Two hours.

Loghain left the Warden-Commander to her own devices for two bloody hours only to find her stumbling back in her ruined armor and her back bleeding, and a gravely injured Howe carried back to his room with a healer in tow. To top it all off, the insane woman refused any treatment, ordering all of the Keep's herbalists to focus on that boy.

And none of them would dare question her because of what, status? Ridiculous.

Loghain marched over to one of the herbalist, grabbed her pack of salves and bandages, then, to everyone's shock, hoisted the Cousland girl over his shoulder.

Elisa let out an undignified squeak. "Loghain Mac Tir! What in Andraste are you doing— put me down!"

His hand pressed firmly against her open wound, effectively silencing her protest as she hissed, as well as stilling her from writhing. "Bring a basin of water and clean cloth to her quarters," he told a nearby servant who nodded while staring at them with her mouth agape. He then marched upstairs to her room, and once inside, unceremoniously dropped her onto the unused bed.

Elisa winced slightly at the impact of her injured back against the sheets. She sat up and glared at him as he rummaged inside the pack. "Is this how you treat a lady?"

A servant then entered with the basin and cloth, and as she set them down the bedside table, Elisa bolted toward the door.

Quick footsteps alerted Loghain. He grabbed her by the waist and tossed her back to the bed. "No. This is how I treat an obstinate child. " Without averting his gaze, he gestured for the servant to leave, to which the latter scurried away and shut the door behind her.

Sapphire eyes flickered toward the door, but before she could jump off the bed, he pinned her down flat on her stomach. She cursed and struggled, elbowing his side in the process.

Despite wincing at the jab, Loghain pressed her further into the mattress, using his heavier build. "You'll worsen your injuries if you keep moving. Hold still." Maker's breath, he never considered finding someone who could match Maric's stubbornness. No wonder Rowan nearly strangled the idiot every time he injured himself—

At that, his train of thoughts stuttered to a halt. W-what?

Any musings were cut short however as Elisa flailed her arms. "I can take care of it myself."

He caught her wrists with one hand then tied them to the headboard using the bandages.

Series of colorful words ensued as she continued to writhe and tug at her restraints. Not long after, however, her struggling weakened, almost as if the will had been drained out of her. What was even more curious was that her wounds, though still present, weren't as serious as he remembered. Or perhaps it was merely his imagination, fueled by the panic of finding her injured like that.

Whatever the case may be, Loghain unclasped what leather straps held the cuirass together. How it managed to cling to her body on the way back was a mystery. "Wade will have a heart attack once he sees this."

"Don't remind me. It's his favorite masterpiece." She huffed but raised her body so he could completely remove the ruined piece, tossing it to the floor. This left her only with her tunic, which isn't much considering the entire back of it had been torn off.

Loghain reached for the damp cloth and proceeded to clean her wounds. "What exactly happened down there?" he said calmly. Berating her would only start her agitated state and neither of them would get anywhere.

Elisa's shoulders jerked as the cool wetness of the cloth touched her back. She sighed and tilted her head forward. "Four Shrieks attacked us."

His brows furrowed. "Where'd they come from?"

"The room across the wine cellar."

His hand stilled as he stared at her. "How's that possible?" He and the dwarf made sure all rooms had been cleared out.

Elisa looked over her shoulder. "You didn't sense them? Not even the slightest?" When he shook his head, she pressed her face against the pillow and muttered a muffled curse. "Frankly, I wish I knew how..."

Assured that she wouldn't try to break free, Loghain left the bed to retrieve a couple of salves from the pack. He caught her watching him from the corner of her eye as he returned to her side.

"You don't have to do that," she said with a weak grin. "It's not as bad as it looks."

He hummed. "Your armor says otherwise."

Elisa breathed deeply and relaxed against the mattress as soon as his hands spread the soothing cream all over her back. "Nathaniel needs this more than I do," she mumbled.

Loghain's hands paused midway as he stared at her intently. His lips thinned at that indescribable annoyance brewing inside of him. The boy has enough healers attending to him already.

She looked over her shoulders again and arched a brow as their gaze locked. "Don't tell me this is 'nothing'."

He sighed and finished bandaging her wounds first before he answered, "you're coddling him."

Her brows furrowed enough to form a crease on her forehead. "Excuse me?"

"He's a soldier now, not a nobleman's son. He won't burst into tears if he scrapes his knee," he added.

"Oh, for the love of—" She twisted her body as much as the bindings allowed. "The Shriek tore through his tunic. His bloody tunic! He barely had any protection when the fight broke out. I don't even know where in the Void he got that bow. Ugh, get me out of this restraints so I can punch some sense into you." She tugged and thrashed about, a solid kick landing on his face, sending him straight to the floor.

Loghain sat up and massaged his jaws — nothing dislocated but would definitely bruise in the morning. "I'm not telling you to disregard his well-being. I'm saying you shouldn't disregard yours in the process."

It calmed her down somewhat. Still, Elisa glared at him. "I know my limits."

He stood up and straightened himself. "No, you're pushing your limits."

She opened her mouth to retort, but a knock on the door interrupted her. The door cracked open and Anders peeked inside. His eyes flicked from Loghain to Elisa, and a grin slowly formed on his lips. "Am I intruding?"

"Not at all." Elisa returned the grin. "Perfect timing really."

At that, the mage perked up. "You're kidding."

Loghain shot her a sharp look. "Must you give him strange ideas?"

"Then perhaps you should release me instead?" She squirmed and tugged at her bindings.

Loghain sighed. Well, he patched her up already so no point in keeping her restrained. He knelt on the mattress and untied the bandages.

Perching on the edge of the bed, Elisa rubbed her wrists before gesturing at the mage to enter. "How's Nathaniel?"

"Asleep," Anders replied, "no permanent damage fortunately. He still needs to rest."

"How long?"

"A day, at least."

Brows furrowing, Elisa rested her elbows on her knees, fingers tented before her lips. "I suppose we have little choice. Anders, stay behind tomorrow, monitor Nathaniel's recovery."

Anders' face fell. "I'm not going?" When she arched an eyebrow, he quickly added, side-glancing to the fireplace, "was looking forward to it. Change of scenery and all..."

Or planning an escape, Loghain thought.

"There's always next time." Elisa smiled. "And if it's any consolation, you don't need to run around doing errands."

Anders hummed. "When you put it that way, staying here sounds more appealing. I can even finish that spicy novel I found, then regale you with the story once you're back." He waggled his brows, earning him a soft chuckle from the Commander.

"I'm a little frightened, but all right..." She flashed the mage a small grin then stood up. "Now gentlemen. It's getting late and I need to be up early tomorrow. If there's nothing else..." Her hand directed them toward the door.

The mage said his good night before he left, and as Loghain strode toward the exit, Elisa added, "oh. And for your stunt tonight, I expect you to clean every gear in the armory tomorrow. I want them all spotless before our departure."

He turned around to face her. "Am I being punished for tending to your wounds?"

"No. You're being punished for carrying me around like a sack of flour and then tying me to the headboard." She crossed her arms over her chest. "It's nothing personal Loghain. I simply cannot let such insubordination slide."

Ah. Of course. It wouldn't do well for her reputation if the Keep's soldiers learned that the Arlessa took such lack of respect astride. In hindsight, he ought to have dealt with the earlier situation discreetly. "Understood Commander." He gave a small but firm nod and left the room.

~oOo~

The next day, Elisa headed to Nathaniel's quarters once she finished preparing for the ceremony — which took her far longer than usual. Over a year of wearing only loose tunic or armor, and she already struggled to put on a proper noblewoman's dress. Mother would be so disappointed, she thought then while gathering her unruly hair into a tight bun.

Regardless, this was necessary. While heavy chainmail would be an acceptable alternative during this events, the Banns of the arling needed to see her not as the Commander of the Grey, but as the Arlessa of Amaranthine.

Arriving outside the archer's room, Elisa knocked on the door which cracked open just as a man's voice spoke, "last I heard, she married a merchant... poor girl..."

She further opened the door and cleared her throat. Both Nathaniel, who sat on his bed, and an older man standing not far from the archer, faced her. The older man immediately straightened himself. "Lady Cousland."

Elisa studied his features briefly. "Samuel, is it?" When the groundskeeper nodded, she smiled softly. "At ease. I'm only dropping by to check on Nathaniel. I hope I'm not disrupting anything."

Samuel shook his head. "No, Your Ladyship. I was just about to leave." He glanced over to the archer and smiled warmly. "Take care of yourself out there." After bowing to the Arlessa, he exited the room.

Once the door closed, Elisa returned her attention to the archer. "How are you feeling?"

"Can't say I had worse," Nathaniel replied, his hand reaching up to touch his bandaged chest. "Anders provided some potions for the pain..." Side-glancing toward the bedside table where several vials were lined up, he grimaced. "Though I'd rather endure it instead..."

Her hands rested on her hips. "Take your potions, Warden. That's an order."

He raised an eyebrow. "From the Commander or mother?"

Despite the retort, the corners of her lips twitched. "A sense of humor... Learned that from abroad, did you?"

He chuckled softly then winced, his hand cradling his ribs. "Maker's blood, don't make me laugh."

Elisa took one of the vials and handed it to him as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "Drink up. Otherwise, that one day of recovery would turn into a week."

That seemed to motivate Nathaniel as he took the vial from her and downed it in one gulp. His lips thinned, but his shoulders relaxed not long after as the hand cradling his chest lowered back to the mattress.

"Better?" she said.

"It does the job." He sighed then met her gaze. "Anders said you're leaving for the city after the ceremony." When she nodded, he shifted his attention back to the sheets. He remained silent for a moment, then said, "Samuel told me where Delilah is."

Her brows shot up as she smiled. "That's wonderful news."

A small smile graced his lips. "Last thing he heard, she married a merchant named Albert. They live in the city now." He lowered his head as he fiddled with the sheets. "If there's time, could you... send her a letter?"

Elisa opened her mouth but paused as Loghain's words crossed her mind.

You're coddling him...

He's a soldier now...

Her brows furrowed. This isn't even about that. Arl Howe may had earn her scorn, but not his family. Delilah had been as much of a friend to her, and she still cared for the younger Howe's well-being as much as the latter's brother.

"If it's too much trouble—"

"No, no," Elisa said quickly, snapping out of her thoughts. "I just remembered. I found several letters from Delilah down in the basement. I'll have them sorted out and sent here before we leave."

Anxiety dissipated from Nathaniel's features as he nodded. "Thank you." Inside the bedside table's drawer, he pulled out a folded parchment and handed it to her.

"Apologies for the intrusion Commander," Varel said as he opened the door unprompted. "But there is an urgent matter we need to address."

Elisa looked over her shoulders. "Have the Banns arrived already?" Normally, the nobles preferred to arrive fashionably late, a ridiculous habit they picked up from the Orlesians, no doubt.

Varel shook his head. "Not yet, just one." He paused. "This is best dscussed someplace more private."

She caught that flicker of his gaze toward Nathaniel and gave him a small nod before facing the archer. "I should get going. Get well soon."

Despite the small frown that formed on Nathaniel's lips, he replied, "good luck."

Elisa followed Varel back to her office. Inside, Loghian stood beside a young blonde noblewoman who sat stiffly on a chair next to her desk. Her fingers gripped the skirt of her dress tightly and when the door opened, she nearly jumped from her seat.

"Commander, this is Ser Tamra," Varel said once the door shut behind them.

"Warden-Commander." Tamra bowed lightly as she stood. "It is an honor."

Elisa smiled and inclined her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." She gestured at the chair the knight previously occupied before she settled down on her own chair. "Varel said you wished to discuss something?"

The knight hesitated as she side-glanced toward Loghain.

"He can be trusted," Elisa said. "Speak freely."

Tamra took a deep breath and nodded. "Some nobles, those whose fortunes were deeply connected with the old Arl, seek to end your dominion over them."

The bastard's dead but he still has people hunting me. Lovely. Elisa leaned forward, her elbows resting on her desk she laced her fingers together. "A serious accusation. Do you have proof?"

"I've intercepted some of their missives," Tamra replied. "They are cryptic, and any individual message is unintelligible, but together they form a pattern."

Elisa tilted her head to the side. "And what do this pattern say?"

"They mean to end you before you can begin."

Elisa nearly snorted. "Finally decided to use their heads instead of brute force... I'm quite flattered."

The knight frowned deeply. "I would take this seriously Commander. They know your capabilities and they're spending a great deal of fortune to see their aims fulfilled."

Leaning back against her chair, Elisa reached a hand out. "So, where are these missives you speak of?"

Tamra lowered her gaze. "I-I would have brought them today, but I feared for my life if any of them found out."

"A rather convenient excuse," Loghain finally spoke as he crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing. "How can we trust you? For all we know, you could be part of this conspiracy and merely feeding us with false information."

Tamra glared at the older Warden. "How dare you—"

"I'm sure Ser Tamra's aware that the punishment for treason is death," Varel added, his eyes trained on the knight.

"I swear to the Maker, I only speak the truth." Tamra turned to the Commander with pleading eyes. "I have so much to lose and little to gain."

Elisa kept her gaze locked on the other woman. She never heard of her amongst the nobility, so there were two possibilities: either she had no connection with the old allies of the late Arl, or said allies purposefully sent her to provide false information because she had no ties to Howe.

However, if there really is a conspiracy...

"I believe you," Elisa said after the prolonged silence, to which the knight's shoulders relaxed. "But," she added, "I need to see those missives you speak of. How soon can you deliver them here?"

"Give me a few days and I'll have the messages," Tamra replied resolutely. "I swear to the Maker."

Either she's telling the truth or she's an excellent actress. Elisa nodded. "Any more you can divulge?"

Tamra shook her head. "I am new to the nobility and have very little connections with any of them. All I know is that some are still loyal to the former Arl."

"I see…" Elisa stood up with the other woman following suit. "Thank you for the information. I truly appreciate it." She smiled softly to which the knight returned the gesture.

"Now, I must leave before any of the other nobles see me." Tamra bowed lightly. "Maker watch over you, Commander."

"And you as well, Ser Tamra."

Varel stepped aside, allowing the knight to leave the room. Once the door shut, Elisa sat back down to her chair and exhaled deeply. "So, what're my options?"

"I can't say I fully trust this Ser Tamra," Loghain said, "then again, a conspiracy against you is possible. We should increase the guards around the Keep."

She hummed. "Unlikely for them to directly attack me within the Keep. Not if they wish to face The Crown's wrath." Her gaze turned to the seneschal. "If we have the guards spy on these conspirators, what are the odds of success?"

"I wouldn't recommend it," Varel replied, "good men, lousy spies."

Elisa huffed. Where's Zevran or Leliana when you need them...

"Increased patrol would be the safest course of action," Loghain said.

Varel nodded. "I'll instruct Captain Garavel to—"

"Don't," Elisa said, to which both men stared at her in confusion. "Whether we believe Ser Tamra's words or not, one thing is certain. These nobles are watching our every move. Should there be any increase in the Keep's security, they will be alerted. We need to maintain an appearance of ignorance. That way, we can lure them into complacency."

"What do you propose then?" Loghain crossed his arms over his chest. "Sit here 'til someone stabs your back?"

She arched a brow. "Who says I'll let them stab my back?"

Varel cleared his throat, gaining the attention of both Wardens. "We could try inviting a member of each of the noble family to stay here at the Keep as… prolonged guests."

"How very Orlesian." Both Elisa and Loghain found themselves voicing out the same sentiment.

Varel frowned. "Not an ideal solution, true. But it is still an option."

Elisa's fingers drummed on the armrest as she pondered. First, they needed to identify who would most likely have the motivation to conspire against her. "Varel, among the Banns, who would you say profited the most during Howe's rule?"

The seneschal rubbed his chin. "That would be Bann Esmerelle of Amaranthine City."

Bann Esmerelle... She knew the noble by name, but not much else. "What can you tell me about her?"

"Wealthy and powerful woman amongst the other nobles in the arling. This is why, despite Howe's downfall, she remained in her position," Varel replied. "Rumor has it that the late Arl had taken her as a mistress, hence why the city had been favored more than the farmlands."

"Interesting..." She mused. Not exactly a solid proof to arrest her for treason, but a good basis of a motivation. Before making any move however, they would need to investigate in her city. But should she consider this course of action, she needed someone with some experience in the art of subtlety.

Nathaniel.

Elisa nearly cursed aloud as the idea rammed into her like a raging bronto. He was the last person she wanted to get involved in this. Too risky. Too many things could go wrong. Those conspirators might use him against her.

On the other hand, he was the only one amongst the Wardens with the skillset she needed for this undertaking.

This needs careful planning, she thought then glanced up to Loghain whose icy blue eyes watched her intently. He knows something's up. Yet, for now, she would keep this to herself.

"Warden-Commander?" A voice from the other side of the door spoke as he knocked on the door. "The Banns have already gathered in the main hall."

"Understood," Varel responded to the servant.

Elisa stood up. "We should go." She turned to Loghain. "I still expect those weapons and armors cleaned before the day ends." In the corner of her eye, she spotted him briefly rolling his eyes, but opted to ignore it as she strode toward the door.

Before leaving the room, however, she looked over her shoulders and added, "also, change of plans. We'll be leaving tomorrow instead."

End of Chapter 6