Highever, 15 years ago
To any passersby it would seem an innocent scene, two children at play. One boy and one girl both armed with wooden swords, laying waste to various sorts of imaginary forces. Dragons, trolls, bandits, and even invading Orlesians all fell to slaughter in their childhood wars. They would each took turns being the conquering hero, the white knight, the hero of Fereldon. Neither of them knowing that fate had decreed that each of them would fill similar roles in the years to come. The girl, all of eight year's old, daughter of Ferelden's greatest General, destined to wear the crown of queen. The boy, a year her younger, son of nobility, destined to stave off the greatest threat the kingdom had ever known. These two children, the best of friends, with the Maker guiding them towards their respective futures. One would save the kingdom, the other would lead it. Whether or not they would do it together, well the stars had yet to be aligned on this detail.
The two children sat on the pier watching the dockworkers unload the boats. They both seemed fascinated by the process. The men stacked the crates of goods and materials coming from Anderfels and the Antiva.
"Someday," the boy bragged, "I'm going to travel to Anderfels and fight the high dragons there."
The girl quickly dismissed his bravado. "Oh, really? Well someday I'm going to go to Orzammar and fight in the Deep Roads."
The boy laughed, "The Deep Roads? There's nothing worth fighting on the Deep Roads. Fergus says that the Deep Roads are just scary stories to scare little kids"
The girl was clearly annoyed with him. "King Maric says that there are all kinds of creepy and smelly things in the Deep Roads."
"Yeah, dwarves!" He nearly fell over laughing. The girl, clearly angry at her playmate's response, whacked him across the head with her wooden sword. She was horrified as blood instantly began to pour from the strike. She stood and yelled for the older woman tasked with keeping an eye on the two children.
"NAN! Eddy's bleeding!" The elder woman hurriedly moved to check on her young charges. "It was an accident. I mean I did it, but I didn't mean to hurt him."
"It's okay Anora dear. It doesn't look to be that serious." She dabbed Edward's forehead with her scarf. Looking at the boy, she stated, "However, you might have a scar." The boy managed a grumble under the pain of the head wound, and the embarrassment of being treated by his nanny. "Now come on children, dinner will be ready soon and you both need to get ready." Both kids protested before beginning their retreat back towards Highever Castle.
Anora leaned in closely to Edward. "I'm sorry Eddy."
"I'm sorry too."
"Do you still love me?"
Edward felt his face turn scarlet. "What are you talking about?"
She seemed to be genuinely hurt at his lack of understanding. "My handmaiden told me that if a boy is mean to you, it means that he loves you."
Edward turned to her still holding Nan's scarf to his forehead. "Mean to you? You hit me!"
Anora huffed. "And I said I was SORRY."
Edward could see both the pain and anger on his friends face. Sheepishly he apologized to her. "I'm sorry too." He was stunned at how fast her mood seemed to change. Suddenly she was smiling and laughing. 'Did she just pretend to be upset so I would apologize?' he thought to himself. He continued to be dumbfounded when she reached out and took his hand into her own.
Anora kissed him softly on the cheek. "It's okay if you love me." They walked the rest of the way to the castle hand in hand. Anora refused to let go and Edward held back all protests.
From her position behind the children, Nan watched with adoration. She supposed that she should have reminded the children of their stations and etiquette, yet she couldn't find the resolve to ruin the innocence of this moment.
Denerim, 8 years later
Years have passed since the innocent exchange between the two young friends. But as in many instances, devotion has taken shape between the two. The relationship has matured into something that both cherish yet neither can act on. While they have been reunited on a number of occasions, they have been brought together this day, in the capital of their great kingdom, to appear in the court of the king, to welcome Celene, the teenage queen of adversarial Orlais. Much to the chagrin of Anora's father, the Hero of River Dane, King Maric has welcomed the young queen to Denerim as an act of peace between the two countries. Anora, now having come of age, is a beauty beyond comparison. She has become the desire of many a young noble. Edward, on the cusp of manhood, has developed into a burgeoning warrior of great promise and skill. Even at fifteen, he has the loyalty and reverence of those placed under his charge. And like most teenagers, they have gotten quite skilled at ducking and escaping their ever watching and protective eyes. They find themselves in a similar scene as the one those years ago. The cargo ships were now replaced by ships displaying the pageantry and pomp of the imminent arrival of the Orlesian matriarch.
Anora sat on the hill overlooking the Port of Denerim. Her long blond hair flowed in the breeze rolling off the waters of the Western Sea. She looked at the head that now rested across her lap. Her fingers traced the scar above his left eye. A small smile crept across her face while she recalled the memory of its origin. As sweet as the moment was, Anora couldn't help but feel the heaviness in her heart. Brushing her hair out of her face, she returned her gaze back to the large ships waiting to dock. She was able to see the glint from the armor of the Chevaliers tasked with the protection of the queen. She remembered the stories from her father and King Maric of the brutality the knights fought with. Seeing the grandeur of their armor she suddenly doubted that these ruffled peacocks could truly inspire terror in the Fereldon people. The plate armor that both her father and the king wore was tremendously more imposing than that of the Orlesian elites. She found herself suddenly voicing her opinion.
"They're not exactly as frightening as I took them to be."
Edward seemed to share her opinion. "Fergus always told me that they were supposed to be giants wielding hammers and riding horses fit in war armor."
Anora cast a sideways glance down at the face in her lap looking back up at her. "How is it that you still let your brother convince you of such inaccuracies?"
"Shut up." They both laughed as they looked back to the procession that was now beginning to form near the docks. The both noticed the banners of South Reach and Amaranthine. Amaranthine, seated by Arl Rendon Howe, had always been one to stand on ceremony and protocol. Anora was amused at how much the Howes took care of their actions in such situations. She knew from her own experiences that even the king was not as tied by ceremony as Howe seemed to be. Anora was always secretly wary of the man as well. There was something in the way that he presented himself that she saw as somehow very unsettling. As one of the high ranking Arls, Howe was ever present in both Gwaren, her home, and in the capital of Denerim. There were even whispers among Gwaren that Howe had proposed to her father his son Thomas marry Anora. She was grateful that those same rumors also indicated that her father had cast aside the offer.
"I see that Howe has already taken his place to welcome Celene."
Edward snorted in laughter. "He's one of my father's closest friends, but he and my mother are constantly laughing at his insistence on standing on ceremony."
Anora became grim. "My father doesn't trust him."
Edward shared her sentiment. "I don't trust him either. Did you know that he actually insulted my sister-in-law on her wedding day?"
Anora was stunned. "Oriana? Why? What did he say?"
Edward never broke his stare from the Amaranthine banner. "Oriana was born in Orlais. She actually lived there for many years, before she and her family moved to Highever. Howe actually insinuated in a toast that she was an Orlesian spy and demanded that my father forbid any offspring between her and Fergus."
"He did no such act."
"He was drunk at the time, but yes he did. He told everyone that any child they had would be to the detriment of Highever and lead to a new occupation from Orlais."
Anora stared at the banner in disbelief. "The man is a fool."
More of the Bannorn had arrived to receive the queen. The streets leading to the palace had also begun to fill with citizens waiting to catch a glimpse of the historic event. Edward scratched his head and before allowing his hand to fall to rest on her thigh. She let out a small sigh and smiled at the tender act. She wanted to take his hand and run away. Run away from the responsibilities that she was to accept by the end of the week.
"What do you think it would be like to be the queen and ruler of your own country?" Anora felt a huge pain in her chest.
"I don't know." The girl felt the tears welling in her eyes. "Eddy, I need to tell you something." She tried her hardest to keep her voice from cracking.
"You're to marry Cailan." Edward sat up, meeting the shock on the young woman's face. "I know already."
"How did you know? My father told me just this morning."
The boy looked away. He could feel the emotion building inside. "A week ago I overheard my mother and sister-in-law talking. Oriana asked why my father had yet to approach Teyrn Loghain about your hand." Anora began to blush. "According to my mother, your father was more than willing, yet had already begun speaking to King Maric on the matter. Your father and Maric have been friends for years. It only makes sense that you would marry the prince." He stood and reached for her hand. Taking it she rose from her seat. He lifted her up; their lips were just inches apart. She would have given anything to have had him kiss her at that moment. He stepped back but still held on to her hand. "We need to go milady."
She stood disappointed and slightly confused. "Go where?"
"Well as the future Queen of Fereldon, I'm sure there are some sorts of obligations that you are supposed to be filling right now." He began to pull his hand away. She steadfast refused to let go.
"Eddy, I don't love Cailan. He is a spoiled brat that just wants to play hero. I don't want to be queen. I love you. I want to marry you. I want to live in Highever. I want to have your babies and be fully content spending the rest of my life as your wife." Her eyes began to swell with a stinging fervor. She could no longer hold the tears that had been waiting to be released since earlier that morning when her father had given her the news that he expected her to rejoice in. She felt her legs becoming weak. Edward kissed her solemnly on the forehead and held her close. She closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of her beloved.
"I love you too. I've loved you since before I knew what it was to love another. I will always love you Anora." He began to pull away from her, yet she refused to release his hand from her grip. "But you have to be queen. You have to be the one to show Cailan how to lead. I believe in you."
She let go of him. Without another word, she ran towards the castle. She couldn't be at this place any more. She was so angry at her father, Cailan, even Eddy. Her father was forcing to marry someone she did not love. She didn't even like Cailan for that matter. Cailan, despite being a year older than Edward, was still a child in so many ways. While she and Eddy had grown up playing games about dragons and ogres, both had accepted that there was very little chance that either of them would ever truly fight a dragon. Cailan on the other hand, longed to go into battle with all types of creatures. Anora figured he still imagined himself riding a griffon into battle. No part of Anora loved Cailan. She loved Edward Cousland, and somehow he had just accepted that she was marrying another man. Her emotions fought against her rationale. Deep inside of her, she knew that he had made the right decision. She was to be queen, while he would never be anything more than the second heir of the Tyrnir of Highever. Even then, he would not receive the Tyrnship if Fergus was to have a son. But titles didn't matter to Anora. She loved Edward and it pained her beyond all that she had been promised to another, prince or no.
Years pass by slowly for the two young lovers. After the passing of King Maric, Cailan and Anora take their places as king and queen. At the coronation Anora can't help but notice the absence of a certain Highever lord. As the Bannorn pledges their service to the crown, she catches the sympathetic eye of Eleanor Cousland. An unspoken understanding is shared between the two women. Hundreds of miles away, Edward Cousland sits alone in a chantry hall. In his hands he holds a small wooden sword, a reminder of a time in which love was eternal. He examines the sword pausing ever so to run his fingers over the small rose carved on the hilt. It embarrassed him that he lacked the necessary courage to face her, that he could not bring it upon himself to kneel before the new king and queen and vow his allegiance. Every woman would have her face, her smile, her defiance. He would love her forever.
Highever, now
Highever Castle is abuzz. The soldiers of Highever are preparing to go to war. The Archdemon has arisen and brought with it a blight to Fereldon. Despite the threat to his home and kingdom, Edward has been forbidden by his father to join the soldiers of Highever in their march to Ostagar, the site of the Ferelden defense. Edward has found himself in the training yard alone with a most unusual training partner.
The young boy carried a shield that stood as high as himself, his wooden sword barely poked out from behind. Edward was amused at the sight. What his nephew lacked in stature he made up for in his enthusiasm. He lunged towards his uncle. Edward sidestepped him and quickly disarmed him. The boy swung the shield around catching Edward by surprise. If Oren had been any stronger, the maneuver would have been enough to knock his uncle to the ground. He was able to catch himself and rapped the younger Cousland across his backside.
"Oww." The young boy cried out. He threw down the shield and attempted to tackle his uncle. Edward laughed and allowed the boy to take him to the ground. A voice called out across the training yard.
"Oren!" The boy's mother walked out across the yard. "Let your uncle up. He is not nearly as strong as you." She winked at Edward.
The boy sheepishly climbed off his uncle. "I'm sorry Uncle Eddy. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"No Oren, you didn't. Although I am forever grateful for your mother stopping you before you did too much damage."
The boy seemed particularly proud in himself. "Uncle, will you teach me to fight with two swords? I don't like the shield." Edward saw the protest begin to mount on Oriana's face. Quickly he tried to smooth things over.
"I'll make a deal with you. If you can learn to fight with your shield, I will teach you how to fight with a sword and dagger."
"I guess so." The boy seemed dejected. Oriana place her hand on the boy's shoulder.
Edward took a knee and looked at the boy earnestly. "But before that, you must learn to fight with this." He pointed to the young boys head. Oren shook his head in agreement. Edward turned his attention back to Oriana. "What brings you here dear sister?"
It wasn't hard to notice the shame and anger building in her posture. "Your father has sent for you. Arl Howe has arrived." Edward felt for the woman. "He is having an audience with your father in the main hall. They are asking for you." Edward kissed the woman on the cheek.
"Thank you my dear sister." He turned his attention back to his young nephew. "I hope you will give me a rematch soon." The boy smiled and left the yard with his mother. Edward took a moment to return the sparring equipment back to its proper place. He had no interest in seeing Arl Howe. There was something about the man that made Edward wary of the his presence. He would just as soon keep training, although he was beginning to question why he needed the training in the first place. He was after all, being kept away from the growing conflict in the south.
The older man in the shadows watched the exchange between the young man and the child. Despite the obvious difference in the skills between the two fighters, the older man had been impressed with the speed and skill that the young man had displayed. He debated speaking to the young lord after the child and his mother left the training area. He watched what the man would do next. He was surprised to see that the young noble took the time to return his own equipment back to its respective place. The young man seemed to linger a moment before making his way out of the arena.
Edward entered the main hall to find Bryce Cousland and Arl Howe in deep discussion. Neither man seemed to notice that he had entered. He listened to the two old warriors talk of the upcoming battle with the darkspawn, the fodder of the arch demon. Edward decided to make himself known and coughed softly.
"Oh, hello pup, we didn't see you there." Malcolm gave his father a small bow.
"You summoned me father?"
The elder Cousland nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes son. Rendon Howe, Arl of Amaranthine has arrived. Howe, you remember my youngest."
"You've grown into a fine young man," Howe said. "Pleased to see you again, lad." Edward couldn't help but feel disgusted by the man. His crooked nose and slimy nature matched the traits of one of the bandits in one of Oren's adventure books. In a way, Edward found it quite amusing. He gave the Arl a courteous nod. If nothing else Edward decided he would be polite if not friendly. "My daughter Delilah asks about you. Perhaps I should bring her next time."
Edward remained polite. "Yes please do. I think I would like that." He remembered the last time he had seen Delilah. He was a little ashamed of the exchange. They had both had too much to drink and one thing had led to another. Edward was slightly amazed at how much discretion that the two had managed after consuming as much as they had. He felt his face slightly redden as he recalled his night with Delilah. Bryce seemed to notice his son's growing discomfort.
"At any rate pup, I've called you here to discuss your responsibilities while Fergus and I are away. I'm leaving you in charge of the hold while we are gone."
Edward bowed to his father. "I…I understand father." He had agreed to his father's decree, yet he felt that he was unfairly being left behind. He loved his father and brother immensely, but their skills in combat paled in comparison to his own. Bryce could see the disappointment in his son's eyes.
"There is also someone I want you to meet." He motioned for one of the door guards. An older man entered. Edward could tell by the lines and scars on his face, that he had seen a number of battles in his day. "Son, this is Duncan of the Grey Wardens." While Edward remained composed at the appearance of a Grey Warden in Highever, Rendon Howe nearly suffered a conniption.
"My Lord, you failed to mention that a Grey Warden was present in Highever."
Bryce considered the man before apologizing to his friend. "I'm sorry friend, Duncan arrived shortly before yourself." He turned his attention back to his son. "You do know of the Grey Wardens, don't you pup?"
"Of course father, Anora and I…" He stopped at the mention of Anora. "I used to run around the fields riding imaginary griffins, slaying all manners of beast." All the men shared a short laugh.
Duncan was the first to respond. "People always focus on the griffons. What they fail to realize, is that the griffons vanished two hundred years ago."
"Duncan is here looking for recruits before joining us and the other Wardens in the south. I believe Ser Gilmore would be quite a recruit."
Duncan nodded before turning his attention to Edward. "I've seen your son on the training grounds. Might I be so bold to say that he could prove to be a worthy candidate?
Bryce dismissed the compliment from Duncan. "I am honored for your praise Warden, but I don't have so many sons that I would see one of them off to join your order. Unless you wish to invoke conscription."
"No, my Lord, I will respect your wishes."
Howe seemed to take in the whole conversation in stride. "I have many soldiers that I think would be great candidates."
Duncan turned to the Arl. "And yet I wouldn't know due to your troops lack of arrival." Edward nearly laughed aloud. It was true that while the majority of Highever's troops had begun making their way south, Howe's men had yet to arrive. The whole situation was beginning to stink in Edwards opinion. Duncan addressed Bryce. "If I may, I believe I would like to make my leave for the evening Lord Cousland."
"Of course Duncan." He waved over one of the chamber servants. "See the Grey Warden to his room and make sure all his needs are taken care of." Duncan bowed and left with the servant. Bryce returned his attention to Edward. "Head to the bedchambers. Fergus should be there saying goodbye to Oriana and Oren." Edward could have sworn that he saw Howe cringe at the mention of his sister-in-law. He was pretty sure his father noticed as well. He bowed to both men and made his way out of the main hall. Edward couldn't have been more relieved to be out of Howe's company. He never understood why his father remained friends with such a man. Although he had never given them any reason not to trust him, Howe came from a long line of traitors and usurpers. He knew that Tiberius Howe, Rendon's father, was a spy for Orlais. He imagined it wouldn't have been too far a stretch to see Rendon Howe somehow betray Fereldon if it somehow advanced him further.
Edward was pulled out of such thoughts by his mother's calling. He had nearly walked just by Eleanor and her guests. "I'm sorry mother, I did not see you."
The woman smiled sweetly at her son. "So it would seem." She waved to her guests. "You remember Lady Landra and her son Darrien. And this young lady is," she hesitated. "I apologize dear, but I've misplaced your name."
The young girl tucked her hair behind her ear. Edward was surprised to see that she wasn't a young girl but a beautiful elven woman. "It is Iona milady and lordship." The four spoke for some time before Landra excused herself to bed. Darrien was soon to follow.
Eleanor turned to her son. "I believe it is due time I retire as well. Can you be a dear and show Iona to her room. And don't forget to tell Fergus goodbye as well. Goodnight my son. And goodnight to you as well Iona"
The elf blushed mildly. "And you too milady." As they watched Eleanor walk away, Iona turned to the noble. "It's not necessary for you to show me to my room my lord. I'm sure I can manage."
Edward dismissed the thought. "Nonsense. I would be more than happy to show you to your room." The elf blushed. "So Iona, how did you end up serving with Lady Landra?"
Iona seemed surprised that Edward was taking the time to get to know her. "My family has been with Lady Landra for a number of years. She is very good to my family. I hope that my daughter is fortunate enough to continue a servitude with the family." Iona thought that Edward seemed disappointed in something she said."
"So you have a daughter?"
Iona gleamed. "Yes, she is everything to me."
"So you don't hope for something more for your daughter than a life of servitude."
She looked at the man with some thought. "I consider myself very fortunate for all that I have received. Elves are not always treated with a lot of compassion; Lady Landra has been very kind to me and my family. If my daughter ends up living a similar life as my own, then she should consider herself lucky."
Edward seemed to accept this answer. He remained quiet for a moment before asking, "So where is your daughter's father?"
Iona's eyes became wide. "He passed away shortly after she was born. It's just me now." Edward couldn't help but perk up a bit. He did his best to try and hide his reaction. "He wasn't exactly the best partner while he was alive though." They talked more along the way towards her room. She was amazed by the size of Highever. She hoped to have time to examine the library before they would have to leave. Upon reaching her quarters, Iona turned to Edward blushing. "My Lord, would it be too presumptive if I were to come to your quarters later this evening so that we may…continue our discussions."
Edward couldn't help stop the devilish grin that swept across his face. She was really quite beautiful and he did enjoy her company. "Iona, I would like that dearly. Please come by whenever you like. I'll warn you now though. I have a mabari. He won't bite. But he is a bit imposing for those not accustomed to him." She nodded and kissed him softly.
"Until tonight then my Lord."
Edward walked back to his brother's room with a lighter step. Upon entering, he found that his brother appeared to be saying good bye to his family. "I'm not interrupting am I?"
Fergus looked up from the discussion he and Oriana seemed to be having. "No dear brother, you are just in time to save me from a tongue lashing I was about to receive from my wife. It would seem that Rendon Howe is here in Highever."
Edward gave Oriana a sympathetic glance. "Yes he is. I just met with him." Oriana cursed in Orlesian. "Oh yes you should definitely do that more often. That'll teach the man." He managed to get a small smile from the woman. "Well brother, I am here to bid thee farewell."
Fergus wrapped Edward in a vice-like embrace. "I shall miss you brother. Did I hear that you will be in charge while I am gone?"
"So it would seem."
Fergus chuckled. "Just make sure not to burn the house down. I remember once, you couldn't have been older than Oren is now, and you and Anora tried to light a fire in the fireplace and nearly destroyed the mess hall." He began to laugh harder. Edward feigned laughter as well. Anora. It was the second time in the last hour that he had been reminded of her. The first time it had been his own fault. He decided to change the subject.
"Did you know there was a Grey Warden here?"
"Was he riding a griffon?" Oren asked.
"No, he didn't have a griffon. He says he's here for Ser Gilmore."
Fergus stopped laughing just enough to state, "I would have thought that he would have wanted you."
Oriana interjected. "Surely your father would not see both his heirs in danger."
"No, Father squashed the idea pretty rapidly."
"And I stand by that decision." They all turned to see Bryce and Eleanor enter the room. "Do I make myself clear pup?"
He bowed in respect. "Of course father. I was merely just relaying a story."
"Uh-huh."
The family all wished Fergus off. Edward slowly and quietly ducked out and returned to his room. Upon opening the door he was tackled by a large war beast. Edward found himself pinned to the floor staring into the teeth and snarling face of a pureblood mabari war hound. The hound slowly inched closer to Edward's face…and licked him.
"It's good to see you too Kalu. I'm having a guest tonight; I need you on your best behavior. Do you understand?" The dog barked happily and returned to his bed in the corner of the room. Edward picked himself up from the floor and made his way over to the armoire. He had just begun to undress when he heard a small rap on the door. Kalu rose out of his bed. "Down boy." Edward opened the door and found Iona standing guiltily outside.
"I'm sorry my Lord, am I interrupting anything?"
Edward saw the glint in her eye. "I had just begun to undress."
He was stunned when she confidently pushed her way inside his room. "Let me help you."
