"They're going to be surprised in Ostagar when Duncan comes back with four recruits, three of them Elves, and of those one Dalish and one enormous."

"Amusing."

"Maybe I should wear my dress, just to confuse them further. Elissa, is that a terrible idea?"

"It would certainly make an impression."

"Perhaps I shouldn't, if you actually promised the lordling not to drag his name through the mud. People might ask why I had a bloodstained wedding dress, and then I would have to answer."

"Yeah. Save the dress for some other occasion."

"The shemlen will just have to be satisfied with current levels of confusing. Unless something else unexpected happens on the way to Ostagar, we can't discount that entirely."

"At this point I'll be almost more surprised if it doesn't."

"That would be a pleasant surprise, at least. I don't think any of the surprises thus far have been pleasant."

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry about your friend."

"Thank you," says Shiral.

Meanwhile, in a completely different part of Ferelden:

Someone is having their Harrowing today. There's an air of tension, all over the tower. Some of it is excitement, in those too young to understand that a Harrowing is anything other than the transition from apprentice to full-fledged mage. Some of it is worry, in those who know better.

By all rights, Carlos Amell should be in the latter party. But he knows Surana, helped tutor her. Has faith in her.

Having faith is important, whatever you find it in.

Right now he also has to have faith that there will be negative consequences if he takes too long to respond to First Enchanter Irving's summonses.

"Ah, Carlos, come in," says the First Enchanter, opening his office door and standing back. "Warden Ambrose, this is the junior mage I mentioned. Carlos, this is Ambrose, a Grey Warden. He's here looking for recruits, and I'd like you to show him around. Find him a room to stay the night, introduce him to anyone you think might do well in the Wardens."

"Yes, First Enchanter. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ambrose."

"Likewise," says Ambrose, standing up.

"Guest rooms are this way," he says. "I can think of a few possible candidates, but no one with a very high degree of confidence..."

"I'll appreciate any help you can give me. There's a Blight coming, and the Grey Wardens of Ferelden need more people than we have."

"I understand. Unfortunately, you haven't come at the best time; there's a Harrowing going on, and everyone is a little--on edge."

"I understand. I can wait a day or two before talking to anyone, if you think that will help."

"It might. --On the other hand, it might be a better bet to talk to some of the apprentices at high risk of Tranquility sooner than later. I don't know that they'll find the Grey Wardens a better bet, but."

"Yes, I agree," he says. "I'll talk to anyone you recommend, but - particularly those."

Nod. 

"I'll talk to the apprentices."

And then they reach the guest rooms.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

He goes to talk to the apprentices. Most of them don't think being a Grey Warden is a better bet than going through with the Harrowing, but--not literally none.