As they walk, a question that came up earlier burns in his mind. Reaching the outskirts of the encampment, Nate finally speaks up. "My Lady."
She turns to look at him expectantly. "Yes?"
"If you don't mind me asking, why must you return to the Warden-Commander's tent? I know you said he'd worry about you but I could have sent word of your condition."
She shakes her head as she tries to think of how to carefully word her answer. "As possibly one of the last Couslands, Duncan has requested that I stay in his tent until my Joining." She pauses. "I'm not very skilled at fighting either so I stay with him, for my protection."
"In the same bed?" He asks.
She gasps and turns to see his teasing grin. A smile tugs at the corners of her lips. "You're quite cheeky." She scoffs.
"So, is that a yes?"
She chuckles despite herself. "For your information, no. I sleep on a cot by myself in the far corner. Duncan has his own bed as well. I simply sleep there at night, nothing more."
"Whatever you say, My Lady." Nate chuckles.
Near the center of the main camp, a small crowd has gathered near the chantry platform. Ana's brows furrow as she looks at the filthy armor of the men and women. "I wonder what's happening?" She says, stopping in her tracks. She swallows. "Do you think that could be about Ser Gilmore?"
Nate follows her gaze. "Who knows?"
Releasing Nate's arm, she slowly starts toward the crowd when she sees the Cousland crest on one of the shields. "Oh my gosh…." She mutters, pushing herself against her protesting body. "Fergus?" She calls over the soldiers talking. She pushes past them. "Fergus!"
"Are you looking for Lord Fergus Cousland, lass?" One man asks as she brushes past him. Turning, she nods. "I am. Have you seen him?"
Before the man can answer, she looks ahead to where the man points to see her brother exiting General Loghain's tent. Her heart sings at the sight of him and she pushes her way through the crowd. "Fergus!" She calls as happy tears stream down her face. Hearing his name, Fergus's brows furrow as he looks around until he sees her running toward him. His brows raise.
"Ana?" He says, walking toward her before sweeping her up into his arms and spinning her around. She winces as he puts her down and pulls her into a hug. "Maker, I'm glad to see you!" Leaving his hands on her shoulders, he pulls away to look at her. "What are you doing here?" He asks, glancing around behind her. "Did Father bring you along? I bet Mother was furious." He chuckles.
Hearing this, all happiness drained from her as she felt once more on the verge of tears. Oh no. He hasn't heard . Sadly, she shakes her head.
"What?" He asks, noting the change in her demeanor. "What's wrong?"
"Fergus, Mum and Dad are dead." She says. "Howe attacked the Castle."
His smile fades and his brows furrow. "What…" He begins before shaking his head. "That's not funny, Ana. These are dangerous times."
"I'm not joking, Fergus. Why else would I be here?"
His eyes flick down toward the ground as he tries to absorb this new information. Moments pass before he finally looks up at her to ask her the question she has been dreading.
"What of my wife? What of Oriana and Oren? Are they alive?" He asks, his voice beginning to shake with emotion. "Surely if you were able to make it…" He trails off and Ana feels like her heart is being ripped out her chest. Her lower lip trembles as she slowly shakes her head.
"I'm so sorry, Fergus."
Fergus sinks to his knees in the mud, uncaring as he weeps into his hands. Tears break free from Ana's waterline and spill down her cheeks as she kneels beside him and embraces him. As his arms wrap around her, he buries his face in her shoulder and weeps while his sister gently strokes his hair, muttering comforting words.
From a distance, Nate watched as the siblings hugged and let their grief sweep over them. It tugged at his heartstrings at how familiar the scene was. He could remember the day he heard of his own father's death. His mother collapsed into his arms and wept for hours and was nearly inconsolable.
After a while, Fergus pulls away from his sister's embrace and sniffs. She helps him back to his feet and he once more pulls her into an embrace. "I'm so happy that at least you survived, Ana." He mutters. "I don't know what I would do if I had lost you as well."
Tears stream down Ana's cheeks. "Same goes to you. I've been anxiously awaiting news of your fate. Thank the Maker that you didn't fall victim to Howe's treachery."
Pulling apart, Ana uses her sleeve to wipe her eyes before she notices Nate standing nearby.
"There's somebody I wish you to meet." She says, motioning Nate over. "This is my new friend, Nathan Hawke." She introduces as the men shake hands. "Nate, this is my brother, Fergus."
"It's good to finally meet you, My Lord." Nate says, bowing his head. "Your sister has told me much about you."
"Nate has been very kind to me since I've arrived." Ana says.
Fergus offers him a smile. "I'm very grateful to you. I'm glad Ana had at least one person here she could trust. Our enemies are vast these days."
"It's been my pleasure. Ana is a wonderful woman."
Fergus nods at this and beams at his sister before he glances around. "Where is that Grey Warden that was at the castle? Surely he made it here?"
Ana nods. "Duncan is here. He and Ser Gilmore were the ones who helped me escape the castle."
Fergus' brows shoot up. "Ser Gilmore lives as well? Where is he?"
Grabbing his arm, Ana nods. "He does. He's out on a mission right now." She frowns. "Have you eaten?"
He sighs. "Not 's been a long journey."
Ana glances over at Nate who shrugs. "Come with me. I'm sure the dining tent is still open. You can eat and tell me about your journey." She says with a smile..
Smiling, Fergus clasps a hand over hers. "I would like that." He looks over at Nate. "How about you, Hawke? Care to join us?"
Glancing at Ana, Nate shakes his head. "Maybe another time. Now that Ana is safe, I'm going to head back to my tent. You two have a lot of catching up to do."
With a small bow, he turns to start walking when Ana reaches out to touch his arm. He raises a brow.
"Thank you again for everything, Nate. Have a good night."
Sweeping into a elaborate bow, he grins. "You as well, My Lady. Feel free to stop by tomorrow afternoon so I can check up on your wounds."
She nods and he walks away. Instantly, Fergus shoots her a questioning look. "You're wounded?"
Wrapping her arm around his, she motions with her chin. "It's a long story. Come on, your food awaits."