MY FAVORITE PLOTTER ON THE CITADEL

An idea that I have is that Kieran and Nehari could have known one another as children. When she and her remaining clan-members were taken in by the Inquisition, and Kieran followed his mother to Skyhold when her services were given to the Inquisiton. His "odd" mannerisms might have left Nehari thinking him a little too strange to want to spend any time with him, but a ten-year-old Kieran would have really wanted to have at least one friend whilst his mother was busy "helping the Inquisitor." And Nehari being Dalish would have only made Kieran want to be around her all the more, as I imagine Kieran would have been taught all manner of Elven and Dalish culture from both of his parents.

He would have been a sweet kid, all too ready to follow Nehari's lead like a lovesick puppy, only occasionally souring things by thoughtlessly spouting cryptic commentary now-and-then. Maybe even defying his mother's wishes for him to apply himself to his studies on human, elvish and magical history just so he could play about like an ordinary kid. I imagine that if Nehari ever mentioned how her clan had to leave Ferelden to escape the Fifth Blight, Kieran would have apologized and, rather than explain why he was sorry, he'd have given her flower-crowns and cookies and other sweet but slightly odd gifts.

He would have been really upset when his mother had the both of them leave Skyhold. Likely, he would have continued his dorkiness by getting Nehari to swear with him that they'd one day meet one another again.

And then eight years later, Kieran's returned as promised. But he's drastically different. Colder, less approachable. But he'd still be quick to recognize his old Dalish friend. And maybe a hint of the old Kieran is still visible in his crooked smile.

They could pick up their old friendship where they left up, though it could be testing at times. With their personalities as they are now, Nehari seems like fire and Kieran like ice. Still, as much as he might find her boisterous attitude infuriating at times, Kieran would deeply care about Nehari. He'd be well-meaning. Protective. And some part of him would want to stay in her company for as long as he could. However, if Nehari means to commit to the Inquisition, time could be against them.

I think Nehari could be a presence that reminds Kieran that he is human, and that maybe, just maybe, he needn't commit himself to the path that Morrigan originally set-about for him to walk, to act the martyr for the elven people. Kieran could also still be in awe of her, however, it's perfectly fine if you'd rather his attraction remain one-sided.

If Alana belongs to the Grey Warden order of Ferelden, then there's a strong likelihood that she's familiar with Kieran. His dad is sort of her boss. Maybe the first time she hears about the Warden Commander's son is from the Hero himself, as throughout Kieran's late childhood and early adolescence both father and son communicated quite often through letters. But then suddenly a fourteen-year-old Kieran pops up out of nowhere in the fortress, being there just to "see his father." And those strange visits happen more and more often from then on.

Maybe Alana's fortunate enough that she witnesses just how Kieran "travels" so effectively. An owl or a raven flies into the room and then changes into a human male teenager.

I can see Kieran liking Alana, if only because they both share a love for animals. But Kieran is also much more patient, even verging on respectful, towards Grey Wardens than he is towards most people. He respects what the Order stands for, the sacrifices that they make. After all, if not for the Order, Kieran would likely not be the person that he currently is. Maybe he'd be whatever archdemons/old gods actually are, still sleeping dormant in the earth?