Best Served Cold

Best Served Cold is a main plot quest in Act 3 of Dragon Age II.

Acquisition
Best Served Cold is received via a letter from First Enchanter Orsino after finding the three mages for Knight-Commander Meredith. If you sided with the Templars at the beginning of Act III, this quest will alternatively be received from Knight-Commander Meredith.

Walkthrough
After you get the quest, head to Hightown at night and head to Hightown estates.

There, a battle will automatically begin when you enter the area near to where you need to be. You'll need to defeat a group of Templars and 5-6 Mages to beat them all. Afterwards loot the bodies to find a note that will instruct you to head to the Docks (and an armor upgrade for Sebastian). Go to the Docks and follow the arrow to your destination. You may encounter a group of Slave Hunters, otherwise head into the Warehouse. Once there open the door and you'll encounter another cut-scene before you have to battle another group of Templars and Mages. There is an armor upgrade for Anders in the Warehouse and a gift for Fenris. Keran may be here if he lived and is with the Templars; he will tell you that someone close to you has been kidnapped by the rebels and that they have been taken to a hideout on the Wounded Coast.

Next you'll encounter another cut-scene where you're off to the Ruins on the Wounded Coast. Down the road you'll find another fight, and enter a cut-scene with a friendly face. , If you speak in support of the mages. Keep following the road and you'll enter the main fight, another group of Templars and Mages. Defeat them, get your rewards, and head back the way you came.

Result
After the fight talk to Cullen to decide the fate of the surrendering mages and rogue templars. Knight-Captain Cullen will permit Samson to become a Templar again if Hawke requests that he give him another chance.

, when you talk Samson and defend the mages.

when you speak in defense of the mages with Cullen.

Accepting this quest unlocks Merrill's companion quest A New Path.

Return to Orsino/Meredith to complete the quest.

Rewards

 * Hood of the Champion (Mage), Helm of the Champion (Rogue) or Helm of the Champion (Warrior) - looted from Grace
 * Protection of the Faith (armor upgrade for Sebastian)
 * Sigil of the Mage Underground (armor upgrade for Anders)
 * Blade of Mercy (a gift for Fenris)
 * Cumberland Circle Robes from Orsino (for mage Hawke)
 * Hearth Shield from Meredith