At the Warden campfire in Ostagar….
"Isn't that Teyrn Cousland's daughter? What was her name?" one of the soldiers asked, looking at the young woman from across the courtyard as she trained with some of the other soldiers. Training was all that helped her to think clearly, to keep her mind free of her grief- even if only for a moment. The soldiers watched as she kicked her sparring partner in the chest, knocking him back. She put the point of her blade at his throat and huffed, a little out of breath. She sheathed her sword, helped the man up and bowed before she went to go and sit by the fire near the Warden tents.
The soldier next to him nodded. "Aye, that's Elissa. I heard tell that her family was murdered in the castle, betrayed by Arl Howe. They say when the darkspawn are defeated, good King Cailan is going to have him hanged for his crimes."
"That poor girl. She came straight here after her family was murdered, didn't she?" another soldier asked, joining in on the gossip.
The others nodded and they stared at Elissa as she sat by the fire, her faithful mabari, Reokai, at her side.
As they continued to murmur amongst themselves, Alistair came walking by. He had only just met the girl, but news of what happened in Highever spread like a Blight. He glared at the soldiers as he walked by them and went to join Elissa by the fire.
"So, Elissa, have you met with the other recruits?" he asked, sitting next to her. Reokai growled at him gently, warning him not to come closer to her.
"Easy, boy." Elissa told him. Reokai shifted closer to his mistress, nudging his head under her arm so that he could lay his head on her lap. Elissa looked at Alistair. "I have. They are an interesting sort. Jory's wife lives in Highever, though I do not think I've met her, and Daveth is…. Well, he is interesting to say the least. I would not oppose to their company suffice it to say."
Alistair looked at her. She seemed to have a cautious way about her, guarded and unwilling to let herself too close to anyone. It was understandable after what had happened to her family. "I take it they needed to finish up a few things before they came to meet us?"
Elissa nodded curtly, then stood. "Aye, they will join us here soon." As she turned and started to walk away, Alistair stood and made to follow her.
"Where you going?"
Elissa stopped and glared at him. "I need some air is all, so I am going to find a nice quiet spot to think."
Alistair flinched at the tone she used, but he knew he had stepped over a very thin line. "Of course, I—I didn't mean to offend."
Elissa's eyes softened and she offered him a weary smile. "It's alright. You have to look after us recruits. You're just doing your job. I'm sorry I was so harsh."
Alistair looked at her, confused. "That's not what— I was just—"
"Alistair, don't worry. I'll be nearby, I promise. I'll leave Reokai with you so that you can find me when you need me." Elissa knelt down and gave the mabari a treat. "Now, Reo, you be a good boy and keep Alistair company. Be nice and try to get to know him better, understood? We'll be travelling with him a lot soon."
Reokai barked happily and licked her cheek as he accepted the treat and went to stand by Alistair. Elissa stood and walked away, towards an area that was clear of weapons and soldiers and where the only company she would have were the statues. Alistair watched as she disappeared around a bend. He looked down at the mabari and smiled when he saw him wagging his tail and looking at him with those intelligent and insightful eyes that all mabari have.
"Well, boy, looks like it's just you and me for a bit." He said and went to sit by the fire with the mabari.
Finally alone and in peace and quiet, Elissa stood in the center of an open chamber with one of the practice dummies. She drew her sword and shield and attacked the dummy, letting her anger and grief flow through her body and into the tip of her family's sword as she imagined she was facing off against Howe. She kept attacking, smirking as each swing and shield bash struck the dummy with ease and precision. It had been seventeen days since she had fled her home and left her mother and father to be finished off by Howe's men, but the memory of it was just as clear as if it had only just happened moments ago. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to shut out the images and the sounds as the memory of that night played in her mind, over and over again, forcing her to stop her training.
Elissa had been called into the great hall by her father, Teyrn Bryce Cousland. As she made her way through the halls to the great hall, she looked around and smiled. She knew the walls of Highever Castle well, having lived by their protection all her life. She touched the ancient stone and wondered where each one had come from- if they had been from a mountain or if they were carved out of the very earth she walked upon and cut into the foundations of her home.
Coming upon the door into the great hall, she opened and entered inside to be greeted by her father and Arl Howe./em em"/ememI'm sorry, pup, I didn't see you there." Bryce said. "Howe, you remember my daughter?"
Howe nodded. "I see she's become a lovely young woman. Pleased to see you again, my dear."
Elissa smiled and bowed her head. "It is good to see you as well, Arl Howe."
"My son Thomas asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him along with me the next time." Howe said.
Elissa's smile faded a bit at that. "Forgive me, Arl Howe, but I have no interest in an arranged marriage."
Bryce sighed and shook his head, a weary smile upon his face that would tell anyone that this was certainly not the first time Elissa had stated this, nor would it be the last. "See what I contend with, Howe? There's no telling my fierce girl anything these days, Maker bless her heart."
"Quite talented, indeed. One to watch." Howe replied, a slight harshness to his tone.
"I would simply prefer to choose a husband for myself, is all, Father." Elissa said, then turned to the arl. "Please, do forgive me if I offend, Thomas is a nice lad, but I must choose my future for myself. I hope that you can understand?"
Howe nodded. "Of course, my dear girl. Though, that won't stop Thomas from trying."
Elissa smiled at that. "I'd expect no less."
"At any rate, pup," Bryce said, "I summoned you for a reason. While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."
"Are you certain, Father?" Elissa asked him, looking at him with concern.
"Only a small token force is remaining here and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?" her father replied. "There is also someone that you must meet. Please… show Duncan in."
A guardsman opened one of the side doors into the great hall and a man that Elissa had never seen before entered the room."It is an honour to be a guest in your halls, Teryn Cousland." The man replied.
"Your Lordship, you didn't mention that a grey Warden would be present." Howe exclaimed.
"Duncan only arrived just recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?" Bryce asked his old friend.
"Of course not, but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am… at a disadvantage." Howe replied.
"We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that's true." Bryce said, then turned to Elissa. "Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I hope?"
Elissa nodded. "Of course, Father. They defeated the Blight long ago and saved Ferelden and humanity from extinction."
Duncan sighed and shook his head. "Not completely, I fear."
"Without their warning of the darkspawn rising now, half the nation could have been overrun before we'd had a chance to react." Bryce added. "Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore."
"If I might be so bold," Duncan said, "I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate."
Bryce stepped between the Warden and his daughter, suddenly very protective of her in that moment. "Honour though that might be, this is my daughter we are talking about."
"Father, is there a reason that I shouldn't join them? Grey Wardens are great warriors and protect the whole of Thedas. It would be more than an honour to serve amongst their ranks." Elissa said.
"You did just finish saying that grey Wardens are heroes, old friend." Howe pointed out.
"I've not so many children that I'll gladly see them all off to battle." Bryce stated, meaning to end that part of the discussion. He then looked to Duncan and added, "Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription…?"
Duncan shook his head. "Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intention on forcing the issue."
Bryce nodded curtly and turned back to Elissa. "Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I am gone?"
Elissa nodded. "Of course, Father."
Bryce smiled and kissed her forehead. "That's a good girl. In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me."
"Do you know where to find him?" Elissa asked.
"I expect he'll be in his chambers, saying farewell to his wife and my grandson. Now, be a good lass and do as I've asked. We'll talk soon, I promise."