Denial
The last thing she heard her mother say was that she loved her. What was the last thing she had said to her mother? Elaine couldn't remember. Probably something like, "Shut up and help me lift Father" or "No, no, I don't care what you say. I won't go." Not "I love you," in any case. Regret and grief washed over her in waves.
She had spent most of the last three days in stunned silence. They were going to Ostagar, Duncan had said. And she would have to find Fergus. And tell him. How was she going to tell him? She could barely say it to herself. But she had to find him. Fergus would know what to do. He would go back to Highever and take it back from Rendon Howe and they could go back to how they were before. Yes, yes, that was right. Fergus would fix everything.