[sandbox]

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair surprises himself: he adapts to the Basin a lot quicker than he expected.

The camps feel -- snug, he decides. In a good way. Trees overhead, a limited number of egress points, a vantage point so high it puts every night by the ladder to shame: they're not the stone walls of Skyhold, but maybe they're the next best thing. After an initial restless night or two, he sleeps soundly.

(Knowing he's surrounded by lots of people with sharp, pointy weapons? Also helpful.)

Joining the patrol rotations seems like a decent next step. No point in being in the field, especially after all that training with Bull, if he's just going to twiddle his thumbs all day.

Comments

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen echoes his sigh.

Not much louder: "Depending on how tomorrow goes... you could come. If you'd like."

But he doesn't sound very enthusiastic about it.

[bringspeopletogether]

A tiny frisson of dread runs up Alistair's back. He breathes through it, reminds himself: he doesn't want you to go.

And yet.

Hesitant, "Do you...not think it's wise for me to come?"

[howtoactfereldan]

He's got to choose his words carefully.

In the meantime, Cullen slips his arm around Alistair's waist.

"The fewer of us there are, the faster we move. And the faster we are, the sooner you and I can go home."

What Cullen doesn't say: And if I take time to do what we did when you walked into our tent, that slows us down, which might be dangerous on top of everything else.

[bringspeopletogether]

He leans his head against Cullen's: automatic, too, but in the way a compass seeks true north.

What Cullen's saying makes sense. And -- much as Alistair doesn't want to admit it, he knows he's a liability. They're at a very delicate point in his training: he can hold himself together in the field, but only just. Maker knows what might tip the balance from capable to not so much.

So he nods, eventually, silent. Wraps his arm around Cullen in kind.

[howtoactfereldan]

Almost -- almost -- idly, he turns just enough to touch his lips to Alistair's forehead.

"We won't call it a firm decision until tomorrow night," Cullen says, softer, after a long moment. "One way or the other. All right?"

[bringspeopletogether]

"All right," he whispers. His arm tightens around Cullen.

(That little leather scrap is still in his pocket. He thought he'd have more time, but -- )

One corner of his mouth turns up, an unhappier cousin of a smile. "I promise I won't send you a heartsick letter every hour on the hour if I don't come along."

[howtoactfereldan]

"I promise -- I'll write every night."

A quiet laugh without much behind it. "Better than what Mia gets, even."

[bringspeopletogether]

"I'm honored." Gently wry. "Truly."

He lapses back into silence, watching the water slide along the shoreline.

[howtoactfereldan]

"Kenric's not so bad to talk to."

Already he's trying to plan. "Doesn't ask too many questions. Get him talking about his work and he's good for at least twenty minutes. And there's a nightly game of Wicked Grace, I don't know if you've seen -- "

[bringspeopletogether]

"I'll keep myself busy," he agrees, quiet. "See if anyone needs help around camp, too."

He's gone without Cullen before. He'll --

(Except he hasn't, really, has he? The last time Cullen was gone for more than a day was when the Inquisition marched on the Arbor Wilds. And that was before they got together.)

He'll be all right. He'll figure out a way.

[howtoactfereldan]

"If you wanted -- you could meet us at Stone-Bear Hold, in the middle. The route by the lake's secure if you avoid the gurguts, and that's easy enough."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair's eyebrows lift.

Cautiously optimistic: "...That might work. Is anyone else going that way soon?"

Secure route or no, traveling alone around here is a poor idea.

[howtoactfereldan]

"Yes -- most likely. The Jaws of Hakkon rely on natural cover provided by the terrain, and the wetlands further down -- "

Cullen points down the shore.

" -- don't have that. It's proven to be an effective route to supply our forward camp closest to Stone-Bear Hold. Harding's got scouts running twice daily at minimum, and I believe Kenric has interests in the area as well."

Pause.

"But there's also an ice giant, so... be careful."

[bringspeopletogether]

A tiny snort. "Yes, that might put a damper on any loving reunions."

Alistair gnaws his lip as he thinks.

"Let's -- well, wait until tomorrow, like you said. But tentatively plan on that?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Yes." Satisfied; he squeezes Alistair. Then, more cautious: "That will... make it easier, I hope?"

[bringspeopletogether]

"Yes." Soft; smiling, faintly. "I think it will."

He turns enough to drop a light kiss on Cullen's temple.

"Easier on you as well?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Much," he says, no louder. "Perhaps it escaped your notice, but I've a tendency to worry."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair chuckles, just as faint.

"It has come up from time to time."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Rarely, of course." Half a smile. "But -- yes. This would help. I can't promise to be unoccupied while at the hold, but... a little time. At least."

[bringspeopletogether]

He nods.

And cracks a tiny grin. "Maybe if I get bored while you're working, I'll try my hand at a feat or strength or two."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Keep your shirt on until I get there." Warm; amused.

[bringspeopletogether]

The grin grows, finding its strength. "I would never dream otherwise."

Alistair lets his eyes drift closed.




"I'm going to miss you." Quiet again, and simply said.

[howtoactfereldan]

"I haven't left yet."

He settles his arm more snugly around Alistair, and says to the lake:

"Besides, you're the one with the knack for making yourself utterly indispensible."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair huffs out another small laugh, but doesn't say anything. He leans into the embrace.

(He's -- not sure he agrees. Seems like he has a knack for the opposite, most of the time.)

[howtoactfereldan]

(Like Cullen keeps saying: other people are stupid.)





"'Still alive. Plan to continue.'"

Mild. Innocent.

"That's technically more than Mia gets out of me."