Pot and Kettle

It amused her how he tried to lie. It was comical how many of her friends, hell even her own family continually lied to her. For your own good. No it fucking wasn’t.

A most unladylike snort came from her noise. [color=#0074d9]“They could tryyyy, but then they’d accidentally, spontaneously… find themselves exploding, or turned into paste.”[/color] It took courage to step into a role uncoveted, one that demanded a certain kind of self sacrifice. All Hawke had wanted to do was keep her family together and safe, how was she to know those actions would have wider consequences? His position garnered greater scrutiny, responsibility of countless weighed on his shoulders. He needed a friend at his side if only to maintain some shred of sanity.

Hands raised to slow him down. [color=#0074d9]“Woooo there, I’m not a general. Don’t think about making me that, but sure, I can throw in my two coppers.”[/color] She could, at the very least, test their security, figure out the blindspots that the guards missed on their patrols. Lips twitched, it could even be fun, seeing how they coped against a slippery and seasoned mage.

The ease of his smile always seemed to settle her, a calm she put down to the meditation under the Chant. Never much of a believer, Leaf couldn’t put complete faith in one thing, especially one that had used power to press so many in subjection. Still, she could appreciate the discipline involved.

It was getting late though, and while she had spent time in a cell, between travelling, losing her way and finding the tavern beforehand had drained her. The particular way in which she thanked him was sparsely ever used and almost always done in privacy. Yet during and afterwards, this felt... different. A roll of tension built in her shoulders until, to her surprise, he reached for her. His lips finding hers of their own accord, Aoife offered no resistance, lost in overwhelming bliss. Hands that had idly hung at her sides now rose to rest against the lapels of his shirt, fingers threading lightly into the fabric.

Cheeks coloured darkly as he held back, eventually breaking away, breathing out her name across her lips. Her mind split in two, one half giving way to anxiety and fear, questions firing off at incomprehensible speed, while the other acted on basic instinct.[color=#0074d9] “...You’re supposed to say something nice.. but that was better.” [/color]

Confidence bubbled up when Aoife's hands had shifted. Realizing in the moment that maybe he hadn't made the wrong impulsive decision. He'd not made such a rash choice in decades now, but it felt... right? Part of him didn't want to let go, didn't want to stop. But rationale held his passion in check and he pulled away. Just a little. Just enough.

Sebastian smiled at her, letting out half of a breathy laugh. I think I've said plenty for now. Oh the urge to cave again, but he found some sliver of resolve and let his hands drop, sliding out of her grasp on his tunic.

You probably want to rest, I should... he trailed off, all confidence falling away from his grasp. Awkwardly, he gestured toward the door as he took a step back. For the moment, his snug as a bug companion was forgotten about.

He’d never kissed her before. Held her in some fashion, yes, but this was an entirely new level. Leaf felt safe, an almost terrifying sensation to someone who rarely felt any ease.

Aoife offered him her own, half-chuckled wisp of a laugh. [color=#0074d9]“Pity.. maybe another time.”[/color]  A rare shyness slipped into her smile, gaze shifting as he pulled away the air around growing colder with his absence. Unsure what to do with her hands, Aoife shrugged, tucking thumbs into the pockets of her robes.

Rest was the wiser choice. Alcohol and herb had been imbued, her facilities altered enough that any to decision made would not be fully thought through. It was an unfair gamble, but his return of  her kiss demanded some investigation.  [color=#0074d9]“You don’t have to go. I mean, I'm an adult, I can decide my own bedtime.”[/color] Plus, she vaguely remembered something of his was already wrapped up in her bed, how unfortunate.

Something fluttered within him at her words and he couldn't hold back a grin. Another time, then. Before pulling back and attempting to awkwardly retreat to the door. After all, he could barely process what was happening, let alone what the repercussions of this would be. Having never allowed himself to openly show his affection for Aoife. Not like this, never like this in the past. This was new ground that he was terrified to tread upon, afraid of ruining what their friendship was.

He'd not gotten very far, hesitating as further awkwardness settled in. Maker help him, he didn't want to leave. But he also knew there'd be curious questions as to his disappearance. He'd cancelled and left a meeting in a rush at the behest of a Mabari, whisked away a still unnamed prisoner, and hasn't resurfaced since. If his advisors didn't hound him for it, certainly the Grand Cleric would find a way to involve herself.

But then, he also remembered Tofa. Sweet, innocent little Tofa curled up on a pillow on Aoife's bed. A deep breath and he was turning back around to Aoife. Color had risen to decorate his cheeks. Of course, I... didn't mean to imply... He trailed off, unsure of the words he really needed in the moment.

Sebastian slowly realized he was completely out of his depth. Clearly not having thought even this far in advance. I can stay if you like, he amended after a long pause. It seems Tofa is rather comfortable, anyway. He gave a slight chuckle, gesturing at the snoozing critter.

Another time, then.

Her shy smile grew wider, giving over to a chuckle as he grinned down at her. [color=#0074d9]“… okay, yeah,”[/color] her usual confidence muted with processing the last few minutes. This… was not how she expected her arrival to go. The cell was the mild scolding of not sending word too, but not them pushing the boundaries of where they stood. Smoke and drink hindered her mind, fogging it from fully being able to articulate herself.

Hesitation over him leaving sat on both sides. Aoife wanted to think over what had just happened, but also subtly, as best she could, press him about it. Though as he turned back to face her, Leaf had to laugh at his response over deciding her own bedtime. [color=#0074d9]“Imply what? That I can’t put myself to bed?”[/color] That cheshire grin was back with her telltale gusto, albeit the corners  softened as she hesitated to laugh. [color=#0074d9]“I know you’ve tucked me in a few times over the years, but no. I don’t need help tonight.”[/color] A kiss was enough for her brain to be scrambled eggs for the remainder, she didn’t need to add more to the evening.

Her body moved on autopilot, crossing past him, bumping his shoulder with hers on her way towards the door. [color=#0074d9]“I’d like that, yes,”[/color] eyes found his briefly before the fight to control her grin pulled them away to her occupied bed. [color=#0074d9]“Tofu might have Khali join her in a minute,”[/color] she’d chuckle. Shifting the door as he did earlier, Aoife waited until the hound padded in to close it back over hands shifting to undo the ties to her outer robe. The mabari settled under the desk after a sniff around the room, to the surprise of Aoife, content with being able to see her mistress from under it.

[color=#0074d9]“So…” [/color]she began, lips twitching as drunk fingers fumbled over the knots. [color=#0074d9]“.. How long you reckon she’ll nap? I hate disturbing them when they’re all snuggled.”[/color]

Sebastian ended up shrugging in response. It wasn't as if he hadn't put her to bed in the past. Too many drinks at the Hanged Man. Too many emotions after Leandra. Too many. Too much. It never made him consider less of her ability to care for herself, but his softer side was always inclined to think of her needs - whether she agreed or not - first and foremost. Besides, he'd just be leaving. Not... making her go to bed.

But that required getting out of the door. And he'd not quite gotten there and ultimately yielded to stay. Awkwardly so.

A shiver shot out from the spot they'd made contact again. Sebastian closed his eyes, trying his best to ignore it. To tell himself she was drunk, she'd bumped him accidentally. It didn't mean anything. How could it?

Eyes opened again when she responded and he offered a smile. Arching a brow as he watched the Mabari come trotting into the room. He didn't bother to correct the way she'd said Tofa's name. She wasn't the only one that did that and it didn't bother him overly much. He was used to it by this stage. Sometimes questioning changing the little pandalope's name altogether.

Undisturbed? I've seen the little brat sleep all day, but those are few and far between. She doesn't allow me out of her sight often, he answered with a chuckle. Though watching Aoife struggle with her robe sent him moving closer to help. They weren't the same thing she'd worn in the past, naturally, but he'd certainly helped her plenty of times before. Here, allow me, he offered, his fingers far more deft and accurate as they danced through the ties.

More times than she could count Leaf had woken up to being, well chided, by her mother at inconveniencing the Prince. How embarrassed she should feel, a grown woman drunk in his presence but it never crossed her mind. And then of course, after the scolding faded to only her memories, he’d held her till the last of her tears fell and she slipped into sleep.

She passed and as her back shielded her face, Leaf’s brow furrowed wishing she’d lingered a moment longer at the contact. She could feel Korr chuckling at her awkwardness choosing to focus on letting Khali in and ignoring the demon entirely. As Khali passed to her chosen spot, the Prince would be flashed a wide smile, tongue lolling out one side of the mabari’s open mouth.

Leaf’s head tilted looking over the nestled pandalope, her eyes narrowing as he confirmed her suspicions. [color=#0074d9]“Then… I’ll just slide onto the other side. If she moves, she moves but, you’re here so..”[/color] A shoulder bounced, the sentence trailing off as her attention turned to ridding her outer travelling robe.

Robes, honestly. Why did they have to make them so damn fiddly? Aoife could barely thread a needle without stabbing herself, let alone sow or embroider something. Blacksmith hands, her father had said. Hands that slammed down magic with devastating effects. Subtlety and dexterity were not her forte, but his and coming to her aid, Leaf relinquished the ties. [color=#0074d9]“... Thank you.”[/color]  Eyes trailed slowly up to meet his, settling for a moment before her confidence buckled. There was a possibility if she looked long enough into those pools, she’d drown. As her rolling focus hovered over his lips, Aoife eventually drew them back to Tofa.

[color=#0074d9]“...She wants to know you’re safe, like I do.” [/color]

While Sebastian, in particular, hadn't ever considered himself to be much of a dog person... he had found himself often fond of Aoife's mabari. Though, perhaps, that said more about the owner than the hounds in particular. Smart dogs, though, and the only type of dog he'd ever run off at the drop of a hat. In this case, he'd managed to swallow some of the awkwardness enough to flash a smile to the dog on the way by. Though surprised to see the bed went on solely occupied by his little brat.

Sebastian blinked at Aoife, trying to process her implication. That... what? He'd be able to collect Tofa? Move her to another spot with less fuss? Or... He shook his head after a moment. Pushing the wandering thoughts away. Noticing, then, his company struggling with her robe.

He could feel her eyes on him, but diligently remained focused upon his task. Brow furrowing just slightly as one of them gave him a bit more trouble than the others. On the last tie, Sebastian paused, finally flicking his gaze up to her face. I should like to think I'm less likely to find trouble, between the... His eyes roved around the room a moment to touch on the two animals before coming back to Aoife. Four of us? He flashed her a playful smirk before pulling the last tie loose.

There. Sebastian took a step back, then several as he turned and headed for the wardrobe on the other side of the room. Curious to what might be stored within, he pulled the doors open and began to examine. There had to be some sort of clean, comfortable item of clothing she could wear.

The items he saw made his jaw clench slightly. A wash of pain and sorrow crashing over him. Sebastian had hardly expected to see any of these items, still, let alone have a sudden and visceral recollection of them. Clearing his throat and giving a shake of his head, he pulled a pale purple dressing gown from the wardrobe. A smile hid the sudden crash of emotions as he held it up for Aoife. My mother's old dressing gown... it should fit well enough for tonight. I can have one of the staff tailor a few more things for you, if you like.

Remington had been her first. They’d found the litter when journeying towards Gwern. He had been the one constant, unwavering thing in her life. When she managed to push everyone away the stubborn hound was the only one brave enough to stay. Losing him had been the final nail in the coffin of sticking out Kirkwall. But that hound knew her too well. At the right time when she was lost in the wilderness, delirious and scared, he’d sent Khali, Leaf was sure of it. The annoying pup had barked and dragged her back to some sort of living, too smart for her own good at times.

Distracted, brow furrowing as she struggled, Leaf missed his confusion until he began aiding her. With her eyes wandering, lingering over as he deftly, almost effortlessly let slip the ties. Leaf’s laugh stuttered as it fell, caught off guard for how when he glanced at her she couldn’t suppress the grin curling. [color=#0074d9]“I’m at the top, or front, of this group..”[/color] snickering a little her eyes drifted, [color=#0074d9]“.. but I need someone to reign me in. Everyone else is too scared of me.” [/color]

With him retreating Leaf shifted her focus to slipping out of the outer robe for the tunic and leggings underneath. She flopped it over the back of the chair, padding over behind him. The rigidity of his back gave her pause, brow furrowing in concern as he seemed to collect himself, what exactly had he found lurking in a guest room? [color=#0074d9]“...Seb?”[/color] eyes found his face, noting the lines of his face shifting to mask the distress being experienced with his clarification. Eyes fell on the garment, her shoulders straightened, and after a brief pause, she strode up, carefully taking it and placing it back into the wardrobe.

After closing the door, Aoife would reach for his hand folding it between her own. [color=#0074d9]“I’m fine in this. I’m not going to freeze to death in the night.”[/color] Grip firmed briefly around his hand, understanding all too well the kind of pain such a thing would bring up. She wasn’t about to pull on a garment of his late mother, not with her own coming so quickly to mind when he said it. [color=#0074d9]“A Tailor would be nice.. Maybe he can whip me up some robes, maybe a dress or two, just… not that one.”[/color]

When the suggestion had been made, upon him taking up the crown, that all items of his family's be moved... Sebastian hadn't guessed they'd simply be shoved away into a wardrobe like this. In a guest room, of all places. It frustrated him as much as the sudden reminder saddened him. He'd not had the best relationship with his family, sure, only having been close to his grandfather if anyone. But there was still a line. He'd have to have words with Bodil at a later time. If there was anyone who could sniff all of this out and have it properly removed, it would be her. Eternally grateful he was that his old nanny was still the wonderful woman he remembered, and had survived the last coup.

While a little surprised to find Aoife had come up behind him, he'd relaxed just a little after his offer. He couldn't blame her for declining to wear a dead woman's dressing gown. Sebastian relaxed just a little more at the touch. I didn't... he sighed and shook his head. I merely wanted to offer something clean and comfortable. The once masking smile fell back into something more easy and comfortable. If not a little teasing at the clean remark. He'd no idea how long she'd been traveling in her current attire, after all.

Sebastian flashed a wider smile at Aoife. The idea of her in a dress was... something else. Leveraging the connection of their hands, Sebastian shifted to pull her a little closer. I'm not certain what to do with the image of you in a dress. The smile flickered into a smirk. What would the people say to see the Champion dressed like a princess?

It had taken her a long time to shift through their mothers things. Mikael had taken a few things before asking her, that earned him a black eye; she’d refused to let Anders heal under pain of meeting the Maker early. They did it together, or not at all. She had four children and just because he was the oldest didn’t mean he had final say or first dibs on anything. In any case, her siblings wouldn’t have coped if not for Bodhan and Sandal, whereas her respite had come when she finally broke.. and Seb had walked into the study in search of her. Even when the door had been locked. Losing family in such a way was a different pain to natural causes or illness. The twins had at least been able to bid their mother farewell, he hadn’t had that small comfort.

[color=#0074d9]“I know. You always have looked after me,” [/color]she began, a thumb brushing over his hand to ease any tension. The concern in her brow slowly relaxed with a small smile. [color=#0074d9]“I’m fine, promise,”[/color] she shouldn’t do that, promises were fickle things. [color=#0074d9]“… nothing a bath won’t fix in the morning…”[/color]. It had only been a two day ride from her last stop, it was nothing compared to the literal week or two they’d spent in the Deep Roads.

His trapped hand firmed in her grasp, body following in a light sway when he tugged her forward. Leaf had enough sense to hold her balance, but his words caused her to tilt her head back with a laugh. [color=#0074d9]“I have worn dresses, Sebastian.”[/color] Usually it had been under duress, or some function she had endured during the Inquisition bullshit, but no, it was not a regular occurrence. [color=#0074d9]“... I’m not certain either, but I know I’ll end up on the floor. Or under a table.”[/color] Likely with a flagon of ale, sometimes pondering if destroying her eardrums was a price willing to be paid to be spared listening to the same gods awful repeating hymn sheet.

Pushing forward their entwined hands, Leaf pressed him lightly into chest. [color=#0074d9]“Don’t.. call me that,” [/color]grimacing, though not elaborating on which title he should refrain from using. Pursing her lips to one side, the mage would huff out a stream of air, musing over the question. [color=#0074d9]“Probably, ‘look at that idiot. Doesn’t even know how to dance.’”[/color] Move around a battlefield, yes, easy. A dancefloor, in shoes and not boots, a disaster waiting to happen.

A bath was mentioned and Sebastian mind began to turn with thoughts. All manner of thoughts, really. For the moment, he remained quiet on the topic, though, instead tugging Aoife a bit closer to tease her.

Nothing near as flattering as the seamstresses here can make. Of course he wouldn't overlook any time she looked ready to murder someone over having to wear a dress. But, perhaps, if it were tailored to her personal tastes, it would be a different matter entirely.

Sebastian arched a brow at her. Call you what? he asked, but then leaned in closer to whisper in her ear. Princess? He liked to think he had a good idea that she more likely meant Champion. But wasn't going to just... assume. Especially not when he could prod her a little more. An impish grin dancing across his lips as he leaned back again.

I could always teach you to dance, Aoife. It's not that different from the grace you show on the battlefield. He shrugged, then let his mind wander back to something she'd said just short bit ago.

He gestured his head toward the rather fancy tub stashed off in the corner of the room. You could take a bath before bed. There was a good chance he'd linger if only because he didn't want to leave someone drunk unsupervised around water. Not that he didn't trust Khali wouldn't alert him to a problem...

Every dress she had been forced to wear was nothing Leaf had ever picked for herself. Leandra, the fussy servants in Skyhold had done that for her, styles, colours, whatever adornments all pre-chosen and ghastly in her eyes. Of course thoughts of murder had flashed behind a steeled, barely kept smile during those occasions. [color=#0074d9]“I… that is true. I’d actually be able to pick for once… oooh…pockets…” [/color]

Distracted by that train of thought, Leaf arched her own brow at his question though suddenly blinked with his lips drawing close to her ear. The breath she was inhaling stalled to a complete stop in an effort to suppress the pulse that shot up her spine, skin bubbling, colouring a shade as his breath spread across it. [color=#0074d9]“...No… yes. No. No, Champion.”[/color] her head shook, avoiding his gaze for their hands. [color=#0074d9]“... I hate that title.. Especially from you.” [/color]

Her lips twitched as he withdrew again, even if the closeness was somewhat suffocating, trapping, it provided Aoife with a great deal else. In the old days, after they had shared in some close escapes, they’d found quiet company in each other. She, the more level-headed and sensible of the twins, the Prince had always sought her out first than her brother.

His offer confused her, expression shifting through a variety of things before falling on a comfortable response. [color=#0074d9]“If… I learn to dance, then I have to do it with all those fools at court…”[/color] the idea of dancing with rich, arrogant dickheads who only likely wanted a dance for bragging rights or to try and cosy up.. Aoife shuddered, but, [color=#0074d9]“... did you just call me graceful?”[/color] Aoife snorted. Blowing and slamming things to pieces wasn’t graceful in any way. [color=#0074d9]“But… the shoes.”[/color] Heels were not her thing, walking was difficult enough let alone fighting or dancing in them. [color=#0074d9]“Is… barefoot acceptable… for beginners?” [/color]arching a brow at him, lightly shifting the hands into a slight sway.

Talk of lessons were set aside for something she had mentioned earlier. The aforementioned bath was found after following his gaze. She should have expected it, his home was a palace, not a small estate like her families in Kirkwall. [color=#0074d9]“Well, being a Prince has perks I suppose. You have all the fancy things,”[/color] her voice teasing. After a moment resisting parting with his hand, she made her way over to investigate the set up. Filling it was simple enough, heating it even more so. Rolling up an arm of her tunic, Aoife set it into the water, heating it to her perfect temperature.

Sebastian couldn't help but smirk a little at her reaction. He knew damn well what title it was she didn't like. He'd not meant to twist the knife too much, though, instead leaning on the princess comment. Which had a fantastic effect, better than he expected. But he didn't linger, retreating to a more respectable distance.

He chuckled. And you'd show them all exactly that: they're fools. There weren't many soirees that required dancing, though. At least not presently. Not with so much else going on. Granted nobles still likely hosted things, but Sebastian had more or less instructed that he be an automatic decline to all. The Prince had more important things to attend - like ensuring they were kept safe to have their gatherings.

Maybe when there's less alcohol in your system, he amended with another slight chuckle. He shrugged, then, to her question. Whatever the lady desires. Offering a charming smile to her before ultimately laughing a bit. We do not host many events you'd need to dance for, Aoife, I'm merely teasing you.

Much to his surprise, she seemed keen on the bath idea after all. He couldn't help but give a laugh at her commentary. Stay here long enough, and so will you. She'd pulled away, then, moving over toward the tub he'd pointed out. Sebastian watched as she filled it with ease, hesitating just a moment as she went about heating the water.

If she really was going to take a bath, he was hardly going to allow her to put dirty clothes back on. He pursed his lips a moment in thought, before turning toward the door. I'll be back momentarily. It would also allow her the privacy to divest herself of her remaining clothes and get into the tub without an audience. Or, rather, a human audience.

There was an urge to shake her shoulders, the sensation of the current dancing down her nerves lingering even after he shifted away. Aoife cleared her throat as subtly as she could, brows shifting with his words. [color=#0074d9]“More likely, since they have all the dancing experience, I’d be made the fool.”[/color] Nobles always threw parties in the middle of a shitstorm. They had to maintain the facade that everything was, or would be fine to the rest of them or it would be chaos. It was, unfortunately, something he would have to put up with to gather and gain more support.

[color=#0074d9]“Oh no. I’ll need some. If only to stave off the embarrassment after I fall on my ass.”[/color] Just a little, enough so she could blame the heat settling across her cheeks on that and not his hands on her waist. Again her head shook, eyes shuttering to dispel the thought, her tongue having different ideas however. [color=#0074d9]“So… what I’m hearing is, ‘You’ll teach me, but I won’t have much opportunity to make a fool of myself and I can be barefoot?’ … make it more appealing why don’t you.” [/color]

She chuckled at first, again swaying, tilting against their entwined hands [color=#0074d9]“... Until you get fed up of me, or I..”[/color] her voice trailed quietly off, head shaking a thought away as she moved towards the tub. [color=#0074d9]“...We’ll just have to wait and see, but I promise I’ll enjoy it while I have it.” [/color]

Blue eyes glanced up as he moved, explaining he’d be back. [color=#0074d9]“Oh.. okay.” [/color]With a nod she returned to weaving her fingers through the water, adding drops of … whatever pleasing scent were contained in a few bottles. Ears listened until his footsteps had faded far enough before she voiced, [color=#0074d9]“... Am I being stupid?”[/color] her head turned to look at the mabari, still curled under the desk. Khali merely sighed deeply through her muzzle, eyes refusing to even open for her mistress. The mage rolled her eyes, gesturing with an open palm. [color=#0074d9]“Well you are no help at all.” [/color]Shaking her head, Leaf began slipping out of her clothes and sinking herself into the bath, leaning into the support of the tub once settled. Muscles relaxing with the heat, she’d slip her body further into the water until her head submerged. Again Khali didn’t stir, perfectly aware that her mistress was in no danger, merely soaking her hair.