Indecision
Isolde had not taken the loss of her son well.
Really, though, who would expect her to? Elaine thought sadly.
Alistair had also not taken it well, despite his earlier support. His accusations of child murder and negligence still rang in her ears. Not because she gave a damn what he thought of her, she told herself, but because his words echoed her own thoughts. She would never let him know it, but he had cut her deeply. Perhaps she could have done more to save the boy. And it was true that she might gave ruined their chance at gaining Arl Eamon's support.
Now they were supposed to go on some wild goose chase to find a cure for the ailing arl. Elaine supposed it was the least they could do after what had happened, but looking at the map of Ferelden, Denerim looked awfully far and awfully out of the way. But, oh! What she wouldn't give for an actual bed with linens and pillows! And food that had not been cooked over a campfire. And a hot bath. She nearly groaned in longing. Perhaps Denerim was a good idea after all.
"Where to, Grey Warden? Off to help more villagers in distress? Or are we actually going to stop the Blight now?" Elaine gritted her teeth, but forced herself to ignore Morrigan's mocking tone.
"I don't know. The Circle of Magi is only a day's journey from here. But if we want Arl Eamon's help, we'll need to get to Denerim quickly. And the Brecilian Forest is on the way, so we might be able to secure the elves' support before we go. But, for all I know, the horde has already cut us off from that route. It's surely reached Lothering by now, and I don't want to risk going all that way east just to have to turn around, come all the way back, and take the northern road. I just don't know."
Morrigan regarded her coolly. "Are you asking for my advice?"
"No. Maybe. I don't know." Elaine sighed in frustration. "What do you think?"
Morrigan smirked. "I think it matters little what I think. You are capable of making your own decisions. You are the Warden, and 'tis you who must face the Blight. When and where you choose to do so is of little consequence to me so long as you do it."
"And what about all the people who will die if I make the wrong choice? If I delay too long? It is of great consequence to them."
Morrigan's eyes hardened. "If you wish to succeed in this endeavor, you must cease this idle worry. You cannot control the fate of every fool in Ferelden. But in one thing you are right – your indecision is costly. Now make your choice."