[He's trying to brace for it not being enough when Twisted Fate takes his hand and all Anders can do is stare for a moment. For every few times he's not braced enough here, he overbraces and is knocked off-balance. Once his brain is working again, though, Anders places his free hand on top of Fate's.]

It's not new. Looking over my shoulder. And three-fourths of the advisors would be pointing out I'm lucky to simply be breathing even if someone did go to them. Which is not untrue.

[It's Nate who had thought about Hawke judging him previously, Nate who gave him the idea to turn himself in rather than wait for the inevitable. Anders is exceedingly lucky Nate arrived when he did.]

If I...

[Anders sighs, because the thoughts on his mind are large and daunting.]

I keep telling myself that if I defend myself enough times, it has to stop. That word will get out that they aren't winning. I'm not sure I'm right. But it's all I can try.