My dog is smart enough to be the mastermind behind any schemes, thanks. [ it's strange to joke with him again, and her smile is a bit awkward. ] But no. Do you not find the circumstances even a little overwhelming?

[ it occurs to her that in all the discussions they've had, they have not once even touched on this. she had never told him just how terrified she had been. she releases a sigh. ]

You say that as though it's nothing. Those differences you speak of have existed for a long time. I hardly expected a King to set them aside so easily.

[ which may explain a bit why it bothers her so much that alistair had not been able to entirely put them aside, either. but that is a whole other matter entirely, and probably not even applicable any more. since he doesn't remember-or may never have known. ]

Oh. I.. I'm sorry. Habit. [ she tugs on a strand of hair nervously. ] You and I were.. er. It's complicated. We were close but life and circumstances and [ the giant stick up his ass. ] made things difficult.

We fought, I suppose. But it doesn't really matter here, does it? You either don't remember or never knew me in the first place. I meant it when I apologized.