...damn it, why do i think?

Xochipilli scoffed at her, as she nudged him, calling him out. His full name, too. He leaned back, sighing softly. Sometimes, I wonder if you shouldn't be Keeper in my place. He chuckled softly, reaching to tug her hair between his fingers. You're much more rational than I. That is, perhaps, your one fault.

He shook his head, listening quietly as she spoke about the raven she had received. No. The Grey Wardens take, take, take. I want to be gone before they come to take as many able-bodies as they can. This isn't our fight, Inala. It's not our child's. It's not our people's battle.

His voice was hard, This clan hasn't recovered from the last time they gave their aide. And what happens if we need our warriors when we get to the Marches? I cannot promise we'll be well-received.

Chip sighed, burying his face against her shoulder, muttering quietly, Tell your warriors I've forbid it. They live with the clan, they help the clan. The Grey Wardens needs are not ours.

He moved to get up, pausing to press a kiss to her temple. Giving too much aid is how we lose. Again. With those words, he disappeared back into the water, with a quiet splash. She'd see him leaving a few yards down the beach, he didn't linger, because he trusted her to handle herself. There was nothing in this forest that he wasn't aware of, for the time being, things were safe.