Travel was beginning to take its toll on the group, it seemed. And Mathieu was no exception. He was used to traveling great distances, but something about these woods had him constantly on edge. He'd heard stories of the Korcari Wilds, as had almost every other child growing up in Ferelden. But he also knew that stories didn't just appear from nowhere. Where most of them were exaggerations and embelishments, some stories did have some merit to them. Such as the stories of the Witches of the Wild. They were very real. And so were the beasts that stalked men who had lost their way. Oh, and there was also the ever-present risk of running into Darkspawn to worry about. Mathieu had not faced one of those foul creatures since he'd been a teen, and wasn't looking forward to it in the least, though he knew it was inevitable.
Whereas Luka had taken to coming and going from Constans side, Mat had chosen to keep his distance. It was still so strange for him to see his brother in such a state, with no hope of recovery. Unlike his brother, his thoughts did not constantly stray to the Templar within the party. True, he didn't particularly care for the man or what he stood for. But he saw no point in constantly plaguing his thoughts with the anger and frustration that came with dwelling on thoughts of the Chantry too long. Plus he didn't find it prudent to turn the Templar too against them; they were, after all, going to be fighting by his side.
Just as his elder brother had done, Mat was on his feet before his brain could fully connect what his body was doing. All he knew was that someone was in trouble and needed help, and that Luka had felt it prudent to go despite the name being called was not his own. His own sword was free of its sheath as he ran, just a few steps behind the older Ledaal. He scanned over the clearing once he came to a stop, expecting to see a wolf, a bear, a Darkspawn...something. Instead, all he saw was their canine companion, the Warden Bethen...and a strange woman. He eyed her curiously, but cautiously. Bethen looked alarmed...but at what? Surely this other woman could not have frightened the Warden so much.
He turned to look as another figure made its way into the clearing, revealing itself to be the Templar, Alderic. Yet another figure entered the clearing after him. The woman, Æolyn, he believed her name to be. Luka and Alderic had demanded answers, either from the strange woman or from Bethen. But Æolyn...she directed her comments to them, stating that the woman was of no threat. Mat furrowed his brow, staring at Æolyn for a moment before turning his gaze to the newcomer. "Let's just slow down a bit here. Bethen..." he said quietly, taking a slow step towards the Warden, praying to the Maker she didn't turn her magic on him. "What's happened? Are you all right?"