"Dogs are slobbery and need attention every moment. Cats? They'll care for you, love you, even, but much of the time they're fine. They don't require your focus often. And when they do, they're far easier to deal with, draping over you rather than eating your shoes."

Fereldans are weird. Anyone who loves dogs is weird. And these flames? They're fascinating. Anders takes the pot, wondering at her irritation but far more focused on what she's created.

"I think it does matter. I think it could matter a great deal." He lowers his hand toward the flame, being careful. It's not a lot of warmth, but it's something. And a low-heat fire could even be extremely useful. "A great many of the spells any Circle mage or apostate knows are combat-based. Our repertoire of practical spells is practically non-existent. If we can pin down what's going wrong with your magic, wand or a difference between the Fade here and the source back in your world, we could adapt things over. The water you made a few moments ago, this, they could change so much, slowly help change how people view--mm."

Anders breaks off, ending the building intensity of his voice, and gives her a slightly sheepish look. "I was supposed to be keeping from getting quite so impassioned with you, I believe. I've forgotten again."