Cassandra actually laughs at that. Perhaps it is not the kindest way to react, but she laughs, tired and helpless.

"Malcolm, you know how people feel about the Seekers," she says. "Even Templars hate and fear our presence, to say nothing of mages. And I - my role in the Inquisition -" She stops, shaking her head. "Most people...see me as someone to obey, or to run away from. And my decisions have not always been...popular."

And even if none of that were true, if she were never a Seeker or the Right Hand or anyone with any authority at all - even so, there might not be any change. She has never been skilled at connecting with people.

She truly smiles this time, tired but genuine. "We have known each other longer than either of us has known anyone else here. If I cannot count you as a friend, who else do I have?"