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 think there's a threat closer to home than the Darkspawn, still if they aren't dealt with then no one will be safe.
"Are you staying at the castle?" honestly I'm not sure if she'd be safer here or not right now.
"For a few days. Then I'll travel with Lady Landra to her estate and keep her company for a time. Your father thinks my presence here might undermine your authority"
Father must want to give me a chance to show I'm capable of ensuring the safety of our people.
"I love you, my darling girl you know that, don't you?"
"I love you, too" I say reaching out to hug her.
"Off you go then, I'll see you soon"
Chapter Four: Sweet Iona
I really should go find Fergus but something stops me.
"Mother" I say turning back around.
"Yes dear"
"I…can we talk? After we've all said goodbye to Fergus?"
"Of course" she smiles "Is there something else troubling you?"
"Just something I need to discuss with you"
"Something important?"
"Yes… too me anyway. I just would like your advice on it".
"It is unusual for you to stall so much with your answers dear. Are you sure it can wait?"
"Yes, I still need a little time to think on it"
"Very well dear, I'll see you soon"
"Goodbye mother"
I decide to head to the study, hopefully to make a good impression with Iona.
To get there I have to walk through the library where my teacher Aldous is giving a history lesson.
He taught me of my family's history, about the bitter battles during the rebellion against the Orlesian Empire When Arl Tarleton Howe of Amaranthine sided with the Orlesians, thus supporting their occupation of Ferelden. It ended when we hanged Tarleton after capturing Harpers ford, which is now at the centre of Highever.
From what I remember this is the only feud between the Howe's and the Couslands.
Rendon Howe the current Arl was the only man besides my father that survived the battle of White River. Explains why my father trusts him so much.
A power grabbing Noble. That describes Howe perfectly and I think I have an idea as to what his plan may be.
Getting my father and brother killed whilst the battle goes on, that way no suspicion will be raised. Then I will be left as the only Cousland old enough to marry, making me the heir. Oren is too young so Howe will probably think that he can guilt me into marrying Thomas, so I can continue the Cousland line.
Or perhaps he intends to wipe out the entire Cousland line as I mentioned before with a coup. Attacking the castle whilst there's also a blight would leave him with the most chances of success after all.
Fergus leaves today my talk with mother will have to wait. I have a few days before she leaves with Lady Landra, which gives me plenty of time to talk to her.
I've reached the study now. Opening the door I find Dairren engrossed in one of my grandfather's books, Iona sitting in an armchair near the fireplace.
"Hello my lady, a fine collection you have here" he says gesturing to the vast array of books that line the wall of the study.
"Thank you, it was my grandfather's collection. I recommend 'The Dragons of Tevinter' by Brother Timious" I say selecting the book from the shelf, handing it to him.
"Good choice! Timious's theory on the nature of dragons and how they connect to Darkspawn is quite intriguing. I think I'll take the book with me so I can read it before bed" he says leaving the study.
"My lady" Iona says standing to acknowledge me.
"Please sit" I say taking a seat in the chair across from her. "I came to see how you're settling in. What do you think of the castle?"
"It is most beautiful my lady"
"Thank you, I could never imagine being anywhere else" I smile.
"Will you not leave once married?"
"What!?" I say startled
"Apologies my lady, I assumed anyone as pretty as yourself would soon be married"
"It's fine, really. It's just my tastes won't allow me to get married. Although I'm guessing you already knew that"
"I had my suspicions my lady, yet I did not want to assume"
"Thank you. Just don't tell my mother" I joke "she's still expecting grandchildren from me"
"I have a child, Amethyne. Her father died when she was young" she says turning her gaze to the floor.
"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it. I don't dislike children. My nephew Oren is a great kid, I can't wait to teach him how to use a sword. I'm sorry for your loss" I frown.
"Thank you. Amethyne lives in the alienage she's learning what it is to be Elven there"
"I bet she has your beautiful eyes" damn it, didn't mean to say that out loud.
"Most people say she looks much like me" she says returning her gaze to me and blushing.
Feeling more confident I ask "If you'd like it, I would love to get to know you better"
"Aren't we doing just that? What else did you have in mind?"
"Perhaps something more intimate, later in my room"
I'm not usually this confident. After all it wouldn't be the first time that someone had realized I wanted more than just to experiment and had suddenly stopped coming to the castle.
"I...see, I think I might like that. If I come to your door once everyone is asleep... would that be agreeable my lady?"
She probably doesn't want to upset Lady Landra or my family. Whilst my family are more accepting of the other races not everyone see's things the same way. Everyone is a person after all, with equal rights to be themselves.
"Yes, I look forward to seeing you later" I reach over taking her hand to place a kiss on her knuckles.
I know this chapter is a little shorter than the others but this felt like a natural place to end it.
And just to let everyone know that this story will be co-written between me and a good friend. This means she will have a character of her own, but there's no need to worry as we have come up with an in-depth background for her. That way we can explain how she fits into the story and world of Dragon Age without breaking canon. Between the two of us there should be some real interesting ideas to make our story unique, especially with the original dialogue that'll take place between our characters. But there will still be plenty of banter and dialogue with the original characters from Dragon Age, including love interests.
Anyway don't want to make this note any longer than it is so I won't spoil anything else for you.
Any questions feel free to PM me or write a review.
