After what seemed like hours, Wynne emerged from the fade, having defeated the desire demon and freeing Connor from its power. The Arl however, remained in a comatosed state. The Arlessa pleaded with Dairren to seek out Andraste's ashes and reluctantly he had agreed. Although there was a sense of urgency to seek out the ashes, Teagan recognised that Dairren and his group were weary and after what everything that had done for Redcliffe and Connor they deserved a respite, even if it was a day or two. The group jumped at the chance to sleep under a solid roof and in comfortable beds for a change. Teagan had servants show each of them to a guest room, allowing them to bathe and change for supper.
Lorelai hoovered nervously outside the dining room,. She'd met Bann Teagan on several occasions, he was a good friend of her father and brother, thanks to the chaos, so far he hadn't recognised her. She hoped it would remain that way, but deep down she knew it was highly unlikely. Straightening herself up, she took a deep breath and entered the dining room, gratefully she accepted a chalice of wine from a servant.
"I see you have acquired a new companion." Teagan gestured to Lorelai, there was something familiar about her, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"That's Lorelai. We found her on our way here, she said she was heading to Redcliffe and we'd regret not having her on our side when the time came. Whatever that means." Dairren took a sip from his ale. Teagan had only half listened to the elf, after he said her name. There was only one he knew by that name. It would explain the familiarity he felt and yet he could not be sure. Servants began bringing food in and the group began to seat themselves. Teagn made his way over to where Lorelai was going to sit.
"Allow me.'" Teagan said pulling out the chair for her.
"Thank you." Lorelai seated herself, swallowing the lump in her throat as Teagan sat next to her.
"It would seem we have not been formally introduced. I am Bann Teagan of Rainsfere."
"Lorelai"
"Is there a last name that goes with that?"
Lorelai took a long sip of wine, to steady herself, smiling she turned to Teagan, "Perhaps, but it is of no consequence." Without thinking, Lorelai touched her necklace, the signet ring of House Cousland concealed beneath her linen shirt. A reminder of who she truly was.
"A woman of mystery then. How intriguing." Teagan's eyes sparkled with mischief.
Alistair glared at the exchange, mistaking it for flirtation and haphazardly pushed the food around his plate. The rest of his companions were eating away, chattering and joking. From the corner of his eye, Zevran watched Lorelai. She was poised, elegant even, cutting and eating the food delicately and unlike most of them she wasn't fazed by the amount of cutlery that had been laid out for the meal.
"Dairren tells me that you were travelling to Redcliffe, when you joined his group."
"That's right."
"Might I ask why?"
Lorelai looked around, no one seemed to be paying attention to them "I had need to speak to Arl regarding certain matters."
"As the Arl is currently indisposed is there something I might help you with?"
Lorelai shook her head, "I'm afraid not. Once the Arl is healed I will speak with him."
"It seems my brother will have a lots to preoccupy him, he may be too busy to speak with you."
"Believe me, he'll want to hear what I have to say." Lorelai spoke with steely determination, green eyes flashed dangerously. Teagan recognised that fire and couldn't help but wonder.
"The Bann will be able to settle this no?" Leilianna's voice rose above all the others.
"Very well, my dear. But if you are wrong you will owe me a forfeit." Zev's eyes sparkled mischievously and turned his attention to Teagan "It would seem my friend and I cannot agree on the origin of this very fine wine. It is not Antivan nor Orlaisian, yet it is delicious."
"It is a Fereldon wine." Teagan replied. Lorelai took a long sip of her chalice. It was indeed a sweet wine and there was something familiar about it. "It is from Highever Vinyard and the finest wine in all of Fereldon."
The wine turned to ash in Lorelai's mouth, she refrained from spitting it out but it burned her throat as she swallowed. The colour drained from her face, and she began to felt dizzy.
"Lorelai are you alright?" Alistair's eyes were filled with concern. Lorelai was finding it difficult to breathe, she needed some fresh air. "Pl-please excuse me." She abruptly and left the room as quickly as she could.
Her companions all exchanged puzzled looks, whilst Teagan couldn't help but feel his suspicions had been confirmed.
"I'm going to go after her. Make sure she's ok." Alistair began to stand.
"No I'll go. You should stay and enjoy the food whilst you can." Teagan needed to speak to Lorelai, something wasn't right and he was determined to find out what it was. He didn't wait for Alistair to protest before he followed in Lorelai's footsteps.