Oh, there were stares. The tattoos stark against her skin would have marked her out for scrutiny even without his fingers interlocked with hers. No one approached, however, likely due to the Grey Warden insignia on Alistair's shield. Usually the mixture of fear and reverence made Nadene uncomfortable, but she'd accept anything that allowed them this rare moment of domesticity.
That night Nadene settled into her bedroll with a sigh, trying to find a way to settle her head on her folded pack that didn't put a crick in her neck.
There was movement behind her and she flipped onto her back, hand already halfway to her knife before Alistair's fingers closed around her wrist.
"Maker, you're quick," he muttered, and she could see his half-smile in the firelight. "Just me."
He pushed gently on her shoulder, nudging her back where she'd been previously, and settled in behind her with one arm over her side.
"Traded my watch with Sten," he muttered, settling his forehead into her hair.
"Ah," she replied, settling her hand over his, tentative against her stomach. He flexed his fingers, drawing hers in and curling around them, a gentle squeeze and a sigh against the back of her neck. She felt that same calm from before wash over her, and settled into sleep with a smile on her face.
