faderift | Try something new, they said...

WHO: Fenris and you
WHAT: Someone wants to better himself. Or something.
WHEN: Early Cloudreach
WHERE: Around Skyhold. Isolated corners. The tavern (there's a surprise)
NOTES: Probably a warning from swearing in Tevene. It's Fenris.

He tried looking at it every which way he could, but it made no sense. Well. It made sense to someone, he was sure, but not him. The book that was in front of him was being studiously ignored to make way for something more useful - alcohol.

He was feeling the lack of being able to read. He knew that as many could read as couldn't, but all of his friends round about could - and when he was out in the field, it would be useful to be able to read slaver's ledgers to be able to find out just where they had been - and where they were going next. But how did you even go about that.

Preposterous. He shouldn't even have thought of it. With a sigh he finished his drink and stood up, looking around, and thought about leaving the book behind, but tucking it under his arm. Maybe he would ask Zevran to help him.

Still. He was mellow as he walked through Skyhold at least. Alcohol had a tendency to do that to you.

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Asking Zevran would end well- at this time of day he was found easily enough sunning himself in the courtyard. It only takes a moment or so of observation to prove that yes, Fenris was mellow (therefore had something to drink) and yes, that was a book under his arm. Aware of Tevinter practices as he was- (a decade of freedom would be time enough to learn, he supposed), Zevran found himself curious enough to call out. "Good reading, my friend?"

Fenris looked at Zevran for a moment before heading over to his friend to sit down beside him. He seemed almost pensive as he sat there, trying to work out the best way to approach what he wanted to ask. "I don't know," he admitted eventually, his eyes skittering every where but at Zevran.

"...ah." Zevran carefully- as such things needed to be done with great care- rested his arm across Fenris' shoulders to tug him in if he so wished. "Would you like to?"

Reading had been something of a requirement for the Crows; how better to manage their own contracts than read with their own eyes?

Fenris let himself go easily, feeling safe and comfortable with Zevran; even if their time together led to nothing more than company, he was happy with that. That was something that was reserved for very few. He was silent for a long moment. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "Sometimes I think it would be a useful thing, but then there is the feeling that it's too late, and I can't be bothered."

"It is never too late to learn, especially if you've a mind for it." Fenris is no fool, this Zevran knows and knows well. After a moment's consideration he reaches to run his fingers across the book's spine and peers at the cover. "I could teach you- before I learned how to speak common I learned how to read it; much the same for every other language. Already knowing the tongue you mean to read might make this simpler for you."

"Do you regret it?" he asked Zevran. "Learning to read? It has been useful?" Because that's what he wants. He wants to feel like something is useful. There is no point otherwise.

Truth be told, he knows the answer, he just wants to hear it. He's managed so far without being able to read, it's just an additional useful thing.

"Not at all. It has made being free that much simpler. I am able to write my own contracts and read notices or letters left by nobles while I am in the middle of a job- so not only am I paid for the killing I am informed on gossip that will become useful later." There were so many doors that might open for Fenris, if he learned.

He thought about it for a long moment. How much more could he find out if he could read? How much could he have learned in Tevinter? It certainly would open up possibilities, he recognized that much. "I...I wish to learn." It was tentative, quiet, but he felt he could trust Zevran in this.

"Then I shall be happy to teach you. The best trick, I have found, is to find a book to learn from written on a subject of great interest to you. For me it was poisons or poetry. What is it that interests you?" Aside from wine, killing slavers, and the odd moment of endearing vulnerability.

He was silent for a long moment. "Hawke mentioned, a long time ago, about a book she found on Shartan," he said. He'd ignored Hawke at the time, she was closer to Anders than to him, not interested beyond acknowledging the subject matter. But now... "I wonder if it is possible to get hold of it?" A rare moment of vulnerability from Fenris.

"Do you remember what it was called? There are not many such books- but I am certain we might find it." He'd have to dig about as it was not a popular subject- but for Fenris? It would be worthwhile.

He thought for a moment. "I believe Hawke called it simply 'The Book of Shartan'," he said after a moment. "It was rare so may be hard to come by."

But the fact that Zevran would try meant everything to Fenris.

"I will ask about. Between myself and Varric I am certain we can find a copy." He will not say why he wants the book, but there is no reason for him to not find it.

Varric would probably guess, but at least be discreet enough not to say anything, and Fenris appreciated that.

It took him a moment, but he looked properly at Zevran, a soft, grateful expression appearing. "Thank you, Zevran. That you take it seriously... means a lot to me."

"It is no less serious than, say, my attempting to teach the Kestrels what it is to play tag without daggers. It is something that, due to your circumstances in life, you never had an opportunity to learn. Were the boot on the other foot, I know you would do no less for me." There was a comfort in that, one he could not quite articulate.

Fenris gave a low grunt in acknowledgement. He would pretty much do anything for Zevran if he asked, and treat it seriously, so it was a fair comment. "Still." There were around two people who would trust with this - Zevran and Isabela. It was a good choice.

He leaned over, briefly kissing Zevran on the lips in gratitude.

"Ah-" Oh. That is...he smiles, leaning after Fenris for a moment before settling back on the bench. "You are welcome, Fenris. Truly."

Fenris also leaned back, just staring out ahead of him. He'd shown more emotion than he'd intended to today, and that was enough for now.

Try something new, they said...

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