Dropping down onto a log, Brosca took off his helmet and shook his head. 'This thing doesn't breathe at all… I hope I can find another one.' Seeing Aedan walking among the small crowd with a water bucket, he waved the man over. Taking a small sip, the Dwarf then poured some over his neck. "Good news, my new friend. You're in my group tomorrow. You can read maps, yes?"

"I can… what group is this?"

"It'll be quicker if we split into smaller parties and go after the treaties, instead of going for them one by one. Four Grey Wardens together would probably give off a signal to the 'Spawn, as well… and then, there's what Flemeth said."

"Flemeth?"

"Seems everyone up here has heard of her… yeah, that Flemeth, whatever that means. According to her, since half the forces never arrived for Ostagar, there were only a few skirmishes and not an actual battle. Even if things had gone badly for our side, we would have still carved apart much of the Horde and forced them to withdraw and regroup for months. Without that, and without the other Wardens, we only bought a little leeway and time is on the Archdemon's side – that's what she told the King, he says."

"No, why would something go our way?" the young man sighed. "What's the plan?"

"We're going for Orzammar, to shore up their support. Yourself and your Archer, so you can stay out of the towns for now, me, and the Qunari… where is the big guy?"

"Sten? He, well… he allowed himself four words, and went to the out-house."

Brosca looked over at the small structure. "That's no doubt exactly what I think it is… fair enough."

Alistair and Theron stood at the clearing's edge, watching the others. "So, what's your idea? If I take Cailan, his friend and the lady Knight and leave them in Redcliff, who else?"

"I think I'll take Morrigan and Neria, less of these Templars out in the Forests. Who does that leave?"

"Carver's apparently heading out for the Tower."

"So he'll be Anders' problem, if they run into each other on the way to the Prison" joked the Elf.

"Yeah, that place… so, the lady from the Alienage and the Sister, then." Before they could speak again, an argumentative bark cut them off. "You're obviously following Theron, do we really need to mention you?" Receiving a snarl in response, Alistair shrugged. "The lady from the Alienage, the Sister and the Mabari. What do you think?"

"If you two are going to argue, I better take Garahel." The hound barked in agreement, walking away from the two. "Don't let the name go to your head!" Alistair called after it. "You take the Sister; see if you can ditch her in Redcliff as well. Maybe I can leave the other girl with whichever Dalish tribe I find, if she wants to learn some history from them. Neither seem like they'll be much against the Darkspawn, I think."

"I think you better go grab your dog. Now." Alistair suddenly said.

Brosca lifted his head up from the fruit he had sliced, hearing the Mabari growl at the returning Qunari. Aedan slowly stood up and moved to one side as they continued to growl at each other. He lifted a hand to stop Theron as he ran over, carefully watching the stare-down.

"You are a true warrior, and worthy of respect." As Sten returned to a standing position, Aedan pointed over to Brosca. "He'd like to ask you something, when you're ready."

"If you insist."

"Careful, he'll talk your ear off if you let him" Theron commented as the Mabari walked to his side. "What was that about?"

"I think they were just sizing each other up, and liked what they saw."

"You think? Can't you ask him, like back at the town?"

"Oh, you didn't know I was joking. You can get the general meaning of a Mabari, when you know the gestures. I just played it up, and I saw him bothering your Wilder friend before that… I used to see if I could fool people with the act, with my hound… I guess I fell back into the routine, wishing he were here."

"I knew a Ranger from another tribe who could do it; I just figured you had good teachers."

"Not that good, and I've never met a Dalish hunter before. Looks like Alistair's got the Royal procession… what about your group?"

"The two Mage women and the city girl. We'll see if we can find one of the tribes."

"Keeping her off the main roads, too. Good idea."

Theron raised a brow. "Ah yes, you two met before. Is there a story I should know?"

"I don't know if I should get into it too much… short answer, she's wanted by the Denerim guards."

"Hmm… maybe she won't be dead weight if we have to fight. I should let her know about the arrangements, then."

Across the clearing, they heard Morrigan loudly snap at Surana. "I do not probe you for pointless information, do I?" Aedan shook his head. "Such a friendly tongue she has – good luck with those two."

"She's got her mother's charm; true… hopefully, Flemeth handed down her talent as well."

"That's her mother? The Flemeth?" Aedan asked, stunned.

"So she claimed. Even if she's not, you can sense the power from her."

"Brosca mentioned… huh. I guess I'll have to try being polite, since our families go back so far. So to speak." Shaking off the thought, they moved on to where Kallian and Leliana sat. Overhearing the conversation as they approached, Theron's face dropped into a scowl.

"A well-trained Elven servant is highly valued, in Orlais. They are nimble and dexterous, and many people find them pleasing to look at."

Cutting off the discussion, Theron stepped forward to stare down at them. "How very nice… one could give the same description to a prize-winning animal. Perhaps you know some Lord she can offer herself to? What's the finder's fee, I wonder?"

Aedan covered half his face with a hand, as Leliana tried to babble an apology from her shamed shock. Glaring, Kallian rose up and stared fiercely at the Dalish. "Oh, spare us the self-righteous sneer! I'm sure it's nice, running around the woods and not having to make a difference, but guess what? You're out in the actual world now, where things have consequences. But not to worry, right? Once you're done, you can wander off to your fantasy – those of us who can face current events aren't going to miss you!" She shoved the larger Elf backwards, almost sending him off-balance, before she sat down again. Waving off Leliana's continuing apology, she turned back to Theron. "Ignore him; they're all just relics of the past." Watching him snarl, she gave a wicked smile. "As for your idea, Mr Superior – I met three Lords who thought me something to be offered up. They all had a short and messy disagreement with a sword I borrowed."

Throwing up his hands, he marched off in disgust. "Flat eared trollop…" he muttered on his way.

"Don't worry, my quota filled with those three. You're quite welcome to sit, my Lord."

Sliding down against a tree, Aedan hung his head in shock. "Well… that could have gone better. Or worse, I suppose. I'm sorry about his reaction, I should have…"

Kallian shook her head. "Not much you could have done, if he's going to spit nonsense at a simple discussion of where my people are. Playing make-belief that its a thousand years ago is just denial, if you ask me. Or a child's game, one of the two."

Turning to the other woman, she added. "Please, don't worry about it. I'm just sorry he ruined our conversation."

"But – what you said. I didn't mean to make yourself a" Leliana started, before being shushed.

"I know. I can accept people I trust knowing what happened… mostly. As for him, I don't care what he thinks about it, or me. Did he even want anything, or did he come over to judge?" she asked Aedan.

"Umm, well – the Wardens have decided to split up for faster travel, and regroup after getting their treaties seen to. You're in his group, it seems."

"… Well then, this'll be a lovely journey."

The sound of an approaching wagon broke Cailan's gaze on the sunset, making him turn to see it pull up near the house.

He strode over, joining Aedan who was welcoming the two dwarves as they stepped down.

"Your Highness, may I introduce Bodahn Feddic?"

"At your service, Majesty. I was hoping to find your group before it left – perhaps I have items they might need, and the road is safer in numbers these days."

"Perhaps you will, Serrah Feddic. We'll be splitting into smaller parties in the morning; maybe they'll peruse your stock before they leave."

Bodahn bowed appreciatively, before turning to Aedan. "We still have some of your items in the back as well, meserre." Nodding, he walked to the wagon and rummaged through the pile in the dying light. Finding his backpack safely placed in the back corner, he turned to the merchant. "Is that blade still here?"

"I moved them so they wouldn't get lost in the pile; it's in the rack underneath the wagon. I've learnt it's best to keep rarer items out of sight."

Crawling under, the youth finally managed to unclasp it. Rolling out, Cailan took the large sword from him as he got back to his feet.

"What in Andraste's name is this?" the King asked, looking it over.

"I picked it up from a shady little trader in the north, as we were heading south. I thought it would look menacing to any would-be highwaymen. It's a bit too unwieldy for actual use, though, but that's to be expected. He insisted it's a Qunari weapon, but I don't know where he would… Oh."

Taking the weapon back, he walked over to Sten. Watching the giant slowly inspect a bowl of food someone had given him, Aedan cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Sten?"

"I'm not aware your actions need excusing."

"… cute. I'm sorry if I'm disturbing your meal, but…"

"It is no problem, the meal is already disturbing" he sighed, staring at it.

Turning to Cailan, Aedan whispered "He's got hundreds of those lines saved up, I'm sure of it."

"Anyway… I obtained this on the road, days ago. I'm wondering if you recognise it?"

Holding the blade out, he waited for a reaction. 'Don't freak out, don't freak out, don't freak out…' bounced around the young man's head, unsure if it was meant for him or the Qunari.

Sten finally took the weapon, his expression showing an unreadable change before he turned and walked to one of the larger tents and disappeared inside. Brosca watched, turning back to the humans. "If he thanks you, it'll probably be tomorrow. Less onlookers, I expect. Good thing young Carver found their old three-sleeper tent, we might have needed to stitch two of ours together for Sten."

Finishing preparations with her own small pot, Surana spooned out the contents into three bowls. Asking Theron to hold one out of his Mabari's reach, she picked up the other two and looked around the group. Walking over to Anders first, she offered one. "You better save room for this, too."

"Or I'll have it first, if it's better than Alistair's attempt." Sitting on the nearest log, Morrigan snorted. "I expect that mangy hound would prove a better cook than the fool." Taking the bowl, he sniffed it hesitantly before dropping in a finger and tasting it.

"This tastes like the gloppy soup they always give us for supper in the Tower." Trying another small dab, his face turned. "It is, isn't it?"

"I got the recipe from Wynne" Neria started to say, as he poured out the bowl and returned to his initial one.

"No offense, but I'd rather try something new… so sick of that stuff" Anders muttered, as she sighed and offered the last bowl to Morrigan. Repeating his taste-test, she paused thoughtfully. "A very odd combination of herbs and the preparation too… unless the intent is…" pausing again to sniff the bowl, she nodded. "I believe I know this mixture, but not as a meal. Tis quite smart of your Circle to continually serve it at night, even if they make no attempts to give it novelty."

Looking over at the two, Anders was confused. "What are you talking about?"

Morrigan snorted again, as Neria gave him a soft grin. "You'll figure it out, in the morning."

After some time passed, Cailan found himself by the camp-fire as those still awake debated the first watch line-up. Brosca was the assigned Warden, watching Varric and Aedan rolling 'the lucky Tethras dice' in a contest to pick his companion for the duty, since Kallian had already beaten the two men.

Interrupting his betting discussion with the Elf about Aedan and Varric, Elric grabbed Cailan by the shoulder and moved him away from the camp-fire. "I think we have a problem, Sire."

Frowning, the King looked at his second. "The chest you recovered from Ostagar... is it Celene's letters?"

"Not quite – I had removed them all, and was burning them in the house's stove."

"Good – I'll be glad when I can pretend they never existed. What could be wrong then… my father's sword?"

"When I looked up from stoking the last few pages into the flames, I noticed the soldier at the kitchen table… she said she couldn't sleep, and she had begun looking over your notes for the battle. She was quite insistent, claiming a quick strategy session would calm her mind. I'm worried she might realise what you intended."

Trying to remember what he had jotted down amongst the strategy drafts, he looked over as he heard a door slam open, as if on cue.

Finally spotting Aveline from the fire-light reflecting off her sword, Cailan braced himself as she approached in rage. Her gut-punch dropped the young King to one knee, before another came to his jaw and spun him face-first to the ground. Seeing the stunned on-lookers by the fire, she marched over and settled her gaze on Aedan.

"I daresay he'll prefer your company in the morning, and I'd rather not look at him again… you agree to swapping groups?" Still dumbstruck, he simply nodded as she vanished into the night and back to the house. Breaking the silence, Kallian finally spoke. "While we're switching, I'll join that group with you" she told the young man. "I'd much prefer your company, and Theron can fill his fourth spot with that dog since he likes pedigree animals so much." Smiling at the joke, he turned to Varric. "What about you?" Shaking his head, his Dwarven friend poked at the fire while Elric helped Cailan to his feet as they headed over to the house.

"I can get some Guild business out of the way, in Orzammar – that'll help shut Bartrand up when I get home. I guess I should see the city once, at least, and when else will I get a chance?" With an unnoticed peripheral glance at Kallian as she watched Aedan, he added "I hardly think you'll get into any unwanted trouble before we regroup, I'm sure things will be just fine until then… hopefully you enjoy it."

Picking up the dice, Aedan nodded absently, not picking up on the Dwarf's meaning. "Well then, we just have to settle who's on watch?"

Suddenly appearing in the light, Morrigan sat down. "I believe I shall. I doubt any of you wanted it too much, and that display from our red-haired associate has me far too amused to sleep just yet. Perhaps I can slip something into her food in the morning, so she and the King can give an encore for those who missed it?"

Too tired to respond, most of the group retreated to their tents. Turning to Brosca, her grin remained wide. "Silence does not equal disapproval, I find. I shall consider it a mutual 'maybe'."