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[openhands]

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[openhands]

I suppose I could tell you a few of them, if that's of interest to you.

[You know, highly sanitized versions of them with a lot of the violence cut out because this is a sweet summer child who doesn't need to hear about that. But she is not talking about Orlais, okay. That was twenty years ago and people need to let it go.]

Although I'm sure there are plenty who could tell them better.

[serves]

[Surely you learned a thing or two from Varric, Cassandra. Cullen gives Elize's shoulder a little squeeze--see, not scary at all.]

Elize can be the judge of that.

[princessia]

[ Not scary at all. But that's because Cullen is here with her. ]

I'd like to hear your story in your words. Cullen told me that you're a warrior. One of the very best!

[ A confident nod as she recalls his exact words.

Surely, the story would sound even better from someone who experienced the adventures firsthand. ]

[openhands]

[She does glance at Cullen with an eyebrow raised. One of the very best, huh?]

Cullen has a tendency to exaggerate.

[And Cassandra has a tendency to downplay. So, you know, find the average and you'll get to the truth.]

[serves]

I think Elize can decide whether that's true or not. [Does he look amused? No, no. Not at all.]

[princessia]

I'm sure you're amazing and very strong!

[ And she also believes a lot of what Cullen tells her. This is also what leads her into getting easily tricked by him when they play games together. Oops. ]

But, um... if you don't want to tell any stories... then that's okay too.

[ Is it really okay? She looks down, bashfully brushing her foot across the floor. ]

[openhands]

[Cassandra has a feeling that even if it were egregiously not okay with Elize, she would be far too shy and polite to say otherwise. Especially with that soft little scuff of her foot.]

It's perfectly alright. I would just caution you to not have high expectations.

I would hate to disappoint you.

[And she genuinely means that despite knowing Elize for all of what? Five minutes? Look. She doesn't want to make little girls cry. Dorian, sure, but not little girls.]

[serves]

[Cullen has to wonder if Elize is aware of how much sway she has over people just by being a cute little girl.]

Wonderful. Should we find a place to sit?

[princessia]

[ Probably not. She's naturally shy and just tries not to trouble others. A small smile forms on her lips as she looks back up. ]

How about somewhere in the kitchen? I'll get you something to drink, Cassandra.

[ Slipping away from Cullen's side, she goes on ahead to the kitchen.

...This isn't even her ship. She might as well be staying here with how much she visits. ]

[openhands]

[Before Cullen can get too far, Cassandra grabs hold of Cullen's arm.]

You go on ahead, Elize. I would like a moment alone with Cullen. To...decide what story to tell. [Yes, that's it.] We'll catch up in a little while.

[You need to explain more than HEY COME MEET THIS LITTLE GIRL, Cullen.]

[serves]

[He's in troouuuuuuble. But Cullen is a wise man, and goes along with it with a smile.]

We won't be long, Elize.

[princessia]

Oh...

[ ...What do they take her for?! Elize gives the two an uncertain glance, finding it very unusual they're sending her off ahead first. ]

Alright then.

[ Nonetheless, she disappears into the kitchen to prepare some drinks from the dispensers. ]

[openhands]

[Once Elize is far enough along to the kitchen, Cassandra lets go of Cullen's arm to smack it instead. She still speaks in a relatively hushed tone, however. Just in case she's lingering.]

You could have told me it was a little girl.

[serves]

[Ow!! Okay, it didn't hurt that much, but Cullen winces and rubs his arm anyway. Try not to look smug, try not to look smug.]

I wasn't aware that would have made a difference.

[princessia]

[ Sorry, but right when she steps into the galley, she's going to suddenly poke her head out of the kitchen, timidly hiding part of her face with a wall. She has a reason for checking back on them! Or maybe it's an excuse to try to listen in...

But she can't hear much with their hushed voices. She calls out to the two in a small voice. ]

Do you want water, tea, or... um... the fizzy stuff? I forgot to ask.

[openhands]

Water is fine, [she calls without missing a beat.]

[Cassandra waits a moment for Cullen to give his answer before she continues,] Of course it makes a difference!

[serves]

Tea, please. [That will keep her busy. Turning back to Cassandra, Cullen rubs the side of his neck.]

She is... a bright, smart girl, brought here in tears some time ago. I've been keeping an eye on her since then. When I can, at least. I figured it wouldn't hurt for her to have more capable adults in her life.

[Because now and then he's entirely incapable of functioning, when the aches an pains get the better of him.]

[princessia]

Okay...

[ Just what are you two talking about? She already suspects it's not about telling stories or anything. But after a few seconds of staring, she disappears back into the kitchen.

Carry on talking, then... ]

[openhands]

[Cassandra sighs, hand moving up to her forehead momentarily.]

This is no place for a child.

[She knows she doesn't need to say it really. Cullen already knows that. Anyone with sense in their head would know that. But of course Cullen would look to protect this little girl. He is a better man than most, certainly better than he's willing to give himself credit for. It's only after a few seconds that Cassandra reaches a decision.]

I will help you look after her. [He could probably use the help, she thinks. Not that she's exactly ideal help given her very limited experience with children, but it's something.] But no more surprises.

[serves]

Thank you, Cassandra. [There's a deep sincerity in that. It's important for Elize to have more than just him.]

She's already taken a liking to Jove and Cole. Tell her a good story and she'll be yours.

[princessia]

[ Elize is quick to find a few cups and set them down near the drink dispensers. ...Then her curiosity brings her back out of the kitchen.

She's not doing a very good job at trying to hide herself, but there she is again! Peering out towards them from behind a wall. ]

[openhands]

[Cassandra can see Elize in her periphery, but doesn't react to her. Instead, she sighs and folds her arms.]

What am I supposed to tell her?

[Because, okay, she's a little nervous about upsetting Elize. It's not like Cassandra's adventures have petting nugs and rainbows involved in them! Help a sister out here, Cullen.]

[serves]

[Cullen sees her as well, and lifts a hand, indicating her to join them. He doesn't want her to feel ignored.]

I'm sure you have some stories about the Inquisitor that are child friendly. I've read the reports.

[RETURNING LOST ANIMALS, FINDING HALLA...]

[princessia]

[ With some hesitation, she makes herself fully visible and steps out into the hallway. Walking over, she comes to a stop a few feet away from them, just in case she needs to retreat back into the kitchen. ]

I haven't finished pouring the drinks. Is something the matter?

[openhands]

[Cassandra looks to Elize and shakes her head.]

Nothing is the matter. I believe I figured out what story to tell you.

[She is pretty sure Cullen is hiding behind you though. Like 90% certain.]