A Lady and Her Gentleman
This is a series of snippets in no particular story order regarding the romance between the newly recruited Lady Erilys Cousland and the Grey Warden Alistair. **Caution Heavy End Game Spoilers**
Snippet 2: Arriving at Ostagar
There seemed to be so much land ahead of them though the ruins were finally coming into view. From the fallen House of Cousland did she and Duncan journey. They had been constantly moving and her bones ached as did her heart. Like bandits fleeing into the night, the grey warden and the initiate disappeared into the darkness leaving fire and death far behind them. There had been no horses or carriages to make the journey pleasant. Her mabari, however, was quite content to continue to happily trot along on foot. Erilys had been thankful for the mindless movement although her feet were beyond sore thanks to the miles upon miles they seemed to have journeyed. Perhaps she would be allowed to collapse just outside Ostagar and some dashing young warrior would take pity on her and carry her and ceremoniously lay her tender body down on some nice comfortable bedroll?
"Why look at this poor beautiful warrior of a woman who has fallen at my feet! Come gentle maiden, I come to thee and shall warm your bones. I have some broth that shall ease your heart and make you feel whole again."
Even such silly thoughts as these could make her blush in the chill weather.
Duncan looked back at her, as she had been lagging behind, and he beckoned her to his side as he stopped in his step. For some reason she couldn't quite meet his gaze. She hadn't been sure what to make of the man that had stood beside her father. He had kept to himself and his voice had been kind. Was she to think of him as a savior? She wasn't so sure what to believe anymore.
"I will have to send for a mage to look after you once we are within the ruins of Ostagar. I apologize for the urgency in which we traveled but we could not afford to stop lest the darkspawn begin their attacks sooner than expected."
Erilys blinked up to him with a confused look, her breath clouded from her parted lips, "I appreciate your concern, my lord, but other than aching muscles and perhaps a blister I am fine."
"Ah. You looked red with fever. Still, we cannot afford any delays once we arrive. If you should begin to feel ill let me know."
Sweet Maker's breath! Erilys managed a smile while curdling and withering inside her armor with embarrassment. "Of course." How sweet she sounded!
They had finally arrived at the ruins where they were personally greeted, to her surprise, by King Cailan Therin. He had been as pleasant as the stories from her father, the late Teryn Cousland, had said. Cailan had been charming and full of such optimism that even she had felt herself smiling in return. She knew her part to play then, as her mother was so kind to instruct her in courtly manners. Right on cue her smile had grown sad, one hand had been daintily placed over her heart as the other gestured slightly by her side, as she explained what had transpired thanks to the treacherous Arl Rendon Howe.
Perhaps it had been unnecessary but regardless she was pleased that the kind king had promised justice. Her eyes had grown dark as she thought to the future, a wonderful and magnanimous setting to come where Arl Howe was hanging lifeless from an executioner's noose. Or perhaps the guillotine would be employed. Hmm.
Erilys was saddened that even while in Ostagar no rest was to be had. She had lived her life free of being the selfish little noble but she was edging closer to just dropping to her knees and laying back in the cold dirt in protest. Proper decorum be damned! Duncan had been nice enough to take Atticus off her hands while he had sent her on an errand. Poor sweet Atticus looked so sad that the mean old Duncan had taken him from his darling master. Spoiled beast. He was probably already curled up by the burning fires with roasted mutton being thrown from every which way.
Alistair. Alistair. Alistair. She mournfully looked around, eyebrow arched. "He will be at the old temple I think… You will know when you find him." Such a simple enough task yet the vagueness was enough to make her want to choke her savior, the sweet, sweet Duncan. How ominous it sounded too. What would make someone stand out to make them obvious to one's own eye? She couldn't help but impishly grin at how resigned Duncan had seemed when sending her off to find this other Grey Warden. Perhaps this Alistair was someone likely to get into trouble. Or perhaps this troublesome man had a habit of dipping his quill in forbidden ink. Or perhaps he was as big as a bear and just as hairy. To be given such a mundane and uninteresting task; the least she could do was muse on silly things to keep her mind occupied. Oh look, a chicken.
She couldn't help but marvel at the majesty the ruins commanded. Ivy delicately clung to the skeletal stone walls as if it were a devoted lover clinging to its dying paramour. It was a shame tents upon tents had littered the area around the walls and whatever buildings were still standing. There was so much going around the ruined fortress it was enough to disorient anyone not accustomed to so much restless movement. Priests were offering chants and prayers to those that would listen. While mages and nurses were frantically tending to the wounded as archers and soldiers were practicing before the battle began.
How misplaced they all seemed to be.
As Erilys made her way toward the temple she could hear shouting. Someone wasn't pleased. Perhaps she pegged this Alistair correctly: trouble to the t. The young woman tried to be inconspicuous as she made her way toward the shouting but she realized there wasn't any need. A mage seemed to be enjoying berating the younger man clad in splint mail. Or she assumed he was younger since his back was facing her. And what a nice backside it was. Must act a lady… Who's a lady? I'm a lady. Pure as snow. Yes… snow.
The young man turned his face to the side and Erilys couldn't help but, as she would say, politely stare at the wonders the Maker had made. It would be impolite to not be thankful for such things she often convinced herself. She did so appreciate a handsome face but she wasn't here to court young men. Oh no, no, no. Lady Erilys Cousland of Highever was here to do battle and fight darkspawn. As her eyes followed the line of the warrior's jaw she couldn't help but muse that it couldn't be so bad to admire such nice things along the way. It certainly made things more interesting and who wanted to be bored? Erilys could act the part of the sweet battle-maiden since she had come of age all the while keeping such charming delectable thoughts to herself. All such things were nice and locked away where no one could ever hope to peek. It was the proper thing to do after all.
So lost in thought was she that she hadn't noticed the mage rudely bump into her as he stormed off. At least she had a better view of the younger man's face. His brown eyes were focused on hers and his lips were moving. Ah sweet virginity. How it makes one want to taste the cup of desire so badly. So, so, so badly… The warrior smiled at her expectantly and then it dawned on her. Quick! Think! It must have been a question! Answer with haste and ladylike composure!
"Oh yes." Erilys smiled prettily at him and tilted her head slightly as she regarded him. He definitely seemed to like her answer. Thank the Maker. He seemed so much younger than she; perhaps it was thanks to his attitude: all smiles despite the dread and anxiety regarding the battle to come. But she welcomed the cocked eyebrow and wry grin that seemed quite at home on that handsome face of his. She inwardly sighed. Erilys Cousland wasn't some heart struck whimsical damsel waiting to be swept off her feet once she spied a handsome warrior. She stomped down heavily on such thoughts with all her might. Her smile became strained though thankfully he didn't seem to notice.
"So… It cannot be everyday one gets to be lectured by a grumpy old mage." Smile sweetly. Eye him prettily. What am I doing? She glowered and his grin seemed only to get wider.
"Well what can I say? I attract all kinds of attention. Once a charming templar always a charming templar."
I'll say. She courteously coughed and smiled politely.
"So are you… Yes, you must be! The Grey Warden recruit Duncan had sent word of?" His eyes seemed to lighten up as he took a step forward. Erilys continued to smile as she took a step back.
"Ah, yes." She couldn't fathom how the message could have reached this place before they did. Perhaps they had a horse. She wasn't going to dwell on it however. "Lady Erilys Cousland of Highever. A pleasure to meet you…?" The noblewoman looked at him quizzically as she left the inquiry in the air.
"Alistair, at your service. So… you are Teryn Cousland's daughter, yes? I guess it shows you how bleak a situation it is if Duncan must recruit someone so… high in the chained web of nobility."
She fought the urge to flinch and her face hardened to keep the pain from rising to the surface. "I wasn't left with much of a choice, I'm afraid. House Cousland could be no more and I'm afraid there is naught I can do to restore it."
The Grey Warden placed a hand on her shoulder, and she couldn't help but look up into those warm eyes of his. He really was handsome. "I don't know the circumstances that brought you here, my lady. But know that you aren't alone here. We'll do our best to make you feel welcome. Who knows! Maybe the darkspawn will join in our cheer up session. Not only holding hands, but singing songs! I do hope they know a good limerick or two. I love limericks!"
Erilys politely tried to hide a chuckle behind gloved fingertips, "You are too much, my lord." How demure she could be! Her smile was genuine and he couldn't help but return it in kind.
"Oh no. Please don't do that. I've never cared much for formalities. Just Alistair. Please. I may be your senior warden but I'm not about to have you calling me any sort of title." He visibly shivered, shaking his head to add dramatic effect. "You, though, you are of noble blood. Would it be too bold of me if I referred to you as simply Erilys? Or will it be Lady Erilys or would 'my lady' suffice?"
There was something about how he said "my lady". The way his tongue seemed to wrap itself deliciously around those two simple words was positively sinful. Erilys knew she was letting her head run away with her brain. Ah that wonderful brain, how she missed it. "I suppose Lady Erilys will have to do for now for propriety's sake although I am quite partial to my lady if you insist." And extremely partial to the most beautiful lady I have ever laid eyes on, please come this way and let me kiss you till you are a smoldering pile of ash. My how long that sounds. She smiled politely.
"Come along then, Lady Erilys. We musn't keep good kind Duncan waiting, lest he bristles up and starts a lecture or two on the importance of punctuality." Alistair gave a heartfelt smile as he gestured for her to follow beside him as they made their way back into the mass of tents.
He thoughtfully scratched his chin as they walked along, "You know I didn't think he'd have recruited a woman." Erilys couldn't help but arch an eyebrow in response. "Ah no, no don't misunderstand me! I mean nothing by it, honestly. It is… just sort of odd how we don't ever seem to have many female grey wardens. Women can be just as formidable with a blade and then some."
Lady Cousland shot Alistair an incredulous glance, "You know this first hand?"
Alistair seemed to really enjoy that, the way he grinned deepened his dimples greatly and Erilys forced herself to look away. Staring when one was facing or beside you was incredibly impolite after all. "No can't say that I do. We can remedy that however. Let's have ourselves a little duel and see who comes out on top." Oh sweet Maker…
Erilys was suddenly filled completely with cold dread and odd anticipation. Was he flirting with her, she wondered. The young noblewoman had learned she wasn't nearly as clever as she had thought she had been three summers prior when Thomas Howe had come over to visit with Fergus. When they were alone with each other she couldn't help but stumble over her words accidentally insulting him in the process. Apparently being called beady eyed, then later hawk nosed, and big footed was a bit much. If only she had understood the innuendo properly instead of following Fergus's advice. Say it straight he says. Never again.
She painted a suitable smile on her face as Erilys hoped she was grasping at the correct words as a proper lady would. "Name your weapon of choice and perhaps we shall see who is the stronger at sex."
"Excuse me what?"
"I said who is the stronger sex."
"Ah." He politely coughed. How adorable he was at blushing.
Erilys couldn't help but be disappointed that the rest of the walk towards Duncan's whereabouts was in polite and awkward silence. She had stolen a few glances at her senior warden and he seemed lost in thought each and every time. Perhaps he was thinking that he'd have a talk with Duncan to reconsider his judgment regarding his most recent choice in recruits. She couldn't help but scowl at that thought. She was formidable when she had to be and had proven herself a true warrior defending her home with what little help she had.
Alistair came to a halt and motioned for Erilys to pass through the crumbling pillars before them. There before the blazing pyre stood Duncan, his hands neatly and calmly held before him. Nearby beside him were two others, an older gentleman who seemed to concentrate looking into the blaze. The way he held himself presented an image of honor and respect. Then the younger leaner individual was too happy to let his eyes wander over the noblewoman, something she hadn't missed. She quickly clenched her jaw and looked resolutely at Duncan, anything to fight more blushing. Why was it so hard for her to act normal?
But was it her fault there were really far too many handsome men roaming the world outside Highever. She truly regretted never venturing much outside its walls. Perhaps she'd be properly prepared against leers and the like. Ho hum.
The atmosphere around the campfire seemed to change suddenly. Duncan cast an unreadable look at each of the recruits. "You have all made it here. You see that an army has been brought here to fight a battle of darkspawn, the likes the world has not seen in four centuries." He quickly turned his back to them, the fire was more than happy to have his attention. "We Grey Wardens are truly the only ones capable of ending a blight. It is a responsibility we have carried since the first of our kind. Now, however, there are only a few wardens left in all of Fereldan and you three may yet join our ranks. Yet…"
Alistair cleared his throat, "There is one final step you must take before you are welcomed into our brotherhood. Our order." Erilys couldn't help but notice the pride that shone in his firelit face.
The lady politely and meekly raised a hand, "What would you have us do, my lord?"
Two simpler words should not have been capable of sending her hairs to stand on end, nor fill her with cold and twisted dread.
"The Joining."
This snippet is dedicated to my dear and lovely best friend, Icey_cold. You are my muse's inspiration and without you, her fire would have burnt out long ago. Thank you for being such an important factor in my life. I love you, dearly.