[ well, Varric is totally 100% okay with having someone who seems familiar with this on his side. he's learned that you shouldn't be deceived by appearances - plenty of mages look squishy, but are some of the strongest fighters he knows. the fact that this kid just threw a piece of paper into the air and did some mysterious shit to get himself a nice looking weapon doesn't do anything to convince him that he's not some kind of mage. ]

Oh, so you're used to this kind of thing. Great. [ More like... sorry kid, that sucks. But, he supposes, after the first time, it probably isn't quite as terrible. ] I'm all for heading for the exit. Never really liked ritzy parties anyway. [ especially ones that are so... orlesian. only the orlesians are slightly less overtly murderous.

he takes quick aim to fend off someone who'd decided to pay them some unwanted attention, letting lose an arrow in their throat, ] Sorry, we don't like date-crashers. [ he glances back to his companion, ] Any guesses on where the exit is?