[ Meant to complement each other. Right. Anders has a far more cynical view of their assignment together, himself. He's been saddled with a nanny, as if he's some renegade mage just waiting to happen. Joining the Wardens in the first place is just about the most radical thing he's ever done, and at the moment, he's not looking to dethrone the accomplishment. Least of all by ruining his place among them, running off going all mad apostate.

But apparently all the trust he's built up helping the Commander basically save the world a second time over means little, after the fact. Now he's stuck out here, trawling aimlessly through the Deep Roads with a would-be Templar for a babysitter.

Anders has been tuning him out, more or less, as they trudge along - Alistair is a talker, no doubt, one doesn't go an hour of travel alongside him without recognizing it - but at that idle wondering, he can't help but interject— ]

Deepstalker, I'll bet.

[ He keeps his tone light and airy, gaze trained on ahead, so as not to tip his hand. (But it's no fun messing with Alistair if you let him know you're doing it right away.) ]

With all those tunnels beneath the Keep, it makes up more than half our rations now, you know. Bit gamey for my taste, though. And I just can't help thinking of those beady little eyes and gnashing mouths... Ruins my appetite.