"You're nothing close to a lapdog." If he'd done everything Meredith told him to, Hawke (and several of her companions) would probably already be in prison for harboring and aiding apostates on multiple accounts. Meredith would never have dreamed of naming her Champion, even if she had defeated the Arishok. "I don't think I've seen any of the Templars jump at the chance to go down on bended knee for her. She doesn't seem the type to want it." Meredith commanded respect simply by being who she was. That was all she seemed to need.

She did her best not to look quite so pleased to hear that, though there was little point in hiding it. "It's a valid concern, you know, but I'll never be gone too long if I can help it. I can try to send word every now and again, if you'd like." So long as he didn't ask what she would be doing, she didn't mind telling him she'd be gone. Her smile broadened and she couldn't resist reaching out to set her hand to his cheek at the telltale hint of that blush.