The return to Skyhold was a silent one, one full of mourning, regret, and guilt.
Aaron did not utter a word, and neither did Arya. Both felt the contrition of their choices pressing down upon their shoulders.
Arya pulled out her letter to Alistair. When would she use it? she wondered. She looked to Aaron riding with his back bent over his horse's neck, patting it, giving it silent encouragement.
Why Hawke? Why the Champion of Kirkwall? Why a woman fresh in love with a man needing her protection?
Why not a tired, dying woman already destined for a tomb in the dark?
Arya folded the crumpled letter yet again, stuffing it back in her pocket.
Why couldn't I bring myself to stay?
A long journey indeed.