"Then if it ever comes to pass, we'll do that. I'll make a dramatic show of dragging you out, and once our backs are to her, I'll wink." It was such a ridiculous notion it felt safe to contemplate. He didn't think he'd ever be in that position. Hawke was smarter than that.

"It's one of my least favorite parts of the job." It was as equally unpleasant as what started it all off, barging into someone's home and taking their child by force when they weren't willing to bring them to the Circle on their own. He had heard every accusation under the sun, some of them that hit home. They promised mages would be safer in the Circle. It was often true but not always. No Templar could truly give such a guarantee, no mage a binding promise that they'd never succumb. It was the unfortunate truth of it.

He realized he had grown too quiet for too long and rallied at her question. Fortunately, he didn't have to force a change of demeanor, even if the memories would forever be tainted by what came afterward. "Impulsive and headstrong. Loyal to her friends to a fault, although I have a hard time looking upon such a quality as a flaw. It did more harm to her than to anyone else. It was how she was conscripted. I didn't find out until after the fact. They were gone by then." The next time he had seen her, he was caged and said some terrible things. He regretted that part to this day.

"She wasn't unlike you in that respect. It must run in the family."