"No one would dare," Alistair says. This is not true. Some would dare. But he's still looking out at the crowd with his arms crossed and a look just on the friendly side of a glare, and he doesn't want anyone to hear and get any ideas. They've all been warned, now, if they're within earshot. He glances down at Gavin, and his eyes catch on his drooping ears for a moment before he turns to face him fully and offer a smile. No one is allowed to be miserable here except him. "Maybe it's just left to you. If I weren't Pel's escort and Beleth's true love, you'd have to watch out for me, too."

That is not really true, either, but come on. Perk up.