[He turns to listen to her, straightening up. She's still a full head and shoulders taller than he is, but any inch of height that he doesn't have to crane his neck is worth it. One hand still lingers on the ramparts.

She hadn't spoken much of her people since their last correspondence that had crossed the war table. He couldn't say Qunari had ever interested him much before, but... she interests him, now.

Her fingers brush over his hand, and he glances down, but doesn't move or flinch away.]

It's... There are times when it is harder. But I am managing, Inquisitor. [He looks back up at her. She is, after all, one of his two checks.] ...Unless you have found me lacking in performance of my duties? [He trusts her and Cassandra utterly to tell him if they think he's going to get someone killed.]