A/N: First story I've written in years so go a little easy on me, I'm a bit rusty! This story started going in one direction and headed somewhere completely different, I may bring it all around full circle in the end or just make a sequel story, we'll see! Hope you enjoy!

*I do not own DA, characters, storyline, or anything. /sadface*

CHAPTER 1

*Rowan Cousland*

Standing at the door to the great hall, Rowan Cousland couldn't help but groan. She had really been hoping to avoid Arl Howe during his short visit. Well, there was nothing to do about it now. Her father had summoned her, and the messenger made it seem urgent enough. Taking a deep breath, composing herself, she walked towards the center of the room to join her father and his guest.

"Ah pup! There you are! ", her father beamed at her. "Rowan, I trust you remember Arl Howe?"

"I trust you and your family are well?" Pleasantries. She was very good at playing the game of houses, saying the right things to the right people and winning favor among all the lesser nobles. Her mother taught her well in that regard. There had not been a noble yet that Eleanor Cousland didn't have wrapped around her finger within minutes of first meeting them. Knowing that, why was it so hard for her to play the part whenever she met with Arl Howe. She had no problems with any other nobles, she even enjoyed the game most times. But Howe, there was something about him that never sat quite right. There was the fact that since the day she had turned of age he had rarely missed a chance to sell her on the thought of marrying his son, and that was when others were present. The few times he had been able to corner her for conversation alone, the man had never failed to make his own advances on her. That thought alone nearly brought up her lunch.

"Pup? Are you all right?" Teyrn Cousland took hold of Rowan's shoulder and shook her lightly.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry. I must be a more tired than I thought. I'd been sparring with Ser Gilmore when you called for me". She tried to look as fatigued as possible. She had completely missed anything Howe had said in response to her and didn't much care to hear it now. If I look tired enough I can get out of here faster, she thought to herself.

"Speaking of calling for me, was there something you needed, father?"

"Yes, of course. As you know, Fergus and I will be leaving with our men for Ostagar this evening. I will be leaving you in charge of our home while we are away."

"Leaving me?" Rowan asked incredulously. "But I can fight! Father, I've trained for this. I can help you much more in the fight then I can sitting here twiddling my thumbs!"

"Dear child, if you will be sitting here twiddling your thumbs then I have been seriously lacking in training you to rule. Your role here will be just as important as any of ours on the battlefield. Our people and land must be tended to, laws upheld, problems resolved, and you must keep the peace. You know what they say, "While the cat's away…"". With that, her father gave her his best no nonsense look and she knew there would be no changing his mind.

"Yes, father".

"Good. Now, I'll be leaving a small contingent of men here but the main of our forces will be marching to Ostagar at Fergus's command. Why don't you go visit with your brother now and say goodbye. I'm sure he will be glad to see you"