Dalish boy - In Rosen and Dorian's quarters:

"Dorian."

"Yes, Rosen?"

"I know you were upset by how I handled the situation with the dalish boy in the Exalted Plains. Now that you know more about me, my true nature, and my lineage, I would appreciate the chance to explain what I actually did. May I have it?"

"Of course, Amatus," Dorian replied. He moved from his position on the couch to come and sit with Rosen on their bed as he spoke. "I am always interested in anything you have to say."

"Thank you, Kadan." Rosen snuggled back contentedly against Dorian's chest and into his embrace when he leaned back against the headboard of their bed and held out his arms in offering. "I told his sister what she needed to hear in that moment. Her brother was a fool, yes. A desperate fool. But he also was brave to do what he did, leaving the safety of his clan during such a time of dangerous upheaval in the world. It was not my place to inform the girl what had happened to her beloved brother. They might have thought me one of them, but I am not. I spoke with the keeper telepathically before we left them. I showed him where to find the boy's body, and told him what he had tried to do. To understand his choice, you have to know that our world was not always the way it is now. Before the creation of the veil, people and spirits lived in harmony. There were no demons, because spirits did not have to come through the veil to enter our world. They were already here, so there was no conflict with their different natures to corrupt and turn them into monsters. Spirits are beautiful and peaceful creatures, Dorian. I know the boy wished to bond with a spirit, not a demon. Unfortunately, he was not strong enough to protect the spirit from the influence of the veil until they were bonded. Thus the conflict corrupted it into a demon, which then killed him. He should not have done what he did. We all make mistakes when we are young, true. But this mistake claimed his life, and he will never have the chance to make another. It is a tragedy atop a mountain of tragedies. I know we saved the world, and many people along with it. But we also lost so many good people. I wish to never forget them, my mate. To forget the cost of our victory is to forget how blessed we all are to still be here, and together, when so many others have gone to be with the Maker and Andraste. I wish to make memorials for those I can. Will you accompany me, my love?"

"I will, yes," Dorian promised, pulling Rosen in tighter against himself. "Thank you for telling me how you actually handled that incident. I should know by now that nothing is how it appears when it comes to you, Rosen. There are always layers with you, my beautiful one."