Once upon a time (not so very long ago, but pretty far away from here, halfway up a mountain when a thought occurred), Asher gave a name to two dwarves. Stretched it out and fitted it round them because he could, because they were going a place where they needed a name and belonging; it makes sense, it makes him look good to the Inquisition if someone comes asking or it's what he tells himself when he pushes it down and away.

If the family come asking then he can shrug. Varied interests. Keeping an eye on someone who might be an asset. Who might be useful. Or he can spin it out that way if he needs to because he hasn't lost enough of himself, or he doesn't think he has. Better not have. (Hope isn't a thing Yngvi's meant to have any sort of stock in so he shouldn't even think in those terms if he wants to keep himself intact in the ways that count.) He can do this and then eventually trade places with someone else if it gets unbearable. Gunnar can come back or who knows, maybe the Inquisition can enjoy the tender mercies of Amalia and Nasir.

"Because it's fertile ground, innit? 'Are you Snorri about that?' 'Snore subject?' Like anyone remembers what half our names were anyway, lot of folk pick new ones when they leave a place behind.