She tilts his cheek into a kiss and he is pathetically grateful when she does not press for more. Of all the foolish mistakes he's made in recent years, Varric had been one of most needless; it is a humiliation, to have lost his temper so thoroughly, and to such permanent consequence.

Or, perhaps it would always have been this way.

He does nearly scoff when she claims Rook for a reasonable woman— and would have, if she hadn't stopped him. He knows better than anyone that that impulsive creature is the farthest thing from reasonable. If only Beleth knew the arguments they'd had... Ah, but no matter.

"Then it seems I must once again place myself in your competent hands," He replies, when she permits it. Something about that idea is... terribly steadying. To follow in her wake once more, companion and complement to the work of the day... "Lead on, Inquisitor."