[ the smile remains. how could it not? it is such an earnest wish, the same as the dalish make, and what he would not give to fulfill it. he is not alone here, not as he still occasionally despairs. there will be help when the time comes and he finds himself in need of it. ]

Would that I could give you that comfort. [ he leaves iorveth there, and makes instead for the small side cabinet next to the window. the bundle he brought up from the kitchens has a heel of bread in it alongside a rind of cheese and the last of the winter apples. they are poor offerings, but he dislikes the taste of salt pork and their stores will not be refreshed for a few weeks yet. food is not what he spends his privilege on, and the wine he has is his own.

speaking of which, he uncorks a bottle and pours a measure into a half-filled ceramic pitcher. better watered-down wine than weak ales. ]

Will you eat with me? [ he asks. ] Speaking over the crystals is convenient enough, but I think we could come to understand one another, and I would nurture that.