Introduction
A young girl sat on a hill blanketed in white Lilies; on a warm summer day in the Country of Thedas, more specifically, in Ferelden. Ferelden, had harsh winters, blanketed in bone chilling winters; or sweaty summers, with damp mud covered forests. Her long blonde curls wisp in the howling wind seeming to hide her face as she sat there and picked some of the white Lilies with their red centers poking out of the flower invitingly. As she breathed the scent of the lovely flowers she was startled, her eyes emerald darted open to see who had picked her up. She smiled softly to the man with an innocent grin as she had done a thousand times before. Bryce smiled back at her; his weathered face made him seem older then he was, he embraced his daughter affectionately, "I found you little one." He smiled to her as she offered him one of the many flower's she picked, "What is this darling? Your new choice of weapon?" he chuckled.
She giggled and nodded agreeing with him, "Yes papa! I will go through the battle field, fearlessly, attacking people with my dreaded flower of doom!" she exclaimed as he took the flower from her and smelled its sweet aroma.
"Still so young and you wish to one day see battle my beautiful young girl. Why did you run off again?" he looked to her as his gaze turned from joyful to stern and disappointed glance.
"I ran away because want to explore. I do not want to be a gentle little girl papa." She looked to him with a look every father fears; the look of a warrior, and a determined little girl.
He sighs, taking her from the field walking back to their home with his daughter in his arms, "Well my child, we shall see." he sighed in relief as she smiled softly resting her head on his shoulder.
"Yes we will papa." She clung to him even more, falling asleep in her father's loving grasp as he continued to walk home with his young troublemaker; petting her long soft sun blonde curls. She was not more than eight years old and she could already avoid guards like no one else. He remembered her brother at this age and it had taken him twelve years to do what she was doing at eight he sighed and mumbled under his breath, "These children shall be the death of me." He looked down to the slumbering child in his arms. "But they will be safe…or that is my hope at least." He continued to run his hand over her hair some more; her hair seemed to always be warm in the sunlight; like hot tea in the middle of winter.
It was not long before they walked through the gates of Highever; the estate of the Cousland's and where he and his family have lived for many generations. Now it was his estate and he watched over all of them, his family and the people who lived in its borders. He loved Ferelden and its entire people; he often defended the country when it was asked of him by the council, and his king.
It was not soon after they entered Highever, the slumbering child awoke to hear her mother's relieved cries as she pulled her from her father's loving embrace and hugged her tight, trapping the girls head to her chest, and kissing the top of her head lovingly, "Do not ever scare me like that again my little angel." Eleanor hugged her daughter close; like one would fear your child might have been taken, or ran away.
Lenna looked to her mother curiously, "Mother I just wanted to pick flowers." She looked to her with innocent eyes.
Her mother let out a sigh giving into her daughters look, "You cannot run off like that my little one. You have to entire castle scared half to death. I thought Nan was going to have a heart attack." Eleanor paused briefly as her daughter looked down she seemed like she was close to tears. Eleanor let out a defeated sigh, "You know how to tug at my heart strings…" She smiles, carrying her daughter down the hall, and to her room.
Bryce let out a tired sigh, "I can keep peace in a nation but Andraste save me if I have to keep peace between my wife and my daughter when she is older…" He chuckled running a finger down the center of his forehead.
Lenna Cousland, daughter of Bryce Cousland and Eleanor Cousland, the current Aral and Arlessa of Highever. Her older brother Fergus is three years older than her, and married to Oriana. Oriana is the daughters of a rich Ativan trader; her and Fergus have a little boy only about five years old named Oren.
Lenna began her combat training at the age of ten because her mother can father could not stand her constant pleading any longer and figured if she experienced it she would not wish to do so any longer. They were wrong, only a few years later she mastered the use of the bow, becoming a strong bower like her mother. Soon after she mastered the use of lock picks, and hand-to-hand combat; she was a deadly and sneaky force, for many years after her training she used her skills to sneak away from the guards whenever possible. With every get away though her parents surrounded their daughter with more and more people to protect Lenna; but she would always manage to escape no matter how many people they put around her. Even so, on her thirteenth birthday she was given a mabari war hound who they prayed would keep her out of trouble. No, this war hound assisted her in the chaos she would cause. She named her dog Tanka; although few could not understand why she would name her companion after something she found in a book many did not question her or Tanka about his strange name.
Lenna's room was quite, there was no movement or awake beings in her room, except her mabari who was stalking about her bed as if she were prey. Lenna's head was hidden under her pillow, her puffy warm blanket wrapped around her body to keep her warm. Suddenly the mabari pounced on her barking and licking as the only exposed flesh which happened to be her toes.
Lenna, hating mornings pushed the dog away and let out an exhausted moan. Tanka huffed as he fell off the bed, and this time pulled down the large warm comforter she slept under. The cold air hit Lenna's skin, and she shot up out of bed. Her hair was messy, and full of static. She rubbed her eyes tiredly. She opened her door for the black furred dog to go darting out, and create mischief.
Lenna looked around her room, the stone walls felt like a prison cell. Her bed sat in the middle of the room; it was a large bed meant for two, but no one had ever been in her bed. Her weapons sat in a chest, next to her wardrobe. A vanity sat on the left side of the room, and a stone bath tub sat a few feet away from it. It was filled with hot steamy water. She smiled, and shed the slightly clingy white night gown, and sat in the hot water, and enjoyed the warmth of the water.
While she was preparing for the day, there was much going on outside her room. The estate was a bustle with the troops preparing for war, her brother was spending the last night for a long time with his wife, and son. Her mother had guests to keep her company. Arl Howe arrived and was busy catching up with her father. Her mabari found a way into the larder through a mouse hole. He planned to defend the larder against these enormous vermin.
Ann was busy cooking for supper for everyone at the estate. When looking at this estate you would not been unable to know that there was a threat of Darkspawn, and death flowing through Ferelden. Corruption flowed like water through a river in the land.
It never took Lenna emerged from her for once not wearing her armor.. Her wet hair was long and red, it changed color over the years, it went past her waist, and she usually had it braided down her back. Her bow was strapped to her back, with a full quiver of arrows. Two long blades were sheathed at her waist. She wore a white blouse, with long sheer loose sleeves that flow gently in breeze. She wore a corseted under bust bodes, that covered her whole abdomen, that had a high collar up the neck. The skirt was long, and slightly puffy, but it was mostly flowing, it was a long red dress with gold details. . She wore a pair of black leather flats. While she was a tough young woman, she enjoyed looking beautiful, and often took pride in her appearance. Her pale milky white skin stood out against her fiery red hair, and bright red colored lips. Her cheeks were naturally a rosy pink. Her piercing emerald eyes had a gaze that made it look like she was staring into your very soul. The final thing she wore, was a necklace her mother gave her when she was thirteen. It was a silver chain, with a flower in the center, the middle of the flower has a sapphire in it, and five dangling sapphire droplets hanging down. It was her most treasured possession.
As she closed the door, her brother had appeared behind her. "Hello little sister." Fergus said in in a humored tone. "Father is looking for you know." He chuckled; he had dark brown hair, and a face full of stubble. His greed chainmail armor, had an under layer of reinforced leather, and plate around the chest, and arms. He had their fathers sky blue eyes. He had a shield strapped to his back with the Cousland crest on it, which happened to be a blue back ground, and two greed leafed branches, their stems crossing, and them making a circle, with the last leaf standing straight up. With a long straight freshly sharpened blade.
"I did not." She smiled at him, "well don't you look dangerous." She giggled a little more.
"Well, you should get to the main hall before he sends out a search party fearing you have gone off on your own again Little sister." He pet her head with a chuckle, as he returned to his room, giggles from her nephew, and woeful cries from his wife.
She did not envy her brother. She wandered down the way, through wooden arches carved into the stone walls. Into an area her mother hosted tea parties. She stopped at the right side door, she hesitated, before knocking on the thick wooden door. She opened the door, and saw two old men speaking, her father, and Arl Howe. Her father's hair was grey, with sky blue eyes, and stubble on his upper lip, and chin. Her wore red velvet tunic, with a golden silk under shirt, and red pantaloons, with a pair for dress shoes. Arl Howe stood next to him, in a dark grey silk tunic, with black pantaloons, and dress shoes. He appeared younger than her father, with only a little bit of facial hair, in the middle of his chin just below his lower lip. He has a mix of light brown hair, mixed with a lot of grey, giving his hair a hint of color still. They turned and smiled to the young woman, she was only sixteen.
"There you are young one. I was about to send out a search party." Her father chuckled.
"I apologize father, I have not been awake all that long." She curtsied, and smiled at the two, "Hello Father, hello Arl Howe. It is a pleasure to see you again sir." She smiled.
"My my, you have grown up quite well my dear. Last time I saw you; you were sneaking away from the guards, and pretending to attack your father with lilies." He chuckled, looking over her thin and curvy figure, "You know, my son Nathaniel is about your age. He was asking about you. Maybe I should bring him with next time I come." He smirked fiendishly, as if he were trying to say something with this dangerous gaze.
"I would like that." She smiled gently.
Her father chuckled, and placed his hand on Lenna's shoulder, "Ah, my strong girl. You will be in charge of the estate while your brother, Arl Howe, and I are gone in Ostagar. But that will not happen until tomorrow; sadly Howe's troops are running late. So we will be leaving bright and early when his men arrive." He looked to the left door as someone knocked on the door suddenly, "Oh, there is one more thing. We will be having a special guest for the next few days. May I present Ser Duncan of the Grey wardens."
A man with light brown skin, black hair pulled into a ponytail, and a bushy beard walked into the room. He wore what looked like white and red robes, with a reinforced long belt, and silverite ore plate was worn around his back, chest, arms, and chain mail skirt under his robes. He had a long silver sword and a red dagger on the right side. He was very tall, about six foot two inches. He marched in, with his head held high, and bowed, "It is an honor to meet your youngest child. Tyren Bryce."
Bryce chuckled, "She is quite an hand full. Quite a talented young woman with a blade." He looked to his daughter to see how she would react.
Lenna bowed her head, and smiled softly, "It is an honor to meet you Ser Duncan. I will make sure you had whatever you require."
"Well, I am searching for a new recruit to join the grey wardens." Duncan looked her over, "Would you be interested?"
She smiled, "I would love to join the wardens. It would be a great honor."
"Whoa now. I have very few children, and I will not see them all off to battle. Unless you plan to invoke the wright of conscription." Bryce stood between his daughter and Duncan, giving Duncan a stern angry look.
"There will be none of that, you have my word." Duncan does not bring up the subject again.
"That is good." He turned to his daughter, smiling; he found it more difficult as she grew up to be angry with her. "Go find Bryce. And let him know he will need to leave with the troops tonight on his own." He pet her hair, as he leaned close, kissing her forehead, "My beautiful girl…go on now." He sent her off, out of the main hall.
She closes the door behind her, and sighs, it was bitter cold outside, luckily she was bundled up warm, and toasty. Her dog came prancing to her, feeling proud of himself for defending the larder. He was chased by Ser Gilmore, "Bad dog! Stay out of the larder!" He shouted, charging after him, stopping as her saw Lenna standing there. He gazed at her enthralled by her beauty for a moment. "Uhh, my lady." He bowed, "I apologize, your mabari got into the larder again. I managed to scare him out of there."
She looked down to Tanka, and sighed, "Bad boy, you know better than to go in the larder." She sighed, as he wined, and his ears flattened as if he were trying to apologize.
"Do you know where my brother might be, Ser Gilmore?" Lenna watched in curiously.
"He should be in his room. Saying his good byes." Gilmore replied, "Is it true there is a grey warden here?" He asked excitedly
"Yes there is. He is looking for a new recruit." She smiled.
"It would be a dream. Come true to be in the grey wardens! Would you really do that for me?!" He asked excitedly.
"Of course, I will. For now, I must go though. Good day Ser Gilmore." Lenna marched off running into yet another obstacle, her mother and her guests. Lady Leandra, her son Dairen, and Lady Leandra's lady in waiting, Iona were standing there speaking with her mother, Eleanor.
"And here comes my daughter now, and her trouble maker of a mabari." She sighed, "And your trouble making pet…you know you really need to keep better care of that mongrel." Her mother sneered, and then turned her attention, "I am sure you remember Lady Leandra, and her son Dairen."
Lenna sighed; she hated being lectured by her mother. She looked over the two and bowed her head, "It is an honor to see you both again. I hope you all will enjoy your stay." She smiled.
Lady Leandra seemed to be a little older then Eleanor, her hair was greyer, and her face was more wrinkled. Her eyes looked like sparkling amethysts, and her lips looked like a cranberry red. Lady Leandra smiled, "Well you seem to be getting more radiant by the year. You know, my son is still single." She smiled, dropping hints of wanting to pair her with her son.
"Mother!" Dairen exclaimed, seeming embraced, "I apologize for my mother…she seems determined to try and match us together…" His hair was brown and a curly mess atop his head he had small eyes, and a large mouth. He seemed a little funny looking, but it was a cute funny looking. He wore a gold tunic, with green pantaloons.
She smiled lightly, "It is perfectly fine, we should speak later. I have to go find my brother right now. Mother, may I be excused?" Lenna gave her an innocent smile.
Eleanor chuckled at her overly anxious daughter, "Very well kitten go on. But due try and stay out of trouble."
Lenna chuckled, as she walked off, "Unlikely. But I will try mother." Her father had been secretly following her.
He ran into his wife, and her guested. He smiled innocently, "Hello darling. Good day, Lady Leandra. I hope your stay is satisfying thus far."
"Dear, why are you following our daughter when you sent her to see off our son." Eleanor crossed her arms over her chest and glared.
"Well, I figured we could surprise them, and have one last family moment before our son and me, have to leave." He smiled innocently.
She smiled, her heart fluttering as he spoke sweet words, appealing to her love for her children, "Well then let us go." She wrapped her arms around Bryce's right arm, and leaned her head against his shoulder, they walked together snuggled close they had as much as they were able to.
"We will speak later dear." Lady Leandra smirked, as she went to her chambers to rest.
Lenna stood in the door way of her brother's chambers watching him speak with his son, Oren. Oren was a beautiful little boy. With dark brown hair, like his father, and milky white skin. He had his mother's pale green eyes. He is only about three years old at the time.
Oriana hung her head trying to keep her tears in. Her honey blonde hair was pulled back into a bun. Her pale green eyes were sad, and her gentle pale skin glowed by the candle light. "I wish you did not have to go my love." She placed her hand on his shoulder, she spoke in a heavy Orleasian accent.
"I know my love. But it is for the good of the kingdom." He stood up, and ran his hand gently against her face. He looked down at the lavender dress she was wearing with long sleeves, and an under bust corset.
Oren looked at his aunt standing in the door way and smiled, he charged at her, before jumping at her, "Aunt Lenna! Catch me!"
Lenna was caught off guard, but managed to catch him, hugging him close, "Hey there little one."
"Aunty, did you come to say good bye to papa too?" Oren smiled, she sat him down and patted his head, "Of course I have, I also brought a message from father."
"Howe's troops are running late. Father wants you to take our troops, and march ahead without him to Ostagar." Lenna looks at him curiously.
Fergus looked at his sister and sighed, "You would think the Arl's men were all walking backwards…I will leave as soon as I finish saying goodbye."
"You did not plan to leave without saying goodbye now did you?" Bryce chuckled as he, and Eleanor entered the room. Eleanor adopted a fearful gaze as she was her son standing there, armored and prepared to go, like a soldier.
"Maker watch over you my son." Eleanor frowned, watching him.
"Maker watch over all of us mother." Fergus tried not to laugh.
"Papa? Will you bring me back a sward?" Oren smiled up to his father.
"It is pronounced sword and of course." He chuckled, leaning down and kissing Oren's forehead.
He looked to his wife and smiled, hugging her tightly, kissing her forehead, "Do not fear my love. We will be together again before you know it."
Lenna chuckled, "Better watch your back since I will not be there to watch it for you." She stuck out her tongue, somewhat picking on her brother, trying to ease the tension.
"Hah! I will miss you a lot sister. And you mother." He paused and looked to the Orleasian beauty who was his wife, and smiled, kissing her head again, "And I will miss you most of my dear."
"Well, we all have a long day tomorrow. We will see you off Fergus." Bryce smiled.
The family walked together through the estate, reaching the front gates. The men stood at attention as they saw the Cousland's approach.
Fergus stood out in front, his helm in his left hand, and his shield strapped to his right. He looked to his family again, seeing the sad faces of all the women in his life, and then the proud gaze of his father he smiled, "Maker protect you all." He placed his helmet on, "Right now you lot! Forward March, were moving out!"
Oren waved at him and the men, and his father smiling, "Goodbye papa! Goodbye everyone!"
They stood there together, Eleanor cried into Bryce's tunic, finally being unable to keep her tears in anymore. Oriana hugged Lenna tightly, as she began crying, she hugged her tightly, and did not want to let go.
Arl Howe, and Duncan were watching from a distant, understanding why they were so sad to see Fergus leave. Many other women had been there to wish their men, fathers, brothers, or husbands, good luck and safe travel, sisters of the chantry were there to bless the soldiers before they left.
Blood soaked streets
The night was quiet, there was no feast, the rest of the family, and their guests ate supper, and then most went to sleep. Bryce, and Howe stayed awake reminiscing of their youth, and the conquests of the past. Until two guards ran through the door, and started to barricade the entrance.
Bryce stood and moved close, "What in Andraste's names are you doing!?" He seemed incredibly irritated, and confused.
"Sir! Were under attack!" One of the soldiers said frantically.
Howe came closer, and stabbed Bryce through the midsection, and smirked, "Well you see. I am going to kill your family. And take Highever for myself." He chuckled darkly in Bryce's ear. Bryce dashed away from Howe, holding his wound.
Howe rushed after Bryce, determined to finish him off, but sadly Bryce was able to disappear and hide before Howe could find him, but it was now matter. He figured Bryce could die slowly. For now, he had to worry about killing the people within the estate. He sent a group of five men, figuring that would be more than enough to kill the rest of the Cousland line, as well as Lady Leandra, her lady in waiting, her son Dairen, and Duncan, the grey warden who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
There were screams in the hall way, and the sound of fire. A side door had been used to get to the sleep quarters where the Cousland's and most of their guests slept, thinking they were safe. Tanka's eyes were fixed at the door, and she was barking mad, growling, his short hair stood on edge. Lenna darted awake, and held up her two blades she hid next to her bed. She threw off her blanket, revealing a black fitted gown with spaghetti straps. She took a defensive stance as she heard banging on the door. The dog went quite, and stood next to the door, prepared to tackle the first thing that came through that door.
Lenna tore off most of the long skirt, making it easier for her to move. She could do nothing about her long hair for now, but instead she simply accepted that it was there. The door broke open, and two of Arl Howe's men came charging through. They expected a delicate young woman, but Lenna had been trained in combat situations. Tanka was the first to attack, blitzing the first guard, and keeping him in place, he bit down on the person's neck, easily ripping through the flesh. Lenna took the second guard by surprise. He expected her to still be slumbering away, but all he found was a pillow covered up with her blanket. She took him by surprise, stabbing him through the back of the neck, severing his spine in the process. She grumbled, and threw off the tattered night gown, she pulled open her wardrobe, and reached for her battle armor. She pulled on the hardened leather pants, and simple white tunic, tucking it into her pants; she tightened her under bust corset, and tightened it quickly. She pulled on the hardened leather gloves, with the chainmail her hands protected, although usually she usually wrapped her wrists, she did not have time. She laced up her knee high boots tying them tightly. She strapped on her bow and arrows, pulling her hair back into a simple ponytail. She picked up her dual swords and rushed out of the room glaring, three men stood there banging on her parents door.
She growled, "Hey! This is an estate not a battlefield!" She growled, her dog charging at one of the enemies, Lenna quickly sheathed her blades and pulled out her bow, and an arrow, shooting on the men through the neck, with the thick armor they were wearing, there were only two good places to hit, the neck, or the head. This left only one, she smirked to him, and pulled out another arrow, "You have two options…surrender…or death." She had it aimed in case he charged her like she knew he would. Doing as she expected he charged, and was shot, but not by Lenna. When the man fell she saw her mother standing at her now opened door, bow in hand, and her dark green armor, corseted around the center, with pantaloons, and knee high boots She had a belt that held up her skirt, but it was cut down the left and right legs. Her arms had thick leather from her wrists to her shoulders. Her bow and arrows strapped to her back.
"My little dove are you alright! I heard the fighting and I bared the doors…but when I heard your voice I figured you had taken care of them. Have you seen your father? He never came to bed…"
"I am fine mother. Those who were in the hallway are dead…we need to check on Oren and Oriana." Lenna rushed to the other door and froze as she saw the mangled corpses of her nephew and sister-in-law. She fell to her knees and tears flowed from her eyes.
Seeing her daughters reaction, she knew they were not taking hostages, "We have to find your father and get out of here…there is no time to stop and feel bad my dove. We have much work to do."
Before they got to the main building, Lenna's mother stopped her, "We need to get something from here.." She lead Lenna into the family vault where two soldiers were trying to get into the safe. Lenna shot one, her mother shot the other. as the two guards fell dead, her mother took out a key and opened the vault. She handed Lenna a bow, and a blade, "These have been in our family for years… take care of them."
Lenna placed the extra bow in her quiver, and the sword at her side for the moment. As they continued one their way.
The streets were riddled with bodies, but there was no battle to be seen. People past them, praying there was a way out from the way Lenna and her mother came. They made it to the main city, finding the few guards to remained, and Ser Gilmore defending. As they entered the room Ser Gilmore darted over , "My ladies, are you alright? Have either of you see the Teryn?"
"Honestly we were hoping you had..." Lenna sigh, containing her emotions. "Everyone else is dead. They had multiple entrances."
"If your going to do something I suggest you do it now. We will hold them off as long as we can." Ser Gilmore bowed his head and moved back to the barricaded door.
"We should check the service entrance. If Bryce is not here, that would be the best bet." Eleanor charged back out the door, and toward the service entrance which was in the larder, past toward the back of the kitchen. The two were so caught up in their own world they did not even notice they were being followed. Duncan had been watching the mother, daughter duo, and even when there were few people to be killed they still worked great together. Lenna would adjust her weapons depending on what was needed. She had a personal preference to the bow, but that did not mean her sword play suffered in any way. Her mabari was no slouch either, he was determined and blood thirsty.
They burst through the door of the larder her mabari dashed toward Bryce sniffing him curiously. Eleanor, and Lenna moved to his side, hugging his wounded body, "Bryce thank the maker your alive."
"Father what happened to you?" Lenna's eyes were sad, it took everything she had to not burst into tears there, her mother was crying enough for the both of them.
"We need to get you out of here my love, come let me help you up." Eleanor moved, and started the process of trying to stand Bryce up. His body rejected her as he laid on the ground.
"I will not survive standing my love i am terribly sorry..." Bryce frowned, looking between his wife and daughter.
" I am afraid he is right." Duncan walked into the room, sheathing his blades.
"Duncan...thank god your still alive. Please get my wife and daughter to safety I beg of you." Bryce's expression turned to one of desperation as he looked between his name wife and daughter, and then to Duncan.
"Of course my lord. But i am going to need something in return..." Duncan eyed Bryce, the two making a silent agreement.
"Lenna...you will get your wish of being a warden my little dove." Bryce places his hand against her face, he pulled her tightly, for the first time, he cried holding his child close. "My strong little girl..." He took a ring from his hand, placing it in Lenna's, and closing it tight, "This is the signet ring of Highever my sweet. Take it with you, and you will take the home of your ancestor's.
Lenna hugged him close, and fought even harder to hide her tears. " I will not disappoint you father, I love you so much." She clung to him for a little longer, before letting him go, "I love you papa." She placed the ring one her finger for now. knowing it would be safe there.
"And I love you my little dove." He turned his gaze to his wife, "Eleanor, my love. Go with them...make sure Howe pays for his betrayal." Bryce smiled weakly, he was cling to life desperately.
"I will defend you to my last breath my love. While i will not leave you. I will defend you to my last breath. It is now our children's turn to do what is right." Eleanor pulled out her bow as she heard the guards clashing sword.
"There is no more time! We need to leave now or we may not be able to!" Duncan exclaimed, pulling Lenna out of the service entrance with him.
Lenna's heart sank as she saw her parent's for the last time. Her mabari chased his master and Duncan down the tunnel. They managed to sneak out of the castle without being caught, they made fire far away from Highever. Lenna remained quiet and emotionless as she gathered some fallen wood, and dry leaves from the ground, she returned to camp arranged the fire and fire starter in a cone fashion, with the dried leaves in the center, she began to create friction between two rocks, creating sparks, and lighting the fire.
Duncan sat there and watch the girl, he knew she was distraught, she had just lost the only life she had ever known. Her parents were dead, her family was dead, Highever was lost...and she was betrayed by someone her family trusted. He knew she was hurting, "I am sorry for your loss I wish we were able to have saved your family..."
She watched him as he spoke, "I will make him pay for what he did...I owe you my life Duncan. Thank you for allowing me to join the wardens." Lenna's voice seemed angry, and pained. Tanka nuzzled her wrinkled head on Lenna's leg ruffing gently trying to comfort her.
"You should get some rest, we have a long trip tomorrow." Duncan laid back on the cold dry dirt, and fell asleep quickly.
Lenna laid back looking up at the night sky, she knew she wanted to be there, but she also knew this was not how she wanted it to happen. Her mind wandered to sleep as her dog stood watch vigilant over the slumbering human.
Ostagar
They traveled three long days, avoid Howe's men knowing if they were found they were more than likely to be killed. Lenna and Tanka hunted out in the woods every evening, finding beautiful kills, to eat as they traveled.
They arrived on the third day, they arrived midday, traveling up the stairs, and into the Ostagar camp, seeing an over joyed person waiting with two body guards at his side, King Cailan came out personally to greet them.
"Duncan!" He exclaims happily, and shook Duncan's hand, "I was beginning to think you would miss the battle. This is wonderful, I will have the famous grey wardens by my side." They stood side by side as Cailin spoke, they appeared like they were gazing into the future.
"Of course my lord. Your uncle would like me to remind you, that he can have troops here in a few days' time if-" Duncan was interrupted by the excitable king.
"Emond just wants in on the glory. Truth be told, I do not think this could possibly be a true blight. There is no sign of an arch demon." Cailan sighs. At first glance you would realize he has long sun kissed hair, and lovely blue eyes. His face is covered by stubble And you can see very little of his milky white skin, he is mostly covered in gold plate armor from head to toe, with obsidian detailing on the shoulders, arms, waist, outer area of the breastplate, as well as these shin guards. His armor is very regal like you would imagine the kings armor would look. He had a chain skirt, with a purple cloth cut out, marked him as the king. "I had heard you found a new recruit in Highever. I take it this is she?" He looked over Lenna and remembered the fiery red hair, he knew who she was immediately, "Wait, you are Lenna. Tyren Bryce's daughter correct?"
She bowed her head, smiling "I am yes, It is an honor to meet you King Cailan."
"And you friend, tell me, how is your father? I am sorry to see he has not yet arrived with Arl Howe and his men." Cailan seems concerned.
"I am sorry to say, but Arl Howe betrayed my family, killed most of my family, and our guests who were staying with us." Lenna's mood shifted from a calm demeanor to one that seemed almost blood thirsty.
"That is horrible! I promise you this my lady, as soon as we are finished here I will march our armies north to Highever, and we will retake it from Arl Howe. He will face justice for what he has done." Cailan became angered by this thought.
She seemed at ease by this thought, she bowed her head, and her mood changed hearing this, "Thank you my lord."
"Not to worry. Now then, I should be going, before Loghain sends out a search party. I wish you luck my friend's." Cailan bows her head, Lenna and Duncan bowed back, watching Cailan and his two body guards leaving with him.
"I did not know that the battle was going so well." Lenna commented.
"While it is going well, the king is under estimating blight." He motioned for her to follow, "when becoming a grey warden we are able to sense the blight, so we will need to get started on the joining ritual as soon as possible. Are you prepared?" Duncan looked to Lenna curiously.
"I am ready. Just tell me what to do." She stood at attention and waited for orders.
"For this, your mabari will stay with me, and you will have him back after the ritual has been completed. I need you to find three people for me. Alistair, one of the grey wardens, and two more recruits. Ser Jory, and Daveth. Once you are ready, and have found them come find me, and we will start the next part of the ritual." Duncan looked to her.
Lenna smiled, and pat Tanka's head, "Go with Duncan Tanka, I will see you soon boy. I will get started."
Tanka's ears perked up and he stood next to Duncan, he would look up, at the strange man he does not know well, and starts yowling curiously.
"Very well. I will see you soon then." Duncan pat his leg as he walked off. Tanka darted off after Duncan, looking at the new land curiously.
Lenna walked into camp by herself, she adjusted her corset and sighed softly. She explored the camp, running into an interesting woman, named Wynne, she was a mage. Wynne was a lovely old woman with silver hair, pulled into a long ponytail that stops at the base of her neck. Her face was still youthful and lovely, her pale skin and red lips making her look radiant. Her light green eyes seem gentle and motherly. She wore a long red dress, with a tight sash around the waist. It was slightly low cut down the bust. She wore a cloak that clasped around the neck, with long loose sleeves, it was a mixed color of red and gold. "Hello dear. Your Duncan's new recruit correct?" Wynne smiled.
"I am yes." Lenna stated simply.
"What a great honor to be a grey warden. The only people able to end a blight." She sighed smiling at the young woman, "oh, my apologizes, my name is Wynne. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I am Lenna Cousland, the pleasure is mine. Tell me, are you a mage?" She looked at the kind, almost motherly older woman.
"Why yes, yes i am a mage. I am here under the request of the king. Many mages have joined the battle against the Darkspawn, as requested by king Cailan." Wynne looked up at the summer sky that had clouds decorating is skin blue pigment. "Tell me, do you know the story of how the Darkspawn came to be?"
"I do, yes. It was taught to me by my tooter." Lenna smiled.
"It is quite an interesting tale wouldn't you agree?" Wynne chuckled, happy to see the girl was not only skillful in combat, but also an intelligent young lady.
Wynne sighed, "well I should not take up anymore of your time young one. I am sure you must be very busy." The older woman wander off, "I wish you well on your travels." She called back.
"Be well Madame Wynne." Lenna called back, watching the mage wander off.
Lenna continued to wander along, she saw a sister of the chantry blessing those who asked for it. She leaned against the nearby wall, hearing the name Jory. She remembered that name, Duncan said it was the name of one of the other recruits. She called out the name suddenly to see who would answer, "Jory!" She squeaked, as a man turned around.
He's was loomed rather plainly, and not all that bright. His hair was cropped close to his head, with a deep red color, and his milky white skin glowed in the sunlight. He had his weapon hilted and strapped al I along his back, with dark grey armor decorating and protecting his body, his helm was being held at his side, he looked at Lenna curiously, before speaking in a deep calming voice. "Yes?" Her thought this might be the latest recruit for the wardens, but he was not all that sure just yet.
"I am Lenna, apparently the last recruit" Lenna moved to offer him her hand to shake.
He shook her hand gingerly, before opening his mouth to speak," well, you're not what I thought you would be Madame."
She pulled her hand away and glared, "wha- is that supposed to mean?" She glared, looking him over.
Ser Jory stammered realizing he had just insulted then young woman, "I am sorry, i was just meaning I have not seen a lot of women in the order. But I am hoping that one day soon, we are both lucky enough to join them." Jory smiled, even when he smiled he seemed to be a simple minded man.
"I think that is very sweet Jory. I was told to find you and let you know we will be starting the ritual soon." Lenna smiled back.
"I am not all that sure about ritual. Daveth says they plan to send us into the wilds…" Jory seems nervous.
"If they do, then so be it. Anything is worth it to end the blight." Lenna smiled. "We will talk more soon."
"Of course, I will meet you meet you and the others when you're ready." Jory smiled, walking off.
Lenna looked at the man in the cage near there curiously, she walked closer, "Are you here to sentence me? Or are you here to mock me?" He glared.
"I have not…you have not been sentenced yet?" She looks over him curious.
"I do not know…but I do not suppose you have a bit of kindness in you? I want some food and water…I have not been fed since I was locked up. Can you help me?" Her looked to her with desperate eyes.
Lenna watched him curiously, and smiled, she walked closer, sneaking him some rations she had made on the road with Duncan, and a water flask, "Here, you need this more then I do. May the maker watch over you." She left before the guard returned to guard the prisoner. The man smiled at her, he had not been shown a hint of kindness since he had put in there, and a woman who he did not even know stuck her neck out for him. She devoured the food quickly, before sucking down the water even quicker.
Lenna moved down the ramp, hearing a man desperately trying to get a woman to sleep with him when it was painfully obvious she was not interested.
"You know, time is running out…who knows, tomorrow that pretty face could be decorating a Darkspawn tomorrow." Daveth smirked devilishly before frowning, "I guess I should take the glare as a no? Very well then. Good luck." He watched as the woman wandered away. He smirked devilishly as Lenna walked down the way, he got and her path and smirked, "Hello gorgeous. You know, I am Daveth, I am one of the warden recruits."
Lenna paused, figuring this was Daveth. She then decided to see how far this would go, "A warden recruit!" She gasped, "You are so brave!" She smiled, feigning a swoon.
He caught her and chuckled, "So, want to fulfill a recruits wish before the battle?"
"I would be more inclined if I were not a warden recruit as well." She stood back up smirking.
"You're the third recruit?" Daveth seems surprised. "Well, you are not what I thought you would be." He chuckled.
"I am getting that a lot lately." Lenna chuckled.
"It is about bloody time you showed up…I was beginning to think this ritual was a load of crap." Daveth chuckled. "Well, since you're here I guess the ritual will be starting soon."
"I will watch your back, if you watch mine." Lenna folded her arms, watching him.
"Oh, I will watch your back really close." Daveth chuckled, winking.
"Or I could show you how good of a shot I am…" Lenna glared.
"Or I could just watch my own back…never mind." Daveth hurried off nervously.
Lenna walked up another ramp, just past the quarter master, she would see a man and a mage talking. She wondered if maybe one of them would be Alistair. Lenna did not know what she was getting into when she joined the wardens under hard circumstances. She took a breath and moved closer, starting to hear the argument. She leaned against the nearby banister, listening curiously.
A man stood in long grey simple mage robes, with a staff that appeared to be a long simple stick in his right hand. His skin was dark brown, and his hair was black in color. He spoke in a mocking and irritating tone, "What is it now…haven't the grey wardens asked enough of the mages?" He scowled.
"I simply was asked to give you a message from the revered mother." Alistair sighed, His skin was lightly tanned, and his hair was a strawberry blonde cut short and spiked. He was covered in simple iron armor, with a sword and shield attached to his back.
"Very well…what is it?" The mage grumbled.
"She wanted me to tell you that…she desires your presence." Alistair spoke nervously.
"What her reverence desires is of no concern of mine!" The mage barked, storming off. It was obvious Alistair was just used to upset the mage.
Alistair rubbed his forehead irritably, as Lenna approached she looked over him curiously. He looked at her and chuckled, "You are not a mage by any chance right?" Alistair chuckled, "That would be an ironic twist…"
Lenna could not help but laugh, "Oh yes. I am a mage. Can't you tell by my leather armor, bow and arrows, and daggers." She smirked.
Alistair chuckled, "You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together." Alistair could not help but laugh again.
She eyed him for a moment, before realizing he was joking, she chuckled, "I know exactly what you mean."
"Exactly! Its like a party! We could all stand together and hold hands." He paused, for a moment, "We could all stand in a circle and hold hands! That would give the Darkspawn something to think about. Oh, I apologize. I am Alistair, one of the few grey wardens here."
"Well then you just made my day a lot easier. I am looking for Alistair of the grey wardens." She smirked.
"Well you just made my day easier. I am Lenna Cousland. Duncan's latest recruit. It is a pleasure to meet you Alistair." Lenna smiled
"Oh that's right! Lenna, I was sent word you would be arriving soon. You know, it just occurred to me that there have been many women in the grey wardens." Alistair smiled.
Lenna chuckled, "Probably because we are too smart for you." She stuck out her tongue.
"And what does that make you?" Alistair chuckled, folding his arms curiously.
"Incredibly unlucky…" Lenna's tone became serious, he could see pain in her emerald eyes.
"Well then, we should probably get going back to Duncan." Alistair smiled.
Lenna wandered off, turning back to see him, "I look forward to traveling with you Alistair." She marched off.
Alistair blinked, walking with her, close behind her. He admired her from behind, watching her curves and how her body twists and turns. He stopped behind her, realizing where they were, he moved to stand next to Duncan.
"Well then everyone is here. It looks like we are ready to get started…assuming you're not done tormenting mages Alistair." Duncan glared at Alistair disappointedly.
Alistair sheepishly put his head down, and spoke in a hushed tone, "I am sorry Duncan…but the way the revered mother wields guilt they should stick her in the army." Alistair rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Well, changing the subject…" He looked over the three recruits, "You three will be going into the Korcari Wilds. You will be going to get three vials of Darkspawn blood for the ritual." Duncan paused, looking at Alistair, "I also need you to go to an old outpost that used to belong to the wardens. There should be a chest there that holds some documents that may prove useful to us in the future." Duncan looked between the two, "Be careful. And maker watch over you all on your travel." Duncan turned, "Oh, and Alistair will be going with you, to ensure you do not die out in the wilds. Now, you better be going." Duncan turned, patting the mabari's head, as Tanka took a playful stance barking at Duncan.
Lenna bowed her head, as she removed her bow from her back, "We will return with the objects you asked for." She wandered, not saying anything else. The three men followed her, unsheathing their respective weapons. Duncan found it surprising how much of a leader she was, he knew he made the right choice to save this girl from Howe's destruction.
Lenna lead them to the gate expertly to the gates, as if she had many times before. Alistair followed behind her, enthralled by the sway of her hips...although he was not the only one. Jorey was the only one who seemed to be checking out the female recruit who could easily take them all down in one move.
Lenna could feel her eyes on her body, something she long accepted happens often. She looked at the guard who stood at the gate with a mabri who seemed more interested in sleeping. The guard looked them over and opened the gates, "right. You all are grey wardens. I wish you luck out there. If you come across any scouting parties out there remind them they were expected back an hour ago."
Nothing was said between them and the guard, but a head nod from Lenna. The four were found in the kakari wilds, Lenna pulled her bow to the ready as she moved forward, hearing the hows from a pack of wolves. She was not yet spotted by them, but they had the scent of this small group. She pulled back the bow string, and an arrow, shooting the wolf that was leading the pack up the hill toward them as soon as the pack leader was dead the wolves charged, clashing with Alistair and Jory who were at the ready with their weapons in hand; Alistair with his sword and shield, Jory with his long two handed sword. Jory swung his mighty sword down, cleaving off quite a few wolf heads off. Alistair pushed them back, bashing them with his shield, the swing his sword over his head, and down on the animals, injuring them the best he can. Daveth kneeled down next to Lenna trying to match her rate of fire arrow for arrow, firing into the pack of wolves that soon became a pile of battered corpses. They did not sheath their weapons, it was not worth the risk of trying to get them back later. Instead, they continued down the path weapons at the ready.
It did not take them long to come across a man on the ground inches from death, and trying to crawl to freedom desperately. The man saw the group approach, and he thanked the lightning his mind as he called out to them, "you there!" He exclaimed, "please help!we were attacked by drk spawn they just...popped out of the ground! Like daisies! We...we were not prepared. Please if you have an bandages i would most appreciate it." The man loomed down weakly, Lenna sat next to him and without anyone else offering to help, she began to bandage up the man's wounds. Daveth, Jory, and Alistair stood watch making sure nothing attacked them while they helped the wounded traumatized soldier . After a few minutes she had finished bandaging the man's wounds she moved to helping him up, Daveth standing on the other side assisting her with the man who was probably much heavier the her considering he was in heavy thick plate armor.
"We should help you back to camp sir, it is the least we are able to do since you are already badly wounded." Lenna offered kindly.
"No no, i can make it the rest of the way. You all have already done so much for me. Thank you. And may Andraste watch over you in the cursed forest!" The man exclaimed hurrying off hunched over.
She watched the man as he darted off, she then lead the rest of them the opposite direction, traveling down the grassy, overgrown path. it took them awhile until, they came across three darkspawn string up humans as a warning sign. Lenna paid enough attention to ensure her brother was not stung up as well. That would have been the final nail her coffin, she had already watched the rest of her family die, her brother was her only hope to keep her from going on a killing spree. It was a relief to her that her brother was not one of the strung up dead. This also troubled her though, what if he was and they just devoured him? She worried that she may never know the fate of her brother.
The vials of blood were easy to come by due to all the darkspawn in the wilds. As they got closer and closer to the old warden keep, more and more darkspawn made themselves known, and the more traps that were numerous and plentiful; luckily Lenna knew how to disarm traps. There were few things that gave them trouble, by the time all the darkspawn were dead, Lenna had very few arrows left, but she still had her family's sword and dagger incase anything went wrong or she ran out arrows.
Witch of the Wilds
Lenna approached the remains of a broken chest, as she searched the rubble of the now decaying chest the runes had worn off years ago from how brittle the wood of the chest was. None of them had noticed the woman lurking in the background until she spoke, startling the four recruits.
Morrigan appeared a lengthy young woman slender, and rather petite the top of her robes appeared to drape down the front, barely covering her breasts, it was held in place by wrapping around the back of her lower back and upper back near her shoulders with a hood, a necklace adorned her neck with turquoise gems set in it. A black skirt with leather strips hanging off of it wrapped around her waist, and a leather sleeve on her right arm, a leather band on her left. Her lips were red and her eyes had plum eyeshadow, her black hair was pulled back in a perfect bun with her bangs framing her face. She was very striking but the people in the group were worried.
Morrigan smirked eagerly, "well, well, well. What do we have here? Scavengers seeking to pick a skeleton that has long been picked? Or something else?" She asked, walking closer, as she leaned between two walls that were no longer connected.
Jory tensed, "Careful!" He shouted with fear in his voice, "She's a witch of the wild she is!"
Alistair leaned closer to Lenna, "Careful, apostates can be…unpredictable…"
Lenna nods, and smiled softly to Morrigan, making sure to keep her bow at the read, "We are wardens seeking the documents that used to be in that chest…but I can assume that they are no longer here since this chest has decided."
Morrigan nods, "Quite perspective miss. You are right, they are no longer here." She said folding her arms as she seemed very calm, seeming not affected by any of them.
Lenna nods, "Well, I am Lenna it is a pleasure to meet you. Where are the documents that were kept here?"
Morrigan seemed surprised, "Well! Such nice manners you have, always in the last place you would look for them. You may call me Morrigan. My mother took them, and is protecting them."
"Well can you take us to her?" Lenna asked as she saw no threat from this woman, she did not seem to want to bother them.
Morrigan nods, she beckoned them to follow as she guided them to where her and her mother lived.
They approached the end of a murky pond and mucked slightly dry dirt. A rickety old seemingly falling down hut. A older woman stood outside the house as she bore the same grin Morrigan had earlier. She was a little taller than Morrigan, with long snow white hair, and dark purple lipstick and eyeshadow just like her daughter. She wore a long simple brown dress like you would see on any other common woman. Just like her daughter she had beautiful golden yellow eyes.
"Well well well, what do we have here." Flemeth asked her voice was that of a clearly older woman, seeming rather innocent.
"I bring four wardens mother. They-" Morrigan was interrupted.
"I know girl I have eyes that work just fine!" Flemeth barked examining the four.
Jory tensed, "Another witch of the wild! They would turn us into toads and put us in their stew pot I know it!"
Daveth sighed, "It would be a lot warmer then this blasted forest then I am fine with this."
Flemeth chuckled, "Ah so suspicious the lot you bring with you. What do you think young woman? Does your mind give you a different outlook on us?"
Lenna shrugs, "I see no harm here…I am Lenna a pleasure to meet you."
Flemeth grinned, "I am Flemeth. And I suppose you are looking for the documents I have been protected from that broken old chest."
Lenna nods and bows her head, "Thank you. I appreciate you giving us these."
"Take heed warden. This will get worse before this get better. I wish you both well." Flemeth seemed to go back inside, "Do not forget Morrigan…they are our guests."
Morrigan sighed, "Very well, come, let me show you a safe way out of the forest."