It's been years since she has seen the green of Thedas, the high walls of a Circle tower, the brimming fire in the commander's hall. And still, she thinks it is easier for someone to pretend than to truly love someone who is a mage. Who is an elf from the Alienage. Robb has never once made her feel hated or despised. He's been open with her from the start. It hurts, how she feels for him. But she doesn't want it to stop.

They are not talking of friendship any longer. She's glad the charade is mostly over.

"Yes," she says, as if he's made a truer proposal than he has. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she nods. "Yes, of course I permit you. You have... You have always been welcome."

Her hand tightens over his and, at last, she leans into him.