Chapter 11. Limitations and Deception

The next day, Alistair, Kali and Adaia met Rhovaneth and Merenwen at the clearing beneath the oak tree. Adaia had bonded to the grand oak's acorns, and thus also to the tree. Rhovaneth was confident that this would be the ideal place to test the limits of the young mage's power.

The intensity of Alistair and Kali's worry was matched by Adaia's barely controlled excitement. Kali stood with Merenwen but Alistair stood near Rhovaneth and Adaia. Earlier, out of Adaia's hearing, Rhovaneth had tried, unsuccessfully, to convince Alistair that his templar abilities would not be needed…

"Rhovaneth, I don't care. During the Blight I was pulled into the Fade against my will by a demon of sloth. When power and the Fade are involved, trouble is typically not far behind."

"But the Fade isn't involved. Adaia's power comes from nature, from this oak."

Alistair crossed his arms. "Magic can always affect the Fade. I'm not moving…"

So Alistair stood near Rhovaneth and Adaia; his templar abilities were at full alert. On his back was his sword and shield and he prayed that he wouldn't have to use them.

"Daddy, why do you have your weapon and shield?"

So I can strike down anything that crawls from Creators know where or…no, don't go there. "Old habit, sweetling. Better have it and not need it –"

" – Than to need it and not have it," Adaia finished the sentence and sighed. "I know, I know." She turned to Rhovaneth. "Are you ready, Oran?"

"I am, da'len. Come and take my hand."

Adaia closed her eyes and slipped her hand into Rhovaneth's.

Alistair could feel the power surging from his daughter; it was unlike any he power he'd ever encountered.

After a few minutes, Rhovaneth's eyes began to change from brown to blue, the exact shade of Adaia's spell wisp. Adaia still had her eyes closed and still seemed relaxed as the power continued to flow into Rhovaneth.

It was completely silent in the clearing; even the rustle of the trees had ceased, as if the forest, like Adaia's parents, was holding its breath.

Without warning, Adaia pulled her hand away in alarm.

Surprised, Rhovaneth opened her wide; her pupils were completely dilated. Fear was clear in her hoarse plea, "Creators, this is too much!"

Adaia cried out. "Oran, perform a spell, quickly!"

Rhovaneth was already moving and plowed her hands into the dirt. The blue aura moved from Rhovaneth into the soil. When the last of the blue light vanished, the ground began to shake and a young oak tree erupted from the ground near Rhovaneth. It was five feet tall when it stopped growing.

The elven woman collapsed to the ground, conscious but exhausted.

"Oran! Are you alright?"

Alistair stood behind his daughter, watching Rhovaneth carefully.

"I…I am fine…Adaia. Exhausted, but fine."

The young mage moved to put her hand on her teacher's shoulder, but she stopped her. "No, da'len, I must recover on my own. Your power…is great…but too much for me to take…right now. Alistair, could you help me up?"

Once Rhovaneth was standing up, she looked at the small tree, then to Adaia. "How do you feel? Are you drained at all?"

Adaia's brows furrowed in thought, then she smiled. "No. I feel fine, Oran."

Merenwen shook her head in disbelief. "That was…unexpected. Adaia, what made you release Rhovaneth's hand?"

"I felt I had to. I don't know how to describe it, it's like filling a cup with water and pulling it away before the cup overflows."

"Remarkable. You could tell when I had had too much, before I could." Rhovaneth couldn't keep the wonder out of her voice. "In all my long years, I have never seen nor heard of such ability."

Adaia looked worried. "Is that a bad thing?"

Rhovaneth smiled. "No, Adaia, it is an amazing thing. It is a gift."

Kali took Alistair's hand and looked at her husband. His expression mirrored her thoughts: A gift from whom?

~oOOo~

~Mama's Boy

Thank you for the carbuncle cream we have all we need for now. It has made a big difference here.
One of the children we treated was so happy that she drew a picture for your mother; I have included it here.

~Happy Feet.

Varric looked at the drawing and smiled. It was a child's drawing of a foot. On the big toe was a smiling face above the toe was written:

'Thank u mamma, u maid mi sick tow better!'

Varric he burned the note. "Ostwick it is."

~oOOo~

It was sunrise when Val and Leliana arrived in Amaranthine. During the boat ride from Denerim, the two women had agreed that they would stay in the Amaranthine Chantry. Val hadn't wanted to stay at the Crown and Lion because she'd known that the memory of the wonderful honeymoon she and Maric had shared would do nothing but upset her. Since she was leaving for Vigil's Keep in the morning, it was also the practical choice.

Leliana would stay on at the Chantry. Val was suspicious of the Seeker's motives; she'd rather have had Leli come with her to the Vigil, but Leliana had insisted…

"Cassandra was at her worst and our meeting with Loghain and Commander Howe was bitterly contentious. If I went with you, it would make then both extremely uncomfortable. You do not need that, especially given the news you are bringing to Loghain, yes?"

Val had to admit that what Leliana was saying was true, but she was still wary. "Alright, you can stay in Amaranthine, but you must promise me that you will not pursue the issue of the proclamation. If you do, I am sending you back to Starkhaven…full stop."

"I understand, Val. I promise."…

When they entered the Chantry, Val went by the name of Solana Carver. This time she was not a sister; she was simply Leliana's friend. Leliana did not want to divulge her own identity so went by Sister Lucie Aubrac, from Orlais.

Once in her room, Val dispatched a note to Nathaniel. Having nothing else to do but wait, her mind turned to Maric, and the memories of her honeymoon filled her her loneliness, she tried desperately not to feel the pain of Maric's absence, instead of focusing on the joy that they had experienced.

Leliana insisted on going to the inn for supper. Leliana told Val that they would be able to talk in private. Seeing her friend's mood Leliana regaled Val with humorous tales of her adventures

Val felt much better after dinner. Leliana can be irrepressibly happy and it would take a far harder heart than mine to not be drawn in. "Thank you, Leli. I really enjoyed the stories."

"Good, then perhaps you will feel more rested tomorrow morning."

When they returned to the Chantry, Val was surprised to have received a reply from Nathaniel so quickly. They must also have messenger birds.

Sitting on the chair in her room she opened the short note.

Val,

You are always welcome at the Keep. I know not what information you have for Loghain. Whatever it is, know that you have Beth's support, and mine.

See you on the morrow.

Nate

Val blew out the candle, snuggled under the blankets and quickly fell asleep.

Leliana sat at the small desk in her room, took out a blank parchment, and began to write. She was up late into the night before she finished it.

~oOOo~

Rhovaneth had recovered sufficiently to be assisted home. Adaia happily chatted the whole way. Aside from Kali, who walked beside her, the rest of the group of adults were mostly silent, awed and in shock over enormous amount of power the young girl possessed.

The Theirins went home, but Merenwen and Rhovaneth stayed together and talked. They decided it was time to consult with Ríneth and her husband Faenor. They were the oldest of the elves in Revas, having gone into Uthenera in Arlathan before the arrival of humans.

Sitting in Ríneth's and Faenor's great room, Rhovaneth explained everything. Both of the elder elves were stunned, but not unpleasantly.

In fact, Ríneth was practically bubbly. "I haven't seen this since…well since we lived in Arlathen! She felt no ill effects, at all, when sharing her power?"

Rhovaneth shook her head. "None. She didn't feel even remotely drained."

There was also an undercurrent of excitement in Faenor's expression. "Rhovaneth, how old is the oak tree to which she is bound?"

"She is bound indirectly to the tree, she bonded with its acorns. The tree is three hundred years old, I believe. Why?"

"Given her power it seems that she is more directly bonded with the tree, than you may have thought. The tree is three hundred years old? And you're quite sure?" Faenor questioned.

"I admit I am not a botanist, but short of taking a sample of its core, size is all I really have to go on. It is a powerful tree, but that isn't necessarily related to its age. Again, why are you asking?"

Faenor sat back, his expressions and mannerisms were ones of nervous excitement. "For certain trees, size is deceiving, it I'm right, then that tree is far, far different than you thought."

Rhovaneth looked wide-eyed at Faenor. "Surely you aren't suggesting–"

Faenor held up his hand. "We cannot speak of it here. We must return to the forest."

~oOOo~

Val arrived at Vigil's Keep in the early afternoon, and training and sparing were in full swing. Bethany practically pounced on her at the front gate, pulling her sister into a big hug.

"It is so wonderful to see you!" Bethany said out loud. Then she whispered into Val's ear, "Nate told me that you are here to speak with Loghain."

Val nodded, "So, how are things between you and Nate?"

Bethany blushed happily. "We are sharing quarters now. I was worried about what the other wardens would say, but they've been supportive and are happy for both of us."

"They are a good group, more like a family."

Bethany nodded. "That's something we learned from Alistair and our bond has only grown stronger with time."

"I'm really happy to hear that. When I see Alistair again, I'll tell him."

Bethany led Val to the guest room and they were met by Nathaniel. "Sorry for not being there when you arrived, but Rafe had some last minute business that I needed to tend to. It's good to see you!"

Val gave him a hug. "Good to see you too, but I wish it were under better circumstances."

"I don't know what you have to tell Loghain, but I'm assuming it is bad news?"

Val gave a quick nod. "Should I talk to him before dinner or after?"

Before Nathaniel could answer, a familiar voice came from behind them. "After dinner."

Val turned toward the owner of the voice. "Hi Rafe!"

Nathaniel rolled his eyes, but smiled. "Rafe, didn't you get enough of me over the last hour?"

Rafe smirked jokingly. "I can never get enough of you, Commander."

All four of them laughed. Then Bethany stood in front of Nathaniel and said, in mock anger, "Be gone, Rafe, he is mine!"

Val was laughing so hard, that she had to lean against the wall for support. Then she clapped. "Thanks, everyone. I needed that."

Rafe grinned and bowed, "We do two shows a day." Then he sobered. "Seriously, though, if it's bad news, tell him after dinner. Then he won't be under pressure to make an appearance in the dinning hall, which means less gossip."

Val nodded. "That makes sense."

Nathaniel nodded then looked at Val. "Rafe and I would like to know how the mage-templar situation is unfolding. Do you have time to meet with us while you're here?"

"Certainly. Though it depends on how things go with Loghain. If I end up in the infirmary, it might have to wait."

While her words were spoken in jest, it was obvious to Rafe, Bethany, and Nathaniel that her concerns were genuine.

Bethany put her hand on Val's shoulder. "What is it you have to tell him?"

Val shook her head. "I can't tell you. All I can say is that it isn't good news. I can meet with you tomorrow morning?"

Nate answered, "Of course, get settled in."

Val nodded and opened the door. Bethany looked at Nate and Rafe. "I'll have her back to you in time for dinner."

The two men got the hint. Nate gave Bethany a kiss on the cheek, "See you at dinner, love."

Bethany smiled at him. As the men walked down the hall, she practically pushed Val into the room and closed the door behind her. "What is going on?"

Val sat on the couch and sounded both weary and annoyed. "I can't tell you, Beth. If that's all you want to talk about, then go and let me rest."

Beth sat down next to Val. "Okay, okay, I'll wait. Why are you even in Ferelden?"

~oOOo~

The four elves arrived in the clearing. Immediately after Faenor put his hand against the oak tree and closed his eyes he was enveloped in a silvery glow. Ríneth held up her hand to the other two women so they knew not to interfere.

The glow turned blue; the same shade as Adaia's spell wisp, and cloaked both Faenor and the tree, and hid both from view. After a quarter of an hour, the glow dissipated. Faenor looked spellbound, then he turned to them, smiling, with tears in his eyes.

The tree, once an oak, was now a grand Vhenadahl.

~oOOo~

After dinner, Val pulled Loghain aside. "Loghain, I need to speak with you in private. I have an important message for you from Denerim."

Loghain was surprised that Val was acting as a messenger. He had known that Val was coming to the keep, but had assumed it was to see her sister. "I take it that this is why you're here?"

Val nodded.

Loghain couldn't help but feel a sense of dread and fear. "Let's go to my office."

Once Loghain closed the door, Val handed him a scroll. "This is from the King. Please read it. I am here to answer questions and provide…testimony if needed."

Loghain said nothing as he took the scroll. He sat at his desk unrolled it.

Not wanting to show him any possible disrespect, Val stayed standing, as she hadn't been given leave to sit. She watched him read the letter.

Dear Loghain,

It is with profound regret that I inform you of Anora's arrest. She is being charged with attempted regicide and for plotting to murder Warden Commander Alistair Theirin and his wife and daughter. You are Anora's father and it is wrong for you to hear this from anyone else. I am sorry beyond words that I cannot come and tell you personally, but with the Queen in custody, I must stay here.

I have sent Val Hawke in my stead. She was an eyewitness to the events that transpired and can give you details and answer your questions. She is also the one who saved my life. I bid you to trust her as I do

The evidence we have includes both Anora's confession and several entries in her journal that she has admitted are her words, in her hand. At the end of this letter, I have written excerpts from some of the relevant pages.

I will not convene a Landsmeet until I have an acknowledgement from you indicating your receipt of this letter. Trying the Queen of Ferelden for attempted regicide demands an open and fair trial, and a final judgment that is as unbiased as possible.

For her safety, and comfort, she is being held under guard in her rooms in Palace. She is not allowed visitors, but I will lift that restriction for you. As her father you will have all the time with her you need.

There is nothing else I can say. Again, I apologize for not being the one to tell you, but in this my duty as King outweighs my duties as husband and son-in-law.

Maker be with you, and with Ferelden,

Aedan Cousland, Rex.

Excepts from Journal~

17 Haring, 9:39 Dragon

I'm glad I have an ally in the Grand Cleric. She also sees the danger posed by the Warden-Commander and his daughter. As long as they live they are a threat to my rule. I'll give this task to Fallon; Rendon always spoke highly of his skills. Once they are taken care of, the issue of an heir will be far less important.

Aedan would never understand. He may have been willing, albeit not overjoyed, to exile the Wardens if that is what it took to protect Ferelden, but he would never have had the guts to carry out what really needs to be done.

28 Wintermarch

Alistair and his family are nowhere; it's like they fell off the face of Thedas. None of my contacts have heard anything. Nothing from Antiva or Navarra, even Orlais. I know they won't step foot in Tevinter. Where are they?

I can't wait any longer. I need to act. There are plenty of rumors of a Warden's being sterile, and I will not suffer the blame I did while Cailan was alive. I have to secure my throne some other way and this time with no Regent!

I think it's time to visit my Antivan friend. He's never let me down.

30 Wintermarch

Aedan's appetite is going to be the death of him. Helpful that. Alas, I will miss his bedroom talents, but I won't have to worry about that for a few months.

As Val watched Loghain read, she saw his expression change from rage, to deep sorrow, to disgust.

He looked up. "Why are you still standing?"

"Out of respect for you. I thought it best to sit only when I had been given leave to do so."

Loghain's typically icy glare softened a bit. His voice was low. "Please sit, you need no leave from me."

Val sat on one end of sofa; Loghain walked over from his desk and sat on the other end. He said nothing as he looked at the fire.

Val reminded silent and waited for him to speak. After fifteen minutes she was beginning to wonder if he'd speak at all.

Then he looked at Val. "How were you an eyewitness?"

Val told him everything that had transpired, including getting the name of the poison from the Crow assassin, and especially about Clodovea's blackmail of Anora.

When she mentioned Leliana. Loghain bristled. "How much was she involved in this?"

"She found the pages of the journal among Clodovea's things. After she gave the journal pages to us, she went back and killed her. She made it look like a suicide, and made Clodovea write a suicide letter that basically denounced the Proclamation. I was involved in all the events at the Palace including witnessing Aedan's confrontation with Anora and the arrival of Revered Mother Boann."

"Well, at least that Orlesian cow has gone to the Void."

"She was an evil piece of work. Loghain…I am so sorry that this happened. I cannot imagine what it's like for you, as her father."

Loghain looked haunted. "It's like looking at myself when Cailan…when I killed Cailan. I had hoped she would learn from my crimes. I had hoped her marriage to Aedan would be a good one for her and for Ferelden. But it seems that wasn't to be. Tell me, how is Aedan doing?"

Val didn't expect that question, but she answered with what she knew, "I think he is more angry at Anora for wanting to murder Alistair and his family than for her attempt to kill him."

Pain and guilt colored Loghain's tone. "That would make sense, given what Howe did to the Couslands. When I was in Montsimmard and the Antivan elf told me that Alistair's leaving was to save the lives of his and his family, I knew that Aedan couldn't be involved. That it was Anora's idea was bad enough, but I would never have thought that Anora would conspire to kill her own husband, her king." Loghain stood up and poured a brandy. He turned to Val. "Would you care for one Hawke, or do you prefer Lady Theirin?"

"Thank you, I would, and please call me Val."

Loghain nodded and poured brandy into a second glass. After giving the drink to Val, he sat down. His head and shoulders slumped in defeat and the blank look in his eyes seemed as though he had directed his thoughts inward. His voice was low and strained. "I have failed in so many ways, but none hurts more than this. My own daughter…how could she?"

Val assumed it to be a rhetorical question, so she stayed silent and sipped her drink, never taking her eyes off Loghain.

Eventually he looked up. He remembered how Val came between him certain death from Maric's blade. Formidable was how I described her to Rafe. "Val…how is Maric?"

Tear threatened to form, but Val answered calmly, "I am hoping that he's fine. The Templars and Seekers who parted from the Chantry have been organized into a new Inquisition. Maric is leading a team to Andoral's Reach to help the mages. I am here to gather mages and templars to help the mages in the fight. "

Loghain smiled without mirth. "It seems that Maric has stumbled into another rebellion."

"He told me about how the two of you met. Stumbled indeed."

"I take it you aren't on his team as you sided with the Templars?"

Val couldn't keep the sorrow out of her voice. "Yes, I am probably the last person they want to see. But Maric hopes to convince them otherwise."

Loghain's smile was genuine, but shrouded in grief. "Then he should have the mages eating out of his hand before you get there."

A smile of pride lit Val's face. "He does have a gift with people."

"Val, we never spoke after…after my confrontation with Maric. Why did you get in between the two of us?"

"I knew that if he killed you out of revenge, he would regret it for the rest of his life."

"I don't understand. He wants nothing to do with me, why would he have regretted it?"

"Because there is no justice in vengeance."

Loghain's next words were harsh but said gently, "You killed Anders, was that justice or vengeance?"

Val couldn't stop the tears from stinging her eyes. "Neither. It was punishment. Punishment I meted out to a man I loved."

Loghain slowly shook his head. "Has Maric told you of Katriel?"

"Yes."

"I don't think he was ever the same after that. I imagine that it was the same for you. Have Alistair and Maric met?"

Val did not understand where Loghain's mind was going with these questions, but she answered them as best she could. "Like Maric with Katriel, I killed a piece of myself when I killed Anders. Yes, Alistair and Maric have been reunited and have a good father-son relationship. Why are you asking?"

"Because I feel…lost knowing that Maric wants nothing to do with me, that I am as unimportant to him as yesterday's trash. He was like a brother to me and I killed a piece of him by killing his son. Talking with you now is the closest I will ever get to speaking with Maric."

Val heard the pain in Loghain's voice – raw and deep. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him, but she knew he'd brought this on himself, that his suffering was justice. "Why did you do it?" Val asked softly.

"Honestly, I don't know anymore. I…wish I could go back in time. But even then I don't know if the outcome would have been any different. If we'd answered the flanking charge then all of the armies would have been obliterated. There were too many darkspawn and too few wardens. What I should have done was listen to Duncan and waited for the Orlesian wardens, but my hatred of Orlais blinded me and it almost turned Ferelden to ruin."

Loghain stood up. His expression was taciturn once again as he said plainly, "I'm sorry for keeping you here. Thank you for bringing me the news and being here to answer my questions. I will speak with Nathaniel then write to Aedan to tell him I will be coming to Denerim. Thank you, Val, and good night."

Val was taken aback by the sudden dismissal, but didn't show it. "You are welcome. I will see you tomorrow. Good night to you as well."

It was almost midnight when she got back to her room. Rafe and Nathaniel were standing in front of her door waiting for her.

She looked at them. "What's wrong?"

Rafe answered. "My contacts have just informed me that Inquisitors have entered Ostwick."

~oOOo~

AN: Disclaimer – BioWare owns all.

Thank you to my reviewers and those who have followed and faved this tale. Special thank you to my Beta, Shakespira for her editing skills, support, and making sure I am in the right tense!