[ She had not thought about it at the time. Not as much as she should have. Didn't understand why it seemed so personal to him. Maybe something to do with his spirit friends? She had simply felt a connection to Cole's struggle: the pressure to change who you were, how you'd been made, to fit better with those around you. She had, simply, hoped that they could both remain who they were.

Cole had managed it. She wasn't sure she had. ]

People don't understand. They don't understand spirits, or what it's like for them. I didn't. Even now, I doubt I do, fully.

[ She might have gone on about how the Dalish viewed all spirits as suspect, granting them autonomy, but with the inherent danger an autonomous being could be. And they could be very dangerous.

She's spared from the admittance by Solas disparaging the Dalish for her. Her nose wrinkles, she huffs, and is only saved from a truly devastating pout by Solas' next words. Her face smoothes then, thoughtful. She tests it out on her tongue. Likes how the word feels on it. ] I wish more people saw you as Sileil than Solas. I wish they could see you. But until then, I will hold the name close. [ Her own, private word. It makes her heart swell, and she adjusts so she can touch his face, leaning on him for support. ] You are so beautiful.