Disclaimer: Dragon Age: Origins and anything associated with it are the property of Bioware and EA. No copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Notes: Okay, so this came about as an attempt to put a rational spin on a Dragon Age novelization and alternate universe, while expanding the party to include (at the very least) the six origins and various other people in the world. For brevity's sake I'll be using the default names for the origins (feel free to replace the names with your own if you can't stand the defaults) and the primary viewpoint character will be Aedan Cousland, though as I add more characters, I'll be branching out. I intend to avoid major OC use, but if I'm forced to they'll simply be supporting cast, not main party. It's also unbeta-ed, so I apologize for the surely numerous tense and comma errors, but without further ado, please enjoy!

EDIT: After writing the next chapter and looking back, I realized this was simply too long for dealing with appropriate scene division, so I've split this chapter into two and made a few very minor changes.

Of Dogs and Men

Chapter 1: Highever

On the road approaching Castle Highever, a trio of horsemen made for the castle at a trot. The lead horseman was a man of average height and broad shoulders; at twenty-four, Aedan Cousland nevertheless had the air of nobility about him, carrying himself with purpose and warm confidence. His brown hair, done up in the king's current fashion, fell behind him as the wind blew across his face. His body was adorned with tattoos, having come to love the art during his squirehood in the Free Marches, much to his parent's dismay upon his return. Though he had numerous smaller depictions, three most prominent were the paired scrollwork that slashed diagonally across his face, highlighting his cheekbones, the silver sword entwined with the Cousland laurels down his right forearm, and the short list of black names that had begun to wind its way down his left arm.

Clad in his hunting leathers, Aedan was simply pleased the hunt itself has gone so well. Leaving earlier, Victor and Bailey, two of the castle's guards who often hunted with him, had joined up, ostensibly for his protection. They'd brought down a pair of bucks for the dinner tonight; as it would be the last chance the teryn and his guests would likely have to get a full, hot meal for a time. It was odd then, he noted as they rode through the surrounding city and drew closer to the castle, that there were fewer soldiers than he expected. He knew the king had called all the lords to send troops south to Ostagar, and Arl Howe's men were to rendezvous here before the teryn's entire host would journey south under his brother, Fergus' command.

Looking around, he noted the lack of bear and banner emblems, Arl Howe's standard. Aedan was glad he'd be back before the arl arrived, anticipating that his father would want him there for the initial greeting. Knowing that Arl Howe was going to be present at the night's meal and hearing tale of a pair of visiting Grey Wardens sent a jolt of excitement rushing through his veins. As he rode under the castle's walls and into the main courtyard, the guards keeping watch called out.

They'd apparently been keeping an eye out specifically for him, and relayed that his father wished to speak with him immediately in the Great Hall. Shouting his thanks and dismounting, he led the horse over to the stable master and entrusted its care to her.

Spotting a passing elf with the Cousland crest embroidered on their tunic, Aedan asked if he could see the bucks strapped to the horses up to Nan in the kitchens. After the elf grabbed a few companions and poles, the servants unslung, rebound, and began carrying the deer between them. Meanwhile Aedan, in sweaty hunting leathers, with bow strapped to his back and his sword and dagger at his waist, prepared to meet one of the most powerful men in all of Ferelden and one of his oldest allies. Wonderful.

The sound of his father's voice drifted out and into the hall, apparently in conversation with the Arl of Amaranthine, Rendon Howe. Bugger, he'd hoped to have returned before the arl had arrived. The doors to the Great Hall opened with nary a sound, and Aedan strode confidently forward, hoping his father wouldn't be too angry he hadn't been here to properly greet the arl.

Indeed, his father stood arms clasped behind his back in front of the hall's bonfire. That wasn't a good sign, his father was nervous about something. "No, no. The appearance of the darkspawn in the south has us all scrambling. I only received the orders to march recently myself. It seems you and I will ride into battle once more, my friend."

"True, though back then we fought Orlesians, not…monsters."

"At least the smell will be the same," finally Aedan saw his father's head snap up to meet his gaze and he held his fist over his heart, a salute to the Teryn his father was right now. "Ah, Pup! I haven't seen you all morning, you remember Arl Howe, of course."

"I see he's grown into a fine young man. Pleased to see you again, lad."

Aedan smiled, nodding his head in deference, "And you Arl Howe. Father, I figured our guests deserved a good Highever meal tonight, so I was out hunting this morning. Nan is being sent the bucks as we speak."

The teryn's eyes lit up, and both he and Arl Howe broke into smiles. It was the first he'd seen his father smiling in several days, "Ha! Fair enough Pup, a hot meal before a hard road is always a good sign."

"Indeed, I look even more forward to tonight then. Now, lad, my daughter Delilah has asked after you. Perhaps I should bring her next time?"

Aedan was able to discreetly catch his father's gaze for a moment, and the disapproval there was all the confirmation he needed. The Howe family was a close enough ally, and a political marriage would do nothing to favor or advance the Couslands. Unthinkingly, he relaxed a bit, Delilah was a sweet girl, but he had absolutely no desire to broker a relationship with her. "From what I've heard Delilah is a wonderful young lady, but I've no interest in an arranged marriage."

Imperceptibly nodding, Aedan's father stepped in to carry the conversation, "You see what I contend with Rendon? You can't tell my fierce boy anything these days, Maker bless his heart."

Arl Howe hid his reaction well, apart from a rueful chuckle and agreeing nod, "A temperament to match his fighting skill! Well done, your lordship."

"At any rate, Pup, I summoned you here for a reason. While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."

Aedan rocked back on his heels and sighed to himself. He'd expected it, but is still didn't make it any easier to bear. "I take it when I asked several days ago to ride with the men to Ostagar, this is what you had in mind?" A nod from his father. Damnation. He and Fergus had both proven themselves as able leaders of men when they were squired away, both in peace and in war. Fergus, however, simply had the natural acumen and charisma needed for a political leader, whilst Aedan had found his calling directing combat and wartime strategy.

His father's appointment made some amount of sense; while both brothers were living under their father's rule, they could learn and form alliances of their own in preparation for ruling. When Fergus took over, he would benefit from having led many of the men serving him directly in combat, and should he fall, Aedan would be getting more experience in running the terynir and working with those who would be of aid. Still, he had to try at least once; Aedan had never faced darkspawn, and was itching to test his mettle. "And you're certain I can't simply ride off with you to face the darkspawn hordes? I promise not to let mother know until we're both out of the castle and beyond the archer's range."

The two lords chucked, both familiar with Teryna Eleanor Cousland, and Aedan's father responded, "I'm certain you'd more than prove yourself, but I'm not willing to deal with your mother once we'd be returning. She'd kill me if I let you go, and like as not kill you for suggesting it in the first place, Pup. She's already twisted into knots about Fergus and me going."

"I understand, father, and I'll keep the terynir safe until your return."

"Now that's what I like to hear. There'll only be a token force present at the castle, and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?" his father's eyes caught Aedan's and stilled him with the intensity they bore. There was something going on that had the teryn defensive, but for the life of him, Aedan couldn't tell what it was. "Also, Pup, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Turning, he addressed the guard near the side door, "Would you show Duncan and his recruit in, please?"

Ah, the Grey Wardens. The castle had received word by horseback from the terynir's borders that the Warden Commander of Ferelden and one of his recruits would be detouring to Highever on their path from the Ferelden and Orlesian border to Ostagar. The rumor was that the Commander was recruiting, and given the presence of his companion, it seemed the likely truth.

It was an exciting moment for Aedan, who, for all of Aldous' tales and lectures, had never met a single Grey Warden, let alone the Warden Commander. The man that entered the great hall, then, had Aedan's utmost attention. The Commander was a tall man, and at first glance appeared Rivaini with tanned skin, dark hair and a full beard. He wore leather plate armor over a light robe, and bore the hilts of a sword and dagger over his shoulders. Though he had a warm countenance and bearing, Aedan could see the lines etched in his face from years of combat and command. Some were faint scars that stood out in the firelight, others deep wrinkles no doubt due to the worry and stress of leading.

It was, however, Duncan's companion that required a second look. A curvy dwarven woman in worn leathers, she had a look of wonder about her face, and couldn't stop peering around at the castle itself. With a pair of daggers at her waist and a crossbow strapped to her back, she clearly favored the lighter Rogue tenets of combat. Her face was even more tattooed than Aeden's own, and Aedan couldn't help but remember Aldous lecturing about dwarven culture in Ferelden. There were scant details regarding tattoos, though, something related to the caste system, perhaps? Nevertheless, she was thinner than the few dwarven merchants who had passed through Highever over the years, had her hair pulled apart and braided, and sported a fantastic pair of breasts that strained against her armor.

Duncan reached the trio first and, facing Aedan's father, bowed his head. "It is an honor to be in your hall, Teryn Cousland. I extend my greetings to you and your family, and to you, Arl Howe." The Commander then turned, and gestured to the dwarven woman, who had ceased gazing in wonder and had joined the group, "Allow me to introduce my companion, the Warden Recruit Natia Brosca, of Orzammar."

Arl Howe's smile seemed to freeze, and he sent a look at Aedan's father, "Of course, ser, it's a pleasure. Though your lordship, you never mentioned we'd be joined by members of the Grey Wardens."

That caught Aedan by surprise, and he hoped the shock didn't show on his face. A rider from the western border of the terynir had sent word that the Warden Commander and his party would be passing through Highever land on their way to Ostagar several days ago. Aedan's father had immediately sent word back to reach Duncan and invite him to Highever should he choose to do so, and the rider had returned two days ago with news of Duncan's acceptance.

Arl Howe, on the other hand, was one of the teryn's oldest allies, going all the way back to when they both served together during the war against the Orlesian Empire. The fact that Aedan's father hadn't told the arl spoke of something seriously amiss.

The teryn spoke up then, and Aedan hoped he could get some answers. If he was going to be staying here to watch over the terynir, he needed to know what he was up against. "Duncan arrived recently, unannounced, and as we are all eventually journeying to Ostagar, I offered Highever's shelter for the meanwhile."

"Of course, Bryce, but there are certain protocols to be followed. I am at a disadvantage…"

Before Arl Howe could continue, Aedan's father snapped up the opportunity to interject, "It's true, we rarely have the pleasure of seeing one, let alone two in person. Pup, Brother Aldous taught you of the Grey Wardens, I hope?"

Aedan turned from the Warden Commander, Duncan, to face his father, "Several stories of how the wardens defeated the darkspawn during the last Blight, and far too many lectures on the political ramifications of their reentry into Ferelden after so many years in exile," and here, Aedan couldn't help but throw up a smile and turn to face Duncan, "along with far too few tales of the wondrous griffins they used to ride." The ploy worked, and Duncan chuckled behind his beard.

"Ah yes, griffins. It seems to be the one piece of Grey Warden history that prevails across all of Thedas." His face took on a more serious glint, and his voice fell, "And yes, while the darkspawn were defeated during the last Blight, it wasn't a permanent solution, I fear."

Aedan's father nodded and continued where Duncan had left off, "Without the Grey Warden's warning, half of the nation would have likely been overrun by now. Hence our king's orders for the armies to march for Ostagar, we hope to end this incursion there. Duncan, I understand that you've been looking for recruits. While we are all at your disposal, there are several of the younger guardsmen and men-at-arms in particular I can recommend, along with Ser Gilmore, the son of my Master-at-Arms, Ser Hadrian. Many of them are skilled and eager, and Ser Gilmore's shown excellent ability both in combat and leadership."

"I thank you again, my lord, and if I might be so bold, your son would also surely make an exceptional warden."

Another jolt of adrenaline ran through Aedan's veins, but before he could respond, his father interposed himself between Aedan and Duncan. Apparently, he'd been expecting the question, for when he spoke, his words were calm and tempered, "Honor though that might be, this is one of my sons we're talking about."

Even if he mostly agreed with him, Aedan couldn't resist the opportunity to have a bit of fun with his father and smirking, called out over the teryn's shoulder, "Hmm, I suppose that would be one way of getting into the battle. Warden Commander, you take volunteers?"

His father spun, a horrified look on his face, and the dwarf, Natia spoke up for the first time in a lovely timbre, "Hah! I like you, you ain't so bad, you know, fer a noble." Fortunately for Aedan's continued health, his father's shock dissolved in light of Aedan's smiling face and Natia's commentary. Unfortunately for Aedan, that horror turned to a sardonic frown. One that, looking past, he could see was mirrored on Duncan's face as the Commander gave Natia a look.

"Not funny, Pup."

Arl Howe simply grinned at the teryn, adding his own two bits, "You did just affirm that the wardens are heroes, old friend."

Aedan's father took it all in stride before he appeared to gather himself and face Duncan, "I've not so many children that I would see them all off to the battlefield, Grey Wardens or not. Unless, of course, you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription…?"

Aedan watched as Duncan shrugged and smiled calmly, clearly trying to placate the teryn, "Not to fear, while we are certainly in need of new recruits, I've no intention of forcing the issue. It was simply a comment as to what I've heard of his ability."

Aedan's father nodded to himself, apparently satisfied, and turned to face Aedan himself. "Pup, as Duncan will be here for a few days, please see to any of his requests, and provide him with fresh provisions and horses for the journey south when he leaves."

"Of course, father."

"In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops ahead to Ostagar, I'll be heading out with Rendon's men as soon as they arrive." Aedan paused, there was something going on here and he still had no idea what. He needed to find out more. Perhaps…

"If it's alright, I'd like to speak with Duncan for a bit."

Aedan's father shut that line of thought down before it could begin. "There'll be plenty of time to speak at dinner and afterwards, now be a good lad and do as I've asked."

Duncan, however, had one final point and gesturing to Natia, spoke, "Actually, I would appreciate it if you would accompany Natia for the time being, as we three must discuss strategy for the southern battles. Perhaps she'd be able to answer any questions you may have?" It wasn't an order, but it certainly wasn't a request. Aedan nodded, turning to the stout lady and smiling.

"Of course, my lady?" Gesturing to the side door that led to the causeways throughout the castle, Aedan turned and began walking out of the Hall, Natia falling in behind and to his side.

"No problem, but I sure as stone ain't a lady. You can call me Natia."

After they passed the threshold, Aedan craned his neck around to face the woman beside him, "You know, it'd likely be a lot easier to talk if we walked side by side."

She moved up, and Aeden got a closer look at her. Under the intricate braidwork of her hair, she had a rounded face that was half-fierce, half-sweet, and wholly mischievous. Taking a short knife out of the pouch strapped to her left leg, she began playing with the blade before shrugging and replying, "Sorry, it's an ol' habit. So, you're the teryn's son?"

"His second, yes. Fergus' my older brother by a couple years and a couple inches. Actually, he's who I need to go speak with, mind walking and talking?"

Aedan watched as she shrugged again and began to flip and spin the knife around her fingers,

"Sure. So, Duncan said you've got questions. What'd you wanna-"

"My lord! There you are!" Ser Gilmore, the ever-mannered son of the castle's Master-at-Arms and Aedan's good friend and occasional sparring partner, jogged round the corner. He's just had caught sight of Aedan and Natia, and Aedan just knew that he was now one more step further away from getting some answers and clearly the more important, getting out of his now damp tunic. The knight took a deep breath and composed himself, his chainmail stilling at the effort, "I beg pardon my lady. I've interrupted you both."

"Not a lady, knight. S'everyone gonna do that 'round here?"

"It's alright, Ser Gilmore, what's the matter?"

Turning back to Aedan, his unflinching sense of propriety not even wavering in front of Natia's comments, Ser Gilmore continued, "Of course, my lady. And yes, my lord, your mother told me the teryn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt. Apparently your hound has managed to get into the larder again. Nan is threatening to leave, and your mother would have you resolve the situation quickly."

Sighing, Aeden's shoulders slumped a bit, "Oh Maker, and I just sent her a pair of full grown buck for the dinner tonight. Bollocks. This is going to be fun, isn't it? And Fang isn't listening to her and leaving? He usually does after a bit…"

"You know these mabari hounds. They listen only to their master; everyone else risks having an arm bitten off. Smart breed. Smart enough to know not to talk, my father says. Nan swears he does it just rile her up."

Aedan winced, "Well…she's not entirely wrong there. Fang's a rascal alright."

"At any rate, your mother would have me accompany you until the matter is settled. Shall we?"

Gathering himself, Aedan turned to the curvy dwarf beside him, "Of course, Ser Gilmore. Natia, care to join us? I can promise glory, adventure, and probably ale. Though the library is in the building over there if you'd rather not."

Aedan could hear the grin before he saw it on her, "Library's like a Shaperate, right? Sounds neat, but I've never seen a hound before. Or a buck, fer that matter. Onward te glory and ale!"

The kitchens were only a few buildings away, and the three arrived in short order to Nan's yelling. Afraid of the beast within but not wanting to seem craven, the trio paused before opening the main door. A moment of hesitation ensued, broken only by Nan's shouting. Ser Gilmore, ever the chivalrous knight, nodded to himself and addressed Aedan, "My lord, as your sworn man, I couldn't possibly in good conscience precede you when entering the building."

Aedan narrowed his eyes at his companion before turning his best puppy eyes on Natia and trying to insert a quiver in his speech, "Natia…?"

"I'm just a guest here, milord. Wouldn' be proper, me enterin' the room afore you."

Aedan sighed, and his head fell to his chest. With a mumbled, "Traitors…" he pushed the door to the kitchens open and stepped inside.

"Get that bloody mutt out of my larder!"

"But mistress, it won't let us near…"

"If you can't clear that damned mutt out of my larder, I'll skin both you useless elves!"

The pair of elves assigned to the kitchen were cowering before Nan's wrath, and quickly moved the side when Aedan approached her. "Calm down, Nan. Let's avoid any elf-skinning, please."

"You! Your bloody mongrel keeps getting into my larder! That beast should be put down!"

Aedan twitched at that. Fang had been a puppy of one of the finest litters born in this age. His father had been Corin, the mabari imprinted to King Cailan himself! "Mongrel! He's a pureblood mabari!"

Aedan could see Natia off to the side, curiously examining the skinned and cleaned deer he and Bailey had brought down earlier, but Ser Gilmore finally joined the fray, "Calm down, good woman. We're here to help."

"Don't you start! He's a blight wolf, is what he is."

The two elves, seeing the worst of the storm pass, did their best to help out, "Calm down mistress, please…"

"I quit! Inform the teryna, I'll go find some nice country estate to cook for in the Bannorn!"

Ser Gilmore was once again to the rescue. Of course, Aedan mused, now all the danger had passed, "Be at ease Nan, well get the dog."

Seeming to sag into herself, Nan quieted down and sighed, "Just get him gone. I've got enough to work on, thanks to you. A fine kill, Aedan, you should be proud," Aedan grinned, but was caught unawares when she continued, "All that's left is to dress and roast them with the herbs and spices that are in my bloody larder!"

Striding past and into the larder with Ser Gilmore and Natia beside him, he called over his shoulder, "We're going, we're going!"

Entering the larder, Aedan noted that while the mess wasn't terrible, he'd have to have a serious talk with Fang about this one. Ser Gilmore, it seemed, had picked up on much the same and whispered, "Look at that mess, how'd he even get in here, anyway?"

Fang suddenly brought his nose up from the ground and quickly spotted Aedan. Trotting over and looking incredibly pleased with himself, he began barking excitedly. Crossing one arm under the other, Aedan put his head in his hand and turned to the joyous mabari, "Fang, you know better. It doesn't stop you one bit, but you know better than to do this, especially today…" Fang ceased barking and let out a low whine, but then began barking more intently. "You're trying to tell me something, aren't you?"

Ser Gilmore stepped up beside Aedan and commented, "He does seem particularly intent on- wait, do you hear that?" And Aedan stilled, because he did hear something, a sort of light scratching. That was approximately when the rats began charging out from under the cupboards, barrels, and crates and attacked the wary party. Drawing his sword and dagger even as he stomped on the closest one, he paid attention to the rest of his party's actions. Ser Gilmore had cried out a quick prayer for the Maker's mercy and was stomping around and flicking his blade down to bisect any rat that came near.

Fang was doing what he did best, joyously barking as he tore through the rats as fast as he could get his paws or jaws on them. Natia, however, was the surprise, as he'd only met her half an hour before. Shouting about "evil nugs," she'd gone to work with her crossbow, loosing bolts and reloading faster than almost every soldier he'd seen, and he'd seen many a soldier using the bolt-throwers. It took moments before the wave of rats ended and left the party standing amidst their glorious battlefield.

"Giant rats? It's like the start of every bad adventure tale my grandfather tells. Your hound must have chased them in through their holes."

Aedan looked down at Fang, who was panting happily and wagging his stub of a tail, and then over to Natia, who was moving about recollecting the bolts she'd fired. "Well, I may have been joking before, but now that we've attained glory and adventure, I think we need some ale. And Natia, what in the Maker's name is a nug?" Aedan moved over to the racks near the back of the larder, each laden with casks of ale brought up from the cellars. Seeing one already tapped, he grabbed a few tankards lying around and opened the spigot, filling them.

Even in the relatively dim lamplight, Aedan could see the blush spreading across her face. "It's a 'lil beast we raised back in Orzammar. Looks like a big, pink, hairless version o' the rabbits Duncan's been showin' me how to catch. He said nugs're like bunny-pigs, whatever those are."

Natia took the proffered mug and held it to her lips as Ser Gilmore accepted his and began to explain, "I've seen rats like these, larger than normal, I mean. But that was when I was squired away down south, near the Korcari Wilds."

Aedan closed the spigot, took a deep draught from his mug and choked for a moment in surprise. Swallowing, he spoke to the others, who were now looking warily at their own. "Sorry, wrong cask. It's mead, oak matured by the taste of it. Caught me off guard." Grinning, Ser Gilmore tipped his tankard back and drank it in one fell swoop, placing the mug back on the racks.

"Delicious. My lord, with more of the arl's men arriving soon in need of coordination, I respectfully request leave to hide out here." Aedan and Natia followed suit and drained theirs,

Natia coming up from hers with a smile on her face.

"It's kinda sweet. Surfacer drinks are weird. Good, but weird."

"I'll consider it, Ser Gilmore, but only if I can manage to do so as well." Adventure celebrated,

the two placed the tankards back onto the racks, and all four of them left the larder to confront Nan.

"There he is, as brazen as you please, licking his chops after helping himself to the roast, no doubt!"

"Yes well, he's just a dog being a dog."

"Look at him, he gets into my larder and just makes off like a bloody thief!" Nan settled in a huff. The elven servants, who'd stayed out of the way, now took a look into the larder, taking stock of what they'd have to clean, before recoiling in surprise.

"Mistress! There are rats in the larder! Big ones!"

"Oh! Well, it looks like the dog killed them all."

Nan strode over to the doorway and peered in. Turning a gimlet eye on Fang, she continued, "I bet that bloody mutt led them in there in the first place…" Fang, it seemed, took exception to this, and promptly padded over to Nan, looking up at her with big, round eyes. "Oh, don't start with those; I'm immune to your bloody charms."

Fang's eyes grew even wider, and cocking his head, a low whine escaped his throat as he began to paw at Nan's boot. Aedan was certainly impressed, Fang had been practicing. Nan stood no chance, and walking to a nearby dish, replied, "Oh fine! Take these pork bits and don't you say Nan never did you any favors. Now, I need to get back to the roast. Break's over, you bloody elves! Back to work!"

Ser Gilmore cleared his throat, and Aedan turned to face him, "Well, my lord, now that your hound is back in hand, I'll be off to prepare the castle for more of the arl's men." Natia stepped over and placed a hand on Ser Gilmore's arm before he could leave, and turning her head she addressed Aedan, "You said you need te go see your brother, aye?" At Aedan's nod she continued, "Gotcha. Gilly, you mind showin' a girl her way back to that library?"

"Not at all, my lady" As the pair walked out, Aedan turned to wait for Fang to finish his treat, and couldn't help but grin at the commentary drifting back.

"I ain't a lady, dammit."

"Of course, my lady."

"Ancestors! Your more a lady'n I'll ever be!"

"I'd never question your ancestry, my lady."

"Your just gonna keep doin' that, arent'cha?"

"It seems most probable, my lady."

"Bah! S'like talkin' to the bloody stone!"

Aedan chuckled, and Fang, finished and wanting attention, butted his head into Aedan's palm. Idly scratching, Aedan stood to leave, "Come on, Fang. We're off to see Fergus." A happy bark was his only reply, but Aedan knew what the hound wanted, "And yes, I'm sure Oren will be there to rub your belly. Scratch glutton."

Walking out of the kitchens with Fang at his heels, he made his way upstairs towards the family's chambers. At the first landing, however, He spotted his mother, along with several of her guests. Strolling over, he braced himself for more political doublespeak. "And my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year. The baron who gave it to him was apparently quite drunk, and mistook Bryce for the king." Catching sight of Aedan, the teryna turned and addressed him, "Ah, here is my younger son. I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is resolved?"

Hmm... to mention the giant rats in the larder or not to do so? Normally he'd appreciate the result, but with the guests here, it was probably best to remain on the safe side, "Yes mother, Nan is back to work as we speak."

She nodded to herself and gestured to the guests about her, "Good, you've always had a way with her. You remember Lady Landra, darling, Bann Loren's wife?

Lady Landra turned to face Aedan, and he could see the light blush that adorned her face, "I think we met at last year's spring salon."

Ah, yes. Now he remembered, the good lady had apparently drunk a little too deeply and had spent half the salon trying to get in his breeches. Dodging that had been an…interesting event, "Of course, it's good to see you again, my lady."

"You're too kind, dear boy; didn't I spend half the salon flirting shamelessly with you?"

Aedan saw the young man next to her wince. "Right in front of your family, as well." The boy must be her son, Dairren. Aedan had sparred with him at the last tourney; a solid foundation but with little to no innovation. He might shape up in the years to come.

"You remember my son Dairren? You two sparred in the last tourney, as I remember." A nod in reply, and Dairren caught his attention.

"And you beat me handily, as I recall. It's good to see you again, my lord."

"You're being modest, you fought well, and I've no doubt you've improved."

Lady Landra chimed in once more, gesturing to the elven lass at her side, "And here is my lady-in-waiting, Iona. Do say something dear!"

Iona was a curious mixture of the ethereal grace many elves had, and the blushing propriety many handmaidens bore. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lord. I have heard many wonderful things about you."

"Don't look now, Eleanor, but I think she has a crush on your young man." Oh boy, this could quickly become interesting...

"Lady Landra!" And there was that blush at full strength. Smiling, Aedan wondered if he could find out exactly how far it went.

"Hush, Landra, you'll turn the poor thing scarlet."

Well, Aedan thought, there was certainly no harm in seeing if she was interested, "Well, perhaps we should speak further sometime, Iona?"

"As it pleases you, my lord."

Lady Landra then sighed, and turning, placed her arm on the teryna's own. "I think perhaps I shall rest for a spell until the dinner bell. Dairren?" Dairren faced both Aedan and the ladies, and spoke up, "I think we'll retire to the study, if you'd care to speak further. Good afternoon, you're lordship."

Once the trio had departed, Dairren and Iona down and around to the library and Lady Landra up to the guest chambers, Aedan stepped closer to face his mother, who spoke up.

"You should say goodbye to Fergus while you have the chance."

Aedan couldn't help but give a sardonic grin, "I've been trying to. He's up in his chambers, I'm assuming?"

"Yes, saying his goodbyes to Oren and Oriana, no doubt."

Having hear the news from his father, Aedan was certain of the response his next question would garner, but even so, "I sure I know the answer, but are you positive I can't ride off into the sunset to face the darkspawn hordes?"

His mother huffed and crossed her arms. Letting out a sigh she replied, and the words held every bit of steel he could remember his mother having, "Yes darling, you'll just have to sit this one out. I know it's difficult to stay in the castle and watch others ride off, but we must all see to our duties first. You understand that, don't you?"

Pulling her aside and into alcove, a bit further out of public eye and earshot, Aedan turned her steady gaze back upon her, "I know, but speaking of, there's something going on that has father on edge. What's happened?"

She sighed again, "Nothing new dear, just…word from the capital and news regarding the darkspawn. There's been some unrest. How did your father look, to make you worry so?"

"He's hiding it well. So…Lady Landra decides to visit just now, why?"

"I invited her. As I'll be traveling to visit with Bann Loren for a short while, it seemed appropriate. This way there won't be any issues regarding command as you take control of the terynir, it may assist in establishing your authority."

Ah, that made sense. It figured his mother would realize that her lovingly iron reign of control over her boys would be known throughout the terynir. "Sensible, I appreciate it."

"Speaking of being sensible, Iona, darling, really?"

"I've no interest in a relationship, but if she seems amenable to the idea, I've no reason not to be…cordial."

"You're old enough to manage your own affairs and you know our rules. So long as you aren't fathering any children, you're free to do as you please. But Landra is a guest of ours; I do not expect to let it affect that."

"Of course, now about these Grey Wardens…"

"Maker's breath! Aedan…" She nearly exploded, throwing her arms up, but trailed off at the sound of his laughter.

"I'm sorry mother, but I had to get you smiling again! I'll see you at dinner, I'm off to Fergus."

The ramp up to his family's chambers was long, but within a few minutes, he'd passed the pair of guest suites and entered the family's hall. Off to his right, the door to his brother's chambers was open, and he could hear to conversation from across the hallway as he neared. "Is there reelly going to be a war papa, will you bring me back a sward?" Oren, Aedan's rambunctious nephew, was clearly focusing on the important aspects. And, as he expected, Fergus' calm voice replied, his silver tongue deftly picking up on Oren's fear and quelling it.

"That's "sword," Oren, and I'll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise. I'll be back before you know it."

"I wish victory was indeed so certain, my heart is…disquiet." That would be Oriana, Fergus' reserved wife. An Antivan woman from a wealthy merchant family that Fergus had met while squired away in the Free Marches, she had returned with him to live in Ferelden. It was a lucky match, bringing both political and economic gain, and even better, the two were clearly in love. Additionally, it had favored Aedan, as with his brother wed and Oren soon born, much of the pressure to take a bride had fallen away. Though admittedly, the shorter Antivan had quite the temper when it came to Aedan properly corrupting his young nephew.

Aedan came to the doorway and caught his brother's gaze before entering, "Don't frighten the boy, love. I speak the truth! And here's my little brother to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well."

Fang, having enough of the talk, padded over to Oren and rolled onto his back, demanding a belly rub, and Oren, smiling, knelt and began scratching away. Aedan gave his sister-in-law a grin, "Come now, Oriana, No darkspawn could harm Fergus!"

But her worry hadn't abated, pragmatic woman. "He is as mortal as anyone, despite his refusal to believe."

"Now love, no need to be grim."

Turning, Aedan addressed Fergus with the reason he'd been sent in the first place. Best to get business out of the way, after all, "I bring a message, brother. Arl Howe's troops are delayed; father wants you to ride out with the army today. He'll be joining the arl and his men as soon as his troops arrive."

"Maker, you'd think his men were walking backwards!" Sighing to himself, Fergus looked off into the distance for a moment, lost in thought. Aedan spoke up, bringing him back to the fore.

"I do wish I could go with you."

"I wish you could come, it'll be tiring killing all those darkspawn by myself."

Oriana was well aware of Fergus' strengths, but had yet to see Aedan commanding in battle. Still, she was a level-headed woman, "Surely your father would not place both his heirs in danger."

Fergus, however, knew him, and understood that despite the danger, having Aedan in the field would be a boon to the teryn's army. "Mother and father have been fighting about it for days. It's too bad; I could have used you at my side."

And Aedan knew his brother's as well, "And the terynir could use your guidance- you'll be missed, here, brother."

Fergus' mouth split into a grin, "If it's any consolation, I'm sure I'll freeze in the southern rain and be jealous of you warm and safe back here." Oriana, not one to let such an opportunity pass replied.

"I am positively thrilled that you will be so miserable, husband."

The two brothers shared a laugh, and Aedan turned to question his older sibling, "You've likely heard more than I, how long do you think this incursion'll last?"

Fergus' countenance drew grim and his voice hard, "Word from the south is the battles have gone well. There's no evidence that this is a true blight, just a large raid."

Oriana's face grew hopeful, and she asked, "Could that be true?"

"I'll see for myself soon enough. Pray for me, love, and I'll back before the fall's harvest."

An optimistic view, but one could always hope. Though with many of the terynir's men and women in the army, the harvest would have to be carefully managed to make sure everything could be taken in before the coming winter. "Fair enough. So…have you met the wardens visiting the castle, yet?"

At this, Oren leapt up from Fang and raced over, eyes wide and grinning from ear to ear, "Reelly? Was he riding a griffin?"

"Shush, Oren, Griffins only exist in stories, now."

As Oriana tended to his son, Fergus' smile reappeared, and he turned to Aedan, "I'd heard, yes, but I haven't met them yet. Has the Commander spoken of any potential recruits?"

"Father recommended several of the younger guardsmen, along with Ser Gilmore."

Fergus' eyes lit up, and he looked Aedan up and down, one eyebrow quirked upwards, "Oh? If I was a Grey Warden, little brother, I'd have my eye on you. Not that father would ever allow it."

Aedan shrugged. It was a fun idea, and he couldn't deny that the thought of the glory and adventure was tempting, but his place was with his family, and he wouldn't change that for anything. "And not that I would ever want it. The Grey Wardens are a noble order deserving of respect and aid, but I'm happy to serve our family first and give the order whatever political support I can muster."

"And glad I am to hear it!" The teryn strode into the room, the teryna at his side, "I do hope you weren't planning on taking your leave of us without saying goodbye".

"Be well my son, I will pray for your safety every day you are gone."

At this, Aedan couldn't help but comment. "A good shield might be more useful." As much as he believed in the Maker, he doubted the deity was paying attention to all the mortals scurrying about. The Chantry was a prejudiced order built on a foundation of wishful thinking. That said, it most certainly helped to keep the morale up.

"Maker sustain and preserve us all; watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers, and bring them safely back to us."

Fergus, while a loyal Andrastian, was not above using the faith to tease his wife, "And bring us some ale and wenches! Er…for the men, of course."

"Fergus! You would say this in front of your own mother?"

Oren simply looked up confused at the adults, "Wot's a wench? Is that the thing you pull on get bucket out o' the well?"

The teryn, smirking, decided to add in his two bits, "A wench is a woman who serves the ale in a tavern, Oren, or a woman who drinks a lot of ale."

"Bryce! Maker's breath, it's like living with a pack of small boys!"

All three of the men chuckled at that, as true as the statement was. Fergus was the one to answer her, but his gaze found Aedan's as he did so, "I'll miss you, mother dear. You'll take care of her, won't you brother?"

Catching his eyes and nodding imperceptibly, Aedan responded, "As if she needed it! Mother can take care of herself, always has."

"It's true; they should be sending her, not me. She'd scold those darkspawn back into the Deep Roads!"

Teryna Eleanor Cousland, however, was not so easily swayed, "Well I'm glad you find this so funny."

Aedan's father caught his attention, speaking, "Pup, I know you want to speak, and I gather you've at least picked up on whats going on. But with the guests here, I'll have my hands full tonight. We'll speak in the morning. Now, Fergus, come here. Duncan has brought word of the horde's composition." Aedan's father and brother stepped to the side, discussing the lastest intelligence and instructions for the army heading south. Feeling a tug on his gauntlet, Aedan turned down to face Oren, "Mama says you're going to be watching over us while papa's gone. Is that true, uncle?"

"Yes, Oren, that's true."

"What if the castle is attacked? Will there be dragons?"

Oriana was doing her best to temper him in the years before he would be squired away, "Dragons are terrible creatures, Oren, they eat people."

But even so… "Yeah, I wanna see one!" Oh yes, the Cousland blood was strong in this one.

"This is your influence, Fergus."

Turning from his father for a moment, Fergus took the role of peacemaker, "Wasn't me, blame Aedan," by quickly shifting the blame onto Aedan's shoulders. Bugger.

"Are you gonna teach me to use a sword so I can fight evil too?" Gesticulating wildly, Oren began fighting imaginary creatures all about him, "Take that dire bunny! All darkspawn fear my sword of truthiness!"

Stilling Oren with a hand on his shoulder, Aedan knelt beside him, "You bet, but we'll have to work together to convince your mother." And after whispering in his nephew's ear, the pair looked up at Oriana with the biggest and saddest eyes they could manage.

"I'm thinking…no."

Fergus returned to say his final goodbyes before departing, "Don't worry son, you'll get to see a sword up close real soon, I promise. Off we go then, so many darkspawn to behead, so little time. I'll see you soon, my love."

As the family departed, Fergus' family to the courtyard and his parents to the Great Hall, Aedan finally took the time to enter his quarters and change his clothes, dry as they were by now. Unstrapping off his weapons and leathers, he hung the armor up on the rack beside his wardrobe. Stripping the sleeveless tunic off, he snagged one of the more formal ones out of the drawers and slipped it on. Retying the sword belt about his waist, he whistled to Fang and left the room.

It was time to get some answers.

Long Author's Note, sorry: Two elements to this world I feel I should clarify, as they will play a significant role in this story, and weren't covered in the game because they didn't need to be: traveling times and item storage.

Travel: I'm going to take hopefully an interesting route and base it off the drops of blood that appear on the map as you move from one place to another. The unfortunate side effect of this is the implication that Ferelden is not really a large country, but so be it. That said, apparently the Circle of Magi's Tower can be reached in a single day from Redcliffe by boat, so perhaps it isn't too much of a stretch. If anyone has a way to refine this idea, please review or PM me, I'd be happy to hear it. So:

½ drop per day = the civilian rate, i.e. they move one drop of blood every two days.

1 drop per day = the party and various armies' rate when traveling by foot.

2 drops per day = the party and various armies' rate when traveling at a forced march.

3 drops per day = the party and various armies' rate of travel on horseback

When traveling along the Tevinter highways scattered across the land, everyone receives an extra drop's worth of travel speed.

9 drops per day = griffin speed, because they're awesome like that.

Therefore, Highever to Ostagar will be about a two week trip at a forced march. Approximately 38 drops, 30 of which are on the highways leads to 14 days of travel.

Item Storage: To rationalize all the various things the party loots, along with having to bring along travel supplies (tents, cooking gear, food, water, etc.) I'm going to resurrect an old tabletop favorite and make them fairly prolific in the world, with explanations in story: The Bag of Holding. I'm justifying it as something the Tranquil, Dwarves, or Dalish could all make using runework, and as such there are varying qualities and shapes of bags, so people can upgrade. And no, bags of holding cannot be placed into bags of holding, far too easy a cheat. Blame the mystical runic whatnot that makes them bags of holding in the first place, I claim deus ex machina.

So, as lighthearted and savvy as Aedan is right now, I'm going to be making the effort to have him go through some pretty dramatic transformations. Obviously he is a Warrior, and he'll focus on 2x Swords/Sword and Dagger, with a backup Sword and Shield style for defensive combat.

As for Natia, characterization-wise, she's similar to Sigrun, (who may or may not show up, I haven't decided yet) but she'll have her own twist on things. Visually, she's largely based on the fantastic works by Aimo, and in particular, her Lady Aeducan, go google them! Obviously, though, I went with the casteless route for her. And no, the crossbow isn't Bianca, nor similar in design; crossbows in general are simply the weapon I envisioned her favoring and therefore being good at. And I hope her speech wasn't too off-putting, I tried to make it rough without making her look like an idiot. Clearly, she's a Rogue with her focus primarily on Archery, backed up with 2x Daggers.

Finally, it took me forever to decide on a name for Dog (without using Dog itself or avoiding the name and polling) and I decided to honor the Harry Potter series by naming him Fang, after Hagrid's boarhound. Figure it's simple enough to avoid confusion or pissing off the masses, though Barkspawn is always a tempting classic. Additionally, I don't think his lineage is that much of a stretch given Bryce's and therefore Aedan's rank in the Ferelden political hierarchy. But if it seemed too out there, let me know. It won't play a big part in the scheme of things. Fang is a Dog class Dog using the Dog talents from the Dog tree.

Thanks for reading!