"Lost op...uh... We'd never have dated, if that's what you mean. No, no, no. Isn't she married?" He cleared his throat.

Digging out two of the ale bottles, he waited until he was sure she was looking and tossed her one. "It is good. I don't think I've ever had bad Antivan alcohol. If it's out there, they don't export it."

He straightened and picked his way back over toward the bench, took his seat, and worked free the stopper. "In Kirkwall it can feel like being in entirely different cities, Darktown versus Hightown, the docks, the ah, alienage." He had almost said the Foundry District, his brain fortunately kicking in before his mouth ran away with him.