Varric spent time around women like Hawke and Isabela; it would take a lot to scare him off. He leaned forward on the table, "I've told her that she's strong, but she doesn't always believe it. I did apologize ahead of time for the inevitable small hurts."
There was no way they wouldn't happen. It was a part of being human. He smiled ruefully, "I've never claimed to be perfect. It's up to her if she thinks the risk is worth it."