She smirked almost bitterly into the darkness. "And here I am with all the resources and influence I could ask for. Marriage for convenience is out, it seems." And thank the Maker for that. "I don't think I'd want to marry anyone who thought of me as a filthy dog lord behind my back, anyway." She leaned back against the bench and cast her gaze upwards once more. "Perhaps my parents ruined me in that regard. If I was to marry, I wouldn't want it to be any less of a partnership than what they had." Even if it was a foolish notion.

"It's still fun," she laughed. "I just wouldn't recommend it to 'beginners', is all. Worse, you might be there when a fight breaks out. You'd think we were idiots."

She returned the smile, setting her drink down between her feet and settling back on her hands. "High standards! But it worked out, didn't it?" Hawke sound immensely pleased. "Now we'll just hope that these cretins actually bite. I'll see you cook one to perfection yet, ser."