Twilight's Symphony
Chapter I
- Author's Rambling –
So, I'm on my third run-through on Dragon Age and I have to say I absolutely love it. I think it's my favorite game thus far, and Alistair is just adorable. I love him.
And so, like a good fangirl, I'm going to attempt to write a good romance/drama/action story with the CouslandPC/Alistair pairing. :3 And lucky you get to enjoy the fluffish fruits of my labor.
As a forewarning, I changed around the beginning a bit and the appearance as a sort of original take on it. And there will be come dialogue/events from the game.
And because I believe in visuals making the story come to life, I'll have pictures up on my profile shortly.
R&R and Enjoy.
A Royal Welcome
"Ostagar? Father, are you sure?"
"Yes, pup. The King's men and the Grey Wardens are risking their lives to defend the rest of Ferelden against those beasts. I want you to bring them hope and comfort. Maker knows they need it."
Teyrn Bryce Cousland sat in his study, quill in hand, as he wrote a response letter to the King and General Loghain. Around him was a clutter of lore based around the Darkspawn and Blight, with a few papers scattered about. Opposite of him stood a young woman with long ebony hair that cascaded in waves down her back and stopped just above the center of her spine. Her frame was slim and curvy through the noble's attire she wore and her eyes blue as the sea, and sometimes just as fierce. But now, she looked to her father with concern.
"Besides," he continued, looking up from the parchment for but a moment; a small smirk coming across his aged features. "I thought you wanted to have some excitement."
"I-I do," she responded, a little startled that her father would let her join in the excitement this time. "But what about Mother? And the castle? I thought you said I should stay here to protect it."
"We both know your mother can protect herself perfectly well," he chuckled. "And you'll be back before we set out with Howe."
Finishing up the note, he reached into the cage beside him that housed a handsome looking hawk and let it climb on his gloved hand before gently attaching the note around the bird's leg. "Ostagar." He commanded and brought his arm up, to which the hawk let out a call and flew off out of the open window.
"They need your voice, Isabelle," he continued as he folded his hands in front of him and looked back to his daughter. "You have a gift, pup. You should use it to heighten those brave men's and women's spirits."
"Yes, Father." Belle agreed with a soft nod, though she didn't feel any better about leaving her family.
"That's my girl."
"I hope I'm not intruding," an aged, familiar voice came from the doorway and Belle turned to see Arl Howe. A small shiver went up her spine, though she hid it well. Her father and the Arl had been friends for a very long time and served under the previous King together with General Loghain to drive out the Orlesians… but she didn't trust the man. Never did.
"Ah, Howe! Not at all. I was just telling my daughter about her trip to Ostagar tomorrow morning," the Teyrn smiled and stood to walk over to Howe and welcome his old friend.
"Ah, yes. You will be singing for men and women there, no?" The man turned to Belle.
"Yes. It's an honor." She smiled politely.
"Indeed it is. Give my regards to General Loghain, would you?"
"Of course."
"Now, pup, the Arl and I have matters to discuss. I believe your mother was looking for you. And you should pack for tomorrow's trip." The Teyrn interjected kindly.
"Yes, father," Belle bowed her head to him and looked to Howe with a small polite smile. "It was a pleasure seeing you again, Arl."
"The pleasure is all mine… my lady." He nodded in her direction and watched as she walked down the hall and disappeared from sight.
- - - - - - - -
Ostagar. It was unusually cheery today, considering the albeit small but sad loss of a small party of soldiers that were sent to scout the wilds. The Darkspawn were growing closer with each passing day and becoming more daring. Twice already a courageous – or perhaps stupid – few of the beasts would find their way into the King's Army's camp and were dispatched rather quickly. The ones on the outside, however, proved more of a problem, and more were being seen each day. This only meant one thing: The horde was coming.
Though, no one seemed to pay much mind. King Cailan in particular was apparently awaiting the horde eagerly. The Army had gone up against them before and had beaten them back into the heart of the Kocari Wilds, "like beaten dogs" he would say. Many doubted the threat of the so-called Great Blight, if this even was one. The Grey Wardens, however, were cautious to believe such carelessness.
But today was different. Today, there was going to be a special guest that was gracious enough to travel far from Highever to bring courage to the army and mourn the losses.
"Wait, so—who is this woman? Nobility?"
"Yes. She is Teyrn Cousland's only daughter. Isabelle. And I want you on your best behavior, Alistair."
"Of course, Duncan. When am I not?"
Duncan sighed as he walked alongside the blonde. There were so many possible answers to that question, it was best to just leave it alone. Stopping short of the way to the front path leading into Ostagar, he turned to Alistair. "King Cailan wants only him and I to greet her so she's not overwhelmed right away. Go find Daveth and Ser Jory and meet with the rest of the men and women in the camp. We will be there shortly after she arrives."
"Yes," Alistair nodded and saluted Duncan before walking off to find the new recruits. Though, he was curious about the Cousland Lady. From how a few others spoke of her, she was some kind of rose with thorns.
--
"Ah, there she is," King Cailan grinned as four or five horses with riders could be seen coming through the trees. In the middle was a petite figure robed in a white cloak atop a palomino. Surrounding her were her guards from Highever.
Admittedly, Belle hated the fact that her father sent a small group of guards with her. Granted, she was nobility, but she could also look after herself quite well with the skills her mother had taught her… and the bit she learned on the side. But, she was glad that at least Ser Gilmore was with her, who was leading in front of her. He was more like a second brother than a guard and quite comfortable to be around.
"Wh—The King?" Ser Gilmore questioned low enough for only the small party to hear him.
"What?" Belle blinked and peeked around him to see King Cailan standing there with a man she didn't recognize.
"Lady Cousland!" Cailan called merrily as the party came to a stop before them. Ser Gilmore and the guards flanking her dismounted.
"Y-Your Majesty!" Belle called in return, donning a surprised expression. Ser Gilmore came around to her side to help her off, but was interrupted by Cailan approaching.
"May I?"
"O-of course, your Majesty," he answered, bowing and stepping out of the way for him. Cailan stepped in where Ser Gilmore was and outstretched his arms for Belle with a small grin. She blushed lightly, but obliged and carefully swung her opposite leg around to sit side-saddle before placing her hands on his well-armored shoulders before jumping down. Cailan gently caught her around the waist and set her down on her feet.
"Thank you. I wasn't expecting…" Her voice trailed off as she let go and removed the cloak's hood from her head.
"I wasn't going to miss greeting you myself," he smiled and let go of her waist. "Especially when so many speak so highly of you… and I see they were not exaggerating about your beauty."
Belle blushed with a small smile and bowed, her long ebony locks cascading around her as she did. "You're too kind, your Majesty."
"Come, there's someone your father wanted you to meet," she rose and Cailan ushered her to Duncan, who bowed his head. "My Lady."
"This is Duncan, leader of the Grey Wardens here at Ostagar."
"Nice to finally meet you, Duncan," she smiled. "My father speaks very highly of you and the Grey Wardens."
"I'm honored, your Grace."
"Now, I'm sure the men and women are eager to see you. Loghain will be around later, I'm sure." Cailan said rather annoyed at the name, but brushed it aside for the moment.
"Let's go meet your adoring fans."