Castle Cousland was once again peaceful. After the Blight, it had been returned to Claudia who presently stood with her husband, the dashing, handsome Alistair Theirin, King of mighty Ferelden. Watching the couple from the shadow of a nearby pillar was Esmée Vesica, noblewoman turned assassin and, now Grey Warden. Beside her stood the stoic Alys Hawke who had fled from Kirkwall and arrived here not long ago. Her appearance was suspicious, but everyone here in Highever knew that she was Champion of Kirkwall and, thus, made no attempt to cast her out and she made no move to disturb any of the locals. Alys scoffed. "Doesn't it make you sick?" Emsée looked up at her. "Why would it?" Alys' eyes burned with a spark lit by many years of experience with the matter at hand and Esmée suddenly regretted asking that question. "Love," Alys began. "Is not allowed when you're not only in a position of power but also a Grey Warden of all things." Esmée groaned. "But they're happy together, Alys. Is that not enough for you?" Alys stood to her full height, towering over Esmée who was embarrassed about her short, pixie-like figure. "Happiness always dies, Esmée." And, with that, she spun on a heel and left Emsée looking at the empty space next to her with bewilderment. Then, becoming aware of her surroundings again, she shook her head and sighed. "She sounds just like Anders." "Who sounds like me?" Said a voice from her side. "Oh, Anders!" Esmée exclaimed. He chuckled. "Hello, Esmée." He followed Esmée's gaze. "Be glad it's not Justice, he would've killed you." Esmée shuddered, remembering Anders' story. "Please, don't cast that image into my head. The concept of Justice is one that will take some time to get accustomed to. Be glad that I haven't killed you." Anders laughed. "Oh, no!" he said, sarcastically. "I wouldn't want to invoke the wrath of the poor noblewoman!" Esmée frowned and Anders tried to maintain a serious expression. There were a few moments of awkward silence before Anders finally spoke again. "Don't mind Alys." He said. "She's had a lot happening these past few years. Esmée rolled her eyes. "I know, but-" She trailed off as she noticed Claudia and Alistair approaching.