kallian_endris | IC INBOX

Mm. Och, don't worry about it, it's fine.

[While he does wind up using one hand to rub at his eyes, it's purely out of habit, something he does often enough when he first wakes up. He's not really bothered at all by being woken up like that.]

Although I still say you'd do well with a wee place of your own. Just because I'm used to sleeping wherever doesn't mean that's true for everyone. Want some help with the tea? Could do with a cup of that myself.

I've been sleeping wherever pretty much since my first night outside the alienage. It's fine, really. I don't need much space.

But, I have enough tea to share, if you want... I was just going to get a little water...

Here, let me go with you.

[It doesn't take him long to set the blanket aside and push himself to his feet, giving her a smile as he does so.]

I'd have thought that you'd have moved over to the Warden's camp by now, to tell you the truth. With Anders and Bethany there, you'd have plenty of good company.

I was there for a few days. But... I didn't feel comfortable in a tent by myself, and... I couldn't impose on them beyond that.

[She heads for the nearest water source.]

Besides. The more I move around, the less chance someone will be able to track where I am and surprise me with a knife between my ribs.

[Jamie follows after, although his eyes do flick away from her and out towards the surrounding area, just to keep an eye on things. If for some reason someone does try to make a move, he'll be ready.]

In a camp full of Wardens? Och, I don't think that's likely.

[He could point out that Anders hasn't had any problems there, after all, and they both know full well that the man has enemies. But then he thinks better of it, simply deciding to shake his head instead.]

And I don't think Bethany would think you'd be imposing if you asked her, either. But you could see about getting another room in here instead, maybe? Something without windows that you can set alarms or wards or something on, maybe. It'll need some work, probably, like the one I'm working on, but I could help you with that too, if you'd like.

The Wardens aren't obligated to protect me. There are some who do, but that doesn't make me one of them. They have bigger concerns than one elven mage. ...I shouldn't take their attention.

[She finds her way to the kitchens, and gets a kettle of water set to boil by the fires.]

You know, I've never had a real room to myself ever. It's always been shared quarters, apartments that were little more than a single room, or just... wherever I could find a spot out of the way. The idea--a whole room just to myself--it seems... absurd, almost. I don't... I can't justify it. Not when so many people are just living in tents or on cots and bedrolls, no permanent place of their own...

It's a very sweet offer, Jamie, thank you, but there are people so much more deserving than me.

Aye, well, maybe so.

[She has a point about the Wardens, even if he still thinks Bethany would be willing to share for friendship's sake. He doesn't agree with all of the rest of what she says, however, and it's not long before he winds up shaking his head.]

You're just as deserving as anyone else, you know. And you should be able to have a place where you feel safe.

[Whether or not she believes him, as far as he's concerned, she does - even if she doesn't need to necessarily have a place all to herself if she doesn't want to.]

You don't need to stay there alone if you really don't want, though. You can always find a-a roommate. Like Someone you trust that you think should have a place too.

Not really. I'm... pretty low on the priority list. Elf apostate--that's two counts of undesirable to society right there. And... I don't know if I'll ever feel safe. I don't think I ever have. Not that I can remember, anyway.

[She blushes at the mention of a roommate.]

I don't know who I could ask. I wouldn't want to expose someone else to the risks of living with someone like me. Not for more than a few nights, anyway.

Aye, well, you'll never know if you don't try, that's for sure.

[True, things could go badly, but at the same time if she never takes that risk then she'll never find out if things can be different here, and even though he's tempted to smile at that blush, he gives her a more serious look instead.]

Not even someone who could handle themselves if it came down to it? Someone who doesn't care what other people think, and are willing to take that risk themselves?

I couldn't ask that of someone. Partly because I'm sure they have better things to do and better company to keep than guarding me. I have no wish to die, but... I'm no one worth protecting. The people I would trust... They have lives of their own. Having me around is... ah... awkward...

Even you, Jamie. I am so, incredibly grateful to you for so many things, but... If not for me, I'm sure you'd be sound asleep somewhere warm and comfortable. Not dozing in chairs or sitting around a kitchen waiting for water to boil in the wee hours of the morning. I am sorry about that.

I don't think having you around is awkward, you know.

[Far from it. But it seems she's not willing to entertain the idea of a roommate right now, so he decides to let the idea go - even if he still thinks she deserves to have a place that's hers.]

And I've slept in chairs often enough before this, even before I came here. If it bothered me, I'd have said something. Besides. I like the company. So don't you think you've got to apologize for that.

[A tiny grin plays around his mouth then, something ever so slightly mischievous.]

Although if you really feel you need to make it up to me, I'll not say no to a wee bit of something to nibble on along with the tea.

[That earns him a blush.]

I... Sorry, I didn't even bring anything to make as far as food goes... I'm not sure if they would let me into the stores to make muffins...

[She really is very pretty when she blushes, but this time he can't quite help but grin just a bit wider.]

You know, if you keep blushing like that, you'll never get me to stop teasing you about things. I'm not serious about having something to eat, you know.

[And she goes pinker still.]

It's, um, not really something I can help. I... could treat you to breakfast in the morning, though, if you want? It wouldn't be anything fancy, but... you deserve my thanks.

[Just as he expected, and for a moment his eyes dance with barely suppressed mirth before her words turn his grin into a rather warm smile.]

Och, I don't need anything fancy. All I really need is a good bowl of oats, with a wee bit of salt. Maybe a touch of butter or honey if you want to dress it up a bit, but if that means you'll join me then anything you'd want to do would be grand. And maybe I'll return the favor sometime.

I might be half-Orlesian, but my other half is Dalish, and I promise, luxury isn't really something we have in the alienages either. I don't need fancy either. I can't exactly afford it.

But I suppose having breakfast together wouldn't be a bad thing.

Oh! And there's the water! Let me just...

[She busies herself getting the tea started.]

...there. In just a few minutes, we'll have tea.

[He can't help but feel the tiniest little thrill at the idea of getting to have breakfast with her, even though he's sure it's got to be a bit daft to feel excited over the notion. It's just breakfast, after all - and even if he knows it'll be a good one, simply because she's a good cook, she'll think it's ridiculous if he says something about looking forward to it.

There's a part of him that's tempted to do just that, granted, even if it means he'll have to explain why that is, and he even goes so far as to open his mouth to blurt out what he's feeling - but then the water boils, and the moment's lost. Instead, he winds up bringing up his hand to scratch at the back of his ear in an effort to get the momentary feeling under control.]

Aye, sounds like it. Should be just the thing we need. Are we taking it back with us or settling in here for a bit, then?

Oh... Um. Did you want to take it back? I mean, we could, if you want... I don't know if it'll be too strong or too cold by the time we get back, though...

[She pauses awkwardly.]

[Admittedly, he hadn't really been thinking about it being too strong or cold, and the pause stretches for a moment or two longer before he shakes his head.]

Well, it's not up to me, I'd say. If you'd rather sit here because the tea won't get cold as fast then that's alright by me, but I thought maybe you'd want to, erm, be more comfortable. So...it's your choice if you'd prefer to stay or go.

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