Dwarven politics were muddled and strange. Alistair knew he would never quite understand them. Even Leliana seemed mystified, and she was Orlesian! Not to mention the red-headed bard was also fascinated by the culture in general. Alistair had a single, albeit very good, reason to pay attention to the bloodthirsty grabs for power. It put even what he knew of the rise of King Meric to shame.

Kasha's inclusion in the game within the stone was the biggest shock. He had presumed Aeducan was a noble of some sort since leadership came easier to her, but the truth was not what he anticipated. As they stood in the back of the room full of dwarven dignitaries, he set a hand on her shoulder. Kasha's eyes were narrow, but the small bit that was exposed showed her pain and frustration. And no wonder. She had just crowned the man who had tried to have her killed, who for all intents and purposes had succeeded in doing so.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Alistair offered gently.

"Not really," Aeducan admitted, "but I also feel like I have to. Weird, isn't it?"

Alistair nodded slowly. "So. You were what then- a princess?"

"Nothing so grand," she chuckled darkly. "Just a warrior. A rather good one, which made me a threat. He... he killed our brother, and I took the fall."

"I'm sorry."

Kasha just shrugged. "It was well orchestrated. I only wish he'd told me. I probably would have helped."

Alistair's eyebrows raised. "Helped?"

"Politics below the soil are a bit more... dangerous than you may be used to," Kasha explained. "I never liked the other brother. If it had been him alive, I doubt I'd have given him the titles."

"I don't have the head for this."

Kasha chuckled. "You'd make a horrible dwarven nobleman. Wouldn't last past coming of age. But on the surface you can see the knives coming. Well- usually." She shook her head. "Loghain was a surprise."

"I suppose so." Alistair looked, seeing where the shorter woman leaned against the wall. As they spoke her arms had raised in relaxation, clasped behind her head as she watched the goings-on.

"Besides, I can forgive my brother. If he hadn't had me cast out I would have never joined the Wardens, or even seen the surface." She craned her neck up to meet Alistair's eyes and added, "I wouldn't have met you."

Alistair knew his face was flush at her comment but didn't care. He found he had a strong desire to kiss her, even now and in full view of others. Then he realized there was no reason not to; they'd kissed several times, and each was better. Then the realization came even stronger that he should kiss her here, prove to her brother what he had done. As the idea crossed his mind, Alistair found himself acting. He leaned down, pressing his lips to Kasha's, and let it deepen swiftly. She stalled for a brief second before her body relaxed, her hands sliding around Alistair's neck with a purpose.

When they separated, Alistair saw Kasha let her gaze pass from him to her brother, a smirk painting her face. Alistair followed her eyes and just barely smothered a laugh. It wasn't just Kasha's brother; all the nobles were glaring in disapproving shock. Alistair realized the dilemma immediately: they couldn't reprimand her, since they no longer called her one of their own, but she was basically a dwarf kissing a human in the middle of their hall. A dwarf, from all he had heard and seen here, that was well respected and part of their upper class. It was a travesty. And there was nothing they could do about it.

"Shall we do that again?" Alistair whispered just barely loud enough for her to hear.

"I don't think it's kind to make my brother's head explode," she responded with a light chuckle in about the same tone.

"Love you." As soon as he said it Alistair felt stupid. It was a horrid impulse, a bad thing to say, and he should have said anything else...

"Know what? I love you, too."

And the world exploded.