"She does. In many ways she is exactly what I believe a Templar should be, and if she exceeds her reach in some respects, I can forgive her the failing given what I know." He rolled his bottle slowly between his hands. It was getting more difficult to say that with conviction. Although his faith in her had taken a battering of late, it still held.

He looked down at the planks between his feet. "I've heard my rise in the Kirkwall ranks described as meteoric. It's...not an exaggeration. I...questioned...the wisdom of it, openly. You've met her." He glanced at her. "When she's insistent, it's difficult to argue. She knew she wasn't promoting a yes man, but she also knew that I understood her position and would do what it took to shore it. She said my experiences had tempered me, not broken me."

He lifted his head then and met her gaze. "She was right. I had my share of naysayers in the ranks. Some went so far as to accuse me of sleeping my way to my office." He pressed his lips together. "Meredith didn't quell those rumors or doubts. I did. I don't think I could have without knowing she believed in me that strongly. When someone like Meredith believes in you? What's doubt?" He chuffed a soft sound.