she decides whether or not to open up a little more with him.
Why not, a small voice in her head whispers. He's already seen her in nothing but a white linen shift, hair down, mangled arm uncovered. She's about as exposed as she can be without being entirely naked in front of him.]
And anyway, the company would be welcome. I'd gotten used to having people nearby at all hours.
[It's odd, the way her heart sinks when he turns to leave. They hardly know each other, only spent a little time together when he visited Skyhold, but she has been so lonely and a familiar face gave her just a little bit of hope.
When he turns back around, she can't help the way she drifts just a little closer to him. She hopes he keeps talking to her, doesn't care if she's tired and still a little tipsy. Anything is worth it as long as she doesn't have to go to bed alone again just yet.]
[He remains where he is, standing awkwardly, but remaining all the same. It's been a long time since he's seen someone he isn't fighting or defending. It's a welcome change of pace.]
I lived here like a ghost. A very violent one. The people of Hightown learned to fear me, and as a result, this house.
[She smiles faintly and realizes in that moment, when the expression feels foreign and tugs on unused muscles, that it's been far too long since this happened. It's... a relief, in a way. She feels a little like a block of ice beginning to thaw.]
That would explain why Varric made so many jokes about the place being haunted.
[The chance to speak to someone who isn't her favorite dwarf is enough to keep her out of bed, and she forgets entirely about the need for house coats as she starts towards Fenris again on the way out to the main room.]
Would you like something to eat? He was visiting earlier and there's some bread and cheese left. Some wine, too.
[She winces a little when that comes out sounding so relieved and makes a note to reign that sort of behavior back. She isn't this woman, broken and alone. She was the Inquisitor and she's stronger than this.
It just doesn't feel like it at the moment.
She'd moved the food and wine to a sideboard once Varric had left and now she returns to it, only vaguely aware it's going to take her twice as long to transfer everything to the table with only one hand. It doesn't matter, and she doesn't think she'll drop anything.]
[He moves to pick up the food, casting her a look in askance. Not verbally asking if she needs the help, but offering it all the same. Allowing her some dignity, at least. ]
There is very little Varric doesn't know. I just didn't tell him the exact day I would be here.
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[Because Varric had said nothing of the sort when he'd handed over the title and the keys to this mansion. He'd mentioned that Fenris had left, but nothing about him coming back and certainly nothing about him wanting to claim his home.]
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...No. I never owned it, I just squatted here for...some time. I have not needed it for a while.
[Wow, he just broke into her home. That is something he did. ]
I...should leave you. My apologies. I did not mean to intrude.
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[It's a bit of a struggle to make her way off the bed when it's soft enough that it sinks a little when she puts any kind of pressure on it, but once Jove is on her feet she takes a few steps toward Fenris.]
You don't have to leave, not this late. There's more than enough room for both of us and I can- well, it was your home first, it sounds like.
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It was never my home. Just a place I came back to. I do not want to intrude. I can easily find a room in the Hanged Man.
[Or, you know, knock down Varric's door. ]
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Please, stay here. You know this place, there are other rooms I can move my things to.
[There's a brief pause there when recent events catch up to her and her eyes drop from him, glancing across the floor and then up to the ceiling as she decides whether or not to open up a little more with him.
Why not, a small voice in her head whispers. He's already seen her in nothing but a white linen shift, hair down, mangled arm uncovered. She's about as exposed as she can be without being entirely naked in front of him.]
And anyway, the company would be welcome. I'd gotten used to having people nearby at all hours.
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I- fine.
[He glances away, brow furrowing. ]
But you may stay here, I can easily sleep in another. There is no need for you to move your things.
[He moves to go, but pauses, hands clenching and unclenching before his shoulders sag and he turns back to her.]
Hm. It is likely quieter here than Skyhold. Even years later, the people of Hightown give this house a wide berth.
[Sorry, Jove, he made it have a REP. ]
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When he turns back around, she can't help the way she drifts just a little closer to him. She hopes he keeps talking to her, doesn't care if she's tired and still a little tipsy. Anything is worth it as long as she doesn't have to go to bed alone again just yet.]
Why do you say that?
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I lived here like a ghost. A very violent one. The people of Hightown learned to fear me, and as a result, this house.
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That would explain why Varric made so many jokes about the place being haunted.
[The chance to speak to someone who isn't her favorite dwarf is enough to keep her out of bed, and she forgets entirely about the need for house coats as she starts towards Fenris again on the way out to the main room.]
Would you like something to eat? He was visiting earlier and there's some bread and cheese left. Some wine, too.
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[The words are dismissive, but the tone is very fond. Varric is family.
He pauses, considers. When did he last eat? He can't remember. ]
That would be good. Thank you.
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[She winces a little when that comes out sounding so relieved and makes a note to reign that sort of behavior back. She isn't this woman, broken and alone. She was the Inquisitor and she's stronger than this.
It just doesn't feel like it at the moment.
She'd moved the food and wine to a sideboard once Varric had left and now she returns to it, only vaguely aware it's going to take her twice as long to transfer everything to the table with only one hand. It doesn't matter, and she doesn't think she'll drop anything.]
Did Varric know you were coming back to Kirkwall?
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There is very little Varric doesn't know. I just didn't tell him the exact day I would be here.