Anders jumps - 

- and then he laughs a little, putting a hand over his heart. "Andraste's tits-"

Tabs winces. "Sorry!"

"Please excuse my clutz of a friend. We have tried to correct it and it turns out its incurable."

"My ankles have a deep, passionate love affair with the ground, and want to be with it at all times."

Anders laughs. "Well, I haven't figured out how to cure 'love' yet, so I'm afraid you're on your own with that." 

Fucking Christ, he can say that again.

"Are you both all right, otherwise? You're here for healing, right?"

"We're both perfectly healthy! Probably. We came to see you. Friendly-like. Unless you're super busy? We could come back some other time."

Anders frowns, but seems more confused than anything else. "Not...busy, no. Just preparing some things. Potions." 

"Do people not just...come visit you?"

"Well, yes, Hawke and Varric, and the like." His voice trails off a little.

Okay, changing tack there. 

"So that's why you're such a terrible host. No tea, not one doily in sight-"

"We had to open the door ourselves! No hospitality at all."

Anders laughs. "My deepest apologies, ladies, truly my manners have abandoned me."

"I suppose I can find it in my heart to forgive you."

"Do you need a hand with anything? Apparently I've got a load of potion-making knowhow in my head."

This whole backstory thing is so weird. Having a whole backstory with traits and talents and knowledge that she never actually experienced.

"It's mostly just making sure it doesn't burn at this point, but thank you. I'll remember that."

Tabs elbows Anya, mouthing 'ask him!'

Hello, shyness, her old friend. Why does it choose now to show up?

"And, uh, I was kinda hoping... you could teach me some healing? If you have, like, free time and the want to teach me. I think I can heal bruises and cuts right now. And I stamina-ed Tabs last night, which was super cool and interesting and I'd really like to learn more and I've heard you're one of the best? Plus you have this whole clinic which points to yes you are really good but also probably busy.... okay I'll stop now."

Tabs squeezes her hand, trying to be comforting. She knows the good ol' nervous ramble.

Anders' eyes are widened somewhat, and he looks a little bewildered. 

"That was...a lot of words in very quick sequence."

"Yeah, sorry. My words went on a wild ride and got lost there for a bit."

"I...I don't know what you've heard of me, but I'm not going to hurt you."