Disclaimer: I do not own anything, but the idea for the storyline. If you research the history of the Couslands you will see some intresting things. I would love comments and for people to let me know what they think. I have not be into writing for awhile and its nice to come back to this fine community. My other account is xkittycatgirlx. I felt a need to change it up and a new name. If you care to contact me do it on this account though. :)

~Wolven


Even as a young child she had been told that she was to one day take over what her friend called, "The Business". They stole and found secrets on nobles selling it to others. They were the ones to get their hands dirty when politics were to keep smiles. Not only did they spy, but some were told that they would be paid extra if they were to kill off a member of the house to weaken them. It was the thrill of not getting caught and knowing that she could cause such great fear without even touching a person that kept her in the business, not the killing.

Marjolaine glided into the room of their hide out in Denerim. Leliana, the girl taken in from a young age, looked up with clear eyes her blade shining in the moon light. By the look on her face she had news for the younger Bard. Standing to attention the cloth that was protecting her held tighter and her Mistress glided over to her petting her face.

"My little Sparrow. It seems I must open your cage and let you fly. Know I will always be watching you my little bird."

"Yes Mistress. What am I to do."

Her mentor smiled wicked grin, "I am sending you to take care of some political business. The person that is paying for your services asked for my best and is willing to pay to have it."

Leliana tilted her red head of hair and looked oddly at her. Who would have that kind of money to let Marjolaine feel like she had to send out her best? It had to be a noble with high standing that they could use for their own plans. Someone that could sway the vote on if they lived or not if caught.

"Who is it that calls for my services?"

"The young lady of House Cousland. It seems that she is need of some… alternative answers."

"A Cousland?" Leliana whispered in wonder. They were known for hating the idea of any Orlesian power. Why would they look to bards that come from the very country that they hated? This would be a strange meeting. She simply just nodded and headed off.

Within Highever it was a crazy cycle of screaming from the nanny/cook and the barking of the hound that had seemed to take its claim on Nat, the only daughter of Teyrn Bryce Cousland and Teyrna Eleanor Cousland. Running from the crazy lady the Mabari war hound curled beneath his owners feet.

"One day she will skin you Rusk. I won't always be able to save you…" Nat told the hound as a flour covered cook came yelling around the corner spotting her.

"YOU!" she yelled pointed that the noble warrior, "That hound of yours caused a big mess in the kitchen. How am I to prepare for your coming of age ball? I swear this is the biggest party I will ever cook for and I will not let that mutt ruin it."

Nat chuckled softly and with bright blue eyes looked down at the dog that was whimpering as the cook continued to yell at him. It was not like he was doing anything that bad, for a dog. It was in his nature to be nosy and try to find out what people are doing.

"Nanna my ball is not for another 9 months. You have plenty of time to get ready to punish me for living this long. I'm sure mother will find a suitable dress to sell me off like cattle."

"Natalie Cousland! Don't speak of your mother like that! It is improper for a young lady like yourself to speak so freely."

With a sad sigh of truth the noble whispered, "It may be improper Nanna, but it is how it is. I am only worth what a man can gain from my family. I have no power alone."

Walking away with the black Mabari beside her Nat walked down the hall to the royal chambers. Her mother was nowhere to be seen and that caused her to breathe a sigh of relief. Finally a moment of silence; a sudden growl of warning came from Rusk as he barked at her bedroom door. Opening the door she spotted a red haired woman that was standing looking at the dresser where all her small pieces of finer jewelry laid.

"Due to the daggers I will assume that you are the bard." Closing the door behind her Rusk seemed to calm knowing that his master knew the woman that had broken into their room.

"I am Leliana, now who are you?"

"I am Nat Cousland. A Pleasure. Now we must get down to business, I fear that we do not have time to have pleasant conversation."

Leliana dared to laugh lightly at the noble, "Oh? Scared of getting caught I see?"

Nat scuffed at the idea, "No, I simply do not wish to give whoever is trying to kill me more time to do so."