Dragon Age Origins:

Last of the Couslands

Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Dragon Age, its script or characters. Also I make no money from this Fan-fiction.

Previously:

I can feel eyes watching me leave, most likely Arl Howe's so I'm great full to close the doors behind me blocking his view.

My instincts tell me this delay of his troops is just too well timed. I know I must sound a little paranoid but most of our troops are going to Ostagar with my brother, which leaves the castle practically empty when Howe's troops arrive. Easily a good time to stage a coup.

Chapter Two: Giant Rats and a Mabari

I'm so focused on the idea that I nearly bump into Ser Gilmore.

"There you are! Your Mother told me the Teyrn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt."

"Hmm" I say distracted.

"Is everything alright my lady?"

"Yes sorry Ser Gilmore…" I trail off when I hear loud barking. "Is that Max? He's gotten into the kitchen again hasn't he?"

"Yes my lady, I fear your hound has the kitchen in uproar once again."

"Who knows, maybe he has a good reason this time" I grin. Max occasionally enjoys wandering into the kitchens searching for snacks, drives our head cook Nan crazy though.

"Let's hope so, Nan's threatening to leave".

"He's a smart dog. What is it your father used to say? 'Mabari war hounds, smart enough not to talk?"

"Ha Ha, yes my lady."

"Err… before we go see to your hound my lady, might I beg a question?" "I've heard from several people that a Grey Warden is here. Is that true?"

"Yes, it is."

"Then is it also true this Grey Warden was asking after me?"

"Yes, he intends to test you for recruitment. Good luck."

"Many thanks my lady, Can you imagine me a Grey Warden."

"You're a talented warrior I see no reason why he shouldn't recruit you."

"But what if he tries to recruit you? Have you thought about it?"

I don't want to join them, especially not with Arl Howe here. I think he'd be only too pleased if I were to leave the Castle, and be out of the way so he can carry on with whatever it is he's planning.

"Why would he recruit me?"

"Begging your pardon, my lady, but you're no ordinary woman. You're strong, skilled, and easily the equal of any man, on the field or off."

"There are just too many secrets within their order for me to trust joining them. Besides my family has people on these lands we have a responsibility to protect. If I were to become a Grey Warden I'd never be able to return here" The thought of that sends a shudder straight through me.

"True enough"

"Anyway we best go rescue Nan."

"Of course, my lady. Lead on".


As soon as we reach the kitchen I can hear Nan cursing and screaming at my dog, who responds by increasing the volume of his barks.

"Whoa, easy Max" I say opening the door.

"That hound should be in the kennels, not wandering the castle!" shouts Nan.

"Sorry Nan I was meeting my father. I'll go see what's bothering him".

"Bothering him. He's bothering me!"

"Err... calm down, good woman. We've come to help." says Ser Gilmore

"Deal with him then" she says walking off.

As we open the door into the Larder I find Max still barking at something in the corner of the room.

"Are you trying to tell me something boy?" He must be, since he's not eating any of the food.

Max spins around excitedly in response.

I smile at that, Max has been with me since he was a puppy. My pick of the best litter from the kennels here at Highever.

I see something move out of the corner of my eye, accompanied by a small scurrying sound.

"Rats!" I yell, unsheathing my sword.

Giant rats, well big ones anyway. At least it's not spiders, Maker I hate spiders. Yes I know they're not usually big creatures but some are poisonous, and I've heard tales of giant ones living underground in caves and such.


"Good boy Max" I say calling him over once we'd dealt with the rats.

"You were protecting Nan from the rats weren't you boy."

"Woof!" he barks spinning around and wagging his stubby tail.

"Those were rats from the Korcari Wilds. Best not to tell Nan, she's upset enough as it is."

"I know, but if don't she'll just blame Max for making trouble".

"Well, it's up to you my lady but I need to be on my way. I'm to prepare for the arrival of more of the Arl's men."

"Goodbye Ser Gilmore"

"My lady." He says nodding his head.


After he's gone I lead Max back into the kitchen.

"No need to worry Nan. Max was actually being helpful. He found some rats in the larder, not small ones either".

"Hmph, probably lead them in there in the first place!" she rants.

"Not likely, these ones were from the Korcari Wilds".

"Hmm" she says looking at Max distrustfully "And how are you my lady? Been keeping safe and well behaved, I hope?"

"That would be boring" I grin.

Nan's worked in the castle for years, helped raise me and Fergus. Stern but fair, maker knows she had to be. Think it must have drove her to near madness, when the only daughter of House Cousland refused to act like the polite young lady. This included refusing to wear dresses and visiting other nobles. Especially when my mother had that certain glint in her eyes, meaning she'd found a potential suitor for me once I'd come of age.

"And that's why you made you Nanny old before her time"

Nan tells me the story about Hohaku, a pride full Mabari who abused his power by bullying his tribes people.

"Don't worry Nan I value wisdom over power anyway. Besides any power I do hold is because of the people of Highever, I'll never forget that"

"I know, it's a story worth repeating though. But you're far too old now for an old woman to be reminding you to watch how you behave, hmm?"

"Thank you anyway Nan"

"Be off with you, then. Tell your brother farewell before he rides off to war".


Just trying to build up some background story for Cousland. Another chapter is already drafted, also I have no real schedule for uploading new chapters so at least once every two weeks or once a month.

Any mistakes noticed, message or leave a review so I can edit them, thanks.