They sat in chilly silence, their arms crossed in such a similar manner it would be comedic if not for the tension. Evelyn smiled slightly as a cup was placed before her, the bartender backing off as if afraid he'd be caught in the crossfire. "You're being ridiculous," she said quietly.

Warren snorted. "I'm being ridiculous. You're the one that fucked off into the hills to... well," he waved one hand.

"After everything I needed time to clear my head," she said tersely.

"Guess he can't clear it thoroughly enough here? Needed a change of scenery outside the curtained windows while you stay in bed all day?"

"Don't do that, Warren. That's not all this is about."

"Oh good, dear sister. Tell me all about love. Does it conquer all? Does it resurrect the dead and build you a fancy new army? Will it slave 'round the clock to hammer new armor, new swords? Don't presume to tell me about love as if I'm unfamiliar with the topic." He lifted his cup and took three deep swallows.

Evelyn picked at an uneven seam on the table, lowering her voice. "I'm sorry about Teague, Warren."

Warren choked out a laugh. "Wasn't it our father who always said that war takes everything from a man, even love?"

She glanced up at him. "Did you love him?"

"No." Warren sighed. "Maybe. I don't know. Maybe I could have. No exploring that now." Another drink, another gesture for the bartender.

Evelyn sipped at her own brew. "We lost too many men."

"That is exactly what I've been trying to explain. If you would just meet with him, listen to his proposal."

"What if I were not open to proposals?"

The cup paused halfway to Warren's mouth. "What do you mean?"

Evelyn scratched at the seam with her thumbnail. "What if I told you I'd decided to marry."

"I would ask you if you've taken complete leave of your senses."

She sat back in her chair, arms crossed again. "And if I have?"

He let out a loud whoosh of breath. "Little sister, tell me you're not this fucking stupid. Even if you do want to continue this with Solas, you wouldn't be so incredibly fucking dumb to make that a public declaration. Not with so many alliances still hanging in the balance. Not with an army to rebuild. Not with Father working so hard to negotiate roads, resources, meetings, more of... everything for you."

"I'm not marrying someone just to improve my position."

"But you'd marry someone to ruin it."

Evelyn frowned at the table.

"Look, sis," Warren's tone went gentle as he leaned forward. "I understand that you have a lot of really strong feelings for him. But you have to look at the bigger picture. You're down more than a handful of seasoned men. Morale is low. Your resources are strained. You could at least accept his invitation. Meet with him, hear him out. Nothing says you have to marry him on the spot." He drank another mouthful. "You know you might even like him."

"I don't want to like him."

"You're being a child."

"And you're starting to sound just like our father."

Warren's mouth set in a grim line. "I came here to help you because our dear parents are wringing their hands over your future. Yes, they would like to see you married and loved, but more than that they would like to see you survive this whole thing. You are going into battle with something we don't fully understand, and you're willing to rush in naked and alone, all for the sake of this elf. You barely know the man, you've admitted as much. You are caught up in the passion and fear and drama of this whole situation and you're letting it take over your good sense. How many more will die because you need to get your way?"

She downed the rest of her cup quickly. "I didn't expect a lesson on putting duty over heart from you, of all people."

"Listen, I never expected to have to give it. But for fuck's sake, Evelyn. Is he worth dying over? Is he worth everyone dying over?"

The bard began to strum at her instrument in the corner as the torches were lit, the golden flicker filtering in through the leaded glass. "If I meet with him. If I meet with him, I make no promises about our future together. We negotiate like business partners, nothing more."

"It's all I ask."

She slammed the cup back on the table. "Then I'll consider it. Tomorrow."

"Of course. Go get your head cleared, I guess."

"That isn't-" she huffed.

"Save it. I'm drunk and I'm heartbroken. I'm allowed to be an asshole."

"Fine. Wallow in it, if you like." She pushed back from the table. "Is that all?"

Warren nodded into his beer, tipping back to catch the last of it. As she walked toward the door, he called out. "Evelyn?" She paused, turning her head slightly. "I get it, you know." He leaned back in his own chair, crossing his ankles under the table. "Given more time, I might have had something worth dying for. But I wouldn't have risked your life in the process."

Evelyn pursed her lips and nodded. "Goodnight, Warren."