[ he does not need to nod, to show agreement, to let his voice tighten, to think of the smells, the lack of sunlight-- ]

I have been told he says lightly. that the dwarves are great architects. That promise does not wholly erase the reality of cave-ins.

[ he has not survived thus far to die under a rain of rock and the stink of darkspawn in the back of his throat like tar. he has survived to offer what refuge he can, to take a few steps and wait for ellana to fall into place behind them, for both of them to pick their way through the woods, the layers of protection he's weaved crumbling away like so many layers of pastry. ]

You are always welcome. I know you are a knife in their side- you deserve rest, and a warm meal.