<span style="color: #FF0000">Valehna nodded to the Qunari. "Yes, potions would really come in handy. If I could find some elfroot in this blighted land I would be able to make some. We're getting to the point where we really need them."<br/><br/>She sighed and looked ahead to the approaching top of the hill when Tal asked about her plan. If only she had one.<br/><br/>"I don't know," she responded slowly. "And I agree, our odds of getting out of here don't look too great. There doesn't seem to be too much left around here. Darkspawn must have already razed any towns or villages in the area. The castle in Redcliffe might still be standing, but I don't know how far away it is from here. I would personally want to head towards the mountains, there's likely to be less darkspawn around there and I could possibly run into another Dalish clan."<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Mesaraih walked next to the horse, maintaining the silence that Ester so clearly wanted. Before long, she handed him the reins to go look for food. She seemed unwell. "Good luck," Mesaraih said, slightly uncomfortable as she gave him an emotionless stare before he took hold of the horse. <br/><br/>He walked slowly, his mind preoccupied with trying to assess their situation. They needed to find a way to get to the nearest settlement that wasn't overrun, but it would be nearly impossible if the darkspawn had already marched ahead of them.<br/><br/>Mesaraih heard Ester's call and he smacked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. It was drier than he would have liked. He quickened his step to join her, tying the horse to a nearby tree. "I don't even think I need to do that, do I?" he asked the horse with a smile.<br/><br/>Mesaraih knelt by the edge of the pool and stuck his entire face in, gulping as much water from it as would fit in his mouth. When he withdrew his head, he let out a long, satisfied breath. He hadn't felt so refreshed in a long time, but it called attention to how uncomfortable he felt under his armor. He had had a long journey in the cage and no real chance to bathe since before then, so he felt hot and sweaty underneath. He walked to the opposite edge of the pool, his back turned to Ester, and began to undress. Once he did, he jumped into the water and brought all his clothes inside with him. He immediately felt rejuvenated, and better than he had in months.</span>