[Apologize for defending himself? For... Anders catches himself bristling and closes his eyes for a moment. No. That's not what he needs to apologize for. It's not something he can apologize for.

He had, however, been deliberate in not using her name and baiting her. And it's not even like there's a risk in agreeing to apologize for that if she comes to do so. She won't.]

I can apologize for my words. But the only guilt I feel in striking back is to you, for disrupting your event.

I have taken Templar blows too many times to be able to feel I wronged her in returning it. Not only that, if I'd simply taken it, there'd be more attacks. People would feel it safe. I've been hit three times since the announcement of who I am. If I let it happen, stand there or walk away...

[He shakes his head.]

I can't, and it's not simply pride speaking.