[A/N: So, here's chapter 3! Six thousand words and 15 pages. Not impressive at all, I know. But here it is. Quick note: Foreign languages are in italics. Peace!]


Chapter Three


"Parry!" I roared at the boy. His face laced with sweat, Felkand tried to obey. When I stabbed for his chest he brought up his greatsword and intercepted my blade. Vigilance was knocked away at an angle, creating an opening for Felkand to win the duel. Unfortunately for the Templar recruit, he was too timid to try and take it. But I was not the only one who noticed that.

"Ah, fer crying out loud!" Oghren barked from the sidelines. "Are you seriously considering this nughumper for your troops Val? I thought the Silver Order was for the best of the best!"

"It is Oghren. That's why we're here." I shot back. Unfortunately, he was right. While most people believed the Silver Order was the entirety of Amaranthine's soldiers, it wasn't. There was no way that all the men and women would be able to wear the heavy silverite armour, not to mention to harsh training I had instituted for them as well. Well, the mages in the Order didn't have to wear heavy armour, but that was different. Thus, I tried my best to personally test and train all the eligible candidates for the Order. I didn't care if they were looked down on. I didn't care if they were a mage. I only cared if they could stand. They would fight for the people of Amaranthine, and they would do a damn good job of it. I was even thinking of getting the Silver Order to integrate some of the better elven warriors in Ferelden. Speaking of the elves, I saw my opening in Felkand's concentration when one of the knife-fighters I had recruited into the Grey Wardens showed up. Belden was an elf from Highever who had escaped Howe's culls. He'd found his way to me after the Blight, and I let him join after he demonstrated his skill on a pair of highwaymen. Felkand was so surprised when a random elf suddenly appeared behind me he let his mouth gape for just a moment. But it was just a moment I needed.

"Ack!" Felkand cried out as Vigilance passed under his arm.

"You must pay attention!" I tried to drill it into the boy's mind.

"Yes ser." He whispered. "Focus only on my opponent."

"No!" I shook my head. "Never just your opponent. What if Belden had actually been trying to kill you? If you focus only on me, he would have no problem. And if you focus only on him, an actual enemy would have put their sword through you, not past you. Understand?"

"I- actually, I do. Thank you ser." Felkand smiled. I smiled back. The boy was finally starting to get it.

"Go have a rest. You deserve it." I clapped him on the back. Felkand stood there for a few moments before bowing heavily to me and scurrying off towards the barracks. Once he was out of sight I let my exhaustion show. I leaned forwards, propping my arms on my knees and panted heavily.

"He that good Commander?" Belden chuckled swaggering up to me.

"No. Well, not yet at least." I gasped. "Templars trained him well."

"Oh? Then I guess you've just let yourself get fat then? No other excuse." Belden waggled a finger.

"Hey! Shaddup elf!" Oghren shouted, taking a swig from his waterskin. "Val's day started with darkspawn, then travelling, then training! I think even he's gonna be tired by now!"

"Thank you Oghren." I stretched back and slowly walked over to the boxes a few men had set up as benches. Most had left now that the fight was over, but they hadn't moved their makeshift seats. I plunked myself down, wincing as my ass hit down on the hard metal of my armour.

"Ha!" Oghren guffawed as he saw my expression. He chuckled a little more before handing me his drink. I undid my helmet and let it drop of my head before accepting it with a deep gulp of dwarven alcohol. Blinking the tears from my eyes, I surveyed the battlefield. Felkand had panicked when I drew my sword and had stumbled out of the Keep and into the field, where most of the fight had taken place. The only other place we had gone into were the stables, which was why I was going to need Wade to hammer a hoof print out of my armour.

"Belden!" I waved the elf over.

"Aye Commander?" He asked as he strolled towards us.

"Why are you walking around in the middle of the night anyway?" I asked.

"Couldn't sleep." Belden shrugged. "Though I could ask you why you are training a Templar in the middle of the night."

"Felt like it." I shrugged back. "Could you find Velanna and Nate for me? Tell them to meet me at the Hall."

"Ah, I'm sorry Commander. I swore once to never take orders from a shem again." Belden smiled playfully.

"I am so sorry oh great Warden Belden." I grinned. "When it pleases your lordship, could I recommend a course of action that involves meeting two other Wardens and sending them on their way to me in the room with the large fire?"

"Of course. Thank you for asking." Belden waved over his head as he trotted away.

"How the sodding hell do you managed to stand all your Wardens?" Oghren asked incredulously, staring at Belden's receding back.

"It's simple really. Make them all your friend. Whether they want to or not." I slapped a hand on Oghren's shoulder. "Though I don't think most of them could stand to be near you too long, my friend."

"Sodding explanations." Oghren hissed into his drink. "Get on yer way Val, I'll see you tomorrow. I'm sodding tired."

"Good night Oghren." I watched the dwarf's receding form until he too disappeared into the dark. Picking myself up off the bench, I secured Vigilance in it's sheathe and headed back towards the Hall. I raised my eyebrow at the guard on duty as I walked past him standing next to an unlit lantern.

"Something seem wrong here soldier?" I asked nonchalantly. The man gave me a confused look before looking at the doused lantern and the torch in his hand. One plus one equals two, of course.

"Ah! Forgive me Commander!" He spluttered, quickly lighting the lantern.

"Good man. Once your replacement comes, make a quick run through the Keep and light all of the lanterns that went out." I gave him his orders.

"There are more ser?" He asked.

"I don't know. That will be your job to find out." I told him. He responded with a salute, crossing his right arm over his chest. I returned it and continued on. I passed by the kitchens, and from inside I could hear loud snoring as well as someone or something tearing into something fleshy.

"Solomon! Heel!" I called out. Sure enough, the massive brown-furred mabari came charging out to greet me.

"Are Cook's sausages really worth being chased with a cleaver?" I chuckled, kneeling down to get on-level with the dog. He barked happily, licking his lips greedily.

"Of course they are." I sighed. "Come on boy, let's go see Nate and Velanna." Solomon wagged his tail lively. The mabari had gotten used to Morrigan being mean to him outside, but sneaking him treats in camp. So when Solomon had encountered Velanna, he had immediately placed her in the position of Mean-Sometimes-Nice-Mostly mage. And Velanna had more than lived up to his expectations.

"MY SAUSAGES!" A very loud, very angry voice screamed from the kitchens. "MUTT! WHERE ARE YOU?" I blanched. I was not ready to face Cook's wrath right now, so I bolted. Solomon followed behind me, although he was a bit more joyful. The dog frolicked through the paths, tail wagging constantly.

"You are far too proud of that." I chastised him. He responded by letting his tongue sag out one side of his mouth.

"Ack! You are horrible!" I told him, rubbing his head. "Come on. You'll want to be in a good place to hide when Cook comes a-calling."

"Ser!" One of the guards for the hall cried out. "Good thing you're hear! Wardens Nathaniel and Velanna are here already ser, and may I say Warden Velanna does not look too happy?"

"You may." I told him. "I didn't call her here to be happy."

"You've got more guts than the entire Ferelden army ser." The other guard laughed.

"And an ego to go with it!" I shot at him. I enjoyed this, the talking and joking with my soldiers. My father had been grooming me for two things: To marry a girl of good standing so I'd still be important, or to become a leader in the army. I would have chosen the army every time, especially if it meant no arranged marriage to a girl like Habren Bryland. Although my father probably didn't want me to be fraternizing with common soldiers. I let the two guards open the doors for me and I strolled in, Solomon nearly bouncing next to me. Velanna and Nate stood around the map table with Varel, near the Arl's throne, which was really just a fancy chair. Surprisingly, Zevran stood off in the corner, spinning a dagger between his fingers.

"Thank you all for coming." I started as I circled the fire pit. Velanna gave me a sharp look, but Nathaniel looked alright with the situation.

"What do you need Commander?" Nate asked, turning to face me. I stood on one end of the map table and let Nate, Varel and Velanna find places on other sides.

"Well, as I'm sure you know we finally found The Last. With it's death, that's the last of the Disciples. We've killed a lot of darkspawn in the past year, and even more during the Blight. So I have a plan." I explained to them. The prospect of what I was saying apparently shook Velanna out of her angry trance. That, or Solomon rubbing himself like a giant cat against her leg. The Dalish kneeled down next to him and scratched his side.

"I'm sorry Falon, I did not bring you anything." Velanna whispered sadly to the mabari. He gave her a sad puppy look, ears folded against his head.

"I will give you three sausages tomorrow morning. I know you like them." She smiled. Solomon barked happily and trotted back to my side. When Velanna noticed both Nate and I watching her, she offered the best haughty look she could.

"I do not know what you are looking at." She shot at us. I grinned at her.

"Of course milady." I mock bowed. Velanna said nothing else, just leaned forward and placed her hands on the table.

"So what is your plan, Commander?" Nate interjected.

"Right." I shook my head, turning back to him. "So, we have Kal'Hirol not far from Vigil's Keep." I pointed to the surface entrance to the thaig on the map. Voldrik had made me these wonderful little figurines that represented a location. Kal'Hirol's was it's massive Deep Roads entrance. Vigil's Keep's was an extremely detailed smaller version of the fort itself. "The dwarves have sent an expeditionary force to retake it, seeing as how we've already cleared out the darkspawn from it."

"So you want us to help them rebuild?" Nate asked, leaning down to look at the location. He traced a finger along a road that was a straight shot between the two locations. "The roads are clear, so supplies and people could move quite easily."

"I was thinking about sending supplies, maybe even Voldrik. But no, that's not the main reason. With the Deep Roads access to Vigil's Keep closed off permanently, I was thinking of stationing a sizable force of Wardens and support troops at Kal'Hirol, the make regular incursions into darkspawn territory." I stopped for a breath. "Bhelen's already doing good work around Orzammar. We really should help out."

"That is, actually a good plan." Varel's eyes widened as he gaze over the map. "If we can clear the darkspawn out of Ferelden, and help the dwarves, we will not only secure our safety but also the gratitude of a powerful ally."

"My point exactly." I folded my arms over my chest. "All in favour?"

"Hey!" A masculine voice shouted from the entrance. A more feminine voice accompanied it.

"I told you they'd be here!"

"Yeah, you're right. Now shaddup and let's go." Another, deeper voice growled.

"Sigrun. Anders. Oghren. What are you doing here?"

"Well Boss, I found out you called Velanna and Nate in the middle of the night. So I wanted to check it out." The perky dwarf grinned as she almost bounced up to me.

"Belden?" I asked.

"Belden." Sigrun nodded.

"Belden!" I growled as I slammed my fist on the table.

"And I wanted to come too." Anders put in. The goofy smile I was so used to seeing on Alistair was now plastered on his face. "Keeping secrets Valtin?"

"Not really. I had every intention of telling you this tomorrow." I assured them.

"Then why the sodding hell didn't you do it now?" Oghren belched. He wiped his mouth futilely, simply scattering his spittle into the hairs of his beard.

"Because I needed strategic minds and people with connections. Also, you yourself did say you were sodding tired." I made room for the rest of my Senior Wardens.

"So what's the plan Boss?" Sigrun asked, staring down.

"Fine." I sighed. I pointed to Kal'Hirol again. "I will send a few Wardens to Kal'Hirol to establish a base for incursions into the Deep Roads. I want to send Nathaniel, you, Oghren and maybe Hal. You will meet with the dwarves being sent there and get us a forward camp there. For the next while, Wardens will attack the Deep Roads and push the 'spawn back." I leaned back, letting it sink in.

"Damn good! Take the fight to the bastards!" Oghren barked.

"That does not explain why you wanted me here." Velanna mumbled, hand on her chin. "I do not think your shemlen lords will appreciate an elven overlord."

"No, they won't." I winced. "I was going to leave Anders and Varel in charge. I had a different mission in mind for you."

"What is it Valtin?" Velanna asked. She was curious now.

"I'm sending you to the Brecilian Forest." I told her.

"Why?" Velanna looked down at the map and picked up the bronze Dalish archer figurine. Voldrik had asked if he should make a tree, but I told him that since Alistair had given the Dalish that stretch of land it should be a Dalish.

"Ferelden is going to be the start of a vision." I explained.

"I do not follow." Velanna crossed her arms under her breasts.

"I am going to make the world see elves as what they are."

"And what are they?" Velanna asked. She was starting to sound a little hostile. I raised my hands in surrender, hoping she wouldn't use that biting tongue of hers.

"People." I said. "Ferelden greatly respects the Wardens. It's only been a year since the Blight. We might have rebuilt, but we haven't forgotten. So if the Grey Wardens of Ferelden, the heroes of legend, have a large amount of Dalish, that might make people see them differently. They won't be bandits, or thieves. They will be what stories are made of."

"I-" Velanna started angrily. But she stopped herself, staring wide-eyed at me. "I like this idea. I did not expect something like this from a she– a human." I smiled at her. I really liked Velanna. She had many problems, and I tried to help. But she never really could trust humans, for personal reasons as well as cultural.

"Good." I smiled at my Wardens. "Now you know. If you want, you can go back to sleep."

"Sodding right." Oghren mumbled as he, Nate and Sigrun walked off to the barracks.

"You're seriously putting me in charge?" Anders asked incredulously as Velanna and Solomon danced away.

"Well, you and Varel." I shrugged.

"Of course." Anders clapped my shoulder. "Thanks for the trust Valtin. It's been a year and yet, still a surprise."

"Oh, don't worry. I've got a few more up my sleeve." I assured him.

"And what might those be?" Anders asked with the most comical raised eyebrow ever.

"You'll just have to wait and see." I waggled my fingers. "Shoo now. I'm tired."

"Come Warden." Varel called out. "I will find my scrolls and give you a lesson on management. If you are to be acting Commander, it cannot wait.

"Course it can't. Good night Val." I watched Anders as he left and Varel left.

"You are a man of many faces, amico mio." Zevran laughed. I jolted, twisting around and putting a hand on Vigilance's hilt.

"Damn it Zevran! Don't do that!" I hissed at the elf.

"Ah, my apologies. But, I have recently realized I have not told you why I am here."

"Yes you did." I pursed my lips. "You're returning from a mission Alistair sent you on. You don't need to justify yourself to me Zev." I told him.

"I did say that, didn't I." Zevran shrugged. "Not the entire truth."

"And what is?" I asked. This was getting a bit confusing.

"The mission is to retrieve you." Zevran explained. I blinked at him.

"And you didn't say that because . . .?" I rolled my hand slowly, demanding an answer.

"I forgot, honestly." Zevran averted his gaze.

"You forgot? Bah, it doesn't matter now." I covered my eyes with my hands. "To Denerim?"

"To Denerim." Zevran nodded.

"In the morning. I need sleep, and then I need to deal with the Orlesians."

"Of course. Alistair's only order was to get you to Denerim at least a day before the fall Landsmeet."

"Which is in five days. Or four, considering it's probably past midnight." I said.

"And with horses it takes but a few hours to reach Denerim. So you have much time to deal with your . . ." Zevran paused, as if searching for the right word. "Enemies, guests, victims?"

"Guests will do. For now." I growled. I hated the idea of Orlesians being able to sleep soundly in my fortress.

"Good!" Zevran beamed. "Well, now that that is dealt with, I shall sleep. You have a good night Val."

"You too Zev." I whispered as the assassin stalked away. I stumbled through the door to my rooms, off to the right of the Arl's chair. Thankfully, I hadn't felt the need most nobles seemed to have to make their rooms as high up as possible. Mine were literally just off of the Great Hall. I went to my armour rack and slid off my gear, piece by piece. Gauntlets hit the ground with an echoing clank as I unbuckled my chestplate. I unclipped the greaves from my legs and set them down. It was too late and I was too tired to properly organize my armour, so I left it leaning against the rack. My belt, sword and scabbard were set next to the bed, and I fell face first down.

"Finally." I groaned as I felt the wonderful pull of slumber take over. What came next wasn't so wonderful.


Velanna was sick of this shemlen. He was from somewhere Nathaniel had called 'Orlais', and from what Velanna had gathered, the people of Ferelden hated Orlais. And from this old man's behavior, Velanna was starting to hate him for more than her usual dislike of shemlen.

"I demand zhat he show heemself!" The man screeched. Wasn't it only old hags that were supposed to make that noise? Velanna rubbed her sensitive ears, wishing she could set this fool aflame. Although his strange pronunciations of the common tongue was amusing

"You are in no position to demand anything. Besides, the Warden-Commander has had a straining few days. He will be ready soon.

"Not soon! Now!" The Orlesian continued. The younger female shemlen tried to calm him as he shook his fist at Nathaniel.

"S'il vous plaît ne pas l'oncle! Ces gens ne cherchent pas très gentil à vous." She spoke calmly, though she had a small amount of fear in her eyes. As she well should, Velanna thought. Nathaniel and the shemlen argued further in hushed tones before Nathaniel backed away, throwing his hands in the air with disgust.

"Velanna." Nathaniel said softly as he neared her.

"Yes Nathaniel?" Velanna asked abruptly. She didn't mean to, but she was getting very angry at the shemlen from Orlais. What was that word Oghren kept using? Ah, yes. She was pissed at him.

"I need you to-" Nathaniel started.

"Burn that shemlen to a crisp?" Velanna asked hopefully.

"Unfortunately, no." Nathaniel smiled softly "That would create an international incident and we would- Never mind" Nathaniel stopped himself as he saw her expression. "Could you go find Valtin?" He should be here."

"Why have you not done this?" Velanna narrowed her eyes at her fellow Warden.

"I was hoping I could handle this Orlesian, but it didn't work out." Nathaniel shrugged apologetically. "He refuses to tell his business to anyone except Valtin."

"Very well." Velanna sighed. She stalked away in the most angry way she could, but she was truly happy to be away from the shrieking shemlen. Velanna headed to Valtin's door and rapped on it, hard. No answer.

"Valtin?" Velanna called out, not loud enough for the rest of the hall to hear. This was the one human she cared for, so she was trying to be polite. Her only answer was a pained grunt.

"Valtin?" Velanna hissed, laying her ear against the door. Elves had much better hearing than humans, and Velanna used this frequently to her advantage.

"Noooo . . . killlll . . . Morrigan," She heard a male voice gasp out. Then came the sound of flesh hitting metal.

"Valtin!" Velanna twisted on the doorknob. Surprisingly, it wasn't locked. Velanna rushed in, wielding her staff and looking for an enemy. But the room was empty. Well, empty except from Valtin, who lay on his bed. His eyes were screwed shut and sweat beaded his face. His lips moved, forming words but not making sound.

"Commander?" Velanna asked, inching closer to Valtin. Velanna gazed his bed.

"What did you do?" She whispered to the sleeping man, kneeling down and examining the backboard of his bed. There was a thing but long smear of blood along it. Velanna's eyes shot to Valtin, whose clenched fist had blood covered nails. Valtin's other arm had three long scratches running along it. Velanna slowly reached out, trying to hold the arm still so she could check it over. Before she could make contact, Valtin bolted upright. His eyes gleaming with madness, he wrapped a hand around her throat. He pulled back in a punch.

"Valtin!" Velanna gasped.

"Velanna? What . . . what is happening?" Valtin asked, his tone horrified. He let go of her gently and slid to the other side of the bed.

"You cried out. Something about killing and someone named," Velanna paused, searching for the name. "Morgan? No, Morrigan."

"I- No, it doesn't matter." Valtin leaned on his knees. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to attack you."

"It matters little." Velanna sniffed. "Now, please come out into the hall and rid us of the annoying shemlen."

"Ah. The Orlesian. Of course." Valtin groaned. He took a few steps to a chair and threw on the shirt laying across it.

"I'll be right out." He promised her. He'd now started to pull on his armour, starting with the boots. "Again, really sorry."

"You'd better." Velanna glared at Valtin's sheepish smile. "If not, I will pull him deep into the earth."

"I fully believe you." Valtin chuckled. He buckled on his, what were they called? Oh yes, greaves.

"Erhm, excusez-moi?" A small voice squeaked behind Velanna. Turning, she saw a young elven woman. She wore her hair up in a bun and was wearing a shabby set of shemlen clothing.

"Who are you?" Velanna asked. She tilted her head and looked the elf up and down.

"I am no one, madame. My lady has sent me to find Lord Cousland."

"Well, you found him." Valtin grunted. He'd quickly pulled on his chestplate and was in the process of gauntlets.

"My lady would also like to know where the servants quarters are. She was most disappointed I was forced to sleep on the floor." The elf continued. She shared the accent of the shrieking shemlen.

"Wait. You are a servant?" Velanna hissed.

"Why yes madame. Do you know where the quarters are?" The servant continued, ignoring the glare.

"There isn't one." Valtin grunted. He had his helmet under his arm, his sword at his hip and his shield on his back.

"Are Fereldans truly so barbaric that they make servants sleep in barns?" The elf asked, horrified.

"I have no idea where you got that idea." Valtin stared at her, bewilderment etched onto his face. "And there are no servants quarters because there are no servants!"

"No servants?" The elf cried out. "What if you want food? Or someone to wash your clothing?" Velanna felt anger start to take over.

"My arling pays cooks for food. And if my warriors want to have their smalls washed, they damn well do it themselves!" Valtin was getting angry now. "Leave. Tell your lady it will be a few minutes."

"Yes monsieur!" The elf rushed out as fast as possible.

"Why was that so upsetting?" Velanna asked. She was seething too of course, but she had personal reasons.

"Because the Orlesians treat elves like slaves in every way but name. And they treated Fereldans the same. We may be hailed as barbarians by the rest of Thedas, but I won't see another put down that way." Valtin stared at her hard. "Give me a few moments."

"Alright." Velanna saluted him and left.


Zevran watched the female Dalish, Velanna she was called, march out of Valtin's room. She looked pissed. Never refusing a challenge, he sidled up to her as she took her place at the head of the Hall.

"So, where did Valtin find a woman as beautiful and luscious as you?" Zevran waggled his eyebrows at the Dalish when she looked at him. She seemed taken aback by his words.

"Luscious? Is that an insult, flat-ear?" She growled to him.

"Oh ho ho! No, no it never is!" Zevran laughed. "Although if you do not like it, I could use 'deadly sex goddess'. I have no doubt you could be exactly that."

"Shut up." She said, hand reaching for her staff.

"Of course my dear. I wouldn't think of bothering someone as-"

"Shut. Up." Velanna hissed. She was staring at something. What? Zevran followed her gaze, finding it trailing a young elf maid weaving her way to the crowd to the Orlesian, Mirabelle. A much better example of the beauty of Orlais than her guardian Odo. Though Valtin might not agree.

"Ah. I understand." Zevran whispered to the beautiful Dalish.

"Understand what?" She snapped.

"You spoke with a serf." Zevran smiled lazily.

"A what?" Velanna actually looked at him.

"You know of the freeholders of Ferelden? Those strong-willed farmers who didn't let themselves be conquered?" Zevran asked.

"I- Yes, Valtin has explained freeholders once." Velanna admitted.

"Well, in Orlais, peasants are the opposite. Both humans and elves are, for all intents and purposes, slaves in all but name."

"Valtin said the same thing." Velanna said softly.

"I bet he did. Oh look, here comes our fearless leader now." Zevran watched the large man stomp out. Some might call it a soldier's gait, but Valtin was a warrior plain and simple.

"Finally." Velanna sighed.

"I hear he treats politics the same way he treats darkspawn." Zevran whispered.

"How's that?" Velanna shot back.

"With a sword in his hand and an army at his back." Zevran chuckled.

"That would solve many problems before they begin." Velanna agreed thoughtfully.

"Count Odo!" Valtin roared as he took his seat. Well, more like shouted, but with his size and imposing armour he might as well have sicced a dragon on the poor man.

"Enfin!" Odo sighed. He somehow managed to stand dignified in front of Valtin's throne while surrounded by Grey Wardens and soldiers of Valtin's Silver Order. He had also managed to ignore the jeers and hisses from the elven Wardens, which was impressive for an Orlesian.

"So tell me, why a Count of Orlais would bring his ward to Amaranthine" Valtin asked, his gaze scanning both Orlesians. The girl apparently hadn't even realized Valtin had arrived. She was busy looking at her reflection in the armour of a very uncomfortable looking Silver Knight.

"Mirabelle!" Odo hissed.

"Hein?" She asked. Then she noticed Valtin, sitting in all his dark glory. "Oh!" She rushed to stand next to her uncle.

"Bon commandant du matin." She curtsied.

"I have yet to see whether or not this morning will be good, milady." Valtin inclined his head. The girl looked stunned. She was probably already used to the intricacies of her home's courts.

"Commander, in a recent visit to ze . . . palace in Denerim, I had a long conversation with the good Arl Eamon." Odo began. Zevran noticed his look of disgust as he said palace. Zevran also noticed that Valtin noticed it as well.

"Ze good Arl told me, in his own words, zhat ze King Alistair has been trying to convince ze Arl Valtin to marry. So I brought zis news to ze Empress. So, with her consent, all ze power of Orlais, and in ze name of Empress Celene, we offer Mirabelle de Montboisser's hand in marriage. We hope zis will form a great alliance between the noble families de Montboisser and Cousland." The count took a deep breath, apparently not used to speeches.

"Je disais que je serais d'accord une fois que je l'ai vu, mon oncle." Mirabelle said, a goofy smile plastered on her face. "Et je dois dire , il semble assez robuste." Zevran quickly did the translations in his mind. Mirabelle had said she would agree to marriage once she saw Valtin, and now that she saw him she thought he looked very rugged.

"Vos cicatrices doivent provenir de combats éclatants, mon Arl." Mirabelle continued.

"Aye, mighty battles indeed." Valtin agreed, touching the long scar that had turned his right eye milky white. Zevran chuckled. The girl was apparently attracted to warriors, and with Valtin's track record, there wasn't a better one. He had one very long and deep scar that ruined his eye, but he also had many more that would never go away.

"One moment milady." Valtin interrupted the girl. "If you can, I would appreciate it if you could speak Fereldan." Ah, Zevran thought. He has finally noticed his soldier's confusion. He rose from his throne and strolled up to Odo. "But why does the Empress think it this will happen?"

"Excusez-moi?" Odo gaped.

"I have not, in an entire year, asked a woman to marry. Not a Fereldan, Nevarran nor Marcher. Why would I accept an Orlesian proposal?" Valtin glared into the man's eyes before marching up to Mirabelle. She now looked very worried, standing next to a man who she barely came up to his chest.

"Have I done something wrong?" She asked. Her Fereldan was actually quite good.

"No." Valtin shook his head. "But I have my teachings. And there is about as much love between me and Orlesians as there is between Qunari and Tevinter."

"Ah." Mirabelle said simply.

"You cannot do zis!" Odo began shrieking again.

"Damn it." Zevran whispered. The Silver Knight to his right shot him an understanding look.

"Here." He whispered, handing Zevran a two cotton balls. The Knight was already sliding a pair into his own ears.

"My thanks, friend." Zevran inclined his head. He fiddled with the balls before sliding them into his pouch. He might need them later.

"Pray tell why I cannot say no to a marriage proposal?" Valtin's eyes narrowed.

"It was arranged! Eamon promised-"

"Eamon has no reign over me!" Valtin roared. Odo blanched and backed away. As did Mirabelle, but she did so to the safety of a few Wardens. Odo regained his composure quickly.

"Unacceptable! You stupid dog lord! You should know to not growl at your betters!" Odo slid off his glove and did a very womanly step towards Valtin. The Orlesian pulled back his arm and slapped his glove across Valtin's cheek. Valtin didn't even flinch.

"Is that it?" Valtin asked incredulously. Odo was too enraged with that reaction to see what Zevran saw. Valtin was slowly taking off his gauntlet.

"Stupid Fereldan." Odo growled. Then he looked down at Valtin's hands. Valtin now held his black gauntlet in his hands in the same position Odo had held his glove.

"Merde." Odo managed before Valtin cracked him in the temple with the gauntlet. Odo went down like a sack of potatoes, eyes rolling back into his head. Valtin turned to two soldiers.

"Get him out of Ferelden." He growled. They snapped a salute, arms pounding on their chests.

"You must forgive me milady." Valtin said, turning to Mirabelle. "It was not my intention for this to end so badly." He apologized.

"It is no problem Arl Valtin." She said shakily. "My uncle is a very bad man. It was nice to see him, how do you say, taken down a peg."

"Aye, we do say that." Valtin smiled at her. "I will arrange for a ship to take you back to Val Royeaux."

"You are a most gracious host my lord." Mirabelle curtsied. "I also want you to know, not all Orlesians see Fereldans as dogs. Some of us wish to reconcile our, er, trans . . . trans . . .?"

"Transgressions." Valtin supplied. Mirabelle smiled sheepishly.

"Yes, that. Good day Arl Valtin. It is a shame you did not agree." Mirabelle held herself as high as possible, following behind the two Silver Knights. She was flanked by two Orlesian soldiers that Zevran had not noticed. Once she left the hall Valtin sighed openly.

"Thank the gods that's over." He held a hand over his face. Surprisingly, a long low laugh came from between his fingers. It quickly turned to giggling.

"Did you see the count's face? Ha!" Valtin laughed maniacally. "We should invite more indignant Orlesians! I'm ready to slap them all!"

"It was amusing Commander." The gaunt man, Howe, smiled. Most of the Wardens and soldiers were joining Valtin in making fun of the count. "But I do believe we have business."

"Yes, of course." Valtin breathed heavily. He stood tall and held up a hand, calling for attention. "As of right now, Nathaniel Howe, you are Warden-Constable of Ferelden."

"What?" The man's mouth gaped. Whispers broke out among the Wardens.

"I go away far too often. I need someone to watch the holdings. You know them and the nobles. You are the best man for the job. I'm just making it official." Valtin shrugged. "Speaking of which, I need to go to Denerim. Remember the plan."

"Wait. You're leaving? You just got back!" Howe exclaimed. But an amused look from Valtin silenced him. "

Yes Commander." Howe said. He still looked surprised, but a slight curve in the edges of his mouth betrayed the joy he felt. Zevran grinned to himself. This man must not have expected anything from Valtin, seeing as how Rendon Howe had ravaged the Cousland family. But Valtin was man of many surprises. Zevran noticed Valtin heading his way, so he shook himself mentally and started paying attention again.

"Are you ready Zev?" Valtin asked.

"Of course amico mio. But may I make one small suggestion?" Zevran asked back, raising his eyebrows.

"Sure. What is it?"

"Your Warden Velanna is going to the Brecilian, correct? Let her come with us. It will make the trip easier. After all, the more the merrier!" Zevran went on, listing his reasons for wanting the buxom woman to accompany them.

"Alright! Alright." Valtin raised his hands in surrender. "Velanna!" He called out. The elven Warden perked up and strolled over.

"Yes lethallin?" She asked.

"You're leaving early. Get packed up, we're heading out in an hour."