A/N: Hey guys. For the record...I OWN NOTHING! It's all BioWare's. Okay. That is all.
A small smile creased her lips as her finger ran along the spines of various books. The different textures of leather against her skin, the smell of parchment, it all just reminded her of her grandfather. A tiny sigh escaped as memories from her childhood flooded into her mind.
Running into the study as her grandfather swept her up onto his lap, a big grin as he pulled her in for a big hug. He would then read to her from one of his favorite books, always animating every detail. Now this study and these books were all she had left of him.
A tentative knock on the door made her jump back to reality, turning her silver grey eyes towards the door. "Come in."
The door slowly opened, revealing one of the elves who worked in the castle. The elven woman folded her hands in front of her as she nodded her head respectively. "Good afternoon, Lady Gabriela…You're father wishes to see you in the Main Hall right away."
Gabriela smiled and nodded her head slightly, "Thank you, Siwyn." She watched as Siwyn bowed before hurrying off to her other duties. She bit gently on her lower lip, taking one last look at the study before making her way towards the Main Hall.
She smiled politely as the guard pushed open the side door to the Main Hall for her. Gabriela stood there quietly as she watched her father end his conversation and turn to greet his only daughter with a warm smile and outstretched arm.
"Hello there, pup." Her father grinned as Gabriela made her way to his side. "You remember Arl Howe don't you?" He extended his hand towards a middle aged man standing near him.
Gabriela looked towards this Arl Howe and gave him a tiny smile. "Yes I do. How have you been, Lord Howe?" She inquired politely.
Howe returned Gabriela's smile, "I am doing fine, thank you." He turned towards Gabriela's father, Teyrn Bryce Cousland, "I see she's become a lovely young woman, Bryce."
Bryce Cousland nodded, smiling towards Gabriela as she stood there quietly. "Yes…hard to believe she's not a little girl anymore." He sighed lightly as he gently brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.
"My son Thomas asked after you the other day." Howe butted in, looking at Gabriela intently. "Perhaps I should bring him with me next time."
Gabriela sighed inwardly, knowing what that meant. Yet another engagement offer she would have to deal with. She remembered Thomas and knew he was a rather nice young man. However, she was not interested in meeting Thomas in the way Arl Howe wished. "To…what end," She finally said after stretching the silence as long as she could.
Howe laughed at this, making Gabriela frown slightly. "Ha! 'To what end' she says! So glib too! She's sounds just like her mother when she talks like that."
Bryce Cousland shared his friend's chuckle, "See Howe, what I must contend with? There is no telling my fierce girl anything these days, Maker bless her heart."
Gabriela smiled warmly at her father, preferring the sound of 'fierce' to 'glib.'
"Quite talented too, I'm sure," Howe replied, with more a leer on his face. "One to watch."
"At any rate, pup," Teyrn Cousland said, finally coming to the point. "I summoned you here for a reason. While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."
Gabriela's warm smile faded almost instantly at this request. Her plan was to ride with him and her older brother Fergus into battle, but she could see that these plans were quickly dissipating. "Are you certain?" She asked, trying not to sound uneasy about the request. "What is involved with such a task?"
Her father folded his hands calmly behind his back and gave his daughter a reassuring smile, "Only a token force is remaining here and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?"
Gabriela sighed at her father's candor, but before she could reply he was continuing.
"Also, there is someone you must meet. Please, show Duncan in."
At his request, in came a tall man, clad in well worn plate that looked as though it had seen its fair share of battle. The man's weather beaten face was tanned from the sun and he appeared older beyond his years, and his eyes dark but friendly. "It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teyrn Cousland," he said in a gruff voice as he reached the group.
Howe shifted his weight uneasily as the man named Duncan approached, turning to his old friend, "Your Lordship, you didn't mention a Grey Warden would be present."
Ever since her tutor, Brother Aldous, preached of the Grey Wardens for their campaign against the darkspawn, she hunted for whatever information she could of the order. She longed to be part of their numbers more than any other military offensive, though she knew also that her family would loathe the idea.
"Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I suppose?" Her father inquired, turning his attention to his daughter.
Gabriela sighed as he used her nickname in front of the Grey Warden. "They are an order of great warriors," she replied simply.
"They are the heroes of legend, who ended the Blights and saved us all," her father said, "Duncan is looking for new recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore."
"If I might be so bold," Duncan said with an air of interest. "I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate."
Gabriela found herself smiling at this suggestion, glad to hear that Duncan believed that she would be a great contender.
"Though an honor that may be, this is my daughter we're talking about," Bryce Cousland replied curtly, folding his arms over his chest.
"I rather like the idea, Father." Gabriela piped up, smiling sweetly at her father.
Duncan gave her an almost hopeful smile at her words, but once again Bryce shook his head.
"I've not so many children that I'll gladly see them all off into battle." He said sternly while glancing at both Gabriela and Duncan, who said nothing in response. Only once he was certain that the topic wasn't going to be pressed did he turn to Gabriela, "Pup, can you see to it that all of Duncan's requests are met while I'm away?"
She smiled pleasantly up at her father, glad he was back to his old self again. "Of course, Father."
"In the meantime," her father continued with an almost business-like tone, "find Fergus and tell him to lead the garrison to Ostagar ahead of me."
Gabriela sighed and nodded her head at his request, bowing before exiting the hall. She didn't get far before being confronted by a rather flustered solider. "Ser Gilmore…?"
"M'lady," Ser Gilmore breathed as he bowed quickly, "I know you must be busy, but you're Mabari hound as gotten into the larder again. Nan is threatening to leave." He explained, motioning to where screams of annoyance could be heard.
"Ares…" She sighed, running a hand through her hair as she headed towards the kitchen. "Has nobody tried to get him out?"
Ser Gilmore chuckled nervously at this as he followed after her, "Well…we've been trying but you know those Mabari warhounds…they only listen to their master—or in this case mistress."
Gabriela stopped and turned to look at Ser Gilmore, "He knows better than to hurt anyone."
"This may be true, but none of us were willing to test that." He explained, opening the door to the kitchen for her.
"Get that mangy beast out of the larder!" An elderly woman shrieked at two terrified elves.
The female elf nervously twiddling her thumbs, "But he won't let us near him, ma'am."
Ser Gilmore cleared his throat, stepping forward as the elderly woman was about to shout yet again. "Nan, please relax…we're going to get the hound out of your larder."
Nan whirled around at the sound of Ser Gilmore's voice. Her cold blue eyes glared down at Gabriela. "You! Get that filthy mongrel out of here!"
As much as she wished to snap back Gabriela just held her tongue, not wanting to make Nan even more upset. "Don't worry, we'll get him." She sighed before stepping into the larder, Ser Gilmore at her heels. Gabriela rested her hands on her hips as she saw her hound barking furiously at a corner of the room. She shook her head before whistling sharply to get Ares's attention.
Ares stopped his barking and snapped his head towards his mistress. He bounded over to Gabriela before barking and bouncing around, occasionally glancing over at the corner.
"I think he's trying to tell you something." Ser Gilmore said, looking over at the corner that Ares seemed so fascinated in.
Gabriela frowned, crouching down so she was eye level with her faithful hound. "What is it boy?" Her eyes followed him as he ran over to the corner, pawing at a pile of sacks and barking. She pushed herself upright before walking over to the sacks, lifting one of them aside. Her eyes grew wide as several furry creatures scurried out from their hiding place.
"Rats!" Ser Gilmore and Gabriela shouted before grabbing their blades, joining Ares as he began attacking the rats.
Within minutes all the rats were slain. Gabriela sighed as she sheathed her weapon, turning to face Ares. "You were just trying to chase them out weren't you? Good boy." She laughed lightly as Ares barked happily, his stubby little tail wagging merrily. "Come on let's go tell Nan."
"There he is," Nan glowered at Ares as he walked out with Gabriela and Ser Gilmore, "as brazen as you please, licking his chops after helping himself to the roast, no doubt!"
Gabriela sighed heavily, "Actually, Nan…he was defending your larder from rats. Big ones."
Nan's eyes narrowed, looking down at Ares who was awaiting praise. "Rats? I bet that mangy mutt led those rats there!"
Ares's lowered his head, whimpering sadly at Nan's comment.
Nan rolled her eyes, "Alright, alright." She turned and picked up a piece of meat from the table, setting it in front of Ares. "And don't say Nan never gave you anything either." She added as he gratefully wolfed the meat down. "Now the lot of you get out I have soldiers to feed!" She demanded with the wave of her hand.
Obediently the three of them cleared the kitchen, glad to be away of Nan and her wrath.
"Well now that things are under control I must get back to my duties." Ser Gilmore said as he turned to face Gabriela. "Good day to you, m'lady." He added with a deep bow before heading off.
Gabriela turned down to look at Ares, resting her hand on his head gently. "Come on, Ares. We have to go see Fergus." She chuckled lightly at his eager bark as they began making their way towards the atrium, where they bumped into her mother entertaining a few guests.
"Ah, here is my lovely daughter," Eleanor said pleasantly. "I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is handled?"
Gabriela frowned as her mother referred to her faithful hound as troublesome. "Yes, Mother…Nan is back to work as we speak."
Her mother, Teyrna Eleanor Cousland, smiled lightly. "That is good to hear. You've always had a way with her." Eleanor cleared her throat before changing the subject. "Darling, you remember Lady Landra, Bann Loren's wife?"
How could she forget? At her mother's spring salon Landra had spent most of the event drunk and trying to marry Gabriela off to her son Dairren. "Yes, it is a pleasure to see you again Lady Landra."
Landra smiled at this, "You're too kind, dear girl. Didn't I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?"
"And you made a very poor case for it, I might add." Her son Dairren interjected with a small sigh.
"You remember my son, Dairren? He's not married yet, either." Landra added, ignoring her son's previous comment.
Dairren rolled his eyes, shaking his head at his mother's antics. "Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, my lady." He smiled, taking Gabriela's hand and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "You're looking as beautiful as ever."
Gabriela smiled at this, always loving a good compliment every now and then. "Thank you. You're looking handsome, yourself."
The two mothers smiled at each other before Landra continued with introductions. "And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona." She added finally, turning to look at the elven woman standing beside her. "Oh do say something, dear." Landra demanded in the politest tone possible.
"It is a great pleasure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother describes." Iona said finally, curtsying respectfully.
"You would think that would make it easier to make a match for her, not more difficult." The Teyrna said rather matter-of-factly, a hint of sadness or annoyance in her voice.
Dairren chuckled lightly before speaking, "Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own, your Ladyship. You should be proud."
Eleanor scoffed, "Proud doesn't get me anymore grandchildren." She sighed, turning to look at Gabriela.
Gabriela frowned at this, crossing her arms over her chest. "I am perfectly capable of handling my own affairs, thank you." She said rather curtly, annoyed with her mother now.
Her mother's eyes narrowed slightly, unconvinced by her daughter's statement. "All evidence to the contrary."
Lady Landra cleared her throat, clearly becoming uncomfortable by the little squabble. "I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear. Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper."
Dairren nodded his head, turning to look at Iona. "Perhaps we'll retire to the study for now." He bowed himself out, Iona at his heels as they headed for the study.
Landra watched as her son and lady-in-waiting retreated before addressing Eleanor and Gabriella. "Good evening, your Ladyship." She smiled politely before walking off to the bedroom.
Eleanor and Gabriela sat in silence for a moment, before Eleanor sighed and walked closer to her daughter. "You should say goodbye to Fergus while you have the chance."
Gabriela frowned, the desire to ride off with her brother and father still burning within her. "Why can't I go with Father and Fergus?" She asked finally, knowing she wouldn't get the answer she desired.
"I know it's difficult to stay in the castle and watch others ride off, but we must see to our duties first. You understand that, don't you?" Her mother answered, adjusting the pendant around Gabriela's neck.
She sighed and lowered her head, knowing it wouldn't be worth it to press the matter anymore. "Yes…I understand…"
Eleanor lifted up Gabriela's head, sighing lightly. "Trust me you'll get your chance for excitement soon enough, my dear."
"I…I should go." Gabriela said, not believing her mother one bit. What possible excitement could await her with Fergus and her Father gone?
"I love you, my darling girl. You know that, don't you?" Her mother said, lovingly brushing a stray lock of hair from her daughter's face.
Gabriela smiled lightly and nodded her head, "I love you too, Mother."
Her mother leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on Gabriela's forehead. "Go do what you must, then. I will see you soon." Eleanor smiled, hugging her little girl before heading off to see her husband in the Main Hall.
Gabriela and Ares watched as Eleanor headed off, a twinge of guilt pulling at Gabriela's heart for the way she had sassed her mother earlier. Course it was too late to do anything about that now. She sighed and began to walk aimlessly around the castle, forgetting that she still had to deliver her Father's message to Fergus. When she finally began paying attention to her whereabouts she was back in her grandfather's study. She smiled politely at Iona, who was on her way out to the library.
"Greetings once again, my lady." Iona smiled, stepping aside so Gabriela could enter the study.
"Good evening." Gabriela responded, making her way around Iona and into the study.
Iona paused in the doorway, turning to Gabriela. "Good luck on managing this castle in the coming months. I imagine it shall be very difficult."
She laughed lightly, "Thank you, Iona. And I hope not too difficult." With that Iona smiled once more before taking her leave.
Gabriela sighed lightly before turning her gaze on the study, eyes stopping on Dairren as he gazed up at the bookshelves in awe. "Hello…" She said rather timidly as she walked up behind him.
"Oh! Hello, again." Dairren said with a smile, turning around to face Gabriela. "Your castle's study is wonderful. Might I ask whose collection this is?"
Gabriela looked up at the books, smiling as she leaned against one of the pillars in the study. "It was my grandfather's, but I come here often to read."
He walked over next to her, resting himself against the pillar as well. "So would I. Do you have a favorite book?"
She pursed her lips in thought, tapping her index finger against her lower lip. "I would have to say…"The Art of Passionate Love", by Brother Capria." Gabriela answered with a smirk playing upon her lips, curious as to what his response would be.
His eyes widened at this little discovery, "Oh…that was banned by the Chantry, wasn't it?" His voice trailed off as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Quite…provocative, I understand. I've, ah, never read it myself."
Gabriela couldn't help but laugh at this, shaking her head slightly. "I'm only joking, Dairren."
Dairren laughed lightly, relieved to hear this piece of news. "Ha-ha! You…had me going there."
She smiled, gazing over at the fireplace for a brief moment. Her eyes traveled back over to Dairren, blushing as she realized that he was still gazing down at her. "What?"
"I…I'd like to get to know you a little better." He admitted as a hint of red swept across his own cheeks.
"I'd like that, Dairren." Gabriela smiled as she stood straighter, gazing up into his dark eyes.
He rested his arm against the pillar as he looked down at her, "Anything in mind?"
Gabriela took a step towards him, her hand resting on his chest. "Why don't we go somewhere more…private?" She suggested her voice taking on a rather seductive tone.
Dairren smirked at this idea, closing the gap between them. "Gladly…" His smile faded as something hit him, "but your mother is expecting me for dinner shortly—as is mine. Perhaps another time?"
"Oh…right…" Gabriela frowned at this, completely forgetting about dinner. "Well…" Her head perked up as an idea popped into her head. "Why don't you come to my room later tonight?"
"I suppose I could see you after everyone is asleep for something of a more…intimate nature." He breathed, his hand resting on her waist. "If that is what you mean?"
Gabriela felt her heart skip a beat at his touch, biting on her lower lip gently. "Is that what you want?"
He chuckled lightly, nodding his head. "I think I do." He whispered, leaning down closer to her before stealing a kiss.
She closed her eyes as their lips met, wishing that they could both just skip dinner without being missed. As their lips separated she smiled, letting her hand run along his cheek. "I will see you tonight then."
"I look forward to it. I shall see you then." He let his hand fall from her waist as he let her leave the study. Eyes watching her hips intently as she left. "Maker's breathe…" He breathed, suddenly feeling the need for some fresh air.
Gabriela ran her hand through her hair, heart still racing as she made her way towards Fergus's bedroom. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before stepping into the door. A tiny smile played upon her lips as her nephew Oren eagerly talked to his father about wanting a sword—or 'sward' as little Oren calls it—of his very own. Her eyes traveled to Fergus's wife, Oriana, knowing that the smile she wore was all show for her son. Oriana couldn't hide the worry and pain in her eyes as she looked up at her true love, not wanting any harm to come to him in the upcoming journey.
Finally, Fergus spotted his sister and smiled brightly, "Ah and here is my little sister to see me off!" He outstretched his arm as Gabriela entered the room, wrapping his arm around her shoulders in a tight embrace.
She smiled at Fergus's enthusiasm, returning her brother's hug before turning to look at Oriana. "Don't worry, Oriana no darkspawn could harm Fergus!"
Oriana frowned, "He is as mortal as anyone, despite his refusal to believe."
"Now, love. No need to be grim." Fergus reminded his wife, kissing the top of her head sweetly.
Gabriela smiled at this act of compassion, but quickly realized why she had been sent here in the first place. "I bring a message: Father wants you to leave without him."
Fergus turned to look at his little sister, surprised by this information. "Then the arl's men are delayed. You'd think his men were all walking backwards." He sighed heavily before turning to his family, "Well, I'd better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time! Off we go then." He ruffled his son's hair before turning to his wife. "I'll see you soon, my love."
"I would hope, dear boy that you planned to wait for us before taking your leave?" Their father chuckled lightly as he entered with his wife at his side.
Eleanor walked over to her son, resting her hand on his cheek briefly. "Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety everyday you are gone."
A good shield would be more useful… Gabriela thought to herself, deciding against starting an argument with her mother. "Fergus will be fine." She reassured her mother, patting Fergus on the back.
"I keep telling you, no darkspawn will ever best me." Fergus told their mother, ignoring her stern expression.
Oriana rested her hand on her husband's shoulder, "Maker sustain and preserve us all. 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, chuckling lightly until he saw his wife's face, "Err…for the men, of course."
"What's a wench? Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?" Little Oren piped up, tugging gently on his father's jerkin.
Bryce smiled down at his grandson, "A wench is a woman that pours ale in a tavern, Oren. Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale."
"Bryce! Maker's breath, it's like living with a pair of small boys." Eleanor breathed, shaking her head sadly before turning to look at Gabriela. "Thankfully, I have a daughter."
Fergus chuckled at this, knowing well that Gabriela was just like him and their father. "I'll miss you, Mother dear. You'll take care of her, Sister, won't you?" He asked, casting a sideways glance at Gabriela.
Gabriela rolled her eyes at this, holding back the urge to laugh at his request of taking care of mother. "Mother can handle herself. Always has."
Fergus smiled at this thought, nodding his head in agreement. "It's true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those darkspawn back into the Deep Roads." He chuckled, much to Eleanor's annoyance.
"Well…I'm glad you find this so funny." She scolded, giving her son a disapproving look.
Bryce laughed, resting his hand on Eleanor's shoulder. "Enough, enough. Pup, you'll want to get an early night. You've much to do tomorrow."
Gabriela sighed heavily, really not wanting to head off to bed quite so early. "Yes, Father." She smiled as she felt a little pair of hands tighten around her wrist, turning down to see Oren standing beside her.
"Mamma says you're going to be watching over us while papa is gone. Is that true, Auntie?" Oren asked, tilting his head to the side as he looked up at Gabriela.
"Yes that's true, Oren." She answered, bending down to his eye level.
"What if the castle is attacked? Will there be dragons?" He added, rather animated at the thought of getting to see a dragon.
Oriana sighed as she looked down at her son, "Dragons are terrible creatures, Oren. They eat people."
"Yeah! I want to see one!" Oren exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
"This is your influence, Fergus…" Oriana scolded, looking over at her husband who held up his hands in surrender.
"What? I didn't say anything!" Fergus laughed lightly.
Gabriela laughed at this, knowing good and well Fergus had indeed filled little Oren's head with dragon stories. Her attention however was quickly turned back to Oren as he began jumping up and down in front of her.
"Are you going to teach me to use a sword, Auntie? Then I can fight evil, too!" He shouted, as he began pretending to fight off some unknown evil. "Take that, dire bunny! All darkspawn fear my sword of truthiness!"
Gabriela laughed and jumped up from her crouching position. "You bet! Let's go!"
"Fergus, there are times your family causes me great pain." Oriana admitted, resting her hand on her forehead.
Fergus turned to look at Oren, "Now, now. Mind your mother, Oren."
Oren stopped and turned to look at his parents. Crossing his arms over his chest in a huff, "I never get to do anything!"
"Don't worry, son. You'll get to see a sword up close real soon. I promise." Fergus told Oren, resting his hand on his son's head. He lifted his gaze to his sister's, smiling lightly as he walked to stand beside her. "Upset about getting sent to bed early, are we?" He joked, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
Gabriela smirked, cocking her head to the side as she looked up at her big brother. "I don't mind…I have someone waiting for me." She winked, laughing at his shocked expression.
"What? You saucy minx!" He teased, punching her lightly on the arm.
Oriana's eyes grew wide, "Fergus! Really!"
"Well, I sure hope he's worth your time, or I'll have to have a chat with that fellow." Fergus added, deciding to now take on the protective big brother role. He smiled as he received an eye roll from his little sister. "Heh. At any rate, I'll miss you. Take care of everyone, and be here when I get back."
Gabriela smiled, giving her brother one last hug. "I will, Fergus. You can count on it." She released him from the hug, wishing everyone good night before heading over to her room and closing the door behind her. She glanced down at Ares, who was already making himself comfortable on the floor. "Now, Ares…I'm going to be having a late night guest so please behave." Gabriela smiled as Ares nodded his massive head, barking once before getting comfortable in his bed.
She ran her hand through her hair, making her way over to her bed. Her eyes gazed out the window watching as the sun began to set off in the distance. Gabriela bit on her lower lip, her heart beginning to race again knowing that everyone but most guards were getting ready for bed.
About an hour later a tentative knock on Gabriela's door broke the silence in the room. Ares lifted his head, growling at the door. "Ares, hush!" Gabriela whispered as she slid out of bed to open the door. She smiled as she saw Dairren standing there, allowing him to step inside her room before shutting the door quietly behind him.
Dairren wrapped his arms around Gabriela's waist, smiling down at her. "Thought people would never get to sleep." He chuckled, leaning down to kiss her neck gently.
Gabriela gasped, her skin tingling from his touch. "Well, you're here now." She breathed as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "That's all that matters." She giggled as he swept her up in his arms, carrying her over to the bed and setting her down gently on the mattress. Gabriela smiled as he crawled into bed with her, kissing her passionately.
Dairren threaded his fingers through her hair, his hand sliding up her shirt and pulling it over her head. He grinned as she too removed his shirt, her fingers traveling over his abs and chest.
She rested her forehead against his, heart racing as both their pants joined their shirts on the floor. Gabriela kissed him gently, her hands resting on cheeks as she gazed into his eyes.
"You ready?" He whispered between kisses, tangling his fingers in her hair.
"Yes…Yes I am." She answered, kissing him deeply before the rest of their clothes were tossed on the floor.
~Later that night~
Ares growled lowly at the door, teeth bared as he stared intently at the closed door. He barked angrily from the foot of the bed, hair raised on the back of his neck.
Gabriela bolted upright, turning to look at Dairren to see what all the commotion was about. "What's going on?"
"I don't know. He's been like this for a while, but he won't stop." Dairren shrugged, sliding out of bed along with Gabriela. He stopped at the foot of the bed, staring down at Ares.
Gabriela bent down beside Ares, "What is it?" She frowned as his gaze stayed fixed at the door, snarling fiercely. She stood up and looked at Dairren, "Something is wrong…"
"I thought I heard yelling when I woke up, but now I hear nothing." He told her, turning to look at the door once more as Ares began barking frantically. "Wait here…I'm going to see if there's something out in the hall." Dairren told her as he cautiously stepped towards the door.
As his hand reached for the doorknob the door flew open, a succession of arrows flying into the room. Dairren gasped as the arrows collided into him, his body crumpling at her feet…lifeless.
Gabriela's mouth dropped, eyes snapping up to see the archers drawing more arrows. She managed to dive out of the doorway, but wasn't quick enough. She cursed under her breath as she felt a white hot pain coming from her side where one of the arrows grazed her. She closed her eyes, quickly shaking off the pain as she hurried to pull on her armor.
Ares snarled before bolting out into the hallway, not about to let his mistress get killed. A pained scream emitted from the hallway as Ares sank his teeth into one of the archers. He quickly finished off his first target before attacking the second archer before he could reach Gabriela.
After she was fully equipped she hurried out into the hallway, noticing that her faithful hound had lived up to his breed's name. She grabbed her blades at the sound of a door opening just down the hallway, her body relaxed however as she saw her mother clad in fine leather armor running towards her.
"Darling! I heard the fighting outside and I feared the worst! Are you hurt?" Eleanor looked her daughter over, giving a sigh of relief when she saw no visible wounds on her daughter.
Gabriela's gaze fell down to Dairren's corpse, fighting back tears as she looked at her mother. "Yes…I'm fine." She lied, not wanting to worry her mother over her wound. "Those men…they killed Dairren. What's happening?"
"What? Not Landra's son! But why?" Her mother gasped as she saw Dairren's body lying on the floor. She closed her eyes, ignoring the fact that he was just in his undergarments as she looked at her daughter. "A scream woke me up. There were men in the hall, so I barred the door." Her eyes traveled down to the dead archers just outside Gabriela's room. "Did you see their shields? Those are Howe's men! Why would they attack us?"
Gabriela just felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. It all made sense now. Howe's men being delayed…it was just too convenient. "He's betrayed Father! He attacks while our troops are gone!" She hissed, her blood beginning to boil.
"You don't think How's men were delayed…on purpose?" Eleanor whispered, her shocked expression turning to one of fury. "That bastard! I'll cut his lying throat myself!" She gasped as a sudden realization came over her, "Have you seen your father? He never came to bed!"
Her eyes grew wide in fear, praying the worst had not befallen her beloved father. "No, I haven't…I was in my room."
"We must find him!" Eleanor turned to face the hallway, stopping as Gabriela rested her hand on her mother's shoulder.
"We should check on Oriana and Oren, as well." Gabriela added as she stepped into the hallway, Ares at her heels.
Eleanor's face turned pale, "Andraste's mercy! What if the soldiers went into your brother's room first? Let's check on them! Quickly! Then we'll look for Bryce downstairs!"
Gabriela hurried across the hall, throwing open Fergus's bedroom door. Her heart sank at the sight before her.
Eleanor gasped, hands flying to her mouth. "No! My little Oren! What manner of fiend slaughters innocents?" She sank to the ground beside Oren and Oriana's bodies.
Gabriela stared at her little nephew and sister-in-law, anger boiling inside her. "I'll make them pay!"
"Howe's not even taking hostages! He means to kill all of us!" The Teyrna suddenly realized, shaking her head in disbelief. "Oh, poor Fergus…let's go. I don't want to see this!" She whimpered, fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill.
Mother, daughter and warhound fought their way towards the Main Hall. The few guards who had survived the initial attack joined them, willing to risk their lives to protect them.
As they neared the treasury Eleanor stopped them, turning to her daughter.
"We're getting close to the treasury. The Cousland family blade lies inside." She told Gabriela, placing a golden key in her hand. "Here, darling, take my key. That blade cannot fall into Howe's hands; it should sever his treacherous head!"
Gabriela nodded, unlocking the door to the treasury before heading into the family vault. She ran to the back of the vault, inserting the key into the chest that bore the Cousland crest. Gabriela reached inside and pulled out the family sword and shield. She turned to look at her mother, who just nodded her head. Gabriela inhaled before equipping the shield and sword, discarding one of her daggers to make room for the new blade. "Alright…come let's hurry to the Main Hall."
With that the group headed back out, fighting several of Howe's men as they headed towards the Main Hall.
They finally arrived at the Main Hall, just in time to help Ser Gilmore defend the gates.
When the last of the archers in the hall were struck down, Gilmore turned to his men, "Go! Man the gate! Keep those bastards out as long as you can!" He ordered before turning to Gabriela and Eleanor, "Your Ladyship! My lady! You're both alive! I was certain Howe's men had gotten through."
Gabriela looked around the Hall, frowning as she saw no sign of her father even among the dead. "Have you seen my father?"
"He was looking for you two. He told us to hold the hall as long as possible. When I realized what was happening, it was all I could do to shut the gates, but they won't keep Howe's men out for long!" He swallowed hard and gave them both a hopeless look, "If you've another way out of the castle, use it quickly."
"We need to find Father!" Gabriela could feel herself beginning to lose it. She needed to know if her father was alright, or even alive for that matter.
Ser Gilmore nodded, "When I last say the teyrn, he'd been badly wounded. I urged him not to go, but he was determined to find you." He pointed off northward as he continued, "He went towards the kitchen. I believe he thought to find you at the servants' exit in the larder."
Eleanor sighed in relief, glad to know where her husband was. "Bless you, Ser Gilmore. Maker watch over you!"
"Maker watch over us all." Ser Gilmore breathed before hurrying to help his men hold the gate.
Deciding not to waste anymore time, the mother and daughter sprinted for the kitchen. They only came across only a few guards who might stand in their way, but they were no match for the pair or the Mabari hound. However, when they arrived at the larder they were met with a distressing sight.
The teyrn lying on the floor clutching a gaping wound in his midsection.
"There…you both are…" He breathed when the two entered the larder. "I was…wondering when you would get here." Bryce gasped, falling onto the stone floor.
Eleanor's hands flew to her mouth, "Bryce!" She gasped before scurrying to her husband, Gabriela following suit. Eleanor's hand flew to his cheek, body trembling as she looked at him. "Maker's blood, what's happening? You're bleeding!"
"Howe's men…found me first. Almost…did me in right there." Bryce managed to say, groaning a wave of pain overcame him.
Gabriela stared down at her father, unable to believe this. "We need to get you out of here!"
Bryce shook his head, "I…I won't survive the standing. I think." He admitted with a pained look on his face.
"That's not true!" Gabriela pleaded, not wanting to believe this, "You'll be fine!"
He gazed up at Gabriela, his voice cracking as he spoke, "Ah, my darling girl…if only will could make it so…"
"Once Howe's men break through the gate, they will find us! We must go!" Eleanor said as the banging off in the distance grew louder.
"Someone…must reach Fergus…tell him what has happened." Bryce breathed, his face draining of color with every passing moment.
Gabriela reached out, touching her father's hand as her lower lip began to quiver. "You can tell him yourself, Father."
"I…I wish I could." Bryce admitted with a sad look in his eyes, groaning as a wave of pain hit him again.
"Bryce, no! The servant's passage is right here! We can flee together, find you healing magic!" Eleanor began pleading frantically.
He shook his head weakly, "The castle is surrounded…I cannot make it…"
"I'm afraid the Teyrn is correct," Duncan's voice came from behind them suddenly making them all jump. "Howe's men have not yet discovered this exit, but they surround the castle. Getting past will be difficult."
Eleanor tore her gaze from her husband's body to look at Duncan. "You are…Duncan, then? The Grey Warden?"
Duncan nodded, "Yes, your Ladyship. The teyrn and I tried to reach you sooner."
"My daughter helped me get here, Maker be praised." She breathed, turning to look at Gabriela.
"I am not surprised." Duncan admitted, looking over at Gabriela also.
"Are you going to help us, Duncan?" Gabriela asked, looking at the Grey Warden beside her.
Eleanor jumped at the sound of another loud bang off in the distance. "Whatever is to be done now, it must be quick! They are coming!" Her voice panicked.
"Duncan…" Bryce whispered his face deathly pale, "I beg you…take my wife and daughter to safety!"
Duncan sighed heavily before answering the teyrn's request, "I will, your Lordship. But…I fear I must ask for something in return."
"Anything!"
"What is happening here pales in comparison to the evil now loose in this world." Duncan began, "I came to your castle seeking a recruit. The darkspawn threat demands that I leave with one."
"I understand," Teyrn Cousland said quietly.
Gabriela frowned, not wanting to leave her father or mother. "What? No! I won't agree to any such thing!"
"Then what else?" Her father asked, his voice growing weaker by the second, "How will you survive?"
"I will take the teyrna and your daughter to Ostagar, to tell Fergus and the king what happened. Then, your daughter joins the Grey Wardens." Duncan explained to Bryce.
Bryce nodded, "So long as justice comes to Howe…I agree…"
Duncan turned to Gabriela, "Then I offer you a place within the Grey Wardens. Fight with us."
Gabriela looked down at her father, knowing what needed to be done more than fighting darkspawn. "My duty is to take vengeance on Arl Howe!"
"We will inform the kind, and he will punish Howe. I am sorry, but a Grey Warden's duties take precedence even over vengeance." Duncan sighed, knowing this wasn't what the young girl wanted to hear right now.
"Howe thinks he'll use the chaos to…advance himself. Make him wrong, pup. See that justice is done!" Her father pleaded, looking his daughter in the eyes as he used his pet name for her. "Our family…always does our duty first. The darkspawn must be defeated. You must go. For your own sake, and for Ferelden's."
"I will, Father…for you." Gabriela's voice shook with every word. Tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked at her father.
Duncan stood up, turning to look at Gabriela and Eleanor. "We must leave quickly, then."
"Bryce, are you…sure?" Eleanor asked, frowning at the thought of their daughter going off into the heat of battle against the darkspawn.
"Our daughter will not die of Howe's treachery. She will live, and make her mark on the world."
"Darling, go with Duncan. You have a better chance to escape without me." Eleanor told her daughter, her face emotionless.
"Eleanor…"
Eleanor turned to look at her husband, "Hush, Bryce. I'll kill every bastard that comes through that door to buy them time. But I won't abandon you."
Gabriela shook her head, staring at her mother like she had lost her mind. "I won't let you sacrifice yourself, Mother!"
"My place is with your father. At his side, to death and beyond." Eleanor whispered.
"I'm…so sorry it's come to this, my love…" Bryce whispered, beginning to break down as his wife held him in her arms.
"We had a good life and did all we could." She soothed, "It's up to our children, now."
Bryce turned to look at his daughter, tears beginning to fall down his cheeks as he spoke. "Then…go, pup. Warn your brother. And know that we love you both. You do us proud."
Duncan's head snapped towards the door as a loud boom resounded throughout the castle, "They've broken through the gates. We must go now!" He demanded, grabbing Gabriela's arm and dragging her towards the servants' passage despite Gabriela's protests.
"Goodbye, darling." Her mother told her, tears falling as she watched her daughter struggle against Duncan's arms but with no avail. She turned to look down at her husband when they disappeared into the passage, closing her eyes as Gabriela's screams grew fainter and fainter.