[ Bastien smiles—also with some affection—and takes a breath before he says, ]

I was the kind of bard who was a spy. [ It’s not uncommon, in Orlais, though also not so common that inviting any traveler with a song inside would be suicidal. That would defeat the point. ] And a thief, and an assassin—not often, but sometimes. Whatever paid well.

[ It’s matter of fact, and he’s still smiling, but it’s a little rueful. ]

You would not have liked me, either. Only people who deserve it, you said—you and your good thieves.