Dragon 9:30, 23rd Solace

LOTHERING

After long consideration, Loghain didn't order return to Redcliffe. Whole army was to station next to Lothering village. From there they would leave to capital. After soldiers unpacked necessary things to make camps for themselves, Loghain and Mahria took few of commanding captains and went to Lothering to check if civilians are secured. At the entrance of the village they were greeted by Revered Mother accompanied by few Lay Sisters and templars. Mahria regarded one of sisters and her face was somewhat familiar, woman turned her gaze toward Teyrna. Yes, Mahria was certain she met that woman, yet she didn't say anything. 'Your Teyrnships, such an honour. Oh and Nathaniel... or should I say Arl Howe now?'

'For you, Your Reverence, it always will be Nathaniel.' Nate grinned to woman. 'Please let me introduce Revered Mother of Lothering.' Young Howe gestured toward her.

'Pleasure, Your Reverence. We won't stay long here. Please let us talk for a moment.' Loghin went straight to the business. They walked deeper into village, passing by refugees. Most of them were farmers or residents from Moment laters they were inside of the Chantry. 'Your Reverence, we need to start evacuating people from this are. Darkspawn army will march through Lothering in no time. We maybe slowed them down a bit but they will crawl from their holes eventually. Their target is Denerim. That's why I need your help, Your Reverence, please gather everyone and go north. Highever and Amaranthine will gather all refugees.' Chantry mother nodded to Loghain.

'As you wish, Your Teyrnship. I already asked everyone in Lothering and its surroundings to be packed and ready. But who will secure those people? Those are simple farmers, merchants... They can't defend themselves from the darkspawn.'

'Please don't worry about that. Now I have man to spare. I will send with them hundred men to help and secure the road.' Later Revered Mother with her guest went outside to check supplies. Only Mahria stayed behind. She silently approached Sister whom she recognized as Leliana, servant maid from Orlais. She helped Mahria during Grand Tourney.

'Empress Celene sends her regards, Your Teyrnship.' Womand bowed to Teyrna Mac Tir.

'A orlesian maid of Empress Celene here? Or should I rather call you a bard?' Mahria smirked, Leliana lift her head up to look at Teyrna and also smiled. 'Pity that I don't consider stay in Orlais a happy one...'

'Ah, yes, Your Teyrnship... Teyrn Loghain was rather... harsh.' Sister Leliana approached Mahria. 'But I must say that this armor suit you better than orlesian one.'

'So you know about...'

'Of course, that's my job. Gossips, drunken talk, idle chats. I need to know everything. And congratulations in getting together again. Teyrna I feared about you a lot. But something still make you sad...' Mahria shrugged and turned her face, regarding statue of Andraste.

'My father died from the taint... that is... I had to kill him. I don't want to talk about it.'

'Of course, Teyrna. Um... I have a request, Teyrna. I would like to come with you. I want to help, I want to be of use.'

'You really think I'll take orlesian spy with me? You are a bard, Leliana, a spy. Imagine what would my husband say about that!' Mahria turned her angry face to Sister. Thought about another big argument with Loghain made her nervous beyond measures.

'Your Teyrnship… I had to leave Orlais because I was framed by my former mentor… Marjolaine… besides I'm not orlesian, I'm ferelden. My mother took me to Orlais after the rebellion ended. She was maid...' Leliana sighed heavily. Her hands fidgeted nervously. 'I feel more ferelden than you imagine. I want to do something for my country. And Empress Celene approves of that.'

'Hmm… is that so…?' Mahria thought for a moment. Gaining such ally would be good. And Mahria quickly came with an idea. 'I won't lie to my husband, I'll tell everything. But… you can be of use. If you want to tag along, you will spy on Grand Duke de Chalons. Can you manage to do it?' Leliana chewed on that request for a moment then nodded.

'Yes. He knows I'm working for Empress Celene.' Mahria smirked. That would be killing two birds with one stone. Orlesian bard would be helping her and spying on enemy in the same time. Brilliant.

'Good. Your job starts now. Don't dissapoint me, Leliana.' After that Mahria went outside and waited there for Loghain who was inspecting Lothering and giving orders. She went to Da'asha to check saddle. 'How I will tell him about Leliana? I don't want another fight… I don't want him to separate from me. For Maker's marcy, I'm not a traitor, am I?' While she was brooding, Loghain finished and took ten soldiers with him.

'You ready?' Mahria snapped her head and looked scared at Loghain. Both of them shared feeling that they caught her while doing something bad. 'What's going on, Mahria?' Loghain was certain that something happened. He wanted to know what.

'Can… Can we talk? Alone?' Loghain nodded and both of them went outside of the village toward windmill. 'Listen, Loghain, there is this thing. I met with Sister Leliana. I met her in Orlais during Grand Tourney.' Mahria stopped and looked at Mac Tir. He frowned at her information but didn't say a word. 'She is… and orlesian bard and…'

'What?!' He gasped and narrowed his eyes.

'Let me finish. Please.' Man was panting with anger but nodded again.

'She is ferelden born. Her mother was maid for some orlesian, and after Rebellion they went to Orlais. But now Leliana came back because of some treason or something. Anyway… she offered her help and I agreed.' Loghain interrupted her again.

'Mahria… please, don't tell me that you hired orlesian bard! Maker, are you an idiot or what?!' Loghain self restraint broke loose.

'Loghain! Listen to me! Please!' Mahria face shown anger. She poked him in the chest. 'She will spy on Grand Duke!'

'Yeah? And what if she will feed us lies, Mahria? Did you thought about that? Hmmm?' Loghain started to pace around. His fist were clenching and unclencihng from anger. She feared that he will start to shout at her… that he will tell her those horrible thing he said in Orlais. Mahria acted quickly and explained before Loghain could say anything coherent.

'I believe her, love. I really do. And I believe that Empress Celene is supporting us as well. Not because she want to invade Ferelden, but she want to avoid another war at any cost. Listen… I've heard that her position is weak. Only thing that will cause her position strengthened are treaties and keeping peace with all nations. Real threat is Grand Duke because he have claims for the throne… if he will become Emperor… that will lead to another war. So believe me, we need to secure Celene's throne.' Mahria's hand moved to stroke Loghain's cheek. 'I know you don't give shit about Orlais… but its political strength affects not only Ferelden but whole Thedas. It's in our interest to stay in peace. Ferelden can't stand on it's own. You know that, for Maker's balls, you know that very well!'

'How do you know that?' He growled, still a bit angry.

'I'm good listener, silly. When we were in Orlais I eavesdropped… don't make that face!' Mahria's face flushed red when Loghain chuckled at that. 'Anyway, I could understand them and they talked about all those things. Those imbeciles thought that I don't understand them at all, I wager.''

'My little spy.' Mac Tir grabbed her in embrace and kissed Mahria's head. 'I'll trust your judgement. And you will pass this Leliana's reports to me, deal?'

'Deal.' Broad smile appeared on Mahria's face. She sighed in relief. 'I feared that you will be mad at me.'

'For a moment I was but you didn't let me to get worse. Anyway… we already have Antivan Crow with us… now orlesian bard who is actually ferelden. It's just getting stranger and stranger. Maybe it's true that men get softer when they get old...' When he said that Mahria bit him in the neck. 'Ouch, you evil woman! What for?'

'I said once that I don't like when you say such stupid things.' Her voice was hoarse and angry but then she said more softly. 'I'd rather say that with me you see reasons. I bet that without me as a wife you would be more and more grumpy and angry at everything. Men without good fuck tend to change into unsympathetic farts.' Loghain laughed and squeezed her in his arms.

'Your manners are so ladylike, my dear Teyrna. But no wonder, you practically lived in the woods. And I think whole Ferelden still think I'm unsympathetic. But at least you think different.' Loghain moved back and looked into her eyes. 'Come Mahria, we need to go to Redcliffe.' He grimaced at thought to go there. 'I'm so thrilled to meet Eamon. You don't have any idea.' His voice full of irony.

'Oh, I bet you are. When I came and he woke up I wanted to strangle him… at least that sod apologized for scheming with Howe. Yada yada yada, bullshit.' Mahria's let an angry growl. After a second she overheard some prayer in unknown language. She looked at that direction and gasped in shock. 'Loghain… Loghain! Look!' Mac Tir's gaze moved into direction she pointed and also made an shocked sound. They saw a cage with big, white-haired qunari. 'He's qunari, Loghain… oh! Let's go and talk to him!' Without any retort from her husband she grabbed his hand and pulled toward the cage. He was reluctant to talk to one of those but didn't say anything. 'How is that we didn't saw him earlier?'

'Maybe we were to occupied...' Both Mac Tirs approached qunari who was praying in qun.

'Shok ebasit hissra. Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun. Maraas shokra. Anaan esaam Qun.' After a momen he stopped an looked up to approaching humans. 'You aren't one of my captors. I will not amuse you any more than I have the other humans. Leave me in peace.' Both Loghain and Mahria looked at eachother, confusion plainly visible. Then Loghain turned to qunari and spoke.

'You're a prisoner? Who put you here?' His voice commanding, waiting for immediate answer. Qunari only growled.

'I'm in a cage, am I not?' He said sarcastically then answered more straight. 'I've been placed here by the Chantry… I'm Sten of the Beresaad - the vanguard - of the Qunari poeples.'

'Pleasure, I'm Teynr Loghain Mac Tir, King's advisor and commander of the royal army. And this is my wife.' Loghain gesured at Mahria. 'Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir, captain of the royal army.'

'Pleased to meet you, Sten.' Mahria nodded. Qunari narrowed his eyes and he taxed pair.

'You mock me. Or you show manners I have not come to expect in your lands.' Mahria smirked at that.

'You know, Sten, we are part of nobility. It's just how we are… at least for the most of the time.

'It matters little now, Teyrna. I will die soon enough.' They didn't noticed that Morrigan approached them.

'This is proud and powerful creature, trapped as prey for, soon to be here, darkspawn. If you cannot see a use for him, I suggest releasing im for mercy's sake alone.' Mahria turned to her with a grin.

'My dear lady Morrigan… Mercy? I wouldn't expect that from you, really.' Both women exchanged short giggles. 'You are right. He can be of use.'

'I suggest you leave me to my fate.' Sten replied with beaten expression. It was clear he accepted his fate, but Mahria turned to Loghain with other possibility in her mind.

'He could be a valuable asset, husband.' Mac Tir nodded to that. And took few step closer to the cage.

'I find myself in need of skilled help, Qunari.' He paused for a moment, thinking. 'Tell me, what did you do to end up in here?'

'I have been convicted of murderer. Have the villagers not spoken of this?' He looked at three of them with curiosity. All of them shook their head in negation.

'Are you guilty?' Mac Tir continued his questioning.

'Are you asking if I feel guilty, or if I am responsible for the deed?' He answered with a question, yet didn't wait for the answer. 'However I feel, whatever I've done, my life is forfeit now.' Mahria looked at both man then interrupted their talk.

'I don't think we really have time for question and answer now. Tell me, Sten, I see you do feel guilty… aren't you interested in… let's call it… atonement?'

'Death will be my atonement.' Mahria's eye narrowed to thin lines. She approached qunari and poked his chest with might.

'Don't tell me that Qunari want's to end his life in a cage… that's not what I read or heard about your race.' With grimace on her face she shook her head. 'I'm disappointed.'

'You are right, human. I would prefer to die in a battle, but my choices have been made.' At that Mahria's face lighted with a mile of victory.

'That is more like qunari way. I'll tell you one thing. You could help us to defend the land against the Blight rather than rot in this cage… or be tainted by the darkspawn.' Qunari livened up and looked at Mahria then at Loghain.

'The Bligh? Are you a Grey Wardens, then?'

'No, but we got their aid. And we seek in more help. It's not only a threat for Ferelden, but whole Thedas. Even Qun won't be secured from them.' Loghain answered.

'Surprising… My people have heard legend of the Grey Wardens strength and skill... I also have heard stories about your deed, Teyrn Mac Tir… though I suppose not every legend or story are true.' Mahria gasped at that insult but stayed silent. Loghain only shrugged and asked.

'Would the Revered Mother let you free?'

'Perhaps. You have authority, if you say you need my assistance… It seems as likely to bring my death as waiting here.'

'Fine. Let's go, Mahria. We will ask her Reverence about that matter.' Mahria turned to smirking Morrigan.

'A penitent man left to be torn to pieces by darkspawn. 'tis a fine example of the Chantry's mercy, is it not?' After that she turned around and went toward center of the village. Mahria walked with Loghain few feets beside her.

'What a day. We got two more skilled people. First Zevran… now Leliana and this Sten.'

'We didn't get him yet, love. Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.' He stated carefully. It's not that he could really command Revered Mother to do something. He could only hope that his position would do the thing. Mac Tirs entered the Chantry end went further inside to Revered Mother's chamber at the end of the building. They found her sitting in a chair, resting and reading.

'Your Teyrnships, how else can I help you?' Her head snapped up and she looked at the pair.

'I would like to talk about Sten, qunari you imprisoned.' Mother narrowed her eyes and stood up. She started to pace around the room.

'It might have been kinder to execute him, but I leave his fate to the Maker. Why does he interest you, Your Teyrnship?' Loghain regarded woman for a moment then frowned.

'Your Reverence, I understand all the circumstances but… what if this causes an incident with his people?' Loghain used his cold voice, woman trembled lightly.

'I haven't thought about...'

'Of course you haven't… but I need to think about any political outcome here.' He sighed heavily and shrugged. 'Anyway I want him freed. I might have a use of him.' Mac Tir waited a moment as Revered Mother was thinking about his demand.

'Your Teyrnship, if I release him… then his next victims might count you and me as their murderers.' Her face shown real concern. What if great Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir was murdered by crazy qunari. She would be to blame.

'He won't.' Mahria said blankly. 'Qunari have a great sense of honour. If he will be pledged to our cause, we don't have to fear a thing on his end.' Why she was so certain about that, she didn't know. But she was. And Loghain picked that confidence about Sten as well.

'If you're so certain about it, Teyrna… I will release him to your custody, Your Teyrnships. Since our bann has forsaken Lothering, perhaps you are the best choice for secular justice after all...' Loghain widned his eyes and growled. Bann left his land?

'Where is Bann Ceorlic? That low excuse for a Bann.'

'He fled when he heard about darkspawn and the battle. He almost all his soldiers. Some stayed here to secure us. I think he went to the capital, Your Teyrnship.'

'Filthy piece of shit...' Mahria murmured quietly. Then she raised her voice to normal level. 'Excuse me, Your Reverence, such behaviour makes me want to punch that idiot straight to his face. But… anyway… we don't have time...'

'Ah, yes. Here, then. Take the key to the qunari's cage and take him away. I pray this is the right path, for all our sakes.' Loghain took the key end they went outside the village to the imprisoned qunari. While going there he stopped with Mahria not far away from qunari. Man regarded his wife for a moment.

'You sure about this?' Mahria just smiled and kissed his cheek.

'Of course. I have a hunch, love. Call it a woman's sixth sense or some other bullshit. But so far I wasn't much wrong, was I?' Her hand grabbed his and squeezed in reassurance. 'Come, let's free Sten and go to Redcliffe. I hope Maric will get his majestic ass there already. I don't want to wait for him with Isolde swooping all over me...' Loghain smirked and leaned to kiss her forhead.

'I know. She still thinks you're a proper lady...' Mahria gasped and punched him on his armored arm. She whined in pain.

'Ouch! You're such an arse sometimes, Loghain...' His laugh made her hiss. 'Stop it. I am a proper lady when situation calls for it. Don't deny it.'

'To be honest I can't recall any of such event. But maybe I'm just forgetting stuff.'

'Oi! Don't even start… look, my hand hurts now.' She showed him her hand, skin on her knuckles red. Mac Tir grabbed it lightly and brought to his lips.

'It's your fault. You see I'm in a plate armor. Maker's breath, woman, you make me crazy. Come on. We free Sten and go to Redcliffe. One thing good about it is proper bed to lay in.' Her wide smile made him happy so much. Her grieve since Bryce death was making Loghain nervous. Both of them turned and went to Sten. Qunari looked at them not amused.

'You wish something more of me?' He seemed even bored.

'In the matter of fact we do. We have key to your cage, Sten.' Mahria almost snorted at qunari's shocked expression.

'I confess, I did not think the priestess would part with it.' Loghain nodded. Still he wasn't totally sure of it, but Mahria's faith had to be sufficient for now.

'She agreed to release you to my custody.'

'So be it.' Sten said blanky, yet his behaviour wasn't so tense anymore. 'Set me free and I will follow you against the Blight, Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir.' Teyrn come to cage doors and opened them with given key. Qunari left the cage and looked around. 'And so it is done.' Mahria tensed for a moment, for a second she thought Sten will attack Loghain, but he didn't. 'I will follow you into battle. In doing so I shall find my atonement.' Mac Tir regarded him with calculating expression. Will the qunari be valuable asset or not? Sadly, he didn't have time now to get to know what that strange creature could do, how he could be of help. There would be time later for that.

'Thank you, Sten.' Loghain replied with his hoarse, commanding voice. 'Let's go to Requisition Officer, you need good armor and some weapon. Tomorrow you will be heading with one of our captains to patrol road between Ostagar and Lothering.'

'As you say, Teyrn. May I proceed? I am eager to be elsewhere. Preferably where I could use my battle skills.' Both Loghain and Mahria smirked at that.

'Of course, come with me to army camp.' After they settled Sten with army and Loghain gave his orders to everyone. Mac Tirs picked Nathaniel, Zevran, Morrigan, Solona and just a few soldiers to go to Redcliffe.

'Ah, Mahria, why we need to take Zevran with us? He's making me so irritated! And Cullen is jealous of him.' Solona approached Mahria when she was buckling Da'asha. Mahria giggled and turned to mage warden.

'We can't take Cullen with us, friend. He needs to supervise templars. Don't worry, Zevran is just shameful flirt nothing else. He knows that he can't make any attempt toward me… I bet also he's afraid of Morrigan. So you are only female he can pick up with his idiotic banter.' Teyrna sighed and patter Sol arm. 'I know how you feel. But you are only one I trust among wardens to be honest. And we need you to sense darkspawn. Please, it won't be long. Soon you will be able to bang that templar of yours.' Solona snorted so loudly that Da'asha squirmed in surprise. 'Easy, girl.' Mahria patted animal on it's rear.

'Sorry… I just love your sense of humor. Fine, Mahria. Let's go.' Solona patted hart as well and both women hopped on their mounts. Grey Warden looked around and winked at Teplar hiding next to the chantry. Cullen smiled at her and waved her goodbye. Soon Loghain ordered to leave and they left Lothering to travel as far as they could before nightfall.