"It's my hope that no one else has to do that much, has to invite that much... of everything," he says equally quietly. "There's such a cost, and I don't want it on any more shoulders, no matter how many seem determined to bear it. You've got so long in front of you, Colin, and I... Again, I got lucky."

Anders sighs. "Meredith had more people to kill and I'm certain she thought Hawke would end my life, and no one counted on the Grey Wardens choosing to take me back in to protect me. I didn't even count on it. Please don't be hasty to throw your life away."