(That's the point: it hurts. And it has to be done, for the sake of everyone else, and there are the vows that make you swear to remember, always, that it's a thankless job.

But mages and templars can be friends.)

It's a bad situation when Cullen resorts to humor. Or a sorry attempt at it. "Give me some credit," he says lightly. "I wouldn't wish that on his facial hair. Or his person. -- he's well?"