'…You can't feel me, no
Like I feel you
I can't steal you, no
Like you stole me…'
You - The Reckless
It had been three weeks, two days, twenty-two hours and thirty-four minutes since the Qunari battle ended. About as long since she had a nights' proper rest.
The pub was busy, as she knew it would be. Some times solace could only be found in the presence of the public. At least masks had to be worn and defences kept up, ensuring awkward thoughts would remain buried. It did little to ease the nightmares, however and Isabela could only remain awake, or distracted for so long.
The last person she had expected to see was none other than the prince. Sebastian was not a man who indulged in anything that was not boring. Yet there he sat in her place, drinking frothy ale while chatting with the barkeep about the latest news, pristine and perfect, without any sinsto haunt him. Had it been anyone else she would have punched them for being so bold, but it was Sebastian and he was the master of appearing innocent.
'Isabela let me get you a drink.' There were no falsified attempts to be chipper in his voice no judgment either. All he ever offered was a smile and a kind word. As annoying as he could be speaking with him always left Isabela feeling as though the world was no longer quite so cold. With a wry grin and a smart remark, the pirate captain took the Chantry boy up on his offer.
The rest of the night was spent in deep conversation. It was morning when Isabella finally retired to her bedchambers alone. That day she experienced her first peaceful rest in as many years.