A/N: Mad props to reader khamul14 for creating a nice fan art for this story. Check it out on deviantart:
/art/Defenders-of-the-Empty-Throne-529042354
And now, on to the story itself! :)
Chapter 21
Village of Haven
Following the swift horse ride back to Haven, neither Maxime, nor Bethany or Cassandra appeared to have the energy or will to call for an immediate meeting of the War Council. Amidst the many people wanting to greet them and eager for any news coming out of the Hinterlands, Bethany could not manage more than just a brief exchange of words with Josephine. As much as she would have loved to spend more time with the ambassador, it was simply impossible in the busy Haven chantry, and Josephine seemed to understand that, accompanying her retreat with a sympathetic smile when Bethany left for her private chambers in order to sneak in a couple of hours worth of sleep.
It was already late in the afternoon when Bethany woke up, feeling much more refreshed and reenergized. She spent the next hour or so reading through the reports of their field agents, impressed at how meticulously Josephine had arranged the messages, making it very easy for her to catch up with the latest news and the state of the network. Bethany then spent a few more minutes to scribble down the more pressing issues that needed addressing through the spy network, such as assigning two of her elven agents to find out more about this Clan Virnehn of the Dalish elves, and their supposed First, Mihris. Once the more immediate tasks had been taken care of, Bethany rose from her seat and left the room, noticing that there were a great deal fewer people milling about the chantry. This allowed her to quickly cross the halls without attracting much attention, Bethany knocking on the doors to the ambassador's private quarters, Josephine hastily welcoming her in, looking as if she had very much been waiting and looking forward to the visit.
"So, how was the Hinterlands adventure?" Josie asked excitedly as they sat down side by side on the sofa, the ambassador briefly taking Bethany's hand in hers, but then releasing it with a faint blush on her cheeks, even if Bethany silently wished for the contact to last a while longer. "Tell me everything!"
"But I've already told you almost everything in the raven messages," Bethany chuckled in response. "A mixed bag of results, I suppose? We succeeded in rescuing Mother Giselle and the horses will arrive within a week, but we failed to recruit the rebel mages."
"Yes, the Queen outplayed us there," Josephine nodded, sounding a little frustrated. "And I am yet to receive a reply from her about sending some of her mages to help with the Breach. Perhaps she fears that they might defect and join the Inquisition for good?"
"That could very well be it," Bethany nodded, looking around the ambassador's room, the crackling fireplace and the warmth coming from Josie next to her making the raven-haired mage feel particularly comfortable and homey. "You know, Haven might be a bit of a frozen dump, but I'm still glad to be back."
"I could not be happier about your return," Josephine confessed with a warm smile on her lips. "When Alistair told me that you might be gone for several weeks... well... let's just say... I am very relieved that he was mistaken."
"Me too," Bethany smiled back at the Antivan, wrapping her arm around Josie's shoulder to briefly hug her. "And I need to thank you about sorting all the reports of the spy network. I can't believe that you figured out my system of notes and were able to follow it so perfectly!"
"Oh... it wasn't that hard," Josephine blushed at the compliment. "Besides... I had some free time on my hands, so..."
"Well, in any case, it is deeply appreciated," Bethany smiled. "Oh... I meant to ask about Mother Giselle… I saw her in the chantry, but only briefly. Did she and her people arrive safely?"
"Yes, I did not hear about any difficulties on the road," Josie nodded. "We are having some issues accommodating all those coming to pledge their swords or staves to the Inquisition. Alistair has ordered some of the men to construct more log buildings with all haste, but he's also having to dispatch some of the recent recruits without them receiving as much training as they ideally should get. It is not the best solution, but there are no good alternatives. Hopefully the Hinterlands are safer by now and we are not sending our new soldiers to their deaths."
"Oh, I think we left the Hinterlands in a much more peaceful state, and our forces there continue to further stabilize the region," Bethany replied. "But you brought up a good point, perhaps without even meaning to do so. Haven really isn't well suited for a quickly growing organization like the Inquisition."
"I am so glad to hear you say that!" Josephine exclaimed with obvious relief. "This place is miserable! I would have us move to Val Royeaux as soon as possible!"
"Heh, I know exactly what you mean," Bethany grinned. "The cold, lack of any comforts... it's a little frustrating, isn't it?" Josie nodded fervently at that. "But right now it probably isn't safe to move, at least not to Val Royeaux. And even if and when we move, I'm not sure it should be to the capital. Where in Val Royeaux could we settle a military organization such as this? The empress would probably not even allow it; perhaps she would feel threatened by having us so close? Anyway, this is a matter of discussion for later."
"You are correct, of course," Josephine admitted, her enthusiasm a little deflated. "And for now we can just about manage here in Haven. At least Mother Giselle and her people never complain about their accommodations. She is a very nice and kind lady, isn't she?" Bethany nodded to that. "She also gave me a list of the more moderate Chantry clerics to contact for a meeting in Val Royeaux."
"Sounds promising," Bethany smiled. "Any success so far on that front?"
"All save for one or two that I have written to have agreed to meet the Herald in the capital," Josephine replied. "Cassandra is preparing to call a War Council meeting later tonight, I imagine that will be one of the items on her agenda."
"I am a little worried about the safety of the Herald, but on the other hand, we don't have much choice, especially if Queen Maythre continues to be stubborn and unhelpful," Bethany sighed. "I think I will have to support this trip to Val Royeaux, no matter how risky it is."
"My thoughts on the matter are quite similar," Josephine agreed thoughtfully. "Perhaps, given the Herald's previous attempts at diplomacy, I should accompany him to the capital and advise him more actively."
"That sounds like a good idea... and I'm sure there is no ulterior motive in escaping this freezing dump for at least a brief while," Bethany winked at her blushing friend. "But I understand completely, I would hope to travel to the capital myself. Given my ties to the Chantry, I believe I could also be of help."
"Most definitely," Josephine nodded. "I must confess, there are personal matters I must attend to in the capital. I did leave my post of the Antivan ambassador rather abruptly, so there are loose ends I need to address. For one, my living quarters were at the embassy itself, and obviously I am no longer entitled to use them. There are some of my personal things that have been left behind and I must collect those as well."
"You no longer have a place to stay in the capital?" Bethany asked, Josephine shaking her head ruefully in reply. "Well, I have a decently-sized apartment not too far from the Grand Cathedral. I'd like you to stay with me at my place. You can also leave your belongings there for the time being."
"You... you really mean it?" Josie gasped, giving Bethany a wide-eyed stare, then tightly hugging the mage after she had reaffirmed her invitation with a quick nod. "Thank you, thank you ever so much!"
"It's not a big deal, honestly," Bethany replied, feeling exceedingly warm from the tight embrace and immediately wishing that their potential stay in Val Royeaux would last longer than just a single day. "Besides, do not thank me too soon. We can't be sure that Cassandra and the Herald will approve of us both traveling to Val Royeaux."
"Ah... yes, of course, I suppose I was getting ahead of myself," Josephine admitted reluctantly. "And speaking of the Herald... I have not heard yet whether you encountered his brother's group."
"We never met them, but this is not a big surprise, Hinterlands is a massive region," Bethany replied. "Truly, Ser Hector would have made a better decision by staying here in Haven and waiting a few days."
"That's what I unsuccessfully tried to convince him of," Josephine nodded. "The Trevelyans are quite the important family in the Free Marches, and their reach expands to Orlais as well, which gives the Inquisition some legitimacy... so I was thinking about contacting them for their formal support of the Inquisition, but after everything I have thus far learned about Ser Maxime's relationship with his family... I'm no longer certain that this would be a good idea."
"I would avoid pursuing this path, at least in the near future," Bethany agreed. She was about to say more, when suddenly there was a knock on the doors, the two women sharing a surprised look between them before Josie reluctantly moved a little away from Bethany on the sofa before calling for the visitor to enter.
"Ah, I thought I would find you here," Warden Alistair spoke, having entered the ambassador's quarters, smiling as he looked at Bethany. "I'm... not interrupting something extremely important, I hope?"
"Don't worry, Alistair," Bethany smiled back at the Warden. "Just catching up with all that's happened since our departure to the Hinterlands." She peered a little more closely at the commander of the Inquisition's forces, in the sparse light provided by the fireplace almost missing the fact that Alistair was sporting an angry red bruise on his chin. "What happened, Alistair? Do you require treatment? I'm sure that Mother Giselle's people..."
"No, no, it is merely a scratch, do not concern yourselves over it," Alistair shook his head. "A simple accident while breaking up a fight."
"A fight? There was a fight, here in the village?" Josephine gasped. "What happened?"
"Chancellor Roderick happened, I think. No, no, he did not attack me himself... that would not have gone well for him," Alistair chuckled. "But it seems like he has managed to incite some of the templars and mages under our banner to accuse each other of the death of Divine Justinia."
"I will speak to our mages, Alistair," Bethany said decisively. "Starting from today, you will never hear a single accusing word of dissent from their mouths again, I promise you that."
"It's all Roderick's fault, anyway," Josephine was practically seething. "That petty, vile man is bent on undermining us on every step!"
"Well, not any longer," Alistair said. "Not in Haven, anyway. The Herald personally threw him out of the village and banned him from ever returning again. I'm not sure how wise that was, but... well, at least we'll have a measure of peace around here."
"It might not be the smartest political move, but at this point, honestly I'm more relieved than anything," Josephine sighed. "Good riddance, Chancellor Roderick. He'll probably crawl back to the capital to stir trouble there upon our visit."
"Yes... that he will," Bethany frowned, then looking back at the Warden. "I'm sorry, I forced you to digress when inquiring about your bruises, Alistair. You were... looking for me?"
"Indeed, I was," Alistair nodded. "There is a... request I wished to make of you, if the spy network is not too busy to handle a simply inquiry of mine."
"I believe I have one or two agents on the standby, yes," Bethany replied, intrigued as she threw a quick glance at the ambassador. "Is this something we must discuss privately? I would prefer not to keep secrets from Josie."
"It is hardly something that should be kept a secret," Alistair said, grabbing a spare chair at Josephine's urging and taking a seat. "I already told Cassandra, so you probably also know that I have been unable to contact the Grey Wardens of Orlais, for they have all suddenly disappeared."
"She did mention that, yes," Bethany replied, Josie nodding along with her.
"I would ask you to assign one or two agents to look for the Grey Wardens," Alistair continued. "I realize that this is not directly tied to our mission to seal the Breach, and yet... we are talking about two to three hundred exceptionally skilled warriors and mages from a secretive organization, suddenly going underground and disappearing. It is an extraordinary event that should be looked into, wouldn't you agree?"
"When you put it like that, then yes, I do agree," Bethany agreed without much thinking.
"Do you have any theories, Alistair?" Josephine asked. "I could ask if the same thing is happening in Antiva if you wish me to?"
"I have no theories, and yes, Josephine, I would very much appreciate any light that can be shed upon this mystery," Alistair replied gratefully.
"If we end up traveling to the capital, perhaps we can do some sleuthing of our own," Bethany added thoughtfully. "I believe that my agents have the location of the Warden base. We could take a look for ourselves."
"Planning a visit to the capital, are you?" Alistair's eyebrows rose. "Is this tied to the plan that Mother Giselle came up with? The one that Cassandra wants us to discuss... actually, we should probably start heading towards the War Room by now. The hour appears to be later than I thought it was," he added.
"We were just thinking that when it comes to persuading Chantry clerics, we might have slightly more success than the Herald," Josephine said in her best polite voice.
"Uh, yes... it's hard to disagree with that assessment," Alistair grinned. "I think you would probably do better at persuading just about anyone. I know I would be easily swayed by two charming silver-tongued ladies." Bethany and Josephine exchanged a quick glance before bursting into girlish giggles at that description.
"Err... well... as I was saying," Alistair cleared his throat before getting up from the chair and turning towards the doors. "Feel free to proceed to the War Room, ladies. I still need to locate our elusive Herald of Andraste... the man seems to possess some kind of divine ability to evade important meetings."
"I could have done with the Maker's gift to dodge all the boring negotiations during my time as the Antivan ambassador," Josephine chuckled, getting up from the sofa and offering her hand to Bethany, the three of them leaving the ambassador's quarters together, the two women turning left to proceed to the War Room, while Alistair let out a deep sigh and headed for the exit from the chantry in search of the missing Herald of Andraste.
"Shush... quiet... quiet now," Maxime whispered hoarsely, pressing his partner tightly against the back wall of the inn, the woman's arms and legs tightly wound around him, her body still rippling with the contractions of her culmination as her muffled cries were absorbed in the crook of his shoulder. "That's a good girl," he added soothingly, hearing someone calling his name in the distance, the sounds coming closer and closer as he pulled out of his thoroughly worn out partner, lowering her legs back to the ground, but having to hold her for she appeared unable to stand, much less walk.
"That was..." Flissa breathed out, her face flushed deep red from the exhausting sexual encounter.
"Magnificent, I know," Maxime chuckled, lowering Flissa's skirt and smoothening it out, then pulling his trousers up and quickly making sure that he appeared presentable to those searching for him. "Do you think you will be able to walk now?"
"I... I think so," Flissa whispered weakly. "Thank you, Herald. That was... divine."
"Just remember, not a word of this to anyone, yes?" Maxime gave the woman a firm stare. "This will be our little secret, my lovely Flissa, do you understand?"
"I... yes, of course, I would not dare to defy the will of the Herald," Flissa responded obediently.
"Good, good," Maxime nodded with a smile, nudging Flissa's shoulder to spin the woman around and dismissing her with a light slap on her backside. "Run along now, my dear, and we shall catch up later." As Flissa walked away, a little awkwardly and looking rather sore, Maxime grinned in victorious satisfaction, turning around and proceeding to circle around the inn from the opposite direction, soon stumbling upon Alistair and two of the recent recruits looking for him and apparently starting to get a little nervous.
"There you are!" Alistair exclaimed in relief. "We are running late for the War Council! You do know how Cassandra gets when someone is late for those meetings, yes?"
"Are you implying that our darling Cassandra can ever be in a mood described as foul?" Maxime replied with a question of his own, prompting barely contained guffawing from the fresh-faced recruits.
"I believe that we will shortly receive an answer to this question," Alistair sighed, turning back towards the chantry and beckoning Maxime to follow him quickly. "Now hurry up, will you?"
"Running all the way," Maxime replied, though he did not appear to rush after the Warden with any great haste.
As expected, the others had already gathered in the War Room, Cassandra at the far end of the war table, Bethany and Josephine on one side, Mother Giselle sitting opposite to the pair, leaving two seats free for Alistair and Maxime. "At last," Cassandra sighed, appearing a little irritated with the two men, though it hardly was Alistair's fault that he too was running late. "Now that we have finally gathered, we can begin discussing the matter at hand. As you all know, the situation has changed dramatically since our journey to the Hinterlands. Making a deal with the rebel mages directly is no longer possible, and it appears that Queen Maythre is stalling with her reply to our request for help."
"Yes, that would appear to be the case," Josephine affirmed the opening statement.
"We have managed to recruit a few individual apostates, and there are currently seven mages in total, serving under the banner of the Inquisition," Bethany continued. "But Solas tells me that the amount of power required to seal the Breach must come from anywhere between thirty to fifty mages, so we are still a long way off that mark."
"Understood," Cassandra nodded. "With that path cut off, at least for the time being, we must explore other options, and as Alistair previously suggested, the templars could be just as effective in helping the Herald seal the Breach. Our spies have yet to locate the renegade templars, but we are hoping that perhaps meeting and appeasing the Chantry clerics in Val Royeaux would bring us in contact with the Templar Order. This is why I believe that pursuing the undoubtedly risky plan suggested by Mother Giselle remains our only logical course of action."
"Sure, let's march over to the capital and see whether the angry mob tears the Herald to pieces or not," Maxime chuckled. "Should be fun. I mean, what's life without taking a few risks here and there, right?"
"Does that mean you have a better idea, Herald?" Cassandra asked with a frown on her face, a frown that only deepened when Maxime merely brushed off the question with a flippant shrug. "I thought so."
"Honestly, having the Herald address the clerics is not a horrible plan," Josephine said. "Mother Giselle's idea is sound," she added, smiling at the Revered Mother, sitting and for now keeping quiet on the opposite side of the war table. "The Chantry's only strength is that they are united in their opinion."
"You should say that they appear united in their opinion, dear girl," Mother Giselle inserted in a kind voice. "The reality is very different, let me assure you. Most of the clerics have an agenda of their own, which is sad to admit for they should only have the agenda of the Maker at heart. But you are right that they are at least trying to appear united in the face of something that they perceive as a threat."
"And if we present ourselves in a way where it becomes self-evident that we are not a threat, their main argument against us will lose all credibility," Josephine finished, looking at Herald. "If you state clearly and convincingly your willingness to work with the Chantry, and not to oppose the clerics... it will become difficult for them to continue denouncing you and still maintain the popular support of the masses."
"Especially if our story is sweetened by the tales of our exploits in stabilizing the Hinterlands," Bethany clicked her tongue, nodding along to Josephine's plan.
"More and more sweet-talking, huh? I can do that," Maxime replied. "It certainly would help if a Fade rift suddenly appeared somewhere in Val Royeaux. An example of what I can do would convince them more than any story."
"I agree, but unfortunately, we do not have the ability to open Fade rifts at will," Bethany said.
"Really?" Maxime gave her an inquiring glance. "I bet you could figure out how to do that if you really put your clever mind to it, Bethany."
"I... I suppose I could, theoretically, but I won't consider it," Bethany shook her head. "That would be most foolish and irresponsible."
"I feel that we are starting to digress," Cassandra spoke out aloud, silencing everyone. "We are all in agreement that this is the path we are going to pursue, yes? If you have any objections, speak up now." Nobody spoke up, so the Seeker continued after a brief pause. "Very well. We have a list of names of the clerics who have agreed to speak with us. Some of them are familiar to me, and while I have deep respect for those I know personally, I cannot be certain how their opinions have changed in the wake of the Divine's death."
"Exactly," Bethany nodded. "We cannot be certain of anyone supporting us. Mother Giselle," she looked at the dark-skinned cleric. "You have seen the list of the names as well. What do you think? How is this going to work?"
"Those who I expected to be reasonable and willing to talk have stepped forth," Giselle replied. "But do not expect to go to Val Royeaux and face a crowd of twenty Revered Mothers, all trying to talk over each other and descending into bickering amongst themselves. To present a unified front, they will choose a single spokesperson that will be their voice, whether to accept or denounce the Inquisition. From the list that I have before me... I believe that you will most likely face Revered Mother Hevara."
"Mother Hevara..." Cassandra frowned a little at that. "I always thought that she was one of the least charismatic from the clerics. But she has a sharp mind, and oftentimes, an even sharper tongue."
"She always appeared happy to toe Justinia's line, but how strongly did she truly feel about the reformation of the Chantry that Justinia had in mind?" Bethany wondered. "I must confess, I often thought her to be nodding along simply because she thought that it was expected of her, but I detected no real passion from her regarding the ideals Divine Justinia preached."
"You are a shrewd judge of character, child," Giselle smiled at Bethany. "Mother Hevara is most assuredly playing a game of her own. A game you must outplay her at."
"Sounds good to me," Maxime said, yawning broadly to indicate his boredom. "When do we leave?"
"At the first opportunity, obviously," Cassandra replied. "Considering the importance of the mission, I would like for the leadership of the Inquisition to be present at these talks. However, at least one of us has to remain behind in Haven."
"Let it be me, then," Alistair spoke up for the first time during the meeting. "Dealing with Chantry clerics has never been my strong point. But I would encourage you to take both Bethany and Josephine with you, this is exactly the kind of matter they can help with." Both women looked up and smiled at Alistair at the unexpected but welcomed show of support.
"Agreed," Cassandra nodded, looking at Bethany. "If you could send out a raven to the capital..."
"I'll get on that right away, Cassandra," Bethany said hastily, rising from the table, and then looking at Josie. "Ambassador, perhaps if you would help me to compose a message to the clerics?"
"Of course, Bethany," Josephine immediately agreed, the two women hurriedly departing from the War Room, Alistair watching them leave with a warm smile on his lips while the others appeared more or less oblivious.
Cassandra briefly stared at Mother Giselle, as if about to ask the Revered Mother to accompany them on the visit to the capital, but the Seeker remained silent, probably realizing that asking Giselle to take sides so openly would be unfair to the Revered Mother. "Naturally, I will accompany the Herald as well," she said a while later following a moment of silence.
"One can never be surrounded by too many beautiful women," Maxime commented, but the words were largely ignored, not that it seemed to upset the man.
"Quite," Cassandra stated simply, though she seemed to have lost her trail of thought for a moment. "I believe that we will take only a few soldiers with us, risky as that might be. We cannot arrive in the capital surrounded by a large force; our opposition would simply see that as an act of provocation. Let us aim for departure sometime tomorrow. I realize that I must give Bethany some time to organize her spy network, but once that is taken care of, we should depart for the capital."
"Right, well, if that is all-..." Maxime spoke, looking to be in a hurry to get up and leave, but Giselle spoke out suddenly, stopping him.
"A word of advice, Herald, if I may," the elderly cleric spoke up. "While I have little doubt as to your ability to convince the clerics in Val Royeaux, I would warn you against... flirting with Mother Hevara. It would be received... extremely poorly. Please try to keep that in mind."
"Of course, Mother Giselle," Maxime bowed gallantly. "In any case, I do not think that she sounds like my type," he added with a broad grin before leaving the War Room and leaving Cassandra, Alistair and Giselle behind, all three of them letting out frustrated sighs.
"If Ser Maxime truly has been sent to us by the Maker, then I must say that the Maker has a strange sense of humor," Alistair commented as the doors to the War Room closed behind the Herald's back.
"Too true," Cassandra grumbled, then looking at Mother Giselle. "Revered Mother, have you settled in well? Amidst all this chaos, I did not have an opportunity to ask earlier."
"Thank you, Seeker, my people and I are satisfied with our accommodations, and the overall conditions," Giselle replied. "We have started to look for the best way to help the Inquisition and the people of Haven. Seeker Cassandra, it seems as if you have some highly talented individuals in your ranks, and yet, they are simply focusing on their own duties, when they could be far more effective by working together."
"What do you mean, Mother Giselle?" Cassandra asked.
"For example, take your researcher, Minaeve, and the local alchemist, Adan," Giselle explained. "They have both come up with some excellent ideas, but they have never sat down together and discussed how their individual research could compliment the other's work. I believe that I can coordinate their work and have them come up with more effective ways to help the Inquisition, especially in healing injuries, of which there always seem to be plenty. With the resources provided by your quartermaster, and that surly merchant..."
"Ah, Segritt," Alistair chuckled. "Yes, he is a ray of sunshine, isn't he?"
"It took some effort, but I convinced him to donate some much needed resources for the common good of us all," Giselle smiled, both Alistair and Cassandra looking both surprised and impressed by the cleric's ability to charm someone as selfish as Segritt.
"We will greatly appreciate any way you are able to help the Inquisition, Mother Giselle," Cassandra spoke gratefully, Alistair nodding along with her. "If there is anything you require, please do not hesitate to speak to either of us... and knowing you, I do not doubt that you will speak your mind openly, a quality that I most sincerely appreciate in a person."
"Thank you, Seeker," Giselle smiled slowly. "I must say, a part of my reason for staying with the Inquisition is to make sure, within my ability, that it proves less brutal than its predecessor. What I have seen so far fills me with hope."
"I would like to believe that the times have changed and that we will never see return to those dark days," Cassandra spoke grimly. "Of course... if the chaos continues to spread and we fail to close the Breach... who knows what could happen. It is best not to entertain such dark thoughts."
"Indeed," Alistair nodded, turning towards the Revered Mother. "Mother Giselle, how long do you think it will take the Chantry to select a new Divine?"
"It is impossible to say right now," Giselle shrugged. "I believe that we are very far from even calling for the Great Consensus. The gathering of the Grand Clerics that elect the new Divine," she added for Alistair's benefit.
"I heard people saying that all the Grand Clerics perished at the Conclave," Alistair said. "But that can't be true, can it? I doubt each and every one of them would have made the journey."
"You are correct, although most of them did travel to the Temple of Sacred Ashes and perished," Giselle replied. "As I understand, the remaining clerics at the Grand Cathedral are trying to establish which of the Grand Clerics are still alive. But even now I hear voices calling out that the remaining number is too small to give Great Consensus of only the Grand Clerics any sort of legitimacy. What if we are talking about six or eight people that would choose the next Divine? It would cast doubt on any chosen candidate. A Divine can act decisively and effectively only when she has the support of the majority."
"What can be done to address the problem?" Cassandra asked worriedly.
"I believe that the Great Consensus must be opened to the surviving Revered Mothers across Thedas," Giselle explained. "I have voiced this suggestion to my peers, and many have reacted approvingly to it. Save for the surviving Grand Clerics, of course. They would wish that their small group of survivors retained the power to choose the next Divine, even if they realize that it cannot work. I am afraid that there is much internal strife within the Chantry right now. Instead of helping the people and doing the Maker's work, we are squabbling and plotting against each other."
"Is that why you were in the Hinterlands, helping those in need?" Cassandra asked quietly.
"Yes," Giselle nodded. "I needed to remind myself what doing the Maker's work actually meant. And people needed to be reminded that the Chantry still has their well-being at its heart... something that many of my fellow clerics appear to have forgotten."
"So, if the Great Consensus would be opened to the Revered Mothers, that would mean that you could also participate in selecting the new Divine, correct?" Alistair inquired.
"Yes that is correct," Mother Giselle replied. "But we are so far away from even calling for the Great Consensus. These disputes could take very long time to resolve... months? Perhaps even years..."
"Years? Can the Chantry even survive that long, floundering leaderless?" Cassandra gasped.
"It cannot, and that breaks my heart," Giselle admitted. "But perhaps the Chantry needs some time to realize where it stands and what it stands for. To elect the next Divine in a hurry would be just as foolish as to wait years before doing so."
"Why do you say that, Mother Giselle?" Seeker Pentaghast asked.
"Because right now, any decision taken would be influenced by fear," the Revered Mother explained. "Fear of the Breach, fear of the Inquisition... would it be a wise decision to select the one who denounces the Herald of Andraste the loudest? I doubt that. While we cannot afford to wait too long with the decision, haste might be just as harmful."
"This might be a too delicate question for you to answer, Mother Giselle, but I will ask it anyway," Alistair spoke up. "If you had to decide on the next Divine today, who would you vote for?"
"Ah... a very interesting question, indeed," Giselle answered with a faint smile on her lips. "I will try to answer as best as I can, though my answer might not be satisfactory, for today I do not see anyone worthy of bearing that most holy of titles." She then gave Cassandra a searching, scrutinizing stare. "But who knows... perhaps the best candidate has not yet revealed herself..."