Chapter 1 - Elissa
The knock at the door half woke her from her dream. "Mistress Elissa!" called one of the castle's servants.
Far too cheerful for this early in the morning thought Elissa to herself as she sat up, still groggy. She struggled to think of the name of the servant. It was the new one, recently arrived from the Arl Eamon's Denerim estate.
Arma. That was it, she realised as she rubbed the last vestiges of sleep from her startling deep blue eyes, blinking in the morning sun that flooded through her window. "Come in," she called.
The handle turned and the rough wooden door swung open soundlessly on its well-oiled hinges. Arma as a plump older lady, greying hair ringing a friendly, round face. She put the wooden serving tray down on the small table in the corner of the room, and then moved to help Elissa from the bed.
Elissa waved her away, standing herself, and pushing her tangled blonde hair from her face. She appreciated the work and care that the castle servants performed, but at the same time enjoyed being self-sufficient and independent.
From her trunk, she took out a sensible dress which fell to just above her knees, couple with plain grey leggings. Her boots stood nearby, and she grabbed them as well, before making for the adjoining room, where a basin of heated water sat waiting for her.
She hung her clothes on a peg and stripped off her nightdress. There was a rough cake of soap with the water, and she plunged her hands into the basin, enjoying the warmth of the water, contrasting against the chill of the early winter morning air, before bringing her still-wet hands up to her face and rubbing briskly.
By the time she had finished her morning bathing and had dressed herself, Arma had disappeared, leaving the breakfast tray and a made bed. Elissa shook her head ruefully. It was her ongoing battle with the Highever servants. She ate quickly, savouring the light bread and dried fruit as she did.
Leaving the tray on the table, she opened a second chest where there were a variety of weapons – several knives; arrows; her bow, carefully wrapped in rags; and a fine sword, dwarven forged, pommel moulded to her grip.
Fereldan noblewomen were expected to be able to defend themselves should the need arise, but Elissa was something else entirely, able to duel and defeat many of the castle's knights, and even Fergus, her older brother and heir to the teyrnir.
To her mother's consternation, this competitive streak and weapon affinity had made it difficult to find her a suitable husband. Elissa, for her part, was in no hurry to get married, enjoying the freedom that came as the younger daughter of a Great House and frequently ranging across the Highever countryside. She belted a long knife to her hip, and made her way through the castle hallways to the side exit. Servants greeted her as she passed with, 'Lady Elissa,' 'My Lady' or 'Mistress Elissa'. Even at the early hour, the castle was buzzing with activity. King Cailan, facing the horde at Ostagar, had called arms and before the castle were the summoned Highever levies. They were due to march south later that day.
Elissa knew that once she was outside, she would not be missed in the rush of preparation. She passed the castle's kennels as she neared the exit, and gave a sharp whistle, which was greeted by a happy bark in reply. Her mabari hound Rhyfelwr barrelled joyously out toward her.
"Come on Rhyf, lets got exploring."
The hound panted happily, stubby tail waving vigorously.
The guards at the gate stood at attention as they left the castle, the side gate on a path which led to the castle's stream. At first they followed the path down toward the swiftly running water, but as they neared, she cut a path across country, loosely following the spring further downstream. Rhyf bounded happily beside her.
There was that one spot, deep in the forest where the ancient lular trees grew so tall and so thick that their branches intertwined, creating almost a natural cathedral in the forest.
In the autumn morning sun, the early dews had mostly dried, leaving only a light sheen on the brilliant brown-gold leaves of the deciduous trees which dotted the Highever countryside. Elissa took a moment to breathe deeply, savouring the rich damp earthy scent of the morning air.
An hour later, she found what she had been aiming for. A large lake, deep in the woodlands, where she knew she had been that one time. Rhyfelwr bounded ahead, splashing happily into the lake. Elissa laughed as he choked and coughed, a mistimed bark filling his mouth with water as the lake deepened. She hesitated only a moment before stripping off and joining him in the ice-cold water.
Refreshed, skin glowing pink from the water, she redressed, and then began to try and retrace the path she had taken. Four times she tried a different path, only for it to lead to a dead end or to once more loop back to the lakeside clearing.
As she prepared to give up the quest once again, she noticed something off to the side of her return path. It was barely a path, even a track, but still, it was unmistakeably a route used by some creature, the undergrowth perceptibly trampled and flattened.
It proved to be hard going, the undergrowth becoming ever thicker, but also strangely but increasingly familiar as she and Rhyf pushed through, until at last, the sun now almost overhead, they finally arrived in the ancient clearing, as she remembered, vast trees interweaving above her.
This was where she felt most comforted, both now and before. The midday sunlight broke through the canopy at various points, creating a glorious dappled mottling of the soft grass beneath.
Even Rhyf had fallen quiet, seemingly, too, awed by the majesty of the clearing. Almost automatically, the long remembered words from the Chant of Light came forth, her lips moving silently as she repeated them.
Here lies the abyss
The well of all souls
From these emerald waters
Doth life begin anew
Come my child, and I shall embrace you
In my arm lies eternity
The words brought her a peace that she felt wash over her, a relief from the emotion and turmoil of the day. Knowing that Fergus and her father would soon leave, marching south to an unknown fate. She hesitated a moment before breaking into silent prayer.
Highest Maker, she prayed, protect Fergus, be with him in the days that come. Be with him and watch over him. I ask that he might return unharmed. Be also with Father, give him the strength to fight and the will to return. Help me, divine Andraste, in my appointed task. Allow me the wisdom I need for this duty, and let it not confound my heart. Blessed Andraste, guard my soul and hold my in your hand. I pray as your child.
Elissa sat there in silence, listening to the quiet humming of creacha beetles, and watching the shifting patterns of sunlight across the grass as a light breeze blew through the canopy high above. She was at peace, wishing it could last forever, but knowing it would not.
Eventually, she stood and picked her way back to the lake, returning to the castle. Rhyfelwr bounded ahead of her and she soon lost sight of the hound as they reached the open fields.
At the gate, she recognised Lokan, her father's manservant, who peered down at her out of watery blue eyes, expression one of mild disdain. He had never seemed to like her. "Your father is looking for you, Lady Elissa."
Lokan lead her up the grand stairway and into Highever Castle. The main hall was at the heart of the castle. It was where her father held court, hearing the complaints of his vassals, and where the high holiday feasts and balls would take place.
Even deep within the castle, the hall was well-lit. High windows let in sunlight, and there were numerous lit torches. Portraits of every ruling Cousland teyrn and teyrna were hung around the hall. At the far end, a cheerful fire roared in the heart, warding off the winter chill.
Standing by the fireplace was her father with two guests. She recognised Arl Howe of Amaranthine, her father's oldest friend, but the second man was a stranger, dark skinned and dark haired with an impressive beard.
Arl Howe was speaking as she approached them. Even Elissa towered over the much smaller man, whose beady eyes and long, beaked nose gave him the appearance of a perpetual sneer.
"My Lord," he said, glancing at the second guest, "You have me at a disadvantage. I did not expect such an honoured visitor."
"Is something the matter, Rendon?"
"Not at all," the arl replied, voice strangely oily, "but for such an important guest, certain…preparations should be made."
"Ah, and here is my daughter now," said her father, noticing her approach, "Pup, you remember Arl Howe?"
She bowed politely, "It is good to see you again. Is your family with you?"
Howe offered a thin smile, "No, no. They're safe back in Amaranthine. My Thomas has not stopped speaking of you since you danced with him at the Midsummer Ball. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time."
"I would like that," Elissa replied, hiding her disdain. Thomas was every bit his father's son.
"Elissa, this is Duncan, Warden-Commander of Fereldan. He's here looking for recruits, and I believe he has his eye on Ser Gilmore."
Duncan glanced at her, then spoke in a deep, rich voice, "If I might be so bold, my lord, your daughter would also be an excellent candidate."
Her, a Grey Warden. It was a high honour, but…
She looked at her father and saw his eyes harden. "No! Not Elissa. I have few enough children, and with Fergus riding south, one must remain here. Unless…unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription?"
The Warden shook his head, "No, my need is not so dire to demand such a response. Now, if you will excuse me, my lord, I must see to the trials."
He turned on his heel and strode out of the hall. As Elissa watched him leave, she found her father looking intently at her. "I know that look, Pup. You're not thinking of running off and joining the Wardens are you?"
"Father," she started.
He sighed, "Elissa, with Fergus and I riding to war, I need you here. There must always be a Cousland in Highever. When...if, we return, then we can talk about the Wardens."
"Yes Father."
"That's my girl," he smiled at her warmly, "Now, Rendon's men have been delayed. I need you to find Fergus and tell him he is to lead the army south immediately. I will follow with the Amaranthine forces in a few days."
"What of Mother?"
"I believe she was planning to stay with Lady Landra. She thought it best to give you space to run the castle without getting in your way."
"I will do my best, Father," she replied dutifully.
"I'm sure you will. Now, do go and find your brother. I believe he may have been going to his quarters to see Oriana and Oren."
The small side entrance was nearby. As she left, she could feel Howe's eyes on her back. She started down the hallway, making for the Cousland living quarters at the far end of the castle. As she passed the kitchens, she heard shouting and several crashes coming from the kitchen. A hurt whine followed.
A large brown dog slunk out of the kitchens, holding something in its mouth. Elissa whistled loudly, and Rhyfelwr began to run toward her.
"Have you been bothering Nan again?" she admonished.
Her mabari looked at her quizzically and open his jaws, dropping his prize on her feet, a giant brown and grey striped rat.
"Where did you get that?"
Rhyfelwr barked happily.
"No, you can't leave it there," she replied
He whined again.
"No, I don't want it in our room either. Why don't you just take it outside?"
The dog barked once more, picked up the rat carcass again, and ran off. Elissa turned, and continued in the other direction. Near the library, she spotted her mother in the passage ahead. Lady Landra, Bann Loren's wife was with her, as was Landra's son Dairren and her elven lady in waiting. Elissa slowed her walk as she approached.
"Ah, and here is my adventurous daughter now," said her mother, "Elissa, you remember Lady Landra, don't you?"
"We met at your mother's spring salon, I believe," laughed the older woman, "I seem to remember I spent most of the evening trying to set you up with my son."
"And doing a very poor job, I might add," put in Dairren, warm brown eyes dancing in amusement, "It's good to see you again, Elissa."
His simple informality was a refreshing change from the titled address. She grinned back at him, the action lighting up her face, "You to, Dairren."
"Were you looking for Fergus?" said her mother, "Is your father ready to leave?"
"No. Howe's men have been delayed. Fergus is to go on ahead without Father. Father said you were leaving in a few days as well?"
"Yes, my dear. I thought it was best for you to have the chance to manage the castle on your own. Besides, it won't be the same without Bryce and Fergus around."
She reached out to embrace Elissa, "Oh, my darling girl. I'm so proud of you."
Elissa attempted to squirm loose, "I am hardly a girl anymore, Mother."
She briefly squeezed even more tightly, before finally releasing her, "Indeed, you're all grown up now, into a fine young lady. I couldn't be happier."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Now, go and find Fergus. I'm sure he still has preparation to complete, and Landra, I believe you wished to have a rest before dinner?"
Landra nodded, and Elissa watched as her mother lead the four visitors away toward the guest quarters.
Outside Fergus' quarters, she hesitated, hearing muffled whispers and noises from inside. "Fergus!" reprimanded Oriana, his Antivan wife, giggling at the same time, "Not in front of Oren."
Elissa knocked and the giggling stopped. Her brother opened the door. "Ahh! It's my little sister, come to wish me goodbye," he said expansively, "Is Father ready to depart?"
She shook her head, "Howe's men are delayed. He wants you to take our army south immediately."
"Howe's men must be marching here backwards at this rate, its taking so long."
"I do worry about this, Fergus," put in Oriana, "Winter is setting in and who knows how long it will take for the King to defeat the horde."
Fergus grinned. "King Cailan has requested Highever's aid, and our aid he shall have. It will be glorious."
"I wish I was going with you," she muttered, just loud enough for her brother to hear.
He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder, "There, there, sis, it will be alright. Someone has to stay here and protect the castle. Besides, soon, when we're camped in the freezing south, I'll be jealous of you warm and safe here in Highever.
"But I want to fight."
Fergus laughed. Oriana shook her head, "I will never understand you Fereldans. Always looking for a fight. Even the women. Back in Antiva, a woman riding to war, it…it would be unthinkable."
Her brother raised an eyebrow. "Really? I always heard it was the Antivan women who were the most dangerous."
"Only in bed, or with poison," she replied, laughing.
Fergus snorted in amusement. "And this from the woman who brings me my tea. I should be more careful from now on."
"What does mother do in bed?" piped up Oren, looking puzzled.
"Sleep, of course, Oren," his mother replied, laughing uncomfortably, "What else would I do?"
"Come now, my dear, everything will be ok," said Fergus, sweeping his wife and son into his arms, "I'll be back before you know it. Now, I really must be off. We can't keep the darkspawn waiting forever."
"Don't forget to bring me back a sword," put in Oren, "You promised me, father. Aunty, Father's going to bring me a sword. You'll teach me to fight won't you?"
Fergus avoided his wife's sharp glance. Elissa grinned. "Of course, Oren. Who else will help me defend the castle with all the knights away?"
The boy's chest puffed out with pride. Fergus swept the four of them into his broad grasp. "Goodbye, dear, stay safe. Be brave Oren," he looked at her one more time, "Goodbye, baby sister. Take care of mother while we're away."