[ Fereldans have an interesting way of handling politics, she thinks. No Orlesian would ever be that straightforward; they would childishly eliminate rather than manipulate. Anora's thinking like a chess master, trying to take control of the entire board. It would be brilliant if she weren't being so obvious about it. ]

[ Save for a small hint of amusement, Leliana's expression is unreadable. ]

I have a question for my lady. [ Always my lady, never Your Majesty. ] It is renowned throughout Ferelden that my lady Anora is a politician, skilled in the art of governance and diplomacy. She is an intellectual and a thinker, and a ruler worthy of respect.

But I have gotten the impression that the whole point of a defense meeting is to protect the Transports -- and the battle aspect of this has been highlighted many, many times.

Should my lady ever win, she would be leading something more akin to an army than a kingdom. She is many things, but she is not a general, yes? What, then, would she offer that is more valuable than someone who has led armies?