"I chose this," Alistair says, gesturing to—himself, all of him, his tainted blood and slowly shrinking frame, his oaths. I am not lost, he told Leliana once, and he was sullen and scared but he still meant it.

Maybe later he'll realize how loved he should feel. How necessary. Maybe on the walk to get the elfroot.

Right now he repeats, "I'm going to Adamant," just to make sure they're clear.