Chapter 17:
"...and then he ran out with just his hat!"
Nimwen shook her head. "You're insane, you know that, right?"
"Of course I am. I followed you, didn't I?" Sera grinned around her beer.
They left the Overcroft and went to the sweets shop Sera mentioned. Lori and Sera both got slices of strawberry cake while Nimwen bought a cherry tart. At first the man at the counter was apprehensive about the three elves in his shop. Nimwen feared she would have to use her pull as the former Inquisitor, but as it turned out, that was unneeded. The baker noticed Sera and then scolded his worker, then got the women their treats.
"Helped him when the tax collectors were shakin' him down," Sera explained.
The elves now sat outside enjoying the warm afternoon.
"So ,I gotta ask," Sera began. "That Mahvir, what's his story?"
Nimwen sighed. She had a feeling this would come. "Well-"
"He my brother!" Lori cut in.
Nimwen stammered. "W-well, there you go."
The rogue's eyes grew wide. "Come again?"
"What if I told you I recently discovered Solas had a son?"
Sera's jaw dropped. "No."
"It's true."
"Nooooooo way," Sera leaned back in her chair. "Nooo way a son-a kid?! Well, another one at least. Andraste's tits, how are you not insane right now?"
"I've had a while to adjust to the idea," Nimwen shrugged.
"No, no, no, you don't adjust to this. Solas had a kid, a grown ass kid! And he didn't say anything! How are you so calm?"
"To be honest, it's not like Solas hid him from me on purpose. Actually...he doesn't even know," Nimwen explained.
"So, you mean to tell me that he has two kids, and doesn't know about either of them?"
"Correct."
Sera blinked. "I gotta ask, 'quisitior. How did a smart person like you get someone so daft?"
"He's not daft, just...oblivious to certain things," Nimwen said quietly. She poked her tart with her fork. "And I'm not angry about Mahvir. He's a sweet man and I'm happy he's apart of our lives."
"He the best brother," Lori added, her face smeared with pink frosting.
"That he is," Nimwen agreed, cleaning her daughter's face. "So, I would appreciate it if you were nice to him."
"All right, all right, I'll behave. He's is kinda your son, yeah? He is, right? How does that work exactly?"
Nimwen stiffened. She, herself wasn't quite sure where she stood with Mahvir. They had a good friendship, but Nimwen couldn't deny she had started to grow maternal affections for him. "He is Solas's son and Lori's half brother. If anything, I suppose I am his stepmother."
"That's so weird, you two look the same age," Sera chuckled.
'Actually he's centuries older than me,' Nimwen mentally corrected the rogue. "Can we talk about something else?" she asked.
Sera scrunched her nose. "All right, like what?"
"How are things with Dagna?"
Pink dusted Sera's cheeks. "It's...it's been good," she said. "Widdle's like, well, she's the best. Better than I deserve, anyway."
"I'm happy for you two," Nimwen smiled. When she first found out about Dagna and Sera, she been caught off guard. However, she soon realized the two were a good match for one another, and was grateful her friends were able to find happiness with each other. "I'm sure you two drive Harret mad."
Sera grinned. "Coot's threatened to quit three times now, but he won't. He don't act like it, but he cares about Dag. They make a great team."
"Mamae, more cake?" Lori asked.
"I think you've had enough," Nimwen said. She didn't want to think what would happen if Lori had any more sugar. Denerim would never recover.
"You two wanna head back to the 'croft? Make sure the two brainiacs haven't destroyed the place?"
Nimwen chuckled. "Very well."
The women threw away their scraps and made the short walk back to the Overcroft. They entered and were greeted once more by Harret.
"Where are they?" Nimwen asked.
"Dagna took your friends to the back," Harret replied, pointing to back of the shop. They walked around the corner and found a dingy metal door, and standing in front of it was Vir.
"Aneth ara, Nimwen," stated the sentinel.
Before anyone could reply the door opened. Mahvir limped out of the room. He was wiping grease from his scarred fingers. "I see you've returned." He smiled at them. "Did you have fun, Princess Lorien?" he asked Lori as he slipped back on his tattered gloves.
"I had stawberry cake!" she grinned.
"Glad you enjoyed it, Princess."
Vir held out Mahvir's staff.
"My thanks, Vir." Mahvir took the staff and leaned against it. His dark eyes now on Nimwen. "Shall we head back to the front of the shop?" he asked.
"Did you two have fun?" Nimwen asked as they walked back to the front.
"It was enlightening. I do believe I will be coming back tomorrow." Mahvir gave her a small smile. "However, I did promise we would look for clues while here to where Solas will be moving next and that is far more important than my interest in Dagna's work."
"Do you have any leads?" Nimwen asked.
"There have been a few rumblings coming from the alienage, but I fear my contact within the walls only hears a little these days. Perhaps your friend here would know more of what is going on through her own contacts there." Mahvir bowed his head to Sera.
"I got some people there, though I don't really go in there myself," Sera explained. "If you're gonna talk to them, you should start with their leader. Think her name is Shianni."
"My thanks, Sera." Mahvir gave her a small smile. "I will wait for you outside, Nimwen." Mahvir limped from the shop.
Vir raced after him.
"I think I'll go with them," Nimwen said. She turned to Dagna and Sera. "Do you mind watching Lori for me?"
"We'd love to," Dagna happily agreed.
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on her." Sera winked.
"Make it two," Nimwen smirked. She knelt down in front of Lori. "Da'len, be good for Aunt Sera and Aunt Dagna, okay?"
"Okay," Lori nodded.
Nimwen smiled. "That's my girl. Dareth shiral." She stood and exited the shop, where Mahvir and Vir waited.
Mahvir nodded and started off towards the alienage entrance. He seemed to know exactly where he was going. He passed through the open gates and led them across the bridge into the rundown part of the city.
The moment they entered an elf stepped out of the shadows. "Hey, you there." His eyes were locked on Nimwen. "You look like you got some coin to spare, right?"
Mahvir placed his staff between. "My apologies, da'len, we have no coin."
The elf's eyes narrowed as he looked at Mahvir. "You ain't got none, but it clear she does."
Vir slid his dagger a little from the sheathe.
The elf backed off at once.
"Calm down, you two," Nimwen said to the men. She gently lifted up Mahvir's staff and stood in front of the man. She pulled out two silvers. "Spend these wisely," she told the man as she gave him the coins.
He shot a glare at Mahvir before racing off.
"He will be back for more, Nimwen. Such is his way. Small kindnesses here can turn to losing everything." Mahvir limped forward. "Such is the way of the alienages, where those with money are preyed upon by those who seek easy fortune."
"You may be right, but still. I'd rather be generous and deal with the aftermath, than turn away someone in need."
"I wish there were more people like you, Nimwen. Those who saw good in everyone no matter how little is actually there." Mahvir shook his head. He moved into the center of the alienage where a great tree grew. He stopped there and rested his hand against the tree, head bowed and eyes closed.
"The vhenadahl," Nimwen said quietly. "It's bigger than I expected a tree could grow in the city. And it's...quite beautiful." Nimwen eyed the bright painted patterns on the trunk, the ribbons tied to its branches. It was a bright beacon in the middle of this dingy place.
"The People never forget where they came from," Mahvir whispered as he stepped back. He turned his gaze to the houses.
A few of the elves had stopped what they were doing. They were eyeing Nimwen and Vir, whispering to one another.
"It would appear you two attract attention." Mahvir limped back over to them. "It should bring out the hahren of this alienage at the very least."
"I can't wait to meet her," Nimwen said. She glanced at the elves staring at her. She wondered what it was that they were focused on. Her vallaslin? Her clothes? The fact she was an outsider?
"You are Dalish," Mahvir reminded her. "Dalish inspire great awe and fear within their city brethren." He turned his gaze on the crowd. "Ah, believe this is her coming now."
From the crowd came an elven woman, no older than thirty, with blood red hair and a determined gleam to her eyes. "What business do you have here?" she asked the group.
Mahvir stepped forward. "Afternoon, Hahren Shianni," he bowed to her. "We seek information about another strange elf who might have passed through here a few days ago."
Shianni crossed her arms, eyeing the trio up and down. "I may be able to help, provided I know who it is I'm helping exactly."
Mahvir pulled out an old piece of parchment. He held it out to her.
She took the parchment and held it up to read. As her eyes scanned the words they slowly widened. "I see." She rolled up the parchment and returned it to Mahvir. "Come with me."
"My thanks, Hahren Shianni." Mahvir fell in behind her.
"Andaran atish'an, Hahren," Nimwen said to the woman.
"I did not expect to meet two Dalish today," Shianni said.
"Life is the most interesting when one has something unexpected occur," stated Mahvir.
Vir raised an eyebrow, but didn't otherwise react to being called Dalish.
"Have you met many Dalish, hahren?" Nimwen asked.
"No, not many wish to come here," Shianni explained. "I've only ever met one other, and that was the Hero of Ferelden."
Nimwen blinked. "You met the Hero of Ferelden?"
"Aye. He saved our alienage from Tevinter slavers, and then later from the darkspawn when the archdemon attacked. They paint him up as some imposing figure, but honestly you couldn't find a kinder person. He had all that power and, yet, acted like he was no better than us."
Nimwen smiled. She'd always wished she could meet him. Another Dalish who helped Thedas in its hour of need. She doubted she'd ever meet him though, and the thought made her sad. Still, as she passed by the groups of elves on their way to what she assumed to be Shianni's house, seeing the people the Hero saved and the lives he changed brought her comfort.
"Come on in," Shianni said as she opened the door.
The house wasn't spacious when they entered. It was more one room which had been sectioned off into a main room and a bedroom with two beds. A fire was light in the hearth despite the warmth of the day. At first glance the room was empty. But then a soft movement drew Nimwen's eyes towards a chair by the fire.
A wizened elf sat hunched in the chair. One thin blanket was draped over his frail shoulders and another placed over his lap. He turned his gaze towards the door, eyes clouded and sightless with age.
"Did you find what was disrupting the others?" he asked, voice wispy though it still held a note of soft, kind authority to it.
"Yes, and we have visitors," Shianni answered gently.
"They shouldn't stay long in the doorway, come in." He gave them a weak smile. He looked too old to have more than a few months remaining to him. He lifted one gnarled hand and it shook with the effort.
Mahvir didn't move, his eyes locked on the man. There was pain reflected in his eyes now. It was more pain than Nimwen had ever seen on his face before. More pain than when he had been wounded or when something had upset him. He stood there looking at the wizened man as if frozen in the moment.
"Andaran atish'an," Nimwen said as they stepped inside.
"Are our visitors Dalish?" the man asked.
The words seemed to snap Mahvir out of whatever had fallen over him. He leaned his staff by the door and limped over to the elderly man. He knelt down before him.
"Valendrian," his voice was soft as he took the elderly elf's hand in his.
Valendrian's eyes widened. He lifted one hand and touched Mahvir's face. "You came back?" he whispered.
"I promised I would." Mahvir's voice was even, his words soft and kind. It sounded as if he were the father and the elder a son.
"You two know each other?" Nimwen asked, surprised.
"Yes," was all Mahvir told her.
"Valendrian was the hahren before me," said Shianni.
Nimwen stepped forward to face the elderly man. "It's a pleasure to meet you, hahren. I am Nimwen of clan Lavellan.
"The Inquisitor?" Both of Valendrian's eyebrows rose and he turned his sightless gaze in her direction. "To what do we owe the privilege?" he asked.
"There is a person we seek, and we believe some of you here might be able to help us find him," Nimwen explained.
Valendrian looked in Shianni's direction. "That is a matter you must discuss with Shianni. I fear I haven't been out of this house in quite sometime." He doubled over, coughing.
A look of almost pure torment appeared on Mahvir's face.
"Don't give me that look," Valendrian rasped at Mahvir. "I don't need my sight to know your expression."
"Are you all right?" Nimwen asked.
"I am dying, child. Something we all go through." He turned his gaze back to Mahvir.
"Have you heard word of a man who calls himself Solas?" Nimwen asked.
"I am not sure," Shianni admitted. "But there have been whispers around the alienage. Talk of elves trying to bring back Arlathan. I hadn't given it much thought until a few of the elves here left without a word."
"When did this happen?" Nimwen asked.
"Not too long ago. Some say that a stranger arrived the day they left, but I do not recall such a person coming here."
"There are always those who will be swayed into leaving at the promise of a brighter future," Valendrian said.
"Thank you both." Mahvir stood and bowed his head to Shianni. "It is helpful."
Valendrian took Mahvir's hand. "Stay for a bit. It's been far too long."
A sad smile appeared on Mahvir's face. "As long as Hahren Shianni sees no issue with it, I will."
"If Valendrian wants you here, you can stay," the redhead said.
Suddenly the door was flung open. "Hahren, there's something you should see," a woman said.
"What is it?" asked Shianni.
"A woman and a child are yelling in the middle of the street."
"What?" Shianni followed the woman outside.
"I wonder what that's all about," Nimwen said. "You mind if I go check?"
"It's more than likely Sera and Lorien," Mahvir stated. "She does tend to run after you."
"No, no, that's not it," Nimwen laughed, hoping it wasn't true. She stepped outside and walked out to the square.
"Mamae!"
"Inquisitor."
Nimwen's jaw dropped.
There it was, her daughter and Sera both yelling with their hands cupped around their mouths, looking for all intents and purposes like a pair of lunatics.
Nimwen stomped over to the pair. "What in the world are you doing here?"
"Look, we found her!" Sera cheered. Her smile dropped upon seeing the look on Nimwen's face.
Unaware, Lori bounded over to her mother and hugged her legs. "Mamae!"
"Lorien Hylea Lavellan." Nimwen did not like yelling at her daughter. She did not like to seem angry in front of her daughter. So, it took all her willpower to keep both her face and tone at "stern and disapproving" instead of "frustrated and irritated."
"I told you to stay with Dagna and Sera at the shop."
Lori pouted. "I miss you."
"Kid took off and I had to chase her," Sera said. "She wanted to see you, so I thought might as well bring her."
Nimwen pinched her brow. "Of course you did."
"Inquisitor, do you know these people?" Shianni asked as she approached the trio.
Nimwen sighed. "Harhen,this is my daughter, Lorien, and my friend, Sera."
"Hi." Lori waved to the redhead.
"I see, would you like to bring them back to the house?"
Nimwen glanced around at the elves whose eyes were trained on them. "Yes, please," she said. She followed Shianni back to the house with Lori and Sera in tow. At first, the rogue made to leave, but Nimwen used her hook to grab Sera's shirt, and said as punishment for not keeping hold of Lori that she was to stay. They entered the house once more to see Mahvir and Valendrian just as they'd left them.
"You were right," Nimwen sighed.
"Hi, Mahvy!" Lori smiled.
"Lorien," Mahvir stated, tone even.
Valendrian gave a wizened chuckle. "You're tone says disapproval."
Mahvir cocked an eyebrow.
"You cocked an eyebrow, didn't you?" despite age there was a teasing note to Valendrian's voice. "You haven't changed, 'Toymaker.'"
"I am uncertain if that is an insult or a complement coming from you." Mahvir gave the elderly elf a weak smile.
"Come in," Valendrian told Lorien and Sera.
"Who you?" Lori asked.
"Manners, da'len," Nimwen gently reminded her. "This is Valendrian, he's a friend of Mahvir's."
"You know big brother?"
Valendrian gave a weak laugh. "It's quite all right, child," he told Nimwen. To Lori, he stated, "I know him."
"And this is Sera," Nimwen added .
The rogue made a small grumble in reply.
"You should all stay for dinner," Valendrian offered. "Though, by now I would hope you have tasted it, Mahvir is the best cook I know."
Mahvir shook his head. "You are just saying that because you want me to stay longer."
Valendrian looked up at Mahvir. "Ah, but you find all food tastes disgusting unless it's burnt then it tastes like ash."
Mahvir's ears went red.
Nimwen laughed. "You seem to know Mahvir quite well, hahren."
"Very well," Valendrian replied with a soft smile. He coughed, but the fit was less than the last time. His frail shoulders shook from the coughs.
Worry appeared again on Mahvir's face.
"If you don't mind having us, we'd love to stay for dinner," Nimwen said.
"Very well, I shall set extra seats," said Shianni.
Lori toddled over to Valendrian's chair and put her tiny hands on the arm rest. "Why your eyes white?" She asked
"Inquisitive little one, aren't you?" Valendrian touched Lori's hand. "I fear I am no longer able to see, child."
"Why?"
"Age has caught up with me," Valendrian gave Lori a small smile through his eyes didn't quite look towards her. "How old are you, Little One?"
"I two, but my birthday gonna be soon."
"Is that so. I imagine Mahvir has something special for you then." He lifted Lori off the ground and placed her on his lap.
The pain seemed to vanish from Mahvir's eyes. Instead there was a soft look there. He limped over to Shianni. "Would you like some help?" he asked.
"Can you stir stew?"
"I can." Mahvir moved to help Shianni, leaving Nimwen and Sera standing watching Valendrian and Lori.
"Mister, my mamae has magic, ya know? She could make your eyes good."
Nimwen winced. "Sweetie, that's not how it works."
Valendrian smiled. "That is kind of you to mention, dear child, but I am fine."
Lori pouted. "I sorry 'bout your eyes." She hugged the elder around his neck.
"Thank you. Now, I wish to hear all about when this birthday of yours is." Valendrian gave Lori another of his soft smiles.
A warmth blossomed in Nimwen's chest. It was such a sweet sight, her daughter with the withered, elven man. It made Nimwen think of what it would have been like if Lori had been able to meet her grandfather, or her grandmother. Nimwen felt a twinge in her heart. She had been just a child when her parents passed. While she'd ensured Lori would grow up with at least one of her parents, Nimwen couldn't help but feel sad Lori wouldn't know the special bond Nimwen had with her own grandparents.
"It gonna be soon," Lori said. "Mamae said I gonna get lotsa presents, but I gotta say 'thank you' to everyone, 'cause that's what nice people do. Oh! And mamae said she'd make peach pie and Aunt Cass is gonna give me braids like hers and Aunt Lilly let me play with the nugs all day!"
"Sounds like you will have a very special birthday." Valendrian didn't sound like he was teasing the girl. Instead there was a wisdom and patients in his voice which reminded Nimwen of Mahvir in some ways.
"Uh-huh. Mamae even taught me how say three in elf. It tan," Lori said proudly.
"That so?" Valendrian place his hand on Lori's head. "You just taught an old one like me something new as well."
"I know lotsa elf words," Lori said excitedly. "Adahl means tree, when someone does nice things you say 'ma serannas.' When you do bad things you say 'ir abelas,' and bye-bye is dareth shiral!"
Nimwen smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm. She heard Sera groan and gently kicked her shin before Lori could hear.
"You are a very bright child." Valendrian looked towards the steps where Mahvir was just coming down. Though it was hard to tell what he was thinking, there was a slight change in his lined face.
"Mamae teach me lotsa stuff. She super smart." Lori turned to Nimwen. "Right, mamae?"
"Well, I don't know about super smart," Nimwen said.
Lori's jaw dropped, like she were offended. "Nuh-uh, you super, duper smart!"
"A child knows best," Valendrian said in almost solemn tones.
"Explains why you were chased through the city as one," Mahvir chuckled.
"I'm sensing a story there," Nimwen smirked.
"Mahvy you super, duper smart too," Lori said to her brother.
"My thanks, Lorien, but I believe that is up for debate."
Valendrian shook his head.
"You smart! Why no one believe me?" Lori pouted. She turned to Valendrian. "They ridicus."
"They're trying to be humble, little one. I-" he broke off into a coughing fit.
Mahvir paused in gathering a few items.
"You 'kay?" Lori asked her voice filled with worry.
Valendrian pulled the handkerchief from his face. "I'm fine," his voice was hoarse.
Lori patted the elder's chest with her palm. "There, there," she said.
Mahvir limped back to the stairs and vanished up them.
"Hahren." Shianni came downstairs, a vial in her hand. "I have your tonic right here."
"Thank you, Shianni, you are too kind." He took the tonic with her aid.
"Let me know if you want something for the pain as well," Shianni said.
"This is fine." Valendrian gave Shianni one of the soft smiles Nimwen had seen him giving most people since first meeting him.
Mahvir reappeared. "The stew is done," he informed Shianni.
"Sera and I can help if you need to set up," Nimwen offered.
"We will?"
"Yes," Nimwen said to the rogue. "Hahren, do you mind keeping an eye on Lori?" she asked Valendrian.
"I can promise to keep her here. I like to hear more about these nugs she mentioned," he assured Nimwen.
"They soooooo cute!" Lori gushed.
While the girl started to tell Valendrian about nugs, the group moved to set up for dinner. Shianni went upstairs to help Mahvir gather the food while Nimwen and Sera set up the table in the main room. They had been instructed to move the table over where Valendrian sat so the elder wouldn't have to move. Soon the table was set and a pot was brought filled with steaming stew, though it didn't smell like there was any meat in it.
"What in it?" Lori asked as she tried peering into the pot.
"We've got carrots and potatoes and...more carrots," Shianni said as she started ladling stew into the bowls.
"Thank you, Hahren Shianni." Mahvir took a set at the table, but didn't make to start eating.
Nimwen was about to take a bite, but paused when she saw Mahvir, Sera, Shianni, and Valendrian fold their hands and bow their heads.
"Maker, in the Golden City, and holy Andraste, we thank you for this meal and pray for your grace and mercy," said Shianni. "May you bless us and all we hold dear. In Andraste's name we pray, amen."
"Amen," the others repeated.
Nimwen felt like the odd duck out. She didn't know what to do aside from watch them. She noticed Vir also looked as awkward as she did. She glanced over and saw to her dismay Lori had already started eating, oblivious to the prayer. Nimwen hoped nobody would notice.
"Okay, dig in," Shianni said as they lifted their heads.
Mahvir looked at Nimwen and mouthed an apology for not warning her. He then started to eat the meal placed before him.
The stew was simple, but enjoyable. It actually reminded Nimwen a bit of the food she ate back with her clan, and a sense of nostalgia fell over her. "So, Mahvir," Nimwen began. "I am curious, how did you and hahren Valendrian come to meet?"
Valendrian blinked. His sightless eyes rested on Shianni.
"It is all right, it's her choice to believe the history or not," Mahvir told Valendrian.
Valendrian bowed his head.
"I met him when he was younger than Lorien," Mahvir started. "His parents had provoked their Orlesian masters and were killed. He was left alone."
"Mahvir found me and took me in," Valendrian finished.
"Hold on, he took you in?" Sera repeated. She looked at Mahvir. "Just how old are you?"
Mahvir took a deep breath. "Old."
"It's a long story," Nimwen explained.
Sera gave her an exasperated look. "Why do you attract all the weird?"
Nimwen shrugged. "I guess it's my nature."
"Mahvy help you?" Lori asked.
"He raised me like your mother is you," Valendrian explained to Lori.
"Through all the bumps that parenthood brings with rebellious children bent on bringing Maker only knows down around their ears," Mahvir managed to tease though his tone wasn't as light as it normally would have been.
"But Mahvy not old," Lori said.
Nimwen sighed. How could she explain this to a child? "Mahvir is...special, Lori."
"Special?" The toddler cocked her head. "How come?"
"It's more a curse." Mahvir then hissed in pain.
Valendrian smiled, but this one was more a sly smile. "Glad to know I remember which leg to hit."
Nimwen snickered. "I take it this happened before?"
"He is self destructive sometimes," Valendrian stated.
"No more so than you were," Mahvir muttered.
"What he do?" Lori asked.
"No." Valendrian looked towards Mahvir.
"You were the one to start it."
"You're the one acting like a child."
"I can act the age I look."
"No."
"Boys, boys, let's all get along now," Nimwen chuckled.
"Whoa, calm down, mum, are you going to send them to their rooms with no dessert?" Sera teased.
"If they keep it up, maybe."
"Maker's mercy, is this what's it's like to have kids?" Shianni asked.
"If you count kids as two old men, then, yes," Mahvir stated. Mahvir's expression turned to worried in an instant.
Valendrian started to laugh but it turned into a coughing fit.
"Are you all right, hahren?" asked Shianni. "Should I fetch more tonic?"
"No," he wheezed a little.
Mahvir closed his eyes beside Nimwen. If she hadn't been so close she would have missed the sudden tightness of his shoulders or the fact the spoon he held shook in his hand.
Shianni looked unconvinced. "Are you sure? I think you should take them."
"I'm just a little tired."
Mahvir placed his spoon in the empty bowl. "Then we will help clean up and take out leave," he stated. "Thank you for dinner, Hahren Shianni."
"Yes, ma serannas," Nimwen said.
"Ma serannas," Lori added.
By the time the group finished helping Shianni clean up, Valendrian had fallen asleep in his chair.
"Thank you again, Hahren Shianni," Mahvir stated. He glanced towards Valendrian then bowed his head to Shianni and left the house without another word.
Vir followed Mahvir out.
"I apologize, Inquisitor, that we could not help you find who you were looking for," Shianni apologized.
"It's fine," Nimwen assured her. "Regardless, it was a pleasure to meet you and Valendrian. I had never been to one of the alienages before, and am glad I have."
A look akin to surprise flashed over Shianni's face. "Glad the Dalish have interest in us." The redhead bowed. "You are always welcome here."
"Ma serannas." Nimwen turned. "You two ready?"
"Yup," said Sera, who was holding Lori.
"All right then. Dareth shiral, hahren."
Shianni seemed to hesitate, but then she said, "Dareth shiral."
Nimwen and Sera joined Vir and Mahvir outside. "You two ready to go?" asked Nimwen.
Vir looked to her, but Mahvir didn't seem to hear her. The older elf was leaning against his staff, gaze locked unseeing on the distance. "Four months," Mahvir whispered.
"What?" Nimwen asked.
Mahvir didn't move.
"Hahren." Vir touched Mahvir's shoulder.
Mahvir looked at him, his eyes glistened in the light of the late afternoon sun. He then blinked and his eyes returned to looking the normal dark color. "My apologies, Nimwen." He bowed his head to Nimwen. "We can head back."
Nimwen held her tongue. She would not let this go, and she would press Mahvir about it. But, not here, not in the open and with all these witnesses. So, instead she nodded and followed Mahvir out of the alienage.
Mahvir seemed to move a little slower than normal on their way back. They had stopped at the shop and he had spoken briefly to Dagna before they headed for the inn. When they arrived Mahvir started towards his room without a word to Nimwen or Lori.