He should be used to it by now. He knows it isn't his fault when Cullen turns snappish at the slightest hint of sympathy. But -- well. If they're talking about failing one another, that always feels like he's failed Cullen.

Too bad the things that might make Cullen less snappish are things like force him to serve you against his will and stop believing he's a decent person.

Alistair takes a long breath. Lets it out, slowly.





"Look."

Very quiet.

"I just didn't want you to feel as miserable as I did that night with Morrigan. That's it. We can talk about the rest later."