Prologue: Human Noble – Highever

Serenity POV

Highever is one of the oldest cities of Fereldan. It has kept vigil on the coast for many ages and has been ruled by the Couslands, my family, for almost as long.

We've always been odd compared to the other nobles. While many nobles cultivated a sense of superiority over the non-nobles and an insistence on titles, we have done our best to befriend everyone, to put ourselves on the same level. We care for a person's skill and personality far more than for their lineage.

Unfortunately, not all are so logically minded. Papa has heard many, many screams over his easy forgiveness of Orlesian people. Of their easy acceptance of our family in their court. The screams are just barely louder than the ones dealing with Antiva. Fereldans are proud and do not suffer foreigners.

I find such things ridiculous, though. Why should one care where a piece comes from, so long as it can be used effectively?

I am the master of chess. The courts are my boards and its nobles, my pieces.

Only death will best me.

"I am terribly sorry, Bryce." The voice was somewhat convincing, but hiding something. "It's entirely my fault."

"No, don't fret, old friend." Reassuring confidence in this voice. "The Blight has us all scrambling. I'll send Fergus ahead with the majority of my troops and I'll ride in at your side, just like the old days."

"Ah… those days… when our joints didn't ache with cold and there was no grey in our hair!" A shared laugh, warm and bright.

I like eavesdropping on conversations. You discover quite a bit of information that way. However, one must be certain to never eavesdrop too long.

"You sent for me, Papa?" I asked, announcing my presence.

Arl Howe, Papa's best friend, turned to greet me and became visibly startled at my appearance. "Maker! Bryce, just what happened to your little spitfire? Where's the little girl who terrorized the servants?"

"Grew up, as all children must. Now, she chooses to terrorize the numerous nobles in their courts." Papa laughed, pulling me into a loose hug. I knew he had an impish pride at my ability to manipulate courts (people). "You came so promptly, pup. Weren't you practicing with Ser Gilmore?"

"Yes, but I thought I saw a couple of guests watching," I replied. "I was coming to ask about them when your message arrived."

"Practicing with your two-handed greatsword again?" Arl Howe shook his head. "Bryce, don't you think Serenity should focus more on… well, feminine arts? She's already twenty-one, three years past marriageable age. I'm certain there's no shortage of suitors. Take my son, Thomas, for instance. He was asking about her just the other day."

I suppressed a grimace. While most of the Howes were dear to my heart, Thomas had never been. Too wild, too intolerant. Lately, though, Arl Howe had been pushing Thomas's case forward… as if he forgot about Nathaniel, his eldest, squiring in the Free Marches. "But I have been learning the feminine arts, Uncle Rendon." I pitched my voice up a little, to make it more child-like.

"Indeed?"

"Oh, yes!" I nodded, brimming with enthusiasm. "Oriana has been teaching me how to be a proper Antivan lady. I know the effects of ten different poisons by heart now!"

"Poisons?" Papa asked, looking comically concerned. "Should I worry for my eldest?"

"They've been married for almost nine years now, Papa! I'm sure it's fine."

"I'll take your word," he said solemnly before dropping the act to laugh. I joined in quickly. It was common knowledge from Fereldan to Antiva that my brother, Fergus, and his wife, Oriana, were madly in love. It was rather sweet. Most of the time.

"Or we could talk about how I'm becoming a proper Orlesian lady?" I suggested before pausing in thought. "Oh, wait. No, let's not. I'm failing horribly at that. They are so extravagant and there are so many ridiculous things to remember!" Like what color is in fashion or which arrangement of jewels. The court itself, with its bards, is fun though. I played with a bard once, about three years ago. A pretty young woman with long orange-red hair. Most fun I had in a while.

"All in all, proving your point that you are not going to take my suggestion." Arl Howe interrupted my thoughts with a strained smile. Did I play too much?

I shook my head. "I wish to protect myself, sir. I will not allow others to die for my sake." I turned to Papa. "You're not marching until the morning?"

"I thought I saw you eavesdropping," Papa chided. "But, yes. Rendon and I will leave in the morning. You will remain and take command of the castle."

"Sir, yes, sir!" I saluted, grinning, proud he trusted me with that task.

"Serenity in charge of the castle?" Arl Howe asked, concerned. "Isn't she a tad young for that?"

"Old enough to marry, but too young to do anything?" I pouted, willing my eyes to tear up. "I can do a good job too!"

"Ah! Don't cry!" Papa doubled over from laughter as Arl Howe frantically tried to convince me he meant no harm. "Bryce!"

"Pup, drop the act," Papa ordered through the laughter. "You'll give him a heart attack and then what will his soldiers do?"

I smiled, all signs of tears disappearing, biting back a sarcastic answer ('not kill people?'). "Got you!"

Arl Howe sighed. "You'd think after all this time, I would have learned to see through that."

"I'm sorry," I said sincerely. "You're fun to tease and you've been away for too long." It had been over a year since his last visit.

"So, now that she's filled her quota of playing with you, Rendon…" Papa turned to a nearby guard. "Will you please show Duncan and Agrona in?"

"Master Duncan is here?" I asked as the guard saluted and walked off. "Is he one of the guests I saw earlier?"

"It's quite possible, pup." Papa nodded. "Duncan arrived earlier today to make sure we've received the missive about the darkspawn."

Master Duncan was the Warden-Commander for Fereldan and a dear friend of Papa. He often showed up unannounced, but no one ever minded. Highever is huge. We can fit the entire Landsmeet in the guest rooms with minimal sharing. That's not an exaggeration; we proved it during Fergus's wedding.

"And who is Agrona?" I asked, not recognizing the name.

"Agrona is a Grey Warden recruit, pup. Treat her with as much respect as you do Duncan."

"Yes, sir."

"Grey Wardens?" Arl Howe seemed nervous.

"Is there a problem, Rendon?" There was a gentle warning in Papa's voice. Unlike many of the other nobles, Papa welcomed the Grey Wardens with open arms and has befriended quite a few. Both in Fereldan and in Orlais.

"No, no!" Arl Howe quickly reassured. "It's just… it's unexpected. I am at a disadvantage." …Odd. There was something in the tone… something different. The 'disadvantage'… wasn't due to social things.

Papa didn't seem to notice. "Duncan cares little for titles, as do most Grey Wardens. I truly like their philosophy."

"Indeed, your preference for skill over lineage is known rather well, even in other countries." At the new voice, I looked at the door. Master Duncan was smiling, completely at ease. He once told me Highever was the only place he felt at home. He was younger than Papa with the dark skin and hair of a Rivaini. I noticed he had a few more scars than he did last time. He'd been abusing himself again. And his armor. There were more than a few dents in the odd armor he wore. I'll talk with the smiths about hammering those out for him.

An elf stood wearily beside him. Shoulder-length black hair contrasted sharply her freckled-pale skin. Her eyes were an unusual color of red and they expressed both anger and worry. She seemed very young, not even twenty, though it could have been an illusion based on her short stature. Her armor was reinforced leather, based on the distinctive grey color, and two daggers were at her sides. Her hands kept hovering over the weapons, like she was expecting an attack.

"Well, Duncan. You mentioned staying here a few days." Ah, Papa was talking. Shame on me, for not paying attention. "I, however, will leave in the morning. If there is anything you should need, please talk to Serenity." He smiled at the elf. "That goes for you as well, Agrona. Don't worry about taxing us." She looked at Papa oddly, but returned his smile tentatively.

"Hello, Master Duncan, Miss Agrona," I greeted cheerfully. "Are you here to gather recruits again?" Just a few months ago, Master Duncan had recruited a middle-aged knight who won a tournament near here. It was strange he had returned so quickly. It must be the Blight. All the stories say they were dangerous.

"Yes, pup," Papa answered. "I believe he has his eye on Ser Gilmore."

"Good for him." I smiled. Ser Roland Gilmore was a childhood friend of mine, having been sent as a squire here when I was six. He was my most constant sparring partner and frequently helped point out weaknesses in my swordplay.

"If I may be so bold, your lordship," Master Duncan began. 'Lordship' was a key word. It meant he was about to step onto thin ice and knew it. "Serenity would be an excellent candidate as well."

Huh? But I'm not all that great a fighter! My specialty lies in politics. Coercion and intimidation. Culture. Languages. Not… not battles.

Papa moved in front of me, glowering at Master Duncan, who shrugged slightly. "Be that as it may, Duncan, this is my daughter." And he was even more protective of me than he was of Fergus because of what happened to my aunt…

"Papa, don't worry," I murmured, hugging his neck. Wow… I'm almost his height now… "Master Duncan, as great an honor as that is, I feel I must decline."

He nodded as if he expected my answer. "Of course. Take it as a compliment to your abilities." Whichever ones those are.

"My thanks!" I smiled, gently tugging Papa's arm, trying to get him to relax. "Was there anything else, Papa?"

"Yes," he replied tersely, not quite looking at me. This shall become awkward very fast. "I need you to find Fergus and tell him to march without me."

I smirked. "And, while I do that, you will talk with Arl Howe and Master Duncan about the attack in the South without the worry of me eavesdropping."

Arl Howe chuckled. "She's your daughter, Bryce. Through and through."

"That she is." Papa sighed, finally relaxing. "Well, off with you."

"Perhaps," Master Duncan cut in. "She could show Agrona around while she looks for Fergus?"

"I'd be more than happy to," I replied with a smile. The perfect excuse for not going directly after Fergus, giving him more time with his wife and son. Far more dignified then 'I got lost. Again.'

Agrona looked between Master Duncan and I, emotions warring on her face. "Must I?" At Duncan's nod, she sighed. "Fine."

"Then if you would follow me, Miss Agrona?" I asked. She answered by walking straight past me. Oh, dear. I smiled at the three men remaining and followed her out.

Miss Agrona was waiting in the hall, staring at the portrait near the main doors. "That's my aunt and uncle," I said, startling her. She whirled to face me. "The little boy is my cousin."

"Their clothing is weird," Miss Agrona said, bluntly. She is one who wears what she feels and speaks what she thinks, I believe. A refreshing change from the nobles. "I haven't seen anything like that in Fereldan."

"It's been thirty years since anyone has," I explained. "It's Orlesian."

"Why would they be wearing it then?"

"That portrait is almost thirty-five years old."

She looked surprised at the age. "Why has no one updated it, then? Isn't that what nobles do? Pay to get new portraits done?" she gestured. "The kid is a toddler."

"They're dead, Miss Agrona."

"Oh." She colored slightly. Embarrassed. "Sorry."

"It's fine. Just be careful about mentioning them around Papa." I pointed to the woman. "That's my namesake, my aunt, Serena. She was my father's elder sister and he adored her. Her husband was the Lord Matthias Bellamy, the Orlesian whose family was charged with Highever during the Occupation. Unlike most of the other lords in charge, Uncle Matt actually managed to balance Fereldan culture with Orlesian." Many such things still existed now. Festivals, for one.

"And the people of Highever liked him for that?"

I laughed. "A popular saying is that Highever only likes the Couslands and tolerates everyone else. No, he became well-liked when he married my aunt, for she was a Cousland, beloved and respected." I smiled sadly. "The little boy was my cousin, Julian."

"What happened?" she asked, curious. "How did they die?"

"During the Rebellion," I answered after thinking for a bit. "The Usurper, Meghren, could not believe the rebels could win any battles without a traitor among his own nobles. So, he deduced that there must be one. My uncle made it no secret that he disliked Orlais's occupation of Fereldan and wanted to return Highever to my father. Meghren sent a legion of chevaliers and slaughtered everyone."

"Oh." Her eyes were wide as saucers. "That's… bad."

I half-smiled. "Indeed."

"And your dad found them? Is that why we have to be careful?"

"Papa heard of the attack and snuck inside through one of the hidden entrances." Through the one in the larder. "He fought his way to the family wing, where he was certain his family was hiding. Instead, he found their still-warm corpses. From what I understand, he proceeded to kill every chevalier in the castle until they ran in fright."

"Wow…" her eyes were wide was saucers. "He killed all of them?"

"The saying of our house is that only death can best a Cousland." I smiled. "Papa proved that a lot during the Rebellion, I'm told."

"How arrogant." There was bitter anger hidden in that tone. "My curiousity on that is sated for now, though."

I laughed. "Just on that? Any other questions?"

"Why do you use a two handed sword?" Yep, definitely a person who speaks her mind.

"Master Duncan recommended it, actually, after watching me practice with a pole arm. The styles are surprisingly similar."

"Then why do you carry a dagger?"

"So that I am never without a weapon." Because who expects someone (a 'pampered' noble) to forgo sleep to learn one extra style?

"No depending on your guards?" There was a slightly sneer…

I tensed up. "They have their own lives. I'd rather they not waste them." She looked stunned. "Now, then. Where would you like to go? The chapel?"

She scoffed. "I've no intention of getting preached at, noble."

"Please, Serenity." She looked at me like I had a second head. "What?"

"…Fine. Serenity. Call me Agrona. No 'miss' anything."

I nodded. "Very well. Since you are, for whatever reason, disinclined to visit the chapel, perhaps you would like to visit the library?" I smiled as I remembered something. "Elder Dwyn of the Alienage recently gave us a few books with elven stories, if you'd like to borrow them?"

"Why would you have books of elf stories?" she seemed really confused by the concept.

"For many reasons," I answered. "The Elder wrote them down, though, for Oren, my nephew. He enjoys those stories the best and he's spoiled."

"Sure," she said, smiling slightly. A nice smile, one that made her look adorable and child-like.

"Then, follow me." I lead the way to the library… or tried to.

We ended up at the treasury. Agrona peaked in and look at me like I was crazy. "Interesting library."

"Well… it's the treasury. All the special guests get to see it." I walked in to find the guards posted there sitting at a table, playing poker. "And the very special guests get to see the guards working so diligently."

"Milady!" the guards stood up suddenly, almost knocking the table over. "We were just…!"

"Taking a break?" I supplied, grinning. They tentatively smiled back. "Don't worry, I won't tell. But you'll teach me tomorrow."

"As you will, milady." They saluted. "Thank you."

"No problem. Now, out we go, Agrona!" I shooed her out with a laugh.

"A noble who wants to play poker?" she glanced back, confused.

"A noble who does play poker," I corrected. "I think that will be a suitable punishment, no?"

"That's lighthearted."

"And why shouldn't it be? It's not like they abandoned the post." I paused in the hallway, thinking. "Now, providing I'm remembering correctly, the library is nearby."

"If you remember correctly?" At this rate, Agrona was going to keep that confused look on her face. "Don't you live here?"

"I have absolutely no sense of direction." I sighed mournfully. "I'm afraid I kicked out all that useful knowledge when I was little and discovered I couldn't keep it and the knowledge of all the fascinating cultures of Thedas." Agrona laughed, quickly muffling it with her hand. I merely grinned. "Feel free to laugh. I certainly do. Now, then. Library."

As luck would have it, I did remember correctly. However, my timing could have been a little better. I had interrupted a lesson.

"Ah, Lady Serenity," Aldous greeted, smiling slightly. Aldous was the tutor of all children in Highever Castle. Servant, squire, or noble, they were all taught fairly and impartially under his eye. At the moment, he was teaching two new squires. They had arrived just a few days ago. I wonder what their names were.

"Aldous!" I greeted warmly. "Do you remember where the stories from the Alienage are?"

"It's a little early for Oren to be read a story, isn't it?"

"They are for our guest. Agrona, this is Aldous," I introduced, gesturing. "Aldous, this is Miss Agrona, a Grey Warden recruit from…" Oh. I don't know where she's from.

"Denerim," Agrona supplied. "I'm from the Denerim Alienage."

"Ah… So, you are looking for familiar stories?" he nodded. "Middle shelf on the left bookcase. Providing no one has decided to rearrange them. Again."

"Aldous!" I laughed. "Fergus and I were children! And it wasn't just us, either! Cailan and Anora had a ball helping out!"

With a small curious glance, Agrona darted over to the shelf. Aldous chuckled, shaking his head. "Perhaps you can assist in my lesson while you wait, milady?"

"What are you teaching them?"

"Your family history." The boys groaned. "Behave!"

I laughed. "Come now. It won't be so bad."

"Indeed. I will never cease to be pleased that you decided to put most of your effort in scholastics rather than your weaponry." He smiled.

I returned it. I'm not too bad a fighter, especially once I started learning the two-handed style, but I preferred book-learning. Especially cultures, languages, and history. Well, and politics, but that's the thread that binds the three.

Knowledge is the whetstone to words. Words were my weapon of choice.

"Now, then." Aldous clapped once. He always began a lecture like that. "What do you remember about Teyrna Elethea?"

"She led the local Banns against Calenhad," I answered easily. Teyrn Loghain once compared me to her. Or at least, the 'her' everyone heard of through the tale. A strong woman who could wield words better than swords. Only Calenhad was able to escape her manipulations.

"The Couslands fought the king?" one squire asked, eyes wide with shock. My family is near famous for their support of the Theirins.

"Calenhad was an invader in her eyes, not the King," I gently explained. "A heavily armed man with an army trying to take over the people she swore to protect. From what I understand, she very nearly won."

"But lost in the end when Calenhad forced a direct confrontation with weapons," Aldous said, continuing the story. "The story say Calenhad was so impressed by her, though, he allowed her to keep Highever and all of its lands in exchange for fealty to the throne."

"Even though she fought?" asked the other squire.

"Calenhad wishes to unite the country, not destroy it. He asked for loyalty to his throne."

"And she gave it?"

"Nope." I grinned. "No, she refused."

"But the Couslands still have Highever!"

"'I will not swear to the throne. It is a trinket that can be stolen through lies and trickery'," I quoted. "'Instead, I will swear to you and your line. Only one who has bested me shall command the loyalty of I and my children. If another seeks it, they must repeat the feat.'" I smiled. "According to records, Calenhad was moved by her speech and allowed that oath be sworn. This is why Highever is one of the two remaining Teryns in Fereldan."

"A fine summary," Aldous praised. "I'll have them research it more in depth later."

"Do we have to?" the squires groaned. Aldous turned to scold them and I felt someone tap my shoulder.

Agrona was behind me, clutching a book to her chest. "I'm ready."

"Excellent timing!" I grabbed her arm and hurried out before Aldous asked me to help reprimand.

"Let go," Agrona snapped, jerking her arm out of my hand.

"Oh!" I gasped. "Did I hurt you? I didn't mean-!"

"That's okay!" She said in a falsely cheerful voice. "Shems never mean anything."

That halted any apologies I had. 'Shem', I knew, was elven slang for human. It was their way of lashing out. I do not take kindly in being a scapegoat. Especially when I do not know the cause. "Look, I apologize if I grabbed you roughly, but-!"

"Milady!" I turned to see Ser Gilmore running up. His red-orange hair was disheveled and he had a harried look about him. What happened? "Where have you been?"

"Hello to you too," I greeted sardonically, still a little miffed at Agrona.

"I… yes, hello." He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry… I've just been looking everywhere and-"

"Obviously not, seeing as you just found her," Agrona interrupted, one eyebrow raised and hands gripping her weapons' hilts.

An action Ser Gilmore mimicked. "Who are you?"

I stepped between them. "Agrona, this is Ser Gilmore, a trusted knight of Highever. Ser Gilmore, this is Agrona, a Grey Warden recruit."

He instantly relaxed. "Is that so? Forgive my rudeness, Miss Agrona." She rolled her eyes. He ignored her. "Now, milady, your mother sent me after you."

"For what?" I asked warily. Mother and I have been getting into arguments recently. My unmarried state has her all a-fluster.

"Your hound made it into the larder."

"Again?"

"And Nan is threatening to quit."

"Again."

"And even if she doesn't actually quit, she'll leave us for the Maker, yelling as she is."

"Very well." I sighed, smiling slightly. "My apologies, Agrona."

"I take it this happens often?" She had a slight grin on her face. "Why do you need to fetch the hound? Can't someone else do it?"

"He's a mabari," Ser Gilmore explained. "He won't listen to anyone but his mistress and those he judges the equal of her. In Kaiser's eyes, no one, especially in this castle, equals Lady Serenity."

"To my everlasting joy," I muttered. "And Kaiser knows better than to hurt anyone in the castle."

"Who in their right mind is going to risk that?"

Agrona tilted her head to the side, as if listening to something. "Who's shrieking?"

"Nan," Ser Gilmore and I chorused, instantly.

"Damn, that's loud. She must have some good lungs." I couldn't hear anything. Agrona must have some good ears.

I smiled at Ser Gilmore. "Can you continue showing Agrona around the castle while I deal with this?"

"As you will." Ser Gilmore bowed.

"Is that okay?" I turned to address Agrona. She nodded once, eyeing Ser Gilmore warily. "Then I will see you both later."

I walked off. Not even I, with my poor direction, could not find the kitchen. It was just a matter of following Nan's yells.

Which focused on me as soon as I walked through the door.

"You!" She snapped. "Get that filthy mutt out of the larder or, Maker help me, I'll-!"

I shifted my stance to stand a little taller, making my face impassive. The best way to deal with Nan in this mood was to intimidate her. "Keep a civil tongue, Nan."

"I…" Nan sighed, deflating. As she always did when Fergus or I reacted this way. It reminded her that we weren't children anymore. "Yes, of course. I'm sorry. It's just…"

"You're under a lot of stress and Kaiser is throwing you off your routine." I smiled, dropping the act. "I'll get him now. But please, don't fret so much. I want you around for a few more years!"

She laughed softly. "Oh, you'll have me around for more than a few, child. In you go. Grab the mutt."

"As my nanny wishes." I walked past her into the larder, closing the door behind me to form an effective cage. mabari hunting, easiest sport in Thedas.

Particularly if you are the master of said mabari. My Kaiser bounded up when I entered, tail wagging and carrying something in his mouth.

I scratched his ear. "What a smart boy you are, getting into the larder! But what do you have?" He dropped it at my feet. A large rat. Uh oh. "Are there more?" Kaiser shook his head. "None?" He barked. "You got them all?" He barked twice, panting happily. "What a good boy!"

"Well?" I heard through the door. "You have him?"

"Yes, Nan!" I called back. "You had a rat infestation. Kaiser killed them."

"Rats?" Scurrying outside with faint, panicked yells. "Oh, for crying out… Little lady, get out of there and let me do my job."

I laughed, opening the door and walking out. Kaiser followed me… and then bolted out the door.

"Kaiser!" I called, chasing after him.

To find him barking happily at my mother's feet. My mother who had guests.

Oh. Lovely. Social time. Social time with my mother's empty-headed friend, her (admittedly good looking) son who Mother will attempt to set up with me, and her pretty elf servant who was very shy and made me feel like I was a ten-foot-tall monster with her half-fearful, half-awestruck looks.

Gag me first.

Author's note: And here's Serenity's prologue. Or at least, the first part. There might be some contradictions with the Codex and what not, but I couldn't find much information about Elethea and how Highever was retaken by the Rebels, so I took some liberties. ^^ Any guesses for who the red-haired bard is?

Yes, Serenity is now a 2-handed fighter. Mostly. She's got some dagger tricks for back-up. Nice intense debate with two different people to decide it. It eventually went to a coin toss! But I think it creates a better contrast to Agrona.

About the motto: I actually got the idea of nobles having a house motto from 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. Very dark, but well written in my opinion. The Cousland motto is 'Only death can best a Cousland' and will show up frequently enough, I think. I'm not sure if I'm going to show other house mottos, but I might. Any suggestions?