Note: Bioware owns anything you recognize from Dragon Age, everything else is simply my imagination…
Author's Note: Thanks to all who are following, reading and reviewed. Much appreciated!
8/16/15 Update: I have decided to go back a little and re-do some stuff in the chapters. Not much but just some minor details that I'm not happy with. Thanks for being patient with me!
"But M-OTH-ER!" said Elena as the Teyrna tore through the closet of dresses she rarely wore.
"I am NOT going to be put on display just so you and father can seem more appealing to everyone!".
Now she was pissed. Every year it's the same thing, 'put on a dress, have your hair done and don't speak unless spoken to'. She hated it, hated every part of the yearly tournament except being able to go to the alienage without a guard following her.
"You WILL put on a dress and you WILL attempt to at least look interested in one of the suitors darling."
Eleanor knew it was coming, Elena would put on the dress, have her hair done and disappear during the tourney before she could even blink. "Only this year would be different" she thought, "it has to be."
"But why mother? Why must I attempt something that you and everyone else in Ferelden knows will never happen?"
There was a long pause and the Teyrna just sighed, resuming her rummaging through the closet.
"I do not wish to marry, you know this, and yet you put me through this every year! Why does my opinion about my OWN LIFE not matter?"
Draiko, her loyal mutt of a war hound, looked up from his bed and sighed.
"Lucky dog, you don't have to wear a dress… then again…"
Draiko hid under the bed and Elena laughed out loud. Her mother just stopped, she knew that she only had borrowed time to try and find her daughter a suitor. This is the year her daughter became a woman and could no longer be forced into anything. She was mature for 20 years, but yet she was still a child in these matters. If she wanted to leave she knew she would.
"Because it is your dut…"
"Mother, don't…"
"Because it is your duty as a Cousland."
That was it, Elena knew that if her mother said those words then she would have to go through with it. Although all she wanted to do was tell her mother how she really felt.
"Fine mother, you win… again."
Eleanor squealed in pure delight.
"Great! Now, what about this one? No, no it won't do…"
Elena tuned her mother out as she always did during the yearly dress picking. As she sat on her window the sound of hooves rang in her ears.
'Ah, and so they arrive'.
The first of the noble families, their warriors and servants were just arriving at the gates. Elena knew they were still a ways off but she always had sensitive hearing.
"Mother?"
"Yes Pup?", her parent's impeccable pet name they had given her as far back as she could remember.
"The nobles are arriving, should we go out to greet our guests?"
Her mother froze in mid step with a look of pure horror on her face. Elena bit her lip to hide the snicker that was surely to turn into an all out laugh at the sight of her mother's expression.
"Oh my! They are here early and I, you, WE are not prepared!"
Elena just laughed and shooed her mother out. The noble families had not arrived early,
'Just on time to think of it'
She put on her riding pants, a light tank, disregarded her shoes and slowly crept down the corridors to the stables.
"I will NOT be paraded in a lie ever again."
As she opened the stable door, there he was, the only thing that would keep her sane. Her stallion was of the wildest bloodlines. Her father discouraged her from riding him and yet because of her stubborn nature she did it anyway. She found him in the forests on one of her "hunts". He was entangled in a patch of creeping thorns almost at the brink of death, and it didn't help that a pack of wolves were about to make a meal of him. With a coat of the darkest copper and a mane and tail as black as night, she freed the horse and brought him home. It took almost 3 weeks of constant feeding and applying medicinal herbs to bring the life back to him and another 3 months just to ride him. Although she never truly tamed him, the stallion only allowed Elena to ride him, at least that's what everyone thought she did. Her father would have the horse put down if not for Elena sleeping in the pen with him.
"My dear friend, are you ready for a run?"
The horse looked deep into the girl's eyes as if he understood her need to be free and he himself could hardly stop moving in his anxiousness to get out and run.
"My precious Terendi, today I need to be as far away from this place as possible."
The horse neighed in agreement and tossed his head high. Draiko barked happily as she grabbed the lock to the stall door.
"Draiko, go make sure there is no one watching."
The dog took off to the door of the stables and listened closely. After several minutes he looked back at his mistress and barked. Elena had no need for a saddle, she never actually needed one, and with one touch to his shoulder Terendi bowed for her to jump on. She leaned down the horse's neck and rubbed him softly in the mane and whispered,
"Swift and Free my friend, take us to the woods." and with that, they were gone.
XOX
My name is Elena Falen Cousland. My father is Bryce Cousland and my mother is Lady Eleanor. I was adopted by the Couslands when I was only an infant. I know only that my mother was an elf and my father is unknown. We live in Highever which is in the land of Ferelden. We are a proud city and one of the most respected noble families in the region. Every year we host a tournament that includes all the finest warriors from the Bannorn. All the noble families bring their best warriors to compete against each other and the winner gets his choice of one of the ladies in waiting and a place as one of the King's knights. My father says the King himself won the tourney one year, even though no one knew it until he took his helmet off that Prince Cailen was even entered! Let's just say that King Maric was not happy… at least that's what father says. As for me, I have no interest in being in the line for the victor to choose. I would much rather be IN the tourney itself. Maker knows I could win it if ever given the chance. My brothers Aedan and Fergus have taught me everything I know about fighting and for that I love them dearly. I do not desire to be ball and chained to some man to be shown off as a prize. I have other interests and let's just say mother would not be happy about it and although the Cousland's are the only family I have ever had, this secret I hold would ruin everything I know.
XOX
As she rode out towards the forest, Draiko by her side and Terendi running as gracefully as any noble steed from Redcliffe, she felt as if this is what it must be like to be 'as free as the Dalish'. Going wherever, whenever and no one daring to stop her. Even though most humans frowned upon the 'knife ears' her family was well known in the elves community as being the best noble family to work for and Elena liked their company over most humans any day. Even though only the Cousland's knew her mother was an elf, her ears were not as pointed as an elf, nor were they as small as a human. For this she was grateful. She slowed the stallion down to a trot as soon as Highever was out of site. As soon as she slid off and her feet hit the ground she began to shift. It never hurt, except if she shifted too fast. Slowly her bones adjusted to the rhythm, skin turned to fur and her eyes turned a bright gold. Looking to Draiko she smiled a 'wolfish' smile and both she and her companions took off into the forest and headed to the lake.
Running in wolf form felt more natural than being on two legs. The feel of the earth between her paws, the scents of the trees in her nose and the flow of magic that coursed her veins. She did not know if this other side of her was indeed magic or if she truly was a shifter by blood. She discovered her magical side one day when she happened upon Tervis, the Cousland's head elf servant, healing a small cut wound on one of the kitchen boys. The glow of his hands fascinated her and she did not notice her own hands tingling from the magical connection. Tervis noticed however and immediately began to teach her how to control and use her magic. Then one day during a strenuous lesson, Elena got very frustrated and the more she pushed herself the more her 'other side' began to show. Before she knew it she shifted. Since that day, Tervis had helped her not only with her magic, but with her shifting as well.
With the lake finally in view, she, Draiko and Terendi slowed there speed. She shifted back to her human form and gave Draiko a quick ear scratch before she turned to the stallion.
"Enjoy your day my friend until the time comes that we must return."
The horse pushed his head on her chest as if to say 'Thank You' and took off from sight. Where he went she did not know but knew that he would come back.
"Now Draiko, are you ready for a swim?"
The dog barked frantically and took off towards the lake. She stripped of her clothing and jumped in after him. She never questioned her clothing when she shifted. It was always there when she shifted to and from forms. Oh but how she enjoyed the days that her and Draiko spent at the lake. It felt as though she were free, free of duties and dresses and hair and…
"Eh hmm!"
Elena jumped at the sound of the voice and Draiko was immediately on shore guarding her.
"My Lady, I'm sorry to have followed you, but…"
Draiko lunged. Elena did not see who was calling her nor did she recognize the voice. Her eyes started to turn gold again as she felt the need to shift and join. The sight before her made her feel at ease as she seen Draiko with his nub wagging and licking the 'intruder' in the face.
"Madi?"
"My Lady, I apologize, I meant no harm and I will not tell that you are here. I was just sent to find you and thought you would like to know that your mother is looking for you."
It was Madi, the messenger boy who was often forced into finding her whenever she disappeared. She settled the wolf inside and turned to him.
"Draiko down. Madi, how did you know where I was?"
The boy, who was only in his 13th year, was blushing as red as a rose when she exited from the lake fully naked.
"It's not hard when one knows how to track."
Elena stared at the boy. Apparently she needed to learn to cover her tracks more often.
Madi just smiled, " Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I am needed elsewhere."
They both laughed and understood one another completely. Elena whistled for Terendi and he came trotting out of the woods.
"Need a lift home?"
"Thank you My Lady, but I would like to take my time heading back."
Elena rode very slowly back home. She knew she would never hear the end of it and Terendi seemed not ready to go back to the stable. Draiko lobbed loyally beside her, often darting into the bushes after a hare but unsuccessful.
"One day boy, you'll be quick as a cat and able to catch them."
Draiko barked at his mistress and growled a little at the thought of being compared to a cat. Elena just laughed and threw him a piece of jerky from her bag. He gulped it down and lolled his tongue out in satisfaction.
As the place she called home came into view she sighed not wanting to deal with the lashing she was about to get. As she entered the stables and was putting the stallion up her ears caught a glimpse of the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. Terendi and Draiko heard it, too, for both of their attentions were on it. The song called to her wolf and she urged to shift and run to whomever it was. As she walked out of the barn and attempted to find the singer her attention was shortly disrupted at the sound of her very angry mother yelling for her.
"Elena Falen Cousland! Where have you been, and what ARE you wearing?"
"I'm sorry mother, I was just…"
"Oh don't worry about it, just get upstairs and get a bath. For Maker's sake, PUT ON A DRESS!"
Elena just rolled her eyes and started up the steps to her room. 'And so it begins' she thought, 'another year, another headache'.
As she lay in the tub of hot water, mixed with lavender and rosemary, thoughts aroused her of the song she had heard.
"That voice…"
As sleep was about to claim her there was a knock at the door. Draiko was not growling so surely it must be her mother.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Dairren."
Dairren was a noble son of Bann Lorren. Their mothers had attempted on several occasions to try and have them married and had failed.
"I'm in the wash Dairren but you can come in if you want."
The door opened slowly. She did not shy from Dairren seeing her nude for he had been her best friend since childhood and he was actually interested in men. Only she had this secret and would carry it to her death. Dairren would eventually take a wife for it was his duty as a future Bann but he would never be happy.
"I'm sorry to disturb you my friend, but I wished to speak with you without our mother's around."
They both giggled for both were turning 21 this year and their mother's would be more pushy than any of the last tourneys.
"It's ok Dairren, for unless I shave my head and grow a beard I know you will not be a threat."
She picked at him and him at her. Then his face turned a deep shade of red.
"My friend, I have something to tell you."
Elena knew that for Dairren to turn that shade of red it must be either really good or very bad.
"What is it? What's wrong"
"I have found a wife, but mother does not know yet."
Elena was stunned and started to ask the who and when questions but he answered them for her.
"She is of noble blood out of the Nevarra. Her name is Nadea and I met her on one of my father's trading expeditions. We talked for several months via messenger and I explained to her my dilemma of loving men. She has agreed to wed me for duty. She is a widow, her family is desperate for money and she will allow me to take a lover. Elena, it's perfect!"
She was out of the tub and putting on her dress. At the last part of his statement she hugged him so tightly he squeaked.
"My friend, I am so happy for you! Though I cannot say I am jealous, but I am very happy for you."
Dairren took his leave and she was then again, left alone to contemplate her thoughts.
'That voice…'
XOX
Everyone was buzzing in the courtyard. The servants were busy passing out nibblets of food and pouring vast amounts of wine and ale to the noble guests. Eleanor was busy talking with the Ladies and chatting about her shopping sprees over the past year and all the gold spent. Elena sat on a bench with Draiko at her side, listening to all the hustle and bustle of the women catching up. She did not want to be there but she knew that if she were to sneak off again her mother would surely…
"Pardon me, My Lady, but may I sit with you?"
Elena jumped at the sound of a young woman's voice and politely nodded her head.
"I don't know if I will be good company but you are welcome to sit with me and my hound."
Draiko looked up at the young elf and whined. The woman took her bread loaf and gave it to the dog. Draiko happily took it and started eating it.
"There now, no reason a fine hound like you should be deprived of the spoils."
The woman giggled a little and it made Elena smile. Usually, everyone despised Draiko for he was only half Mabari. His mother entangled with an outside hound and he was the only pup to survive. To the kennel master's disapproval and an agreement that the dog never copulate with a Mabari female, Elena took the pup and has raised him since.
"Thank you. He doesn't get much from anyone here other than me. May I ask your name?"
The woman stood up, barely five feet with the most beautiful blue eyes and a dress that left nothing to the imagination for it showed every curve of her body. Elena had to shake her head to keep from staring.
"I am Iona. And you are Lady Elena am I correct?"
Elena was blushing now, 'Why?' she thought to herself.
"Yep, that's me… unfortunately."
Iona just giggled and Elena smiled.
"If I may ask My Lady…"
"Please call me Elena."
"… Elena, why do you sit alone while there is so much socializing going on?"
Elena wanted to tell her the truth, that she hated being a noblewoman, hated being paraded around in a lie but she couldn't.
"I have had the same conversations year after year and it gets rather boring to be honest."
Iona all out laughed this time and quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry My L… Elena, but I truly understand what you mean."
Elena blushed more than ever now. This woman… this elfin woman was actually making HER blush! Iona stood up and curtsied.
"Pardon me, but I must attend to Lady Lorren. Keeping her away from the wine is a job and a half. Perhaps over the next few days we could get to know each other better?"
And with that the petite, blonde haired elf took her leave, but not too quickly and Elena caught herself watching Iona leave and very much liking what she saw.
When the nobles were well drunk and escorted each to his room, the servants slowly began to clean the courtyard for the first of the long nights ahead. Draiko had been waiting patiently for this because now it was his turn to help clean up. Elena did not mind him eating the leftovers for this was only once a year. The servants did not mind it either, any help they could get was greatly appreciated. Elena retired to her room and sat on her window sill. She loved to sit on her window and watch the stars dance in the sky and listen to the owls hoot their nightly songs. She stared up at the waxing moon for the night was clear and all was quiet. She contemplated going back out to the fields, shifting and taking a nightly run but her mind quickly went back to earlier.
'That voice…that beautiful voice'.
Then her thoughts turned to Iona.
"What happened?" she said aloud, "Why was I so… so… childish?"
She had never been that way towards anyone. Usually when she talked with people she kept it to simple conversations unless she was speaking with Tervis. He seemed to be the only one who knew her for who she really was. Just then there was a knock at her door.
"Come in."
It was probably one of the maids bringing Draiko back from feasting. When the door opened she stood up, for it was Iona who was bringing the dog in.
"I don't mean to bother you but the maids were busy and I offered to bring him to you."
Draiko very slowly plopped down in his bed and almost immediately fell asleep. His stomach was bulging and surely would burst open if his breathing were any heavier. Elena had a small grin on her face as she watched the hound fall into a dream.
"Thank you Iona, I appreciate you bringing him here."
Iona nodded her head and turned to walk out but then stopped just short of the door and barely whispered.
"I only wished to see you again."
Elena didn't have time to ask her what she meant before the elf was gone. So there she was again, left alone to contemplate her thoughts. She turned back to the moon and closed her eyes. Before sleep could take her she heard it, 'That voice….'. There it was, that beautiful voice she had heard earlier that day. She could not bring herself to move for fear of losing the song and with that sleep took her.
Elena awoke to the sounds of trumpets blaring and swords clashing. The warriors were practicing for the beginning of the tourney. It would not start until the next day so she knew that she was safe from potential suitors until then. Her mother would be busy showing off the castle to the noblewomen and the men would be busy placing bets on whose warrior was best.
"Time to get up Draiko!"
Snoring…
"Come on boy, you wouldn't want to miss out on the fun would you?"
Draiko lifted his head and snorted. It was obvious the dog was not ready to get up so Elena did not push the issue.
"Well, I'm going for a run with or without you then."
At that the hound stood up and went to the door. She knew just how to manipulate him into getting up. She slid into her riding pants and a light top showing off her midriff of muscle and tanned skin. Her hair was shoulder length and the deepest shade of burgundy. Her eyes were brown that tinged purple the nights her and Tervis worked magic and a bright gold before she shifted. As she was attempting to tame the tangle of mess she called hair, Draiko whined at the door.
"Who is it boy?"
He just whined and scratched at the door.
"Oh alright, I'm sure you have to go with all you ate last night. Just go on and I'll meet you there."
As Elena opened the door she almost ran into Iona.
"Oh excuse me! Wait, what are you doing here?"
Elena noticed that Iona was in casual clothing and blushing. She immediately regretted having such a harsh tone with her.
"I-I'm sor- sorry, it's just that m-my Lady has given me the day t-to myself and I don't know anyone he-here other than…."
Iona stumbled her words and Elena just smiled.
"Ah! it's ok, if you wish you may spend the day with me, though I do not know how much fun you'll have."
Iona smiled, blushing hard and Elena was actually glad she was going to have company. As she and Iona walked through the courtyard Elena turned and asked very slyly,
"So, do you know how to ride?"
