13-Lothering

Everyone was getting pretty tired as they pressed on to Lothering that last day. Duncan sent Ardoc ahead to arrange rooms for the Warden and Glavonak part of the group at the inn, Dane's Refuge. The night before, Leliana told everyone the story of the great hunter Dane and the Werewolf. This land has such a rich history and has the great tales to go with it! Mari thought to herself.

As they rode into Lothering, Mari was amazed at how well-ordered it was. There was a wide avenue that led to the Chantry. Stores were on one side of the avenue with a wooden walkway — some covered. They were not unlike the western towns of America during the gold rush times. Only here, Mari guessed the covered walkways were to keep snow off shoppers and not the hot sun. On the other side of the avenue were several rows of tables with tent-like covers. Dorothea had mentioned that the Lothering market rivaled Denerim's market and she was right. Unfortunately, all the merchants were packing up for the evening when they arrived.

"Duncan," Mari asked as they dismounted. "Can we stay a day or two? I have that request from Bethany to visit her family and …," she said and then grinned, " … and, I'd love to spend some time in that market."

"I think we can stay through tomorrow at the very least, so try to make a visit to the Hawke family your first priority," Duncan said.

"I can show you where they live in the morning, Mari," Leliana said. "However, I have agreed to go with Her Reverence to Denerim tomorrow after we are done here."

"You're heading out so soon?" Andwn asked Dorothea.

Dorothea looked just a little surprised that a Warden mage sincerely seemed sad she and the others were leaving the group. "Yes, I need to handle a situation at the Chantry in Denerim as soon as I can," Dorothea said. "As, you are well-aware, Warden, Her Grace needs some special care."

Andwn just frowned and nodded. Mari thought he was wisely swallowing all the comments he was really thinking about the Grand Cleric.

"Why don't you come with us now to the Chantry here, Mari?" Leliana asked.

Duncan took Rosy's reins and said, "We'll take care of your horse and saddlebags. Just come to the inn when you're done visiting the Chantry. The inn is just over that bridge. Lothering's Revered Mother Arasis is a kind woman."

Leliana's smile couldn't have been wider. "That she is, Duncan. I am so glad you think so." She took Mari's hand after Mari gave Rosy an apple she'd just taken from her saddlebag. "Come let me introduce you."

Then, they all noticed Bryant had also handed off his Warden horse to Duncan and was leading his Templar horse to the Chantry stables. "I hope he'll be okay," Mari said quietly.

"He will be fine, Mari," Dorothea said. "He is strong in his faith and knows this is a path the Maker wishes for him to follow."

Mari kept quiet, but was thinking, Actually, it was a path the darkspawn put him on. Last I heard, the Maker was not the Archdemon. She grinned and added a thought, Now, that would be an interesting plot twist.

When she entered the plain, but sturdy building, Mari was struck with how loud it was inside. She chuckled. "The churches on my world are always so quiet you can hear a pin drop. This is quite lively."

Dorothea smiled. "The Chantry in Denerim is more like you describe. Smaller Chantries … as you have already guessed … are more in tune with the community they serve. It is a place where people meet up and have discussions, both serious and light-hearted." As if by example, a group in front started laughing at something.

Warden Bryant entered the door and said, "This is only as far as you've gotten?"

"Mari was commenting upon the boisterous nature of the worshippers here," Leliana said. "Come, let us all go to see if the Revered Mother is free." The four of them walked toward an office in the back of the Chantry.

They walked past a Chanter as a Templar walked up and took the hand of Bryant. "Ser … I guess, Warden Bryant, it is good to see you well," he said.

Bryant turned to Mari. "This is Ser Drakas, the new Knight-Commander for Lothering, Mari." The man could have been Bryant's brother. Maybe he was? Same height and coloring and a nice smile. His brown hair was cut very short, though, unlike Bryant's.

Drakas smiled. "He really has no idea how big the boots are that he's left for me to wear."

"I'm sure you'll fill them well," Bryant said. "Is Her Reverence here?"

A woman walked out of the back office. "Indeed, she is here, Warden Bryant!" Curiously, she had a Ferelden accent with no Orlesian intonation to it at all. She was of medium height, slim, a little over middle-aged and had a brilliant smile. She had the smile trained on Bryant as she soundly hugged him. "We are all going to miss you so much."

A scuffle behind them drew everyone's attention. Under her breath, Leliana said, "It seems I will not have to show you the way to the Hawke house."

"What have you done with my sister, Templar?!" a tall dark-haired young man said loudly enough to quiet the Chantry. He was straining against another man who was trying to hold him back.

"Carver, there's no need for a scene here," the other man said. He was slightly shorter, and, if Mari were to guess, a little older than Carver. Carver's brother, perhaps? He also had a dark tan mabari next to him. The dog was behaving much better than Carver. "Please, what would Mother think?"

That question gave the younger man pause. He stopped pushing. "She wouldn't be happy with it … but they took Bethany away." He quietly stepped up to Bryant. "Is she still alive?"

"This is Mari, soon to also be a Warden," Bryant said and turned to Mari. "I think you have a message from Bethany for her family."

"I do," Mari said with a small smile. As she dug through her small hip pack, she added, "When I left the tower, Bethany was teaching a group of apprentices. She seemed quite happy. On the way out," Mari pulled out the note, "she got me this message. Please, you're free to read it."

Carver took the note, "It's her handwriting," and read out loud, "Mari, I was told you'd be going through Lothering. If you get the chance, please go by my family home and tell them that I'm fine. They've already made me a full mage. I passed the mage test quickly! Leliana knows where they live. I actually love it here! Thank you for the invitation to correspond. I promise I'll try to send you a letter as soon as I can. ~Bethany" He handed the note back to Mari and went to sit in a front pew. Before he sat, he turned to the people who had started whispering. "I'm sorry. She's my twin sister. I miss her." Then, Carver sat down. Several ladies walked up and hugged him, trying to console him. Others in the back looked more angry than consoling, though. Mari was afraid that Carver would have to deal with some of the anti-magic faithful there.

The man who ran interference turned to the Revered Mother. "I apologize, Your Reverence. We were at the smithy and noticed Ser Bryant and the Wardens arrive."

"Trevor, introduce yourself to the rest," Mother Arasis said. "There are a few people I need to speak to." Then, she went directly to the group of angry people. Mari was pretty impressed by her courage.

He bowed toward Mari. "I'm Trevor Hawke and this is Perine, my mabari. Thank you so much for showing us that note. Carver's been inconsolable since Bethany turned herself over to the Chantry." He glanced back at Carver who was crying on an elderly lady's shoulder. "Looks like Elder Miriam is trying to make him feel better."

"You should know that Bryant became blightsick defending Bethany and me en route to the Circle Tower. He is now a Warden," Leliana said with a sympathetic smile.

Mari smiled. "The Wardens promise to take good care of him, Sister Leliana." Then, she chuckled. "More likely he'll be taking good care of us."

Trevor's face fell. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Ser … Warden Bryant. Mother will be sad that you'll be leaving us."

Carver stood and walked over. "I apologize, Warden. Thank you for protecting our sister."

From the back of the Chantry a raised voice said, "I can't believe you condone such sympathy for a known maleficar! You should be stripped of your Chantry robes!" Mari was surprised to see all of the rest of the malcontents move away from such an outspoken display. That's when she realized it was the same couple from the way-station. He pointed at Bryant and those around him. "Me and my family followed them! That maleficar Hawke was attacking the brave Ser Bryant! He even knew it until she controlled him to deny the truth! Now, he's forced to live the rest of his life as a lowly Warden!" Then, the man and woman hustled out of the Chantry.

Bryant quickly followed them. "I need to straighten this out." Ser Drakas followed.

Mari whispered, "I'm glad Andwn isn't here." Then, she noticed some of the ones who had been listening to the loud man went over to give Carver sympathy, too.

Dorothea whispered in Mari's ear. "I see what you are noticing. Perhaps you are correct that there is hope."

Mother Arasis returned and said, "Mari, this is a wonderful village, but people can become misguided. I'm afraid that Hilgar and his wife Lucia will not find peace until all mages are gone, which, of course, will never happen. They lost a child recently and blame magic for the death. Not that magic killed the child, but that the Maker must have saved their family from a child with magic."

"That is a tragedy," Dorothea said. After a few minutes of reflection, she added, "Your Reverence, if I may speak with you in private." At Arasis' nod, Dorothea turned to Mari and took her hands, "Here is where we shall part for now, Mari. I have enjoyed speaking with you immensely. You have given me much to think about. Never let your unapologetic idealism tarnish, child."

"Thank you for everything, Your Reverence," Mari replied. "Perhaps we'll see each other again in Denerim."

Mother Dorothea smiled, squeezed Mari's hands and said, "Perhaps we will." Then, she followed Mother Arasis to her office.

Trevor turned to Mari. "I would be grateful, if you could come to our home and see Mother, Mari. She would love to read the note and hear directly from you about Bethany. If it's all right, I'll come to the inn in the morning and show you the way."

"I would love to meet Bethany's mother, Trevor," Mari replied with a smile. "I'll try to be up and ready when you get there." Then, she turned to Leliana. "So, is this farewell for us, also?"

"Only until we see each other again, Mari," Leliana said with a smile and a hug before she followed Dorothea into the Revered Mother's office.

"I apologize to you, as well," Carver came over and said. The red rims of his eyes still plainly telling the tale of his sorrow and loss. "I realize that it's something Bethany wanted to do, but I always thought she was just trying to protect us."

Mari smiled. "Well, she was doing that, too. It was just nice that it was also something she wanted to do." She noticed Bryant standing at the door. "I will look forward to seeing you in the morning, Trevor." The dog barked and everyone laughed. "And, you, too, Perine!" Mari said holding out her hand for Perine to smell her and then skritching her behind the ears.

"She loves you already!" Trevor said.

The trio walked out the door with Bryant. The Hawke men went one way and Bryant motioned the way to the inn. "Well, that was a bracing introduction to Lothering, Mari," he said.

"It was good to experience it first-hand," Mari said quietly. She smiled at the new Warden. "I suppose they've filled you in on my history here on Thedas."

"Andwn and Ardoc filled me in a couple of nights ago." Bryant only shook his head and sighed. "The Maker's …," he began as he swept his hand over his head, "… Creation is limitless. More than I ever thought possible."

Quietly, Mari asked, "Are you all right?"

He smiled at her and she realized why most here were so upset to see him go. "It was troubling to come up against such hatred, but between me and Ser Drakas, I do believe we were able to assure them that I was not … and had never been … under a blood mage spell. Let me correct that. Lucia was assured. Hilgar just stood there and pulled her quickly away with him."

"I was told their situation. It was horrible. It doesn't excuse it, in my view … but, it does explain it." Mari pointed to a large inn with people spilling out onto the front porch. "I'll wager that's the inn!" A girl playing a lute very well was entertaining a group of young adults who were dancing as Mari and Bryant slipped inside. Duncan and the others were already sitting at a table and eating dinner.

Duncan motioned to the waitress and she brought over a steaming hot bowl of a garlicky aromatic tomato soup, more fresh bread and recently churned butter. Everything Mari had had here so far tasted so much better than on Earth! Well, maybe not the deepstalker, she thought to herself.

"Were you able to arrange a visit to the Hawke's in the morning?" Duncan asked.

After Mari and Bryant filled everyone in on what happened, Mari said, "And, Trevor will be by in the morning to show me the way to their home."

Ardoc took a large drink of ale and said, "Maybe Duncan should go along and see if those Hawke men would like to be Wardens."

Mari chuckled as she punched Ardoc on the shoulder. "Everyone in Ferelden would be a Warden if you were king, eh?"

"Hah!" he said with a laugh, but sobered quickly. "We do need more. Duncan's getting more reports of darkspawn attacks. It's our job to keep a good lookout. We need more people to do that properly. 'In Peace, Vigilance.' It's right there in our motto."

Mari turned to Duncan. "Perhaps they would agree to that contract, hmmm?"

Duncan only shook his head and then cocked it, like he'd had an idea. "You once suggested we have secret Wardens. The contract of future recruits might be just what we need. Not a secret place for Wardens, just a list of potential recruits in case of a Blight."

"If something about the Wardens comes up in the conversation tomorrow morning, I'll mention it," Mari said. "But, I think we just need to put them on a secret-secret list of potential recruits to talk to later."

"Secret secret recruits," Duncan said as he shook his head. "I hope the new First Warden has a sense of humor."

The rest of the evening was spent in enjoyable conversation, eating wonderful food, listening to the occasional rumor told by the bartender. At one point the musicians moved inside and led a sing-a-long of a few common songs. It was very pleasant and relaxing. Much needed for Wardens whose life was consumed with danger most of the time.

Perhaps the Wardens should recruit a bard Warden? Too bad that the Chantry had already snapped up Leliana, Mari thought to herself. She hadn't gotten the opportunity to ask Leliana about the story Dorothea had intimated in that carriage. Then, she added the thought, I wonder if Leliana's an Orlesian bard like Dorothea had described. Some in the Chantry might be more interesting than I'd originally thought.

After taking a turn sleeping on the floor that night, Mari was up early with Duncan, Andwn and Ardoc. She was just finishing her breakfast when Trevor walked into the inn with Perine. Duncan had already finished and left to speak with the ruler/lord/overlord of Lothering, Bann Ceorlic. No one was very hopeful the Bann would be helpful for some reason, but Duncan said that it was protocol to make contact.

After introductions, Mari said, "I just finished, so we can leave right now, Trevor."

He motioned toward the door. "After you, m'lady." He nodded to Andwn and Ardoc. "Gentlemen."

Trevor must have noticed Mari looking over the bridge toward the market getting set up as he said, "It isn't too far out of town. You should be able to make it back to do some shopping quickly enough."

Mari laughed. "My, I didn't realize I looked that needy."

"Lothering's market is always popular," he said and then added the question, "You've never been to Lothering?"

"This is my first time. It seems to be a terrific crossroads," she said. "And, I do look forward to perusing that market!"

Mari wasn't mentioning that she wasn't even from Thedas. They kept up the small talk for about fifteen minutes … until … "Here we are," Trevor said. "I told you it wasn't far." He motioned to a lovely house with large gardens on both sides of the entry pathway. The Bann of Lothering must be pleased to have such responsible citizens living there.

So … imagine Mari's surprise when she entered the home to see everyone packing up their belongings. Not to mention, there was a guard standing just inside the door.

"Sorry, no one else allowed inside. This family is being kicked off the Bann's lands for harboring an apostate," the guard said.

Mari felt Trevor push past her. "What are you talking about?" he said.

"The citizens of Lothering feel endangered by the Hawke family and the Bann is responding," the guard said.

"I'm Trevor Hawke," he growled.

"Then, you are allowed three hours to pack your things and leave. You must leave, girl, unless you're a Hawke, too." The guard pushed Mari's shoulder toward the door.

A lovely woman who must have been the mother, said, "Please, Warden, we have a limited time …" The sounds of multiple people outside interrupted her.

However, Mari caught a whispered, "Warden?" from the guard.

Mari and Trevor turned around to see quite a few people with gardening tools digging up the garden out front. There were at least 5 empty wagons lined up along the road and several large armed men were walking toward the door.

The guard stepped out. "Hey, now! That stuff belongs to all the people of Lothering! The Bann will be distributing it …"

"We ain't here ta' take the Hawkes' garden. We're here ta' help 'em move it and ta get outta here ta' someplace safe … away from the Bann's unjust pronouncements." The man looked around. "All I see is you, so I suggest you run back ta yer boss and tell 'im that the Hawkes have left. You seen 'em leave. Ya ken wait across the road and watch so's you ain't gonna be lyin'."

Mari whispered to the guard, which made him jump. "Sounds like a win-win, guardsman. They don't sound like they mean you any harm. They're just going to get the Hawke's out of your Bann's jurisdiction as quickly as possible. Don't you think that covers your responsibility?"

The guard turned and glared at Mari. For a moment, she was afraid he was going to draw on her. But, then, reason took charge … or he was afraid of Wardens. "Hurry it up in here! I'm not going to wait out there all day. You got three hours or I go back to the Bann and get his elite guard!"

As the guard walked to the other side of the road to sit on a large rock next to a shade tree with his arms crossed, a dozen or more villagers descended on the Hawke home to help. After some initial hugging and tears, everyone pitched in.

Mari helped where she could while listening to the conversations around her:

"I can't believe that traitor's son had the nerve to blame the Hawke family. Dear Bethany went directly to the Chantry when she got her magic … at least, that's the story I'm stickin' to."

"There's a holding that's gone wanting north of Kinloch Hold, Leandra. My boy's already left days ago to petition Teyrn Cousland for you to make it prosperous. We were afraid that old bastard Ceorlic would do this. My boy's very persuasive, Leandra. We thought you'd wanna live closer to your girl. Maybe the Knight-Commander will let you visit her."

"Bethany was the sweetest girl! She healed my son when he got that deep cut. He mighta' bled to death if she hadn't helped. Smart and giving, just like her Papa was. Maker rest his soul. Don't tell anyone about that. We need to stick to the story she just presented with magic."

"That Hilgar … the Maker's gonna send him right to the Void. Now, he's someone a just Bann would kick out of the village!"

All the while, Leandra was dignified, polite and very grateful — especially when Mari slipped her Bethany's message. "Go ahead and keep it, Mistress Hawke. I've written down the bits I'll need to write to her myself."

She opened the brief note and read it. Instead of tears, she smiled fondly. "Bethany always had the best handwriting of all of us. Thank you so much, Mari. I'll try to get word to you through the Wardens about where we end up. Maybe you can have a proper visit then."

"I'd like to do that! Good luck on your journey, Hawke family," Mari said. "I do need to get back to Lothering soon, although I'm suddenly less interested in supporting their economy. Therefore, tell me how else I can help in here."

The entire house was packed and loaded on one of the wagons in less than three hours. The other four wagons had all the garden plants wrapped and ready to move.

After a round of farewells, Mari headed out. She just couldn't help it. She glared at the guardsman as she turned onto the road toward Lothering. He noticed. She walked all the way back to the village with her bow in hand … just in case. Fortunately, he let it go. She wished she could let it go. She went to the Chantry only to find out that Dorothea and Leliana had already left for Denerim with Irminric and Justine. Mother Arasis was busy with a bereaved family. So, Mari headed to the inn to find Duncan and the others getting ready to ride out. Rosy was already saddled and ready, as well.

"I'm sorry you won't be able to spend time at the market, Mari. We just received a message from Warden Captain Leciah that she'd like to see us as soon as possible in Ostagar," Duncan said with a smile that changed to a worried look when he saw her thunderous look. "Has something happened?"

She waited until they were away from the ears of the village and told them all that had transpired. Andwn was obviously angry.

Surprisingly, Ardoc laughed. "Ol' Loghain's not gonna like to hear that."

"Why not?" Mari asked.

"You see, he's Ceorlic's liege lord. Losing a producing small farm is stupid. Losing it to Teyrn Cousland is even stupider," Ardoc explained.

"I didn't realize you knew so much about Ferelden politics," Duncan said.

"I read up on Ferelden history while I was healing from that last patrol," Ardoc explained. "The current Bann Ceorlic is the son of the traitor who delivered Queen Moira up to the usurper Orlesian king for assassination. Her death spurred the Prince, now King Maric, to become the force of righteousness that wrested Ferelden from the Orlesians. The current Ceorlic had no siblings and he don't have any children yet. Even though he's a pain in the ass, he's doing a marginally good job running the place. I guess, it's easier to keep him on and watch him rather than try to replace him."

Mari narrowed her eyes. "I doubt you read that last part in a history tome."

That made Ardoc laugh, but Bryant spoke, "No, he heard it from me. Fortunately, I am no longer limited in speaking my opinion of the nobility in Lothering."

"Welcome to the Wardens, Bryant!" Andwn said. "Saviors of Thedas and able to speak our minds … to each other, at least." He said that last part while winking at Duncan.

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AN: A grateful thank you to everyone following this story! Next time, we meet the new First Warden … and Solas meets Mari! Have a terrific week everyone!