She shakes her head, frowns and breathes, she feels so light and relaxed, like she was born again. After gearing up she is ready to leave, there is no sign of Leliana, Ser Bryant or Alistair inside the Chantry, perhaps he's got tired of waiting, nonetheless she politely nods to the templars and sister on her way out.

Bo is right near the entrance, the same place where Elissa's left him, Alistair is next to a wooden board. They greet each other, "Good news, the cabinet had medical stuff, bandages, herbs and a few copper coins." He shakes his head, "Hm, even in times like these people are keen on causing trouble." Elissa tilts her head and looks at the board, there are papers nailed against it, nearby torches provide enough light to read.

"Alistair, that's a very good idea!" she says. Alistair turns to her, scratching his head, "This board," she says pointing to it.

"Eh? That's the Chantry board. What of it?", he shudders. "Don't tell me that they gave something to you in there?"

"Oh! The Chantry board, of course," she half heartedly laughs, she has never seen or heard about it before. She clears her throat, "Did you notice anything different?", Alistair looks at her and nods, she closes her eyes.

"You are smelling like roses," that is the answer that Elissa was expecting to hear, what she heard was, "Yes, there is a boy standing there."

Elissa gasps, Maybe Morrigan is right about his mental capacities. At least it seems to be a good cause. "Let's see what's this about," she says.

The kid has carrot short hair and freckles, he must not be older than six years old, he seems scared, looking from one side to the other, the Wardens approach him. "It's late boy, where are your parents?" Elissa asks.

"Dad went to Sebastien's house yesterday and Mom…" his voice trembles, "we were coming to town when some men appeared, they had big swords, Mom told me to run and wait for her."

"Where and when was it?" Alistair asks.

He nods, "Over there, after the hills, among the farmlands."

"And what does your mother look like?" Alistair asks.

"She is a bit shorter than you and her hair is dark red."

Elissa whistles, Bo approaches her barking, "Do you have anything from your Mom?" He hands her a dirty piece of cloth, she puts it in Bo's muzzle, he sniffs it and she returns it back to him, she looks at Alistair, he nods, "Wait here, we'll look for your Mother. If we don't back go to the Chantry, they'll help you," she says, pointing to the large building.

"In Andraste's name, tell me you aren't considering bringing her," Alistair asks.

Without looking at him she says, "It's Wardens and mabaris only," Alistair grins.

Taking advantage that their trail is still hot, Bo leads them past the town limits, stopping to sniff every now and then, they go past the hills and can see an grove. As the Wardens enters it Elissa puts her hand on Bo's head and hushes, she wouldn't want to announce their presence and lose the surprise element. Elissa can distinguish lights ahead, she tries to listen to anything, but to no avail. She draws her bow, Alistair stands by her side, he reaches for his weapons too, she quietly approaches the camp. Alistair armor is too noisy so he moves considerably slower than her, she raises three fingers, does a circular gesture and with two finger traces a short horizontal line.

The men around the campfire are wearing leather armor, at least one of them has a sword, the others' weapons must be on their thighs. She gives a stone to Alistair and points to his right side, she readies her bow and nods, he throws it. They turn to see what was that, Elissa fires and hits the sword wielding man's throat, Alistair and Bo charge, they engage while Elissa goes to another position, their left flank.

Alistair and Bo are more harassing them than actually attacking, their opponents are in disadvantage for they have daggers, not an ideal choice to use against a shield bearing warrior, even more when there is a mabari covering his flank. Elissa takes position, she studies their movements, Thanks Alistair, she readies her bow, holds her breath to steady her aim, she lowers a bit her aim then releases the string. The arrow hits the man's rib, he screams, Alistair thrusts his stomach, holding his shield against the opponent to his left, the distraction caused by his scream was an opening for Bo, he goes for the kill, dropping down the man, pinning him and chewing his throat.

Elissa quickly turns from one side to another, bow ready, she then leaves her spot and approaches the camp, one of the two people who are laying down is wearing simple, plain women's clothings, she has red hair, Elissa touches her, cold, Elissa turns her upside down, the dead woman has a pained expression, wide, lifeless eyes. Elissa removes a cheap, copper ring from her finger and gently closes her eyes, she kneels and whispers, "Maker, take your daughter to your side, let her passing be tranquil, her earthly mission complete and may she find eternal joy by your side."

Alistair has turned the other one turns him upside, after she says her words he nods, "Elissa, look at his armor." His breastplate has a familiar heraldry to Elissa, a kite shield with a grey tower over a red cliff, "But what woul—"

"Hands up, you cutthroats!" A knight has his sword held at Alistair's nape, Elissa puts her hands to her head, dropping her bow, slowly turning to their assailant, "Preying on poor refugees, I shall… Elissa? Elissa is that you?", he lowers his weapon and Alistair turns to him, Elissa opens her mouth, "Alistair?", the knight says sheathing his sword.

"Ser Donall!?" both Wardens say at the same time, they look at each other, "You know him!?" pointing to the newcomer.

The knight applauds them, "Bravo! Nice synergy." He then looks at the corpses, "That's Ser Henric, over there. Can you tell me what has happened."

The young Wardens stand up, Elissa looks at the dead knight, she frowns, the name is familiar but she didn't know all of Redcliffe's knights, "We heard that those two bandits were causing trouble, we came to investigate," Alistair says.

Elissa nods, "And why aren't you stationed at Redcliffe, Ser Donall?" she asks.

"Haven't you heard? Arl Eamon is sick." Ser Donall says. He frowns, the shadows melt to his features, "It was sudden and serious," Elissa gasps, her eyes avoiding him.

"What does afflict him?" Alistair asks.

Elissa bits her lips and shakes her head, the knight is about to answer when she asks, "More importantly, when?"

"About three to four weeks, in relation to what, Alistair, it is an unknown illness, it is so serious that even magic can't heal," he sighs. "The knights are on a quest, to heal him," Connor and Isolde come to Elissa's mind, "by finding the Urn of Sacred Ashes."

Elissa blinks a few times, she glances at Alistair, "Excuse me, sir." If they are searching for a myth, things are indeed desperate in there!

"You heard it right, Elissa," he sighs, approaching Henric's body, he is looking for something. He stands up and unfolds a piece of paper, he gets close to the campfire to read it. "At least Ser Henry has got a lead, a Chantry scholar, Genitivi, he lives in Denerim," he sighs, "I suppose that I must take my leave then," the knight says turning.

"Maker guide your step, Ser Conall," Elissa says.

He stops, slightly turning his head to her, "Maker guide us all, child."

Elissa goes back to the village, without exchanging any word with Alistair, she goes straight to the little boy, when she looks at him she is able to discern the remnants of a smile. This is how hope dies, she approaches him, she tries not to smile nor frown, she kneels next to him, "Kid, I'm sorry," his eyes water. She reaches for his hand and leaves on it his mother's ring and a silver coin. "Justice was done to the bad men, they won't hurt anyone else," Fool! He wants his mother back not justice, he looks to the ground, she uses her finger to gently raise his head until they have eye contact, "go to the Chantry, they'll take care of you. Be a good man, make your mother proud."

"You did good back there," Alistair says as they are crossing the bridge. Her mind keeps drawing scenarios of what to do next, their problems are apparently endless, trying to find what to do next. She turns to Alistair, biting her own lip as a form punishment for solely looking to distant, imaginary horizons in detriment of the ones who are at her side, it does seen as a tendency of hers.

"Oh!? About the poor boy?" He lost her mother.

"You couldn't have done nothing about it. But I mean since you have arrived at this village," she tilts her head at him "If asked I think every other person would just kill those bandits right at the spot, I guess even I would have done so."

"What can I say? You had bestowed command to a fool girl," she looks to the slow flowing waters.

Elissa feels him by her side, she giggles, "Alistair, did you see Morrigan's face, I don't want to speak ill of the absent ones but… she seemed like she was having an indigestion at that moment," they laugh.

"So I take my junior Warden comes from Redcliffe?"

"I lived there, during my adolescence, that is. Are you from there?"

"More or less," she raises an eyebrow, "Oh, I know this look of yours, there we go… I'm a bastard," she nods lightly. "No silly, I mean a real bastard, of those who don't know their own parents," he sighs. "Thing is my mother was a maid that worked at the castle, she died at childbirth, or so was I told. Arl Eamon took pity on me, he had no children at the time then the Arlessa started thinking…"

"Alistair, you might be Arl Eamon's son," he nods, his lips pressed together, his hands reach a small pouch in his belt.

"And I suppose she can be very… convincing on whatever she wants..." he says.

Elissa nods and says, chuckling "Oh, that she can, indeed."

Alistair clears his throat, "Anyway, I had a roof, mind you, not that I had silk sheets on my bed, the kennels are surprisingly cozy."

"Kennels eh? Dogs do have many qualities. Isolde, er, Arlessa Isolde eventually managed to convince Arl Eamon to send you to the Chantry, yes?

"Qualities, you say. I remember shouting at him as loud as a child could. When I knew I was going to the Chantry, I threw my golden amulet with Andraste's symbol against a wall, it shattered, the only thing I've had from my mother. I suppose I might as well be raised by dogs."

"But you were a child, Alistair."

He looks to the calm stream flowing below them, "He… he visited me sometimes, I ignored him, were I a pious person, but he… he eventually stopped visiting," he sighs. "I think, he just let it go, I was not worth the trouble, anyway."

"You're wrong," Alistair looks at her, "Ea… er, Arl Eamon is not this kind of person. He was respecting your space."

"From stables to the Chantry, interesting conception of space he has, Elissa," he stares at her.

She looks back at him, but not really looking at him, her mouth opens trying to formulate an answer, Good point… yet there's something amiss in there, "I suppose that the Chantry is better than the fate of many orphans."

"In that we agree. The rest of the story you know."

"Yes, Duncan conscripted you," he nods and looks back to the waters, Now you did it, stupid! "I'm sorry bringing him up."

"That's fine," he snickers. "Morrigan is right."

Elissa looks at him, her hands holding the stones of the bridge as if she was trying to removing each block, "About what?" she whispers.

"About how I've been dealing with it. Duncan himself has told me that this could eventually happen. There's so much happening, I should have dealt with it in a better way." Elissa's hand reach his shoulder, he presses it even though it's under metal armor.

He sighs, "He deserves a funeral, once he told me he was from Highever, no family that I'm aware of. Once it all ends, I'll go there and pay my homage," he nods.

"I-I'm from Highever too," she says, "and on that day Alistair, do count on me to be by your side."

"Thanks, Elissa. Even though you've known him for quite a short time, I'm certain he would like it.

"He was very dear to you too, wasn't he, I daresay… a father."

He nods, taking a small egg yolk colored stone from his pouch, pressing his thumb against it, "You know, sometimes I think I should have been by his side, silly me."

Elissa closes her eyes, fighting her tears, No, not now! "I...," she starts exhaling, "I can totally relate to that, Alistair."

"Did you lose someone close?"

Her head nods, slowly, her eyes closed, she frowns, really hard, "My family… murdered."

Eissa listens to Alistair mutter something, probably cursing himself, "Maker, I'm sorry to bring this up, Elissa. Stupid me.

She tries to calm down, breathing slowly, after some moments of silence, her breathing is still uneven, "An open wound indeed, Morrigan," she says. "Fergus, my brother, he is scouting Korcari Wilds." Her voice trembles, "I, I try to honor them, Duncan and my kin, at every step of mine since Flemeth's hut," she feels her breathing finally becoming even.

She feels a hand on her shoulder, she feels her muscles tensing, despite their armor, she is entranced by his touch, it makes her turn and now his left hand holds her right shoulder, both hands slowly start to slip downwards, they release her arms, holding her just above her waist, she opens her eyes, she sees him staring at her, the world seems to halt, she feels her heart beating, she doesn't know what to do with her hands, they are trembling, she mimics his movement. Elissa sees him, but she feels that she has never really noticed his dark blond, short hair, his soft familiar features and calm light brown eyes, his cheeks are red, he feels his hands gently pulling her towards him, Elissa takes a baby step towards him and closes her eyes, she can feel his smell, the tip of their noses touch, they slightly tilt their heads she can feel his breath, her heart is pumping as loud as dwarven fireworks then a bark.

Their hands drop and they move away from each other, both sigh, Bo barked at a passerby, "That's the Morrigan alarm," Elissa says, Alistair looks at her, he shakes his head, "a reminder to check on her."

"Right, she may be having a wonderful time with the patrons."

"That's obvious, the tavern hasn't exploded yet," they laugh.

Elissa sees his egg yolk stone on the ground, "I believe this is yours, what's this?"

"It's an arcane rune," he sighs, "I found it when I first fought darkspawn. It's a good luck charm."

"It's deformed, like indented by pressure," Elissa says while she holds it close to her face.

"It's how we turn it on."

"Hm hm, I see, Alistair," she chuckles.

"Right, so your dog has a Morrigan detector and my stone can't give me luck."

"Touché," both laugh.

Side by side, they walk a bit, "What do you meant by 'that look of yours?'" Elissa asks thickening her voice as she quotes him.

"Oh, nothing really. It is just that you stare at us like a puppy."

"Comparing me to a dog, such a nerve!"

"Cunningness," he says raising a finger, she slightly turns to him, smiling, "I refer to the dog."

"Loyalty." He raises another finger

"The dog?" she asks.

"No, you," he raises a third finger, "and very beautiful."

"Thank you."

"The dog," he quickly protects his head, Elissa gives a soft slap on his shoulder.

"Silly," she says hoping ahead of him, giggling. He chuckles.

The tavern building is only smaller than the Chantry, it is a two story building, the light and heat come from inside do give Elissa the impression of a cozy place. An old sign reads, the Dane's Refuge, pub & inn, Alistair nods, seeing the name, he enters, Elissa goes after him, whistling to Bo. Her nose twitches at the odor of smoke and alcohol, she waves her hand in front of her nose but suddenly stops, as she notes some stares at her. The tavern is, for her a mess, people talking, eating, drinking, some waitresses, younger than her taking dishes to and from tables, two men stay at opposites sides of the tavern, their backs to the walls, eyeing everyone, in special the newcomers, they have a club held at their belts, a big man, in his early forties, full bearded serves drinks to people who are at the counter. Behind him there are a great number of bottles, with different colors and shapes, dried pork and cheese are held by ropes above the counter, there is a small fireplace to the end of the saloon, a tiny, noisy set of stairs lead to the second floor, where are the bedrooms and a lateral small door must take to the kitchen, it's there that the two girls go and come from.

A hooded figure, sits alone at a table in the darkest corner, elbows to the table, hands together at nose height, the silent watcher slightly turns to them, Elissa smiles and quickly follows Alistair to her table, she feels eyes upon them. There is a huge leather mug in the middle of the table, Alistair takes it and drinks from it, offering it to Elissa, she looks at him, "Cider," he says.

The only time she had to share a cup with someone was during her Joining, seeing that the others are fine she grabs the mug. She knew that commoners used to drink beer or ale, whatever it could be, she usually drank wine. Elissa smells the liquid, it is sweet and she sips, "Oh! It's apple-wine! Why didn't you say so?", Alistair rolls his eyes.

"People are talking about the brigands. It seems we have some reputation here," Morrigan says, looking at Elissa, "which given our… situation," she grins.

After briefly looking at her, Alistair raises his hand, the man behind the counter nods, and after in an instant one of those girls brings a dish to the table, inside it there are potatoes, dark bread and fish. Alistair draws his hunting knife and uses it to grab a potato, Elissa wonders where is her plate and handkerchief, but decides to mimic Alistair, drawing her knife too, she is about to grab a fish, Alistair is staring at her, she looks back and shudders, "Your knife is dirty, better use your hands," Morrigan grabs a fish, "you girls should have better manners at the table," they just look at him, then to each other, Morrigan shudders and bites her fish.

Elissa decides to grab a bread, as her first step into commoner's cuisine, she bites it and finds it hard, like old bread, definitely different from the bread she is used too, it is also a bit strong for her taste, she smiles at Alistair while she eats. She prepares herself to grab food with her hands, she had already done that with their travel rations, but it was small pieces of salty meat, a different situation than using hands as forks and knives. She tries the cheese, she finds strange feeling the taste of herbs in a bland cheese, the same goes for the fish, she chuckles imagining Isolde and her mother's face seeing her drinking cider and eating with her bare hands, "Say, is there no salt here?" she asks.

"No, too expensive," Alistair answers, lightly shaking his head. Elissa nods half ashamed for taking small things from her previous life for granted. "Any news?" he asks Morrigan.

"Yes, the Grey Wardens killed the King." Morrigan says, half smiling.

Both Wardens look at her, "What!", he says in a higher tone, Elissa kicks his foot.

"Traitors," she says eyeing him. "I suppose it was Teyrn Loghain who said that."

Morrigan nods, "Keep your eyes open, there's a reward for any surviving Warden."

Alistair clenches his fists, Elissa touches him and points to their food, they are almost finishing when Elissa asks Alistair, who seems a bit calmer by now, "Is there any room for us?"

He nods, "I'll take care of it, can you give me the and pouch?" she nods handing it to him, she keeps looking at him, he gives the tavern keeper some coins then turns to her and nod, gesturing them to come, Elissa gives Bo the last fish and whistle. The two women follow him upstairs, Morrigan is limping, using her staff as a support, Elissa counts six rooms, one of them occupy their whole right side, Alistair opens the second door to their left, it is a simple room moderately clean for Elissa's tastes, it's better than what she's had until now at least, there are three beds and three trunks right next to it and a small, closed window.

Morrigan goes to the bed in the corner, placing her staff next to her, "Any problem, Morrigan?, Elissa asks while she removes her upper armor, Bo is right next to her, "I saw you limping back there."

She looks at Elissa,"Oh, I had to conceal my staff, or rather, my walking stick." The witch points to the door, "Don't you think that it would be wise to bar the door?"

"I think one of those trunks will do", he pulls the one next of Morrigan's bed and leaves it right next to the door. He locks said door, "I suppose that it's enough noise to wake us up." Elissa has already put her gear inside from her bed watches Alistair removing her armor, he wants to know how much was it but she is unable to utter them, her eyelids slowly but steadily becomes heavier, everything goes dark.

She is at their table, it is the tavern without being it, she can't really discern the background. Instead of her group her parents are there, they are smiling holding each other hands tenderly. "What is it you want to tell us, pup?" Bryce asks.

"I found him," Elissa says, "I found the One."

Her parents look at each other, "Who is it dear, the curiosity is killing us," Eleanor says.

Elissa points to a nearby table, "Him. His name is Alistair, and he—"

"Is he… is he a commoner dear?" Eleanor asks.

Before she can answer Bryce releases his wife's hand, and rubs his eyes, he then looks right into her eyes, "Elissa Teresa Beitris Cousland," Elissa gasps, when he uttered her full name she was in trouble, big trouble, no innocent daughter eyes could spare her from the incoming storm. "You are part of the high nobility, you can have whoever you want. Any man would die to be by your side. Yet you choose who? A nobody," she knows it is pointless to argue but her mouth opens, her father raises his hand.

"Does he have feelings for you?," Elissa nods shyly, "Are you sure, baby? Commoners usually say this to every girl to… you know…" Eleanor bites her lip, "We don't want you to get hurt, baby."

"That's the point, Eleanor, thank you," Bryce says looking to his wife, once again he closes his eyes, "Right, Elissa. Let's figure this out, shall we?" Elissa feels her head being forced by something to nod, "You get married, you live at Cousland Castle, we die, then Fergus becomes the Lord. What about you then? Living in a hamlet eating this…" the same dish they ordered is there, the big leather mug too.

Eleanor sighs, "Eating with your hands, giving birth to a child every spring, subject to diseases and hoping to survive one more the winter, you don't deserve this."

"My blood boils to think about the blackguard who is taking advantage of you. Maker knows how many he fooled with this jovial and childish demeanor," Bryce says, breathing slowly.

Elissa can't blink, she feels like one of her dolls, "Thank the Maker that Fergus isn't here," Eleanor says.

Bryce nods then asks, "Speaking of which, where is he, pup?"

"Ssssssssswheeer…" air is forced out of her lungs, she has no control over her tongue, it feels flaccid but heavy, as if there was an elaborate knot on it, and she was desperately trying to untie it.

Their parents look at each other, raised eyebrows, Eleanor looks back at her, "You don't know, do you dear?" Once again they look at each other, pained expressions.

Bryce looks at Elissa a pained expression, "Fly pup, just fly away, again, for the third time. It is coming anyway," the tavern seems to shake as if it is hit by a gust of wind.

Elissa awakens, she is covered in cold sweat, irregular breath, her companions are asleep. She sits, well knowing that she will struggle to sleep again. She steadies her respiration, she doesn't want to but she has to think now. And she thinks about their shopping list, travel gear, camping gear and a map, the costs of all these might take all of their money.

And then Elissa? Where to? The closest to us is Redcliffe, to the west and South Reach, to the east. Eamon is sick, conveniently. Father, Eamon and King Cailan, the most important political pieces are out, but why? Is it because of Anora? Rumors about her fertility may be more than rumor, in the end. Cailan is, was no fool, it's just a ruse, what has he attempting to do at Ostagar? Why would a liberation hero forfeit his king? Is Anora his trade coin? Bah, too many questions.

She stops thinking, she feels better now, before she realizes Alistair awakes her, "Time to get up, better sleep on a bed for a change, eh?", she smiles at him. Morrigan already is up, she quickly gears up and they decide to buy some bread at the tavern, it is just a few coppers anyway, Elissa asks Alistair about their financial situation and tell them what she thinks they have to buy, Alistair offers to take care of it.

As they leave the group she sees a Chantry sister and two men, landworkers by their clothing discussing with a man, he stands near a cart, he gesticulates too much, "Bah! I tire of you woman, you there, wanna some coin?", Elissa looks to both sides then points to herself, "Yes, you. I'll pay you to get rid of this harpy."

Elissa hears Morrigan sighing and mumbling as she approaches the cart, "What's happening?"

"This man charges abusive prices of these desperate people, and over goods she bought from them one week ago, he's no better than a highwayman," the sister says.

"Is it true sir?" Elissa asks.

"Our capacity to cooperate warms the heart," Alistair says.

"A Blight does seem to bring people together, after all?", she says.

"I'm a merchant, I am supposed to charge my goods, as much as I want."

"You're a vulture, I should send the templars to take care of you," the sister says, her hands clenched into fists.

"Sister, he is right about this," he nods, "it's his job after all, now, sir, can't you lower the prices without turning them into beggars. We are amidst a crisis after all."

"Bah, agreed! But no discount for you…" the merchant says, pointing to Elissa.

"Let's solve all petty problems of the village, the darkspawn will love it."

"Don't mind her, Elissa. We have to take care of our provisions," Alistair, says turning to the merchant, Elissa nods and takes her distance, he may be bitter towards her. She knows that Morrigan is right behind, probably to avoid sharing Alistair's company, far from ideal, but it is a start, nonetheless.

As they move they pass by two men talking, farmers by their clothes, one is tall, black haired and the other is short, blond. "... and they drove off those brigands, Farrell."

"What for? Just to another band take their place?" the tall one asks, crossing his arms. "There's also all those bloody refugees, even the Arl left us, Abe. Damned nobles, good only to charge taxes."

Elissa stops, she feels Morrigan staff touching her heels, "Well said, Fawkes. That Chasind fellow was right, a horde is coming, there is no hope for this place, for us." Farrell, the short farmer says.

"It is every man for himself. If you can, run, if not, well tough luck," Abe says, chuckling.

"I'll take my missus and leave to Denerim. It's die by highwaymen or monsters, anyway," Farrell says.

Elissa shakes her head and resumes her walking, a bit hurriedly. Once again she feels Morrigan staff, but now tipping her shoulder, she stops and breathes, deeply, getting ready for what she is expecting to come, "See," she feels her hands touch her shoulders, Morrigan approaching, her head of her left ear, whispering "the folly of your actions, give alms to a poor orphan, jus' for him to be robbed next corner, get rid of bandits jus' to new ones take their place." She puts her other hand on Elissa's shoulder, going to her right ear, "The seeds of hopelessness are buried deep," she starts turning her around, always at her back, "open your eyes and see, don't think, jus' see," she stop her after a full circle, "saving them one by one? Appeal to a better nature that doesn't exist?" she goes to her other ear.

"I…"

"They are lost, Elissa. Preying upon themselves, the one who detains power has already left," Morrigan reclines her head on hers, she feels her nose touching her nape, "attaining power to survive; survive to attain power, a full circle," Elissa feels breathing difficult, she can't tell if she is sobbing, "Shh, 'tis a hard lesson, squeeze it from you, it hurts I know, as Flemeth did to me," her slender hands hold her, despite Elissa being physically stronger than her, "we, the fool, the beast, even I, are tools to achieve victory, these people," Elissa see her right hand, slowly motioning to the village, "are just a meat shield to slow down the horde," her hand goes back to her shoulder, "you know it."

"What are you doing to her!?" Alistair says, hurriedly approaching them.

Morrigan hands briefly let go of her, Elissa breaks free and tries to say something, her mouth doesn't obey, she walks fast, trying not to run. Bo, who she didn't even notice was near her is growling, he barks at Morrigan, she can only discern the witch saying, "Helping…"

Elissa wanders for some moments, internally fighting, trying to counter argue Morrigan, to find no argument, Naïve, stupid and short sighted, spoiled girl.

"Did you finish your prayers? Did you come to execute me?" a gruff, rumble voice asks.

Elissa jumps into attention and looks at who had made this question, to her right amongst shadows there was a cage, a huge cage holding a big man. By the looks of the place they must have festivals here, she approaches the man and, to her surprise, it is not a human. Standing easily at two meters, powerfully built, his skin has a different hue of brown, he has white, hair, blue light eyes and a protuberance on his forehead.

She approaches the cage, noticing that she is actually staring, "My name is Elissa, a pleasure," her lips forming a tiny smile.

The giant looks at her, he sighs, "Your eyes tell me it's not mockery but manners I wouldn't expect on... these lands," he nods and cross his big and muscular arms over his chest. "Very well, I'm Sten of the Beresaad, the vanguard of Qunari peoples."

Elissa gasps, "Qunari!? What are you doing down south?"

"Waiting for my death," he points with her head to the cage.

"But why?"

"I'm a criminal."

"What did you do?"

"I killed eight people, children included," he states matter-of-factly.

"But when? And how did they arrest you?"

"Twenty days ago," his piercing eyes look straight into an open mouthed, wide eyed Elissa's, "a prey who doesn't resist is easily captured," seeing her looks, "I waited until the knights arrive."

Elissa nods, she clears her throat, "waiting for your death," she whispers. "Hm, I take that you could break free if you wanted to."

He nods, "They're just bars, I'd be still a prisoner."

After a moment, "Ohhh, I see. You regret killing them," he doesn't answer, "could I say you're a repentant."

Sten breathes heavily, frowning, "In your society I think that may be correct, yes."

"Are you a warrior?"

"Soldier."

Elissa stops, tilts her head, "Is there a difference?"

He frowns at her, his big hands grab the cage, "A soldier fights for a cause, usually protecting people from warriors."

Elissa feels her cheeks becoming hot, "I see… pardon my ignorance, Sten."

"Your ignorance doesn't bother me, dying outside of a battle does."

Elissa tips her chin, "This doesn't make sense Sten, If you truly seek repentance why do they let you here do die of starvation or by a darkspawn horde?"

He silently and slowly looks to Lothering, "That's your Chantry's prerogative," he says.

Elissa looks to the ground, They are lost, words don't come to her mind, she turns without raising her head, Sten says something that she listens without listening, she takes a couple of steps away from the cage, she looks at Lothering, her eyes blank, as if possessed, vague ideas of her last bad dream, about running away come to her mind, they mix with Morrigan words about people's nature and what she has seen in this village suddenly stir something, They are lost, she frowns, Fool girl. I don't know what father or Duncan would do, but I know what I have to do.

Suddenly she turns around and runs to Sten's cage, taking him by surprise, "Sten, I have a big battle ahead of me, I need every help I can find," despite the difference in height, they stare at each other, "to finish this Blight."

"Are you a Grey Warden?"

"One doesn't need to be one to fight it," he looks at Lothering, her hand reach his chin, directing his head to her, she sees in his eyes a brief shock, probably for being surprised twice for her, "they are scared Sten. And yes, I'm a Grey Warden. If released, would you join me."

"Very well, Grey Warden Elissa, I accept your offer."

She goes back to the village, walking quickly, her steps heavy, she sees the others silently waiting for her, leaning against a wooden fence, Bo between them, they probably were discussing but Elissa doesn't care, they look at her, she motions to Alistair to give her the pouch, he throws and she grabs it, Bo happily goes to her, "I'll be right back, watch these two, Bo," he barks in response. "Thanks, Morrigan!" he says without turning to her.

Elissa enters the Chantry and politely asks a templar if Mother Miriam is present, he nods and points Elissa to her study. She goes directly there, she sees half empty shelves there, a big wooden chair bearing the Chantry symbol and a simple table with a copper candle holder. Mother Miriam is a woman in her mid forties, grey hair and big green eyes.

She sees Elissa and gently nods to her, Elissa slowly, approaches her, hands held together, looking to the ground, "What may the Chantry do for you in these troubled times, child?"

"I ask for your blessing, Mother," she lowers her head and seeing Mother Miriam approaches she kneels.

"Andraste, plead to the Maker to watch His daughter's path, granting her strength from weakness and light from the darkness," she says.

Elissa opens her eyes, reaches the pouch and offers her, "It's all I have, Mother."

She nods, smiling gently, "It will be put on good use, rest assured," she says as Elissa stands.

"There's two more matters, Mother," she looks at Elissa, "a selfless and a selfish one. About Sten, the qunari," Mother Miriam frowns, I'd like to have him released."

"He was found by farmers injured, their kindness repaid with death, even the knights were disturbed by the scene."

Elissa respectfully nods, "Release him in my custody, it is one less problem in your hands."

"And who are you, child?"

"Elissa, Mother."

"Elissa, the girl who took care of two groups of bandits?"

She nods, "Precisely, Mother."

"You do seem a pious girl. You did a lot to our community but yet…"

"Mother, I also have a twofold authority claim over the matter, both which would pain me greatly to invoke," the two women stare at each other, Elissa tries to keep a neutral, yet respectful countenance.

"I see, dear. And what would they be?"

"Secular, I w… I am a noble, daughter of Teyrn Bryce Cousland," Elissa feels her posture involuntarily changing, her eyes piercingly stares at the priestess without acknowledging her presence, Alistair compared it to a 'statue'. Mother Miriam's eyes widen, she gasps then kneels before her, as if she was Andraste herself or her executioner. That same old reaction of people towards her, at least those unfamiliar with her, it seems like ages since she last seen it, and she doesn't miss it at all.

"Milady, I didn't… I didn't know. Thank you. Thank you for what you did for us," she feels Elissa's hands delicately rest on her shoulders prompting her to raise.

"That's only my duty, Mother" she pauses, takes a deep breath. "Also, I detain circunstancial authority, as a Grey Warden," she feels her posture relaxing, as if she were another woman with the same body, she releases her shoulders and takes a step back.

"Grey Warden!? Milady, there is a bounty on your head, it is dangerous for you to linger," Elissa nods.

"That's is going to be Sten's repentance."

"The custody is granted, milady", she hands Elissa a key. "Fighting the darkspawn is indeed a proper way to atone," she nods. "Please forgive this old matron for not seeing wisdom, and causing unnecessary distress to you, milady," it is not wise to cross a noble, life can become rather unpleasant.

"There is nothing to be forgiven here, Mother." Elissa holds her hand briefly, a small smile on her face. "You said 'not seeing', Mother. That is exactly where my last concern lies," Mother Miriam looks at her, "this flock is lost, Mother." The Matron looks at her, biting her lip, "The worst of people is surfacing, the community is falling apart without Leonas's presence," she slowly nods, deeping breathly. "That is why I think it is time to evacuate Lothering."

"Are you serious, milady?" Elissa nods firmly, "Can you really do it, milady?" her eyes looks intensely at Elissa.

"If Leonas had overlooked his duties to his subjects, then yes, Mother, not only I, as a noble, can but I will do so," Elissa tries to relax, fighting off her surfacing noble posture, Isolde did a perfect job.

"Maker has answered our prayers, He's sent us a Cousland at the time of our need," Elissa feels her cheeks become red hot, she has never got quite used to such degrees of worship, she smiles and nods to her, "Do I have your permission to summon Ser Bryant, milady. As our senior templar these matters concern him too."

Elissa nods, "Mother, please don't say anything about my origins or… present affiliations, say I'm Alissa, an envoy of Arl Leonas Bryland. It is a vile ruse but necessary for our safety."

She looks at her and nods, "Of course, dear. I'll be back in a moment."

Elissa walks a bit around the room, a depiction of Andraste draws her attention, she feels butterflies in her stomach, Too late to second guesses, Elissa. If Mom captained a warship when she was fifteen, you can coordinate the evacuation of a village.

Mother Miriam enters the room closely followed by Ser Bryant, they nod at each other. "Mother Miriam mentioned you had an evacuation plan, anyway knowing that Arl Bryland didn't turn his back on us is very good for morale".

"Indeed, Ser Bryant. Is there a map at hand?", Mother Miriam takes a book and opens it on the table double page map of Ferelden, not ideal but they'll make do. They stand opposite to Elissa, she turns the book to them. She breaths, Maker give me strength, "What we have for certain is that the horde is in Korcari Wilds, to the south," she points to Ostagar. "How many people live here, four to five hundred?"

"Due to the refugees, I'd say that six hundred is a more appropriate guess," Ser Bryant says, without taking his eyes from the book.

"Very well. We have two priorities, evacuating the most people while at same time preserving the most of Ferelden resources, by that I mean settlements, in a minor degree," she pinpoints some villages and cities on the map, "roads", her finger makes a cross at the map, representing the two main highways, "and the most important, our green belt," she draws a circle in the middle of the map.

"The Bannorn," Mother Miriam says, Elissa nods.

"In relation to how evacuate people I think it should be a diaspora," she looks at them.

"You mean, dispersing us," Ser Bryant says, his hand on his chin.

"But that will be the end of Lothering," Mother Miriam says.

"Pardon my bluntness but Lothering days are counted. Besides that a huge flux of people at any single location is nothing less than administrative nightmare," Elissa says.

"She does have a point, Mother, imagine what happened here in the past days in a bigger scale," Ser Bryant says, "and without guidance people will convey to Denerim," he points to its approximate location at the map.

"Agreed," the priestess say, "but how are we going to divide the people?" both of them look at Elissa.

"Well, I considered a division in small groups, like ten or twenty people accompanied by Church members as security, being sent to various locations, to avoid overcrowding. If one doesn't want to leave it's fine, a man has the right to fight and die in his land."

"And what places do you have in mind, Alissa?" Ser Bryant asks.

"I would avoid the south or the Frostback Mountains to the west," once again Elissa points to the map. "To the north we have Lake Calenhad Docks, Crestwood Village, West Hill and... Highever."

Mother Miriam nods, "North seems a good option."

"Indeed, to east we have South Reach and Gwaren," they look at each other, "It's Loghain's teyrn, but for the matter at hand the ruler isn't really important," she looks at them.

"Is that all of our options, Alissa?" Ser Bryant asks.

"No, the last option begs for the discussion of another matter. Group composition." she puts both her hands on the table, "Ideally no families should be dismantled, groups with children or elderly people could settle at nearby locations or, as a safety measure go to the farthest ones."

"But the march," Mother Miriam says.

"I know firsthand about marching, trust me, it is difficult but doable, we have the roads and bandits wouldn't dare attack big groups," she points to the map again, "This, Ser Bryant, is the last option, Rainesfere and Edgehall, for those who want to fight."

"Of course, the Deep Roads," Elissa nods, "Isn't Redcliffe an option?"

"I wouldn't advise it, there's something strange there," Elissa says, he nods.

"Can't the flux of people stir problems among nobility?", Mother Miriam asks, tipping her chin.

"No, the political situation is too delicate right now, I think they're all discussing Ostagar's aftermath."

"Sounds a good temporary solution. We still depend on the Grey Wardens, though" Ser Bryant says, Elissa nods, biting her lip. He turns to the cleric, "You have my approval."

"Very well then, Alissa. It seems that Lothering is indebted to you again. Let's announce our decision," Mother Miriam gestures them to follow, on their way Ser Bryant points to a templar then raises his finger to the roof. Bells start ringing.

They are accompanied by a groups of templars, Elissa stays back, she doesn't want to draw unnecessary attention. People start gathering in front of the Chantry, she can see her friends among the crowd. The crowd curiosity is almost tangible.

"Brothers and sisters," Mother Miriam says, "today is a very special day, the Maker heard our prayers and brought us a solution in our time of need," the crowd reaction is a mix of shining eyes, frowning skepticism and scornful disdain. "It is a very ordinary person like you and me, a woman, whose actions surpasses duty, she chooses to do what is right not what is easy, Alissa envoy of Arl Bryland," Morrigan and Alistair eye each other, eyebrows raised, they look at Elissa who shudders, the cleric steps aside, and strong hands push Elissa to the place where the priestess was speaking.

She stays there, dozens and dozens looking at her, her eyes scan the crowd, she should have paid more attention to her father public speeches instead of just being there, silent and royal, a porcelain doll. She listens to talking about who her identity, "Isn't she the one who took out the brigands? "I've heard she convinced that bloody merchant to sell us," "the girl who has a big mabari."

She sees some familiar faces in the crowd, the brigands, sister Leliana, Morrigan, Alistair and the orphan boy. Being still a kid he is the front row, Elissa looks at him, his big, shiny eyes are locked at her figure, his mouth is slightly open, she lightly nods at him, he smiles, So this is how hope is born. "Fellow countrymen, I won't lie to you dark times are upon us, at Ostagar," people look at each other, she can hear hummings, "at Ostagar I asked myself, why Ferelden? Why us, of all people?"

Their eyes lie upon her, expecting an answer, some of them nod, "Why us!?" others shouts.

Elissa closes her eyes for a moment, "If Maker has a plan, and I do believe he does, he gave us, Fereldans, this burden not as punishment but as acknowledgement of our ingenuity, our tenacity, our indomitable will," she hears some people whistling and shouting. After a short pause, she gently motions then to calm down, "Our late King Cailan," she sees people nodding, whispering to each other, "our late King Cailan, showed us that a Blight is a test of unity, of all people who live in this country, I was there, I saw him marching to the front lines, fighting not as a king but as a man who loves his land, side by side not with his subjects but his fellow countrymen," Alistair nods to Elissa, she hears many oohs.

"Not everyone is able to fight!" a voice raises from the back of the crowd, a big booing succeeds, "Coward!", "He is right!", can be heard, Elissa motions them to calm down when a sudden and loud metal sound, similar to horses charging can be heard, the templars, together stomp the floors, all is silent.

Elissa clears her throat, "Losing ourselves in pointless discussions is not what we need. All of you can fight not by using your skills to the benefit of all, but by living, each live person is a spark to the defiance to the Blight. and this I say, they'll have to fight for each step on our country," she sees many people nodding, "in the end, they will see that they chose the wrong side of the Frostback to emerge," people starting applauding and shouting.

Elissa waits a moment then once again she motions for silence, "Arl Bryland has not forgiven you, he has bestowed upon me full authority to deal with the evacuation, after talking to Head Chantry members, the decision we arrived was to send people to different cities all across the country, together we will endure this crisis… and that's it," she says bearing a strange smile on her face.

Ser Bryant takes her place, thanks her and start giving instructions to them, asking them to: spread the word, organize the most essential goods for a travel and gather in front of the Chantry by noon.

As people start dispersing she goes to her friends, people stop to give her friendly pat her back, other shake her hands, thanking her for everything she has done, others wish her luck on her travels, the little boy hugs her, "Thank you," he says.

"No, I thank you." Elissa says, patting his head.

She finally gets to the others, Elissa takes her travel equipment from Alistair, it's a bit heavier but doable,"That was incredible, Alissa" he says, chuckling.

"I can tell, my legs are trembling until now. Don't even ask me where all that come from," they laugh. "Alissa, it was the first name that come to mind."

"Very secretive, indeed," Alistair says, both start laughing. "But how did you come up with that plan?"

"I don't know, really," Alistair tilts his head. "I suppose, I pretend it was a household, and I had to put it in order."

"That's… quite a way to organize an evacuation, Elissa," she shudders.

"But to what end?" Morrigan asks, nodding.

Alistair is about to reprimand her, "You were right about seeing the small picture," she looks at her. "So I used my power to work in the greater scheme of things."

"Humpf," Morrigan says, quickening her pace, as if she was still the guide.

Alistair chuckles, "In the end you were wrong about one thing."

"Which is?" she asks looking at him.

"You thinking you weren't the one who Duncan chose back at Ostagar," she looks at him, but Alistair is looking to the way ahead, "At the time I had no idea just how wrong were you, his high hopes were well placed."

Elissa feels blushing, "Thanks, it means a lot. But I, no we are not alone in this, Alistair."

"Indeed," he says. "Now where's the witch think she is going."

"Morrigan, wait a second," she turns to Elissa "I have one last thing to do. Let's go there," Elissa points to where Sten's cage is.

They arrive there, she approaches the cage, draws the key and opens the cage, He nods, "Warden Elissa, Taas-shok, let's share battle."

They stare at him, they look him from head to toe, few people has ever saw a qunari, "This is Morrigan, he is Alistair and this is Bo, my mabari," she points to each one of them, Bo barks. "This is Sten, vanguard of the Bera—"

"Beresaad, but only Sten will do."

Elissa nods, "He is a soldier committed to fight the Blight," she takes point. "Let's take the West Road, to Redcliffe."

A/N: I am very happy with this chapter, The whole Lothering was a single chapter but I decided to split it.

I think I'm finally managing to put some colors into the characters.

Please, R&R (it's very important for a first time writer such as myself)