[Well, no. There were plenty of sober dwarves in Orzammar that is true. But it's hard to remember that after a while stuck listening to Oghren snore.]

You got her a place at the Circle? Really? [A dwarf at the Circle of Magi. Who'd have ever thought it could happen. Even given the state of the Circle he didn't think they'd have taken on someone who could never learn magic. It says something about Robyn that she managed to convince the First Enchanter to let the girl in question study there. And that she cares so much about helping others. Glancing down at her and the pleased expression on her face he can't help smiling as well.

The expression fades quickly as she questions the actions of the other Warden Cousland and he shakes his head.]

I don't know. He said to me once 'Wardens do what is needed, not what is nice' but... being a decent human shouldn't interfere with stopping the Blight.

[He stops abruptly when Robyn suggests he could have taken charge of the party, blinking down at her in surprise. Even now, after being told he should - and it seems will - take the throne of Ferelden it's still a surprise that someone thinks he can lead anything. After a moment Alistair resumes walking, leading the way between the trees as he replies-]

I don't know if that would have been a good idea. [He may not like the direction their efforts against the Blight have taken but at least there have been efforts made.] I must have- The 'me' you know must have been as much of a mess after Ostagar as I was. I don't know if I could have led anything until it was too late.

[He'd been too caught up in his grief at the start, too unsure of himself and his decisions. Even if he tried he wonders if anyone would have agreed to support a Grey Warden who scarcely believed in himself.]

Maybe I shouldn't complain so much. I didn't exactly step up.

[It doesn't excuse what's happened but it is the truth.]