A/N: M'kay this is my novelisation of Dragon age origins, following a male Dwarf noble, female human noble, male human magi, and female city elf origins. The pairings well be DN/Morrigan, HN/Alistair, M/Lelianna, CE/Zevran. Hope it's good.
The chantry teaches us that it was the hubris of men that brought the Darkspawn into our world. The mages had sought to usurp heaven, but instead, they destroyed it...
They were cast out, twisted and cursed by their own construction. They returned as monsters, the first of the darkspawn...
They became a blight upon the land. Unstoppable, and relentless...
The dwarven kingdoms were the first to fall, and from the deep roads, they drove at us again and again, until finally we neared annihilation...
Until the Grey wardens came...
Men and women from every race. Warriors and Mages. Barbarians and Kings. The Grey wardens sacrificed everything to stem the tide of darkness, and prevail.
It has been four centuries since that day, and we have kept our vigil. We have watched and waited for the Darkspawn to return, but those who once called us heroes have forgotten. We are few now, and our warnings have been ignored for too long. It may even be too late, for I have seen with my own eyes what lays on the horizon.
Deep beneath the frost back mountains lays the city of Orzammar, the larger of two known remaining dwarven cities in the world. Orzammar was once the seat of a major empire connected by tunnels, called Deep Roads, which stretched thousands of miles.
The city now stands alone, cut off from the rest of the dwarven ancestral lands by the darkspawn incursion. Secure in Orzammar's impregnable construction, the dwarven noble houses continue their centuries-old power struggles.
Assassination and blackmail are commonplace, but the appearance of honour is paramount.
Duran Aeducan, second child of king Endrin of house Aeducan-the ninth Aeducan ruler elected by the noble assembly, a man who grew up in a world rife with political intrigue. A man who has had to struggle against brothers and cousins for honour and prestige.
Today, a feast celebrates an important day in his life, for tomorrow, the first time in his life, he is to lead men into battle, The opening move towards real power in the ever-changing game of dwarven politics.
The man in question, Duran Aeducan, thirty-two years of age, stood before a vanity, fully armoured, braiding his long beard which reached down to his chest. He finished, and examined his appearance. He was good and neat, though still looked rugged and strong. He needed to look his best.
"Greetings my lord." Duran jumped, quickly turning, to see another dwarf leaning on the rooms entrance, grinning. "You are dressed and ready. Excellent."
"Gorim, I wasn't aware you had arrived."
"Forgive me for startling you."
"Unnecessary. I should have been more mindful."
Gorim didn't answer. Instead, he changed the subject. "Will you be coming armed, milord?"
"Yes, let them see me as a warrior."
"Of course," Gorim began, "If every other lord has a shield and three swords, you'll feel awfully under-dressed."
Duran chuckled. "You, my friend, are ridiculous."
"One cannot be too serious at these events." Gorim stated. "Anyway, onto the business at hand. The king wishes for you to make an appearance at the feast. But there's no rush. The Noble family heads will spend hours boring your father with partitions and pointless grievances. "
"How very dull. I don't pity Trian." Duran stated as he began rummaging through a trunk at the foot of his bed. "Speaking of whom, what about my brothers."
"I saw them rummaging about the merchants outside on my way in."
"Merchants? Outside the palace?"
Gorim nodded. "As part of the celebrations, permits have been auctioned off to the merchant caste who wished to vend their wears in the diamond quarter." The diamond quarter was the section of the city that held the royal palace, as well as the chamber of assembly.
"I see. Anything else?"
"Lord Harrowmont has also opened the proving's for young warriors to test their mettle before the battle tomorrow. Perhaps we should go and teach them what single combat is really about. And by we, I mean you." He chuckled, "I'll practice my cheering."
"Ah, that sounds much more appealing. Ah! There you are." Duran heaved a slightly worn axe from the trunk, and strapped it to his back. "Come; let's go before the proving starts."
"Yes, milord Aeducan." The two walked out of the room, and out of the palace.
Outside, the merchants had claimed the streets for their own, and patrons had taken full advantage of it. The sounds and shouting were deafening. From it all, however, thanks to their finely tuned dwarven warrior senses, two voices could be heard above the others, both of which caught the Aeducan's attention.
"I'm sure we can work this out reasonably. It's in the records, there's nothing I can do!"
He turned to the disturbance coming from an alley near the palace. "Gorim, come."
"Please, master Volleny. My work is accounted by the shaper!" Pleaded a man in fine clothing to a furious, armoured dwarf.
"These books are lies written by the enemies of house Volleny!"
"I write only what I find in the records!"
The armoured man growled as he stepped towards the man, reaching for his sword.
"Enough!" Duran growled, causing both Dwarves to turn to the newcomers. "What is the meaning of this! Explain yourselves!"
"Lord Aeducan, you can vouch for my work, can't you!" The finely dressed dwarf pleaded. "Your father loved my 'History of Aeducan: Paragon, King, peacemaker!'"
"Ah, I enjoyed that one as well."
"This worm," the armoured dwarf growled, "has written a book that slanders my family's name. I demand retribution.
"Oh."
"I write only what I see in the official records!" The author stated.
"They're lies. All lies! The filth he wrote shames my ancestors."
"Enough!" Duran growled. "Denying a fact doesn't make it any less true."
"You wouldn't be saying that if it were your family that was slandered!"
"Then you know nothing of me. Begone!"
"Do not order me about as if I were some lowly peon! You haven't heard the end of this." The lord growled as he marched past the two and down the path.
"Thank you, prince Aeducan. You saved my life." The finely dressed dwarf said.
"He was a fool," Gorim began, "and a low ranked one at that. He has no idea how insignificant he or his house really is. Shall I have him killed, milord?"
"Yes, and make sure everyone knows who ordered it and for what purpose."
"Yes, lord Aeducan." Gorim bowed and left, returning to the palace.
"You have proven yourself darker than many believed you to be."
"Perhaps, but dishonourable dogs have no right to live."
"Oh, I agree wholeheartedly, prince Aeducan."
Duran nodded, "I would suggest you make your way home. Dogs often travel in packs."
"Of course, Prince Aeducan." The dwarf bowed, before leaving. Shortly after, Gorim returned. "It's done, he won't live past the hour."
"Good," Duran stated, "I would have liked to do it myself, though I doubt it would be a good idea to track blood in my father's throne room."
The two walked off down the street. Gorim in front, forcing a path through the pedestrians for the two to walk. They passed trough the bulk of the crowd, after which, Gorim let out a breath of relief.
"Well, that's the worst of it."
"Perhaps not." Duran replied, "Here come my brothers."
"Hm?" Gorim looked forward, and true to the other's word, two men were walking towards them.
"Atrast vala, big brother!" Began the younger of the two, "How surprising to run into you amongst the common folk."
"Especially since duty requires that you attend our king father at the feast today." The older spat. "Have you so little respect for him that you disregard his wishes on a day set aside for you?"
Gorim stepped forward. "Lord Harrowmont told me that we wouldn't be needed for hours at least-"
"Silence! If I wanted the opinion of my brothers second, I would ask for it."
"Yes, your highness…"
Duran also stepped forward. "Don't speak to Gorim like that, Trian. Besides, I don't recall needing permission to go anywhere."
"Your lack of a sense of duty to your house is obvious. I can't imagine why you're receiving a commission. I expect that after tomorrow I'll spend much time apologizing to the heads of noble houses for the deaths of their children under your incompetent command. "
"That's a little harsh, don't you think?" The youngest brother commented.
"As heir to the throne, it is my duty to impart wisdom and judgement upon those who need it. Now then, you." he pointed a fat, stubby finger to Duran, "get to the feast!"
"I am no lackey to whom you may bark orders!" Duran growled at his brother.
"Humph!" Trian spat, "Come Behlen." The two walked off without another word.
"Nothing like being talked down to by the future king." Gorim grunted.
"Perhaps becoming king will calm him."
"I hope your right, milord."
"As do I." The two continued on, down the streets, until yet another disturbance approached.
"What have we here?" Duran stopped, as did Gorim, and turned to face from where the sound came. There, on a doorstep, were two women. "Two handsome, strapping noble lords! You both look so grand." said one of the women.
"And isn't this the man of the hour? The son of the king?" said the second woman.
"Who's your friend, my lord? Another lord from the honoured house Aeducan?" asked the first.
"No, this is ser Gorim, a warrior cast."
"Not a noble?" the second woman asked.
"No, not a noble, by the stone, you're thick." The first responded.
"Why do you care if Gorim is a noble?"
"They're noble hunters, milord. They will sire a noble's child, in exchange; they are permitted to live in the noble's estate in order to raise the child." Gorim explained
"So these women will bed any man simply because they are a Nobel."
"Yes milord."
"I see." Duran's face crumpled in disgust. "Gorim, these women offend me."
"Would you like me to run them off?"
"Yes."
Gorim nodded, before turning to the two girls. "You heard the man. Move along!" They did as they were instructed without a word. "Well, that's a bit of class back in the area."
"Indeed, let's move on."
They walked, only to stop moments before the common's entrance where a guard was waiting, and a rather fat one at that.
"What's this then?" Duran questioned as the two walked forward. Upon seeing the two, the soldier took a step toward them.
"My lord, are you heading to the Proving arena?"
"Well, yes. What do you need?"
"Your father has ordered me to escort you to the proving grounds. "
Gorim sighed. "I clean forgot. Forgive me; I should have informed you sooner. The king had ordered that you are not to travel through the Commons unguarded."
"I'm capable of walking on my own." Duran assured.
"I did mention the merchants that won permits to sell their goods in the Diamond quarter?"
"Yes."
"Well, there were only so many auctioned off, and quite a few were turned away. Your father fears that you would be harassed on the way to the proving.
Duran sighed. "Very well."
"Will we be leaving?" asked the guard.
"Yes."
"Excellent. This way Milord."
True to Gorim and the guard's word, there were many merchants, but the two forced back all who approached, and thankfully, they arrived just in time.
"Wait here, soldier." Duran ordered.
"Yes, milord."
"Let's go, Gorim." And the two walked up to the top gallery, where the proving master was waiting. The first match had just ended, and now the crowd was roaring. As they approached, a dwarf, the proving master, turned to them.
"Your Highness. It is an honour to have you here. Have you come here to watch these brave warriors fight in your honour?" asked the proving master.
"No." Duran answered. "I've come to fight in it." At this, the proving master almost jumped back.
""Y-your highness. This proving is in your honour."
"Then honour him by doing as he says. My lord Aeducan will fight in this proving." Gorim firmly stated.
"I will honour these warriors by testing their skills." Duran added.
"Of course. It is well within your right."
"Let it be done, then." Duran turned and left the balcony, moving to the arena, readying his axe. Once he was in position, steel within his armoured hands, the proving master called to the crowd.
"Men and women of Orzammar. We have a late entry into these proving's, held on the eve of battle for the honour of house Aeducan. I give you, the lord Aeducan himself!" The crowd roared, clapping and cheering. "Are you ready for your first match?!"
"Yes!" Duran began, "Let's begin."
"Then let us begin! This is a glory proving! Fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of house Aeducan!" Again, the crowd roared. "Lord Aeducan will fight Aller Bemot, youngest son of Lord Bemot!" From the doors opposite him, a dwarf stepped forward, a large Maul in his hands.
"You honour me with this match." Aller bowed.
"Prepare yourself."
"Fight!"
Aller charged, bringing down his Maul, which Duran blocked with his axe, and pushed him off. Aller was open! He slashed with his axe, striking him in the chest, causing him to stumble. Another blow sent him to the ground. The Aeducan readied his axe at the man's neck.
"Wait, I yield!" Aller shouted. The crowd roared.
"The winner is lord Aeducan!"
Duran waved to the crowd, before returning to the proving master.
"That was quiet a fight. Aller Bemot is no slouch with that hammer," the proving master commended. The matches continued, and soon the prince's next match came around. "Are you ready for your next match?"
"Yes." And he made for the arena.
"This is a glory proving! Fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of house Aeducan!" By the time the sentence was finished, Duran was ready and standing in place. "Lord Aeducan will fight Adal Helmi, eldest daughter of lady Helmi!" His opponent took her place opposite him, twin daggers drawn.
"Honour to your house, your highness." She bowed.
"And to yours" Duran replied.
"Fight!"
Adal came at Duran with both blades ready. She began slashing furiously. Duran took to the defensive, dodging the blows, though he wasn't successful all the time. Many blows landed on his armour, mostly his chest and shoulders. He moved forward, slamming the end of his axe into the girl. She stumbled back, and he moved in, dealing a critical blow to her, striking down and sending her to the ground.
"The winner is lord Aeducan!" This time, he bowed to the crowd as he returned to above.
"That was a crowd-pleaser!" The master roared as Duran returned. "Many were waiting to see that woman put in her place. Ten minutes passed, and it was time for his third match. "Ser Blackstone is your next opponent. Are you ready to face him?"
"I am." And he returned to the arena.
"This is a glory proving! Fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of house Aeducan! Lord Aeducan shall fight ser Blackstone! Deep road squad leader of the Warrior caste." A hairless man stepped forward, a war hammer in his hands.
"This is your education, child!" he snarled. "Try to learn as you bleed."
"Should I be frightened?" Duran returned, gripping his axe.
This time, Duran moved forward, bringing forward his axe, and locking it with Blackstone's Hammer. His foot came forward and kicked Duran back, sending him stumbling back. Next, the dwarf roared and charged forward at the Aeducan, swinging his hammer towards the Aeducan, who ducked and brought up his axe, striking the man's chest. Duran swung at his head, but Blackstone backed up, before moving back in. However, this was a mistake, as completely missed Duran's back-swing. The blunt end of his weapon struck the Dwarf in the head, and sent him to the ground.
"The winner is lord Aeducan." The crowd roared as Duran returned.
"Well done." The proving master greeted. "You have proven that even the best of the warrior caste cannot match a nobel Aeducan. Your final match will start as soon as you're ready."
"I am ready now, who am I fighting?"
"Frandin Ivo. He too has had many victories today."
"Then let us begin." And he returned to the arena.
"This is a glory proving! Fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of house Aeducan! It is down to just two warriors! With backbones of stone and wills of iron, they have defeated all others this day! Lord Aeducan will fight Frandin Ivo, second son of lord Ivo!" Opposite him, a man bearing sword and shield stepped forward.
"You fight well." Ivo complemented. "I wish you glory today and glory tomorrow."
"May you be as stone."
"Fight!" The proving master called.
Ivo and Duran both charged at the other. His axe swung, hitting Ivo's shield, who then swung it at his opponents head. It was blocked by the large weapon, and the dwarf was thrown back. Ivo came at him again, swinging his blade. He moved back, raising his arm so the strike hit his shoulder. He swung his axe, throwing his weight behind the strike which hit straight on the man's chest. He stumbled, and Duran lunged, delivering another strike, knocking him back. He raised his axe, and brought it down on Ivo, bringing him down.
"The winner is lord Aeducan!" Duran bowed and waved to the crowd as they roared his name.
"AEDUCAN! AEDUCAN! AEDUCAN!"
When he returned, the proving master was holding a helmet. "Congratulations. Frandin Ivo is as fierce a competitor as I've ever seen. You've vanquished every warrior of note in today's proving. The ceremonial helm commissioned by your father for today's winner is yours." He handed the helm over to him.
"Thank you." Duran said, placing the armour on his head. "Good day. Gorim, find the guard. let's head back."
"Yes, lord Aueducan."
The three marched through the Commons, returning to the diamond quarter and to the palace. Once they'd arrived, the guard took his leave. Returning to his room, he placed the helm on his mantle. "It will surely come in handy for tomorrow." Once that was done they departed and made for the throne room. Duran pushed open the doors, and the two stepped forward.
The room was full with lords, as well as something unexpected, three humans.
"The grey wardens are here?" Gorim questioned. "Our raid tomorrow must be more than a standard mission. The wardens only go where the darkspawn are the greatest threat."
"Yes, I believe you may be right." Duran replied as the two stepped into the room, his attention directed solely on the eldest of the Wardens. A man in white armour, his black hair pulled back into a short ponytail.
"My lord Aeducan." One of the lords called, breaking Duran's concentration. "Might I have a word?" the two stepped forward towards the lord who called him.
"Lord Dace, correct. What do you need?"
"Many thanks for your willingness to hear me out, your highness. I wish to speak to you about a matter most urgent."
"Gorim, how much time do we have?"
"It looks as if the heads of house Bemot and Meino are keeping your father busy," Gorim answered, looking over to the king and the lords that currently surrounded him, "which leaves you plenty of time for our dear old friend, lord Dace."
"You're a credit to your caste, ser Gorim." Dace complemented. "I've always said so. If I had a daughter, I'd give you her hand in marriage and make you the lord you deserve to be."
"You honour me, my lord." Gorim replied.
"My ears are yours, lord Dace. What can I do for you?" Duran asked.
"First, let me congratulate you on you victory in the proving today, and on your commission. Two of King Endrin's children now commissioned war-leaders. It does great honour to your house. "
"Thank you, lord Dace."
"Now, to the task at hand. There is a vote coming before the assembly next week, and a word from you could go a long way to helping our cause."
"Cause?" Duran questioned. "What is this 'vote' you speak of?"
"The vote concerns the status of the so-called 'surface caste.' Those lost to the stone, air touched, and so forth." Duran nodded, and the lord continued. "Centuries ago, narrow minded men declared that any dwarf who left to live on the surface forfeited his caste, and his house if he were a noble. That he was, in essence, no longer a dwarf.
"I seek only to remedy an injustice, to retie the bonds of anyone who can trace themselves to a noble house, wherever he may live. Please, agree to speak for this noble cause."
Duran nodded. "One's honour is not defined by where he or she may live, and nor should their lot in life. I shall do as you ask. You have my support."
"Excellent!" Dace proclaimed. "When your father presents you to the noble houses, I will ask for your opinion on the matter. You shall say that you feel our surface brothers should be returned to their noble rights. What could be simpler?"
"Very well, good day." And the two walked on down the hall.
"You're a fool." Came a voice, and the two stopped. Duran turned to the woman who spoke, eyes narrowed. She was a rather old and ugly looking woman. "Your mother would melt the stone if she knew what you did."
"How dare you speak to lord Aeducan in such a way!" Gorim growled.
She continued, as if she heard nothing. "Lord Dace is playing you false. Go ahead, be his puppet. Your first command will be marked with every noble house turning their back on you."
"If you have something to say, do so quickly, lady Helmi."
"If you are to play the games of the assembly, make sure you know the motivation of the players. Last spring the guild from the merchant caste invested heavily in an expedition with a guild from the surface. Lord Dace backed the guild, pouring a great deal of money into the venture. The exhibition was a disaster."
"And through this, he wishes to get his money back?" Duran questioned.
"Clever child. Lord Dace lost a great deal of money and prestige. The surface guild has no way to repay him, but it does have several members who are descended from noble houses. House Helmi, Bemot…Aeducan."
"I see. If they return…"
"Then your house and mine will have to pay their debts. It would be a great victory for lord Dace."
"Yes, I saw that much." Duran answered. "If that is all we must do, then so be it."
"What?!"
"Our fellow kin deserve to be reunited with their houses, and I would be damned before I let simple greed get in the way of the rights of the surfacers."
"You stupid boy. You know nothing!" Lady Helmi growled, and the room went silent, all eyes falling on them. Even those of the Grey warden.
"You dare-!" Gorim began, but Duran raised a hand, silencing him.
"Quite frankly, I find your attitude and greed offensive. I am perfectly aware that he wishes to use me. That is the way of politics. Only a fool believes in a selfless action. Though from this, good that even Dace was unaware of may blossom. Let him have his gold. Honour and a fair and equal kingdom go beyond any price." He sneered at her.
"What would a stupid fool know. You're an insult to nobles everywhere!"
"The only insult is you! To our kingdom! To house Aeducan. Gorim, this woman has insulted my honour!"
"Yes lord." He then turned to those in the room, and bellowed in a loud voice, "Lords, ladies! Our lord Aeducan has challenged the honour of lady Helmi!"
"What!" Lady Helmi backed away, eyes wide and furious.
"What's this, my son is already testing his reach?" questioned King Endrin from across the room.
"Fantastic! I thought tonight would be all talk and drink!" called a nearby lord.
"My lord, are you sure you wish to do this?" questioned a second lord, lord Harrowmont, "you realise that it will be the leader of lady Helmi's guard, Darim of the warrior cast, one of our most veteran warriors, who you will duel?"
"Yes, I understand." Duran answered. "
"Very well." Harrowmont answered. "There is to be a proving then."
"Let the ancestor's judge who has the right of their cause!" a third lord called.
"To the proving grounds!"
"Men and women. Lords and Ladies!" The proving master called. "May I have your attention please! We are gifted to have in our presence, Lord Aeducan, in whose honour today's provings were fought." Duran looked across from himself to the armoured man beside him who bore an axe and shield. "Today, house Aeducan makes a challenge of honour against house Helmi. These two combatants have come to prove the righteousness of their cause."
Duran looked around, above him. All were watching. The lords, Gorim, his father, and even the Grey warden from before, who was watching eagerly. "Let us begin!"
"The proving begins now!" The proving master called.
Darim was fully armoured, armed in shield and axe. No flesh was visible, not even his eyes. The dwarf moved forward, shield before him to take any strike. They rounded, eyes locked, before both charged. Duran's strike came down on Darim's shield, causing the recipient to buckle. Again, and again the Aeducan forced the warrior back. He tried slashing at the Aeducan, but it failed. He slashed the small axe at Duran. It was blocked. Darim brought it back, but Duran had already ducked, and brought his axe up at the dwarves shield arm, bringing it off. Blood splattered on his armour as the man fell. Duran positioned his weapon at the man's neck.
"Submit."
He didn't, instead, he growled and brought his axe up at the Aeducan, who brought down his own weapon, taking off the man's head.
"The proving is at an end!" The proving master called. "Darim of house Helmi has been found wanting by the ancestors, and house Helmi has been found guilty of dishonouring house Aeducan." Lady Helmi's teeth clenched, and without a word, she pushed herself off the railing and left. She was soon followed by all who had come to watch, all on their way back to the palace. Back to the throne room. By the time Duran returned and approached his father, the lords were murmuring.
"When he mistimed that backswing, I knew he was going down!" A lord congratulated Duran.
"Poor bastard." An armoured guard replied. "Still, couldn't wish it on a nicer house."
"Well put. Our new commander taught lady Helmi an important lesson." The lord replied.
"The hour is late," the king cut in, "these deshers have waited patiently, especially our Grey warden guests. Are you ready to be presented to the noble houses?"
"Yes, father." Duran answered, stepping forward."
"Lords, ladies! Grant me a moment of your time!" Endrin stood from his throne. "We are here today so I may present to you my second-born son! Blessed by the stone and born with the blood that ran in the veins of the Paragon Aeducan. Who would pose a question to the prospective commander? Who would know the prospective better?"
"I would." Lord Dace approached. "My question concerns the ones we call the surface dwellers. How do you feel about them?"
"I feel that they should be allowed back to Orzammar, and that their connections with noble houses be reconnected." Many lords gasped and began whispering amongst themselves.
The king nodded "Will there be any more questions?" Endrin questioned. "No…Very well. The ritual is complete. I give you, Orzammar's next commander!" The crowd cheered and clapped. "Tomorrow, our newest commander will lead a mission that will deal a serious blow against the darkspawn! Not only does this regain access to some of our most important mines, but it also allows our honoured guest, Duncan, head of Fereldan's grey wardens, to strike far into the deep roads."
"Thank you, king Endrin." The grey warden Duran noticed before began, "While the darkspawn seem to withdraw, it is only because they are amassing on the surface. This could mean a blight, and my men and I will discover the truth."
"We are honoured to have you, my friend. Now, feast, drink, and celebrate. For the morning brings battle!" The crowd once again cheered. Duran bowed, and backed away, next to lord Dace.
"Thank you, your highness." Dace began.
"Don't think for a moment I am unaware what your true intentions were." The lord's smile vanished, and he wore an expression of worry. "Lady Helmi told me the truth.
"I don't believe I-"
"Don't you dare think me a fool! Watch yourself." The lord nodded, and backed away.
"Well, that was handled well, milord," Gorim stated. "Shall we feast?"
"Yes." Duran answered. They moved to the dining table, and sat. On his right sat Gorim, and on his left was Duncan.
"Wine, lord Aeducan?" Duncan asked.
"Yes, thank you." Duran replied, lifting his glass. Duncan filled the glass with the red liquid from the jug. "That was quite an impressive duel. Your axe-work is commendable."
"Thank you. That means a lot coming from a Grey warden such as you."
"Your father often boasts of your fighting ability and bravery. I see now that he wasn't exaggerating. He says you may even be the greatest fighter in all house Aeducan."
"Well, I don't know about that." Duran assured, filling his plate.
"You're very humble, your highness."
"We need more grey wardens like you, and quickly. Even as the darkspawn weaken here in Orzammar, they are stirring on the surface. A blight has begun."
Duran's hand, which was bringing a leg of meat to his mouth, suddenly stopped. "A blight?" Duncan nodded.
"Soon the fight must go beyond the deep roads, lest the darkness spread to the rest of the world.
"Hm. I don't know as much about the grey wardens as I should."
"You know about our dedication to destroying the darkspawn, our frontline presence during a blight. What else would you know?
"Are there many of my people in the wardens?" the Dwarf questioned, beginning to eat, biting into the leg of meat.
"Over the centuries, many dwarves have made names for themselves in our order. These days, however, there are few dwarves, and thus, even fewer dwarven grey wardens. A pity, since Dwarves have the most experience fighting darkspawn." He too, began to eat.
"Yes. The Darkspawn must be destroyed. And if I could, I would join you in your fight. However, Orzammar needs me here."
"Then it is a good thing that you have many paths before you. Some are not so lucky. I wish you luck in the deep roads tomorrow. Show the darkspawn the might of your people."
Once finished with his meal, and had as much wine as he wished, he pardoned himself and stood, as did Gorim.
"Ah, my new commander." The king called. "Your brothers didn't show. Go find them. He may be watching the provings, or getting some rest in his room. "
"Yes father." Duran nodded as he and Gorim left the throne room and walked down the hallway, headed to his eldest brothers room. Sure enough, the two were there.
"So, you are a commander now, in name at least." Trian spat as he saw the two enter his room. "Shouldn't you be attending our king father's feast?"
"Shouldn't you?" Duran questioned aggressively. "Or did you mean to insult me so?"
Trian's eyes narrowed. "That is none of your concern, little brother! The world does not stop and start at your meagre achievements, not even tonight."
"I would have been at the feast, but Trian had need of me." Behlen explained. "I meant no offense."
"Now," Trian began once more, "Do you have some reason for bothering us?"
"Father wishes to see you." Duran explained, trying to seethe his distain.
Trian was silent for a few seconds. "Behlen, get to bed. We have a big day tomorrow. I will see what our father wants from his heir." After the words left his mouth, Trian stormed out of the room. Once he was sure his brother was out of ear-shot, Behlen spoke. "All day I've put up with that. He can really grate on my nerves."
"Yes." Duran answered. "He may be our elder brother, but that hardly gives him the right to treat us like his dogs."
"And what I'm going to tell you next won't make you any fonder of him." Said Behlen is a serious tone.
Duran frowned. "What is it? You sound serious."
"Unfortunately, I am." The younger of the two looked out the door, as if to make sure no one was around. When he was sure the three of them were alone, he continued. "Trian has begun to move against you. I never thought his much-proclaimed honour would actually allow him to act on his jealousy. Brother, Trian is going to try and kill you." He whispered the last part.
Duran's eyes widened, as Gorim's brow furrowed in disgust. "What?"
"He fears what you are becoming, in the eyes of the people and the assembly." Behlen stated, "Trian's the named prince, but only the assembly can name a king. It would be unusual for the assembly to ignore a king's choice, but it does happen."
"That's how the first Aeducan king was chosen." Gorim elaborated. "He wasn't even part of the houses leading family."
"That was an extraordinary case." Behlen stated. "But at least a half-dozen times, the assembly named a lesser family member-or even someone from another house-king. Usually, it is the popular younger brother of an undesirable prince."
"And he thinks the assembly may choose me over him?" Duran frowned.
"You killed one of Orzammar's deadliest warriors in one-on-one combat because the head of his house dared to attack your honour. Not to mention you entered the proving held in your honour, and won. If you win glory against the darkspawn tomorrow, it will only strengthen the case for you as the next king. Trian fears that father will replace him for you on the spot. If not, the assembly will surely turn on him when father dies. You know that his pride will never allow him to step aside."
Duran was completely silent, unable to believe what he was hearing. His brother was a complete bastard, but to think that he would actually try and kill him...
"Milord?" Gorim questioned.
"I…Thank you Behlen. You may have saved my life."
"Hey, I don't want the brother I actually like to die. But, what will you do?"
"Never mind, brother. Good night. I…I need to think on this. Gorim, let's go."
"Right behind you, lord Aeducan."