They reached Lothering at noon, just as Duncan predicted. They spent the day buying supplies and equipment at the local tavern. When they were done, they stood on a bridge near the entrance to the town and ate some lunch.

"There sure are a lot of people passing through here."

Jonathan turned and leaned against the rail. "I heard some people talking in the tavern. They said all these people are refugees, fleeing the darkspawn."

"At least there are enough rooms in the Chantry and at the tavern for those who decide to spend the night then. I hope we can do something about the darkspawn before it becomes a problem here."

"Me too…"

" Anyway, when were we supposed to meet Duncan?"

"I think he said at sundown, in front of the Chantry." He indicated behind her. "I think it's over there."

Selene turned towards where he was pointing. "We might as well go there now. We don't have anything else to do."

"Um…sit in the Chantry? With all those Templars gawking at me…?"

"Oh, right. I forgot… We could…sit in the gardens?"

"That's better, I guess."

They walked towards the Chantry, past the village Chanter, around the building and into the gardens. About half an hour passed in silence. A young woman entered the garden. She wore the robes of a priest, her face was framed by bright red, shoulder length hair. She didn't notice the two recruits. She just walked to a small bench in one corner, sat down and closed her eyes. After a while Selene whispered to Jonathan.

"She looks so…peaceful…"

"Maybe she is asleep…"

"You think so?"

Before he could answer, a gentle breeze blew through the garden. The woman smiled and gave a long sigh. Then she opened her eyes.

"O, hello. I didn't notice you two sitting there. I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

"Um, no, we were just relaxing."

"This garden is one of my favorite places to relax. It's beautiful here, so calm." Her accent was very thick. Orlesian.

"My name is Leliana, by the way. I'm one of the lay sisters here at the Lothering Chantry so just ask if you need anything."

Somewhere from within the building a small bell sounded. "Ah, that is my queue to go. Have a nice day."And with that she stood and walked away.

"Well that was…"

"…friendly?"

"Jip… How much longer do we have to wait?"

"At least two more hours."

"That long? Ugh…"

Jonathan straightened suddenly. "Is my company that bad?" A looked of hurt crossed his face.

"No no no, that's not what I meant, I-"

Jonathan started laughing. Selene looked confused. "Selene, I was just joking."

"That's not very nice you now. I am of noble blood remember, show some…respect…" Memories hit hard, pain showed plainly on her face. Jonathan noticed this and stopped laughing. Then he remembered.

"Selene… I am so sorry…" he wrapped an arm around her. It was silent again for a while. "Those nightmares I've been having… I keep seeing them…seeing me abandoning them. I should have stayed and helped."

"There was nothing you could have done to help them Selene… You would have lost your life as well. That wouldn't have helped them at all… But now, you can take action…"

"…Revenge…"

Jonathan put his other arm around her as well, holding her tightly. Her arms came around him as she started to sob into his chest.

At sundown they walked back around the Chantry and kept a lookout for Duncan. They waited and waited until it was completely dark. The people of Lothering retired to their homes. Even the Chanter left. Finally a figure emerged out of the shadows. It was Duncan.

"Sorry for the wait. It took a little longer than expected." As he stepped into the light they saw that he was covered in blood.

"Duncan! What happened? Where were you? Are you hurt?"

Duncan smiled at her concern. "I am fine. None of this blood is mine."

"What were you doing Duncan?"

"Yesterday, I sensed a party of darkspawn nearby. Scouts. I've been tracking them all day. When I found them, there were more than I had expected. But, I handled the situation quite nicely. No need to worry."

"We could have helped you Duncan."

"There was no need to involve you two, yet."

"Well, next time, let us help. Ok?"

Duncan couldn't help smiling. "Very well."

It had been a few days since they had left Lothering. The temperature had dropped quite suddenly as they entered the marsh-like terrain of the Korcari Wilds. Ostagar loomed in front of them.

"I didn't think it was so big." Selene remarked as they approached.

"It is quite large, isn't it?"

A small company was approaching them from across an enormous bridge. At the lead was a young man wearing shining, golden armor.

"Who is that? He looks important… Important people make me nervous…"

"Jonathan, that is the King."

"O… In that case, I'm just going to stand there quietly while you two do the talking…"

"That would be for the best, I think."

After their brief encounter with the King, Duncan bade them farewell and told them to seek out a Grey Warden named Alistair. He also mentioned something about a ritual but he wouldn't elaborate.

"Let's go find this Alistair guy."

"But, where do we start? This place is huge…"

"Why don't we try crossing the bridge for a start?" Selene gave Jonathan a look.

"What?"

"We're finally here…"

"Jip. You ready?"

"As I'll ever be…"

They crossed the bridge and entered what looked to be the VIP section of the encampment. The Kings tent was to the left and the mage encampment to the right. Templars glared as they passed. One of them spoke, "Move along, the mages cannot be disturbed." Behind him a few mages were performing some sort of magic ritual.

"I wonder what they are doing?"

"I have no idea."

An elderly mage stood beneath a tree a few paces ahead of them. As they passed her face lit up.

"Jonathan! What are you doing so far from the tower?"

"Wynne? I'm sorry I didn't notice you. I was-"

"You were clearly distracted by the beautiful young lady next to you." A grin spread across her face as she noticed Jonathan blushing.

"I'm Selene Cousland. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"A pleasure indeed, it has been a while since Jonathan has been so enraptured by something other than his studies. He was quite chaste back at the tower, you know."

Jonathans blush grew darker. "Thanks Wynne…"

Wynne chuckled. " I'm sorry for embarrassing you in front of your friend. You make it too easy you know."

"Wynne, you haven't perhaps seen a Grey Warden by the name Alistair, have you?"

She contemplated the question for a few moments until finally, "No, I haven't. You could ask the Revered Mother over there. She was speaking to a young man earlier. I think she called him a Grey Warden."

"Thank you Wynne. It was nice seeing you again."

"Goodbye, child. Nice meeting you Selene."

"And you."

They turned and left, walking in the direction of the pavilion that had been erected in the center of the camp.

"Would you mind doing the talking?" Jonathan asked nervously.

"Ugh, fine… Excuse me, your Reverence, Do you know where I could find a man named Alistair?"

"Why do you bother me with such nonsense? I have a lot to do."

"But-"

"Away with you!"

Selene started to turn away but stopped and got a fierce look in her eye. "I am Selene, Teryn of Highever! You will show me the respect I deserve!"

Jonathan was flabbergasted. Is she nuts?

The Revered Mother was shocked as well but her shock was different. "I beg your pardon, my Lady. It has been a long day. I did not mean to snap. What was it you asked?"

"Have you seen a man called Alistair? He is a Grey Warden."

"Ah yes, I spoke to him earlier. I think he went in the direction of the old Temple… Once again, I am sorry for what happened earlier."

"It's ok. Thank you." Selene turned on her heel and walked off. Jonathan stood there stunned, until he noticed the Revered Mother looking at him and hurried after Selene.

"What was that?" he asked as he caught up.

"That was me throwing a fit… Stupid…old…"

"Bitch?"

Selene stopped and looked at him, then she burst out laughing.