Lothering Controversy

Lothering was very busy when Elle and her group rode into town. They had decided to camp just past the town to get an early jump on the southern road to Ostagar. So, there were only a few visits to be made by assigned caravan members. Varric went to procure more wine and Gorim had to stop at the blacksmith's shop to repair a nearly broken gauntlet. So, it was just Elle and Midnight! Just like old times.

Elle made her rounds with the shops and ended up in the Lothering Seeds Aplenty, the absolute best seed store in Thedas. When she stepped in, a young woman was joking around with Marlon, the owner. She had wavy dark brown shoulder-length hair and dark green smiling eyes. The two older, but well-kept daggers in her back sheathes made Elle feel like she'd run into a kindred sister!

"And, so when Carver said he was going to volunteer for the army ... and Mother's face fell ... I told him that he was probably too late already. With all the wardens and soldiers coming through Lothering recently, I'm certain they will run out of darkspawn soon enough," she said as Elle walked up.

That made Elle laugh. "No, my friend, I fear they will continue to need all the help they can get. Those darkspawn seem to be inexhaustible, I'm afraid. Warden Alistair told us of darkspawn broodmothers." Everyone shuddered at the word. No one needed nor wanted an explanation.

"Lady Cousland!" Marlon said. "I was hoping to visit with you in Highever and here you are."

"Are you making a trip to Highever?" Elle asked. To her knowledge, he'd never gone to Highever himself before. He would just send her orders along with caravan masters heading that way.

"Yes, I'm afraid I am," he said and then nodded toward the girl. " Lady Cousland, this is Marianna Hawke. She and her family have been living here in Lothering for a while. She has often helped me with drying and grading for the seeds."

"Lady Cousland, eh?" Marianna laughed. "You'll have to pardon me. Dancing around noble customs is something I'm not very adept at. Nice to meet you!" she said as she held out her hand.

Elle shook her hand. "Please do not worry about noble customs around me as you'll find I'm not very adept at it, either," she said with a laugh. "Please ... both of you ... call me Elle." When she noticed Marianna smiling at Midnight, she introduced him, as well.

"I have a mabari, too. Her name is Watcher," Marianna said as she got a piece of cookie from her pocket and gave it to Midnight. "She's a black and tan," she said to Midnight, "and she would find you a very handsome fellow, I'm certain!"

Marlon looked thoughtful a moment and said, "With the uncertainty about Ostagar, I'm planning a trip north to Highever. My brother has a smithy there and told me I could have a bit of space to sell my seeds. You and your mother and sister could travel with me. Carver, too, if he elects to stay away from the army," Marlon suggested. "I wouldn't be able to hire all of you, but I could give you a fair wage because of your knowledge of herbs."

"Oh dear," Marianna replied. "After hearing what everyone is saying ... that I'd truly prefer to ignore ... that does sound prudent ... if a horribly painful journey over hill and dale, rock and mud, cold and colder."

"I have an idea if you'll indulge me." When neither interrupted, Elle continued, "I have a rooftop garden at Highever Castle and the kitchens have a rather pitiful herb and vegetable garden on the northern concourse inside the walls." She turned to Marianna and continued, "Whenever you aren't working in the seed shop, you could be in charge of growing plants for the castle. I would give you a letter to take to my mother and we would pay you also. Plus, my group is heading toward Ostagar if your brother truly wishes to join the fray."

Marianna raised an eyebrow. "Always have these intricate plans off the top of your head, do you?" she asked with a humorous wink and grin.

"Sadly, no, not always, but Marlon here is one of my favorite people and, even though he's being forced to relocate because of the darkspawn, neither he nor you and your family should have to make it a total hardship." Elle returned her own wink.

"Let me talk with Mother and the twins." She got a pensive look. "So, um, I suppose magic is akin to murder in a castle?"

Elle sighed and quietly asked, "Are you?"

"Her sister is a wonderful girl and a very talented healer," Marlon explained. "Most of the people here are rightfully grateful to have her around, but there are a few vocal idiots who have made the poor girl's life miserable. Bann Coerlic is one of those."

"My sister will likely want to stay here, Marlon." Marianna rolled her eyes. "Always lets duty get in the way of not being eaten by darkspawn. And, Carver is old enough to decide his own path, as well ... so, I think he'll be heading south soon enough ... perhaps with you, Elle. Unless, Ser Bryant can talk him into staying here with the militia. However, I would dearly like to get Mother away. I think Bethany and Carver would want that, too." She smiled at Marlon. "So, I shall let you know in the morning if we will be taking advantage of your generous offer." Then, she smiled at Elle. "And, if we do, I heartily accept your offer, too, Elle."

Elle motioned to a desk in the back of the room. "Do you have parchment and ink that I could purchase from you, good sir? I can write that note to my mother for Marianna to take with her. There might even be work with Nan, our cook, for your mother, if she would want."

It didn't take long to write out a short letter to her mother with all the proper codes on it. Eleanor Cousland knew all of Elle's codes and shorthand. She helped Elle develop most of them, after all.

Once Marianna was on her way with Elle's note, Elle asked Marlon, "I was hoping to pick up some seeds for the warden's fortress in north Ferelden. I was planning to take to them there eventually; however, if you're heading north, perhaps you could see they get a supply after you arrive? Marna Dryden, the cook there, is fantastic and they have space for a nice garden when the weather warms up."

"I've never heard of this place, but I can find out." Marlon smiled.

"It's official name is Soldier's Peak from King Arland's time. It's going to take a lot of work, but it is a fantastic fortress," Elle explained. She wrote out a list of what she'd already given Marna and some suggestions for additions to the list. "She also has seeds for a flower grown in the Korcari Wilds that makes an ointment helpful to mabari who fight darkspawn. Perhaps you could arrange an exchange so you could start a seed inventory for all the kennels in Ferelden."

"Thank you, La ... Elle!" He gave her a small smile. "I sincerely appreciate your custom and your potentially lucrative ideas for my business! I shall look into this as well. Please stay safe on your journeys."

"I will, good vendor. Please be careful on your journey north. My mother already knows your name from our conversations. Please call on her if you have need." She could tell the man was anxious to get back to preparing for his trip north, so Elle left his shop and headed to her next stop, the Chantry. It was a nice day and Elle enjoyed the walk through the village and over the bridge to the sturdiest building in Lothering. She nodded at the Highever camp cook walking out of a spice store, laden with sacks of seasonings!

Ser Bryant looked up and frowned at her when she walked in. Elle found that curious. Undaunted, she walked up to him and said, "I would like to speak with you at your convenience, Ser Bryant."

He turned to a nearby Templar. "Get started with the militia training and I'll be out as soon as I can."

The Templar nodded his assent and walked away.

Bryant showed Elle to the Revered Mother's office and shut the door, telling the guards by the door that they shouldn't be disturbed. The Revered Mother was in the room, too … with her own frown. "Now, Lady Cousland, please tell us why you didn't inform us about Leliana's status with the Seekers of Truth."

She smiled at the two. "Perhaps, you could answer that same question for me. I did not know she was a Seeker." When no one answered, Elle joined the frowns in the room. "I don't understand. She showed up at Sulcher's Pass in Seeker garb with three Templars under her command that I'd never seen. I assume that Ser Friden told you about the expedition of Brother Genitivi?" After Ser Bryant said that Friden mentioned some expedition but didn't know specifics, she continued, "I suspect they were also Seekers. Then, she took over Brother Genitivi's expedition to the Temple of Sacred Ashes."

The look of astonishment on both faces told Elle volumes. "I see she failed to share that part before she left with the Seekers."

Ser Bryant looked to Her Reverence for permission to speak and she indicated that he go ahead. "Three Seekers showed up a few weeks ago and said they were here to meet with Leliana. I suppose she never said anything outright, but it was certainly implied that she was already a Seeker, doing some investigations in Lothering and Ferelden." He frowned again. "She did say outright that you knew all about it."

"What?!" Elle had to take a moment to collect herself. "I assure you that I knew less when I walked in the door than you did. In fact, she just told me that her time here was what it looked like ... a time of reflection and peace. Why would she say that?!"

The Revered Mother smiled. "I believe her, Ser Bryant."

"As do I." Ser Bryant added his smile.

Elle narrowed her eyes. "What's going on here?"

"Forgive us, Lady Cousland. We came up with a little subterfuge to see if you knew about Leliana. The parts about the Seekers coming to get her did happen. However, she did not say you knew about it or that she was part of some investigations here. We were just curious if it was all part of one of your networks and you purposely kept it from us." The Revered Mother got up and came around the desk. She took Elle's shoulders. "You have always been favored by this Chantry." Her frown returned as she leaned back against her desk. "You can imagine our disquiet when the Seekers came through and whisked Sister Leliana away."

Elle took a deep breath. "I can … I have been suffering my own disquiet. We should have known … I should have known something was awry!"

"If I may be so bold, where is she going now?" Ser Bryant didn't look happy, but at least he wasn't unhappy with Elle any longer.

"She and Brother Genitivi are to go back to Denerim to set up a full expedition to return to Haven and study it fully. Then, the two of them are going to take the Urn to the Grand Cathedral." Elle stopped when the Revered Mother sighed and walked back to her chair.

"Then, I know why she was there." Her Reverence had a decidedly sour look on her face. "Dorothea is hedging her bets with the Grand Consensus. Showing up with the Urn of Sacred Ashes would appear as a Sign from the Maker of her worthiness."

"I've always thought Revered Mother Dorothea would make a good Divine … what did I miss with her?" Elle was beginning to doubt her perceptions.

That made both of them laugh. "You didn't miss anything, my lady," Ser Bryant said. "As with our Leliana, Mother Dorothea used to be a bard." He sighed. "I don't claim to understand the politics of Val Royeaux, but I can see the value of a Divine who knows how to play The Game."

Elle smiled at the Templar. "Ever the pragmatist, Ser Bryant."

He gave her a brief bow. "I do try, my lady. But, I have another question. Are you traveling with Arl Eamon?"

"Yes, I tried to circumvent a visit to Redcliffe castle by gifting a case of wine, delivered by a scout. The scout returned with the Arl in tow. His story set off quite a few alarm bells, I'm afraid." Elle sat in a chair in front of the Revered Mother's desk.

Ser Bryant again asked permission from the Revered Mother. Once received, he opened the door. "Please ask Bethany if Initiate Rosala is strong enough to join us here for a few minutes."

This Bethany must be Marianna's sister ... and a mage healer. It made Elle respect Ser Bryant even more for accepting Bethany's gifts. Before Elle could think of a good question about Rosala, a small, frail woman entered the room. She had been bruised and scratched up recently and trembled even as she stood in the presence of her protectors. A pretty woman with dark hair and kind eyes peeked in, "Please don't keep her too long. She's been through so much and does need her rest. I need to run home, but just send word if you need me to return later." There was no mistaking that this was Marianna's sister.

"Of course, Bethany, Maker bless you." Then the Revered Mother turned to Rosala and asked, "Child, please share with Lady Cousland what you told us."

"I worked for Arlessa Isolde at Redcliffe Castle up until a few weeks ago. She got a message from her husband." The girl reached into her frock and produced a note. "I saved it from the fire because the Arlessa was acting so irrationally! I thought she might decide later that she would want it." She looked to the Revered Mother who nodded toward Elle. "I didn't read it until after the Arlessa beat me and left me alongside the road to die."

"Maker's Mercy!" Elle said before she took the note and read it.

Isolde,

They know about your connection with Briala. Leave the castle immediately and flee to Val Royeaux. Go through Jader and NOT Highever. I will take care of Loghain in hopes that my sacrifice will save you, my love.

Eamon

It took a few moments for Elle to gather her wits. The handwriting was elegant and free-flowing. She took just a moment to ponder if it was really Eamon's handwriting. "Loghain is in great danger."

Ser Bryant replied, "We sent a copy down to Ostagar. I hope that squares with what you would have done."

She beamed at the Templar. "It does!" She threw up her hands. "What is wrong in Ferelden?!" When Rosala shied, Elle quickly added, "Forgive me, Rosala. I have but one question, why did Isolde leave you for dead?"

Tears quickly formed in the girl's eyes. "I told her that I didn't want to go to Orlais. I'm Fereldan."

Elle got up and gently hugged the girl. "Are you certain that was the way it happened, Rosala? Didn't Isolde really give you that note to pass on to us?" Elle asked quietly. The girl's quick jerk of guilt when presented with a surprise question that hit upon the truth told Elle what she needed to know. It was a test that Elle's precious Nan taught her long ago … usually, when Elle had been caught in a lie. Elle broke the hug but held onto the girl's upper arms. "Your injuries, my dear girl. None on your face. Welts on your arms as might happen when running through some thick underbrush. Bruises that likely came from falling and not a beating. Please, I am not accusing you of anything but escaping that horrible woman."

The girl's wide eyes matched the Revered Mother's look of surprise. Ser Bryant only shook his head.

Rosala sobbed for a few moments and then stepped back. "Yes, my lady, that is what really happened. She gave me the note and told me that I needed to get it to the Revered Mother in Lothering who would 'do the right thing' ... but she said it with a sneer." After a few more moments of tears, she added, "Thank you, my lady. May I return to my room?" she asked the Revered Mother.

"Of course, child. Take all the time you need to recuperate your health and your spirit. Ser Bryant, please put a guard on Rosala's door to keep her safe." The Revered Mother gave her a blessing and the girl left.

"I think I need you to give my Templars a lesson in unspoken clues," Ser Bryant grumbled after he returned from arranging Rosala's guard. "Myself, included."

"We would all benefit from that, Lady Cousland." The Revered Mother chuckled. "And here I thought I was good at such things."

"Then, I should bring my mother and Nan, our cook, down here to teach it. Maker knows they are the best at detecting falsehoods and fears." Elle smiled. "They caught me often enough. But, to get back to the situation with Eamon and Loghain, do you have birds for Ostagar?" Elle asked.

"We just got some trained a week ago. Do you wish to send a message to Loghain?" Ser Bryant looked sad. "I agree that things seem to be more out of hand than usual."

"Yes, I do … and a message to Anora and Cailan. And, another to my father in Highever. If Isolde put Jader in her note, it's possible she went through the docks in Highever … but she's likely long gone by now." Elle took a deep breath. "I wish I had the power to call High Justice on Eamon and just send him to Denerim in a cage, truth be told. They don't have the time to deal with whatever Eamon's planning down there." She paused. "But, I don't have that power. And, I know your hands are tied in secular matters as well." She paused again. "I shall finish my business here and then we leave with the dawn. I pray that we can stop the Blight down there and you all will remain safe." However, it was hard to miss all the half-packed crates sitting around the Chantry.

"Go with the Maker, child." Elle knelt as the Revered Mother arose and said a blessing.

Then, Elle bid her adieu and finished her shopping. More weapons and armor pieces for Ostagar. (Even Quartermasters would forget to lay in a good stock of the smaller weapons and armor.) And, a passable map of Ferelden. (Loghain needed to know the precise location of Haven ... both Havens.)

The camp was hectic all evening with the rush to leave by morning. Elle sent the wagon of dragon bits off to go directly to Wade's in Denerim ... so the caravan to Ostagar was much smaller now. However, it did increase by one. Carver Hawke decided to go to Ostagar and volunteer for Loghain's army. Matin and the other Highever soldiers were giving him a crash course in what to expect.

Elle successfully avoided Eamon until right before she was going to go to sleep.

"Lady Cousland, may I have a word?" Eamon asked as he stepped up just as she was about to enter her tent.

"Of course, Your Lordship!" She opened the flap for him to enter. "Did you find all you needed here?" She chuckled. "It may be a while before the Grey Wardens allow you to go shopping again."

That took him by surprise. He entered and turned. "I don't really intend to join the Grey Wardens. I would have thought you'd guess my true mission by now."

Elle laughed, but she could tell that Midnight picked up on her alarm. As always, he hid it well and simply positioned himself between Elle and Eamon. "No, no … I'm afraid my reputation has gotten blown way out of proportion when it comes to mind-reading. Now, if that is not your true mission, what is?"

"After I got to know you a bit better the other night, I decided to tell you this in hopes that I can enlist your aid. I feel that ultimately what I intend to do will be the best for the Grey Wardens. I intend to insist that Loghain return to Denerim." His gaze became intense.

"Loghain is general of the armies, Your Lordship. First, why do you think him a hindrance to the Grey Wardens? And, second, how do you think you can convince him to do such a thing?" She smiled, amused.

"I've heard about Loghain's command style." Eamon took a step closer and Midnight stood closer to Elle. "I'm certain he's a thorn in Duncan's side."

I doubt you've heard of his command style, since you've never fought in anything of any great merit … ever, Elle thought to herself as she inched her hand toward her rapier hilt. "I believe that would be up to Duncan, would it not? Has Duncan sent you a missive for your help?" Elle noticed several shadows massing outside her tent … their short dwarf and tall human silhouettes obvious with the bonfire behind them.

"No, I'm certain Duncan is too worried about upsetting the nobility to do what is best for him. As for how I intend to get Loghain to return to Denerim," he chuckled … and ran his hand through his hair. "I will persuade him. I know things that you do not, Elethea Cousland. I will remind him … and he will willingly return to Denerim." He stepped back a step and Midnight moofed.

The shadows moved back from bursting through her tent flap. It almost made Elle laugh that Midnight had taught them his signal for all's clear.

"I see." Elle frowned. "Well, I am certainly not one who can change your mind, Arl Eamon. I wish you well."

Again, he looked surprised. "You're not going to try to talk me out of the confrontation?"

She allowed a concerned look on her face. "Why did you tell me this and then ask that? Do you want me to talk you out of it?"

He sighed and sat on a nearby crate. "I don't know." He looked like he was just about to say more when he abruptly got up and walked out … right into Varric walking in with a bottle of wine.

"Your Lordship! I saw you walk into Elle's tent and thought you guys might be …" Varric started.

Eamon only pushed Varric aside and marched for his tent on the other side of the camp.

"Whoa … not acting too guilty, is he?" Varric whispered. "Are you all right?"

Elle folded her arms and took a deep breath. "I almost feel sorry for him. He's caught and cannot figure out a way to untangle himself. With the evidence we have, I'm not certain there are any mitigating arguments against his execution."

"Yeah. Guys like him … guys who have been in power as long as he has … never know what to do when they can't force their way." Varric held up the bottle. "You want this?"

Elle smiled at Varric. "No, thank you, my friend. I'm going to try to go to sleep. The next few days en route to Ostagar are going to be difficult."

"One other thing," Varric said. "Matin's scouts report that the Redcliffe knights are still following … not moving ahead." He shrugged. "They may be thinking to stop their Arl."

"That could be, Varric. We must all remain vigilant." Elle squeezed her personal historian's shoulder and went to bed.

...

AN: At last, Elle and party are heading to Ostagar. I hope you enjoyed the brief conversation with Marianna Hawke. Will she show up again? Hmmm. If the earlier Guest reviewer is still reading, I added the teaser here just for you. ;)

Judy, thanks so much! :)

The Invisible Pretender, ah yes, things going sideways ... always more fun going sideways ... anyone can go straight ahead. ;) Thanks for the encouragement!

Marika Haliwell, thanks for your review … and being a kindred spirit in regards to Eamon! :)