"Ilska's in charge," Anders says, mostly to Cia.

"What, we can't come?"

"You want to come to the pub?"

"Wanna see if any of your friends are any better at Wicked Grace."

"I would like to see you school Varric and Bela," Anders muses. 

"So I'm coming right?"

"Don't think I could stop you if I tried."

"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.