A/N: This story is based around all of the races in Dragon Age: Origins so don't be confused when I start with someone else next time. Anyways, enjoy the story and send me some reviews so I can know how to improve on my writing.
Darion Cousland, a young and ambitious young man, was sitting outside of the training area. He had his sword and shield lying next to him as he admired the beauty of the day. He had finished his practice with the other trainees for some time now and he was truly tired, while he may have been a promising young warrior he still had a long way to go before he was ready to march onto the battlefield, banner raised up high. He looked around his surroundings, he was all too familiar with this setting, training dummies lay hacked to pieces on the ground while broken wooden swords and shields were lined up against the walls. He rubbed a large welt on top of his shaved head, he had been careless when he sparred Ser Gilmore, a mistake he wouldn't make again. Darion stood up, stretching his back as sweat dripped off of his training shirt. It was a good day to be alive by any standard. He wiped his brow, his hand brushing against the tattoo he had over his left eye. He paused for a moment, remembering what it stood for, strength in even the darkest of times. Smiling he picked up his sword and shield and headed to the changing room to retrieve his formal armor, he had heard from his father that Arl Rendon Howe had been at the estate for some time now and he wanted to look his best. After all, Darion had an exceeding amount of respect for the man, having served in the Orlesian war. But this was different, this was to face Darkspawn, creatures much worse then simple Orlesians.
Once he had changed Darion went to the main hall to meet his father and greet Arl Howe. When he reached the door he heard two voices, one he recognized as his father's the other was unfamiliar. He walked into the main hall, looking around, the fire was blazing as usual and the family crest was hanging just over it. By the edge of the fire he saw his father and Arl Howe, both of whom seemed engaged in a conversation. Darion heard his father say, "At least the smell will be the same." Just before he noticed his son's presence. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you pup," he said. "Howe, you remember my son?"
Darion looked at Howe who nodded and smiled, saying, "I see he's grown into a fine young man, good to see you again lad."
Darion extended his hand, shaking Howe's, "And you, Arl Howe."
"My daughter Delilah asked after you, perhaps I should bring her next time." Howe stated, letting his hand drop to his side.
"I'd like that," the young man replied, smiling.
"Good, she's talked about you ever since she saw you at a fair in Denerim." Howe started, "I think you have an admirer young man."
"At any rate pup," Darion's father, Bryce Cousland, said before their conversation could go any further, "I summoned you for a reason. While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."
This came as a surprise to Darion, nothing like this had happened to him before and he wasn't sure he was ready for a task like this. But his father seemed to believe otherwise. "Wait," Darion started, "why can't I go into battle with you and Fergus?" He was truly sincere in this question; he wanted to go into battle with his family more than anyone else in the house.
"I'm certain you'd more than prove yourself," his father replied, "but I am not willing to deal with your mother if you join the war. She'd kill me if I let you go. She's already twisted into knots about Fergus and me going."
Darion felt anxiety building up, "That's not fair! I wish to fight."
His father smiled understandingly, "You'll have your chance soon enough. This is no needless task. I ask you to take a great responsibility. Only a token force is remaining here, and you must keep peace within the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away yes?" His father stopped for a moment, then he snapped his fingers, "There's also someone you must meet." He turned to one of the guards on duty, "Please, show Duncan in." The guard nodded and quickly hurried off.
A few moments passed and an elderly looking man with two blades on his back and white armor walked into the room. He had an air of command about him that made Darion respect him before even meeting this stranger. Then he spoke his voice was both wise and sharp, "It is an honor to be a guest within your hall Teryn Cousland."
Arl Howe looked truly surprised at this man's arrival, "Your lordship, you didn't mention a Grey Warden would be present."
Darion's father raised an eyebrow, "Duncan arrived recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?"
"Of course not, but a guess of his stature demands certain protocol." He paused for a moment, Darion thought he detected a hint of malice in Howe's voice when he said, "I am…at a disadvantage."
Bryce nodded, "We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that is true." He looked at Darion, who was busy admiring the Grey Warden, "Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens were, I hope?"
Darion quickly shook his head, regaining his attention, "Yes, they defeated the Darkspawn long ago."
"Not permanently I fear," Duncan stated rather morbidly.
"Without their warning of the Darkspawn rising now, half the nation could have been overrun before we had the chance to react." Bryce said, looking at Darion, "Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow wardens in the south. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore."
Darion nodded, Ser Gilmore was a very logical choice. He was strong and in his prime, and truly loyal to serving those who commanded him. Then Duncan said something that caught everyone off guard, "If I may be so bold, I would suggest your sun is also an excellent candidate."
This surprised Darion, he never really considered himself so strong that he could become a Grey Warden. But if he were called to be one he wouldn't hesitate to follow Duncan to do so. His father stepped between the two almost defensively when Darion saw him regain his mental bearing, "Honor though that might be, this is one of my sons we're talking about."
"Perhaps that would put me into battle," Darion said suddenly.
His father looked at him sternly, "This discussion is closed." Darion, not wanting to anger his father, remained silent.
"You did just finish saying that the Grey Wardens are heroes, old friend." Howe stated.
"I've not so many children that I'll gladly send them off to battle." Bryce said defensively. "Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription?"
"Have no fear," Duncan replied calmly. "While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intention of forcing the issue.
Darion's father nodded, "Pup, can you ensure Duncan's requests are seen to while I'm gone?" He said, looking back at Darion with somewhat softer eyes.
"I don't have to be here to do that do I?" Darion asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes you do," his father replied with a sigh. "Duncan is an honored guest and it's your duty him welcome here, is that clear? In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me."
"Where is Fergus?"
"Upstairs in his chambers, no doubt," his father replied, "spending some last moments with his wife and my grandson." His father smiled at him, placing his hand on Darion's shoulder, "Be a good lad and do as I've asked. We'll talk soon."
Darion smiled back at his father, "Very well, I'll see to it then." He proceeded out of the door and into the main hallway, looking around the castle as he did so. He thought he heard some laughter coming from the treasury, curious he proceeded towards it. He entered, finding the two guards who were supposed to be on duty playing cards.
One of the guards looked up, standing at attention, shortly followed by the second, "Oh, uh, my lord we were just…" his voice drifted off as Darion remained silent.
"Playing cards?" Darion asked after a few moments.
The guard sighed, "Yes…" he said slowly.
Darion nodded at the two, "Carry on then, the treasury is safe enough. And don't worry, I won't report this to my father."
The two guards looked surprised, "Thank you my lord."
Darion shook his head, "Don't thank me. Just make sure no one steals the family sword while you play, or it'll be your head." The two guards looked at each other as Darion continued on his way.
He was stopped by a familiar voice, "There you are." Ser Gilmore said as he stepped from a hallway, "Your mother had told me the Teryn summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt."
Darion quickly turned to face Ser Gilmore, "Why are you looking for me?"
Ser Gilmore pointed to the kitchen, "I fear your hound has the kitchens in uproar once again." He said with a chuckle, "Nan is threatening to leave."
As if on queue there was some barking followed by screams of anger. Darion raised his hand, "Nan's just blowing off steam, she's always been like that."
Ser Gilmore chuckled again, "Your mother disagrees. She insists you collect the dog, and quickly. You know these mabari hounds. They listen only to their master, anyone else risks having an arm bitten off."
Darion smiled at this. His mabari, Merik, was always a rambunctious one by any standard. "He knows better than to hurt anyone." He stated plainly after he managed to put on a straight face.
Ser Gilmore shook his head, "I'm not willing to test that. You're quite lucky to have your own mabari war hound, you know. Smart enough not to talk, my father used to say. Of course that means he's easily bored. Nan swears he confounds her just to amuse himself. At any rate your mother would have me accompany you until the matter was settled. Shall we?"
Darion nodded, "To the kitchen then."
Ser Gilmore pointed his thumb behind his body, "Just follow the yelling. When Nan's unhappy, she makes sure everyone knows it."
The two proceeded towards the kitchen, and truth be told the yelling did get worse. When they entered the kitchen Darion saw Nan reprimanding a couple of elves, "Get that bloody mutt out of the larder!" she shouted as the elves cringed in fear.
"But mistress," the female one said, "it won't let us near."
"If I can't get into the larder I'll skin both you useless elves, I swear it!" Nan continued shouting.
The two men looked at each other nervously, "Erm…Calm down good woman." Ser Gilmore finally said hesitantly, "We're here to help."
Nan turned to face Darion, "You, your bloody mongrel keeps getting into the larder, that beast should be put down!"
Darion was a little upset at the comment, to say the least. He stated firmly, "He's not a mongrel, he's a pureblood mabari."
Nan shook her head, "A blight wolf is what he is. How am I supposed to work like this?"
The female elf managed to straighten herself up a bit and said, "Oh dear, mistress, calm down. Please…"
Nan threw her hands up in frustration, "That's it, I'll quit. Inform the teryna. I'll go cook in some nice estate in the Bannorn."
Ser Gilmore sighed in frustration, "Nan, please! We'll get Merik, calm down."
"Just get him gone! I've enough to worry about with a castle full of hungry soldiers!" Nan turned to face the two elves, "You two! Stop standing there like idiots! Get out of the way!"
Darion quickly opened the larder door to find his dog sniffing around, looking for something. After a few moments Merik started barking. "Ugh," Ser Gilmore started, "look at that mess. How did he even get in here?"
When Merik heard the two he quickly began wagging his tail happily at his master. After a few moments he began barking, "Are you trying to show me something boy?" Darion asked Merik. The dog began spinning around in circles excitedly.
"He does seem like he's trying to tell you something," Ser Gilmore said, watching the dog. "Wait," he said after a thump was heard, "did you hear that?"
All of a sudden rats came from everywhere, large ones as well. From every small crevice a large and oily face with red eyes came charging at the three, Ser Gilmore and Merik began killing them off while Darion lobbed off some of their heads. It wasn't a very threatening fight, or one the bards would sing of, but it got the adrenaline pumping. Once they were all dead Ser Gilmore sheathed his sword, "Giant rats?" he said, confused. "It's like the start of every bad adventure my grandfather used to tell." The two looked at Merik happily, "Your dog must have chased them in through their holes. Looks like he wasn't raiding the larder after all." At that comment Merik barked happily.
"It certainly looks that way," Darion commented. The two agreed not to tell Nan about the rats as the exited the larder. She gave the two a stone cold glare that sent a chill down Darion's spine. They quickly left the kitchen.
Once out of that situation Ser Gilmore looked at Darion, "Well, that was an adventure. Unfortunately I need to prepare for the arrival of more of the Arl's men." He turned and left after saying thing, Darion waving goodbye.
Before he left he could have sworn he heard one of the elves say, "Oh mistress, there are rats in the larder! Big ones!" Darion smiled, knowing what his dog did to help in that little fiasco.
While he continued on to find his brother he saw his mother talking with some other people. His mother stopped him, "Ah, here is my youngest son. I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is handled?"
Darion chuckled, saying jokingly, "Nan's head exploded and Merik ate the kitchen staff."
"Well at least one of us will have had a decent dinner." His mother replied in the same jovial fashion. In response Merik barked happily, "Perhaps your hound left something I can feed my guest. Darling you remember Lady Landra? Bann Loren's wife?"
In response the old woman next to his mother smiled and said, "I believe we last met at your mother's spring salon."
Darion nodded, smiling politely, "Of course. It is good to see you again my lady."
"You're too kind dead boy, didn't I spend half the salon shamelessly flirting with you?"
"Right in front of your family to," said a young man jokingly.
"You remember my son Dairren?" Lady Landra asked, ignoring the comment. "He's riding with your father tomorrow."
Dairren nodded at him, "It's good to see you again my lord."
Darion nodded, "I'd rather be riding with him myself."
"You'll be missed," Dairren replied.
Lady Landra nodded her head towards a young elf woman standing next to her, "And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona. Do say something dear."
Iona was very quiet and shy, averting her gaze in an embarrassed fashion, "It is a great honor, my lord. I have heard many wonderful things about you."
Lady Landra smiled, talking to Darion's mother, "Don't look now, Eleanor, but I believe the girl has a crush on your lad."
At that comment Iona's face started turning a deep shade of red, "Lady Landra!" She exclaimed, surprised.
Darion's mother nudged Lady Landra, "Hush, Landra." She said jokingly, "You'll turn the poor thing scarlet."
"Perhaps we should speak alone sometime, Iona." Darion commented, he watched her face turn a deeper shade of red.
"As it pleases you…my lord." She eventually replied.
"I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear." Lady Landra said before the conversation could go any further. "Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper."
Dairren nodded, "Perhaps we'll retire to the study for now." He turned and left, Iona following behind while Drakarn smiled at the girl.
"Good evening your lordship," Lady Landra said, Darion nodded as she left.
"You should really go see Fergus," his mother said after a moment.
Darion nodded, "I intend to do so, I'll see you at dinner mother." He turned and quickly proceeded to his brother's room. When he arrived he heard voices, one being his nephew, Oren.
He opened the door as the young boy said, "Is there really going to be a war papa? Will you bring me back a s-word?" Darion smiled at the last word, the boy was still young and didn't quite understand how to say the word properly. He felt that the boy still held his innocence, something he had lost contact with a long time ago.
"That's sword, Oren," his brother said, correcting the boy. "And I'll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise. I'll be back before you know it." Darion smiled at his older brother, he was always kind and considerate, and a good fighter as well.
"I wish victory was indeed so certain," his wife replied. "My heart is…disquiet." Darion sighed. She shared the same fears as him. He was certain that everyone in his family feared for what would happen to Fergus when he left.
"Don't frighten the boy love," Fergus replied confidently. "I speak the truth!" That was Fergus. Nothing ever seemed to get him down. He looked up at Darion, finally noticing him, "And here's my little brother come to see me off. Now dry your eyes love, and wish me well."
"It's good to see you brother," Darion said, standing before Fergus.
"And you as well, Darion. I trust Merik didn't cause too much of a stir?"
Darion shook his head, "No, he just caught some rats in the larder. Nan's still upset though."
Fergus chuckled, "Well, that's how it's always been."
"Should I leave you two alone?" Darion asked, not wanting to interrupt the moment he was having with his wife.
Fergus chuckled, "When there's a woman in your life you'll understand."
Darion shook his head, saying jokingly, "No fewer than three please."
"Bold words little brother. I mean a real woman, not some turn in the straw."
Darion saw Fergus' wife smack him gently, "Fergus, language!"
"You like to play in the stable too, uncle?" Darion heard Oren ask innocently, that made him laugh. "I like to hide in the hay," the boy finished.
Oren's mother quickly went to reprimanding the child, "Don't you listen to this. If I catch you with your clothes full of straw again, I'll send you to mother Mallo!"
"But mama," Oren said in complaint, "she talks forever!" This made Darion burst out laughing, although he couldn't deny the truth in the boy's words.
After his bout was over he turned to Fergus, "I wish I could join you." He said to his older brother.
"I wish you could come," Fergus replied. "It'll be tiring killing all those Darkspawn myself."
"Surely your father would not place both his heirs in danger," his wife pointed out.
"Mother and father have been fighting about it for days," Fergus added. "It's too bad, I could have used you at my side."
Darion smiled, putting his arm around Fergus' shoulder, "You'll be missed brother."
Fergus smiled as well, "If it's any consolation," he started, "I'm sure I'll freeze in the southern rain and be completely jealous of you up here, warm and safe."
"I am positively thrilled you will be so miserable husband," Fergus' wife said jokingly.
Darion sighed, "I bring a message, father wants you to leave without him."
"Then the arl's men are delayed." Fergus sighed. "You'd think his men were all walking backwards. Well I'd better get underway. So many Darkspawn to behead, so little time." He turned to face his wife, "Off I go then. I'll see you soon my love."
From behind Darion heard his father come in, saying, "I would hope, dear boy, that you planned to wait for us before taking your leave."
Their mother went over to Fergus, hugging him tightly, "Be well my son. I will pray for your safety every day you are gone." Darion almost felt a tear come to his eye. He knew their mother was doing everything she could to keep herself from crying. Darion understood. After all, what mother would want to see her child leave for war?
"Fergus will be fine," Darion said, reassuring himself as much as everyone else in the room.
"I keep telling you," Fergus started, "no Darkspawn will ever best me."
"Maker sustain and preserve us all," Fergus' wife began praying. "Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers and bring them safely back to us."
"And bring us some ale and wenches while you're at it!" Fergus added jovially. "Er…for the men of course."
"Fergus!" his wife said, surprised. "You would say this in front of your mother?"
"What's a wench?" Oren asked. "Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?" Darion almost started laughing again. The boy's questions were endless it seemed.
"A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren." Darion's father explained. "Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale."
"Bryce!" Darion's mother said. "Maker's breath, I swear it's like living with a pack of small boys."
Fergus began laughing heartily, "I'll miss you, mother dear." He turned to face Darion, "You'll take care of her, brother. Won't you?"
Darion chuckled with Fergus, "Mother can handle herself, always has."
"It's true." Fergus said. "They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those Darkspawn back into the Deep Roads."
"Well I'm glad you find this so funny," Their mother said in a huff.
Their father began chuckling, "Enough, enough. Pup, you'll want to get an early night, you've much to do tomorrow."
Darion nodded, "I intend to do that." He turned to his brother, "I'll be seeing you soon enough I hope?"
Fergus nodded, "Of course, no Darkspawn will keep the Couslands apart. Trust me."
Darion yawned, "Well then goodnight brother, mother, father. And you as well Oren, mind your mother, understand?"
Oren nodded, hugging Darion, "Of course uncle. Good night."
Darion walked off to his chambers and undressed, laying his sword and shield by the side of his bed. He fell down on the soft mattress and let the sweet kiss of sleep brush against his lips as he slid into peaceful dreams, his dog lying next to him.
Darion awoke to his dog barking angrily at his bedroom door, "What is it boy?" He said, still drowsy. "Is something wrong?"
After he said this there was a desperate knocking at his door. Darion sat up, looking at the door uneasily, the door was thrust open and one of the servants burst in. "My lord! Help me! The castle is under attack!" as soon as the young servant finished his sentence an arrow went straight through his chest, meaning that the shooter was very close by. When the servant's body fell to the floor he saw one of Howe's men loading another arrow while a second man came in, bearing a sword and going straight for Darion. The man quickly swung his sword downwards but Darion had picked up his shield, blocking the attack. After that Merik quickly tore at the assailant's legs, knocking him down where the dog began making quick work of him.
Darion saw the other man aiming his arrow at the mabari and he quickly picked up his sword. Once the arrow was launched from the bow Darion had managed to get in its path, blocking it with his shield and sprinting for Howe's soldier. The soldier dropped his bow and drew a small dagger, stabbing at Darion. Darion blocked this, slicing down at the man's throat. His sword struck true as Howe's soldier fell limp to the ground and blood began pooling. Darion managed to get his breathing to a normal level and he noticed that he could hear fighting going on throughout the castle.
He quickly went back into his room, putting on his armor as fast as he could. Once he was done with this the door to his parent's room burst open. Darion raised his sword, ready to fight. He lowered them when he saw his mother wearing some armor and holding a bow in her hands. "Darling!" She started, sounding relieved. "I heard fighting outside and I feared the worst."
Darion shook his head, "I'm alright mother, but what of you? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, when I heard a scream and saw men in the hall so I barred the door." She paused for a moment, "Did you see their shields? Those are Howe's men! Why would they attack us?"
Darion growled, "I don't know, but I do know what I'm going to do when I get my hands on that bastard."
"Have you seen your father?" She asked. "He never came to bed."
It was then that Darion got worried, "No," he replied, "I haven't."
"We must find him!" She exclaimed.
Darion nodded, "Of course, let's not waste time. But how do we find father?"
His mother thought for a few seconds, "We should find him downstairs, but I don't know where he could be right now. Let's go before more show up."
It was then something occurred to Darion, a sickening thought. "What about Oren and Fergus' wife?"
His mother's eyes widened in surprise, "You don't think they went into Fergus' room first do you? Come, we must go quickly!"
Darion was the first into his brother's room, and he was quickly sickened at the sight. On the ground lay Oren and Oriana, both bleeding out at a rapid rate. Darion closed his eyes, looking away as his mother walked in and gasped. She quickly went to the boy's side, cradling him in her arms as she wept openly, all that Darion could make out from the sobs was, "My little Oren, no!"
Darion clenched his fist in disgust, how could Howe have done this? Why? He wasn't even taking hostages, meaning he meant to slaughter them all. A few moments passed and Darion finally broke the silence, slicing his sword into a nearby bookcase and making it fall over, "Howe will pay!" he shouted angrily. He calmed himself, breathing heavily and looking over the carcass of the boy. Tears began flowing freely from his eyes while he looked at the child's hand lay limp and lifeless on the cold stone floor. Darion closed his eyes, not wanting to see this anymore. He quickly picked his mother up from the floor, "Let's go." He said coldly, "We're leaving."
As she followed Darion he couldn't help but wonder what was going through Howe's mind. When the got downstairs there were a few of Howe's men fighting with the guards. Darion and Merik quickly charged them, his mother launching off arrow after arrow. The made quick work of Howe's soldiers, proceeding to the main chamber where they assumed Darion's father would be. His mother stopped them at the treasury. "Wait," she started, "we can't leave the family sword. Not in the hands of Howe." She quickly went into the room, followed by Darion. He watched as she opened the locked door, meaning the treasury wasn't touched yet. As Darion went inside he saw the sword, a brilliant blade with the family crest built into the pommel of the hilt, and a shield with House Cousland's crest on it. He picked both up. They were made masterfully and appeared very useful. He left the room, looking at his mother and nodding.
"I'll use this blade to take Howe's head." He growled, proceeding to the main hall. Once they reached it they found Ser Gilmore and several other guards fighting against a particularly large force of Howe's men. Not wanting to lose the main hall to the likes of Howe Darion charged into the fray, cutting down men left and right. He felt a large burst of heat land behind him and Darion flew forward. He quickly regained his balance, seeing a mage getting ready to cast another spell. Darion didn't give him that chance. He charged the mage and just before the spell was cast Darion sent his sword through the mage's chest. A few moments passed, then his adversary fell to the ground.
Ser Gilmore walked up behind him, panting heavily. "My lord," he started, "thank the Maker you're alright. Tell me, where is your father."
Darion's heart sank, "I was hoping he would be here."
Ser Gilmore lowered his gaze, "Unfortunately no, my lord. If he isn't here then he must be at the servant's entrance in the larder."
Darion sighed, "Alright, we'll go there. Will you follow us Ser Gilmore?"
The main door started shaking with pressure as Howe's men tried to get through the entrance, "I'm sorry, my lord, but I cannot. I'll stay here with the rest of the guard and try to hold them off." After saying this he and the rest of the guards in the room went to the front door, holding it back with all their might.
"Be safe, Ser Gilmore." Darion's mother called as they went through the door on the other side of the room. They proceeded through the destroyed hallways without much hassle. Apparently the majority of Howe's force was stopped at the main hall. Darion thanked the Maker for their strength in that situation.
They made it to the larder. Opening the door he saw his father lying on the ground and holding his side, a pool of blood gathering around his body. "Ah," he started, smiling weakly. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
Darion couldn't find anything to say. This couldn't be happening, could it? How could his father be lying on the floor and dying right before him? It had to be a dream. He heard his mother run to the man lying on the ground, "Bryce!" She shouted, sobbing over him.
"He suffered serious injury. I tried my best to get him here safely, but there were too many." A voice said from behind the group. Darion heard Merik growling as he turned to face the person in the room. He saw Duncan standing in the entrance, his swords covered in blood.
"Duncan," Darion's mother said, staring at him. "Do you know why Howe has done this?"
Duncan shook his head, "I'm sorry to say, I don't know my lady."
"D-Duncan…" His father started, groaning in pain. "Take my son, please. Get him out of here."
Duncan sighed, "I will, my lord. But I cannot without saying this. I came here searching for another recruit. I cannot leave without one."
"Very well…" His father said, his voice getting weaker all the time. "You may take my son. Just please make sure Howe is brought to justice."
"I will do everything in my power, my lord." He said, standing up. He looked at Darion, "I cannot make the choice for you. This must be your decision."
Darion nodded, staring at his father. "I will become a Grey Warden, Duncan. If it means that Howe will be brought to justice in the future, I will do it."
"Good, now please come with me. You too my lady." Duncan said as he opened the door to the servant's entrance.
His mother shook her head, "No, Duncan. I will stay here and guard my husband."
"Eleanor…" His father said, barely lifting his head.
"Hush, Bryce," she said, cutting him off. "I will buy us some time to escape, and I'll kill every bastard that comes through that door trying to get to you."
Darion stopped for a moment, knowing that she must do this but all the same he didn't want her to. He walked over to her, hugging her tightly as she returned the embrace. "I'll get revenge on Howe, I swear it." Darion whispered.
"I know you will," his mother replied as she let him go, drawing her bow.
As Darion and Merik followed Duncan into the cellar he felt a single tear roll down his eye.
After a while of walking in a dank dark tunnel the group came to an exit. It was morning at this point, but it brought no cheer with it. "Will we be going to Ostagar immediately?" Darion asked, calming himself a little.
Duncan shook his head, "No, not immediately. We'll be going to a few other places in search of other Wardens. Our numbers are few and the Darkspawn have ceased their attacks at Ostagar for the moment, so I must have more recruits."
Darion sighed, "Alright, but we must make this quick. I want Howe brought to justice as soon as possible."
Duncan nodded, "I know, don't worry. Now we must get going, there may be a few of Howe's men patrolling the area as we speak." Darion nodded as he followed Duncan into the unknown.