"You just had to say spiders, didn't you?" He laughed. "By all means. Let me stay here with the shades and lunatics ranting in Darktown about the great evil under the city. Not saying I disbelieve them. For all we know it's the reason they're insane." He didn't think there were too many places in Thedas one could say that flippantly but still mean every word.

"Oh, yes, our great ruse. If need be, I shall. It's my hope I don't have to mention anything about that to Meredith at all." It would depend on how angry Aveline was about his getting mouthy with her guard.

"Yes, you should, or I'll be one of the ones fussing." He squeezed her hand and nodded, turning to head back inside with her. "I'm surprised my stomach isn't growling as loudly as an enraged mabari. We have more than worked up our appetites tonight."