That -- Alistair's presence -- is the point. First when Cullen was a young man the demons and abominations came for his brothers and sisters, one by one, until Cullen was alone. Now, year after year of losses, what's left of the Order is gone.

Alistair is real.

After a few long minutes Cullen relaxes. Mostly.

With caution he drapes an arm over Alistair's waist. Soft, tentative: "Is this -- all right?"