Month 7 - Solis, Vigil's Keep.
The Keep was scrambling about when the news of the Arlessa not being in the castle. The figure that had been watching over them floated about, keeping a vigilant eye on all of them. Varel spoke with the figure. Would receive an impartial answer before bothering no more. How he wished they would return soon. The agreement they made when the Arlessa first left a month prior was to go through the Joining ritual, by whatever means. Varel halted when the reaction from the woman was that of a silent watcher. She held no emotion.
Thinking back, he noticed she had been in the study for days at a time,questioned if she had slept. She met him with the same response, "A little."
His thoughts interrupted when the sound of hoofbeats shook the ground. A small army had entered through the gates of the Keep.
A young woman dismounted a large black and white stallion. "Hold here. Allow me first to see my mother."
Varel heard the woman say. Going to greet her, he came with a bittersweet welcome. "Welcome, Miss. I am Senechal Varel. You say you are looking for your mother?"
"Aye. Lili. Lili'Enyel Swiftleaf, there she is. Mother!" Lili trotted past the older man. "Mother, I cannot begin to tell you of what I have seen on my journey. We found the Ashes. I have brought a pinch back." A tired, grateful smile on the woman's lips. The tall woman before her smiled softly. Confused, she took her mother's hand in hers. "Mother?" Looking into her eyes, she could see nothing. "Are you unwell?"
Just as she continued to grow more suspicious, Varel interjected. "Miss. The Arlessa is not here. This is a… her image. Few went in search of her just before you arrived."
Lili stood astonished, looking at the figure of the woman who should have been her beloved mother. "How? How is this possible?" Circling the figure as she stood there watching.
"That we are at a loss. The first to discover her absence was the former Teyrn Loghain. Her Grace traveled to the Silverite mines some weeks back. She and another who went were the only two to arrive later than the company that went with them." Varel recalled to the Ranger.
Amazed at the possibility of her mother's making a duplicate of herself, let alone another, if what was said true Lili asked to see the other that was with them and bid that the others who rode with her to rest and be put up for the duration of their stay, she would travel alone to the mines.
"The tracks should still be fresh. I need to find my mother." Lili'Enyel was off once more.
It was a wonder, these people who came to the Keep. The Arlessa with her odd powers, and now her daughter who after many days of travel off no sooner than she arrived.
The Silverite mines.
The mines ran deep indeed. Led by one scout, the torchlight cut through the dark. Flames waved back and forth as it led deeper them into the mines. With checking once again the caves in case anything was amiss. Anders informed them of what happened with each location checked.
"We rescued a Warden who said they had captured him with the others from the Keep. In his escape, his legs broken. Clinging to life when we found him." Anders explained that past this point he knew nothing else, as Deedolit had them all return. "The Commander told us we needed to get Keenan sufficient help with the grave injury he sustained. She and Velanna went further into the caves. She found the missing Wardens with several others. Half-starved, they are well. Somehow. We all came back to the Keep. Until you lot showed."
Loghain listened, hearing without care, pressing on nothing of note as they made their way to what was now the ruins in the Deep Roads. His only concern was finding Deedolit. Bodies of deceased dragon young lay, decayed darkspawn with their black taint littered staining the stone their corpses lay. It was evident the mages came through here.
'I will strangle you myself if you still live.' Loghain thought as he and the others followed the trail.
They came upon a room with cells some bodies had wasted away to the Maker. "We search the area, Howe, Mage. Come with me."
Taking a torch from one other with them, they moved to the next room. Barely enough light from the mage stones, let alone the torch. Loghain saw a figure on a stone table. His heart quickened, long moonlight hair dangled. "Deedo!" he called after running to the still form. Pulling her shoulder to turn her to face him, her head swiveled, he reeled in disgust.
The others came to see if it was their Commander. Grey, the color of her skin, her face disfigured, half of it missing from a spell aimed directly. Anders swept the body, revealing it was not her, it was something that he could feel her magic, but it was so faint that after the first sweep it faded. Loghain growled and moved to the open door on the other side of the room. They continued, the guard announced they had found several thick tomes, many notes, that were in the supposed office of whatever was once written them here.
"Keep them. They may be of use. Clear the office of anything remotely useful to us. Stay on guard." Nathaniel ordered.
"Aye." the guard and two others went to pack up the room.
The Deep Roads expanded again, with its networking tunnels and dead ends, cubbies, and alcoves. They found another body that looked like that of the mage Velanna. Several other corpses lay more in twisted heaps as they made way to an intact ruin. A set of doors, grand in their design, closed before them. A chest broken near them, Loghain looked in it, a glittering object, reaching his hand in he panicked.
"Meleth, answer me. Meleth, open the door!" Pounding on the doors, he called after her. She was beyond the door. He knew it, he could feel it. "Do not stand there damn you, something trapped the Teyrna!" In his panic, he knew not what he said.
The guards scrambled to find something heavy to break down the door. Anders picked the torch up that had been dropped, looking for a mechanism. There was always something with doors that sealed themselves. An enchantment of some sort, always. It was a mage's door for sure. He knew he used to escape them when he lived in Kinloch.
The shouts and orders to ram the door were echoing. Nathaniel tried to pry the door open with his blade. As Loghain did as well. Though Anders knew it was magic that held the doors tight. The enchantment there was strong, so no one else could get in or out.
"Step back!" Anders shouted over all. He cast, hurling several heavy stones to the wooden door.
The guards managed a stone wide enough to ram the door open. Each hit it splintered, each hit echoed with a hollow thud, each hit was one more hit closer to opening the doors to see what lay on the other side.
Ramming again, Anders then cast his own. A chunk of the wooden door broke, a hole as big as a man's fist they could see through.
Loghain first, a tree. Mighty and magical, glowing. That glow! "Deedo answer me!" He shouted. "Open this damned door now!" He ordered.
The metal warped, the wood battered, the door creaked loudly as they pulled the remaining section open. They filed in. Loghain, Anders, and Nathaniel. Before them a tree. In the middle of the room, on either side, were two dead dragons. In the boughs, an elf.
Loghain rushed to the trunk. Looking about, he lay his gloved hand on it; it felt as if it was breathing. Anders and Nathaniel called to the elf that lay above them.
"Deedo?" Loghain called. Removing his glove, gripping the diadem and his glove tight. Placing his hand on the glowing white-gold bark once more, he felt the faint heartbeat. Emotion swept over him. She was still alive. They did not lose her to darkspawn. He placed his forehead on the trunk. "Deedo, can you hear me? We need you. I need you."
Shouts behind them echoed once again. Someone was coming to them hollering after. "Mother… Mother!" The speed at which the voice carried, Loghain came to face them. Ordering the guard to relay that they have found her.
Meeting the others outside, when she dismounted and met several more guards inside, she granted them spells to ease their burden. The direction they offered for where the Teyrn and the others went. Lili called for her mother. Lili breezed past them in wolf form. Following her nose, she found the body as Loghain had.
"Here, my girl!" Loghain called after. It was loud enough for just the few in the room to hear. Unlike the bellowing call to open the door.
Lili ran faster, coming to the entryway, skidding to a stop when she transformed back. "Uncle. Tell me what has happened?" She panted.
Loghain shook his head, never removing his hand. "We only just arrived. She is alive. Her companion lies just in her boughs."
Nathaniel and Anders refused to damage the tree, finding it was the Lady Commander herself. The young woman caused a small response in trying to wake the elf nestled in the tree above them.
Lili'Enyel stepped back, seeing the one they were trying to awaken. Her spell was quick, her feet hover centimeters off the ground. With a push off the stone floor, she floated upwards. "Mother, you need to wake. You must tell me what happened." She pleaded as she made her way up to the top branches. "Mother, who is the guest you have taken care of?"
The Ranger cradled the young woman in her arms, cradling her, then floating back to the others.
What a pass, Anders did a sweep of her vitals. "She is asleep." Having the guard carry her out of the ruins for the journey back. Watching her carried out, they all turned their attention to the illuminated tree once again.
Loghain looked once at the tree. Lili was at his side. "Why is she like this? Is it possible to reverse this effect?"
With a shrug, the Ranger tested her spells. "Possibly. Let me see if I can remove the spell." Anders and Nathaniel watched the woman wove her hands. The power of the spell Anders could see was one to strip from the Arlessa. Another try, the beat of heart Loghain could feel in his fingertips thrum.
"Damnit mother. You need to wake up!" She grunted another spell, several strings of words unfamiliar to their ears. They sounded very much like curses. "Mother, I know you can hear me! You need to wake up now. I have brought back the Ashes for my sister! You stubborn pig headed woman! Do not leave us, don't leave me again!"
Lili'Enyel was in tears, remembering when her mother had not returned those many decades ago, how scared she was, how brave she had to be for her younger siblings, not again would she accept this, not while she still drew breath, she pounding on the tree in her frustration. Pleading with her tree formed mother to disillusion and return to them.
They all called after her to rouse her from her slumber.
The Fade, she heard them calling, faintly.
It was the pounding earlier. She heard it echoing around them. Kal'an could now look like himself, still held tight to her hand.
"Mother, Olett is having fits, by what I am unsure. She fevers in pain. Only when she is at rest."
Her daughter, tormented still by that witch, could not rest for recovery. Deedo nodded. She needed to go, her heart wanted to stay. Turning to Maric, who stood silently, saw his agreement. "My Love. Go. I will be here."
Kal'an nodded. He knew the King was real. He would be back for him to secure a place. Maric quietly vanished from sight. Kal'an then dragged his mother to the place his uncle kept. Deedo hurried, the sounds growing louder. The small void cottage was in sight.
"I love you Mamil. I will see you soon." Kal'an let go of her hand, stepping through the door.
The ruins of the mines echoed with pleas to the Arlessa Commander.
The shimmering leaves rustled with no wind. Floating to the stone ground disappeared before they touched. Shimmering the magic faded, the tree shrank, the glow fading. In its place, the High Elf, tattered gown with blood on the side, colored her dirty outfit. Loghain caught her.
Anders with Lili healed her. She woke for a moment. With a worried smile, before fading oto sleep again. "A..re… they… sa…fe?"
They all looked at each other. "Yes!" They would fight it out another time with her. Now they needed to get the woman back to the castle. Loghain carried her, Lili granted them speed. All of them left the mines together.
Meanwhile, the Keep was bustling in wait for whatever news that would arrive for them. When the woman woke, her illusions faded. Varel and others who continued to observe the figure of their Arlessa watched as she vanished from sight. Gasps, unsure of what to make of it, received a message with the first to arrive with a container of books and papers.
"They found the Arlessa. They are on the way."
The speed with which they returned was the Maker's Blessing. Cheers erupted. "Thank the Maker." Varel announced quietly.
They mounted their steeds, Loghain held tight to Deedolit, Nathaniel held to Velanna. Made their way back to the castle keep.
Felt the rocking of a horse beneath her. The familiar smell of a man she knows well, she hissed. Her side sore, she shifted, casting her shield, she reduced her pain. Lili smiled. She felt her mother's magic, just keeping quiet.
Loghain felt her shift in his arms. He felt her warm hand on his cheek. "Are you uncomfortable?" He asked.
Deedo settled with her head on his shoulder. "What are you doing here?" he could hear her say.
He leaned into her hand. "You stupid bird. What I wish to know why had you gone off alone?"
Deedo shifted again. "I was not alone. I had people to find. Found most of them. I want to know how you are here?" It upset her she lost some she went to find. There was nothing that could have been done. If she had arrived months before, certainly she could have saved them. Now she knows her dearest friend will reprimand her.
Clearing his throat. "I came with recruits to find you had been missing. You had me worried. I thought you were lost to me as well. That was a thought I wished to not relive again." He felt her lips on his cheek, her arms about his waist, hugging him as tightly as she could. He rubbed her back, as best he could in their position, smiled, furious with her still. She will always think of others before she dares to think of herself. Deedolit is alive and safe. At least she was safe.
A half hour later, the group that had left arrived. Cheers erupted once more, clamoring to tend to her Ladyship. Loghain's commanding officer watched the familiarity between the two. "Commander. A word?"
"Yes?" Deedo looked at him expectantly as Loghain helped her down.
Loghain was certain he would face punishment. Knew his commanding officer would speak of how he disobeyed and overrode an order by going after the Warden Commander, to even speak out of turn to speak with her privately.
"Glad you are safe. Warden Loghain was on the nose about you. Good work Warden."
A clap to his shoulder, Loghain exhaled. "Thank you."
Deedolit places a hand over his heart. "Everyone, please, I wish you a hearty meal and sufficient rest. My daughter will tend to you while I rest. I do not want my ears boxed or nagged at. I will see myself in bed before you all drag me there."
The sound of laughter filled the courtyard of the Keep. Lili'Enyel introduced herself, then went about with the next task as the sun had left the sky and now all greeted the night with ease.
Loghain escorted the Arlessa to her bedroom. There, Deedo forced him to stay. She wanted to tell him the wonderful dream she had, where they were all happy. She opted against it. Their loves lost to them both, it would bring no comfort to him.
Anders arrived an hour later, checked her over once more after she had bathed and eaten. Sickening blue and purple bruises left on her abdomen. Loghain's face twisted so his jaw was tight, ready to yell at the High Elf. Her hand raised. "I know, please, do not yell at me tonight."
All the wind knocked from his sails. He stood by the window, grumbling to himself.
"Someone needs to yell at you." Anders mumbled.
Deedo sighed. "A few days. You will never notice the marks."
"Glad you're back." He left the two alone, wishing them a goodnight.
The door closed behind Anders and Deedo came to stand next to Loghain. "I told you I would kidnap you to my world to keep you safe." She said sleep laced her words. He could hear. Her head resting on his shoulder.
He shook his head. "We know I have a duty. I must fulfill."
"I know. I know. One day then, yes?"
"Of course."
Another sigh after moments of quiet fell between them, a yawn. Deedo turned to the bed. "Come sleep next to me." Deedo patted the empty bed space next to her.
Loghain refused. "What will the others think?"
Deedo pouted. "So? Please, if this is the last night I see you, when will I see you next? Just lay with me. Tonight, I do not think I could sleep alone."
"What left you in those garish bruises?"
"In the morning. My word." She wanted to speak of what had taken place. Of how many years before she and the Architect struck the same bargain, the kin he knew brought up in their conversation.
Failed as it was, in the attempt to reverse the mindless hoard. Plans for something intelligible, much like the Architect himself. Deedo did not willingly give her blood. The Architect stole it. A fight to keep Velanna and herself safe.
When he explained what he had wanted, it was then she considered. The first of the ghoulish creatures fell, the Elders' blood too potent. He would test again, with the amount he took, it had weakened further than the already exhausted and taxed Deedolit.
In the morning, will she tell them they should have a mysterious ally?
Morning came once again. The castle was slowly coming to wake to welcome the new day.
A nightmare woke Loghain earlier than Deedo. He looks over at the sleeping elf next to him. Quietly, he slipped from the bed. Dressing, he left to sate his new ravenous hunger.
The air was still, the castle busy making ready for the day. In the dining hall, Lili'Enyel was awake greeted him in the dining hall with several other early birds.
"Morning Uncle. Did you rest well?" Her tone is teasing.
A soft snort knew what the girl was referring. "I slept with my boots on."
The face she made was a cross between amusement and reprimand. The ranger leaned in close. "I know how you feel about her."
"You presume much, my dear."
Lili handed the man his meal. "I shall have you know the twins informed me of your visit in Kirkwall."
"Why is it I am not surprised?" Loghain put a spoonful of porridge in his mouth. Nodding at the sweet taste.
"We do not keep secrets." Lili pointed out. "Mother cares about you greatly. I listened to the stories she would tell Lord Brother. I hold the same love for you as he did. You could say I see you as my father." Lili ate her meal.
Loghain looked at the girl. Could he allow himself to be a family once more? He could not. He was a Grey Warden. His life was limited, as he knew. He would not see grandchildren unless the Maker has other intentions. Cruel the fate to present him with more than one woman he could not hold for long. Rowan, his departed wife, Maeve and Deedolit.
Deedo came to the dining hall, making her morning rounds, slow her steps. She still hurt, but there was work to do. Without the warmth she felt from Loghain, she knew she needed to handle anything she had missed. What her doubles had not handled on their own. Kissing the top of Loghain, and Lili's heads, seeing breakfast for the castle was ready. She smiled at them, then floated off in search of the elf Velanna.
Lili leaned over, after several who were in the hall with them, stopped eating and watched the exchange. "Told you."
Loghain blushed with embarrassment.
As the Arlessa slowly moved towards the infirmary, commotion caught her ears at the gates. Seeing several people ushered in, a few clapped in irons. Deedo spotted Guard Henley, calling him over. She requested he report to her over the condition of Velanna. When he agreed, Deedo then made her way to the throne room.
Varel was just about to send a man to see if Arlessa was in well enough condition to attend court. Knowing she would need a day to herself, he wanted to at least appear with the formalities. Having had the double in her place made it easier when it came time to matters of the courts council. When he spotted her coming through the doors behind the others. Excused himself to take her hand.
"My Lady, rest more." He reprimanded once he crossed the room to her side.
The room bowed their heads quietly in greeting. "I am well. Please, raise your heads." She sat on the throne with a soft sigh. She will rest after they have handled all matters. "What is the meaning of these people being dragged in chains? Were their crimes fitting for the irons?"
Varel nodded solemnly. "I held this off for as long as I could. They claimed these from yesterday. The Arlessa Commander holds High Judgment on her lands. She will now hear you." He could hear the High Elf next to him giggle at the title. Before them, a man with his head hung low, the irons around his wrist as if to say he was a thief.
Nathaniel and the others came when they heard the Commander was up and about. Lili'Enyel joined them. As Varel announced to the court.
"You will make your claims and be judged fairly. Be seated. First, we shall hear the matters of the crown against the sheepherder, Alec."
The guard shoved Alec ahead of him. He was from the city guard. No one that Deedo recognized. Guard Captain Garavel spoke. "Your, Grace. I submit Alec stole two bushels of grain bound for the garrison in Amaranthine. When confronted by the soldiers, he confessed. The punishment for theft from the crown is… death by hanging." Garavel cleared his throat.
"What say you, Alec?" Varel spoke. The two men hold words while Deedo listens, then makes her judgment. It was simple, in its simplicity.
Deedo looked at the man. His eyes would not meet hers. He jumped when he was asked to speak about his crime. "Look at me, sir." When his eyes met hers, she smiled, nodding to urge him to speak.
"M-my sheep slaughtered by d-darkspawn. M-my family was starving. I beg for mercy." His head hung once more.
"Guard Captain."
"Ma'am?"
"How long had this man been held in the cells?" Deedo could hear that the man was without rest. He had barely enough energy to hold those heavy chains that bound his wrist.
"Two weeks." He flipped the paper, looking over it.
"Has no one been to his home to see his family, ensuring they are well and cared for?" Lili knew that tone. Deedo stared at the man who shoved Alec, her eyebrow raised, and the resolute man felt the weight of that glare.
Varel leaned in, whispering for her to hear. "Yes, the poor bugger. If he had stolen from anyone else but the crown, he would escape with just a flogging."
With a nod, Deedolit gestured for Lili to approach. "Alec, you shall join my army, your life spared. Family fed."
"Thank you, thank you, your Grace." Alec said tearfully, the irons removed from his wrist.
Deedo turned to her daughter. "Find where his family lives, bring them here."
"Yes, Your Grace." Lili bowed her head and turned to speak with the man to find his family.
Varel tipped his chin for the next claim of burden. "This is Lady Liza Packton, the sovereign of Teyrn's Down, she…"
"I would prefer to speak for myself. Thank you. Your Grace, the old Arl, Rendon Howe, made certain promises to me. Some of these he committed to paper. They state I am entitled to the incomes of the southern bridge. Here are the.."
"And what part of Howe's treachery did you commit to gain such a fruitful favor, Liza?"
Deedo went to speak at the bluntness of the woman before her. Howe's person or not, she would remain impartial. "Lord Darren I presume?"
He bowed, then realized he spoke out of turn. With a wave of her hand stilled them both and granted Darren to speak. Loghain came in. Deedo flicked her eyes in his direction, rendering him invisible to those around him.
Lord Darren spoke of the lands that were his, by rights. They stole the land from the man to his conspirator.
"I was one of the few who stood against Teyrn Loghain."
"I understand your dilemma. I suggest we go over the documents. Please submit them in two days? That should give plenty of time to make a formal judgment."
Lady Liza's eyes narrowed, but she bowed her head. Lord Darren bowed, giving his thanks.
Varel called over the raising crowd in the throne room. "Bring Ser Temmerly the Ox."
Two guards it took to bring the hulking man in. His smirk as if he would walk and this is the most they could touch him with.
Garavel announced that Temmerly stands for murder. "He and his men came upon Ser Tamra in the dead of night and did cravenly ambush her." Garavel spoke as if he had been there to witness it.
Deedo's heart sank. She could not outwardly express her hurt. Tamra was to be guarded as she gathered evidence. If Tamra was slain, then the guard she had with her was lost to her, too.
Temmerly shook his head no. With a snort, he rebutted what they accused him of. "You dare too much Captain Garavel. I am noble born. I will not submit to your accusations."
"You are accused of murder, Ser! My soldiers found you fleeing while Ser Tamer's blood still bled hot!" Garavel was near beside himself. His emotions are getting the better of him.
"Captain?" Deedo warned. Seeing Garavel step back, he took a breath.
Temmerly smugly stepped forward. Sure of himself. "There is a great deal of traffic on the roads. Not all of it human. And it is dangerous at night. We were merely in a hurry to find a safe place." He smiled.
Deedo rose slowly from her seat. "You dare mock the court with your denial?"
With a bow, slightly, of his head. "The Captain has nothing. Release me, Commander… It is the common lout's word against mine."
"That 'common lout' is my Guard Captain. I would surely take his word over someone of your nature, Ser. Noble born or not." Taking her seat once more.
Varel and she discussed quickly that there was little evidence to prove he did it. The blood found could have been from anyone, and even though he is a noble, he is relatively unpopular. There would be nothing they could do to refute it. Just as Deedo was about to decide to let the boy go, a voice called out.
"Your Grace, may I speak?" Came from the back, another clapped in irons, the clanking of the metal rung.
Varel looked, and Garavel raised an eyebrow. "This is Danella. They brought in her for desertion, having abandoned her post and caught three leagues away."
Danella nodded. "Yes, I had repeatedly asked Lieutenant Gable for leave because they had sighted the darkspawn near my family's farm. They would not survive without me."
Garavel remembered he was under the Lieutenant. "Even if this had not happened during a time of war, the penalty for desertion would still be execution."
"Ser Danella, you spoke when I was about to decide what to do with Temmerly. Was there something you had to say on that matter?" Deedolit gauged.
"Yes. He killed her."
The room erupted in gasped and Temmerly roared. He cursed her, continuing to deny the accusations against him. The two large guards of Deedolit's blocked the smaller woman from the fitful Temmerly.
Deedo had feelings running through her she needed to tamper down. Her guard and Tamera, killed for bringing the damning information. If only she hadn't gone to the mines. "Silence!" Deedo stood. The room fell hushed once again. "Please. How do you know he… Killed Ser Tamera?"
"I had just come back from the city to bring some food to my family. I met with Tamera and saw your guard, too." Danella took a deep breath. "She and I were close. I had taken some papers she was to bring to you. I hid from sight that night and watched as he took her life with his men." Danella looked to the guard who took the papers from her, hanging them to the Arlessa.
Each letter was indeed cryptic. A partly translated note hastily scribbled had the main conspirator. Deedo was too stunned to speak. She sat back down. Loghain had his hand on her shoulder. She signalled Nathaniel. "Danella, bring your family to start over. I will assign you as my personal guard. Ser Temmerly, you are forthwith stripped of your title and sentenced to the dungeons until further notice."
Temmerly tried to run. As soon as he did, the guards tackled him to the stone floor. A spell flared to hold him in place. The room gawked in shock. They knew she was a mage, and she used her powers just then to halt the large man from running. Had she been doing so previously?
"I issued my order. You dare to run. Killing two of my people. You may not see the light of day again." The irons were on the Ox's wrist and ankles, moments after his attempt at escape. Handed the papers to Varel, asked Nathaniel to accompany the young woman. They would not dare to harm the young Howe.
"Send a letter to his father. I wish to speak and see the man who would raise such a deplorable person." The Arlessa said loud enough for all the court to hear, turning to her chambers.
Varel announced the dismissal of the court for the day.
Deedo headed back to her room, Loghain close behind her. When they reached her room, his spell faded. "He killed them. Was there no end to what Howe started? These people would extend his reach, gladly would they die for him?" Deedolit rubbed her arms and sighed.
"You did better than I thought you would. Much better than Maric, when he was prompted." Praised the woman for her leadership skills.
Deedo turned to him, looking at him with a shake of her head. "If I had not been here, still in the mines, or not here at all. Would someone else be able to stomach listening to how much Howe affected them? For you." She took a seat on the plush bed. "His son had to listen to how his father stole land from one to give to another. Granted, I wished to share with the boy some evidence of his father's treachery. I knew not how twisted he was." Deedolit rubbed her sore side. Having Loghain close was a comfort, however limited it will be. Reaching for Loghain, she thought better of it and clasped her hands together in her lap.
Loghain nodded. Tamera's blood was on his hands as well. He allowed Howe's boastful egoism in, because he needed the supporters, funds for the fight that came and went. He wasn't a noble born ruler, a simple farm boy, who was good with a bow. "When I asked you to be my wife. It was for this reason. I knew then you were much better suited for the role. I believe that was Maric's intentions as well."
Loghain took her hands in his. "You are unbiased. I would like to think that after I am gone, you will continue to be the strength you have always been."
Deedolit gave his hands a squeeze and smile. She has to be strong. She has no other choice. Her children look at her, the people are looking at her. "I need to address you Wardens and my men. I have to send a letter to his Majesty." 'You all will hate me for the decision I have made.' Deedo kissed the backs of Loghain's hands, a spell to keep him protected. "How long are you to stay?"
"I am unsure. The longer I am with you, the more the others will think you favor me." Loghain reminded.
"I do favor you. I understand. Well, then." She released his hands, standing tall. "Warden Loghain. I appreciate your concern and having rescued me. Please go back to your commanding officer and inform him I need to speak with all the Wardens present for matters of what I discovered in the mines."
"Yes. Your Grace." Loghain bowed his head, doing what she asked of him. As his back turned to the Arlessa Commander, a broad smile found itself on his face.
Deedolit's study.
She briefed Varel on what had happened, along with Oghren, Anders, Mahiri. Sigrun and Nathaniel were present. The brief was shocking to Nathaniel, with the others having seen firsthand the odd darkspawn that now littered their lands.
"Go out with the others. I shall be there in a moment." Deedolit said. Still, she weighed what she should say exactly. The notes left by Maric spoke briefly of the encounter with that very Darkspawn. But nothing more. It seemed to miss pages. Witnessing first what the creature wished, she agreed to give a part of herself. If it meant no more fighting and sacrifices.
"My Lady?" Varel watched her as she looked out of the window. A slight turn of her head, she offered her hand. "Are you well enough to do this?" Varel questioned.
"I am. This must be done. It affects all of us." She cleared her throat. "I have lost my child, my friend and two lovers because of these Darkspawn."
The courtyard was full of her men and the Wardens. Each stood at attention awaiting the Commander's word. Varel held Deedolit's arm as she walked. The bright sun was overhead, shadows of clouds swept the men and women who stood looking. Deedolit released Varel's hand to stand on her own.
"I was absent for a month. I apologize. There is news that I wish to share with you all. My Treasurer, who will need to report back to Weishaupt." Mistress Woolsey stood in the entryway's shade. A scribe taking notation of all that. Lili'Enyel as well. "I went into the Silverite mines searching for our missing companions, as well as some other innocents. A darkspawn ambushed Velanna and me. A talking Darkspawn."
They talked amongst themselves. Never had they heard of anything like a talking one. It was farfetched until Deedolit had the others speak of what they had seen.
"I had no real chance to speak with him myself. He had… before lured other Wardens to alter them. To change you, to repel the blights, to end the cycle of fighting."
"You cannot believe that!"
"He's a Darkspawn, they know nothing!"
"Yeah, they know only to kill."
"My family was killed because of them. Kill them all!"
Deedo heard them, their bitterness. She felt it too. They killed her godson, his mother, claimed Warden Duncan. Their lands saw blackened by their taint, for years upon years they fought. Men, women, children gone to their Maker.
Yes, she agrees with them. They have suffered, forced to be here, or came willingly into the Warden ranks. Why would they trust the word of a Darkspawn? Where was it when the first Blight happened? To offer supposed council.
Deedo raised her hand to still them. "If you do not believe me. Would you believe King Maric? Your own former Commander and her sibling? Maric saw as well as heard. I will say it seems impossible. I wish not to believe it. When I find this creature, I will have decided whether his words are true." She gave them all a moment to think on her words. They have no reason to trust her. She is not one of them. "I have tomes to pour over, notes to piece together. If this… Architect has been here experimenting, he should be stopped."
Cheers sounded as Deedo stepped down. Loghain remembers Xellexes came looking for Deedo just after Maric had returned to Kinloch. He saw the odd Darkspawn, but so briefly he couldn't have been sure. If it saw her cousin, he would know to seek another.
They were all dismissed to attend to the duties. Loghain went after the Arlessa. "Your Grace?"
"Warden?" Deedolit turned to face him.
Loghain bowed his head, waiting for others to leave. "I need to speak with you."
Deedolit gestured to go further in. Near a pillar that they could speak privately, Loghain informed her of what happened when Maric went with the Grey Wardens. He was about to take them, but Maric went himself. "He was searching for something, some object. I had to pry it out of him." But when Xellexes came looking for you. He… That Architect may have known of your kind. Maric and Xellexes held private meetings. I was not privy to."
Deedo thought about it. Xellexes would come to look for her here. It would be assumed she would have returned after sometime, maybe by accident. But they had just gotten back. How did her cousin come back to Thedas and not need to replenish as he had before? What of the secret meetings? Loghain could see that the thought of her family hiding something from her disturbed her. Taking her hand, he pulled her attention to him. "Ask him."
Deedo nodded. She was indeed curious. After what had happened, she knew she was tired of the secrets that surrounded her. Loghain went to train with the other recruits while he was there. "Xellexes Silvercloud. We need to talk." Her voice sounded.
"Yes, my dear cousin?"
"You came to Thedas in search of me. How?"
He said without hesitation. "I made a pact that granted me extended reach."