"I, on the other hand, am going to stay here with a good book. Tavern sounds loud, and I don't feel like that tonight."

"Your idea sounds far better, Cia."

"No harm in staying behind."

"Well. Those of us going should head off now."

Anders stands, and wraps an arm around Ilska. 

He also gives a pointed look at Karl. 

Raeli narrows her eyes briefly at Karl, but leads the way out towards the Hanged Man.

"Just be careful."

Whatever is passing between them doesn't stop Anders from wrapping himself around Karl and kissing him deeply. 

"I love you." 

"I love you." 

Anders wraps an arm around Ilska, to lead her out behind Raeli.

"They'll be fine," Ilska points out. "They're not defenceless."

"Even if you didn't know you were one, you've lived as an apostate for years. The fear of being found out doesn't really ever stop, no matter the state of defences," Anders says quietly, scanning the street for curious eyes. 

Ilska shrugs. "If we need to rescue them, we rescue them."

"Your confidence always astounds me, Ilska."

She shrugs slightly, but doesn't have a verbal response.

To The Hanged Man?

To the Hanged Man!

When they get there, Varric will be holding court in his rooms, as per usual. 

Henri's there as well, a tankard already in hand.

Merrill's holding a tankard the same size, but in her tiny hand it looks far bigger. She's sitting up close to Henri, giggling at some absolutely terrible joke Isabela is making. 

"Hi all!!" Anders greets. "This is my daughter, Ilska."

Ilska waves, a little nervously.

Henri smiles and waves his free arm expansively at the table. "Glad you could join us. Sit. Sit! We'll be starting shortly!"

"I'm gonna go grab us some drinks," Raeli says, and skips off to do that.

"I would kill or possibly commit matrimony for a brandy!" Isabela calls at her retreating back.

"Now, now, Rivaini, let's not making promises we can't keep."