We've come too far

Tch, she tutted at him. Vassi eyed Grim for a long moment, then sighed, shaking her head. That’s the trouble with you. As soon as something outside of the ordinary happens, you take it all on yourself to solve. Oh he made her so mad that the urge to simply tweak his nose was nearly overwhelming! How was that self-isolating thing working for him? Clearly, not well.

So he had left the Chargers behind. That was stupid. He had decided to travel alone. That was also stupid. He had continued to travel alone even knowing that his brother had put this here bounty on his head. Maker’s breath, this was a culmination of stupid decisions and an utter wreck of a situation.

Unless they could salvage it somehow.

She grinned suddenly, dark eyes lighting up. True, there are not many that know much about the Sunless Lands, leaving them decidedly uninvested in what happens there. Problems though, in Ferelden… every nation has its own share of problems. That is a given. Your brother is a terrible little lying shit. And from what I know of the Chargers, they don’t particularly care for liars. Or for someone going after one of their own. Former… own? Vassi paused here as they walked, following Cheese Ball’s wagging back end while Floki seemed content to stay close.

Food, whatever it was, was a secondary concern. As long as it wasn’t rotten, and Grim ate, she was content with soup of the day, some cheese — not Cheese — and a heel of bread. They had a plan to make. Provided that Grim thought it was as clever as she did. And if he didn’t, it was entirely his loss.

It’s simple, don’t you see? she practically crowed, though quietly. Never knew what pesky ears were listening. We hire the Chargers to help us extract payment from your brother for what he did to you and your family. The rogue patted at Grim’s hand, before lacing her fingers with his. She had to keep him close until she got paid… one way or another.

Grim nodded as Vassenia spoke in turn. He had to agree with her about the Chargers, he’d been with them long enough that he was sure he’d be welcomed back if he so chose, but even if he didn’t want to go back officially, he was sure they’d be there if he needed them.

In fact, he was certain that Krem would jump at the opportunity to help him. The thought brought a smile to his face. It seems like you've figured it all out, haven't you? He said, looking at her with a newfound respect. He thought more about her words, maybe he shouldn’t have stayed away as long as he had, maybe he should have tried harder for his people, but after losing his family, he’d been too weak to do anything but get out of the Sunless Lands.

He felt a pang of guilt, but Vassenia's confident demeanor gave him hope. You're right, I've been running away for too long. It's time to confront my past and right the wrongs done to my family. His resolve felt stronger, more solid, and he knew he couldn't do it alone.

Oh acknowledgement! Well it was about time!! She smiled, allowing herself a moment where she preened. Vassi gave a toss of her hair — even though it was pulled up away from her face. Practicality and all that. She smiled at Grim, the expression genuine. Maybe not everything… fine details are a pain, but we’ve got something to go with now.

It was good to see him… she didn’t even know, perk up? Some of that hopelessness had gone, and she swore even the line of his shoulders was less bowed. Good. It wasn’t much, but if she stretched her imagination some, she could believe that the man before her could have been king. What could she say, she always did love a good bit of excitement and her decision not to kill Grim or take him back to that evil little maggot was definitely paying off!

Vassi made to pat at his arm. Come on, let’s hash out some travel details while we eat. I think poor Cheese is about to expire, waiting for us ridiculous humans to get a move on. With that, she marched them both to the quaint little tavern, following the dogs’ leads.

When they were seated, she cast a quick look about to ensure that there weren’t an overabundance of overeager ears trained in on them. A few, but that was the usual when strangers trampled through the norm. So, tell me. What are they like? They, being the Chargers. She cast a meaningful look around while lifting her mug to her face, trying to tell Grim that they had a few curious listener ins.

The dogs were happy to be at the tavern finally, when they entered Cheese went directly to the bar where the tavern owner waited on customers. He greeted Cheese the same way as he’d greet a customer, and this always made Cheese wiggle his butt.

Well if it isn’t some of my favourite customers. What will it be today Cheese, I have that meat stew you like, but I also have some ham scraps that may interest you! Cheese looked the most excited about the ham scraps at the moment, so the tavern owner set about getting food for the dogs, while Grim and Vassenia went and sat down a bit away from anyone else. Grim trusted the tavern owner here and knew his dogs would be content to get the scraps and eat behind the counter.

**They're a unique bunch, that's for sure,** Grim began, keeping his voice low to avoid drawing undue attention. **Loyal, strong, and each with their own quirks. They've got a sense of humor that can lighten up even the darkest situations. But when it comes to a fight, they're as reliable and steadfast as they come. Iron Bull had been an adept leader, who genuinely cared about his men. Something that Grim had never questioned, but when they had been working with the Inquisition and Bull had to choose between his loyalties to the Qunari, or his loyalties to his men, he hadn’t hesitated to choose his men, even if it meant losing his position within the Qunari, and that was something that just proved just how much Bull’s Chargers really meant to Iron Bull.**

These dogs truly were motivated by attention and food, two things that Vassi could get behind. Amused, all she had to go was follow the two, especially Cheese, whose butt wiggled so hard that she was surprised the small creature didn’t somehow dislocate his hips.

Grim obviously trusted the tavern owner which had her a little more inclined to lower her guard. Just a little. She was glad to see that he wasn’t completely stupid though, settling them down a bit away from anyone else. Good, good.

Meat stew. Ham scraps. Not bad fare.

She listened as Grim spoke, nodding slowly. Good, she murmured in return, keeping her voice as low as he had. That means that he who won’t be named won’t know what’ll be hitting him when the time comes. That was, if the Chargers agreed. They’d have to figure out the matter of payment and here she looked to the man seated across from her.

Vassi leaned forward, all pretenses removed as she regarded Grim levelly. Loyal enough that they’d work with us, few questions asked?

Grim tipped his head and thought about her words, he was with them for awhile, he imagined he’d earned enough loyalty that they’d come for his aid, even without compensation, but he wasn’t the sort that was going to drag his friends across Ferelden and into the Frozen Wastelands of the Sunless Lands without anything to show for it.

I think we can work something out, he said, a thoughtful look crossing his face. They're not the type to turn their backs on one of their own. We'll just need to be honest with them about what's going on. He paused, only Bull knew about who Grim really was, who he was before coming to Thedas. It wasn’t exactly something he went around advertising since he’d gotten there. Then there was the whole fact he’d left the Chargers when he started having black outs.

Not all the Chargers know about me, but before we even think about that, I’ve gotta figure out these black outs. I’m no good to anyone if we march into the Sunless Lands and suddenly black out. He took a drink of his ale.