( A momentary pause, and Astrid’s gaze drifting over to the window of the room and its distant view out over the Waking Sea. There was a mountain range to the north of the city, but it wasn’t the same; they weren’t sprawled at your feet and surrounding you, the way she was used to. )

There’s a few around Thedas; like, there’s the Vimmark Mountains just to the north of us, but I’m from the Frostbacks down south, like I mentioned. I haven’t—

( Another beat. )

I haven’t gone back, since I came to Kirkwall, so I haven’t seen them in a while. Some people think they’re harsh or it’s hard to survive there but I think they’re lovely. There’s wolves, bears, rabbits, deer, lots of game, though we’re careful to not over-hunt. In winter, your hair can freeze to icicles after you bathe. The mornings are so crisp it hurts the back of your throat.

( Which might sound terrible and uncomfortable to some, maybe, but there’s just a wistful, fond nostalgia in Astrid’s voice as she speaks of it. )