"Do you really think so little of me?" he answered with a small scowl. "Lana, please. The Imperium has a bad reputation for a good reason. And Thane has already proven he's not always completely honest about his actions." Ell looked pointedly at the amulet around her neck. He sighed, though, and folded his arms as he glanced back at the house. "Though if he helped mages escape... well. I can't say that it's entirely problematic. Maker knows that the Circle system is far from perfect."<br/><br/>Ellion's eyes turned back to her, and his expression softened. "I guess I should apologize. I know we're, um... figuring things out and all, but it was still jarring to see him approach you with as much familiarity as he did. I was jealous, though I had no right to be." He took a few short steps to be closer to her and took her hands in his own, squeezing them both gently. "Though if you think we might run into any of your other old boyfriends while we hunt this madman down, I would appreciate knowing in advance," he said dryly. The sound of footsteps returning caused him to look around, and he let her hands go when he saw Thane returning. "So," he said brusquely, resolved to try and be a bit nicer, even if the man was a demon-enslaving blood mage from the worst country in Thedas, "any good news on the horses, or are we walking the rest of the way, too?"