[That's a look he's going to ignore because there's no point in acknowledging it.]

And yet it's required hardware for all members of the Guard to carry when on missions or patrol.

[Of course, Hawke has no idea what his view on the Circles or the Chantry or the Order are anymore and he has no intention of going over those views unless she makes a big deal out of it. But, Kirkwall, as everyone knows, was an unmitigated disaster and he plans to never have it repeat ever again so long as he has breath in his lungs.

Also, not the point.

And being from a country with the most aggressive wildlife, Cullen is quick to get between the mage and the creature. He's grateful that he has his shield up when Hawke zaps it and then he's nearly face-to-face with an angry cat-squirrel.]

Not as big as the bears in the Hinterlands or Emprise du Lion.

[It's true, but now that he has something to do, he's almost lighter. He moves faster than he has outside of practice, sword poised beside his ear to strike down the moment the beast bounces off of his shield with its face.]