[open] you're like a mirror, reflecting me

[qunari]

WHO: Iron Bull and all comers. That means you. Yes, you.
WHAT: Keeping the fort down at Skyhold.
WHEN: End of Kingsway (August)
WHERE: Sparring Ring, Tavern, and other varied locations around Skyhold.
NOTES: n/a, will add as needed.

He was going to need to find something to fight, soon.

Not that a break wasn't nice and all, but after being laid up months ago with that shit that had happened in the Fade, and sitting out all the bullshit going on in Halamshiral, Bull was getting restless. An itch was building that was hard pressed to find a good outlet for scratching. Next big fight that came rolling around? You weren't going to be able to keep him from going.

Some of the newer recruits could use some breaking in, so Bull would occasionally take a break from the training of his own Chargers to take on anyone who thought they might be able to handle themselves in the ring against him. And of course, any sore feelings would find a balm in quickly being offered a jovial pat on the arm and a drink in the Herald's Rest, where Bull occupied his usual corner.

But that restlessness saw him wandering a little more than he was generally prone to. Taking in the battlements, straying towards the garden in the keep's courtyard, poking his head into the library or the rookery, or stealing into the kitchen for a few midday snacks. And hey, if they needed anything heavy moved around the larder, fair was fair.

Comments

[ombranera]

"It likely works better than most arrangements in Antiva. Oh there are communities that raise their young in a group but it is always with some fear for a political by blow or debt that lingers over their heads. Even noble children are not safe. One of the Crows in my cell was a legitimate heir of a Merchant Prince- simply the second son." Prince or pauper, none were above the Crows.

"...all the more reason I am glad Serena brought Lucci to me. At first it was a shock but- knowing what his fate might have been?" There are worse things.

[qunari]

"Can't blame her for wanting to move up in her station. She cared enough to see he was taken care of, at least." Some would have been more ruthless. He's seen it. Some would have dashed their own children against the stones if it meant crawling up the social ladder. It's a nasty way of living, chaotic, selfish.

But the kid's gonna be alright, probably. He could do worse for dads, and definitely worse for places to grow up. "Bet he's a Hell of a lure for the ladies," Bull chuckles, before rubbing gently at the child's belly.

[ombranera]

"I have found myself swarmed by their attentions more often as of late." Lucci giggles, patting at Bull's hand without a care in the world. Zevran continues to stir the pot, checking the lentils for proper plumping. "Something about the curls, I imagine. Or the laughter. And of course I find myself in possession of the best means to meet women when I myself no longer truly wish to find one."

Being content with what he has is...new. And deeply pleasing.

[qunari]

There's a deep, rumbling chuckle. "Yeah. Tends to be the way."

He's not gonna pry. Not like he can't suss out what's going on from any number of directions. Good for him. Bull's found himself in a similarly comfortable situation, and it's enough that they've found something good, something that works for them.

The difference it's made in Zevran is clear enough, even for someone who wasn't trained to look for those cues in people.