Chapter Seventeen

Lothering

The next morning, I made breakfast – once again, no one had woken me for watch. I was getting suspicious that they weren't going to unless I had a partner like they did. I made eggs with bacon and cheese. It was just finishing as everyone else – other than Kallian and Alim who had taken last watch – came out and started breaking down their own tents.

Elissa looked at me amused when she came out of her tent, "You fell asleep on Alistair."

I nodded, "He makes a very good pillow. You will be pleased."

"So you told me about soulmates and that… well, what exactly does it mean?" Elissa was red as she glanced at Alistair and back to me. Poor man was confused – especially when Alim and Solona started choking.

Lona spoke first, "Soulmates – according to our fearless leader – can be one of two varieties. The first involves love – she has Cullen and I believe this means that she will never love anyone else. He's all there is in her eyes."

I nodded sagely, "That is exactly right – Cullen is the other half of my very soul. I've loved him since before I met him, even. This special connection allowed us to skip a lot of the awkward parts in a relationship and skip right to the 'forever' portion. For Elissa, this person is Alistair."

Alistair sputtered.

Solona grinned, "I wonder about me…"

I thought for a minute, "A Bard – red hair, clear eyes… beautiful and with a lovely voice. She comes from Orlais, though her mother was Ferelden. She is tasked to our group by the Maker himself… Leliana Nightingale."

Solonas' eyes widened before she smiled, "That's a pretty name…"

"Ooh – me next," Alim said. I didn't say anything – I just pointed to Morrigan who gave me a funny look.

I looked at Theron, "Blonde, tan, green eyes… an elven assassin sent to kill us – he has a tattoo on his left cheek… a man who dreads opening up because of his past…"

"Well… I was bound to be banished from the clan when they discovered my… preference for men, anyway."

"What's the other type of soulmate?" Alistair questioned.

I smiled, "Your person – the person you would call on to help drag the dead body across the living room floor to hide it. For me, this is Solona or Alim – possibly both, actually. I told Cullen once that Solona would get the Shovel and Alim would show up with the rope."

Elissa was the first to start laughing but Solona said, "Tell me when and I'll be there, Sensei."

Alim grinned widely though I saw the contemplation in Morrigans' eyes as she considered my words. Alistair cried out, "Why would you need a… a person?"

"It's not all about dead bodies – that's just the best example. I could call on them and at once they would be whatever I needed. If I needed a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen – that's them. If I need someone to give me advice or tell me I'm being a stupid cunt – that's them. Lona doesn't hold punches when it comes to that either. Cullen says I may be both for him – and that's entirely possible. I would do all that and more for him. Solona an Alim are more to me than just friends – they are my cosmic family. Hold that thought."

I saw a raven on the wind and used the elements to coax it down to me. It didn't have a letter. I quickly wrote one out and impressed the knowledge of where to go into its mind before sending it off.

"What… was that?" Duran asked.

"I can summon animals or people if I try hard enough. I just need to use the elements – it's my best kept secret. I sent word to Kinlock Hold that I lived through Ostagar for Cullen. Anyway, where was I? Ah, soulmates," I muttered.

Alistair said, "You expect us to ignore that you can summon people?"

I sighed and roused the elements to 'summon' Alistair. He looked confused, "Why…? I suddenly have the urge to move closer to you…"

I pushed harder and he groaned and fought against me. I let go as I panted, "I could summon people, Alistair – but it hurts. It's not natural to summon people. I stick to animals. You only felt an urge to come to me – I felt like I was tugging on Fort Drakon and getting nowhere. It felt like I was leaving a part of myself behind in the attempt. Side effects for the summoned include fatigue, muscle soreness and an odd desire to stay near me. Do you feel those?"

He nodded, flushed, "I… I do, yes."

"Imagine if I had really pushed at it. Both of us would be on the ground in pain. It's an unnatural thing to summon a person – there must be balance and my pain is that balance. Summoning an animal is natural. I won't be doing this demonstration again."

Alistair looked me over, "Your nose is bleeding…"

I reached up and felt the blood before summoning water from the stream to clean up. "That's part of the balance. I have to use my own life force to summon stronger beings – humans, dragons and such mostly. If I pushed any harder… my own life could shorten by days, months or years depending on how hard I push. I've lost a few hours in this…"

Horror etched into everyones face. "You gave up some of your life to prove a point?" Natia asked.

I shrugged, "A few hours off a 120 year life span isn't such a big deal. One perk to this shit is I know how long I have until I die of old age. Assuming I make it that far, anyway."

"So if you had gone through the Joining…?" Alistair asked.

"I'd know how many seconds I had until the Calling claimed me."

That prompted questions from the others – and he answered them.

We heard barking as a brown Mabari with blue eyes came barreling into the camp. Ghost and Buster took the offence until the Mabari stopped, looked around, barked once and trotted over to Alistair.

I giggled, "Looks like Barkspawn found us – I was beginning to worry the flower hadn't worked."

Alistair flushed, "This is the Mabari from Ostagar? What did you call him?"

"Barkspawn – that's what you'd name him, right? He imprinted on you, so he's yours…"

Alistair began to pet the dog with a small smile, "I think I rather like that name – Barkspawn… it's perfect for the companion of a Grey Warden! What do you think, then?" he asked the dog. The dog licked his hand and sat down.

"Well, it wasn't a 'no'. Barkspawn, come here boy." I called out. Alistair nodded to the hound when he looked to his new master.

I held out some bacon to the pup who took it gratefully while I put a collar on the dog. I had pulled it from my special pack that'd I'd woken up with here in Thedas. I rarely used it these days – other than how-to manuals. I was an inventor these days – razors, combs, fine brushes, toothpaste and so much more.

The dog headed back over to Alistair happily. Alistair laughed when he saw the tag, "Makers' Breath, how long have you had that collar?"

"A while – I had it made in Highever after I arrived."

"Wait… That's the collar you had made? I thought you had it done for when you needed a new one for Ghost…"

I shook my head, "I… It was just a flash of a vision with a dog named Barkspawn standing beside Alistair, though I didn't know who you were at the time… not till a later vision…"

I had this soft smirk on my lips as I glanced at Elissa. She flushed, "Just what was the vision?"

"Nothing bad – it was just a man with a rose and speaking such romantic words that I almost fell for him myself."

Alistair went bright red, "I don't know… I'm awkward."

I whispered in Elissas' ear. She gave me an incredulous look, "I can't ask him that!"

"Do it – just… improvise after he answers. You'll like the comedic run-around."

She was bright red as she cleared her throat, "Ahem… um… Alistair?"

He groaned, "I'm not going to like this, am I?"

I beamed and nudged Alim to keep him from interjecting with sarcasm. He glared at me, but Elissa asked the Question.

"Er… if you were raised in the Chantry, have you never…?" the whole group fell silent as Alistair shot her a surprised look. He sighed, "Never… what? Had a good pair of shoes?"

She snorted, "You… you know what I meant!"

"I'm not sure I do. Have I never seen a basilisk; ate jellied ham… have I never licked a lamppost in winter?"

The others around us were all stifling laughter.

She groaned and shot me a glare before saying to him, "Now you're just making fun of me."

"Make fun of you, dear lady? Perish the thought! Well, tell me; have you ever licked a lamppost in winter?"

"That's not what I meant and you know it." She sounded flustered – I giggled. He chuckled before flushing and saying, "Oh so that's what we're talking about… I admit I've never had a woman just… come out and ask me like this, that's for sure. Ahem. I, myself, never had the pleasure. Not that I haven't thought about it, of course, but… you know. But you already knew this… Valeria called me on it back at Ostagar."

I smirked as I began breaking down my tent. She coughed, "Well… I think it's cute that you're still a virgin."

He coughed, "Cute? Well, I suppose hearing that from a beautiful woman does make me feel much luckier."

"… You think I'm beautiful?" she asked.

"Of course you are; ravishing, resourceful and all those other things your sister will hit me for not saying."

"I wouldn't let her, you know… and I'd never hurt you…"

"Nor I you – now… let us be off lest all this risqué talk make me blush… more." He started to put his own tent away.

Everyone turned to me. I gave an innocent look, "What?"

"Why did you do that?" Solona asked.

"We trust our backs to one-another from this point forward – if I trust you with my life, then I'll trust you with anything I know."

Alim smirked, "Really? Do you have any other tattoos or is it just the Vallaslin, the two pretty arm ones and Seeker marks?"

"That's all for now – but does anyone have experience with tattoo needles? I want more…"

"Well… I do." Duran said. I beamed, "Perfect! I brought my tattoo kit along so when we make camp one night, would you?"

"… You brought a tattoo kit… while fleeing Highever?" Elissa asked.

"I packed it the night before. I did all my packing the day before just in case. I figured that I'd either be ready if the worst happened or I'd be inconvenienced a bit to have to put things away. I just… packed everything. Makeup, tattoo kit, clothes, weapons, and even my bedding. My pack is actually the biggest on the inside, as you well know – I could still fit more. Honestly, I could have brought my bed, but I figured that was just… unnecessary."

"That's fair. Packing ahead of time, I mean. I would have brought the bed." Natia shrugged.

As we approached Lothering I sighed, "Weapons at the ready – Bandits claiming to be Toll Collectors are up ahead."

There were groans but everyone discreetly readied their weapons. I glanced at Alistair and said, "Stand closer to Solona – if she uses her Magic, you need to play the part of Templar. She's the healer, so she's the most likely to use her magic." He nodded and they moved to stand together.

The leader was 5'10 with shaggy black hair and grey-brown eyes. He saw us approaching and looked excited. "Wake up, gentlemen; more travelers to attend to! I'd guess the human woman is the leader." I rolled my eyes.

"Er… they don't look much like them other ones, you know. Maybe we just let these ones pass." A bald man next to him said.

He gave a smarmy look, "Nonsense; greetings, travelers!" I looked at him unamused but didn't say anything.

The man said, "A simple 10 silvers and we'll be out of your way."

"Uh-huh. We really aren't refugees, buddy – maybe you should listen to your smart friend." There were sniggers on both sides since the man I called smart was obviously simple.

The bald one lit up and said, "See? What'd I tell you? No wagons and they all look armed."

"The toll applies to everyone, Hanric; that's why it's a toll and not a refugee tax." The leader sighed.

"Ooh, right! Even if you're no refugee, you still gotta pay."

I gave a smirk, "Is that so? And if I said I had not one but 3 mages in my group? Or maybe you'd like to deal with the Dalish Archer who stayed back and has his sights trained on you… oh, I get it – you want to deal with Lady Cousland! I warn you, she get really upset when people try to take advantage of me… I'm her little sister. What; still a no? Ah, Prince Duran Aeducan then…? He's more than a little steamed about a betrayal in Orzammar, though so I'd use caution… or… oh, I see… you wanted to deal with Alistair – he's got some good jokes, but you seem to be threatening his girlfriend and… well; he's the jealous type."

The others were all amused at the way I was playing things, but no one said a thing as Theron called out, "Tell me if I need to shoot, Lethallan – the one in front looks like a squishy target."

I giggled. The thieves all paled and shook, "No… please…"

I thought for a moment, "You have two choices, gentlemen – leave now, and leave everything behind – or you die. And when I say everything, I mean all but the clothes you wear – no one wants to see any of you naked, but I do want those weapons."

The men all began putting down their weapons and purses before taking off. I smirked, "Alim, go get the Templar in charge at the chantry – most of the people who were robbed have moved on. Kallian, there is a bridge in town with a family of three elves by it – bring them here to collect their things. We will wait and make sure those bandits don't come back."

"Nice bluff, Lethallan."

I smirked, "The secret to a good bluff… is not to, Theron. I would have killed them myself if they had decided to turn hostile. Besides, everything I said was true. Duran will get re-entered in the memories of Orzammar, making him a prince, you had an arrow trained on them, we have three mages, Elissa is more protective of me these days – really, if I had shed even one tear those guys would have left here with new asshole or not at all. Also, Alistair really is the jealous type. Can you imagine if someone tried to take advantage of any of the women of our group? He's so chivalrous that honor would demand he kill them all. And did any of us really want to see them naked? Yuck!"

Alistair was laughing silently as Alim reappeared with the Templar in charge, Ser Bryant. Kallian also returned with the Elves. I crossed my arms and gave him a slight bow, "Ser Bryant, a pleasure. I am Valeria Vane, in charge of the Grey Wardens. We ran off the bandits, they even left their weapons. But I didn't want them returning to cause trouble with all these goods still here. This elven family was mentioned by them as one of their targets, so I had one of my people track them down. I was hoping you could distribute the rest among the people?"

"Seeker Vane, I remember you from my last pass at the Hold. Forgive me, things are… dire. Thank you, and yes, I will distribute the rest. Thank you for taking care of them – we've run them off several times, but they keep coming back. Maybe without their weapons…"

I smiled, "It was no trouble – just… I hear things are being said about the Wardens so if you could keep this between us… I'd rather not be accosted for trying to end the blight."

He thought for a minute and handed me a key, "There is a cabinet in the Chantry – near the Revered mothers' office – we can't take everything when Lothering is abandoned, so… If you need anything from there, take it."

I smiled, "Thank you."

"Anything for you, Valeria," He smiled. I chuckled, "Greagoir sent word that I'm to be treated will all honors, didn't he?"

"And mentioned your dislike of titles, yes," he grinned.

I snorted, "Typical. See you later."

"And you, Valeria."

Finally, Alistair spoke as we saw the town. He hadn't said much since leaving Flemeths' hut – other than the banters with me and such.

"Well, there it is; Lothering – pretty as a painting." He sighed.

Morrigan smirked, "Ah, you finally decide to rejoin us, have you? Falling on your blade in grief seemed too much trouble, I take it?"

"Is my being upset so hard to understand? Have you never lost someone important to you? Just what would you do if your mother died?"

"Before or after I stopped laughing?"

"Right, very creepy, forget I asked…"

I snorted and said, "Well, you have been quite."

"I… I was just thinking…" he sighed. "Ah no wonder it took so long, then," Morrigan gave me an amused look. I had given them permission to banter after all.

Alistair shot her a glare and shot back with, "Oh, I get it! This is where we're supposed to be shocked to discover how you've never had a friend your entire life."

Alim and Duran laughed. Morrigan smirked at him and said, "I can be friendly when I desire to… alas desiring to be more intelligent does not make it so." Theron and Solona laughed at that one and Natia glanced at me. Seeing I was chuckling, he let it go. Elissa looked like she wanted to laugh, but just… held it back.

Alistair rolled his eyes and looked at Elissa and I, "Anyway, I thought we should talk about where we intend to go first."

I nodded, "I have a rough idea on order of operations. I know that Fergus is still okay in the Wilds – chasind have taken him in; hmm… Grey Wardens from other areas is off the Table since Loghain closed the borders… I think the Mages should be first. We could recruit a healer at the tower then move on to Redcliff. I have a map in my pack, so no need to spout the directions for now."

"And I'm sure your choice of the tower has nothing to do with Cullen?" Solona teased.

I gave her a somber look, "By the time we get there… the tower will be overrun with blood mages and abominations. Cullen will be imprisoned and tortured. Cullen has everything to do with my choice."

The whole group froze and even Morrigan looked stunned.

"Groups – let's see… we have 10 people so we could do 3 groups of three with me going to do something I really need to do alone… Alistair, Solona and Kallian – group one; go see about the chantry board missions. Elissa, Duran and Alim will be group two – go to the tavern… Aedan will know why the minute he steps in. I want you to get the missions from the Blackstone irregular's guy that is in there too. Morrigan, Natia and Theron, take my pack and restock our supplies. If you need to pay a little extra, do it. I mean, yeah, haggle whatever, but I have a lot in there, use it. Each group will have a Mabari – Barkspawn with Alistair, Buster with Elissa… Ghost, listen to Theron. If he says bite, you bite." Ghost gave me a lick on the hand before turning to Theron with a small nod.

Theron took the pack. He glanced in and his eyes widened, "Creators, Lethallan…"

I smirked and held up a little pouch, "I took some for myself, just in case – I trust that you'll guard that pack well?"

He nodded and everyone headed off.

It took me a good twenty minutes of asking around to find who I was looking for. People were suspicious of me at the moment.

He was 6' tall with styled black hair, tan skin, golden eyes and that beard. "You… are you related to Carver and Marian Hawke, by any chance?"

He looked around and pulled me into a house next to us, "Who are you and how do you know my brother and sister?"

I smiled happily, "That makes you Garrett, right?"

There were two women who stood as they watched us. The younger one was 5'6 with curly black hair that only reached her shoulders and lovely blue eyes set against her pale skin. She and her mother looked almost identical other than grey hair and the obvious older look.

"How do you…?"

I glanced at Leandra, "Malcom Hawkes wife – a pleasure to meet you in person. I've heard much about you though the visions. I'm Seeker Valeria Vane – and I have no interest in the fact that you two are apostates. I really couldn't care less. In fact, I'm traveling with 3 mages. One of those is your Cousin – Solona Amell?"

"You were at Ostagar, then?" Garrett asked with his voice strained. I smiled, "They live, Hawke – don't worry so much. As a twin, you should know Marian is alive; same with Bethany and Carver… if you want to meet her, Solona is in town. See, I'm leading the grey wardens – hence my lack of interest in apostates."

"I remember getting word about you," Hawke said suddenly. I gave him a confused look, "From whom?"

"Marian sent a raven the day before Ostagar fell – said I might like you and that you were friendly. As in, you are a friend to mages. How old are you?"

"17 – Almost 18 though. I've been a seeker since I was 10 and had zero choice in the matter… I give you my oath that I will not turn you in."

He bit his lip, "Somehow, I believe you."

I looked at Bethany and said, "You're prettier than I thought you'd be – being Carvers' twin and all."

She smiled as Garrett snorted, "I know – not much of a recommendation there, huh?"

"I suppose I should get going. The Wardens and I have some things to do before we head off to build an army to end this blight…"

"But didn't the Wardens…?" Leandra asked.

"No, and Carver or Marian will tell you the same thing. Loghain retreated when he saw the Beacon light. I'd appreciate if you kept us quite though."

"Then why tell us?" Garrett asked.

"Dude… really… you're an apostate, I'm leading a group of supposed traitors… I needed to give you some leverage over me so that you'd know I wasn't a total bitch."

He blinked in shock, "That's… a fair point, actually."

"Have you both gone through the Harrowing?" I asked.

"I have, but not Bethany – why?"

"We can do that now. If she's ever caught, they can't make her tranquil – Gaia, I hate that rite."

"Well… how big will your camp be?" Leandra asked.

I thought, "10 people and 3 Mabari… why?"

"Well… Carver and Marians' beds are empty; we do have a guest bed and a couch… so if you do two to a bed and one on the couch, only 3 would need to sleep on the floor…" Leandra said looking around.

I smiled in amusement, "Why?"

Hawke snorted, "You bring information about our family and tell us you've known about us for years and you don't expect… anything?"

I shrugged, "I'm an odd duck, sue me. I like helping people. And I owe nothing to the Chantry – I'm not even from Thedas, so why would I care about their religion? But… if you really don't mind, I can take care of dinner and breakfast while I'm here."

Leandra relaxed, "That would help a bit, actually. And yes, I'm sure. Just knowing that my missing two children are safe… it means the world to me."

I smiled, "Hawke, would you like to come collect my people with me then? You can meet your Cousin!" he grabbed his staff, "Yeah – I'll come… hope you don't mind me arming up…"

I snorted, "In this situation? I'd arm myself to go to the bathroom, Hawke."

Leandra chuckled and Bethany said, "I'll stay with mother for now… don't take too long, brother."

I heard a bark and looked down at the Black and White Marbled Mabari at my feet. I lit up, "Hi there! Oooh, you're such a lovely color… what's your name?"

Hawke smirked, "This is Beast – she's been with me for two or three years now… can she come with?"

"The more the merrier – like I said, we have 3 Mabari ourselves."

He nodded and we headed over to the Tavern.

Leliana was smiling as I approached. Her height was around 5'7. She had layered red hair and clear blue eyes. Her skin was pale and flawless as she sported a single dagger. I rolled my eyes and snagged my bag from Theron, pulling out the new, less elaborate Dalish bow, handing it to Leliana. She gave me a confused look while Elissa smirked.

I grinned, "You're an archer; don't play with knives when you can strike a man dead at 200 paces with a stick, Leliana Nightingale. And there is no need to play the ditzy chantry sister in this group – we all know you're an Orlesian bard who left the life behind."

She gaped, "You had a vision too!" she whispered excitedly. I gave her a look, "I can't seem to get them to stop actually. Hello, dear sister."

She shot me a smile, "You are so late – we've been waiting for an hour."

I shrugged, "I was securing a place to stay while we are here – Leliana can stay where she has for the past while, but the rest of us? I figured not all of us had to sleep on the ground!"

Hawke threw his arm over my shoulder, "When my mother heard my cousin was part of this group, it sealed the deal – but we would have offered just for the information she brought us. My twin sister and younger brother were at Ostagar, and she tells me that they live and will come home."

Everyones' eyes zeroed in on his arm… it was enough to make me giggle, "Relax – fucking Void, you'd think I was sleeping with Hawke with how you all look now."

Hawke grinned, "It could be arranged, but I never push, sweetheart."

"No thank you, sweetheart – I'm engaged to a very handsome Templar who happens to be good to me."

"Is he going to be following us around too?" Natia grinned.

I chuckled, "Not at all! Hawke is a sweetheart, but he's a family man – he will be staying with his own family. They all plan to flee Lothering together when that time comes. If you were wondering, his brother and sister are Carver and Marian – making Solona his cousin."

Solona laughed, "I met them…"

Lis looked startled and nodded, "Carver… he was the one who caught you when you fake tripped, right?"

"I met Marian – she was really pretty and scary too… we sparred once and she won. If Carver lived, I'm sure Marian either had something to do with it or she lived too." Alistair shrugged.

I nodded and Hawke looked amazed, "I'm surprised Carver didn't let you fall on your ass! Carver can be a bit much at times." I knew there were people around us listening and I giggled, "I think he liked me – he kept blushing and stammering. Not sure why; I mean look at me," I motioned to my belly and shook my head with a grin.

"I don't see anything wrong, sweetheart." Hawke said giving me a soft grin. I rolled my eyes, "Then there's nothing wrong…"

"You are gorgeous, Val – stop thinking your weight changes that." Theron rolled his eyes. I had this discussion with him before it seems.

Hawke looked stunned, "What, you thought you weren't pretty?"

I flushed, "Look at the women I travel with! Your sisters too – they are all so beautiful… I'm fat."

He snorted, "That man there has the right of it – you're gorgeous."

"Fine, fine – I'm pretty. But I will not say anything higher than that. I have very beautiful hair, nice eyes and great rack – I know that – but the rest of it detracts. Right, random person," I pointed.

"Uh… what?" the man asked.

"Just settle this for us. My hair, eyes and chest are sexy, but the rest isn't, right?"

He looked at his wife who actually shrugged and looked me over. She was the one to answer, "I think your face is kind of nice too, but… yeah…"

I nodded with a smile, handing her a Sovereign, "Thanks!" I had a victorious look on my face, "See? I win."

Hawke snorted as we entered his house, "All that showed was that you weren't that womans' type, sweetheart – I'd take you to bed or marry you in heartbeat."

Leandra gasped and Bethany dropped the bucket in her hands. My 'magic' reacted on reflex, catching the bucket in mid-air and keeping the water in it from sloshing out. I lowered it gently as Solona, Alim, Bethany, Morrigan and Hawke looked stunned. Morrigan asked, "How did you do that? That should not be… how?"

"I control all the elements Morrigan – metal, water, fire, and all that comes with them."

Theron looked amused, "Nice."