"Fenis? What are you doing here?"
"This is a public office."
"No, this is the captain of the guards' office."
"Ah well. I am here now, as are you."
"My, you are observant. Are you sure you don't want to train the guards? We could use detective skills like that in the barracks."
"Madam, you are laughing at me."
"With you, I hope."
"Of course. How is your husband?"
"He's fine. He's out on patrol if it's him you-"
"That's not what I meant. I was just… making conversation."
"Small talk, Fenris? Seems unlike you."
"I may have been a social butterfly, once. We do not know."
"I think we can safely guess. But ok. Let's chat."
"You are enjoying your title, now that it's official?"
"I am. Though the death of the Viscount has caused more problems than the loss of the Oxmen has solved."
"In what sense?"
"Fenris, you of all people shouldn't need politics explained to you."
"You are speaking about Meredith."
"In part."
"Hawke?"
"In part."
"How many parts is this conversation made up of?"
"Three: One, the Templars. Two, the Mage Underground. And three, Hawke, The Champion of Kirkwall."
"Things are going to get complicated?"
"They already are. Hawke's out now, not that he was very particularly in. But he at least didn't take sides. Oh I know about those mages in the caves a few years ago, but Varric swept that under the carpet."
"Go on."
"Fenris, you know as well as I do what's been happening. It's all over the city."
"What's all over the city?"
"You really don't know? Shit."
"Aveline, what are talking about?"
"Maker's breath, Fenris. Where have you been the last few months?"
"I have been, uh, indisposed."
"Since Leandra's death Hawke has been… I don't know what the word is… changed? He's been spending more time with Anders, speaking out publically against Meredith. Didn't you hear about that altercation in the square? No? I think the only reason he's not in the Tower or worse is because there'd be a riot. And I think Carver's influence helps keep the Templars away. I know mine doesn't."
"I did not know. Hawke and I… we haven't been in touch since his mother passed."
"You were there when he fought the Arishok. I saw you."
"I… yes. I was there. But we did not speak. I'm not sure he even saw me."
"Fenris, why are you here? I thought it was to discuss Hawke, but…"
"I was just passing-"
"Fenris. Don't treat me like an idiot. I've never treated you like one."
"No. No, you have not. Very well. I need information."
"Information?"
"You seem surprised?"
"No. Yes. What do you need?"
"I need to know about a Tevinter slave."
"That could be tricky. Kirkwall and Tevinter are hardly on good terms. And, no offence, but they don't exactly keep detailed records of their property."
"I understand. Anything you can uncover – I can pay you."
"I don't need your money."
"Thank-you, I do not-"
"I need you to monitor Hawke."
"What?"
"You need to balance out Ander's madness. Varric tries, but Hawke doesn't listen to him, not really."
"And you think he will listen to me?"
"He always has in the past."
"Venhedis, asitoni comparest megheli ashontet!"
"I'm going to assume that was you agreeing to help the guard."
"If I do this, you will find my information?"
"I will. Do you have a name?"
"Varania."
