The Liberation of Cousland Castle
Chapter 1: A Lady without her HomelandAlistair couldn't figure out why his lady had been sullen all day. At times it seemed she was fighting her own private battle. He noticed a few things while they were walking the last few miles. She didn't have the normal swagger in her step. She was walking as if she was weighed down. She had fallen silent over the last few hours. She was normally friendly and outspoken. He was bound and determined to find out what was making his Amiee Cousland so sad. His stomach growled loud enough for Leilana to take noticed while Amiee still seemed oblivious to the sound. Leliana put a hand on Amiee's shoulder which startled her out of her reverie.
"I think we all could use some lunch and a break." Leliana said with a small smile. Amiee gave a small nod and they stepped off the path as to stay out of the way of any caravans fleeing the Blight.
They were settled down and they had started serving their lunch. Amiee finished her food quickly and left the circle of friends quickly without a word. That was all the evidence Alistair needed, he gulped the last bite of his sandwich and followed her. He stopped short when he heard talking just on the other side of a large boulder she had stepped behind.
"Come on Amiee. You can't fall apart now not with so many depending on you. It doesn't matter that you're this close to Highever. You're a Cousland start acting like one." Amiee said with a half choked sob. She must have sensed his taint because she straightened up when he walked around the boulder.
"Love, what's wrong? Don't tell me you're fine because I know you better than that." Alistair said leaning against the boulder.
"Alistair, done eating already?" Amiee said trying to change the subject.
"Yes, it was quite good. Don't change the subject. This isn't about me. I'm worried about you."Alistair scolded gently.
"Okay, you want to know what is bothering me. Follow me then." She said walking the edge of the ridge. She motioned for him to take in the view.
"We are this close to a major city and we're not stopping?"Alistair said clearly confused.
"Do you know what city that is, Alistair?" Amiee asked waiting for his response.
"Keep in mind that I was trapped in the Chantry before becoming I became a warden, Amiee." Alistair said matching her tone. She heard his tone and realized how harsh she must have sounded to him. She took a few calming breaths and reigned in her emotions which were running hot.
"Look, love I'm sorry. I'm just having a hard time right now. That is Highever." Amiee said apologetically with a withered look.
"Great. I would love to see where you grew up, love." He said walking up beside her and trying to drape his arm over her shoulder but missing because she dodged his attempt. It hurt that he didn't understand why she was having a problem considering he knew all the events leading up to her becoming a Grey Warden. Amiee felt her emotions start to overwhelm her. She turned around and looked at him as tears spilled down her cheeks.
"You don't understand. This is as close as I dare get. Knowing I am this close to my home and not even be able to step through the main gates of my home." Amiee said putting her arms around her midsection as she bent over as pain twisted her insides. Alistair stood in front her with a frown on his face as he put his hands on her shoulders. She felt his hands on her shoulders so she straightened up. He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He had never seen her this vulnerable before. Amiee was the strongest person he knew and it bothered him to see her like this. He needed to do something about this. He wanted to see that brilliant smile on her face again. He knew their other companions would help him because they all cared about her. The trick was to talk to them without her knowledge.
"Amiee, is there a place to make camp nearby?"Alistair asked her softly.
"Yes, about a half hour that way." Amiee said pointing to the east without breaking contact with him.
"Love, let's get to that campsite and set camp early today. You look exhausted. I won't take no for an answer." Alistair said in a soft but firm tone. She was about to protest when a yawn affected her ability to speak so she just nodded.
When they got to the campsite, Alistair put on their tent quickly. He insisted that she go lie down and get some rest. She did do so because she trusted him so she gave him a sweet chaste kiss and disappeared into the tent. Alistair saw the questioning looks that his companions were giving him and motioned for them to follow him. He knew that this was the perfect time to talk to them about what was going on with their leader.
"Okay, everyone I asked you here so that I can get you to help Amiee."Alistair explained.
"Alistair, if Amiee is sick you should have told me right away." Wynne said with a worried tone.
"She's not physically ill Wynne. Did any of you realize we were in Highever?" He asked.
"Oh, I see. Amiee is this close to home but can't go home. No wonder she's been on edge today." Wynne said thoughtfully.
"How did you know?"Alistair asked the mage.
"She told me she was the last of the Couslands. She doesn't know this but I was summoned to Cousland Castle 19 years ago. I watched over her mother the last few weeks of her pregnancy. I aided in her birth." Wynne said shocking everyone.
"Wynne, you were there when Amiee was born?" Leliana clarified.
"I didn't realize who she was until she told me she was the last of her line. That is why I treat her like she was my own daughter. What do you have in mind Alistair?" Wynne asked.
"I want to take back Highever for her." Alistair said confidently.
"That's not a one day operation, my friend. And if I know our fearless leader she will be ready to leave the area tomorrow morning." Zevran interjected.
"He's right Alistair. We should talk to Amiee about this. I see what you are trying to do and I will back you when we talk to her." Leliana said reassuringly.
"What about the rest of you. Can I count on you?" Alistair asked looking at the group. Everyone of then gave him a nod of support. A moment later Amiee came out of the shadows and stood just behind Alistair. He didn't realize she was there until she whispered his name in his ear which made him jump.
"I love you all dearly for what you want to do. I really do but this is dangerous." She said absolutely overwhelmed.
"Amiee you took care of us. Now let us take care of you." Morrigan said with conviction. Amiee could see there was no talking them out of this endeavor and gave a sigh of resignation. She turned to Alistair and gave him her signature smile.
"You started this so do you want to lead this operation or should I?" She asked with an impish glint in her eye.
"No no you go ahead. After all you know more about Highever then I do." He said deferring to her.
"First we need to see what going on in the city. Zevran and Leliana are the best suited to this task. Zevran, try to get a good count of the number of soldier if you can. They will have a bear crest on their shields. We also need a good map of Highever. Overall condition of Highever would be nice as well. Leliana, I want you specifically to go to Eric's Mercantile. There you will find Eric Renfroe, the owner. Tell him that Highever's Hope still lives. Use exactly those words and bring him here. Both of you have two days to get back here before I lose my resolve and charge the gates of the city. Both of you come see me before you leave. Morrigan, I do have a special task for you. At first light, I want you to shapeshift into a bird and fly to Cousland castle. You won't be able to get into the interior of the castle but you should be able to see what happening on the outside. Be back by sundown so you can rest up for the major offensive. Wynn, you might want to make extra healing poultices for any injuries that might occur." Amiee said in a commanding tone.
"Amiee, what about the rest of us?" Alistair asked.
"The rest of you are going to be my strike team. So when these two get back that is when we plan the major offensive. I want to thank you all for taking this risk on my behalf. You don't know how much this means to me. I promise there will be a big party in Highever Castle when this is all done. The rest of the day is yours but try to stay close to camp." Amiee said with heartfelt gratitude. Amiee walked back to camp with Alistair by her side.
"I thought I told to go and get some rest." Alistair said slightly disappointed that she didn't follow his suggestion
"How was I supposed to sleep when you have a group like ours all moving in the same direction without their leader. I thought we were being attacked again. When I stepped out of our tent and saw you all moving I followed you. I heard everything because I hid in the shadows." She said with a small smile.
"So much for me being sneaky." He murmured.
"That's okay. There are other talents that you have to impress me with." Amiee purred.
A\N: I hope you liked my contribution. It was inspired by a mod I played on the computer version. This takes place after all the treaties are in place. Also after the Return to Ostegar and Soldiers Peak DLC's are done. In other words just before the Landsmeet. You can call this an unseen event if it needs to be labeled. What happens when Amiee Cousland goes to Highever and frees her homeland. I will continue the story as long as people are reading. I will accept any constructive criticism but no hater because we all love Dragon Age.