Chapter 85

To say that Leliana was distressed was an understatement. The fact that Hawke had always been within reach didn't surprise her – Varric's decision to keep his friend safe was understandable. It didn't help matters, but it was understandable.

Cassandra had been livid. That confrontation, though expected, didn't serve anybody. Both sides made some fair points, and the Inquisitor had handled them both remarkably well. Now, both of them were off brooding in their own rooms. It was a disaster, but Leliana hoped some good to come out of it.

That wasn't all; she'd just gotten a letter from Justinia. It was written before her death, to be sent to her in case of her demise. Leliana hadn't read it yet. She didn't have the courage. It was why she was saving it for later, after she'd shown Hawke to her room.

"My arrival has caused problems," she said apologetically. "I had a feeling something like this would happen. I just hope it's not too bad?"

Leliana shook her head. "You are here now, and you have fought Corypheus before. That trumps everything."

"I must say that it's good to see you again, Sister Nightingale." She smiled. "It's nice to have a few familiar faces here."

"It's good to see you, too, Sera Hawke."

"Please. Marian is fine. Anything too official sounding gives me anxiety."

"Then call me Leliana."

"And just like that, we've become bosom buddies. Give it a few days and we'll be gossiping in the corner with tea." She chuckled. "Anyway, Varric told me that the Hero of Ferelden was here?"

Word had spread that the Hero of Ferelden had walked through the valley of death to bring the Inquisitor to safety. Aedan had supposedly told Ellana his name, and Ellana had asked Varric why the name sounded familiar. It hadn't taken a day for the entirety of Skyhold to be buzzing with the news of how the Hero of Ferelden was not only with them, but had worked the kennels at Haven for weeks.

"He is, though he's tending to the dogs at present. This is your room." Leliana unlocked the door and pushed it open. "I hope this will suffice?"

"Please, I've slept in stables. This is more than enough."

"Mhm." Leliana pointed at the door next to Hawke's. "That's Aedan's room."

The silence from Hawke was palpable. She had a hand on the doorjamb, peering into her room. As soon as Leliana finished her sentence, Hawke froze. She stood stock still for a long moment before slowly, very slowly, turning back at Leliana.

"Aedan? Aedan Cousland?" she asked very quietly. "The Fereldan Commander of the Grey? The Hero of Ferelden?" Her words came faster and her voice got higher. "The Champion of Redcliffe? Arl of Amaranthine? Vanquisher of the Fifth Blight? That Aedan? In the room beside me?"

"Yes."

"Umm!" Hawke gawked at her. Then at Aedan's door. Then back at her. "I'm? I just? Can't?" She slapped the doorjamb with every question. "What is happening?"

"Will that be a problem?" Leliana tilted her head. "I could arrange for other accommodations-"

"No!" Hawke replied instantly. Then she cleared her throat. "No. I mean. No. It won't be a, umm, problem, haha. I'll just uhh, go inside." She combed her fingers through her short hair. "Take a long bath. Make myself presentable. Yes. Ta-ta!"

With that, the Champion of Kirkwall slid into her room and closed the door. Leliana smiled to herself briefly before going down to Alistair's room. She found him sitting on his bed and reading a letter himself, a small package beside him.

"Solona wrote back," he said, holding up the letter. "She says she'll be here in a week. And she sent some sort of herbal tea for Cullen."

"I'll be sure to pass it on."

"Don't be too hard on him."

"Of course not." She sat beside him on the bed. "Alistair, I need your help."

"You've got it. What's happening?"

So she showed him the letter and told him what it was about.

"This letter was written months, perhaps years ago... to be delivered to me if she died. I've heard of such contingency plans. A sudden death often leaves loose ends."

Alistair nodded. "Have you read it?"

"Not yet. I was hoping I could do that here."

"Go right on ahead."

With slightly trembling fingers, Leliana broke the seal and took out the folded piece of vellum. She hesitated before unfolding it and looked at Alistair, who smiled and nodded. So, she took a deep breath and started to read it.

The Divine's sparkling handwriting was instantly recognisable. It was a short letter. Three lines: a location and a directive.

"What's it say?"

"I'm to go to Valance. You remember it?" He nodded. "There is something hidden there for me to find."

"Any idea what?"

"Could be anything. Justinia was a powerful woman who used her influence to obtain all sorts of things." Leliana put the letter on Alistair's bed and lay down. She sighed. "Whatever she hid in Valence would very likely benefit the Inquisition and must be kept from falling into the wrong hands. Maybe she'll have instructions for me."

"Well, she was the Revered Mother there for many years. She'd know every inch of the place. Makes sense to hide something there."

"Exactly. It was special to her. Though if what's hidden there is as valuable as I think, I won't be the only one looking for it."

"We'll leave this evening. I'll pack a big, glowing sword."

Leliana smiled up at him. "Thank you."

"Don't." He bent down and kissed her forehead. "Alone time with you is always a bonus." Alistair smiled and stroked her hair. "Are you all right, though?"

He was entirely too good for the world. What she'd done to deserve him, she didn't know.

"Yes. I'm fine, Alistair." She placed her hand on his cheek. "I love you. You know that, yes?"

Chuckling, he kissed her palm. "You're goddamn right. Just one more thing."

"What?"

"I want to be there when you give Cullen his gift."

"Mais oui."