Thinking about Thom Rainier being integrated into Clan Lavellan after the defeat of Corypheus.
Working extra hard to be useful, to show them that he can be trusted, that he's worthy of living among them.
Staying up all night repairing aravels even though no one asked him to.
Working with the clan's war leader to teach the hunters techniques he learned fighting in the Grand Tourney so they can better understand how to fight any humans that might march on them - just in case.
Carving a halla horn headdress for Lavellan to wear at their bonding ceremony, and it being so beautiful that other young brides (and grooms) beg him to make them headpieces for their own ceremonies.
Becoming known as a craftsman and being asked to carve ornaments for celebrations, canes and other mobility aids for cherished elders, and griffons for all the babes he regaled with stories of noble warden heroes flying in on winged steeds to save all peoples, be they human, dwarven, or elven.
Being at the center of a cuddle pile with a gaggle of children cuddling in close for warmth, and being overcome with emotion when the parents of said children don't even think twice about it because they know their children are safe with him.
Letting the children put flowers in his beard and wearing every flower crown that comes his way with pride.
Agonizing over his place in the clan, whether or not he has any right to take up the space he does, until one morning the elders present him with a handmade blanket made from the fur of the great bear that will be nourishing the clan through the long winter.
Being gifted an elven name that he uses in alongside (and never in place of) Thom Rainier.
Not being allowed to take vallaslin on his face, but being given a tattoo on his body that marks him as kin.
Finally, perhaps for the first time in his adult life, having a home.
And after being alone for so long, waking up every day surrounded by people who see him for exactly who he is and love him anyway.
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